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Science News for August 18, 2011


NYU Langone researchers reveal a new mechanism of genomic instability

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have discovered the cellular mechanisms that generate chromosomal breaks in bacteria. They found that collisions between major gene expression lead to chromosomal breaks, which may explain stress-driven evolution in bacteria and certain human diseases.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 18, 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.

Fudging in greenhouse gas stats?

Empa researchers found significant discrepancies in greenhouse gas emissions reports, particularly from Western European countries. The study reveals that countries like Italy and the Netherlands underreported their HFC-23 emissions, while others like France and Germany reported accurate figures.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 18, 2011

Long-term, intimate partnerships can promote unhealthy habits

Research finds that long-term intimate relationships, including marriage and cohabitation, can lead to the promotion of unhealthy habits among partners. Gay and lesbian couples are particularly prone to adopting each other's unhealthy behaviors, such as through health habit synchronicity or personal responsibility discourse.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 18, 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.

Annual cervical cancer screening persists, despite recommended guidelines

A CDC study found that primary care providers continue to recommend annual cervical cancer screening, despite guidelines suggesting a less frequent screening interval. The study suggests that establishing a history of normal Pap tests is crucial in making guideline-supported screening interval recommendations.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 18, 2011

Coronary artery calcium better than C-reactive protein for predicting cardiovascular events and who benefits most from statins

A new study suggests that coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a more accurate predictor of heart attacks and strokes than C-reactive protein (CRP) in healthy adults. High CAC scores are associated with a fourfold increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while low scores indicate an extremely low risk of events. Statin treatment may be mo...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 18, 2011

Robust preschool experience offers lasting effects on language and literacy

Research from Vanderbilt University finds that preschool teachers' use of sophisticated vocabulary and analytic talk can predict fourth-grade reading comprehension and word recognition. Long-term effects of early childhood classrooms are also associated with improved language ability, including enhanced vocabulary in later grades.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2011

New CU-Boulder study reveals bacteria from dog feces in outdoor air of urbanized air

A new CU-Boulder study has found that dog feces may be a significant source of airborne bacteria in urban areas, particularly during the winter months. The research suggests that the dominant source of airborne bacteria in Cleveland and Detroit's wintertime air is actually from dog fecal material.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 18, 2011

Revealed: How sticky egg captures sperm

Researchers have identified the key sugar molecule SLeX on the outer coat of human eggs that enables them to capture sperm. This discovery has significant implications for understanding fertility and developing new treatments for infertility and sub-fertility.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smoke-free policies could save landlords up to $18 million a year in cleaning costs

A new UCLA study finds that implementing complete smoke-free rules can reduce smoking-related costs by nearly half, resulting in estimated property savings of $18 million. Nearly half of properties have no smoke-free policies, with smaller ones having a higher rate of compliance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 18, 2011

Veterinary researcher receives prestigious grant to study swine disease

Veterinary researcher Scott Kenney received a prestigious USDA grant to investigate the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis behind porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The two-year grant aims to better understand how the virus causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory diseases in piglets.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 18, 2011

Study finds sex differences in mental illness

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found significant sex differences in mental illness prevalence, with women more likely to develop anxiety and depression. Men, on the other hand, are more prone to substance abuse and antisocial disorders. The study's findings suggest that treatment approaches for men and ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateAug 18, 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.

Kidney drugs hampered by high blood phosphate

Chronic kidney disease patients with high blood phosphate levels may be at risk of progressing to kidney failure faster. Lowering phosphate levels could help optimize the effectiveness of important kidney medications like ramipril.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 18, 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.

Strengthening fragile immune memories to fight chronic infections

Memory T cells that initially developed against a virus upon first encounter can be lost during chronic infections, making it challenging for vaccine development. Researchers at the Emory Vaccine Center have identified a molecule called 2B4 on memory cells that slows them down during chronic infections.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateAug 18, 2011

Embryo development obeys the laws of hydrodynamics

A study published in the European Physical Journal B demonstrates that embryo development follows hydrodynamic principles, where cells flow like a fluid, resulting in the formation of the head. This challenges previous theories suggesting chemical gradients drive cell movement, providing new insights for regenerative medicine.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 18, 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.

