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Science News for September 7, 2010


Research on team loyalty yields new insight into 'die-hard' fandom

Researchers found that individuals maintain attachment to their old team or city as a way of asserting their identity after relocating. Nostalgia for the old hometown also plays a role in consumption choices among fans. The study's findings have implications for sports broadcasting and fan engagement.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateSep 7, 2010

A more robust, reliable Internet

A team of researchers, led by Patrick Crowley, is working on a new Internet architecture that focuses on named data networking. This approach aims to reduce redundant network traffic and improve security, enabling the connection of a large number of wireless and mobile devices.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateSep 7, 2010
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Acamprosate prevents relapse to drinking in alcoholism

Acamprosate reduces the number of patients returning to drinking and increases abstinence days by an average of three days a month. The drug has been shown to be safe and effective as an additional treatment for alcoholism, offering moderate benefits in trials.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fungal threat to archived film

Fungal growth on film reels can lead to degradation of historic film and pose a risk to archivists. Common mold species Aspergillus and Penicillium are released into the air, exceeding safe exposure levels.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 7, 2010

NIH to launch Gulf oil spill health study

The National Institutes of Health will launch a multi-year study to investigate the potential health effects of the oil spill in the Gulf region. The study, led by NIEHS, aims to evaluate exposure to oil and dispersant products and their impact on respiratory, neurobehavioral, carcinogenic, and immunological conditions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateSep 7, 2010

Radiologists identify and treat teenage self-injury

Using ultrasound and a minimally-invasive procedure, radiologists can identify and remove embedded foreign objects from patients with self-embedding behavior. Early detection and removal are key steps for effective therapy and recovery.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 7, 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.

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.

Computer-based video analysis boosts data gathering in behavioral studies

A new computer system, based on a model of the human brain's visual processing, accurately identifies mouse behaviors in videos, reducing tedious data logging tasks. The open-source software is available for free and can be easily trained to work with other lab animals, increasing productivity in behavioral research.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2010

NIH study shows how insulin stimulates fat cells to take in glucose

Researchers at NIH used high-resolution microscopy to understand how fat cells absorb glucose in response to insulin. The findings may aid in identifying the interval when someone becomes at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 7, 2010

Termites foretell climate change in Africa's savannas

Scientists mapped termite mounds to understand vegetation patterns and geology, revealing how changes in rainfall affect the landscape. The research uses termite mounds as indicators of ecological shifts from climate change.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2010

Fox Chase researchers uncover activation signal for Aurora-A oncogene

A team of Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers identified an activation signal for the Aurora-A oncogene, a hyperactive enzyme driving tumor cell proliferation. The discovery may lead to new insights into how cell division is timed and potentially improve treatment options by combining AurA inhibitors with other drugs.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2010

Unrelated kidney donor study shows age and obesity increase complications

Patients over 50 and obese recipients are at higher risk of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). Elevated triglyceride levels, CMV infection, and delayed graft function also significantly increase the risk. Researchers found that age and obesity increased TRAS by 190% and 697%, respectively.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Renal Care·DateSep 7, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

First Irish genome sequenced

A research team from UCD Conway Institute has successfully sequenced the first entire genome of an Irish individual, revealing nearly 200,000 indels and over 3 million SNPs. The study identifies novel genetic markers specific to Irish ancestry and potential disease indicators.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 7, 2010

Virginia Tech researchers contribute to turkey genome sequencing

The international consortium has completed the majority of the genome sequence of the domesticated turkey, with over 90% of the genome sequenced and assembled. The research will provide knowledge of specific genes important in meat yield and quality, health, disease resistance, fertility, and reproduction.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 7, 2010

A better way to treat HIV-infected children?

A new study found that children treated with protease inhibitors and then switched to Nevirapine were more likely to maintain low virus levels. The switch regime is easier for parents to adhere to, saving money, but requires adequate monitoring of virus levels.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateSep 7, 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.

