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Science News for August 11, 2011


Taking a 'shine' to heart repair

A new treatment developed at Tel Aviv University uses laser-treated bone marrow stem cells to help restore heart function and health. The procedure significantly reduces heart scarring after an ischemic event by up to 80 percent, offering a safer and quicker alternative to existing options.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateAug 11, 2011

Corn silage hybrids and seeding rates

A recent study investigates corn silage hybrid responses to seeding rates, finding all hybrids require similar growth rates at four seeding rates. The study suggests that seeding rates should not be adjusted for different hybrid types.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateAug 11, 2011

Bilayer graphene: Another step toward graphene electronics

Researchers studied electronic properties of bilayer graphene, revealing unique effects due to electron-electron interactions. The material's quasiparticles exhibit chiral symmetry, making it an exciting material for electronic applications.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

The flight of the bumble bee: Why are they disappearing?

Bumble bees, like honey bees, are important pollinators of native plants. Entomologist James Strange is studying a generalist named Bombus huntii that could be used in greenhouses in the western United States as a replacement for declining B. occidentalis populations.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2011

Outbreak C. difficile strain common in Chicago hospitals, investigation finds

A recent investigation found that a common strain of C. difficile, known as BI/NAP1, is endemic in Chicago-area acute care hospitals, putting patients at risk for severe disease. The outbreak strain was spread through patient transfers between healthcare facilities.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 11, 2011

Urban impacts on phosphorus in streams

A study by Washington State University-Vancouver and the University of California-Davis investigated the relationship between human phosphorus sources and aquatic nutrient levels. The research found that a small area contributed to most phosphorus input from human sources, with fertilizer and livestock manure being key drivers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 11, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists explain unique activity of TB drug pyrazinamide

Researchers have discovered how TB drug pyrazinamide effectively shortens the required duration of TB therapy. The drug acts on latent TB bacteria that exist in an acidic environment, converting to its active form to bind and block vital protein RpsA, ultimately killing the bacteria.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011

FASEB MARC program announces the travel award recipients for the 2011 Leadership Development and Grant Writing Seminar for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and new assistant professors

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the winners of its 2011 Leadership Development and Grant Writing Seminar, with a total of $61,050 in awards to support underrepresented graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The program aims to increase highly-trained underrepresented scientists in leadership positions.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateAug 11, 2011

Alien world is blacker than coal

TrES-2b's extremely dark surface is attributed to its high temperature and the presence of light-absorbing chemicals. The planet emits a faint red glow due to its heat, revealing it's not pitch black despite its low reflectivity.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Hidden soil fungus, now revealed, is in a class all its own

Researchers have cultured and identified a new type of fungus, Archaeorhizomycetes finlayi, found in soil for millions of years. The fungus, which is slow-growing and produces spores only in soil, may play a role in breaking down dead plants.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011

Like humans, chimps are born with immature forebrains

A recent study tracking chimpanzee brain development found that both humans and chimps have immature forebrains at birth. The study's findings suggest that this developmental delay may provide an extended period of plasticity, enabling both species to develop complex social skills.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 11, 2011

Coke addicts prefer money in hand to snowy future

Researchers found that cocaine addicts prioritize immediate rewards over delayed ones, regardless of the commodity involved. This study has implications for developing drug treatment programs based on incentives for delaying drug use.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Radiofrequency ablation safely and effectively treats Barrett's esophagus

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) successfully eradicates precancerous cells and intestinal metaplasia in patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, with over 90% of patients showing complete clearance after three years. The procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, reducing complication rates and mortality.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 11, 2011

New tool may yield smaller, faster optoelectronics

Researchers have developed a new technique to manipulate surface plasmons in real time, enabling the creation of ultra-small-scale optoelectronic devices and systems. This innovation allows for on-the-fly control and flexibility in nano-system design and manufacture.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 11, 2011

