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Science News for August 16, 2011


A new look below the surface of nanomaterials

A new angle-resolved photoemission technique allows researchers to probe a depth of up to 20 times beyond the previous limit, providing more detailed information about electron motion and bonding in materials. This breakthrough enables studies of new types of materials for various applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 16, 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.

A tool to measure stress hormone in birds -- feathers

A Tufts University study found that analyzing bird feathers can detect corticosterone levels, a hormone linked to avian stress response. The technique provides a long-term snapshot of stress exposure and has implications for conservationists studying human impacts on wildlife.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateAug 16, 2011

MIT: Oxygen's watery past

MIT researchers found evidence that tiny aerobic organisms may have evolved to survive on extremely low levels of oxygen in oceanic 'oxygen oases.' Laboratory experiments with yeast suggest early ancestors could have thrived with minimal O2, reconciling a debate over early Earth's atmosphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2011

How soft corals defy their environment

A team of researchers discovered that a single extracellular protein, ECMP-67, drives the formation of calcite in soft corals. This finding allows for understanding how these organisms thrive in environments where other species cannot survive.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2011

Speaking and understanding speech share the same parts of the brain

Research finds speaking and understanding speech use same areas of the brain, with no involvement of motor regions when listening, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that language-related problems may not always be independent, and offers new avenues for treatment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 16, 2011

UofL's Ruth Carrico selected for National Nurse Fellowship

Ruth Carrico, an associate professor at the University of Louisville, has been named one of 21 RWJF Executive Nurse Fellows. The program aims to enhance nurse leaders' effectiveness in improving the US healthcare system, with a focus on addressing health care-associated infections.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateAug 16, 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.

UConn scientist develops sterile variety of invasive plant

A team of researchers at UConn has developed a seedless variety of the invasive plant Euonymus alatus, known as 'burning bush', which retains its attractive foliage but eliminates its ability to spread. This breakthrough could help restore the plant's popularity in commercial markets and mitigate its environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalHortScience·DateAug 16, 2011

Tsunami observed by radar

Scientists have successfully observed a tsunami using high-frequency radar, which can detect changes in ocean currents and track wave movement. This innovation could lead to improved early warning systems for coastal regions like Southeast Asia and the East Coast.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalRemote Sensing·DateAug 16, 2011

Zinc lozenges may shorten common cold duration

Zinc lozenges have been found to reduce the duration of common cold episodes by an average of 42% for trials using zinc acetate in high doses. However, low-dose zinc lozenges showed no effect on cold duration.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Open Respiratory Medicine Journal·DateAug 16, 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.

Medication for severe, chronic gout associated with improvement in symptoms

A recent study found that pegloticase significantly reduces plasma uric acid levels and improves physical function and quality of life in patients with severe, chronic gout. The medication was effective in achieving the primary outcome in approximately 42% of patients, with significant improvements also seen in patient-reported pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2011

Genomewide mapping reveals developmental and environmental impacts

A study published in PLOS Genetics found that thousands of genes affect plant adaptation to environmental challenges. The researchers used a genomewide association mapping approach to identify key genes involved in defense metabolism, revealing significant influences from both internal growth and external environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 16, 2011

Soft coral builds strong reefs

A new study has found that soft corals, once believed to be minor contributors to coral reef structure, are actually a crucial component of the ecosystem. Soft coral skeletal elements called sclerites were discovered to make up massive parts of reefs in the South China Sea.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCoral Reefs·DateAug 16, 2011

Cigarette smoking implicated in half of bladder cancers in women

A new study by the National Cancer Institute finds that cigarette smoking is responsible for about half of female bladder cancer cases, similar to the proportion found in men. The risk is higher than previously reported and may be due to changes in cigarette composition or smoking habits over the years.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 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.

