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Science News for August 22, 2011


Smokers with comorbid conditions need help from their doctor to quit

A UCLA study found that smokers with alcohol, drug, and mental disorders are five times more likely to quit with help from their primary care physician. The study suggests targeting these patients for smoking cessation counseling to reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateAug 22, 2011

500 years ago, yeast's epic journey gave rise to lager beer

Researchers have identified Saccharomyces eubayanus as the wild yeast that fused with domesticated yeast to create lager beer. The discovery resolves a long-standing mystery and sheds light on the origins of one of the world's most popular beers.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 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.

Saffron shows promise in preventing liver cancer

Researchers found that saffron significantly reduced the number and incidence of liver nodules, with complete inhibition observed at the highest dose. Saffron also inhibited the elevation of proteins indicating liver damage and blocked inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 22, 2011

Researchers find increase in infection rates in patients with cardiac electrophysiological devices

Researchers found a significant increase in CIED-related infections, with a 210% rise over 16 years. Comorbidities such as renal failure and diabetes may contribute to the higher infection risk. The study highlights the need for better understanding of infection risk factors and mitigation therapies.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 22, 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.

Measurement tools for traffic crash injury severity improving says Wayne State study

Peter Savolainen's study found substantial progress in analyzing injury severity data, despite methodological issues. Researchers are developing statistical models to consider various factors impacting injury severity, including driver-, weather- and roadway-related variables.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateAug 22, 2011

Study reveals cultural characteristics of the Tea Party movement

A new study by the American Sociological Association finds that Tea Party supporters in North Carolina and Tennessee hold strong cultural and political beliefs. Researchers identified four primary traits: authoritarianism, libertarianism, fear of change, and negative attitudes toward immigrants.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 22, 2011

Ancient whale skulls and directional hearing: A twisted tale

Researchers found that ancient whale skulls were asymmetrical, suggesting a link to directional hearing in water. This discovery contradicts the idea that asymmetry evolved later as an adaptation for echolocation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Restoration as science: case of the collared lizard

A 20-year study in the Ozarks found that burning entire mountains and valleys restored ecological damage, benefiting multiple species. The collared lizard's expansion was facilitated by this process, allowing it to undertake its own restoration effort.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEcology·DateAug 22, 2011

Happiness can deter crime, a new study finds

A new UC Davis study suggests that happier adolescents are less likely to get involved in crime or drug use. The researchers found a significant correlation between emotional well-being and reduced involvement in nonviolent crimes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 22, 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.

Etch-a-sketch with superconductors

Scientists at University College London and Sapienza University of Rome have developed a method to manipulate high-temperature superconductivity in materials. By illuminating with X-rays, researchers can create and control tiny superconducting structures, enabling the creation of new electronic devices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2011

Study identifies psychological factors that keep young adults employed

A new study identifies three psychological orientations that influence employment success during the transition to adulthood. Young adults who maintained high career aspirations and clarity of career goals were more likely to be employed and have higher wages during difficult economic times. The study also found that young workers with...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 22, 2011

Better treatment sought for acute lung injury

Acute lung injury is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood vessels leak into the lungs, causing fluid buildup. Researchers are exploring new therapies to improve patient odds by identifying key events and developing treatments to block them. Potential treatments include HSP90 inhibitors and adenosine agonists.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateAug 22, 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.

MIT: Simple security for wireless

MIT researchers have developed a new security scheme that can automatically create connections between wireless devices and defend against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. The scheme uses novel techniques to detect and prevent MITM attacks, making it stronger than previous solutions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 22, 2011

Princeton research: In the early life of an embryo, a monster lurks

Embryos avoid fatal chaos through a synchronized cell cycle mechanism triggered by the calcium wave, which sets cells to the same developmental timetable. The researchers' simulation shows that this rapid spread of oscillation is crucial for preventing disarray and ensuring the embryo's survival.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 22, 2011

Good ruminations or bad ruminations in the depressed brain?

