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Science News for September 27, 2010


LA BioMed researcher to receive prestigious honor

Dr. Casaburi will receive the award on Oct. 8 at the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's annual meeting in Milwaukee, recognizing his many contributions to the field of respiratory research and pulmonary rehabilitation. He is a leading researcher at LA BioMed, directing the Rehabilitation Clinical Tria...

SourceLA BioMed·DateSep 27, 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.

Mayo collaboration finds source of breast drug side effect

A Mayo Clinic collaboration identified four genetic variants on chromosome 14 associated with aromatase inhibitor-induced arthritis. These findings provide a new clue for identifying women at risk and developing treatments, allowing more women to take lifesaving breast cancer therapy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 27, 2010

Acupuncture not effective in stroke recovery

A comprehensive review of 10 studies involving 711 patients found no evidence that acupuncture aids in stroke recovery. The researchers concluded that the existing evidence is negative, calling for large-scale trials to better understand its effects.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 27, 2010

Red light regulates nectar secretion

Lima bean plants produce extrafloral nectar to attract ants, which defend against herbivores. Red light influences the production of this nectar through phytochrome, a photoreceptor that regulates the signaling molecule jasmonic acid. This light-dependent regulation enhances defense when herbivory is most likely.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Insecticides from genetically modified corn present in adjacent streams

A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

New oil detection technique

A new technique allows for fast and accurate detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and rock using a portable infrared spectrometer. This method reduces labor-intensive sampling and processing requirements, saving time and costs associated with assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateSep 27, 2010

Fungal spores travel farther by surfing their own wind

A new study reveals that fungal spores travel farther by forming a plume that reduces drag to nearly zero, creating a wind that carries them up to 100 millimeters. By hydrodynamic cooperation, thousands of spores are ejected simultaneously, reaching speeds of 60 centimeters per second and covering distances of over a centimeter.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Interaction with neighbors: Neuronal field simulates brain activity

A computational model developed by RUB scientists simulates brain activity through neighbor interactions, facilitating faster processing of moving objects. The model, published in PLoS Computational Biology, uses a neural field approach to describe the complex dynamics of cortical neurons.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 27, 2010

Family, culture affect whether intelligence leads to education

A new study explores how genetic and environmental factors influence educational outcomes in identical and fraternal twins across Minnesota and Sweden. Family background plays a significant role in determining education, especially in Minnesota, while Sweden prioritizes grades and test scores.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 27, 2010

Preventive care poses dilemma for emergency departments, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study finds that 90% of emergency departments nationwide provide preventive-care services, despite being under pressure to prioritize acute care. The most common service is domestic violence screening, while HIV screening is the least offered. Many EDs struggle to balance quality and cost constraints.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 27, 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.

Quarks 'swing' to the tones of random numbers

Researchers have developed a new theory that describes the way quarks 'swing' inside protons using massive quantities of random numbers. This allows for more accurate numerical calculations and provides a new understanding of the data from large research groups at CERN.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2010

2010 AAO-HNSF new research daily highlights: Monday, Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers have developed an in vitro system to investigate hair-cell regeneration techniques, while studies also examine the presence of biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Disparities in healthcare access and utilization among children with ear infections were also found, highlighting the need for targeted interven...

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 27, 2010

Help for new food-zapping process

CSIRO has partnered with German organizations to develop low-energy electron beam processing technology, preserving food's flavor, odor, and nutrients without heat or chemicals. The technology has been successfully applied to Stahmann Farms, Australia's largest pecan nut processor.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateSep 27, 2010

Semiconductor could turn heat into computing power

The new technology, thermo-spintronics, could enable integrated circuits that run on heat instead of electricity. Researchers discovered that two pieces of the material do not need to be physically connected for the effect to propagate from one to the other.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 27, 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.

