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Science News for October 14, 2010


OHSU research suggests yoga can counteract fibromyalgia

A new study published in the journal Pain found that yoga exercises can effectively counteract fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, stiffness, and depression. The research involved 53 female participants who underwent an eight-week yoga program, resulting in clinically significant improvements in their conditions.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPain·DateOct 14, 2010

The risks and benefits of using poplars for biofuels

A scientific risk assessment examined Poplar's introduction for biofuel production, revealing hybridization patterns with native populations. The study found complex interbreeding and genetic shift in native species, highlighting the need for monitoring and regulatory guidelines.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateOct 14, 2010

Carbon dioxide controls Earth's temperature

A NASA study reveals that carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature, accounting for 25% of the greenhouse effect. The research demonstrates that without non-condensing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor and clouds cannot sustain the planet's greenhouse effect.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 14, 2010

Kidney disease patients require individualized care

Research highlights that kidney disease patients' blood pressure management needs are not one-size-fits-all, with age, race, and diabetes affecting mortality risk. The rate of kidney function decline also significantly impacts patient prognosis, suggesting a need for tailored strategies to protect kidney function.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 14, 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.

Scientists find signals that make cell nucleus blow up like a balloon

Researchers found that proteins importing structural material and regulating its import determine cell size. By manipulating these proteins, they can make a smaller species' nuclei balloon up to the size of a larger one. This discovery could lead to new insights into nuclear size regulation in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateOct 14, 2010

UCLA study links immune protein to abnormal brain development

A UCLA study found that exposing fetal neurons to high levels of the immune protein MHC leads to abnormal brain development in mice. This discovery may provide new insights into factors contributing to human neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateOct 14, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Asteroid collision forensics

Researchers pinpointed the exact date of a February 2009 asteroid collision using computer simulations and OSIRIS camera system images. The debris trail's three-dimensional shape, visible from a unique Rosetta space probe viewpoint, helped reconstruct the collision in detail.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2010

Emergency medical services should advise bystanders giving CPR to perform chest compression only, not mouth-to-mouth

A study published in The Lancet found that dispatcher-assisted CPR producing chest compression only results in improved survival rates compared to standard CPR. Continuous uninterrupted chest compressions are vital for successful CPR, and avoiding mouth-to-mouth ventilation increases the probability of a successful outcome.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 14, 2010

Not all doctors follow cancer screening guidelines

A new study found that only one-fifth of primary care physicians follow practice guidelines for all recommended colorectal cancer screening tests. Many clinicians overuse or underuse screening, leading to unnecessary testing and potential complications.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 14, 2010

JILA unveils improved 'molecular fingerprinting' for trace gas detection

Scientists have developed an improved laser-based technique to detect traces of key molecules in a gas, including greenhouse gases and pollutants. The new technology can identify a wider variety of molecules with lower concentration levels than before, making it suitable for applications such as breath analysis and atmospheric monitoring.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 14, 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.

Push and pull get eyes to work together

Researchers found a new training method to reduce sensory eye dominance by making the weak eye work while suppressing vision in the strong eye. This approach improves depth perception and may be beneficial for professions that require fine depth perception, such as dentists and surgeons.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 14, 2010

NIST mini-sensor traces faint magnetic signature of human heartbeat

Researchers successfully tracked a human heartbeat using NIST's miniature atom-based magnetic sensor, confirming its potential for biomedical applications. The device measured the heart's magnetic signature in picoteslas and demonstrated sensing stability lasting tens of seconds.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 14, 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.

Researcher find fats galore in human plasma

A national research team led by UC San Diego scientists created the first lipidome of human plasma, discovering hundreds more fats than previously known. The findings reveal lipids' diverse roles beyond energy storage and cell membrane building, including signaling molecules that may play a role in diseases like diabetes and cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 14, 2010

New look at multitalented protein sheds light on mysteries of HIV

A new research method has provided unprecedented clarity on the behavior of the HIV protein Gag, which plays critical roles in the assembly of the human immunodeficiency virus. The study reveals new conformations of the protein and offers potential avenues for developing antiviral drugs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 14, 2010

PiggyBac joins armory in fight against cancer

Researchers have developed PiggyBac, a genetic tool that can speed the discovery of novel genes involved in cancer. The system has identified new candidate cancer-causing genes and will complement advances in genomics and genetics of cancer.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 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.

UF to help sequence genome of flowering plants' ancient living relative

Researchers at UF are part of a nationwide team sequencing the Amborella trichopoda genome, a large shrub found only on the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. The information will help researchers determine whether specific genes or processes are unique to particular plants or date back to the beginnings of angiosperm evolution.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateOct 14, 2010

Gene identified that prevents stem cells from turning cancerous

Researchers at Rockefeller University identified a gene called Sept4 that regulates programmed cell death in precursor cells, which can increase the risk of developing cancer. The study found that mice lacking the Sept4 gene had twice as many hematopoietic stem cells and were more susceptible to tumors.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2010

Orchid tricks hoverflies

The Eastern marsh helleborine orchid produces alarm substances that mimic aphid pheromones, attracting five species of hoverflies. Hoverfly females lay eggs in the flower, which also provides a small amount of nectar as a reward.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateOct 14, 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.