Low-income neighborhoods experience far more injuries than high-income areas

Researchers found that low-income neighborhoods have nearly 20 times more penetrating injuries and six times higher blunt injury rates compared to high-income areas. The study suggests that interventions are needed to reduce injury rates in low-income neighborhoods.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 7, 2010

Wrist splints in children as effective as casts

A randomized controlled trial found wrist splints to be as effective as casts for treating distal radius fractures in children. Patient satisfaction with splint treatment was higher than with cast treatment.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 7, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

UC San Diego to lead personalized medicine project on mood-stabilizer

A team led by UC San Diego aims to study the genetic bases of bipolar disorder and lithium treatment through a 5-year project, expanding the NIH's Pharmacogenomics Research Network. The goal is to identify key genetic markers to personalize treatment and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 7, 2010

A new center is attracting researchers worldwide

The Centre for Geogenetics is a globally unique facility that bridges the natural sciences and humanities, offering new insights into human migration, climate change, and disease treatment. With its advanced techniques, it aims to calculate the future more accurately by understanding the past.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateSep 7, 2010

Harmful amyloid interferes with trash pickup for cells in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have discovered that the harmful amyloid protein in Alzheimer's disease interferes with the cellular process of breaking down proteins, leading to an accumulation of toxic debris. The study reveals a natural mechanism for getting rid of excess amyloid, which may help understand the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateSep 7, 2010

The digital film reel

The use of digital film reels is becoming increasingly common in the movie industry, with digital cinema packages (DCPs) replacing analog film. The easyDCP Creator software makes creating these digital film packages easier, allowing for simple and clear operation without full expertise on ISO standards.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 7, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Morning sickness: Still no relief

A systematic review of available evidence finds that pharmaceutical and alternative medicines offer limited relief from morning sickness in pregnancy. Despite a lack of conclusive results, some studies suggest potential benefits from ginger, vitamin B6, and acustimulation.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010

ASA, CSSA and SSSA present scholarships and fellowships

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) are presenting various scholarships and fellowships to students pursuing careers in agronomy and plant sciences. The scholarships include the Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship, United Soybean Board Fellowship...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateSep 7, 2010
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

2010 Balzan Prize winners announced in Milan

The 2010 Balzan Prizewinners were announced in Milan for their groundbreaking work in European History, The History of Theatre, Stem Cells, and Mathematics. Carlo Ginzburg won for his work on European History, while Manfred Brauneck received the prize for The History of Theatre.

SourceGold Communications·DateSep 7, 2010

Having a male co-twin improves mental rotation performance in females

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that females with a male co-twin score higher on mental rotation tasks than those with a female co-twin. The study suggests that prenatal masculinization may play a role in this skill, which is often associated with testosterone levels.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 7, 2010
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Short sleepers at higher risk of diabetes and heart disease

A study by researchers at the University of Warwick has found that short sleep duration is associated with a significant increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. People who sleep less than six hours a night are three times more likely to develop impaired fasting glycaemia, a pre-diabetic state.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateSep 7, 2010

Casing the joint

Researchers have created a new animal model for rheumatoid arthritis that closely mimics the human disease. The KRN-CTM model exhibits chronic inflammation and cartilage damage similar to human cases.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 7, 2010
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Sexual health: Computer-based approaches increase knowledge

Interactive computer packages moderately increase knowledge about sexual health issues and are as effective as face-to-face interventions for improving knowledge. However, their effectiveness in addressing other concerns like psychosexual difficulties or relationship problems is unclear.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010

Carbohydrate claims can mislead consumers

A study of 4,320 consumer panelists found that low-carbohydrate claims can mislead consumers into perceiving products as healthier and more helpful for weight management. However, when Nutrition Facts panels are available, perceptions become more accurate.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 7, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Addressing negative thoughts most effective in fighting loneliness

A meta-analysis found that changing how people perceive and think about others is the most effective way to combat loneliness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy-based interventions were particularly effective in reducing loneliness by addressing negative thoughts about self-worth and social perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateSep 7, 2010

What can a New Zealand reptile tell us about false teeth?