Partners of breast cancer patients are at risk of developing mood disorders

A new analysis reveals that male partners of women with breast cancer are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe mood disorders requiring hospitalization. The study found a 39% increased risk of being hospitalized with an affective disorder among men whose partners had breast cancer, compared to those without.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 27, 2010

Tile drainage directly related to nitrate loss

A recent study reveals that tile drainage in the Mississippi Basin is a significant source of nitrate pollution, particularly in the highly productive cornbelt region. Farmers are not blamed for this issue, as they are using the same amount of nitrogen since 1993 and achieving higher yields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateSep 27, 2010

UCLA develops combat casualty care educational program for US armed forces

The UCLA-developed Combat Casualty Care educational program provides critical training for U.S. armed forces medical personnel in traumatic injury management, applicable to both military and civilian settings. The program incorporates cutting-edge video footage, patient cases, and ultrasound training modules to enhance trauma care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Exercise associated with lower rate of fractures in elderly women

A randomized trial found that 30 months of supervised exercise followed by voluntary home training significantly reduced the risk of fractures in high-risk elderly women. The study also showed improved balance and gait, as well as lower mortality rates, compared to a control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

'Gold' fish thrive, cancers die

Researchers at Rice University used gold nanoparticles with laser pulses to create tiny vapor bubbles that selectively destroyed cancer cells in zebra fish implanted with live human prostate cancer cells. This technique avoids damaging healthy tissue and demonstrates a new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 27, 2010

Type 1 diabetes research at UC San Diego gets $5 million boost

UC San Diego researcher Maike Sander leads a team in developing replacement insulin-producing beta cells from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. The goal is to create a cell-based approach for treating type 1 diabetes, providing patients with insulin independence and reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 27, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A revolutionary new way of reversing certain cancers

Researchers found a way to shrink tumors in certain cancers by blocking the production of microRNA 380, which disables the P53 gene. This breakthrough provides hope for new treatments and may return cells to normal when blocked.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

Right or left? Brain stimulation can change which hand you favor

New research from UC Berkeley found that magnetic pulses disrupt neurons governing motor skills, increasing left hand use in right-handed volunteers. The study challenges previous assumptions about decision-making and may pave the way for clinical advances in brain injury rehabilitation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Complexity not so costly after all, analysis shows

A new analysis by Jianzhi Zhang and coworkers reveals flaws in models predicting the cost of complexity and finds that moderate complexity best enables organisms to adapt. The study challenged assumptions underlying traditional mathematical models, suggesting that a moderate amount of complexity is beneficial for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Television drove viewers to the Web to explore Obama-Muslim rumors

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that television coverage significantly influenced public interest in the Obama-Muslim rumor, leading to increased online searches. Newspaper coverage had little effect, as articles effectively dispelled the rumor and reduced online searches.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateSep 27, 2010

Scientists arrive in Senegal to give African hunger a black eye

Researchers are exploring the cowpea's high protein content, drought resistance, and ability to infuse soils with nitrogen, making it a promising crop for Africa's food security. The conference highlights innovative approaches to breeding resilient varieties and using biotechnology to combat pests and diseases.

SourceBurness·DateSep 27, 2010

Surgery found effective for patients with aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers found that surgery provides high survival rates of 92% for patients with aggressive prostate cancer, outperforming radiation therapy alone in terms of cancer-specific and overall survival. The study suggests that limiting hormone therapy may avoid adverse health consequences for these patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateSep 27, 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.

Baby boomers raise midlife suicide rate

Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateSep 27, 2010

JCI table of contents: Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Friends, family detect early Alzheimer's signs better than traditional tests

Researchers developed a questionnaire that relies on friends and family to evaluate cognitive changes, which corresponded with biomarker results more consistently than traditional cognitive tests. The Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) tool provides a brief and low-cost alternative for identifying individuals who need follow-up evaluations.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBrain·DateSep 27, 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.

VCU study: Researchers discover a drug combination that shrinks tumors in vivo

Researchers have found a new drug combination that enhances anti-tumor efficacy and protects the heart from damage caused by doxorubicin, a powerful anti-cancer drug. The combination of Viagra and doxorubicin significantly reduces tumor size in prostate cancer patients without harming healthy cells.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Outcomes of communication about end-of-life care appear to differ between black and white patients

A recent study found that black patients are less likely to experience end-of-life care that accurately reflects their preferences compared to white patients. Black patients with more education were marginally more likely to report having end-of-life discussions, but still received more aggressive care regardless of their values.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis

A team of researchers has identified a key player in maintaining bone balance, finding that the protein Maf promotes bone formation and prevents osteoporosis. By understanding this age-related switch in cell type generation, new approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis may be developed.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 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.

