Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 7, 2010


Study links large waist size to higher diabetes rates among Americans

A new US study links larger waist sizes to significantly higher diabetes rates among American adults compared to their English peers. The research suggests that waist circumference, rather than traditional risk factors like obesity, poses a substantial health risk for Americans, particularly women.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 7, 2010

Crop failures set to increase under climate change

A new study by the University of Leeds predicts that climate change will lead to more frequent and severe crop failures globally. However, the researchers suggest that adopting new crops that are more resilient to heat and water stress, combined with improved farming practices, can help mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 7, 2010

Notre Dame researcher helps discover 'walking' properties of bacteria

Researchers at Notre Dame have discovered that certain bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can move and stand upright on surfaces for extended periods. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding bacterial behavior and potentially developing new treatments for infections.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

You may not be able to say how you feel about your race

African Americans tend to favor their own race and identify with it more than whites, but this difference is reversed when non-conscious feelings are considered. Both groups experience positive gut feelings about themselves.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateOct 7, 2010

New tool in the fight against tuberculosis

A new tool has been developed to tackle tuberculosis by integrating genomic and metabolic data, enabling cell-scale simulations and biological strain design. The probabilistic regulation of metabolism (PROM) algorithm accurately predicts knockout phenotypes 95% of the time, paving the way for targeted research during dormancy.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 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.

An X-ray for your genes

Dr. Noam Shomron's new method uses genetic expression of microRNAs to optimize individual patient care and predict adverse drug effects, leading to safer and more effective treatment options.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPharmacogenomics·DateOct 7, 2010

Scientists trick bacteria with small molecules

Researchers trick Staphylococcus aureus bacteria into embedding foreign small molecules within their cell walls by manipulating an enzyme. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutics and real-time monitoring of diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateOct 7, 2010

New study shows benefits of Bt corn to farmers

A new study finds that Bt corn provides significant economic benefits to neighboring farmers by reducing pest management costs and improving grain quality. The researchers estimate cumulative economic benefits of nearly $7 billion between 1996-2009, with benefits of over $4 billion for non-Bt corn farmers.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2010

Killer disease decimates UK frog populations

Common frog populations across the UK are experiencing dramatic population crashes due to Ranavirus infection, with an average 81% decline in adult frogs over a 12-year period. The research also suggests that some frogs may have immunity to the disease, offering hope for their long-term future.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateOct 7, 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.

Colorado researcher discovers mechanism for changing adult cells into stem-like cells

University of Colorado Cancer Center researcher Chuan-Yuan Li and his team have discovered that caspase genes, known as 'grim-reaper' genes, are the gatekeepers that allow differentiated adult cells to regress to undifferentiated stem-like cells. This breakthrough discovery could lead to more efficient use of induced pluripotent stem c...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 7, 2010

Saturn's icy moon may keep oceans liquid with wobble

Researchers propose that Enceladus' libration, a slight wobble as it rotates, could be responsible for generating heat and keeping its ocean liquid. This finding is significant in the search for life, as it suggests that the moon's environment may be stable enough to support development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 7, 2010

New computer switches handle heat that renders transistors useless

Researchers have developed electromechanical switches that can withstand twice the heat as transistors, enabling computers to operate in extreme temperatures. The switches, made from silicon carbide and nanotechnology, perform better than transistors at high temperatures and have no discernible leakage.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 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.

Neural responses indicate our willingness to help

Researchers at the University of Zurich studied soccer fans' neural responses to ingroup and outgroup suffering, finding that brain regions associated with empathy for others' pain are activated when witnessing an ingroup suffer. This correlates with a greater willingness to help, whereas watching an outgroup suffer leads to decreased ...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNeuron·DateOct 7, 2010

Melanoma uses body's immune system to spread to lungs

A study published in Cancer Research found that melanoma cells can use the body's immune system, specifically neutrophils, to control lung metastasis development. By disrupting the interaction between cancer cells and neutrophils, a therapy could decrease lung metastases by about 50 percent.

