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Science News for August 17, 2011


Study finds majority of pharmaceutical ads do not adhere to FDA guidelines

A study published in PLOS ONE found that pharmaceutical advertisements in biomedical journals are often non-compliant with FDA guidelines, failing to provide critical safety and efficacy information. The study's findings highlight the need for improved regulation of pharmaceutical marketing.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 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.

UT leads charge to smart grid with NSF-DOE award

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been awarded a five-year, $18 million grant to lead the development of ultra-wide-area resilient electric energy transmission networks. The center aims to create a smart grid system that operates efficiently and reliably over long distances.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateAug 17, 2011

Maternal fat has negative impact on embryo development

Research found that embryos exposed to high levels of saturated fatty acids have fewer cells, altered gene expression, and impaired metabolic activity. This study suggests a link between maternal obesity and diabetes and reduced fertility, highlighting the importance of pre-pregnancy health for successful conception.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2011
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.

Virus uses 'Swiss Army knife' protein to cause infection

Scientists describe how a multipurpose protein on a virus tail bores into bacteria like a drill bit and clears debris. The 'Swiss Army Knife' protein enables the virus to pump its genetic material into bacteria, infecting them.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 17, 2011

Kinder, gentler cell capture method could aid medical research

A NIST research team has created a potential solution to capturing cells using electric fields while keeping them alive. Their innovative technique, involving polyelectrolyte and fibronectin layers, reduces cell exposure time and improves long-term function, enabling up to week-long survival rates.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 17, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why spiders don't drop off of their threads

Researchers discovered that a small domain in spider silk proteins is responsible for forming strong threads. The N terminal domain plays a crucial role in designing long threads with great tensile strength.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 17, 2011

Life on the wind: Study reveals how microbes travel the Earth

Researchers used computer models to simulate the dispersal of microorganisms in the Earth's atmosphere, finding that smaller microbes can easily travel thousands of kilometers over a year-long period. This study has significant implications for understanding microbial diversity and the potential for disease outbreaks.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateAug 17, 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.

Computers will be able to tell social traits from the face

Researchers have developed a computational tool that can determine whether faces are attractive, threatening or dominant with high accuracy. The tool uses machine learning techniques to analyze facial characteristics and was tested on a set of synthetic images, achieving accuracies of up to 96%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2011

Quantum optical link sets new time records

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have successfully maintained entanglement between two gas clouds of caesium atoms for up to an hour using controlled laser light. This breakthrough enables quantum communication and has potential applications in ultra-precise measurements, including studying human brain activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2011

Study shows suburban schools have worked to 'hoard' advantages

A new study by University of Kansas researchers shows that suburban schools have gained advantages over urban schools, perpetuating educational inequality. The researchers argue that a change in federal education policy is necessary to combat this disparity.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateAug 17, 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.

Using powder-free latex gloves reduces latex allergy rate in health care workers

Using powder-free latex gloves significantly reduced the rate of latex sensitization among healthcare workers. A study found a 16-fold reduction in latex sensitization after institutions switched to powder-free gloves, preventing allergic sensitization and allowing some sensitized workers to lose sensitivity.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 17, 2011

Getting inside the mind (and up the nose) of our ancient ancestors

A team of researchers used advanced imaging techniques to study a 400 million-year-old fossilized jawless fish. They found evidence that the brain of early vertebrates was reorganized before the development of jaws, providing new insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2011

Grant will develop tools to help farmers deal with climate change

A team of researchers from Michigan State University is working on a five-year project to develop tools to help farmers cope with climate variability. The study will focus on corn and soybean growth and profits across 12 states, using models to predict the impact of climate scenarios.

SourceMichigan State University·DateAug 17, 2011

Concerns about efforts to foster the biofuel boom

The US and over 50 countries have integrated biofuels into fuel supply since the 1920s, with government policies relying on corn and other food crops. However, a more realistic view of biofuel potential has emerged, highlighting negative impacts on rural economies and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 17, 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.

Engineer to measure vehicle emissions on highways

A portable device will be built to map real-time particulate matter concentrations on Southern California highways. This study aims to quantify the highest potential exposure to particulate matter during daily commutes, enabling a better assessment of public exposure to particulate emissions on highways.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 17, 2011

Insecticide resistance could threaten long-term malaria prevention and elimination in Africa

Research in Senegal found growing resistance to a common insecticide class among mosquitoes, coupled with increased susceptibility of older children and adults, resulting in malaria resurgence. The study suggests that new strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the devastating effects of insecticide resistance on malaria control.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 17, 2011

Gene combination increases risk of lung cancer, particularly in light smokers, CAMH study finds

A CAMH study found that a specific gene combination significantly increases lung cancer risk, particularly among light smokers with two high-risk variants of the nicotine metabolic and nicotinic genes. The genetic risk was higher in lighter smokers, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to reduce lung cancer risk.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 17, 2011

Sniffer dogs can be used to detect lung cancer

Researchers have found that sniffer dogs can reliably detect lung cancer by identifying volatile organic compounds in patients' breath. The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, used trained dogs to detect lung cancer with an accuracy rate of 71%, surpassing current detection methods.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 17, 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.