Solar cells thinner than wavelengths of light hold huge power potential

Stanford engineers discovered that ultra-thin solar cells with nanoscale roughness can absorb more energy than predicted by conventional theory. Light trapping technique increases energy absorption beyond the theoretical limit, opening a new door to designing highly efficient solar cells.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Quantum physics: Flavors of entanglement

Physicists at University of Innsbruck successfully expose four entangled ions to a noisy environment, demonstrating the variety of flavors or properties in their entanglement. This study forms an important basis for understanding entanglement under environmental disturbances and the boundary between quantum and classical worlds.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 27, 2010

Pine-bark extract has no effect on blood pressure, Stanford study finds

A new Stanford study examining pine-bark extract's effects on blood pressure found no significant benefit in lowering blood pressure or reducing other risk factors for heart disease. The study, which recruited 130 overweight individuals, used a Japanese-produced pine-bark extract and confirmed its safety but found no health benefits.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

Computer model shows US vulnerable to MDR-TB epidemic

A computer model shows that the US is susceptible to MDR-TB epidemics when TB prevalence falls and case detection improves, even with high treatment compliance. This is attributed to the increased risk of drug-resistant TB spreading in populations with low drug-susceptible TB rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 27, 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.

A shot to the heart: Nanoneedle delivers quantum dots to cell nucleus

University of Illinois researchers have created a tiny needle that can deliver quantum dots directly into a cell's nucleus, allowing for the study of internal environments and cellular processes. This breakthrough technique uses electrical potential to control the release of molecules and offers precise monitoring capabilities, opening...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSmall·DateSep 27, 2010

Study shows patient-specific vaccines for metastatic melanoma may induce durable complete regression

A recent clinical study has shown that patient-specific vaccines can sometimes induce durable complete regression of progressing soft-tissue melanoma metastases. The vaccine was found to be effective in one particular patient who remained in complete remission for over two years, more than four years after her initial diagnosis.

SourcePorter Novelli, Life Sciences·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateSep 27, 2010

No cardiovascular benefit observed for pine-bark extract

A 12-week randomized clinical trial found that pine bark extract did not improve risk factors for heart disease, despite its potential biological benefits. The study included 130 participants at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, who took either pine bark extract or a placebo once daily.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 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.

Daycare puts children with lung disease at risk for serious illness

Children with chronic lung disease of prematurity who attend daycare are nearly four times more likely to experience serious respiratory symptoms than those who do not. Daycare attendance is associated with increased emergency room visits, medication use, and breathing problems in these vulnerable children.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 27, 2010

Climate change hits southeast Australia fish species

Significant changes in coastal fish species distribution are observed in south-eastern Australia, partly due to climate change. The study identified 43 species exhibiting shifts thought to be climate-related, including warm temperate surf-zone species and range increases for Snapper and Rock Flathead.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateSep 27, 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.

NIH scientists freeze virus fragment in shape recognized by immune system

Researchers have developed a method to extract and present viral surface fragments, known as epitopes, into computer-designed protein scaffolds that lock them in recognizable shapes. This approach has implications for vaccine design and the development of antibodies against HIV/AIDS.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

LIMK plays a key role in cancer metastasis

Researchers have identified LIMK as a crucial regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in cancer metastasis. Inhibiting LIMK function blocks collective invasion of tumor cells, preventing metastasis in breast and squamous carcinoma cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 27, 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.

Diving deeper into the gene pool

Tel Aviv University researchers developed miRNAkey software to analyze microRNA patterns in healthy and diseased tissues, improving understanding of human diseases at a genetic level. The software enables scientists to identify relevant microRNAs, determine their levels, and generate statistically valuable information.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBioinformatics·DateSep 27, 2010

2010 AAO-HNSF miniseminars: Monday, Sept. 27, 2010

The 2010 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting showcased significant research on the connection between allergic disease and rhinosinusitis, with literature highlighting the united airway concept. Robotic thyroidectomy was also discussed, with experts exploring its feasibility, safety, and future adoption.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 27, 2010

Nanobiotechnology experts join forces to improve TB testing

Researchers at NPL and Orla Protein Technologies are developing improved TB detection methods to enhance sensitivity, specificity, cost and speed. The project aims to create systems that advance current methods, helping improve healthcare in resource-limiting settings.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·DateSep 27, 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.

Gut-invading worms turn enemy T cells into friends

Researchers found that gut-invading worms produce a protein that generates regulatory T cells in mice, allowing the worms to establish a foothold. This mechanism also suppresses allergic responses, which may contribute to reduced allergy symptoms in humans infected with intestinal worms.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010