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Science News for September 24, 2010


Could economics solve the prison crisis?

Researchers argue that economic analysis can inform more effective criminal justice policies by reducing incarceration rates and focusing on prevention. They suggest devolving budgets for custodial sentences to local authorities, with financial incentives to drive cost-saving measures.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalProbation Journal·DateSep 24, 2010

GOES-13 Satellite sees Lisa a tropical storm ... for now

Tropical Storm Lisa is currently a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph, forecast to weaken due to colder waters and strong wind shear, then become a remnant low pressure system in the eastern Atlantic by early next week.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Disparities in heart attack treatment may begin in the emergency room

Researchers found persistent racial, gender, and insurance-coverage based differences in triage categorization and cardiac testing among emergency room patients. African American and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive immediate care or basic cardiac testing procedures, such as ECGs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 24, 2010

Scientists release first cultivated ohelo berry for Hawaii

Scientists have successfully cultivated 'ōhelo berries in Hawaii, reducing environmental damage and increasing the fruit's availability for small farms and ornamental purposes. The new cultivar, Kilauea, exhibits improved plant hardiness and vigor, allowing for faster germination and flowering.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateSep 24, 2010

'Coreshine' sheds light on the birth of stars

Astronomers have discovered a new phenomenon called coreshine, which scatters mid-infrared light by large dust grains in cosmic clouds. This discovery promises to reveal crucial information about the earliest phase of star formation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 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.

NIH grant to increase diversity in field of neuroscience

The NIH awarded a $2.4 million grant to increase diversity in the neuroscience field by preparing minority students and those with disabilities for careers in neuroscience. The grant will support undergraduates from two universities and provide seminars, mentoring, enhanced curricula, and hands-on research experience.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateSep 24, 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.

Physical limitations take a significant toll in breast cancer survivors

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer survivors with physical limitations are more likely to die from other diseases due to poorer health. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and improve survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 24, 2010

Stress can control our genes

A study by Dr. Klaus Hansen's group at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, reveals that external stressors can activate genes responsible for cellular development and function.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 24, 2010

Phantom limbs more common than previously thought

A new study published in Cortex reports that over half of patients recovering from stroke experience phantom limb sensations. Researchers found 27 patients with daily phantom limb experiences, some even able to control their phantom limb. The phenomenon may be underreported due to fear of being labeled 'crazy'.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateSep 24, 2010

Withering well can improve fertility

Research by Dr. Carlos Herrera found that withered petals form a protective barrier around seeds, preventing insect damage and increasing seed ripening rates in lavender. However, the role of petals in plant fertility is complex and requires further study.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateSep 24, 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.

Video gaming prepares brain for bigger tasks

Researchers found that experienced gamers showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in complex tasks. The study suggests that video games can reorganize brain networks, offering hope for future research into Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateSep 24, 2010

Moving closer to outdoor recreation not a recipe for being more physically active

A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that those who moved to live closer to outdoor recreation facilities had a higher body mass index (BMI) over six years. In contrast, individuals who prioritized walkability and ease of walking in their neighborhoods maintained stable BMIs.

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateSep 24, 2010

How heating our homes could help reduce climate change

Scientists at the University of Manchester suggest using building district heating schemes with sustainable fuels could drastically reduce greenhouse gases while being cost-effective. The plans have been met with majority support from focus groups in the UK public.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateSep 24, 2010

Mimicking nature, water-based 'artificial leaf' produces electricity

A team at North Carolina State University has created water-gel-based solar devices that produce electricity, mimicking nature's solar cells. The devices use light-sensitive molecules and electrodes to generate power, potentially replacing silicon-based solar cells with a more environmentally friendly option.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateSep 24, 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.

A biological solution to animal pandemics

A new type of matting developed by ECOPROMAT project uses natural materials to create an environmentally-friendly solution for protecting against contagious animal diseases. The matting is highly absorbent, biodegradable, and affordable, making it a significant cost-saving alternative to synthetic mats.

SourceEUREKA·DateSep 24, 2010

Can't focus? Maybe it's the wrong time of month

A study by Concordia University researchers found that high estrogen levels are associated with an inability to pay attention and learn in female rodents. Human females experience similar difficulties during ovulation, suggesting a direct link between estrogen and cognitive function.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateSep 24, 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.