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Science News for October 5, 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.

MAVEN mission to investigate how sun steals Martian atmosphere

The sun uses its solar wind and ultraviolet radiation to strip Mars' atmosphere, making it cold and dry. MAVEN will examine the ways the sun loses the Martian atmosphere and measure hydrogen isotope ratios to discover how much water has been lost to space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2010

Evolutionary tinkering produced complex proteins with diverse functions

Researchers reconstructed an ancient protein and traced its subtle changes over time to produce diverse modern-day descendants. They found that evolution tweaked the ancestral structure to create partnerships with new hormones or signals, leading to independent proteins with increased stability.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 5, 2010

Research suggests volcanoes nixed Neanderthals

New research suggests that massive volcanic eruptions led to the extinction of Neanderthals, causing a dramatic climate shift that devastated ecosystems. The study, published in Current Anthropology, proposes that the eruption cleared the way for modern humans to thrive in Europe and Asia.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateOct 5, 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.

Is your job making you fat?

A study from the Université de Montréal found that office workers have become less active over the last three decades, contributing to the rise in obesity. The researchers suggest integrating sport, work, and transportation to combat inactivity and promote exercise.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 5, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- Oct. 5, 2010

Scientists are struggling to explain the recent increase in Antarctic sea ice extent, with a new study suggesting that ozone depletion is not the primary cause. Meanwhile, researchers have also gained new insights into lunar topography using high-resolution data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter. Additionally, a study on Earth's r...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 5, 2010

A thirst for excitement is hidden in your genes

A study found a group of genetic mutations that predict sensation seeking behavior, linking it to dopamine levels. The research used a new technique to analyze genes in the dopamine system, identifying 12 potentially important SNPs that explained about 4% of the difference between individuals' sensation-seeking scores.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 5, 2010

New type of liquid crystal promises to improve performance of digital displays

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a new class of liquid crystals with enhanced electric dipoles, promising to improve the performance of digital displays. The newly developed liquid crystals also possess a unique 'zwitterionic' structure, which sets them apart from existing materials.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateOct 5, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Keeping a watch on the world

The University of Nottingham leads a new knowledge exchange network focusing on Earth observation technology for various scientific applications. The cluster aims to develop and promote cutting-edge technologies to monitor environmental changes and their implications.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateOct 5, 2010

Asthma exacerbation and large doses of inhaled corticosteroids

Research found no evidence that doubling inhaled corticosteroids reduces need for rescue oral steroids, contradicting common practice. Increasing doses may provide false reassurance and undermine effectiveness of daily inhaled steroids.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 5, 2010

Powerful free radical causes lung damage from oxygen therapy

Researchers found that oxygen therapy can increase peroxynitrite levels in the lungs, leading to inflammation, hemorrhaging, and swelling. A new compound, peptide 326, has been developed to interfere with this process, offering hope for reducing lung damage.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 5, 2010

Bricks made with wool

Researchers in Spain and Scotland created bricks with wool fibres that are 37% stronger than conventional bricks, reducing environmental impact. The new material is made from clay, alginate, and sheep's wool, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateOct 5, 2010

Early lung cancer detection

Researchers developed a method to detect early signs of lung cancer by examining cheek cells using biophotonics technology. The test, called partial wave spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy, shows promise in prescreening patients at high risk for the disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 5, 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.

New fossil suggests dinosaurs not so fierce after all

A new species of dinosaur, Sarahsaurus, discovered in Arizona suggests that dinosaurs did not spread globally by overpowering other species but instead took advantage of a natural catastrophe. The fossil, which lived around 190 million years ago, shows that sauropodomorphs started out small and later evolved to large size.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateOct 5, 2010

Consistent evidence: Speed cameras do reduce injuries and deaths

A team of researchers found that speed cameras decrease crashes involving injury and fatalities by reducing average speed and speeding violations. The study compiled data from 35 relevant studies, concluding that the cameras are effective in preventing road accidents.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 5, 2010

Umbilical cord blood not suitable for assessing allergy risk

Researchers found that approximately half of increased umbilical cord IgE levels were due to maternal IgE transfer. This discovery challenges the use of umbilical cord blood for assessing allergy risk in infants.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 5, 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.

2009 H1N1 pandemic -- what went right and what went wrong?

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic response was a mixed bag, with some key successes like swift international coordination and robust public health measures. However, there were also areas for improvement, such as limited preparedness at national levels and slower vaccine development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 5, 2010

Fuel cells in operation: A closer look

Researchers used ambient-pressure XPS to examine every feature of a working solid oxide electrochemical cell, operating in an atmosphere of hydrogen and water vapor at high temperatures. This allowed for direct measurement of local chemical states and electric potentials at surfaces and interfaces during the cell's operation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 5, 2010

Vaccine extends glioblastoma patients' survival in phase II trial

A vaccine that targets a genetic mutation driving aggressive glioblastoma improved patient survival, with median overall survival of 26 months compared to 15 months for control group. Limited side effects were reported.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 5, 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.

