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Science News for September 20, 2010


Childhood viral infection may be a cause of obesity

A cross-sectional study found that children exposed to a particular strain of adenovirus were significantly more likely to be obese. The researchers detected neutralizing antibodies specific to AD36 in 15% of the children, with those who tested positive weighing an average of 50 pounds more than their non-positive counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 20, 2010

Could learning self-control be enjoyable?

A new study found that framing tasks involving self-control as 'fun' rather than an obligation increases regulatory success. Participants who perceived the task as enjoyable exerted more self-control and consumed less candy compared to those who saw it as a chore.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 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.

Millions with voice problems don't know treatment available

A new study at Duke University Medical Center found that nearly 30% of Americans with voice problems have never received treatment, highlighting a need for better awareness and advocacy. The study also highlights the importance of early detection and personalized treatment plans to manage chronic conditions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateSep 20, 2010

Food for thought, er, well ...

A study by Case Western Reserve University found that stopping thoughts burns energy, similar to how thinking itself consumes energy. The researchers used a computer model and Metabolica software package to analyze brain metabolism.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateSep 20, 2010

'Blue Suede' premiers: New blueberry recommended for home gardeners

The new southern highbush blueberry 'Blue Suede' produces attractive light-blue fruit and large flavorful berries. It features vigorous growth with deep-red fall foliage and a longer ripening period, allowing home gardeners to harvest over an extended period.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 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.

In pregnancy, a large waistline and high triglycerides: Early screen for gestational diabetes

A study published in CMAJ found that an increased waistline and high triglyceride levels during the first trimester are linked to higher glucose intolerance levels later in pregnancy. Researchers suggest that measuring waist girth in combination with triglyceride concentrations may be useful for early screening of gestational diabetes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 20, 2010

Drug to treat alcoholism goal of UH professor's research

The University of Houston pharmacy professor Joydip Das is working on pinpointing the mechanisms in the brain that respond to alcohol with a goal to discover a treatment. His team hopes to design drugs based on targeting the PKCε protein, which has shown a 75% reduction in mice drinking.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 20, 2010

How safe is your swipe?

Tel Aviv University researchers Prof. Avishai Wool and Yossi Oren have developed a method for extracting more information from secure chips using modern cryptology methods and constraint programming. By analyzing power fluctuations, they can block out 'noise' and deliver accurate analysis of chip secret contents.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateSep 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.

Low-calorie cheesecake? Why we have trouble estimating calories

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that the order in which food items are considered affects people's calorie estimates. Researchers discovered that switching the order can significantly alter perceived calorie content, even when foods are dissimilar.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 20, 2010

Windborne dust on high peaks dampens Colorado River runoff

Research published in PNAS reveals that windborne dust on high peaks in the Colorado River Basin reduces snow cover duration and increases runoff, leading to a 5% annual loss of water. This decrease in runoff affects water management, as peak flows occur earlier and are more compressed.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 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.

Secrets of birds' sexual signals revealed

Researchers discovered that barred patterns on birds' feathers play a crucial role in sexual signaling, particularly on the front of males during face-to-face interactions. The study, published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology, provides insight into bird communication and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 20, 2010

New driver of T cell leukemia growth

Researchers found that TAL1 promotes the expression of NKX3.1 in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, driving their growth and proliferation. Eliminating NKX3.1 halted the growth of these cancerous cells in culture and after injection into mice.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 20, 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.

Could 2 simple pills help prevent bowel cancer?

