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Science News for September 29, 2010


No evidence for Clovis comet catastrophe, archaeologists say

Archaeologists Vance Holliday and David Meltzer argue that the Clovis comet impact hypothesis is not supported by archaeological evidence. They found no evidence of a sudden cooling of the climate or a post-impact gap in human occupation at Clovis sites.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateSep 29, 2010

3 tiny qubits, another big step toward quantum computing

A Yale team has achieved the entanglement of three solid-state qubits for the first time, paving the way for quantum error correction and future quantum computing. The accomplishment builds on their previous development of a rudimentary solid-state quantum processor.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2010

IU researchers: Chemotherapy alters brain tissue in breast cancer patients

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found gray matter changes in breast cancer patients' brains during and after chemotherapy treatment. Memory and executive functions were most affected, with some women experiencing subtle and others severe cognitive impairments.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateSep 29, 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.

Garlic oil shows protective effect against heart disease in diabetes

Scientists have found that garlic oil can protect against heart disease in people with diabetes by reducing inflammation and weakening the heart's muscle tissue. The antioxidant properties of garlic oil were identified as a key factor in this effect.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

One-dimensional window on superconductivity, magnetism

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created a precision simulator for superconductors using ultracold atomic gas. By trapping and holding lithium atoms in beams of light, they can observe how electrons would behave in particular types of superconductors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2010

Feeding prior to eye exams reduces stress in premature infants

A recent study in the Journal of AAPOS found that feeding premature infants one hour before their retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination unexpectedly reduced stress levels. The researchers also discovered that this practice did not increase vomiting or gastric aspirates, contrary to current practice.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateSep 29, 2010

New invention saves energy, health, climate

The 'Cleanair' system reduces building energy consumption by up to 25%, saving CO2 emissions and improving indoor air quality. Lab tests have proven its effectiveness in removing various pollutants, including particles, viruses, and volatile organic compounds, making it a game-changer for asthmatics and overall health.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateSep 29, 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.

Seattle perinatal researcher awarded 2 major NIH grants

Dr. Michelle A. Williams receives two major NIH grants totaling $5.6 million to study complications affecting pregnancy, including abruptio placentae and partner abuse's impact on preterm delivery. Funding will support genomic testing and statistical analysis at Swedish Medical Center and UMDNJ-RWJMS.

SourceSwedish Medical Center·DateSep 29, 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.

Proteins to yield new clues in fight against osteoporosis

A $1.76 million study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute investigates the role of two proteins, osteocalcin and osteopontin, in bone fractures over time. The research aims to develop new methods of diagnosing osteoporosis and treating related bone diseases.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 29, 2010

2010 AAO-HNSF new research daily highlights: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

Studies presented at the 2010 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO reveal that self-reported patient wait times significantly impact all measured aspects of the ambulatory patient experience. Additionally, incorporating physician extenders in outpatient otolaryngology practices can increase patient education, promote productivity, and im...

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 29, 2010

Maternal diet high in trans fats doubles risk of excess body fat in breastfed babies, study finds

A University of Georgia study suggests that mothers who consume a diet high in trans fats double the likelihood that their infants will have high levels of body fat. Infants whose mothers consumed more than 4.5 grams of trans fats per day while breastfeeding were twice as likely to have high percentages of body fat.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 29, 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.

Impending death for paper coupons?

A University of Arizona research team found that digital coupons are often difficult to use due to technical issues with redemption and cashier knowledge. The study suggests that a more convenient and user-friendly experience is needed to make digital coupons successful.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateSep 29, 2010

Less chemotherapy works well for some childhood cancer

A new clinical trial found that 96% of patients with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma survived for three years after receiving reduced chemotherapy doses. The study, led by Katherine Matthay at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, aimed to minimize the toxic effects of cancer drugs on young children.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 29, 2010

Novel test following prostate surgery could detect cancer recurrence earlier

A new blood test called AccuPSA can detect rising prostate specific antigen levels after radical prostatectomy, allowing for earlier detection of cancer recurrence. This test has the potential to eliminate unnecessary treatments and improve health care costs by enabling earlier treatment with potentially better outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 29, 2010

WSJ honors university-created LLC with Innovation Award

The award recognizes the university's portable, scalable self-contained wastewater-treatment system that converts wastewater into effluent meeting EPA standards in under 24 hours. The technology has been adapted for potable water production with minor modifications.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateSep 29, 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.

Phase II study finds tanezumab reduces osteoarthritis knee pain

A phase II clinical trial found tanezumab to be effective in reducing osteoarthritis knee pain, with a 62% reduction in walking knee pain compared to placebo. The drug also showed promise in improving physical function and relieving stiffness.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 29, 2010

Blueberries help fight artery hardening, lab animal study indicates

A recent study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture found that blueberries can help prevent the growth of atherosclerotic lesions in arteries. The research involved feeding 30 young laboratory mice diets spiked with freeze-dried blueberry powder for 20 weeks, resulting in a significant reduction in lesion size.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateSep 29, 2010

Red light regulates nectar secretion

Scientists have discovered that red light influences the regulation of nectar secretion in extrafloral nectaries of plants like Lima beans. This process involves the phytochrome protein and affects the binding of plant hormone jasmonic acid to isoleucine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2010

New twists in double helix discovery story are uncovered

Historians uncover previously unseen correspondence between Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, revealing a tangled web of ambition and institutional politics. The letters provide fresh insights into the personalities of the discoverers and their roles in the discovery of DNA's double helix structure.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 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.