Study uncovers genetic variations linked with common childhood obesity

Researchers identified multiple genetic mutations associated with childhood obesity, including deletions and duplications of specific genes. The study reveals unique genetic profiles exclusive to two ethnicities, offering new insights into the complex biology underlying childhood obesity.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 14, 2010

APIC honors Florida ambulatory surgery center executive

Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center CEO David G. Daniel received the APIC Healthcare Administrator Award for his efforts to virtually eliminate healthcare-associated infections at his facility. His leadership led to a significant reduction in surgical site infections, with infection rates declining every year since 2006.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·DateOct 14, 2010

NSF grant to study national energy policy and technology impacts

The Ohio State University and Ohio Supercomputer Center have received a four-year, $1.675 million federal grant to develop a computer tool called the Integrated Computational System for Energy Pricing and Policy (ICS-EPP). This model will enable analysis of various scenarios, including the cost of adding electric vehicles to the grid a...

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateOct 14, 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.

Insight gained into age-related hearing loss

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School studied two closely linked genes that contribute to hearing function in mice, revealing separate maintenance pathways for β-actin and γ-actin proteins. These findings suggest important roles for each protein in maintaining auditory function during aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 14, 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.

Yoga alleviates pain and improves function in fibromyalgia patients

A new study published in Pain found that a 'Yoga of Awareness' program improved fibromyalgia symptoms and functioning in women, with significant benefits in pain management and coping strategies. The program incorporated various yoga-based techniques, including postures, mindfulness meditation, and breathing exercises.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPain·DateOct 14, 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.

Charcoal biofilter cleans up fertilizer waste gases

Researchers in Bangladesh have developed a biofilter that can extract toxic ammonia from vented gases using microbes and wood charcoal. The biofilter achieved approximately 93% removal of ammonia gas within seven days.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateOct 14, 2010

Chest compression-only CPR improves survival in cardiac arrest patients

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet found that chest compression-only CPR improved survival rates by 22% compared to standard CPR. The study analyzed data from over 3,700 cardiac arrest patients and found the benefit occurred only when 911 dispatchers coached bystanders to use chest compression-only CPR.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 14, 2010

Planet hunters no longer blinded by the light

Using new optics technology developed at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, astronomers have obtained images of a planet on a closer orbit around its parent star than any other extrasolar planet previously found. The discovery enables scientists to search for planets closer to the star than has been previously possible.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 14, 2010

Molecular switch controls melanin production, may allow true sunless tanning

A study published in Genes & Development found that blocking the action of an enzyme called PDE-4D3 leads to a significant increase in melanin production. This could lead to a novel way of protecting the skin from cancer-causing UV radiation, without the need for sunless tanning or indoor tanning.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 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.

Young children are especially trusting of things they're told

A new study finds that three-year-olds have a specific, highly robust bias to trust testimony, prioritizing verbal information over visual cues. This trust in verbal testimony can lead to continued acceptance of misinformation even after repeated corrections.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 14, 2010

DFG establishes 4 new research units

The DFG is establishing four new Research Units to explore topics such as sacrality in pre-modern era, placebo and nocebo effects, and developing new methods for surgical interventions on the skull. These units aim to enable researchers to devote themselves to current issues and develop new approaches.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateOct 14, 2010

Scientists perfect new nanowire technique

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a novel technique to control molecular alignment in discotic liquid crystals, enabling the creation of stable nanowires. These wires could be used in low-cost biosensors for water quality testing and next-generation electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 14, 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.

Temperature rhythms keep body clocks in sync, UT Southwestern researchers find

Temperature fluctuations have a profound impact on the human body's internal clock. By regulating body temperature, these cyclic changes set the timing of cellular activity, influencing metabolism and sleep patterns. This discovery suggests an ancient mechanism that may have evolved in other organisms to control daily biological cycles.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2010

A reinvention of agriculture is needed to meet global challenges

The World Agroforestry Centre calls for a radical transformation in agriculture to address climate change, food security, and sustainability. Evergreen Agriculture promotes sustainable crop yields, carbon storage, and income generation through fertilizer trees integrated into farming systems.

SourceWorld Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)·JournalFood Security·DateOct 14, 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.

Need a study break to refresh? Maybe not, say Stanford researchers

A new study from Stanford psychologists suggests that a person's mindset and personal beliefs about willpower determine how long and well they'll be able to work on a tough mental exercise. Contrary to the long-held theory that willpower is a limited resource, researchers found that those who believed in willpower as something not easi...

