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Science News for August 19, 2011


Enzyme's structure reveals basis for head, sex organ deformities

The molecular structural basis for severe head deformities and ambiguous sex organs in babies born with Antley-Bixler syndrome has been revealed, suggesting that riboflavin therapy may reverse enzyme defects. The study also found that the enzyme NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase plays a crucial role in human syndromes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2011

Mother's BMI linked to fatter babies

A recent study published in Pediatric Research found that mothers with a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) have fatter babies with more fat in their liver cells. The researchers measured the amount of fat in 105 babies' livers and bodies, finding increased liver cell fat and total fat across all BMI ranges. This study suggests...

SourceImperial College London·JournalPediatric Research·DateAug 19, 2011

New piece to the puzzle of brain function

Scientists have discovered a new binding site on the most common subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which could lead to the development of better medicines for psychiatric disorders. The findings challenge existing scientific ideas and provide a general mechanism that applies across the receptor family.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalInternational Journal of Neuroscience·DateAug 19, 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.

Lessons learned from the 2 worst oils spills in US history

A new report from Berkeley Lab scientist shows that oil-degrading microorganisms played a significant role in both the Exxon Valdez and BP Deepwater Horizon spills. The study found that mobilizing these microorganisms rapidly can minimize the risk and impact of future oil spills.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 19, 2011

Physical activity and sport participation book traverses the lifespan

A new collection of research articles focuses on physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan, exploring its benefits for mental, physical, emotional, and social health. The book features contributions from scholars in eight countries and four continents.

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·DateAug 19, 2011

The grass is always greener

A recent study by McGill University researchers found that biodiversity is essential for maintaining multiple ecosystem services across different years, places, and environmental conditions. The study suggests that many species are needed to maintain ecosystem services, rather than just a few, and highlights the importance of conservin...

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2011

English language ads better reach Latino audience

A recent study published in American Political Research found that English language ads had a greater impact on Latino voter turnout compared to Spanish language ads. The study also showed that English language materials drew in a broader voter demographic and were effective across all levels of Latino voters.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateAug 19, 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.

UCSD researchers alarmed at rise in hookah use among California youth

A study by UCSD researchers reveals a rapid increase in hookah use among California youth aged 18-24, with most users smoking with friends. Hookah is perceived as a safer alternative to cigarettes despite being less healthy, prompting calls for laws to ban hookah lounges.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 19, 2011

Metformin and exercise combination less effective for glucose control

A new study from the University of Alberta found that combining metformin with exercise does not provide additional benefits for glucose control. In fact, it may trigger a counter-regulatory response in the body, leading to increased glucagon levels and reduced glucose control after exercise.

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 19, 2011

Northwestern nets NIH grant to tailor drugs to patients' genome

Researchers will use genome-wide association studies to identify genetic variants associated with diseases, enabling the adjustment of patient medications and prevention of diseases. The eMERGE network has already identified genetic variants linked to dementia, cataracts, type 2 diabetes, and more.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateAug 19, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nitrogen in the soil cleans the air

Soil nitrogen can remove pollutants from the atmosphere by forming hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize and wash out pollutants. The amount of nitrous acid released depends on soil acidity and water content.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2011

Growth of cities endangers global environment

A meta-analysis predicts that cities will expand by 590,000 square miles globally by 2030, threatening biologically diverse areas. Rising incomes in China drive half of urban land expansion, while population growth drives expansion in India and Africa.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 2011

Acne-treating antibiotic cuts catheter infections in dialysis patients

A new study found that a combination of minocycline and EDTA can prevent bacterial infections in dialysis patients using catheters, improving patient outcomes. The treatment reduced the risk of infection by half compared to traditional heparin use.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 19, 2011

Researchers on the trail of a treatment for cancer of the immune system

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for cancer of the immune system, targeting the Epstein Barr virus receptor EB12. The discovery was made by mapping the bio-antenna molecule and creating a blueprint of a tiny molecule that can bind to the B cell EB12 receptor, blocking its activation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 19, 2011

Time to begin anticipating and adapting to climate change

Experts warn that climate-related damage to nation's infrastructure is on the rise, with potential costs exceeding $2 trillion. The summit identifies key initiatives for next five years, including assessing vulnerable infrastructure, developing risk assessment tools, and improving stakeholder dialogue.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateAug 19, 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.

Metabolic syndrome may cause kidney disease

People with metabolic syndrome have a 55% increased risk of developing kidney problems, especially lower kidney function. Preventing and managing metabolic syndrome through healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss may help prevent kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 19, 2011

Is oil pricing itself out of the market?

U of A researchers explore hypothetical economic models that suggest oil producers should pay attention to emerging alternatives. If an alternative resource becomes more economically attractive, oil producers may have to adjust to make sure they don't hasten their own obsolescence.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateAug 19, 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.