A new trial aims to determine if taking daily doses of a fish oil extract and aspirin can shrink existing polyps and prevent new ones from forming in the bowel. If successful, this treatment could reduce the need for frequent colonoscopies in patients at risk of developing bowel cancer.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateSep 20, 2010

Preserving nerve cells in motor neuron disease

A team of researchers identified a way to preserve nerve cells in motor neuron disease by preventing symptom onset, weight loss, and paralysis. This discovery provides a new avenue for the development of therapeutics for ALS and other motor neuron diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 20, 2010

Introducing 'Champagne,' new disease-resistant fig

The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center has developed a new disease-resistant fig named 'Champagne', which outperforms other varieties in terms of fruiting characteristics. The fig produces distinctive yellow and gold-colored fruit and is resistant to defoliation caused by fig leaf rust and leaf spot.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 20, 2010

Learning how consumers value products

A new study by University of Maryland and Georgetown University researchers found that suggesting consumers will use a product frequently can reduce their interest in buying it. The study suggests that ads or customer reviews highlighting low usage frequency can backfire if consumers believe they won't be able to keep up with others.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 20, 2010

Swallowing disc batteries can cause severe injury in children

Disc battery ingestions by children can lead to severe esophageal damage, including tissue death, burns, and perforation. The study of 10 pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic retrieval found a high index of suspicion necessary to avoid life-threatening sequelae.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 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.

Seasonal flu vaccine lowers risk of first heart attack

The seasonal flu vaccine has been shown to lower the risk of first heart attack in adults, with a 19% reduction found in the study. Early vaccination for influenza between September and mid-November was associated with an even higher 21% reduction.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 20, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians has announced that current stool DNA tests are not effective or cost-effective for colorectal cancer screening. Additionally, researchers have found that using proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel together does not increase risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes after a first heart attack. In anot...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 20, 2010

New pathway regulates immune balance and offers promising drug development target

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a new pathway that helps control the immune balance through reciprocal regulation of specialized T lymphocytes. The mechanism offers a promising target for new drugs against autoimmune disorders and could lead to new anti-rejection drugs.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 20, 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.

Rotating high-pressure sodium lamps provide flowering plants for spring markets

Researchers found that rotating HPS lamps are more cost-effective than incandescent lighting in promoting flowering in long-day ornamental species. The use of rotating HPS lamps resulted in lower energy consumption and lower weekly operating costs, making it an attractive alternative for commercial growers.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 20, 2010

Too much TV, video and computer can make teens fatter

A five-year study found that teenagers who increased their screen time had the greatest increases in percent body fat, while those who decreased their screen time had the lowest gains. The study suggests that public health strategies to reduce overall screen time among youth could be beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 20, 2010

Returning troops face both physical and mental challenges

A new study highlights the excess burden of medical conditions on top of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning US soldiers. Women with PTSD suffer from more medical conditions than men, with a median value of 7 conditions compared to 4.5 in women without mental health issues.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 20, 2010

Santa Fe homeowners weigh in on landscape preferences

According to a recent study by New Mexico State University, Santa Fe residents prefer high desert plants in their landscapes due to their ability to conserve water. The survey found that nearly all respondents would adopt these plants for front yard landscaping and were satisfied with their existing desert plant choices.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateSep 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.

Marine scientists unveil the mystery of life on undersea mountains

Research reveals that seamounts have comparable levels of diversity and endemism to continental margins, but their ecological communities are distinct in structure and higher in biomass. Seamount ecosystems are highly vulnerable to disturbance by bottom trawling and require decades for recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalMarine Ecology·DateSep 20, 2010

Nano antenna concentrates light

Researchers at Rice University have developed a nano antenna that can concentrate light by a factor of 1,000. By measuring the electrical current flowing between two gold tips separated by a nanoscale gap, they were able to determine the amplification of light intensity in the gap.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 20, 2010

UTHealth student wins microbiology research fellowship

Jennifer Abrams, a UTHealth graduate student, has been awarded a three-year fellowship to investigate molecular causes of protein misfolding diseases. Her research aims to understand how cells deal with early stages of these diseases, potentially leading to interventions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateSep 20, 2010

Climate change: Can geoengineering satisfy everyone?

A new study by University of Bristol researchers reveals that geoengineering would have varying impacts globally. Regions like the USA and Australia become drier with increasing strength, while others like Australia become wetter.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 20, 2010

Pollution takes its toll on the heart

A new study by Long Island Jewish Medical Center and The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research found that fine particles of pollution can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. For every 10ug/m3 rise in small particle air pollution, there was a four-to-ten percent increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 20, 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.

