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Science News for August 2, 2011


Cooked green vegetables, dried fruit, legumes, and brown rice associated with fewer colon polyps

A recent study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that high consumption of these foods was associated with a reduced risk of colon polyps by 33-40%, confirming the results of past studies. The protective effects may be due to their cancer-fighting agents, including fiber and detoxifying compounds.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalNutrition and Cancer·DateAug 2, 2011

Long periods of estrogen deprivation jeopardizes brain receptors, stroke protection

Researchers found that prolonged estrogen deprivation in aging rats reduces brain receptors for the hormone and its ability to prevent strokes. Early estrogen replacement therapy can forestall this damage. The study's results suggest a critical window for estrogen therapy, either right before or right after menopause.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 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.

Bass wins GSA's 2011 Donald P. Kent Award

Bass, American University provost, receives the award for his professional leadership and contributions to advancing aging research and practice. The honor recognizes his translation of research findings into practical use.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011

Can eggs be a healthy breakfast choice?

Dr. Shapira's research shows that eggs laid by hens with healthier feed can lessen oxidation of LDL cholesterol, potentially reducing heart disease risk. However, these 'healthier' eggs are not widely produced and may be more expensive due to specialized chicken feed.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2011

Scientists identify what makes us feel 'bad' when we're sick, how to treat it

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have identified the orexin system as responsible for inducing lethargy during illness. The study suggests that targeting this system with existing narcolepsy drugs could be an effective way to treat sickness-induced lethargy and improve quality of life for chronically ill patients.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateAug 2, 2011

Noninvasive fecal occult blood test effective screen for lower GI tract lesions

A recent study published in CMAJ found that the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is an effective tool for screening for bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The test was specific for almost 90% of colorectal cancers and adenomas, highlighting its value as a diagnostic tool.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 2, 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.

Mice point to a therapy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Researchers have developed a mouse model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and discovered a potential therapy using HDAC6 inhibitors, which halted damage to nerves and reversed symptoms. This treatment could offer new hope for an incurable disease affecting approximately one in 2,500 individuals.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 2, 2011

Dixit to receive GSA's 2011 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award

Vishwa Deep Dixit, a researcher at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been awarded the 2011 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award by the Gerontological Society of America. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to new knowledge about aging through basic biological research.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011

Digital photos can animate a face so it ages and moves before your eyes

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a tool that can take hundreds of digital portraits and create an animation of a person's face in seconds. The software aligns faces and chooses photos with similar expressions to produce smooth transitions, allowing users to see how a person's expression changes over time.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 2, 2011

Superbug research earns UTHealth student prestigious UNCF/Merck fellowship

Charles Darkoh, a UTHealth graduate student, has been awarded a prestigious UNCF/Merck fellowship to conduct research on multidrug-resistant Clostridium difficile bacterial infection. His work aims to develop a cost-efficient diagnostic test and novel therapeutic strategies for C. difficile infection.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateAug 2, 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.

Heart attack survivors from poorer neighborhoods get less exercise

A new study found that myocardial infarction survivors living in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods had lower levels of leisure-time physical activity compared to those from wealthier areas. The association was strongest in the first 5 years after MI and remained significant after adjusting for individual factors.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 2, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bridging the gap between glass and silicon

Scientists at the University of Southampton and collaborators are developing new materials like amorphous chalcogenides, bridging glass and semiconductor technology. The project aims to improve device energy efficiencies and support UK's communication and healthcare sectors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateAug 2, 2011

Bilingual school counselors help narrow achievement gap

A recent study found significant improvements in reading and math scores for Spanish-speaking students who received a specialized bilingual/bicultural school counselor-led program, closing the traditional achievement gap. The evidence-based program positions school counselors to show their direct impact on student achievement.

SourceSAGE·JournalCounseling Outcome Research and Evaluation·DateAug 2, 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.

How do you stop tasting?

Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center discover a protein called Serca3 that terminates bitter taste signals by removing calcium from taste cells. This finding may help explain why some people are supersensitive to certain tastes and could lead to the development of medicines to minimize unpleasant side effects.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 2, 2011

Ferrucci to receive GSA's 2011 Joseph T. Freeman Award

Dr. Luigi Ferrucci is recognized for his work developing ways to reduce disease and disability in older adults through the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. He has also made significant contributions to gerontology education and research.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011

Scientists probe the energy transfer process in photosynthetic proteins

Researchers have created a novel technique to probe the fundamental workings of photosynthesis, revealing how energy is transferred through antenna proteins. The study uses laser-light pulses to test whether overlapping excitation states occur in Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) protein.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 2, 2011

Why diets don't work? Starved brain cells eat themselves

In a new study, researchers found that when brain cells are starved, they turn to self-cannibalism through autophagy, which increases hunger signals and makes diets ineffective. Blocking this process may lead to weight loss and improved energy balance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 2, 2011

Binstock wins GSA's 2011 M. Powell Lawton Award

Robert Binstock, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, has made a significant impact on policies regarding aging. His research has improved the targeting of services to economically and socially disadvantaged older persons.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 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.

Limited guidance available on reporting survey research

A study found that there is limited guidance and no consensus on optimal survey research reporting, leading to under-reported key criteria. The authors advocate for a well-developed guideline to ensure complete reporting and clearer review of results.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 2, 2011

Adverse childhood could raise adult heart disease risk

Researchers found a small but significant association between early life family psychosocial environment and later coronary heart disease. For every extra point on the risky family score, CHD risk rose by 1 percent.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 2, 2011

BGU researchers develop webcam tool to improve office worker posture

A multidisciplinary team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev developed a new training method using desktop webcams to improve ergonomic posture among office workers. The photo-training method provided effective short-term and long-term posture improvement, particularly for older workers and those with musculoskeletal pain.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateAug 2, 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.

Weakness in aging tied to leaky muscles

Research ties aging muscle weakness to leaky calcium channels in muscle cells. A drug already in Phase II clinical trials for heart failure may help repair these channels, restoring muscle function. The study's findings suggest a new approach to addressing age-related muscle wasting by focusing on muscle function rather than mass.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 2, 2011

UNH researchers help find natural products potential of frankia

University of New Hampshire researchers, led by Bradley Moore, found genetic structures in Frankia that resemble valuable natural product categories. The study reveals the potential for Frankia to produce antibiotics, herbicides, and other useful compounds, offering a new area of exploration for natural product drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 2, 2011

Georgia Tech proposes Internet consumer nutrition label

A study from Georgia Tech recommends an 'Internet nutrition label' to provide consumers with a complete picture of their service performance. The label would include metrics like throughput, latency, and packet loss, helping users make informed decisions about their internet plans.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 2, 2011

August 2011 GSA Today science: Understanding Earth's eroding surface with 10Be

A groundbreaking study compiled 1528 calculations of surface erosion rates from 80 study areas worldwide. The analysis found that bare rock outcrops had significantly lower erosion rates than surfaces covered with thin layers of soil, highlighting the global importance of soil formation as a geomorphic process.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateAug 2, 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.

A true challenge for any superhero: Can comic books combat childhood obesity?

A University of Cincinnati research project created comic books with healthy messages to curb childhood obesity in third, fourth, and fifth-grade students. The project showed significant increases in healthy behaviors like fruit consumption and physical activity, as well as increased confidence in selecting health-related behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 2, 2011

Study: Inexpensive method detects ALK rearrangement in lung cancer patients

A new, cost-effective method for detecting ALK rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer patients has been developed. This approach is comparable to the established gold standard, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and could enable more patients to access potentially life-saving crizotinib therapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 2, 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.