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 7, 2010

Genetically modified crop resistance to pests benefits non-modified crop, U of Minnesota study finds

A new study from the University of Minnesota found that genetically modified Bt corn reduces pest losses in both transgenic and non-transgenic corn. The study found that areawide suppression of European corn borer populations resulted in estimated annual losses of $1 billion, but also benefited non-Bt corn by 28-73% in neighboring states.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 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.

3-way control of fetal heart-cell proliferation could help regenerate cardiac cells

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine discovered a three-way control mechanism for fetal heart cell proliferation. This finding could help cardiologists understand the natural repair process after heart attacks and develop new therapies to expand cardiac stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 7, 2010

Half-time gamblers give stock market insight

Researchers analyzed data from online football gamblers and found distinct changes in market odds reflecting match events. Gamblers exhibited long-range volatility correlations and traded more on outcomes with small odds, suggesting a preference for favored teams.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 7, 2010

Queen's University discovery could impact how the body receives medicine

Researchers at Queen's University have discovered the molecular cooperation that enables light-controlled drug release and shape changes in glass and plastic. The findings could one day be used to facilitate medicinal drug distribution by allowing doctors to control the time and rate at which drugs are delivered into the body.

SourceQueen's University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 7, 2010

Real price of each pack of cigarettes is more than €100

Researchers estimate the true cost of smoking to be significantly higher than the retail price, with males facing a premium of €32 compared to the newsstand price. The study suggests that taxes and restrictions can strengthen smokers' self-control mechanisms and generate social benefits.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Española de Salud Pública·DateOct 7, 2010

The elusive intermediary

A newly discovered protein, PAM68, is essential for the assembly of Photosystem II in green plants and cyanobacteria. The protein's unique function highlights common features between plant and bacterial photosynthesis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 7, 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.

Titan's haze may hold ingredients for life

AUA-led team finds complex organic molecules, including amino acids and nucleotide bases, in Titan's atmosphere. These findings suggest that Titan's atmosphere could be a reservoir of prebiotic molecules that serve as the springboard to life.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateOct 7, 2010

Grant advances quark-gluon plasma studies

The grant supports the lab's transition to analyzing data from a new detector, enabling researchers to identify 96% of subatomic particles in collisions. The project aims to study hot and dense matter, including its critical point, and understand the early state of the universe.

SourceRice University·DateOct 7, 2010

Structure of plastic solar cells impedes their efficiency

Polymeric solar cells face challenges due to their interpenetrating structures, which impede the travel of energy-carrying excitons. The team hopes to develop more efficient solar cells by understanding and addressing this structural issue.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 7, 2010

Childhood vaccines yes, but not at a cost

A survey of Spanish mothers found that they are more concerned about vaccinating their children due to the HPV vaccine incident. In contrast, mothers in Switzerland and Norway expressed less concern about vaccine safety. The study also showed that healthcare professionals are the most trustworthy source of information on vaccines.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalVaccine·DateOct 7, 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.

Study details structure of potential target for HIV and cancer drugs

Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of CXCR4, a molecule involved in HIV infection and many forms of cancer. The high-resolution structure sheds light on how CXCR4 functions and could point to ways to control its activity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2010

Brain changes found in football players thought to be concussion-free

Researchers at Purdue University discovered cognitive impairment in high school football players who didn't show classic symptoms of concussions. The study used advanced brain imaging and sensor data to identify four players with significant brain deficits, challenging the notion that concussion-free players are unaffected.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateOct 7, 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.

UCLA-led research team finds that bacteria can stand up and walk

A UCLA-led research team found that bacteria can stand upright and 'walk' during biofilm formation, allowing them to explore surfaces more effectively. This unique behavior is enabled by type IV pili appendages and plays a critical role in bacterial detachment from surfaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2010

Americans' life expectancy continues to fall behind other countries'

A Commonwealth Fund study found that US life expectancy has declined relative to other developed nations, despite higher healthcare spending. The researchers attribute the decline to flaws in the US healthcare system, including unregulated fee-for-service payments and reliance on specialty care.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 7, 2010

Deceitful lily fools flies

The Solomon's lily plant attracts drosophilid flies by mimicking the yeasty odor of fermentation using six chemicals. This deception is rooted in a deeply conserved neuronal pathway specifically tuned to yeast odors, exploiting an ancient instinct in flies for pollination and food.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 7, 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.