Researchers complete first major survey of amphibian fungus in Asia

A new survey of the deadly fungus chytridiomycosis in Asia has found very low levels of infection among amphibians, with only 2.35% prevalence across 15 countries. However, researchers warn that this could be a sign of emerging disease or other factors preventing invasion.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2011

Consumers willing to pay more for sustainable apparel if business is transparent, MU study finds

Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and ethical products from apparel companies that practice transparency. However, skepticism about corporate claims of sustainability persists due to suspicion of marketing ploys. To build trust, consumers demand standardized authentication from authorities like the government.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClothing and Textiles Research Journal·DateAug 17, 2011

Moon and Earth may be younger than originally thought

A new study using lead and neodymium isotopes in lunar rocks indicates the moon is approximately 4.36 billion years old, challenging the long-held estimate of 4.5 billion years old. This finding also has implications for the age of Earth, suggesting it may be younger than previously believed.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 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.

Johns Hopkins Evidence-based Practice Center awarded $475,000 project

The Johns Hopkins Wound Center and the Evidence-based Practice Center are conducting an evidence-based review of wound care to determine what is known and unknown about it. This study aims to inform health care providers and patients about effective state-of-the-art wound care treatments, ultimately improving outcomes for six million p...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateAug 17, 2011

Parasite-infected rodents attracted to cat odor study finds

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals how the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii alters rodent fear responses to attract them towards cat odors. Infected rodents exhibit increased neural activity in regions associated with sexual attraction, suggesting a link between fear and attraction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 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.

Ambitious goals = satisfaction

A study by University of California, Riverside assistant marketing professor Cecile K. Cho found that people are more satisfied when they set ambitious goals compared to conservative goals. The experiment involved participants setting targets and allocating a budget, with high-goal setters averaging higher satisfaction levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 17, 2011

New tool allows first responders to visualize post-event disaster environments

The Standard Unified Modeling, Mapping and Integration Toolkit (SUMMIT) enables emergency responders to view and modify accurate models of building damage and other disaster effects in real-time. This enhances the cycle of activities that emergency response teams undertake, improving preparedness and response effectiveness.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateAug 17, 2011

NIST tests help ensure reliable wireless alarm beacons for first responders

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed test methods to evaluate the reliability of wireless alarm beacons for firefighters and emergency responders. The tests found that even weak signals can cause delays or failures, making it essential to ensure these devices operate reliably in realistic conditions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 17, 2011

Penn physicists undo the 'coffee ring effect'

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania discovered that changing particle shape can disrupt the coffee ring effect, a ring-shaped stain left after coffee drops evaporate. By using non-spherical particles, they found that it's possible to eliminate this phenomenon and achieve uniform coating deposition.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2011

Arctic ice melt could pause in coming decades

A new study finds that Arctic sea ice under current climate conditions is as likely to expand as it is to contract for periods of up to about a decade. Researchers used computer modeling to simulate the behavior of the ice and found that it may temporarily stabilize or slightly increase in extent over the next few decades. However, lon...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 17, 2011
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.

Study aims to improve fuel economy by 30 percent

Researchers at University of California, Riverside are developing a comprehensive driver feedback technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions. The project aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 30%, leveraging existing technology and integrating features like trip planning, improved driving efficiency, and periodic reporting.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 17, 2011

Change the environment, not the child

A new rehabilitation approach for children with cerebral palsy, called 'context-focused intervention', has been shown to be equally beneficial as traditional child-focused therapy. The study found no significant differences in daily functioning between the two treatment groups.

SourceMcMaster University·DateAug 17, 2011

Man in the moon looking younger

A team of scientists, including Carnegie's Richard Carlson, has estimated the age of a lunar rock sample at 4.36 billion years, significantly younger than earlier estimates of 4.568 billion years. This finding supports the idea that the oldest crusts on both Earth and Moon formed around the same time after a giant impact.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2011

Friendship, timing key differences between US, Eastern European love

Residents of US, Lithuania, and Russia view romantic love through different lenses. While 'being together' is a common requirement, expressions of 'comfort/love' and 'friendship' are more prevalent in the US than Eastern Europe. Americans take longer to fall in love, with over 90% reporting it within a month compared to 58% in the US.

