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Science News for November 9, 2010


Undergraduates' low-cost ultrasound system wins Gates Foundation grant

A team of University of Washington undergraduate students has developed a low-cost ultrasound system that uses a modular design and off-the-shelf parts. The system aims to improve access to maternal healthcare in developing countries, where an estimated 1,000 women die each day from childbirth-related mortality.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 9, 2010

Menopausal hormone therapy may increase risk of ovarian cancer

A study analyzing European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition data found that current hormone therapy use increases the risk of ovarian cancer by 29%. The risk did not differ by type or duration of hormone therapy, suggesting a potential long-term hazard.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 9, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Novel metamaterial vastly improves quality of ultrasound imaging

Researchers have developed a three-dimensional metamaterial that captures evanescent sound waves, allowing for super-resolution acoustic imaging. The device, mounted on an ultrasound probe, can resolve image features as small as one-fiftieth of the wavelength of the sound waves.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 9, 2010

Cooling may benefit children after cardiac arrest

A large-scale multicenter study is evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia in extending survival and reducing brain injury in infants and children after cardiac arrest. The treatment has shown promise in adult cardiac arrest patients and newborns, but its use in pediatric cases is still untested.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·DateNov 9, 2010

New way of detecting concealed radioactive material

University of Maryland researchers developed a scheme to detect concealed radioactive material without searching containers one by one. The concept uses gamma-ray emission from the material ionizing the surrounding air, facilitated by high-power, coherent terahertz or infrared radiation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 9, 2010

Recommendation letters may be costing women jobs, promotions

A study at Rice University found that female candidates are described in more communal terms, which can negatively impact their hiring chances. The researchers suggest that traditional gender schemas contribute to these biases, highlighting the need for increased awareness of subtle discrimination in academia and management roles.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 9, 2010
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Rogue gene hijacks stem cells to jumpstart human cancer

Researchers identify FOXM1 as a key player in initiating human cancer by exploiting the self-renewal property of stem cells, leading to excessive cell growth and pre-cancerous conditions. The study aims to translate these findings into molecular diagnostic tests and anti-tumour drugs.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 9, 2010

New assessment tool helps shed light on lupus in kids worldwide

A new assessment tool, SMILEY, helps shed light on the quality of life of children with lupus around the world. The study found that parents and children perceive the disease differently, with Asian countries reporting a better quality of life than Europe or South America.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateNov 9, 2010

Text messaging improves health of Kenyans with HIV: UBC researcher

A new study finds that weekly SMS check-ins increase the likelihood of patients with HIV having undetectable viral loads, leading to better health outcomes and reduced transmission. The text-message support system showed a 12% increase in undetectable levels among participants.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 9, 2010

Quantum computers a step closer to reality thanks to new finding

Researchers have discovered a way to correct for errors in quantum computers, allowing them to work with a quarter of faulty or missing qubits. The findings bring scientists one step closer to designing and building real-life quantum computing systems that could revolutionize fields like drug design and code-breaking.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2010

New NIH data show gains in COPD awareness

The number of aware COPD cases increased from 65% in 2008 to 69% in 2010, with smokers and nonsmokers showing significant gains. Despite progress, up to 30% of Americans are still unaware of the disease, which claims over 120,000 lives annually.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·DateNov 9, 2010
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Softening crystals without heat: Using terahertz pulses to manipulate molecular networks

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully developed a method using terahertz pulses to manipulate molecular networks in crystalline form. This technique softens crystals without raising temperatures, allowing for potential advances in chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical refinement.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2010

New research finds number talk is important before preschool

Frequent parent-child interactions about numbers are crucial for developing young children's mathematical knowledge. Research shows that high-frequency number talk by parents predicts better performance on standardized tests. Encouraging parents to engage in effective number-talk with their children may positively impact school achieve...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 9, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Ecologists get fish eye view of sexual signals

Researchers developed a model to mimic the stickleback's visual system, allowing them to determine what 'colors' the fish see. The results show that females can assess the quantity of carotenoids in males' signals, which is linked to his parenting ability.