'Miracle rice' finding proves we can never stop rice breeding

A recent study published in Field Crops Research found that the 'miracle rice' variety IR8 has seen a 15% drop in yield since its release in the 1960s, mainly due to environmental factors. Ongoing breeding efforts are necessary to help farmers cope with changing climate conditions.

SourceInternational Rice Research Institute·JournalField Crops Research·DateOct 7, 2010

Novel protein critical for cellular proliferation discovered

A novel protein called ORCA has been identified as crucial for the initiation of DNA replication and the organization of heterochromatin in mammalian cells. Its depletion leads to defects in cellular proliferation and cell cycle arrest, highlighting its critical role in controlling uncontrolled cell growth.

SourceSchool of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 7, 2010

Berkeley Lab awarded $12.5 million to lead a US-China clean energy research center

The U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center will develop low-energy technologies for residential and commercial buildings, with a focus on commercialization and human behavior's impact on energy use. The consortium aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through dramatic energy savings of 40-70% in existing and new buildings.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 7, 2010

Entomological Society of America names 2010 Insect Science Award winners

The Entomological Society of America honored 17 professional and student award winners for their contributions to insect science. The awardees include Dr. George G. Kennedy, a renowned expert on insect management, and Dr. Sharron Quisenberry, who has made significant contributions to conservation and germplasm development.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateOct 7, 2010

NIH funds advanced development of 3 biodefense vaccines

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded contracts to develop three biodefense vaccines to protect against dengue, anthrax, and other emerging infectious diseases. The vaccines aim to improve vaccine delivery and immune response for large-scale protection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 7, 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.

Ultrasound device improves poor bone healing

Researchers used low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to treat patients with delayed unions of the tibia, resulting in a 34% increase in bone mineral density. This non-invasive treatment modality shows promise as a viable option for patients suffering from these injuries.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·DateOct 7, 2010

Cheek swab may detect lung cancer

A new clinical study reveals a technique called partial wave spectroscopic microscopy can differentiate individuals with lung cancer from those without, even in lifetime smokers or COPD patients. The findings suggest that this minimally invasive test could lead to personalized screening for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deat...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 7, 2010

NIH funds Center of Excellence for Molecular Hematology at Cincinnati Children's

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has been named a national Center of Excellence for Molecular Hematology to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic approaches for conditions like sickle cell anemia and leukemia. The center will also help speed the transition of new therapies from research to clinical trials.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateOct 7, 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.

Stem cells shape up to their surroundings

Research in the Journal of Tissue Engineering reveals that stem cells detect surface features with mechanosensors, which modulate gene expression through biochemical signaling cascades. This understanding opens doors to develop improved clinical prostheses with topographies that directly modulate stem cell fate.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering·DateOct 7, 2010

20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall: Celebrating today's Germany

Germany has made significant progress in bridging the gap between East and West in social determinants of health, with women enjoying the same life expectancy. The Charité and Humboldt University are being celebrated for their contributions to Germany's golden age of scientific discovery and medical leadership.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 7, 2010

NASA satellites see Otto become a tropical storm

Tropical Storm Otto formed over the Atlantic Ocean after two changes in less than 24 hours. NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites detected cold, high thunderstorm cloud tops and heavy rainfall near the storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 7, 2010

Patient personality hinders detection of depression

Research published in International Psychogeriatrics found that friends and family members of highly outgoing individuals may miss signs of depression due to inconsistent expectations. Understanding these personality dynamics is crucial for accurate diagnoses and treatment monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateOct 7, 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.

Stanford-led study disproves link between genetic variant, risk of coronary artery disease

A massive international study found no association between a genetic marker and the risk of coronary artery disease. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 patients with cardiovascular disease and 40,000 others, concluding that carrying a particular variant of the KIF6 gene does not indicate a greater risk for the disease.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 7, 2010

Governor presents UH researcher with grant for cardiac device

A UH researcher has received a $250,000 pre-seed grant to develop the Blue Scale, a device that tracks cardiac function in the home and sends alerts to physicians. The device, which resembles a bathroom scale, uses biosensors to monitor vitals and can detect heart failure with accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 7, 2010

Transgenic corn suppresses European corn borer, saves farmers billions

A new study finds that transgenic corn's suppression of the European corn borer has saved $3.2 billion for corn growers in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin over the past 14 years. Non-Bt corn growers also benefited from yield savings without the cost of Bt technology fees.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 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.