Worldwide map identifies important coral reefs exposed to stress

The study creates a worldwide map of coral reefs, highlighting areas with high biodiversity and low stress, to inform conservation efforts. The researchers used fuzzy logic and publicly available data to group reef systems into clusters based on their stress exposure grades.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 11, 2011

Depression linked to increased risk of stroke in women

A history of depression is linked to a 29% increased risk of total stroke in women, according to new research. Women who used anti-depressant medication also had a higher risk of stroke, likely due to underlying vascular disease or inflammation.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

NIH-led team maps route for eliciting HIV-neutralizing antibodies

A NIH-led team has discovered a method to guide the evolution of powerful HIV-neutralizing antibodies, which could lead to the development of an effective vaccine. The researchers used deep sequencing and bioinformatics techniques to decipher the genetic data of immune cells that produce these antibodies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011

Stanford engineers redefine how the brain plans movement

Researchers at Stanford University School of Engineering used new measurement technologies and analytical mathematics to study the neurological explanations for movement planning. They found that neural activity varies depending on direction, distance, and speed of a pending movement, departing from previous theories.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNeuron·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Scientists copy the ways viruses deliver genes

Researchers at National Physical Laboratory develop a model peptide sequence dubbed GeT that transports genetic material into human cells, overcoming poor cell membrane permeability. This approach holds promise for gene therapy in treating defective genes such as cancer.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 11, 2011

'Good fat' most prevalent in thin children

A study at Joslin Diabetes Center and Children's Hospital Boston found that 'good' brown fat is prevalent in leaner children, increasing until puberty and then declining. Boosting brown fat activity may be an effective approach to combating childhood obesity.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 11, 2011

National Center for Systems Biology to be established at Medical College

Researchers aim to create a 'virtual rat' model to predict and understand physiological function and disease, filling a gap in understanding complex diseases. The Virtual Physiological Rat (VPR) project will use computer simulations to translate findings from animals to humans, targeting diseases like hypertension and heart failure.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·DateAug 11, 2011

For bugs within bugs within mealybugs, life is a 'patchwork'

Researchers sequenced the genomes of mealybug-dwelling bacteria, revealing a level of molecular integration between species that has never been seen. The study found that the bacteria have evolved to trade metabolites and enzymes to produce essential amino acids, with one genome shrinking to its smallest ever described size.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 11, 2011

Researchers fight cholera with computer forecasting

A new computational model developed by researchers at Ohio State University can forecast where cholera outbreaks are likely to occur in Haiti. The model takes into account various factors, including environmental conditions and human contact, to identify typical patterns of cholera outbreaks and hotspots where control efforts are needed.

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Shooting light a curve

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated a technique to control the curved trajectories of Airy beams in real-time, enabling fast-as-light communication systems and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough uses plasmonic Airy beams to manipulate surface plasmon polaritons, opening doors to new technologies in nano-photonics, biol...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 11, 2011

New model of ALS is based on human cells from autopsied tissue

Researchers have created a new model of ALS using human cells from autopsied tissue, finding that astrocytes secrete toxic factors that cause nerve cell degeneration. The study suggests that inflammatory responses and SOD1 function contribute to both sporadic and familial ALS.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2011

New technology could capture ammonia from liquid manure

Researchers develop method to extract ammonium from liquid animal manure using gas-permeable membrane technology, removing 50% of dissolved ammonium in 20 days. The captured ammonia can be converted into ammonium sulfate fertilizer, potentially offsetting the cost of removal and mitigating environmental pollution.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateAug 11, 2011

Catalyst that makes hydrogen gas breaks speed record

Researchers designed a material that can make energy-storing hydrogen gas 10 times faster than natural enzyme, using inexpensive metals. The synthetic material works at 100,000 molecules of hydrogen gas every second and has potential applications in fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Common themes emerge in hospitals' anti-MRSA efforts: Study

Researchers identified five core themes for successful implementation of evidence-based practices in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to reduce Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Engaging front-line staff, building multi-disciplinary teams, and acquiring top management support are critical commonalities.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Stick-on tattoos go electric