UM researcher develops successful prevention program for postpartum OCD

A prevention program for postpartum obsessive compulsive symptoms was developed and tested in a study, reducing anxiety and symptom incidence in mothers. The program incorporated cognitive behavioral therapy principles and was found to be effective in preventing symptoms from developing.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateAug 18, 2011

The first kangaroo genome sequence

The tammar wallaby genome sequence provides valuable information on the evolution of mammalian reproduction, development, and fascinating biological characteristics. Researchers discovered genes responsible for the kangaroo's characteristic hop, excellent sense of smell, and antibiotics in mother's milk to protect newborns from harm.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 18, 2011

Fishing games gone wrong

Researchers found that microtubules, which act like 'fishing lines,' often incorrectly hook onto chromosomes, resulting in 90% of chromosomes getting connected in the wrong way. This error-prone process can lead to female infertility and miscarriages due to incorrect chromosome separation.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateAug 18, 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.

Harnessing the power of plants

A Kansas State University research team is conducting a three-year study to improve the genetic groundwork for turning sorghum into biofuel. The team aims to increase biomass yield by analyzing sorghum's genetic diversity and developing predictive models to optimize crop improvement.

SourceKansas State University·DateAug 18, 2011

Boys reach sexual maturity younger and younger

The study found that boys are maturing physically earlier, while their social and economic roles are becoming more adult. This trend is linked to improved nutrition and disease environments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 18, 2011
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.

Penn molecular scientists develop color-changing stress sensor

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a color-changing stress sensor using polymersomes and porphyrins, allowing for early detection of system failures. The technology has the potential to monitor drug delivery and track stress in cellular membranes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2011

Biomedical research gets its head into cloud computing

TRIAD simplifies biomedical research by aggregating and analyzing rare data, reducing time spent on data translation. The platform is adopted by multiple institutions worldwide, including the National Cancer Institute, for groundbreaking projects like CLL Research Consortium.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateAug 18, 2011

Emergency workers will respond

Researchers found that role abandonment by first responders is unlikely if organizations are proactive in protecting their employees. The study suggests that employers should reach out to families and provide support and resources for spouses to alleviate role strain. Additionally, education on disaster threats and personal protective ...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateAug 18, 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.

Lung function declines as chest deformity deepens

A national study of 327 patients published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that lung function declines as chest deformity deepens. The more severe the deformity, the more lung function was compromised, primarily due to lung restriction rather than airway obstruction.

SourceChildren's Hospital of The King's Daughters·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 18, 2011

New component of a plant steroid-activated pathway discovered

Researchers have identified a new protein called Constitutive Differential Growth1 (CDG1) that plays a crucial role in the brassinosteroid-activated pathway. CDG1 adds a phosphate to BSU1, leading to deactivation of BIN2 and promoting gene activity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 18, 2011

University of Missouri completes first drought simulator

Researchers at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture have completed two drought simulators designed to mimic real-world conditions. The simulators, measuring 50 feet by 100 feet, will enable in-depth testing under varying environmental conditions and improve food security for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateAug 18, 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.

Research improving health care

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has funded 25 policy-relevant research projects across six provinces to strengthen Canada's healthcare system. These projects will enable meaningful collaborations between researchers and decision makers to address health system challenges.

SourceCanadian Institutes of Health Research·DateAug 18, 2011

Four-year-olds know that being right is not enough

A new study found that four-year-olds can differentiate between individuals who provide accurate information due to independent knowledge and those who rely on external help. This skill allows children to seek out trustworthy sources, enabling more effective learning.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 18, 2011

Are those liquids explosive?

Researchers developed a method to analyze confiscated indoor fireworks using four techniques, revealing hazardous substances like methanol and boric acid. The technique can be performed with mobile devices and provides conclusive scientific tests on the nature of these liquids.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateAug 18, 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.

New 'bionic' leg gives amputees a natural gait

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a groundbreaking lower-limb prosthetic that enables amputees to walk with a natural gait, thanks to its powered knee and ankle joints. The device has been shown to reduce energy consumption by 30% and enable users to walk 25% faster on level surfaces.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateAug 18, 2011

Molecular meet and greet

Structural elements in cells organize the motion of receptors, enabling them to receive signals from other parts of the organism. This discovery could have profound implications for drug development and treating diseases like cancer.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateAug 18, 2011

B chromosomes affect sex determination in cichlid fishes

Researchers discovered B chromosomes causing female-biased sex-ratios in a species of cichlid fish from Lake Victoria. The study also identified multiple protein-coding genes in the B chromosomes, suggesting their role in sex determination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 18, 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 investigate muscle-building effect of protein beverages for athletes

Researchers investigated the muscle-building effect of protein beverages on athletes. Consuming high-quality protein drinks immediately after exercise increased muscle protein synthesis by 33% compared to periodic smaller doses. The essential amino acid leucine plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle growth during recovery.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 18, 2011

A quick way to grade grasses for ethanol yields

A team of USDA researchers developed a method to estimate the ethanol potential of switchgrass using near-infrared sensing, which can predict actual and maximum ethanol yields. This technology has the potential to reduce costs by $5 per sample, making it more accessible for bioenergy production.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalBioEnergy Research·DateAug 18, 2011

AGU journal highlights -- Aug. 18

Research highlights a significant increase in European storm frequency and strength since the late 19th century. However, Martian soil samples show moderate oxidation-reduction potential, suggesting that while oxidizing compounds may be present, life could still thrive.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 18, 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.