Cell survival protein discovery rewrites immune system story

Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new cell survival protein, Mcl-1, essential for creating and maintaining B cell memory. This finding contradicts existing theories and has implications for cancer treatment and autoimmune disease.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2010

U-M receives NIH, FDA grant to study adaptive clinical trial designs

Researchers at U-M are investigating adaptive clinical trials to improve the efficiency of clinical trials. The goal is to accelerate drug and device evaluation, improve safety for patients, and reduce costs. Adaptive clinical trials make adjustments based on accumulated data to identify effective treatments more accurately.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 7, 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.

Men perspire, women glow

New research published in Experimental Physiology found that men are more effective sweaters during exercise than women. Women need to get hotter before they start sweating, while men can sweat more efficiently with regular physical training.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateOct 7, 2010

Thoughts about time inspire people to socialize

A new study finds that people who think about time plan to spend more time with loved ones, while those who focus on money fill their schedules with work. The research suggests that prioritizing time for social connections can lead to increased happiness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 7, 2010

Brown University chemists simplify biodiesel conversion

Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method for converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel, using a single reaction vessel and environmentally friendly catalysts. The process is six times faster than current methods, consuming less energy and reducing the use of toxic chemicals.

SourceBrown University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateOct 7, 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.

Despite highest health spending, Americans' life expectancy falls behind other countries'

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the US life expectancy has fallen behind other countries despite high health spending. The researchers attribute this failure to flaws in the overall healthcare system, including unregulated fee-for-service payments and reliance on specialty care.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 7, 2010

European Nurse Society calls to action on breakthrough cancer pain

The European Oncology Nursing Society has launched a breakthrough cancer pain initiative to improve patient outcomes in palliative care. The survey aims to identify knowledge gaps and provide insights into best practices for managing breakthrough cancer pain among oncology nurses across Europe.

SourceCohn & Wolfe·DateOct 7, 2010

Female fish flaunt fins to attract a mate

In a breakthrough study, researchers found that female cichlid fish develop exceptionally large pelvic fins, differing from male fins in shape and color. Males prefer females with larger pelvic fins, leading to the growth of disproportionately sized fins.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateOct 7, 2010

New deep-sea hot springs discovered in the Atlantic

Scientists have discovered a new hydrothermal vent with temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, finding chimneys as high as one meter and gas bubbles in the water column. The discovery of at least five other sites with gas plumes suggests that many more small active sites exist along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateOct 7, 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.

Experts say direct-to-consumer genetic tests need innovative oversight

A team of bioethical, legal and medical researchers proposes an innovative approach to oversee direct-to-consumer genetic tests, combining premarket studies with ongoing postmarket evaluations. The approach aims to balance innovation with regulation, ensuring safety and accuracy for consumers.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2010

MRI zooms in on microscopic flow

A new development in NMR/MRI technology enables scientists to image microscopic objects with high spatial and time resolutions, recording images up to one million times faster than conventional MRI experiments. This breakthrough paves the way for portable chemical and biomedical analysis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2010

Childhood adversity may lead to unhealthy stress response in adult life

Healthy adults who experienced childhood abuse or neglect may have an elevated inflammatory response to stress, increasing their risk of depression and anxiety disorders. A study found that adults with adverse childhood experiences had higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6, in their blood.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 7, 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.

Water discovered on second asteroid, may be even more common

A new study reveals that asteroid 65 Cybele contains water ice, challenging the earlier finding of organic molecules and water on asteroid 24 Themis. This discovery supports the theory that asteroids may have delivered water to Earth, potentially shaping our planet's formation.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateOct 7, 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.

Additional $38M awarded to expand orthopedic trauma care research

The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will conduct multi-center studies on treatment and outcomes of major orthopedic injuries. The expansion aims to establish treatment guidelines and improve outcomes for wounded warriors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateOct 7, 2010