Engineers create epidermal electronic systems (EES) with miniature sensors, light-emitting diodes, tiny transmitters and receivers to measure human physiological data. The devices are seamlessly integrated onto the skin, providing opportunities for non-invasive medical monitoring.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011

Chinese households save more than American households, MU study finds

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that urban Chinese households save significantly more than American households, driven by education-related motives. The study attributes this disparity to cultural values emphasizing education and the lack of social-welfare programs in China.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFamily and Consumer Sciences Research Journal·DateAug 11, 2011

Researchers decode workings of mysterious, but critical TB drug

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have decoded the workings of Pyrazinamide (PZA), a critical TB drug. PZA inhibits trans-translation, a process essential for cell survival under stress conditions, making it effective against non-growing bacteria called persisters.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011

Dual-action protein developed at Stanford better restricts blood vessel formation

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new dual-action protein that effectively prevents the formation of blood vessels by targeting two key chemical receptors. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments and potentially benefit diseases such as macular degeneration.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Supernovae parents found

Researchers found evidence of gas outflows from the supernova ancestors, suggesting they don't originate from white dwarfs. This discovery is crucial for understanding Type Ia supernovae and their immense luminosity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011

Engineered bacteria mop up mercury spills

Researchers have engineered bacteria to withstand high levels of mercury and remove it from their surroundings, providing a potential technology for bioremediation. The bacteria were able to grow in extremely high concentrations of mercury and remove over 80% of it in five days.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2011

Effortless sailing with fluid flow cloak

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a theoretical ability to significantly increase the efficiency of ships by creating a 'fluid flow cloak' that tricks the surrounding water into staying still. The cloak uses porous materials and tiny pumps to push flowing water along, greatly reducing the energy needed to propel vessels.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2011

Dark beer has more iron than pale beer

A team of researchers from the University of Valladolid analyzed 40 brands of beer and found that dark beer contains more free iron than pale and non-alcoholic beers. The average free iron content in dark beer was 121 ppb, while pale beer had an average of 92 ppb.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateAug 11, 2011

Arctic ice melt could pause for several years, then resume again

Researchers found that Arctic ice under current climate conditions is as likely to expand as it is to contract for periods of up to a decade. The study suggests that climate change and variability work together to accelerate sea ice loss, but temporary stabilization or expansion may occur.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

After-hours care affects emergency department use in Leduc

A study found a clear association between after-hours care clinic accessibility and reduced emergency department use. The clinic saw a 40% decrease in semi-urgent patients visiting the ER, suggesting better resource allocation.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·DateAug 11, 2011

Metabolomics as a basis for gender-specific drugs

A study published in PLOS Genetics found that there are significant differences in metabolites between men and women, which may lead to the development of gender-specific treatments for certain diseases. The researchers used metabolomics and genetic data to identify key biomarkers, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 11, 2011

Software predicted risk in California West Nile virus epidemic

The DYCAST program successfully predicted where 81.6% of human cases of the West Nile virus would arise in California in 2005. By using biological parameters, the model identified high-risk areas with a risk 39 times higher than low-risk areas, allowing for targeted mosquito control and reduced human illness.

SourceBrown University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateAug 11, 2011
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.

Intestinal protein may have role in ADHD, other neurological disorders

Scientists discovered that the intestinal membrane receptor protein, GC-C, is also expressed in critical brain areas. The study found that GC-C's activation amplifies dopamine responses, leading to hyperactivity and attention deficits in mice. Treatment with a PKG activator reversed these behavioral problems.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011

Polar climate change may lead to ecological change

Climate change is causing significant changes in polar ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic where permafrost thawing affects land and water ecosystems. This can lead to increased nutrient levels, altered stream networks, and changed habitats for plants and animals.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 11, 2011

Smart skin: Electronics that stick and stretch like a temporary tattoo

Researchers created a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications, and human-machine interfaces on an ultrathin skin-like patch. The circuit bends and stretches like the skin, allowing for comfortable wear and freedom of movement.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2011
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.