SourceStanford University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 14, 2010

University of East Anglia makes cancer breakthrough

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have made a groundbreaking discovery in cancer treatment. They found that cells can switch from blood vessel to lymphatic cells, potentially changing how anti-cancer drugs are tested.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateOct 14, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Key to blood-brain barrier opens way for treating Alzheimer's and stroke

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a potential solution to the blood-brain barrier problem, allowing for the transport of molecules into the brain while preserving basic functions. The discovery, led by Professor Christer Betsholtz, could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's and stroke.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2010

Biomarker shows potential for early diagnosis of lung cancer

A biomarker called TCF21 has shown promise in developing a potential screening test for early-stage lung cancer. The biomarker's abnormal expression was found in over 80% of non-small-cell lung cancers, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCancer·DateOct 14, 2010

New materials could replace costly gold in electrical applications

Researchers at UConn have developed new alloy materials that behave like gold and resist oxidation, reducing reliance on precious metals. These materials improve contact resistance up to one-million-fold over pure base metals, making them a promising alternative for electronic applications.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 14, 2010

I want to see what you see: Babies treat 'social robots' as sentient beings

Researchers found that babies who watched a robot interact socially with people were more willing to learn from it than those who didn't see the interactions. The study suggests that social interaction and communication are fundamental features of being human, implying that humanoid robots must be able to interact socially with humans ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNeural Networks·DateOct 14, 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.

Perspectives on improving patient care: Genetics, personalized medicine, and behavioral intervention

This special issue of Perspectives on Psychological Science investigates the potential of genetics research, personalized medicine, and behavioral intervention to improve patient care. The articles examine the intersection of behavior and genetics, with a focus on tailoring treatments to individual genetic characteristics.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 14, 2010

Is anxiety contagious?

A study by Prof. David Eilam and his team found that group members display the same level of anxiety when exposed to a common threat, regardless of individual differences. This result has implications for helping clinicians better treat victims of trauma or terror, such as in the case of the 9/11 attacks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateOct 14, 2010

Researchers find nonprofit weight loss program beats obesity

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a nonprofit weight loss program to be effective in reducing and maintaining weight loss. The study followed thousands of people enrolled in TOPS for three years, with participants losing five to seven percent of their body weight and keeping it off.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalObesity·DateOct 14, 2010

A river ran through it

Rivers and streams face threats from human activities and climate change, altering their natural flow patterns and disrupting food webs. This can lead to the disappearance of large-bodied fish species, making them more vulnerable to droughts and floods.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 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.

'Incoherent excitations' govern key phase of superconductor behavior: UBC research

Researchers at UBC have made a groundbreaking discovery linking high-temperature superconductivity to 'incoherent excitations' in copper oxides. The study reveals that electrons behave as independent particles before becoming ill-defined many-body entities, shedding light on the electronic response of these materials.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 14, 2010

Of worms and women: Common causes for reproductive decline with age

Researchers found that worms and humans have similar genetic mechanisms controlling reproductive aging, which can inform fertility preservation therapies. Oocytes in both species degrade functionally and morphologically with age, but TGF-?? Sma/Mab and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways delay aging by maintaining oocyte quality.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 14, 2010

Flexing their muscles helps kidney disease patients live longer

Patients with higher muscle mass tend to live longer if they have kidney disease, according to a recent study. Researchers found that increased mid-arm muscle circumference was associated with improved mental health scores and longer survival rates.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 14, 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.

Code RED for biodiversity

The proposed 2020 CBD goals aim to address biodiversity loss through specific, measurable, ambitious, realistic, and time-bound targets. However, experts argue that the targets must consider trade-offs, timing, and complexity to be successful.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2010

4 kinds of compulsive gamblers identified

A study published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry identifies four subtypes of pathological gamblers, each with unique characteristics and levels of psychopathology. The findings suggest that different treatments may be needed for each group, highlighting the complexity of this disorder.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 2010

In childhood obesity, gene variants raise risk

Researchers identified 17 copy number variations associated with childhood obesity, exclusive to obese children across two ethnicities. The study adds to the evidence that genes play a strong role in childhood obesity, highlighting potential genetic influences for prevention and treatment.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 14, 2010

OCTANE study influences revision of WHO guidelines for treating some HIV-infected women

A new study found that single-dose nevirapine can hamper the drug's effectiveness if used later to treat HIV-infected women. The WHO has revised its guidelines to advise against using nevirapine in combination with other drugs, if treatment begins fewer than 12 months after exposure.

SourceHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 14, 2010
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Mysterious pulsar with hidden powers discovered

A team of astrophysicists has observed dramatic flares and bursts of energy from a weakly magnetized, slowly rotating pulsar, challenging the understanding of how these events occur in normal, low-field neutron stars. The discovery indicates that internal magnetic fields may be responsible for powering these phenomena.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2010