Researchers have used a tuatara's 3D computer model to understand how its jaw joints and muscles work together to prevent tooth damage. The study suggests that humans could benefit from a similar feedback system to reduce the risk of dental implant failures.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateSep 7, 2010
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Sequencing the turkey genome

The international consortium's completion of the turkey genome sequence promises to provide new insights into avian genetics and improve turkey quality. The sequence will enable scientists to better understand specific genes important in meat yield, health, and disease resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 7, 2010

New lymphoma treatment shows promise in dogs

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new target for cancer therapy in dogs and tested a compound that arrested tumor growth and induced partial remission. The study suggests that the treatment could be effective and safe, potentially adding to existing lymphoma treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 7, 2010

Irrigation's cooling effects may mask warming in some regions -- for now

Scientists found that irrigation can have a significant cooling effect on regional temperatures, with some areas experiencing up to 3 degrees C cooling. However, the study also warns of impending water scarcity due to overuse of groundwater aquifers, which could exacerbate food shortages and temperature increases.

SourceColumbia Climate School·DateSep 7, 2010

Microbial breakthrough impacts health, agriculture, biofuels

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered how a cow rumen bacterium breaks down hemicellulose into simple sugars, with implications for human health, nutrition, and biofuel production. The study provides an enzyme cocktail that can release simple sugars from plant cell walls, advancing the biofuels industry.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 7, 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.

Multivitamin use doesn't impact colon cancer outcomes

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that multivitamin use did not impact colon cancer outcomes in patients with stage III colon cancer. Multivitamin use had no beneficial effect on patients' survival rates but may have a small association with survival benefits for younger patients and those who are obese.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 7, 2010

Excessive drinking may lead to poor brain health via obesity

A new study suggests that excessive drinking is associated with poor brain health due to obesity. Researchers found that high body mass index (BMI) was linked to lower brain metabolite levels and poorer brain function in individuals with alcohol dependence.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateSep 7, 2010

NIH expands network focused on how genes affect drug responses

The NIH is expanding its Pharmacogenomics Research Network (PGRN) with a $161.3 million investment over five years. The network aims to develop novel research methods and study the use of pharmacogenetics in underserved populations, including rheumatoid arthritis and bipolar disorder.

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

NIH ramps up Human Microbiome Project

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $42 million to expand eight demonstration projects investigating the link between changes in the human microbiome and health, as part of the Human Microbiome Project. The expanded studies will also support technology development to improve microbiome identification and characterization.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateSep 7, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Ritalin improves brain function, task performance in cocaine abusers

A study found that Ritalin improved impaired brain function and enhanced cognitive performance in people addicted to cocaine. The medication combined with cognitive interventions may have a role in facilitating recovery from drug addiction.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2010

Restoring coastal wetlands? Check the soil

Scientists studied soil moisture, porewater salinity, and hydrological relationships in a historically freshwater floodplain forest to develop restoration plans. They found that conditions in the vadose zone are crucial for seedling survival in coastal floodplain ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateSep 7, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

$9.1 million grant to improve drug therapy using gene profiles

The Ohio State University will enhance drug response rates and reduce adverse reactions with a $9.1 million grant for a five-year study on expression genetics in drug therapy. The project aims to identify genetic differences among individuals to predict optimal treatment and prevent side effects.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateSep 7, 2010

Antibiotics: Longer treatment times that benefit children may cost society

A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that longer antibiotic treatment courses in children with middle ear infections slightly reduce the risk of treatment failure. However, this benefit comes at a significant cost to society, as overuse of antibiotics contributes to drug resistance and increased healthcare expenditure.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010