Seagulls harbor antibiotic resistant bacteria

A recent study published in Proteome Science found that one in ten seagull droppings contain 'superbug' bacteria resistant to Vancomycin. The researchers used a novel technique called proteomics to detect bacterial proteins connected to antibiotic resistance, providing new targets for antimicrobial agents and potential biomarkers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalProteome Science·DateSep 20, 2010

NASA study shows desert dust cuts Colorado River flow

A new NASA study shows that increased dust in the Colorado River basin is causing snowmelt to occur earlier, reducing runoff and available water downstream. This results in a 35-billion cubic feet annual loss of water, enough to supply Los Angeles for 18 months.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 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.

Learning from lizards

Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois created a square polymer stamp with pyramid-shaped tips to mimic geckos' micro- and nano-filaments. This allows for varying adhesion strength, enabling the transfer and printing of electronics on complex surfaces.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2010

Farm, forest lands being protected -- but not always for farming or forestry

A new study suggests Oregon's land use planning program has largely protected farm and forest operations while promoting scenic views, water quality, and environmental amenities. However, it has also enabled the growth of 'hobby farms' that may not prioritize agricultural production, but still contribute to rural beauty and job creation.

SourceOregon State University·JournalLand Use Policy·DateSep 20, 2010

Magnetic attraction for fish, crabs?

Researchers are studying whether electromagnetic fields from marine power devices affect the behavior of various aquatic animals, including fish and invertebrates. The study uses specially designed coils to create a magnetic field similar to those produced by ocean waves, tides, currents, and rivers.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 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.

Nanocatalyst is a gas

A new catalyst formula, developed by Rice Professor Michael Wong and his team, can improve the efficiency of gasoline production and make it better for the environment. The catalyst turns straight-line molecules into branched n-pentane, resulting in a higher-octane gasoline.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 20, 2010

Purdue researcher cracks open secret of oysters' ability to stick together

A Purdue University-led research team has uncovered the chemical components of oyster adhesive, which could aid in boosting dwindling oyster populations and creating non-toxic materials to prevent marine fouling. The findings also have implications for dentistry and construction.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 20, 2010

Elderly might not benefit from TB vaccines in development

Recent research suggests that some TB vaccines under study may not be effective in older people, as the molecule responsible for immune response activation remains relatively inactive. The study's findings highlight the need for a new approach to vaccine development to ensure protection against tuberculosis for the elderly.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 20, 2010

How to control massive bleeding from the hepatic artery

Researchers developed a new interventional technique using stent-grafts to control massive bleeding from the hepatic artery after pancreaticoduodenectomy, demonstrating lower mortality rates than conventional surgical intervention. The procedure is considered a valuable alternative for patients with non-portal vein anatomy.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 20, 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.

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.

Psychological pain of Holocaust still haunts survivors

Decades of research reveals that Holocaust survivors exhibit cognitive functioning and physical health similar to non-survivors, yet experience significant psychological pain, post-traumatic stress, and psychopathological symptoms. Living in Israel may serve as a protective factor for improved psychological well-being.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateSep 20, 2010

Cholesterol drug may have role in treating prostate cancer

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital discovered that the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor suppressed human prostate cancer cells grown in mice. This pre-clinical evidence suggests statins could be an effective treatment for prostate cancer, potentially offering a safer alternative to existing therapies.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEuropean Urology·DateSep 20, 2010

Cancer experts join forces to call for noncommunicable diseases to be included in the Millennium Development Goals

Global cancer leaders call for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to be included in the Millennium Development Goals to address the growing health issue. NCDs, responsible for 35 million deaths worldwide, face a lack of indicators and inadequate funding, with less than 2% of overseas development aid allocated to these diseases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 20, 2010

MARC Travel Awards announced for the 2010 SACNAS Annual Meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has announced travel awards for 22 recipients, including students and faculty mentors, to promote diversity in biomedical research. The awards total $31,250 and aim to increase underrepresented minorities engaged in biomedical research.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateSep 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.

