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Science News for August 23, 2011


Controlling magnetism with electric fields

Researchers developed a multiferroic material that reacts to both magnetic and electric fields at room temperature, fulfilling a long-held dream. The material's ferromagnetic properties were demonstrated using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, paving the way for more efficient data storage and logical switches.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 23, 2011

MU study links inactivity with risk factors for Type 2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a link between inactivity and increased risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. In a study, participants who reduced their physical activity by half experienced doubled spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 23, 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.

Newfound hijacked proteins linked to salmonella virulence

Researchers have identified a modification on EF-P protein that boosts bacterial strength and contributes to Salmonella's virulence. The discovery opens doors for new treatments against this foodborne pathogen, which causes severe illnesses and fatalities.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 23, 2011

New theory may shed light on dynamics of large-polymer liquids

Researchers have developed a new theory to understand slow dynamics of polymers in liquids under fast-flow, high-stress conditions. The theory explains how polymer molecules respond and predicts tube confinement and reptative motion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 23, 2011

2011 health conditions for travel to Mecca (Hajj) pilgrimage published

The Saudi Ministry of Health has published its 2011 health conditions for travelers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. The guidelines outline the full requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia and aim to protect pilgrims from communicable diseases. Travelers are urged to read the guidelines thoroughly.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Infection and Public Health·DateAug 23, 2011

Filling without drilling

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a peptide-based fluid that reverses tooth decay by stimulating regeneration of damaged tooth tissue. The treatment is applied directly to the affected area, providing a natural and non-invasive solution to filling teeth without drilling.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateAug 23, 2011

The importance of the team composition in ICUs

Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 ICU staff and found a link between female nurse ratios and lower burnout rates. The study also revealed gender-related differences in stress perception and resistance to burnout.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tobacco companies use corporate social responsibility for political purposes

A study reveals how British American Tobacco used its corporate social responsibility programme to shape UK public health policy, highlighting the need for greater transparency in interactions between governments and industry. The authors argue that this approach has implications for other industrial sectors, such as alcohol and food.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Human gait could soon power portable electronics

A new energy-harvesting technology, reverse electrowetting, converts human motion into electrical power to power mobile electronic devices. This technology could enable footwear-embedded energy harvesters that capture energy produced by humans during walking and convert it into up to 20 watts of electrical power.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 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.

No need to nag: study finds doctors' nutrition advice hits home early

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto found that hearing dietary advice twice is enough to lower cholesterol levels significantly. The study included 345 participants who received either routine or intensive dietary advice, resulting in similar reductions in LDL 'bad' cholesterol.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateAug 23, 2011

Unexpected adhesion properties of graphene may lead to new nanotechnology devices

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder discovered graphene's surprisingly powerful adhesion qualities, which could guide the development of graphene manufacturing and mechanical devices. The study showed that graphene's extreme flexibility allows it to conform to even the smoothest substrates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 23, 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.

Stem cell study offers hope for Parkinson's patients

Researchers have created brain nerve cells affected by Parkinson's using skin samples from a patient with the most progressive form of the disease. This breakthrough study enables scientists to model the condition in a laboratory, shedding light on why certain nerve cells die.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2011

Ancient wild horses help unlock past

A team of researchers has found an abundance of genetic diversity in ancient wild horses, contradicting the idea that modern male horses lack diversity due to intrinsic properties. The study suggests that domestication is the main reason for the low genetic diversity in modern stallions.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2011

How many species on Earth? 8.7 million

The most precise estimate of Earth's species total is based on a novel analytical technique that narrows previous estimates. The study predicts approximately 8.7 million species, with 91% of marine and 86% of land species remaining undiscovered. This new understanding is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystems services.

SourceCensus of Marine Life·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 23, 2011

Fine art in advertising can backfire

A new study by Boston College and the University of Houston found that fine art in advertising can be demoted to a mere product illustration, leading consumers to take a critical view of its message. Art loses its unique powers of communication when viewed as an ordinary image.

SourceBoston College·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 23, 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.

Comparing soybean production methods

A study by USDA-ARS scientist Arnold Bruns compared twin-row and single-row soybean plantings and found that the former yielded more pods per plant without affecting seed yield. Twin-row production resulted in increased yields on both soils, but only minor economic benefits of $75 per hectare. The study highlights the importance of con...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateAug 23, 2011

'Open wide' for new stem cell potential

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that oral mucosa stem cells can be manipulated into fetal-like stem cells with high therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative, heart, and autoimmune diseases. The cells can be derived from a small biopsy of tissue and show minimal discomfort and healing time.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalStem Cells·DateAug 23, 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.