Bariatric operations reduce odds of gestational diabetes, cesarean section

A retrospective study found that obese women who undergo bariatric procedures before pregnancy are 3 times less likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who have bariatric operations after delivery. Additionally, deliveries after bariatric procedures were associated with reduced odds of cesarean section.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 7, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

UCSF receives $15 million to advance personalized medicine

The UCSF team will receive two grants totaling $15.1 million over five years to expand their research into how genes affect medication response. The goal is to pave the way for personalized medication, allowing for safer and more effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateSep 7, 2010

Study: Teasing about weight can affect pre-teens profoundly

A new study suggests that weight-based criticism in pre-teens can lead to negative body perceptions, lower self-esteem, and increased risk of internalizing problems. The research highlights the need for early identification and intervention efforts at schools to address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateSep 7, 2010

Is hand washing enough to stop the spread of disease?

A study found that hand washing without thorough drying increases the risk of bacterial transfer, while using paper towels or a rapid air jet hand dryer reduces the risk. Rubbing hands together during drying can counteract hand washing effects.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateSep 7, 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.

Mapping a brain atlas

A team of scientists has created a brain atlas that maps the connections between different parts of the human brain. This atlas will help researchers better understand disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, which are believed to be caused by abnormal connections among different regions within the brain.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBrain·DateSep 7, 2010

Subseafloor observatories installed to run dynamic experiments

Researchers installed two observatories in the ocean floor to run innovative experiments at the bottom of the sea. The CORKs will help scientists find answers about how ocean crust sections connect and interact with each other. The experiments will provide direct evidence of active flow pathways and rates in the ocean crust.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 7, 2010

Choice of career is a major risk factor for persistent neurodermatitis

A longitudinal study of over 4000 subjects found that occupational exposure to substances like flour or disinfectants is a significant risk factor for adolescents developing persistent neurodermatitis. The study also highlights the importance of considering career choices in patient care and counseling.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 7, 2010

Scientists develop device to enable improved global data transmission

Researchers have developed a new device that can eliminate phase noise and cross talk in optical communication networks, enabling improved data transmission. The device uses phase sensitive amplification and regeneration to restore signal quality, allowing for increased network capacity and reduced energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 7, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

NIH expands key pharmacogenomics resource

The NIH is expanding its Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base (PharmGKB) to analyze genomes and identify genetic variations associated with disease risk and adverse drug reactions. The goal is to develop tools that automatically extract information from biomedical literature and databases to improve the safety and efficacy of medicines.

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

Mount Sinai researchers find new target to improve pain management

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a major mechanism underlying the development of tolerance to chronic morphine treatment. They identified changes in the brain and spinal cord that occur during the development of morphine tolerance, providing a therapeutic target for preventing it.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 7, 2010

Premier issue of new Childhood Obesity journal launched by Mary Ann Liebert Inc., publishers

The premier issue of Childhood Obesity aims to provide physicians, nurses, and policymakers with actionable content on environmental and policy changes, patient education, and clinical advances in the field. The journal features an editorial by US Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin and a series of essays on addressing childhood obesity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateSep 7, 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.

Researchers identify gene set that shows which patients benefit from chemo after surgery

A genetic signature has been identified that can help doctors determine which patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer are at high risk for developing disease recurrence and may benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. The study found that the 15-gene signature predicted aggressive disease in 62 patients, and those with agg...

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 7, 2010

Universe chaotic from very beginning

Physicist Adilson E. Motter and colleague Katrin Gelfert show that chaos is absolute in the universe's early expansion, disagreeing with previous studies' relative views. The study implies that the early universe experienced erratic changes between red- and blue-shift directions, confirming chaotic behavior.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications in Mathematical Physics·DateSep 7, 2010

These dendritic cells are fishy, but that's a good thing

Researchers have identified dendritic cells in zebrafish, opening up new possibilities for studying the complexities of the human immune system. The discovery provides another model for investigating the mammalian immune system, particularly with regard to humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2010