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Science News for October 20, 2010


Burn injuries rapidly deplete vitamin E

Children with third-degree burns lose almost half of their stored vitamin E in just three weeks, despite receiving high-calorie diets. This rapid depletion may lead to health complications, including peripheral neuropathy.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 20, 2010

CSIRO 'hot rods' old telescope

CSIRO has upgraded a radio telescope at the University of Sydney, boosting its sensitivity and bandwidth to three times more than before. The upgrade demonstrates Australia's technological capabilities and will inform the design of the country's own ASKAP telescope.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateOct 20, 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.

Scripps Clinic nurse to receive 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award

Elizabeth A. Brunton, a registered nurse at Scripps Clinic, has been recognized with the 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award for her exceptional patient care and dedication to education. She developed patient education materials and created an orientation program to help patients understand radiation therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 20, 2010

Eating mostly whole grains, few refined grains linked to lower body fat

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who consume several servings of whole grains per day and limit their intake of refined grains appear to have less visceral adipose tissue, a key factor in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study observed a 10% lower VAT volume in...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 20, 2010

Clearing the cosmic fog

A European team of astronomers has confirmed that the UDFy-38135539 galaxy is the most remote object identified so far in the Universe. By analyzing its light's redshift, they found that it was seen just 600 million years after the Big Bang, providing valuable insights into the era of reionisation and galaxy formation.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 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.

Measuring changes in rock

A research team developed tools to study supercritical CO2's impact on minerals, which could be affected by stored carbon dioxide. The new high-pressure atomic force microscope can observe changes at the atomic scale, addressing a key question about the feasibility of carbon capture and storage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 20, 2010

GOES-13 sees system 99L organizing tropically

System 99L is showing increased organization in the Caribbean Sea, with improved cloud structure and rainfall patterns. Heavy rainfall is expected for the Cayman Islands and Jamaica over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 20, 2010

A new way to weigh planets

A new way to weigh planets has been developed using radio signals from small spinning stars called pulsars, providing an independent check on previous results. The measurements of planet masses made this new way could feed into data needed for future space missions.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateOct 20, 2010

Going high-tech to probe deeper into oceans

The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateOct 20, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exploring Africa's success stories

The African Successes project identifies and analyzes African successes, focusing on economic and political improvements, transparency, and freedom of press. Researchers are studying successful initiatives such as an anti-malaria campaign in Zambia and a cellphone-based money transfer system in Kenya.

SourceBrown University·DateOct 20, 2010

The real 'mommy brain': New mothers grew

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that new mothers' brains grew in areas linked to motivation and behavior, particularly in those who showed intense affection for their babies. The researchers suggest that this growth may be due to hormonal changes after birth, which trigger active brain building.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2010

Gene therapy may be powerful new treatment for major depression

Researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell report that gene therapy to the brain reverses depression-like behavior in mice, with human data backing up the promise of such therapy. Autopsy studies reveal significantly reduced levels of p11 protein in patients with severe depression.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 20, 2010

Cancer: Discovery of a very promising biological marker

Researchers found FSH receptor present in all cancer tumour samples, regardless of type or stage. The discovery highlights the potential of this receptor as a target for anti-cancer drugs and imaging procedures.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

A redeeming role for a common virus

Researchers are conducting a phase II clinical trial using reovirus, a common virus that causes mild symptoms, to target and kill specific tumor cells with KRAS or EGFR mutations. The goal is to exploit the virus's ability to replicate in cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 20, 2010

Yorkshire gets £4 million ($6.3 million) electron lithography facility

Researchers in Yorkshire will gain access to a state-of-the-art electron-beam lithography system to study novel magnetic materials and fabricate high-frequency electronics. The £4 million facility, supported by industrial funding, will enable the fabrication of nanostructures with features less than 10 nanometres in size.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateOct 20, 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.

Link between 2 forms of ALS suggests drug target

A disease mechanism linking hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to the more common sporadic form has been discovered. The findings point to the P38 enzyme as a key factor in disrupting axonal transport, a disruption that results in loss of connectivity and symptoms of ALS long before the neurons actually die.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2010

Black rice bran may help fight disease-related inflammation

A new study suggests that black rice bran extract can reduce skin inflammation by 32% compared to control animals. Feeding mice a diet with black rice bran also showed a significant reduction in swelling associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 20, 2010

Dad's weight and diet linked to offspring's risk of diabetes

Researchers found a significant link between paternal weight, diet, and an increased risk of diabetes in offspring through epigenetic changes. The study, published in Nature, showed that high-fat diets in fathers can 'program' metabolic disease in their children.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 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.

New equation could advance research in solar cell materials

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new equation that describes the relationship between current and voltage in organic semiconductors, which could enable advanced solar cells, thin OLED displays, and high-efficiency lighting. The equation provides fundamental insights into how charge moves in these materials.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 20, 2010

JIPH accepted for MEDLINE indexing

The Journal of Infection and Public Health (JIPH) has been selected for inclusion in the US National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database. This recognition increases the journal's visibility and impact on international readership, making it easier for authors to publish their work and be cited more widely.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Infection and Public Health·DateOct 20, 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.