Novel cytokine protects mice from colitis

Researchers have discovered a novel cytokine, Interleukin 37 (IL-37), that protects mice from colitis by modulating inflammation. This finding offers a promising approach to treat or control overactive immune systems in humans, particularly for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2011

Ancient harvestmen revealed in 3-D models published today in Nature Communications

Researchers at Imperial College London have created 3D virtual fossil models of two ancient types of harvestmen, which lived on Earth over 300 million years ago. The 3D models reveal that these ancient creatures were surprisingly modern in appearance, with some species still living today exhibiting similar characteristics.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2011

Study: Afghan patients a common source of drug-resistant bacteria

A study found that Afghan patients at a US military hospital in Afghanistan carry multidrug-resistant bacteria, posing a risk to both local and foreign patients. The high rate of MDR bacteria among Afghans is partly due to longer hospital stays.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 23, 2011

Stop signal for leukemia stem cells

Scientists found that high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression are required for leukemia-initiating cell activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Blocking IGF1R using inhibitors or reducing its expression significantly impaired leukemia stem cells' self-renewal capacity.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Radical change in blood pressure diagnosis and treatment

The new guideline recommends using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to diagnose high blood pressure, which may lead to a significant reduction in the number of people misdiagnosed with hypertension. The approach is expected to be cost-effective and save money by targeting treatment at those who need it.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 23, 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.

Living on the edge of poverty and national parks

A 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households became better off, with improved access to clean drinking water, livestock, and shelter. However, 10% sold or lost their land, highlighting the importance of land as a productive asset for poor communities.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 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.

Social science important for health-systems research

The article highlights the importance of social sciences in Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR), emphasizing approaches to generalization, policy learning, and enhanced research quality. Social science perspectives are vital for acknowledging the complex nature of health policies and systems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Extreme morning sickness could lead to lifelong emotional, behavioral disorders in kids

Research finds children of mothers with extreme morning sickness may suffer from anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression as adults. A UCLA-USC study suggests prolonged malnutrition and stress during fetal brain development could contribute to these lifelong neurobehavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateAug 23, 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.

Storing vertebrates in the cloud

The project, called VertNet, aims to make online storage of vertebrate collections from around the world more accessible. This will enable academic researchers and citizen scientists to search and explore the vast collections more easily.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateAug 23, 2011

Taxpayer film subsidies promote youth smoking

A University of California, San Francisco researcher found that taxpayer subsidies for films depicting smoking promote thousands of new teen smokers every year. In California, 70% of subsidized PG-13 movies depict smoking, highlighting the need to modernize the rating system and end subsidies for films promoting smoking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Children's hospitals not equipped to handle pandemics

A new study found children's hospitals are underequipped to handle a surge of patients in the event of a pandemic. The study urges health care institutions and government agencies to review emergency preparedness plans as flu season approaches.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateAug 23, 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.

A new nuance to neurons

Scientists at UCSF have discovered two distinct pools of vesicles in neurons, each with unique proteins that determine their behavior. The finding sheds new light on neurotransmitter packaging, transport, and release from neurons, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating neurological diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateAug 23, 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.

Nickel nanoparticles may contribute to lung cancer

New research from Brown University finds that nickel nanoparticles can activate a cellular pathway that contributes to cancer in human lung cells. The study shows that smaller nanoscale particles are more harmful and potentially cancer-causing than larger microscale particles.

SourceBrown University·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateAug 23, 2011

Should films with smoking have adult ratings?

Two articles argue that film rating recommendations can create an economic incentive for producers to avoid tobacco imagery in youth-rated films. In contrast, other experts disagree, citing concerns about censorship, confounding factors, and the effectiveness of adult classification, suggesting alternative approaches to address public ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Economic inequality is linked to biased self-perception

A study of 1,625 people across 15 countries found economic inequality is a stronger predictor of self-enhancement than individualism or collectivism. This suggests that competition and unequal resource distribution can lead to increased self-inflation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2011

Stay in ICU means fewer patients likely to renew prescriptions after discharge

A new study published in JAMA found that patients who spend time in an intensive care unit (ICU) are less likely to renew their prescriptions for chronic medications after discharge. The research examined data from nearly 400,000 Ontario residents and found that ICU patients had a higher rate of prescription non-renewal compared to tho...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateAug 23, 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.