Research reveals that depression-related rumination is associated with a brain network imbalance, where the default mode network (DMN) dominates over the task-positive network (TPN). This imbalance leads to maladaptive thinking and less effective coping mechanisms, exacerbating depressive symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 22, 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.

Scale models

Scientists Profs. Naama Barkai and Ben-Zion Shilo have developed a theoretical model explaining how scaling works in developing fruit fly wings, where the vein structure stays proportioned. Their findings suggest that this mechanism can be applied to various examples of development, including human embryonic development.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2011

Toxicity of aromatase inhibitors may explain lack of overall survival improvement

Researchers found that longer AI use was associated with increased heart disease and bone fractures, but lower rates of blood clots and womb cancer. Use of AIs for 2-3 years after initial treatment may explain the lack of overall survival benefit despite improved breast cancer recurrence

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 22, 2011

Hyenas' ability to count helps them decide to fight or flee

Researchers found that hyenas can count individual voices and assess their numerical advantage, supporting the concept of complex social groups leading to big brain evolution. Hyenas were more cautious when outnumbered and took risks with a numerical advantage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateAug 22, 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.

NASA sees heavy rain in Hurricane Irene, satellite video watches her growth

Researchers confirmed that tropical cyclones with hot towers intensify faster than those without. Hurricane Irene featured multiple 'hot towers', leading to its intensification into a hurricane. The storm's heavy rainfall is expected across several Caribbean islands, with totals reaching up to 20 inches in some areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 2011

Locating the elusive

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have engineered a material that exhibits both electrically charged (ferroelectric) and magnetic (ferromagnetic) properties, controlled by electricity. This 'multiferroic' material has potential for multi-state data storage in computers, offering cost-effectiveness compared to existing materials.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 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.

Alternative health-care funding in Canada will not lower costs

A recent commentary in CMAJ highlights that alternative funding models for healthcare in Canada will not reduce costs nor achieve financial sustainability. The majority of healthcare costs are spent on a small proportion of the population, and private healthcare has higher administrative costs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 22, 2011

Small molecules shed light on cancer therapies

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified 25 microRNAs associated with glioblastoma survival and discovered 20 new microRNAs linked to initiation or growth of other cancer types. These findings suggest common pathways that can be targeted with similar drugs, offering hope for improved treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCancer Genomics & Proteomics·DateAug 22, 2011

Better 'photon loops' may be key to computer and physics advances

Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland have developed a new photon loop technology that could lead to more efficient information processors and enable exploration of the quantum Hall effect. The technology uses multiple rows of resonators to build alternate pathways, allowing photons to bypass defects in microchips.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 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.

Painting a 'bullseye' on cancer cells

Researchers successfully created a computerized model of cancer cell metabolism, predicting which drugs are lethal to cancer cells' function and demonstrating efficacy in kidney cancer models. The approach holds promise for future investigations aimed at effective drug therapies for other types of cancer.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2011

T-cell discovery holds promise for organ transplant and immunodeficiency treatment

UBC researchers identified the mechanism that leads T-cells to spring into action, providing a new target for future or existing drugs to bolster the immune systems of people with HIV or cancer. Such drugs could also be used to stop the rejection of transplanted organs or inhibit the immune system from attacking normal tissues.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalImmunity·DateAug 22, 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.

Is marriage good for the heart?

A study published by the University of Rochester found that happily married people are more than three times as likely to survive bypass surgery for 15 years compared to unmarried individuals. The study also found that marriage quality is crucial for women's survival, with satisfying unions increasing their survival rate almost fourfold.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 22, 2011

Eco-labeled seafood is not always what it seems

Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2011

Happiness can deter crime, a new study finds

A new University of California-Davis study found that happier adolescents report less involvement in crime and drug use. The research suggests that programs increasing childhood happiness may have a notable effect on deterring nonviolent crime.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 22, 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.

Galaxies are running out of gas

A CSIRO study reveals galaxies have less molecular hydrogen gas than in the past, leading to fewer stars forming. The decline in gas availability is linked to Dark Energy's acceleration of the Universe's expansion.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 22, 2011

Effects of prenatal smoking on infant neurodevelopment may be worse than feared: study

A large study found substantial delays in early neurological development among babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. Poor families were particularly vulnerable to the effects of prenatal smoking, which may be stronger than previously thought. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce pre...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Human Capital·DateAug 22, 2011

Are stellar explosions created equal?