Purifying proteins: Rensselaer researchers use NMR to improve drug development

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to understand and improve an important protein purification process. The study validated the effectiveness of multimodal chromatography, a method that separates proteins from their surrounding materials using molecular glue.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2010

Researchers find phone apps sending data without notification

Researchers at Duke University developed a tool called TaintDroid that monitors phone apps for transmitting private data. The study found that 15 of 30 popular apps sent users' private information to remote advertising servers, with some sharing location information even when the user wasn't running the app.

SourceDuke University·DateSep 29, 2010

Penn biologists say species accumulate on Earth at slower rates than in the past

Computational biologists at the University of Pennsylvania found that species diversification rates have typically decayed over time, suggesting a limit to species diversity. The study used phylogenies from various groups and found relatively little extinction in the evolutionary trees, contrasting with the fossil record.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 29, 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.

Dual-capture CTC chip efficiently captures breast cancer cells

Researchers developed a novel, dual-platform technology to capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer more efficiently than traditional methods. The On-Q-ity C5 chip captured 65% of human breast cancer cells compared to 45% with size-based and 16% with antibody affinity methods.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 29, 2010

MicroRNA panel provides a more precise lung cancer diagnosis

A new microRNA panel test has been developed to further subclassify non-small cell lung cancer, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions. This test has shown high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between subtypes of lung cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 29, 2010

Simple approach could clean up oil remaining from Exxon Valdez spill

Researchers found that adding phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizer can speed up the biodegradation of oil in contaminated soil. The study suggests a treatment scheme involving nitrate salts to stimulate rapid biodegradation by increasing sediment porosity and oxygen availability.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 29, 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.

NINDS awards new Udall Centers for Parkinson's Disease Research

Two new Udall Centers will advance Parkinson's disease research, focusing on genetic studies, brain circuit disruption, and novel treatments. The NINDS investment aims to accelerate basic, translational, and clinical research to find a cure for the devastating illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateSep 29, 2010

Physicists break color barrier for sending, receiving photons

Researchers at the University of Oregon have invented a method to change the color of single photons in a fiber optic cable, enabling faster data transfer and more secure communication. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize quantum computing and internet security.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 29, 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.

Growing nanowires horizontally yields new benefit: 'nano-LEDs'

Researchers at NIST developed a surface-directed method for growing nanowires horizontally, producing nano-LEDs with improved properties. The technique enables easy localization of individual heterojunctions on the surface, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 29, 2010

Decrease in suicide not linked to newer antidepressants

A study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found no link between increased sales of new antidepressants and lower suicide rates. The researchers also ruled out a connection between declining sales of older, more toxic medications and reduced suicide rates.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateSep 29, 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.

Diet when young affects future food responses

A high protein diet during development can prime the body to react unhealthily to future food binges. The study found that rats fed a high protein diet showed increased body weight and fat mass in response to a high energy diet.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateSep 29, 2010

New research could lead to personalized prescriptions

Researchers are studying how genetic code affects warfarin breakdown in Yup'ik Eskimos to develop personalized drug prescriptions. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for Alaska Natives with limited access to healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateSep 29, 2010

Report casts world's rivers in 'crisis state'

A new global analysis reveals nearly 80% of the world's human population lives in areas where river waters are highly threatened, posing a major threat to human water security and biodiversity. Rivers worldwide face similar stresses from agricultural intensification, industrial development, and other factors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2010

Not just an innocent bystander

Researchers found that free heme released from red blood cells during infection causes organ failure, but hemopexin can neutralize its toxic effects. Administering hemopexin improves survival rates in mice and may predict mortality in patients with severe sepsis.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 29, 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.

Doctors need to help patients prepare better for health decisions

A recent study found that the majority of US adults lack sufficient information to make the best medical decisions. To address this issue, doctors need to help patients prepare better for health decisions. Key findings include the importance of informed consent and patient decision aids in ensuring patients' preferences are respected.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateSep 29, 2010

IV treatment may lower risk of dying from bacterial meningitis

A recent study published in Neurology found that intravenous treatment with dexamethasone can significantly reduce the mortality rate of patients with bacterial meningitis. The study revealed a 10% lower death rate among those treated with dexamethasone, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic option.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 29, 2010

Tofu ingredient yields formaldehyde-free glue for plywood

Researchers have created a new soy-based glue that can replace traditional wood adhesives, eliminating the release of formaldehyde vapors. The adhesive, made from soy flour and a special additive, performs as well as conventional adhesives but is environmentally friendly.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 29, 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.

Smartphone apps harvest, spread personal info

A study by Intel Labs, Penn State, and Duke University found that 15 apps send users' geographic location to remote servers. Additionally, 20 applications shared unique phone identifiers and phone numbers with developers without user consent.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 29, 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.