Delay in performing appendectomy not associated with adverse outcomes

A study of 32,782 patients found that delays in performing appendectomies for acute appendicitis did not significantly affect 30-day outcomes. Patients who waited longer for surgery experienced slightly longer operations and hospital stays but these differences were clinically insignificant.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateSep 20, 2010

Money, drugs and chicken feet? What consumers will do for social acceptance

A new study found that people who feel socially excluded are willing to engage in distasteful consumption, such as eating chicken feet or using illicit drugs, to fit into a group. Excluded individuals use consumption as a flexible and strategic way to commence new social relationships.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 20, 2010

Kids and diabetes risk: Do chromosomes hold new clues?

Research led by Nancy F. Butte and funded by the US Department of Agriculture identifies new genetic biomarkers that may predict type 2 diabetes in children. The study fine-tunes a region on chromosome 13 associated with fasting blood sugar levels, shedding light on predisposition to the disease.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateSep 20, 2010

Earth's highest coastal mountain on the move

The research team analyzed rock samples to reveal the mountain's 2,200-kilometer journey from Peru to its modern position on the Caribbean coast. The findings link the mountain's foundation to other old massifs in the Americas.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences·DateSep 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.

Study examines HIV treatment response in men and women, finds overall similarities

A new study found that the effectiveness of anti-HIV drugs darunavir and ritonavir was similar between men and women. However, women dropped out of the trial at higher rates than men due to reasons other than drug failure. The study aims to improve retention of diverse populations in HIV treatment trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 20, 2010

For neurons to work as a team, it helps to have a beat

Neuroscientists found that cortical rhythms can effectively rally groups of neurons in widely dispersed regions of the brain to engage in coordinated activity. The study used data from four macaque monkeys and showed that the timing of electrical spikes was synchronized with brain rhythms occurring in distinct frequency bands.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2010

MARC Travel Awards announced for the 2010 Society for Leukocyte Biology Meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has awarded $18,500 to Ashley S. Triplett from the University of Louisville for participation at the 2010 SLB Meeting, aiming to increase underrepresented minorities in biomedical research. The program, funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, supports young scientists and postdoctorates.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateSep 20, 2010

Buyer backlash: Why do slogans about saving money increase spending?

A new study reveals that people spend more when exposed to brands associated with saving money, but less when exposed to their slogans. The researchers found that participants who saw the Walmart slogan 'Save money. Live better.' were willing to spend $184 on average, compared to $94 for those who saw the brand name alone.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 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.

Protein behind development of immune system sentinels identified

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a protein called PU.1 as essential for the development of dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. By regulating PU.1 expression, Flt3 can control DC development, revealing a crucial role for this protein in immune system function.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·DateSep 20, 2010

Scientists show Six3 gene essential for retinal development

The Six3 gene plays a pivotal role in the developing nervous system as a key regulator of the Wnt family of signaling proteins. Inhibiting Six3 disrupts the normal formation of the retina, highlighting its essential function.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 20, 2010

Effects of chemoradiation therapy by using capecitabine on gastric cancer patients

A retrospective review study found that capecitabine with concurrent radiation was as effective as traditional 5-FU with radiation or fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy alone in treating locally advanced gastric cancer. The results suggest a potential new adjuvant therapy approach for resected gastric cancers.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 20, 2010

Consumers willing to pay more for locally grown apples

A Vermont study found that consumers are willing to pay significantly more for locally grown, organic apples. The research indicates a 'significant niche market' for local, organic apples in the US, with many consumers purchasing them from supermarkets, farmers' markets, and natural food stores.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 20, 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.