SourceWiley·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateNov 9, 2010

Views on health disparities fueled largely by political ideology

A new study by Michigan State University sociologist Harry Perlstadt finds that political ideology plays a larger role in shaping public perception of health disparities than previously thought. The research highlights the importance of understanding how the public perceives health disparities to inform health care reform strategies.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 9, 2010

How the dragon got its 'snap'

Researchers use snapdragon flower as model to study genetic and chemical cues that shape biological structures, revealing key role of genes in controlling cell growth and orientation. The study also suggests evolutionary tinkering played a role in shaping complex forms.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 9, 2010
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A love game: Fish courtship more complex than thought

Researchers at Monash University discovered that male Australian desert goby fish are strategic in their courtship, adapting to the frequency of female encounters. When females are scarce, males become less discriminating and court any female they find, regardless of size.

SourceMonash University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 9, 2010

Hyper-texting and hyper-networking pose new health risks for teens

A study presented at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting found that excessive texting among teens is linked to poor health behaviors. Hyper-texting, defined as texting over 120 messages per day, was associated with a 40% higher risk of trying cigarettes and a 90% higher risk of having multiple sexual partners.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 9, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

UCLA researchers identify molecular program for brain repair following stroke

Researchers at UCLA have identified a molecular program that drives brain cell connections after stroke, activating genes to form new connections. The program differs between young and aged adults, with older brains slowing down recovery through simultaneous activation of repair and collapse genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2010

BGI researchers sequenced the human methylome at single base-pair resolution

The study sequenced the human methylome from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, identifying allele-specific methylation differences associated with gene expression. The findings suggest that parental gene imprinting may be more common than previously thought, with implications for understanding human health and disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 9, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Myth of a germ-free world: A closer look at antimicrobial products

Research by Arizona State University's Rolf Halden found that triclosan and triclocarban persist in wastewater sludge, soils, and natural water environments, posing risks of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. These chemicals are also linked to endocrine disruption and selective pressure on microorganisms, increasing the likelihood o...

SourceArizona State University·JournalWater Research·DateNov 9, 2010

Concern over traumatic brain injury in youth offenders

A new study reveals young offenders have a significantly higher rate of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) than expected in society. TBI was also linked to greater violence in offending and mental health problems. Researchers emphasize the need for brain injury assessment in offender management.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation·DateNov 9, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Long-term statin use is unlikely to increase cancer risk

Researchers analyzed data from the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort and found that long-term statin use was not associated with overall cancer incidence or increased risk of common types of cancer. Instead, it was linked to lower risks of melanoma, endometrial cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 9, 2010

Bilingual benefits reach beyond communication

Research reveals bilinguals outperform monolinguals in tasks requiring distraction-blocking and task-switching, potentially leading to improved cognitive outcomes. Bilingualism may also protect against age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateNov 9, 2010

Exercise may reduce risk of endometrial cancer

A study found that physical activity reduces the risk of endometrial cancer, even among overweight women. Women exercising for 150 minutes per week had a 34% lower risk compared to inactive counterparts.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 9, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Alpha males take greater risks: Study links finger length to behavior

Researchers at Concordia University discovered a link between the length of the second and fourth fingers and risk-taking behavior in men. The study found that alpha males with shorter ratios were more likely to engage in recreational, social, and financial risk-taking.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 9, 2010

Overcoming the IVF baby blues

Research from Tel Aviv University finds that stress and anxiety are major contributors to IVF-related depression. Hormone therapy plays a lesser role in inducing depression during IVF treatment.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Egyptian Journal of Fertility of Sterility·DateNov 9, 2010

MicroRNA controls mammary gland development in mice

A team of scientists has found that microRNAs, tiny ribonucleic acid molecules, play a crucial role in mammary gland development in mice. The absence of these molecules resulted in the complete failure of duct development in the mammary glands of mice.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2010
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

What do the UK uplands mean to you?

The Sustainable Uplands project gives UK uplands a voice through ouruplands.co.uk, highlighting their diversity and importance. The platform showcases video-clips, written accounts, and artwork from various stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, and policy-makers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateNov 9, 2010

How well does clot-busting drug work in stroke patients?