Mimicking biological complexity, in a tiny particle

Researchers at MIT have created a way to make microparticles of nearly any shape using temperature-sensitive materials, allowing for precise placement of drugs and cells. This technique enables the creation of artificial tissues that mimic natural tissue structures.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2011

State of the art in health policy and systems research

The article critically examines the current challenges to the field of health policy and systems research (HPSR), emphasizing the need for exploratory and explanatory types of research. The authors call for greater attention to capacity building in low- and middle-income countries, supporting local policy development and health systems...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2011

Defect in A20 gene expression causes rheumatoid arthritis

A defective gene can contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis by disrupting inflammatory responses, and a new mouse model reveals this connection. Researchers identified A20 as a key player in controlling inflammation, suggesting it may be a target for developing new treatments.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 16, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Any prime-boost mix of injected or spray flu vaccine shields toddlers

A new study by NIH-funded researchers found that a prime-boost mix of injected or spray flu vaccine provides the broadest immune response in young children. The study also found that nasal spray vaccine stimulates a wide array of immune T cells, which may be important for protection against diverse flu strains.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 2011

Ions control shape of nanofibers grown on clear substrate

Scientists create a method for growing straight carbon nanofibers on clear substrate, enabling novel biomedical research tools and applications. The technique relies on ions to ensure the nanofibers are straight.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 16, 2011
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.

Nature reaches for the high-hanging fruit

Scientists applied theoretical morphology techniques to study terpenes in plants, discovering a disparity between predicted and actual abundances. They found that nature favors rarer, harder-to-synthesize forms of these chemicals, which could lead to new effective drugs.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2011

Switch in cell's 'power plant' declines with age, rejuvenated by drug

Researchers found a protein in mitochondria involved in energy regulation decreases with age, but is increased by losartan treatment, leading to lowered blood pressure and cellular energy usage. This discovery may lead to new treatments for mitochondrial-specific diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and frailty.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Want to keep your exercise resolutions? New research offers pointers

A new study explores how cognitive strategies and abilities increase 'situation-specific self-confidence,' a quality that enhances exercise adherence. Participants who improved their executive function skills, such as multitasking and goal-setting, were more likely to stick with an exercise program.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 16, 2011

Largest global childhood pneumonia etiology study launched

The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) study aims to systematically look at current and likely future causes of childhood pneumonia in seven countries. The study will inform global efforts against pneumonia, the world's biggest killer of young children.

SourceInternational Vaccine Access Center·DateAug 16, 2011

Cells derived from pluripotent stem cells are developmentally immature

Researchers found that human embryonic stem cell-derived cells bear striking differences from human tissue cells in gene expression, functionality, and appearance. The cells' developmental maturity is also a concern, particularly for transplantation and disease modeling, as they may not mature to the same levels as adult cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Research·DateAug 16, 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.

Scientists show how gene variant linked to ADHD could operate

A study using mice reveals how a specific gene variant could contribute to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers found that the D4.7 variant of the dopamine D4 receptor subtype was not able to interact with another brain region in a way that reduces glutamate release, leading to symptoms of ADHD.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 16, 2011

Fat around heart may be early indicator of coronary disease

A study published in Radiology found that pericardial fat is more strongly related to coronary artery plaque than body mass index or waist circumference. This association suggests that fat around the heart may be an early indicator of coronary disease, particularly in overweight individuals.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 16, 2011

Research identifies benefits of the open source software market

A study by Columbia Business School researchers finds that commercial open source software results in high-quality products, benefiting both consumers and producers. The model identified spillover effects of the market on social welfare, despite the free-riding inherent in the industry.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 16, 2011

'Methyl magnet' genes can cause family cancer risk

Tiny alterations in genes can act as magnets for biochemical tags, switching off anti-cancer genes and increasing cancer susceptibility. The study found subtle changes near the start of genes attract methylation, causing cancer development in families without spelling mistakes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 16, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fast asleep to wide awake -- hibernating bears, predation and pregnancy