Ancient whale skulls and directional hearing: A twisted tale

A new study found that ancient whale skulls were asymmetric, suggesting they may have used directional hearing to navigate in water before the development of echolocation. This finding contradicts previous theories and sheds light on the evolution of whales.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2011

Coriander oil could tackle food poisoning and drug-resistant infections

Researchers found that coriander oil damages bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting essential processes and ultimately killing bacteria. The study suggests using coriander oil as a natural alternative to common antibiotics for treating food-borne illnesses and multidrug-resistant infections.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateAug 23, 2011

UK study shows ambulatory blood pressure measurements to be the most cost-effective way for diagnosing hypertension

A UK study published in The Lancet concludes that ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is the most cost-effective way to diagnose hypertension. This method, which involves repeated measurements throughout a 24-hour period, is more accurate and correlates better with cardiovascular outcomes than traditional clinic-based methods.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 23, 2011

UT researchers develop algorithm to improve remote electrocardiography

Researchers at UT Knoxville have developed an algorithm that improves the accuracy of electrocardiograms (ECGs) using smartphone technology. The algorithm can detect electrode misplacement and electromagnetic noise, providing more accurate A-F letter grades for ECGs and recommendations for optimal electrode placement.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateAug 23, 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.

Sexist men and women -- made for each other

A new study by Jeffrey Hall and Melanie Canterberry suggests that women with negative attitudes towards their own gender are more likely to prefer men who adopt similar attitudes. Women who open to casual sex also tend to respond to aggressive courtship strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 23, 2011

Handsome annual reports cause investors to value company higher

A study from the University of Miami School of Business found that firms with more colorful annual reports are perceived to have higher annual revenues. This is because investors experience a sense of pride of ownership when presented with attractive reports, leading to increased valuation.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateAug 23, 2011

Trudeau Institute announces a discovery in how FluMist elicits protection

Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have discovered that FluMist elicits protection by inducing a very early non-specific immune response in the lungs, which is protective against both matching and non-matching influenza strains. This response also limits lung inflammation and reduces susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalVaccine·DateAug 23, 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.

Maintaining exercise when the cardiac rehab is complete

Researchers found that telephone counseling supporting exercise significantly increased patient adherence to an exercise program. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that patients who received maintenance counseling exercises for at least 32 minutes more per week than those in the control group o...

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Brain tumors found to have a 2-tier system

Researchers have classified brain tumors into two distinct subgroups based on genetic analysis, revealing that one subgroup has a favorable prognosis while the other is more aggressive. The study provides valuable insights for better treatment options and could lead to targeted therapies for patients with ependymoma.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 23, 2011

AIAA to present awards at September conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will honor aircraft design, program management, and lifetime achievements through its annual awards. The awards ceremony takes place as part of the 11th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateAug 23, 2011

Newly discovered Icelandic current could change climate picture

Scientists have confirmed the presence of the North Icelandic Jet (NIJ), a deep-ocean circulation system off Iceland that contributes to key components of ocean circulation. The NIJ is a major contributor to the Denmark Strait Overflow Water, critically important for regulating Earth's climate.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 23, 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.

A better test for a potato pest

Xiaohong Wang's diagnostic test can identify the type of nematode infesting a field, crucial for developing resistant potato varieties. The test is 1000 times more sensitive than traditional methods, enabling reliable results from small amounts of nematode material.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Plant Pathology·DateAug 23, 2011

Melanin's 'trick' for maintaining radioprotection studied

Researchers discovered melanin can receive electrons, counteracting gamma radiation's oxidizing effects, resulting in electric current production. This finding has potential applications in the space industry, where equipment is exposed to high levels of radiation.

SourceDOE/Savannah River National Laboratory·JournalBioelectrochemistry·DateAug 23, 2011

2-year-old children understand complex grammar

Researchers found that 2-year-olds can identify correct images with complex verb sentences, suggesting infants know more about language structure than they can articulate. This study reveals the beginnings of grammar acquisition start earlier than previously thought and demonstrate children use grammar to understand new words.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCognitive Science·DateAug 23, 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.

A new set of building blocks for simple synthesis of complex molecules

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new set of building blocks for simple synthesis of complex molecules. They successfully synthesized synechoxanthin, an antioxidant molecule, using their iterative cross-coupling method, which enables the creation of a whole new class of building blocks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 23, 2011

Landsat image maps aid fire recovery efforts

Fire response teams use Landsat satellite data to protect houses, wildlife, and bodies of water. The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) uses Landsat data to create maps depicting ecologic changes due to high temperatures after a fire.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 23, 2011

Decision making changes with age -- and age helps!

Research shows that older decision makers trounce their younger counterparts due to improved ability to evaluate options, develop strategies, and utilize pre-frontal cortices. This increased wisdom enables them to make more rational choices in complex environments.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2011

Researchers uncover source of Haitian cholera outbreak

A team of researchers from Northern Arizona University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute has pinpointed the source of a devastating cholera outbreak in Haiti that killed over 6,000 people. The study used whole genome sequencing to confirm that Nepalese peacekeepers brought the disease to Haiti.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalmBio·DateAug 23, 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.