NASA AIRS Satellite instrument sees Tropical Depression 14W form

Tropical Depression 14W forms near Hainan Island, China, with strong thunderstorms and rapid wind shear detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The depression's organization and punch are being weakened by wind shear, which is expected to make it turn north-northeast before making a brief landfall in southern China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2010

Blood test could diagnose Alzheimer's disease, UT Southwestern researchers find

UT Southwestern researchers have found a set of proteins in blood serum that shows promise as a sensitive and accurate way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The analysis proved 94 percent accurate in detecting suspected Alzheimer's and 84 percent accurate in ruling it out in people without the disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 5, 2010

Building a smaller, lighter future: Understanding polymer behaviors below 1 nanometer

Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a new method to study polymers in confined spaces, revealing unexpected thermal transitions and potential breakthroughs in nanoscale manufacturing. The technique uses porous coordination polymers to trap polymers, allowing researchers to observe their behavior under controlled conditions.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2010

Model unfolds proteins gently

A new theoretical model reported in the Journal of Chemical Physics investigates protein unfolding under smaller forces, revealing a previously uncharacterized sequential loss of structure involving fluctuation between two intermediates. The researchers discovered more steps and complexity compared to previous experiments and models.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 5, 2010

Fish oil linked to increased risk of colon cancer in mice

Research by Michigan State University found that high doses of fish oil can induce severe colitis and colon cancer in mice. The study suggests that establishing dietary guidelines for omega-3 consumption is necessary to prevent harm, particularly in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 5, 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.

Low testosterone linked to Alzheimer's disease

A study by Saint Louis University scientist John E. Morley found that low testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older Chinese men. The study, which analyzed data from 153 participants, also revealed elevated ApoE 4 protein levels and high blood pressure as additional risk factors.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateOct 5, 2010

A tracking device that fits on the head of a pin

Researchers have developed nano-sized optical gyroscopes that can fit on the head of a pin, improving rotation rates and accuracy in smartphones and medical equipment. These devices will enable enhanced tracking capabilities, including GPS system improvements and navigation for small capsules within the body.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 5, 2010

Air pollution alters immune function, worsens asthma symptoms

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to air pollution suppressed immune system regulatory T cells, leading to increased severity of asthma symptoms and lower lung capacity. The research suggests a potential long-term effect of polluted air on children's health.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 5, 2010

New fossil suggests dinosaurs not so fierce after all

A new species of dinosaur, Sarahsaurus, discovered in Arizona challenges conventional wisdom about dinosaurs' spread across the world. The fossil suggests that dinosaurs took advantage of a natural catastrophe to move into North America, rather than overpowering other species.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateOct 5, 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.

Shortfalls in carotenoid intake may impact women's health

A new report by The Nutrilite Health Institute found that only about a third of American women meet their fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, leading to potential health issues. Older women have higher total carotenoid intakes compared to younger women after accounting for caloric differences.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateOct 5, 2010
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Traveling for treatment: The case for and against

A new study led by the University of York will assess the motives behind medical tourism, including consumerism and patient decision-making. The research aims to establish the economic impact of medical tourism and its potential benefits for the NHS.

SourceUniversity of York·DateOct 5, 2010

Volcano fuels massive phytoplankton bloom

A 2008 Kasatochi volcano eruption sparked a record-breaking phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific Ocean, with iron-laden ash from the eruption taking up only a modest amount of atmospheric CO2

SourceUniversity of Victoria·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 5, 2010

Doppler radars help increase monsoon rainfall prediction accuracy

Researchers used Doppler weather radar data to improve forecast models for monsoon systems, reducing landfall error from 200km to 75km. This enhancement can better prepare people for heavy rains and catastrophic floods in coastal areas of India.

SourcePurdue University·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateOct 5, 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.

Neuroscience research may help patients recover from brain injury

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the way the brain processes second-stage learning could be mimicked therapeutically to help people with impaired memory formation. The researchers discovered a new mechanism of learning that is independent of the NMDA receptor, which is currently essential for learning and memory.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 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.