Public radio exposes injustice

In Malawi, public radio has become an unlikely platform for ordinary people to air their grievances about abuse and corruption. The Nkhani Zam'maboma programme features contributions by villagers, highlighting local development success stories that often reveal complaints about leaders' behaviour. This approach highlights the complexit...

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 18, 2011

Mutant gene identified that causes abnormal chromosome count, leading to cancer

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have identified a mutant gene STAG2 that is commonly mutated in human cancers and causes aneuploidy, an abnormal number of chromosomes. The study found that 20% of brain, skin, and bone cancer samples lacked the STAG2 protein, leading to increased risk of cancer.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2011

NIH Blueprint empowers drug development for nervous system disorders

The NIH Blueprint empowers researchers to develop new treatments for neurological disorders, such as vision loss, neurodegenerative disease, and depression. Seven research teams have received funding to explore promising strategies for creating faster and more effective antidepressants.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateAug 18, 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.

Major advanced cancer study to be led by Uppsala University

Researchers will analyze tumor samples from 100 patients with large intestine cancer or chronic lymphatic leukemia before and after drug treatment. The goal is to identify genetic mutations that contribute to treatment resistance, enabling the development of more effective cancer therapies.

SourceUppsala University·DateAug 18, 2011

Research finds Greenland glacier melting faster than expected

A team of researchers has found that Greenland's Mittivakkat Glacier is melting at an unprecedented rate, with two consecutive record losses in mass observations for 2010 and 2011. The findings suggest that the glacier's mass balance has been negatively affected by higher surface temperatures and low precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateAug 18, 2011

Battling job barriers with a tube of lipstick

Women in urban Ecuador turn to direct sales as an alternative to low-paying jobs due to gender discrimination and caregiving responsibilities. Adjustable hours and demand for products make it a viable option.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 18, 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.

Valley Presbyterian Hospital wins grant for breastfeeding support

Valley Presbyterian Hospital will receive a $500,000 grant to implement policies and procedures promoting exclusive breastfeeding among new mothers. The three-year initiative aims to enhance the hospital's ability to provide intensive training, new procedures, and postnatal support to encourage more mothers to rely on breast milk.

SourceValley Presbyterian Hospital·DateAug 18, 2011

Football analysis leads to advance in artificial intelligence

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new system that combines computer vision, machine learning, and automated planning to improve operations in various industries. The system is based on analyzing football plays and can be applied to tasks such as factory efficiency, airport operation, and nursing care.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAI Magazine·DateAug 18, 2011

Cancer stem cells made, not born

Researchers at the Broad Institute and Whitehead Institute found that cancer cells can interconvert between different types, existing in phenotypic 'states' that can change over time. This decentralized model challenges the traditional view of cancer stem cells as a hierarchical society.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·DateAug 18, 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.

Message to gay soldiers: It's your army too

A new study from Tel Aviv University finds that LGB soldiers in the US military experience high levels of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse despite official support. The researcher suggests that mandatory sensitivity training is essential to address this issue and create a more inclusive environment.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateAug 18, 2011

3 waves of evolutionary innovation shaped diversity of vertebrates

Researchers identified three periods of evolutionary innovation in gene regulation that increased in frequency during different periods in vertebrate evolution. These innovations affected genes involved in embryonic development, cell-to-cell communication, and signaling pathways.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2011

The future of inks, paints and coatings takes shape

The research found that elongated particles behave differently due to surface tension, leading to a uniform coating. The discovery could translate into new formulations for product coatings or better inks and paints.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 18, 2011

Cholesterial drugs can reduce the risk of stroke, but aren't for everyone

Research suggests that statin cholesterol-lowering medications can lower stroke risk in patients with ischemic strokes. However, patients with hemorrhagic strokes or certain high-risk profiles may not benefit from statins. Further research is needed to understand the optimal use of statins in these cases.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics·DateAug 18, 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.