Scientists have discovered that about a quarter of Type Ia supernovae are born from medium-sized stars similar to our Sun. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that all Type Ia supernovae have the same luminosity, which is crucial for measuring cosmic distances.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 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.

Experience puts the personal stamp on a place in memory

Researchers found that rats' place cells behave like new environments when they don't explore, highlighting the importance of direct experience in creating stable episodic memories. This discovery translates to humans, where recalling past experiences relies on autobiographical memory and direct recollection of events.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

'Redirect' by Timothy D. Wilson

This book explains a new, scientifically based approach called story editing that can make you happier and turn you into a better parent. Wilson argues that conventional approaches are ineffective and shows what works, highlighting the strategies outlined in his practical advice chapters.

SourceLittle, Brown and Company·DateAug 22, 2011

Nano bundles pack a powerful punch

Rice University scientists have developed a solid-state, nanotube-based supercapacitor that combines the benefits of batteries and capacitors. The new device is stable, scalable, and suitable for extreme environments, with potential applications in electronics, sensors, and renewable energy systems.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateAug 22, 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.

For depression, relapsers go to the front of the brain

A new study suggests that differences in brain activity, particularly in the frontal lobe and visual areas, can predict depression relapse in formerly depressed patients. Those who ruminate and activate the frontal lobes are more likely to relapse.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 22, 2011

The ignored virus that causes liver cancer

Research suggests Hepatitis G virus may cause liver damage and cancer, contrary to FDA's initial declaration in 1997. A review of scientific literature shows the virus is prevalent globally, linked to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Immunological Studies·DateAug 22, 2011

Dartmouth Med School lands $11M grant for regional biomedical research center

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Dartmouth Medical School a $11 million grant to establish a network of institutions in northern New England for quantitative biologists. The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence will recruit, train, and support young scientists to investigate the interaction between genes and environment.

SourceDartmouth Health·DateAug 22, 2011

Study: Extramarital sex and divorce more common among veterans

A study found that over 32% of veterans reported extramarital sex, compared to 16.8% of non-veterans. Veterans were also almost 10% more likely to have gotten divorced, and those who reported extramarital sex were 2.3 times more likely to have ever divorced.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 22, 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.

Low oxygen triggers moth molt

A study by Duke University scientists found that low oxygen levels in caterpillars trigger a molt to the next stage of development, as their respiratory system is fixed in size. This discovery reveals a new factor regulating body size during specific developmental stages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Hospital readmission rates not accurate measure of care quality

A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that avoidable hospital readmissions are relatively uncommon and do not accurately reflect hospital care quality. Only 2.2% of discharged patients were deemed avoidably readmitted, suggesting that urgent readmission rates may be an overestimated measure of quality.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 22, 2011

Newest screen for newborns will indicate heart problems

A new screening strategy for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) uses pulse oximetry to detect low oxygen levels in newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations endorse the approach, which has already been adopted by New Jersey.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 22, 2011

Not so fast -- researchers find that lasting evolutionary change takes about 1 million years

A new study combining short-term and long-term data found that rapid evolution does not always persist, and major changes tend to take around 1 million years to occur. The research supports the concept of 'punctuated equilibrium' and suggests that natural selection forces must be widespread for changes to accumulate.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 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.

Beams to order from table-top accelerators

Researchers achieve stable, high-energy electron beams by controlling wave velocity and intensity using a two-stage process. This innovation enables compact, cost-effective colliders for fundamental physics and new ultrafast light sources.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 2011

Stanford study draws connection between narcolepsy and influenza

A new Stanford study found a significant correlation between narcolepsy onset and seasonal H1N1 infections, suggesting that getting vaccinated may provide protection. The study of over 900 patients in China revealed a five-to-seven month delay between flu/cold outbreaks and narcolepsy cases, with the disease most frequent in April.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 22, 2011

Antennas in your clothes? New design could pave the way

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new antenna design that can be integrated into clothing, offering a range four times larger than traditional antennas. The system overcomes previous problems of body absorption and interference by surrounding the body with multiple antennas working together.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateAug 22, 2011

Poverty and national parks: Decade-long study finds surprising relationship

A decade-long study of people living near Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households improved their prosperity, despite conventional wisdom suggesting parks contribute to poverty. The study suggests that parks provide a source of insurance for poor families, allowing them to hunt or sell park resources.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 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.