'Lubricin' molecule discovered to reduce cartilage wear

A team of researchers has discovered that lubricin, a synovial fluid glycoprotein, reduces wear to bone cartilage. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of osteoarthritis, the most common form of joint disease.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 20, 2010

Rare but deadly virus reveals potential weakness in new study

Researchers at Brown University and international partners have identified a potential Achilles Heel in the rare but deadly JC polyomavirus, which binds to a specific sugar molecule on brain cells. The discovery provides a powerful platform for developing new therapeutics to prevent infection.

SourceBrown University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 20, 2010

Star, not so bright

Researchers create model of M33 X-7's evolutionary history and formation to explain its observational characteristics. The model sheds light on massive star evolution and black hole formation physics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A forest of nanorods

By using glancing-angle deposition, researchers can create a forest of nanorods on a target surface, which offers a range of potential applications including nanosensors and fuel-cell cathodes. This technique extends shadowing effects to higher temperatures, leading to larger-diameter nanorods with unique properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 20, 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.

New tumor proteins may identify a range of cancers early

A new study identifies a novel cancer-specific protein present in various types and stages of tumors. The PL2L protein might play a role in tumor initiation and progression, offering a potential target for anticancer therapies.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2010

Berkeley Lab scientists open electrical link to living cells

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have designed an electrical link to living cells, allowing for the transfer of electrons across a cell membrane. This breakthrough could yield cells that can read and respond to electronic signals, leading to new biotechnologies such as self-replicating solar batteries and more efficient energy production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2010

Obsessing over strep throat in kids

Scientists have found a link between strep throat infections in children and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which could lead to new treatment options. The study used an animal model to show how exposure to strep bacteria can cause brain dysfunction and OCD-like symptoms.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateOct 20, 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.

New space research settles years of scientific debate

Researchers from UCLA and British Antarctic Survey have found the link between electrons trapped in space and the diffuse aurora. The discovery of VLF waves as the primary cause will help scientists understand 'space weather' and its effects on the Earth's atmosphere.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2010

Researchers analyze student grief online after campus shootings

A new study of student reactions to campus shootings found that online activities neither helped nor harmed long-term psychological health. Students reported feeling better after participating in online memorials and communications, but these effects did not translate into long-term change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 20, 2010

New search method tracks down influential ideas

Princeton computer scientists developed a new search technique analyzing language patterns to determine influential documents. The algorithm recognizes individual paper contributions and found papers with strong influence on language without high citation counts.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateOct 20, 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.

New regulator of circadian clock identified

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered how the brain chemical dopamine regulates daily sleeping and eating patterns by altering PER2 protein activity. The study, published in Journal of Neuroscience, may have implications for individuals with Parkinson's disease who experience disrupted 24-hour rhythms.

SourceConcordia University·DateOct 20, 2010

'Reaper' protein strikes at mitochondria to kill cells

Researchers found that the Reaper protein triggers apoptosis by interfering with inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and delivering its death sentence to the mitochondria. By targeting the protein to the mitochondrial membrane, it can be made more effective at killing cells, providing a potential new approach for cancer treatments.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 20, 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.

Behind-the-scenes advances underpin new super-strong plastics

Cost-cutting advances in metallocene catalysts have led to production of stronger, more durable polyethylene plastics. These upgraded plastics are used in a range of consumer products, including garbage bags and camping cookware.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 20, 2010

Study shows malaria deaths in India massively underestimated by WHO; figures for adult malaria deaths worldwide now need urgent revision

A new study reveals that malaria deaths in India are 13 times higher than currently estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research suggests that approximately 205,000 malaria deaths occur annually in India before age 70, with a cumulative probability of death from malaria at 1.8% for individuals under 70 years old.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 20, 2010

Psychologists at the forefront of weight management

The authors highlight the importance of mental health care providers in addressing eating and weight-related problems in young people. Family-based behavioral interventions are considered the first-line treatment for pediatric overweight, promoting small changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings·DateOct 20, 2010

Estrogen replacement therapy speeds ovarian cancer growth, new study reports

A new study found that estrogen replacement therapy significantly speeds up ovarian cancer growth and increases the likelihood of cancer metastasizing to the lymph nodes. Researchers discovered estrogen-regulated genes specific to ER+ ovarian cancer that can be targeted with new anti-estrogen therapies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 20, 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.

Energy revolution key to complex life

Mitochondria power stations are crucial for complex cell evolution and innovation, enabling eukaryotes to accumulate more genes than bacteria. The tiny mitochondrial genome is essential for cell respiration, allowing cells to support a vast number of genes and proteins.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2010

UT MD Anderson scientists show TAp63 suppresses cancer metastasis

Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that TAp63, a tumor-suppressing protein, blocks cancer spread by activating Dicer and miR-130b. This discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding cancer development and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2010

Women fight the effects of chemotherapy long after treatment ends

Research by the University of Missouri School of Health Professions reveals that women's environments and support systems significantly impact their quality of life after chemotherapy. Those with limited social support, including therapy, report lower quality of life and higher depression rates.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateOct 20, 2010

Magic tricks reveal surprising results about autism

Researchers found that individuals with autism were more likely to believe in the vanishing ball trick illusion, despite having trouble interpreting social cues. The study suggests that people with autism may have difficulties allocating attention to the right place at the right time, which could impact their performance in social situ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2010
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Measuring the electrical properties of nano-crystals

UK scientists at NPL create standards for measuring electric materials on the nanoscale, allowing for more accurate devices and a better understanding of nanotechnology's role in electric materials. This breakthrough enables comparisons to be made and promotes the development of new nano-structured ferroelectric materials.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 20, 2010