Revolutionary biodegradable pellet targets glue ear infection

A new biodegradable antibiotic pellet can be implanted in the middle ear to target glue ear infections, potentially reducing the need for repeated grommet operations. The pellet slowly releases antibiotics over three weeks, addressing biofilms that cause up to 20% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateAug 2, 2011

NIH fellow uses computation, experimentation to study diabetes, obesity

Stephanie Lewis, a graduate student at Virginia Tech, is using computational modeling and experimental methods to identify molecules that can activate PPAR\u00b71, a therapeutic target for suppressing inflammation in chronic diseases. Her research aims to find novel compounds with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory actions.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 2, 2011

Scientists show 'swamp gas' protects blood vessels from complications of diabetes

A new study reveals that hydrogen sulfide helps protect blood vessels from the complications of diabetes by controlling an early checkpoint in related processes. The researchers found that diabetic rats have lower levels of 'swamp gas' and improved blood vessel function after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2011

New study identifies emergence of multidrug-resistant strain of salmonella

A new study identified a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella with high resistance to ciprofloxacin, infecting 489 patients in France, England and Wales, and Denmark between 2000 and 2008. Poultry is believed to be a major vehicle for spreading these infections.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 2, 2011

Students seeking solutions to Alzheimer's, diabetes and other maladies

At the University of Houston, 54 undergraduates are devoting their summers to serious research under faculty mentorship. They aim to find solutions for maladies including Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, alcoholism and anxiety. Through projects like studying oxidative stress and its relation to disorders, as wel...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 2, 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.

Evolutionary computation offers flexibility, insight

Researchers can now search for models that best explain complex data using an evolutionary computation approach, allowing for flexibility and insights. This method enables the simultaneous evaluation of many candidate solutions, speeding up the work and providing additional insights.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateAug 2, 2011

Gerstorf wins GSA's 2011 Baltes Foundation Award

Denis Gerstorf, PhD, receives the award for his research on heterogeneity and differential development in old and advanced old age. His studies show that major life events affect well-being and aging outcomes.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 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.

Jette to receive GSA's 2011 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award

Alan Jette, a renowned expert in rehabilitation and aging, has been awarded the 2011 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award by The Gerontological Society of America. His work focuses on measuring function and disability, with a particular emphasis on developing innovative outcome measurement instruments.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011

A hot topic: Radioactive decay is key ingredient behind Earth's heat, research shows

A Kansas State University physicist led a team gathering precise measurements of the Earth's radioactivity, revealing that radioactive decay is responsible for about half of the planet's heat. The study provides insight into the Earth's interior and helps geologists understand models for plate movement, magnetic fields, and volcanoes.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 2, 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.

COPD patients with sense of humor feel better, but laughter may be bad for lungs

Patients with chronic lung illness exhibit improved emotional functioning and quality of life when they have a sense of humor, but laughing can temporarily reduce lung function. Researchers found that appreciating humor may be more beneficial than actually laughing out loud for patients with moderate to severe COPD.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHeart & Lung·DateAug 2, 2011

Dong wins GSA's 2011 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging

XinQi Dong, MD, MPH, receives the award for translating research into practical application and policy, focusing on elder abuse and neglect issues. The award recognizes his work in bridging research and practice, particularly in promoting understanding and civic engagement among Chinese communities.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011

Fulmer wins GSA's 2011 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award

Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, has received the 2011 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her sustained contributions to geriatric nursing research. Her program of research focuses on acute care of the elderly and elder abuse and neglect.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011

1 species of pathogen can produce 2 distinct biofilms

Researchers have discovered that Candida albicans produces two distinct types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual type. The majority of cells forming these biofilms are sexually incompetent, but a minority are sexually competent and form highly permeable biofilms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 2, 2011

New IOF-ISCD review clarifies the use of FRAX in clinical practice

The FRAX tool has been validated in 11 independent cohorts covering over 1 million patient years, providing empirical evidence to guide intervention. However, clinicians should be aware of the tool's limitations, including exclusion of certain risk factors and failure to account for variations in fracture rates within countries.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateAug 2, 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.