A new study tracked wild black bears' heart rates throughout the year, revealing that they experience extreme variations in heart rate during hibernation. Pregnant bears showed increased heart rates as their pregnancy progressed, while mothers exhibited reduced movement after giving birth to prevent accidental harm to their cubs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateAug 16, 2011

New research reveals brain's protection mechanism during stroke

Scientists have identified a natural protection mechanism in some brain nerve cells during stroke, which could be used to develop treatments to protect other nerve cell types. The research found that one type of nerve cell, the CA3 cell, is more resistant to stroke-induced damage and possesses a mechanism for reducing its susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateAug 16, 2011

The burly bird catches the girl

Researchers found that male rock ptarmigans can run up to 50% faster than females due to superior physiology, enabling them to defend larger territories and successfully breed. This study highlights the importance of considering physiological factors in understanding animal behavior and breeding success.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateAug 16, 2011
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

DNA construction software saves time, resources and money

A new DNA construction software, j5, streamlines the process by identifying cost-effective strategies and automating protocols. This enables researchers to focus on primary interests while reducing labor-intensive tasks.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalInterface·DateAug 16, 2011

Malignant stem cells may explain why some breast cancers develop and recur

Abnormalities in breast cancer stem cells found in some cancers can lead to tumor development and recurrence, according to a recent study published by OHSU Knight Cancer Institute researchers. The study suggests that these mutated cells are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation, allowing the disease to recur.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateAug 16, 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.

New drug aids gout patients not helped by standard treatments

Researchers report significant and sustained clinical improvements in 42% of patients with chronic gout resistant to conventional therapies. Pegloticase lowers uric acid levels and resolves painful swollen joint nodules, improving physical function and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2011

A faster, cheaper way to diagnose TB

Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) that is faster and cheaper than current methods. The method uses microcalorimeters to detect the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, allowing for rapid diagnosis and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateAug 16, 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.

Improved method for capturing proteins holds promise for biomedical research

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method for producing antibody-like binding agents, called DNA synbodies, which can be rapidly optimized for high affinity. The technique uses pre-existing ligands to create artificial antibodies capable of detecting diseases, offering a promising alternative to traditional mo...

SourceArizona State University·JournalChemBioChem·DateAug 16, 2011

Thyroid cancer treatment varies by hospital, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that thyroid cancer treatment varies greatly depending on where patients receive care. Radioactive iodine treatment is being used more frequently overall, but hospital factors play a significant role in its use, accounting for 29% of variation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted Aug. 8, 2011

Recent studies in California's Poison Lake chain, the Kyushu region of Japan, and the Cuyama River in California have revealed diverse volcanic formations and complex tectonic interactions. In California, research suggests that discrete batches of basalt erupted along a short normal fault zone, while in Japan, volcano-tectonic processe...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateAug 16, 2011

Fermilab scientist receives $2.5 million award for innovative accelerator work

Alex Romanenko, a Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory scientist, has been awarded $2.5 million to expand his research on superconducting radio frequency cavities made of niobium metal. His work could lead to the development of more efficient and powerful accelerators for medicine, energy, and discovery science.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateAug 16, 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.

Stress can affect future offspring

A new study found that stress experienced by young female rats can affect their future offspring, causing behavior impairments. However, providing an enriched environment can ameliorate some of the negative effects. The study also showed that offspring raised in enriched environments can offset inherited effects.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology·DateAug 16, 2011

NIH awards WSU researcher $1.39M to study chromatin's role in cell division

A recent NIH award of $1.39M will support a study led by Dr. Lori A. Pile to investigate the alteration of chromatin structure during cell division, which is crucial for normal cell growth and cancer development. The findings aim to refine cancer treatments currently undergoing clinical trials.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateAug 16, 2011
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.

Making a bee-line for the best rewards

Researchers found that bumblebees significantly reduced flight distances by learning and memorizing individual flower locations, prioritizing the shortest route. This innovative approach demonstrates that bees can solve complex routing problems without a sophisticated cognitive representation of space.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 16, 2011