SourceSAGE·JournalCross-Cultural Research·DateAug 17, 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.

Everyday clairvoyance: How your brain makes near-future predictions

Scientists identified a key brain region and system involved in predicting the near future, which may help diagnose early stage neurological diseases such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's. The study found that participants were more accurate in predicting events within an event but struggled across boundaries.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateAug 17, 2011

Study: College students not eating enough fruits and veggies

A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that college students are not meeting the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, with many consuming less than one serving per day. The research highlights the importance of teaching essential life skills such as meal planning and cooking to foster healthy eating habits.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateAug 17, 2011

Competitive Scrabble makes you smarter

Researchers found that competitive Scrabble players can develop visual word recognition ability in adulthood, recognizing English words up to 20% faster than non-players. They also showed less reliance on the word's meaning and more on its visual appearance, allowing for efficient recognition of letter sequences.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateAug 17, 2011

Human pathogen killing corals in the Florida Keys

A research team has identified human sewage as the source of the coral-killing pathogen that causes white pox disease in Caribbean elkhorn coral. The bacterium, Serratia marcescens, is also a pathogen of humans, causing respiratory and urinary tract infections.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 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.

Researchers improving GPS accuracy in the 3rd dimension

Developed by Ohio State University researchers, the software improves GPS vertical accuracy in hazardous regions and can be used to measure glacier melting. Initial tests showed accurate positioning within centimeters of accuracy, with a success rate of up to 97%.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMeasurement Science and Technology·DateAug 17, 2011

The future of inks, paints and coatings takes shape

The study found that changing particle shape can eliminate the coffee ring effect, resulting in a uniform coating. This discovery has potential commercial applications, enabling new techniques for product coatings and inks.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2011

Research team achieves first 2-color STED microscopy of living cells

A research team from Yale University has successfully achieved two-color stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy in living cells, overcoming previous challenges in labeling target proteins. The breakthrough enables resolutions of 78 nanometers and 82 nanometers for sequential scans of two proteins in living cells.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 17, 2011
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.

Computational method predicts new uses for existing medicines

A new computational method using genomic information predicts new uses for existing medicines, including treating Crohn's disease with prednisolone and inflammatory bowel diseases with topiramate. This approach could improve treatments, save time and money, and provide insights into disease progression and drug mechanisms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 17, 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.

Moon younger than previously thought

A team of scientists has re-dated a lunar rock sample from Apollo 16, concluding it is almost 100 million years younger than expected. The new age of 4.36 billion years suggests the Moon solidified later than previously thought, potentially making it much younger.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2011

Milk better than water to rehydrate kids: McMaster study

A study by McMaster University found that milk is more effective than water or sports drinks in rehydrating children after exercise. Milk provides high-quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and electrolytes, helping the body retain fluid better and supporting muscle development.

SourceMcMaster University·DateAug 17, 2011

Researchers find way to align gold nanorods on a large scale

Researchers from NC State University have developed a simple, scalable method to align gold nanorods, which respond differently to light depending on their orientation. The team used electrospun polymer nano/microfibers to achieve long-range alignment of the nanorods at both nanoscale and larger length scales.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 17, 2011

New nanostructured glass for imaging and recording

Scientists have created a new type of computer memory using nano-structured glass that can record and store data in a permanent form, revolutionizing medical imaging and material processing. The technology uses ultra-short laser pulses to imprint tiny dots in the glass, enabling precise imaging and manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 17, 2011

NSF funds research to simulate geoscience field trips

College students with mobility impairments will explore a computer-generated simulation of Mammoth Cave, allowing them to meet degree requirements for field-based learning experiences. The project aims to create an interactive, virtual environment that is tailored to their abilities and provides a sense of realism.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateAug 17, 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.

Gator in your tank: Alligator fat as a new source of biodiesel fuel

Scientists have discovered that alligator fat can be converted into high-quality biodiesel, meeting official standards and rivaling soybean oil in composition. The alligator meat industry's waste product is now being explored as a non-food source of biodiesel fuel.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateAug 17, 2011

Better mattresses improve care, cut hospital costs: U of T study

A U of T study found that upgrading to pressure-reduction mattresses can prevent 1,005 pressure ulcers and save $7.2 million in healthcare costs annually for elderly patients in Ontario's emergency departments. The cost of upgrading would be 30 cents per patient, resulting in a savings of $32 per patient.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 17, 2011