Penn Medicine joins Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative

The Penn Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center is one of 18 official study sites for the PPMI, a $40 million, 5-year observational clinical study that aims to identify biomarkers of Parkinson's disease progression. The study will use advanced imaging, biologics sampling, and behavioral assessments to provide valuab...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateSep 29, 2010

Global study finds widespread threats to world's rivers

A global study reveals that multiple environmental stressors threaten the world's rivers, affecting human water security and biodiversity. The research team integrated maps of 23 stressors to provide a single index, highlighting areas with high incident threat levels.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2010

CEO's fate in hands of external constituents

A study by Rice University found that investment analysts' negative stock recommendations increase the probability of CEO dismissal. The researchers analyzed panel data on S&P 500 companies from 2000 to 2005 and found a significant impact of downgrades on CEO turnover decisions.

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateSep 29, 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.

Milky Way sidelined in galactic tug-of-war

A new computer simulation by Gurtina Besla and her colleagues shows that the Magellanic Stream resulted from a past close encounter between the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, rather than the Milky Way's gravity. The study challenges traditional models of galaxy formation.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 29, 2010

Technique to reattach teeth using stem cells developed at UIC

Researchers at UIC's Brodie Laboratory have successfully developed a technique to reattach teeth using stem cells, which could lead to a major advance in the battle against gum disease. The new strategy involves using periodontal ligament stem cells to form new fibrous attachments between the tooth and bone.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalTissue Engineering·DateSep 29, 2010

NIH awards Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center grants

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and two other centers will explore new treatment strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating disease affecting children and young adults. The goal is to identify existing drugs that can inhibit muscle fibrosis and develop non-invasive imaging techniques to assess muscle damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateSep 29, 2010

Cocaine stored in alcohol: Testing techniques from outside the bottle unveiled

Researchers developed two non-invasive testing methods to identify dissolved cocaine in wine or rum bottles using Raman spectroscopy and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These techniques allow customs officials to quickly detect cocaine without opening the bottle, potentially tracking the recipient without arousing suspicion.

SourceWiley·JournalDrug Testing and Analysis·DateSep 29, 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.

A downside to work flexibility?

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that having more schedule control at work can lead to blurring of boundaries between work and family life. Researchers found that individuals with partial or full schedule control experienced less negative consequences in terms of work-family multitasking activities.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateSep 29, 2010

Less than half of essential workers willing to report to work during a serious pandemic

A recent study found that less than half of essential workers are willing and able to report to work during a serious pandemic. Motivation to work is tied to workplace safety measures, trust in employers, and past experience. Employers can increase worker willingness by providing resources and support for personal obligations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 29, 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.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine researcher among global team investigating genetics of height

A global team of scientists, led by Albert Einstein College of Medicine researcher Robert Kaplan, has identified hundreds of gene variants that influence adult height. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 184,000 people worldwide, proves the effectiveness of genome-wide association studies in explaining observable traits.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2010

Children's well-being and varying degrees of family instability

Research indicates that children experiencing multiple family living arrangements during childhood may face negative effects on their well-being. Family instability can impact a child's physical and emotional health in the short- and long-term, according to Susan L. Brown's new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 29, 2010

New drug offers big relief for osteoarthritis pain

A new drug, tanezumab, significantly reduces knee pain in osteoarthritis, but a small number of participants developed worsening arthritis and bone changes requiring joint replacements. The FDA is examining data to decide on the drug's future use.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 29, 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.

Scientists stack up new genes for height

A large international study has identified hundreds of genes contributing to human height, revealing that a combination of multiple genes determines an individual's stature. The research points the way for future studies exploring how these genes interact to impact growth and development.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2010

Hepatitis C virus faces new weapon from Florida State scientists

Researchers at Florida State University developed a novel genetic screening method to identify drug-resistant HCV strains and molecular-level mechanisms. This technology also works on HIV and influenza, offering a potentially life-saving solution for over 170 million people worldwide infected with HCV.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 29, 2010

UTHealth researcher receives grant for Alzheimer's study

A UTHealth researcher has been awarded a three-year grant to develop an early biochemical diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to detect the disease years before symptoms appear, allowing for treatment to begin earlier and potentially preventing death.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateSep 29, 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.

Surprising stress for caregivers

A study of 58 caregivers found that a lack of understanding and help from friends and relatives is the biggest cause of stress. Caregivers reported signs of anxiety and depression due to common problems such as criticism, social isolation, and difficulty sustaining themselves and their families.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateSep 29, 2010

2010 AAO-HNSF miniseminars: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

Researchers discussed novel approaches in cleft lip repair and highlighted advancements in cochlear implant technology. A new study also explored the importance of health literacy, cultural competency, and health disparities for patients with diverse backgrounds.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 29, 2010

Alcohol consumers are becoming the norm, UT Southwestern analysis finds

A recent analysis by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that more people are consuming alcohol now than in the early 1990s. The study, which gathered data from over 85,000 respondents, suggests that a range of factors, including social, economic and ethnic influences, contribute to the increase.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateSep 29, 2010