Males believe discussing problems is a waste of time, MU study shows

A new University of Missouri study reveals that boys perceive discussing problems as not beneficial for their emotional well-being. The research suggests that parents should encourage their children to adopt a middle ground when discussing problems, and help them see some utility in talking about issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChild Development·DateAug 22, 2011

Nanowires get into the groove

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a method to grow semiconductor nanowires on a surface, producing relatively long, orderly, aligned structures. This breakthrough enables the production of enhanced electronic and optical properties suitable for various applications.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2011

Study confirms food security helps wildlife

A Wildlife Conservation Society program, COMACO, has improved rural livelihoods while restoring local wildlife populations. The study found that COMACO farmers had higher crop yields and improved soil quality, contributing to the stabilization of wildlife populations.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Genetic markers show something fishy with certified Chilean sea bass sales

Research by Clemson University scientists found that up to 8% of certified Chilean sea bass are not from the South Georgia/Shag Rocks population, with some being labeled as other species entirely. The study highlights issues with the supply chain and eco-labeling of sustainably harvested seafood.

SourceClemson University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 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 patients winning the race to angioplasty treatment

A five-year study by Yale researchers found that nearly all heart attack patients were receiving angioplasty within 90 minutes of hospital admission, with a significant improvement from 44% in 2005 to 91% in 2010. This rapid progress was attributed to nationwide efforts to accelerate treatment and improve care for patients.

SourceYale University·JournalCirculation·DateAug 22, 2011

Road block as a new strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's

Blocking a transport pathway through brain cells offers new prospects for preventing Alzheimer's disease development. Researchers discovered that the amyloid beta precursor protein and beta secretase enzyme follow different paths, leading to the formation of amyloid plaques.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Southern South American wildfires expected to increase, says CU-Boulder study

A new CU-Boulder study finds that a major climate oscillation in the Southern Hemisphere is expected to increase wildfire activity in southern South America. The research team used tree rings dating back 500 years to track past wildfire activity, revealing widespread fires in Patagonia during periods of positive SAM phase.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 22, 2011

New study examines window fall-related injuries among youth

A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that approximately 5,200 children were treated for window fall-related injuries each year, translating to 14 children per day. Children under 4 years old and those falling from heights over 3 stories or landing on hard surfaces are at increased risk.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 22, 2011

HPV vaccine protects against anal HPV infection which can lead to anal cancer

The bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to protect against anal HPV 16 and 18 infections, preventing nearly 84% of cases in women without prior exposure. The vaccine also offers cross-protective efficacy against other cancer-causing HPV types, suggesting a broader potential for prevention of HPV-associated cancers.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 22, 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.

UH researchers explore treatments for breast and colon cancers

Researchers at the University of Houston discovered the potential for estrogen hormone compounds to prevent colon cancer by activating estrogen receptors. They also identified a key gene involved in breast cancer tumor cell growth, opening new opportunities for targeted therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 22, 2011

Study finds narcolepsy cases in China peak in early spring

Researchers found a seasonal pattern of narcolepsy onset in China, most frequent in April, with a significant spike following the H1N1 pandemic. The study suggests that flu vaccination was unlikely to cause the increase and points towards an autoimmune disease trigger.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 22, 2011

Nature: How the N2O greenhouse gas is decomposed

A study published in Nature journal has identified the structure of the enzyme that decomposes nitrous oxide, a harmful climate gas with a 300 times stronger impact than carbon dioxide. The discovery provides insight into the decomposition mechanism and its dependence on environmental conditions, which may help prevent N2O emissions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2011