The Amazon rainforest -- a cloud factory

The Amazon Basin acts as a self-contained biogeochemical reactor during the rainy season, producing organic material that serves as cloud condensation nuclei. This process allows scientists to investigate natural cloud formation and precipitation without human influence.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2010

Serious hockey injuries among young children skyrocketing, study finds

A nationwide study found that serious hockey injuries among children aged 9 to 14 increased by 163 percent between 1990 and 2006. The study also found significant increases in injury rates among teens and females, with nearly one in four ice hockey injuries being to the face or mouth.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateSep 20, 2010

'Wyldewood,' first release from Elderberry Improvement Project

Researchers from the University of Missouri have introduced a new variety named 'Wyldewood', which consistently produces heavy yields, is efficient to harvest, and produces fruit well-suited for processing. The cultivar outperforms standard 'Adams II' in yield potential and berry size.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 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.

Grasping the tree of life: There is an app for that, too

The TimeTree app combines phylogeny and timescale data to provide a powerful tool for understanding the interrelationships and diversity of living things. By searching for two organisms, users can find when they shared a common ancestor, with results available in seconds.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 20, 2010

Winter drought stress can delay flowering, prevent fruit loss in orange crops

Researchers found that winter drought stress can delay orange flowering by 2-4 weeks, allowing for safer mechanical harvesting and reducing young fruit loss. The technique, tested on 'Valencia' sweet oranges, improves late-season harvests without negative impacts on yield or fruit quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 20, 2010

Taking the pulse of coral reefs

Coral reefs are surprisingly noisy places with fish and invertebrates producing clicks and grunts that provide useful information about the state of the reef. Healthier reefs were found to be louder, with a clear association between overall noise level generated and the amount of living coral.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateSep 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.

Female fish abandoned by males to raise offspring on their own

A new study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that male cichlid fish often desert their mates, leaving females to care for their young on their own. This abandonment severely compromises the quality of care provided by females, making them vulnerable to predators.

SourceMonash University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 20, 2010

Plague researchers race to beat bioterrorists

A new vaccine development aims to protect humans from pneumonic plague by combining antibodies with cytokines, addressing concerns about the effectiveness of existing treatments. The Trudeau Institute is leading this research in collaboration with the US and UK militaries.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalVaccine·DateSep 20, 2010

New study indicates higher than predicted human exposure to the toxic chemical bisphenol A or BPA

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives ties rodent data to predictions of human health effects from BPA, suggesting human exposure is much higher than estimated and likely from unknown sources. The study's findings renew the call for governmental agencies to identify all products containing BPA.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 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.

Study gets measure of how best to prevent blood clots

Researchers found that thigh-length stockings can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients, a life-threatening form of blood clot. The study, which included over 3,000 patients from 112 hospitals, highlights the importance of using long stockings to prevent clots.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 20, 2010

NASA-funded study shows desert dust cuts Colorado River flow

A new NASA-funded study reveals that increased desert dust caused by human activities is cutting Colorado River flow, resulting in reduced water availability. The study shows peak spring runoff now comes three weeks earlier than before, with annual runoff lower by more than 5 percent.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Julia getting 'dusted'

Tropical Storm Julia is struggling to maintain its strength as it encounters massive Hurricane Igor's westerly wind shear. The National Hurricane Center predicts Julia will fade into a remnant low in a day or two, with some models suggesting it could be absorbed by Hurricane Igor's circulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 20, 2010

Firefly Satellite to study lightning

The Firefly satellite, developed by University of Maryland students, will study Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and their link to lightning. The mission aims to answer whether lightning triggers or is triggered by these high-energy flashes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 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.

Scientists uncover process enabling toxoplasmosis parasite to survive homelessness

Toxoplasma gondii parasite triggers stress response mechanism to survive outside host cells, enabling it to find new hosts and infect them. Researchers identify critical pathway that helps the parasite overcome environmental stresses, offering potential new treatments for toxoplasmosis infection.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 20, 2010

Researchers identified ways to preserve motor neuron cells in ALS and enhance CD8+ T cell therapy for leukemia. Expanding immune suppressors via TNFRSF25 could prevent allergic lung inflammation in asthma. These findings may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 20, 2010