A study published in Archives of Neurology found that stroke patients who show improvement within one hour of receiving rt-PA are more likely to have a favorable outcome three months later. Researchers followed 120 patients and found that 68.2% had a favorable outcome, compared to 29.6% for those who did not show early improvement.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateNov 9, 2010

Jefferson awarded multi-million dollar NIH grant

Researchers will test culturally relevant intervention, behavior activation (BA), to prevent cognitive decline in older African-Americans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The 24-month study aims to demonstrate that BA can boost public health efforts and encourage active lifestyles.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateNov 9, 2010
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Very few eligible young women opt to take HPV vaccine

Despite strong evidence of its effectiveness, only one-third of eligible young women complete the recommended three-dose regimen for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Persistent infection with certain HPV types may lead to cervical cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 9, 2010

Parents should talk about math early and often with their children

Research suggests that frequent conversation about numbers in early childhood can significantly impact later mathematics achievement. The study found individual differences in mathematical knowledge by preschool, and parents' number talk played a crucial role in these variations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 9, 2010

New class of 'dancing' dendritic cells derived from blood monocytes

Scientists at Rockefeller University have discovered a new class of dendritic cells, called monocyte-derived dendritic cells, that can be derived from blood monocytes. These cells have been shown to have the same functional properties as classical dendritic cells and are promising for therapeutic uses in humans.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateNov 9, 2010

Probiotics shorten diarrhea episodes

A systematic review found that probiotics shortened diarrhoea episodes by around a day and reduced the risk of prolonged episodes by 59% in patients with diarrhoeal diseases. No serious adverse effects were reported.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateNov 9, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New method for simple fabrication of microperforated membranes

Researchers have developed a simple method to fabricate free-standing polymer membranes with precisely patterned holes, opening up potential applications in microfluidics. The technique uses photolithography and prepolymer, allowing for easy fabrication of membranes with accurate sizes and shapes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateNov 9, 2010

UC Riverside receives Gates Foundation grant to fight malaria

Professor Eamonn Keogh will use the grant to develop automatic insect sensors that can detect and classify mosquitoes at a low cost. The project aims to understand mosquito movement to combat malaria, which kills nearly one million people worldwide each year.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateNov 9, 2010

New brief tool to screen for cognitive impairment in elderly patients

A new screening test, Sweet 16, can detect dementia in elderly patients more rapidly, providing an alternative to the Mini-Mental State Examination. The tool has been shown to accurately characterize mental status without influencing patient education or sociodemographic factors.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2010
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Portable microwave sensors for measuring vital signs

Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique using microwaves to measure vital signs, such as heart rate and stress levels. The system detects changes in reflected waves caused by body movements, allowing for near-real-time monitoring.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 9, 2010

Improving soil for better lawns and gardens

USDA researchers are developing constructed soils to build better, less-costly sports fields, raingardens, and lawns on degraded land. The most promising mixture includes quarry byproducts and composted chicken litter, which reduces rain runoff and erosion.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Soil Science and Environmental Management·DateNov 9, 2010
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Global warming reduces available wind energy

A study by Diandong Ren finds that rising global temperatures decrease wind speeds, reducing the power output of wind turbines. This means that more wind turbines are needed to achieve the same amount of energy production, highlighting the need for a switch to renewable energy sources earlier.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 9, 2010

Timely depression diagnosis critical to maintain health of elderly

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a series of indicators associated with elderly depression beyond mood changes, including verbal aggression, urinary incontinence and weight loss. These findings suggest that timely diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life for nursing home residents.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing·DateNov 9, 2010

Business getting the most from research

A survey of UK businesses found that they partner with researchers for service development, human resource management, training, and marketing. Academics also engage in a wide range of knowledge exchange activities, but face constraints such as lack of time and resources.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 9, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Foucault, revisited

Researchers from Argentina have successfully created a new type of Foucault pendulum that is smaller and more efficient than traditional devices. The new pendulums, which are designed to be compact enough to fit in a lobby or classroom, use advanced techniques to reduce the elliptical drift of the pendulum and improve precision.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 9, 2010

Oil will run dry before substitutes roll out

A new University of California, Davis study suggests that the global oil supply will run dry within 90 years, far before replacement technologies are ready. The forecast is based on market capitalizations and dividend payments from publicly owned oil and alternative energy companies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 9, 2010
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Owzat! Bushcrickets' big secret revealed