Mehrotra to receive GSA's 2011 Minority Mentorship Award

Chandra Mehrotra, a professor at the College of St. Scholastica, has been awarded the Task Force on Minority Issues in Gerontology Outstanding Mentorship Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for his dedication to mentoring minority researchers in aging. He will receive the award at GSA's 64th Annual Scientific Meeting.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011

UT professor's pathogen research inspires robotics design for medicine and military

A UT professor's research on a pathogen that attacks the small intestines of humans and animals has inspired the development of robots that can fight disease and aid in military operations. The microorganism Giardia has been found to have unique properties, such as efficient swimming and attachment mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2011

Regrowing blood vessels with a potent molecule

Scientists have developed a method to deliver growth factor to regrow blood vessels, which could lead to revolutionary heart disease treatment. The research, published in PNAS, uses a novel delivery system that increases the activity and stability of growth factor.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2011

Pilot study suggests new approach to treat preeclampsia

A novel therapy reducing soluble Flt-1 levels in women with very preterm preeclampsia showed promising results, with two patients experiencing prolonged pregnancies. The treatment's safety and efficacy remain to be confirmed in larger trials.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateAug 2, 2011

New link found between obesity and insulin resistance

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a new connection between obesity and insulin resistance through altered protein splicing. The study suggests that changes in RNA splicing proteins may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, offering potential targets for novel diabetes drugs.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 2, 2011
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Brain chemical may explain why heavy smokers feel sad after quitting

A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that heavy smokers who quit experience an increase in MAO-A levels, a mood-related brain protein. This finding may explain why heavy smokers are at high risk for clinical depression and provides potential targets to prevent sad mood during cigarette withdrawal.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 2, 2011

Charles to receive GSA's 2011 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award

Charles was chosen for her article, 'Strength and Vulnerability Integration: A Model of Emotional Well-Being Across Adulthood,' which presents a strong theory with empirical examples. The Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) model posits that effective emotion regulation strategies can preserve well-being in older adults.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 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.

Dramatic simplification paves the way for building a quantum computer

Scientists at the University of Bristol develop a new technique to dramatically simplify controlled operations in quantum computing. This breakthrough reduces complexity in quantum circuits, enabling more sophisticated algorithms and applications in precision measurement, simulation, and beyond.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 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.

£2.5m for dairy research at the University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham will conduct cutting-edge research on herd welfare, diet, grazing, health, and disease to deliver benefits directly to British dairy farmers. The five-year programme aims to develop programmes for maintaining the health, welfare, and nutritional status of the national dairy herd at world-class standards.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateAug 2, 2011

Researchers map minority microbes in the colon

A new study reveals that only a small percentage of microbes in the colon are responsible for breaking down undigested food, with variations in abundance across different regions of the colon. The findings have implications for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateAug 2, 2011

Neighborhood status influences older women's cognitive function, study finds

A new RAND Corporation study found that older women who live in lower socioeconomic status neighborhoods exhibit lower cognitive functioning compared to those in more affluent areas. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 women and found that neighborhood socioeconomic status was significantly associated with cognitive function.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 2, 2011

Are pet owners healthier and happier? Maybe not…

Research on pet ownership has produced conflicting results, with some studies suggesting positive health outcomes but others finding none. Herzog argues that methodological problems and lack of rigorous study design contribute to these inconsistencies.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 2, 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.

Cape Cod Bay holds hidden risk for dining North Atlantic right whales

North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay are at high risk of being struck by boat propellers while feeding on copepods, which school just below the surface. Researchers have found that these whales spend most of their time between the surface and 13 feet below, making them invisible to boats.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 2, 2011

What's in a kids meal? Not happy news

A study by UC San Diego researchers found that convenience-driven choices account for 36-51% of a child's daily caloric needs, with meals providing over 50% of recommended sodium intake. The study highlights the need to educate families on making healthier decisions when dining at fast-food restaurants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateAug 2, 2011

TV time: Why children watch multi-screens

A new study examines children's use of multiple screens, finding they often watch TV while interacting with other devices. Children enjoy filling breaks during entertainment with phone calls or texts, and TV is used to provide background entertainment for other activities.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateAug 2, 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.

Parents' conflicts affect adopted infants' sleep

Researchers found that marital conflict in adoptive parents can impact their infant's sleep patterns, which becomes regulated during infancy. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that marital instability may set a child up for problematic sleep patterns.

SourcePenn State·JournalChild Development·DateAug 2, 2011