UW-built device reveals invisible world teeming with microscopic algae

A new device, SeaFlow, detects and tracks microscopic algae that take up 50% of the world's ocean carbon dioxide. This discovery challenges traditional knowledge of ocean ecosystems and highlights the importance of monitoring phytoplankton communities for global carbon cycle understanding.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2010

October 2010 issue of the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America

Research reveals a causal relationship between rainfall and earthquakes, with variations in rainfall affecting pore-fluid pressure at depth and triggering earthquakes. Ground motion patterns in the Santa Clara Valley are also studied, revealing complex geological structures that influence seismic wave propagation and amplification.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 5, 2010

The effects of hydrogen on growing carbon nanotubes

Researchers used transmission electron microscopy to study the effects of increasing hydrogen concentrations on iron metal catalysts. They found that too much hydrogen causes fibers with thick walls, instead of nanotubes, or no growth at all.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 5, 2010

New findings about wind farms could lead to expanding their use

Researchers have found wind farms' effects on local temperatures and proposed strategies for mediating those effects, increasing the potential to expand wind farms. The study identified two possible mediation strategies: low-turbulence rotors or locational deployment in regions with natural mixing in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 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.

Study: Small firms need more access to credit during financial troubles

Research by University of Illinois finance professors Murillo Campello and Heitor Almeida finds that small firms face higher costs of financing when economic conditions worsen. They often re-invest profits before paying off creditors, leading to increased debt and potential financial distress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateOct 5, 2010

For future chips, smaller must also be better

Researchers have successfully made tiny high-frequency capacitors using a complex mineral, paving the way for high-frequency microwave applications. The capacitors, made from barium strontium titanate, exhibited excellent microwave properties up to 40 GHz.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 5, 2010

Light drinking during pregnancy does not harm child's behavioral or intellectual development

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found no increased risk of socioemotional difficulties or cognitive deficits at 5 years of age for children born to mothers who light drank during pregnancy. Children born to light drinkers were 30% less likely to have behavioral problems than those whose mums had a...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 5, 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.

The world is full of darkness, reflected in the physiology of the human retina, Penn researchers say

Penn researchers found retinal ganglion cells responding to darkness are more numerous and clustered than those seeing light, reflecting the natural world's darker spots. This suggests brain separation of retinal circuitry into off and on mosaics, allowing for structural adaptation to natural scenes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2010

Mice with human body's defenses

Researchers generated mice with a human immune system using human stem cells, allowing them to produce human monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough could simplify the study and treatment of diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2010

Oldest evidence of dinosaurs found in Polish footprints

The discovery of ancient dinosaur footprints in Poland pushes the timeline for the emergence of dinosaurs by 5-9 million years. The oldest evidence, Sphingopus footprints, dates back to 246 million years ago and provides insight into the evolution of bipedal dinosaurs.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateOct 5, 2010

Neanderthals had feelings too, say University of York researchers

Researchers at the University of York found that Neanderthals exhibited deep-seated commitments to the welfare of others, including prolonged care for injured individuals. The study proposes a four-stage model for human compassion, with ancient humans developing empathy towards each other dating back six million years.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalTime and Mind·DateOct 5, 2010

Sociologists find lowest-paid women suffer most from motherhood penalty

Research by Michelle J. Budig and Melissa J. Hodges finds that low-paid women experience the largest earnings penalty from having children, ranging from 4-15% per child. The study also highlights the importance of policies aimed at reducing the motherhood penalty to address the gender pay gap.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 5, 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.

Finasteride reduces symptoms and disease progression associated with enlarged prostates

Long-term finasteride use has been shown to reduce disease progression and improve urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The treatment also reduces the risk of acute urinary retention and surgical intervention, making it an effective option for men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 5, 2010

Microfluidic devices advance 3-D tissue engineering at Stevens

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a new method to generate three-dimensional tissue models for studying bacterial infection of orthopedic implants. The microfluidic devices mimic the human body's conditions, allowing for realistic bone tissue growth and analysis of antibiotic delivery.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalTissue Engineering·DateOct 5, 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.

Planet Neptune not guilty of harassment

Researchers found binary systems in the Kuiper Belt would be destroyed by Neptune's interaction, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests the region formed near its present location and remained undisturbed over the age of the solar system.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 5, 2010

Persistently noisy workplace more than doubles heart disease risk

Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that workers exposed to loud noise at work are twice as likely to have serious heart problems as those in quiet workplaces. Workers under 50, particularly men and smokers, were at greater risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 5, 2010

UNH researcher helps identify key reproductive hormone in oldest vertebrate

Researchers have identified the first reproductive hormone of the hagfish, a gonadatropin, which plays a crucial role in regulating sex steroid hormones and reproduction. This breakthrough helps unravel the mystery of hagfish reproduction, shedding light on their unique evolutionary position as the oldest living vertebrate.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 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.

Anti-tumor drugs tested by microfluidic device

A microfluidic device developed in Hong Kong enables non-invasive testing of anti-tumor drugs by subjecting cancerous cells to different concentration gradients. The device integrates a previously validated analysis method that quantifies cell apoptosis in real-time, allowing for precise control and reduced costs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateOct 5, 2010