Researchers found Tuberous Bushcricket produces large testes but less sperm per ejaculate, defying traditional thinking. The study suggests males use larger testes to mate repeatedly without exhausting their sperm reserves.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 9, 2010

Text messaging can improve treatment adherence in HIV patients

A trial in Kenya found that using text messages to help patients adhere to their treatment improves absolute adherence rates by 12% and numbers achieving viral load suppression by 9%. Patients who received SMS support were more likely to report adherence to ART.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 9, 2010

Poll analysis: Americans have conflicting views about spending on public health system

A majority of Americans supports increased spending on public health in general, but there is a partisan divide and divisions within specific areas. Meanwhile, most people believe the US is not spending enough on improving and protecting public health, and many see long-term savings from measures to improve health and prevention.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 9, 2010
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Home exposure to tobacco carcinogens high in children of smokers

A study by the American Association for Cancer Research found that 90% of children exposed to a smoker at home had detectable levels of tobacco carcinogens in their urine. The researchers also discovered a direct correlation between cigarettes smoked per day and tobacco metabolites in the children.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 9, 2010

Undetected high blood pressure associated with more deaths from heart attacks

A study by the University of Leicester found that undetected high blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease. The research reveals that areas with greater deprivation, more smokers, and more people with diabetes have a higher mortality rate from coronary heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJAMA·DateNov 9, 2010
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Depression linked to altered activity of circadian rhythm gene

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that depression is associated with increased activity of the Clock gene, which regulates circadian rhythm. This finding could lead to personalized treatment approaches for people with depression, such as light therapy or antidepressants targeting melatonin.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateNov 9, 2010

New heart pump to provide temporary assist for infants, adults

Researchers have developed a new type of heart pump to improve the survival rate for infants undergoing surgeries to correct univentricular circulation. The innovative 'viscous impeller pump' can be inserted through a catheter and expands to form two cones, spinning at 10,000 rpm to efficiently pump blood.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateNov 9, 2010

DNA reveals origins of first European farmers

A recent genetic study has overturned current thinking on the origins of European farming populations. The research, published in PLOS Biology, found that these early farmers were more closely related to populations living in modern-day Turkey, Iraq, and other parts of the Ancient Near East than to local hunter-gatherers.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 9, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Lab on chip for membrane proteins

A novel lab-on-chip device has been developed to screen sensitive membrane proteins in parallel, utilizing a nano-fabricated chip with 50,000 nanopores. This technology preserves protein structure without organic solvents or solid support, enabling simultaneous analysis and preserving fragile protein function.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 9, 2010

Growth defects in cystic fibrosis may start before birth

A new study found that infants with cystic fibrosis have reduced IGF1 levels compared to healthy infants, suggesting that IGF1 deficits begin early in the course of CF disease. This could lead to new therapies for growth defects in people with CF.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2010

Changing family behavior helps schizophrenic patients avoid relapse

A new Cochrane systematic review found that changing family behavior can help prevent relapses in people with schizophrenia. The study analyzed data from 53 trials involving over 4,700 patients and showed significant benefits of family interventions, including reduced hospital admissions and improved social functioning.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateNov 9, 2010

Sick at work and surfing the net? You're not alone -- or are you?

Presenteeism, a measure of productivity loss due to health issues, may be overreported. The University of Michigan's School of Kinesiology suggests a three-year moratorium on studies due to inaccurate calculations and limited data collection methods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 9, 2010

Children with high blood pressure more likely to have learning disabilities

A new study by University of Rochester Medical Center found that children with high blood pressure are four times more likely to have cognitive problems. Among the study's 201 patients, 101 had hypertension and 18% had learning disabilities, compared to 9% among those without hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 9, 2010
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Using CT, radiologists can pinpoint cause of some strokes

A new study suggests that multidetector computed tomography (CT) can pinpoint the causes of ischemic strokes, potentially reducing treatment delays. The technique detected cardiac sources in 18 of 25 cases and facilitated stroke classification in 83% of patients.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 9, 2010