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Science News for August 29, 2011


What's really in that luscious chocolate aroma?

Researchers identified over 600 volatile compounds in cocoa beans, with only 25 essential for the characteristic flavor. They developed a method to recreate the chocolate flavor using these compounds, mimicking its aroma and taste in 'recombinates'. This breakthrough could lead to improved flavors and aromas in chocolates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 2011

UCLA memory fitness program improves memory abilities of oldest adults

A new UCLA study found that a six-week memory fitness program improved verbal memory and reduced age-related memory decline in seniors over 80. The program included education on lifestyle factors impacting memory ability and overall brain health, resulting in enhanced self-perceived memory and cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 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.

A mouse model brings new perspectives on Lafora disease

Researchers have developed a genetically engineered mouse model to study Lafora disease, revealing the role of malin-laforin complex in glycogen synthesis and neuronal degeneration. The study provides evidence for abnormal sugar accumulation leading to neuronal deterioration and death.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 29, 2011

Flexible electronics hold promise for consumer applications

Researchers developed a large molecule stable and inexpensive to produce, paving the way for plastic-based flexible electronics. The technology may turn into everyday realities, including artificial skin, smart bandages and wearable electronics.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 29, 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.

Wastewater recycling can multiply greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers found that wastewater recycling plants emit significantly more nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, due to dense populations of bacteria. Despite this, they argue that wastewater recycling remains an essential component of urban water resources.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 29, 2011

It's official -- chocolate linked to heart health

A systematic review and meta-analysis finds a potential beneficial link between chocolate consumption and heart health, with five studies reporting a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. However, the authors caution that further research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2011

Panda poop may be a treasure trove of microbes for making biofuels

Scientists have identified bacteria in giant panda feces with potent effects on breaking down plant material, which could be used to produce biofuels. These bacteria can convert up to 95% of plant biomass into simple sugars, eliminating the need for high heat and pressure processes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 2011

Potential benefits of remote follow-up of ICD patients

A new trial by the European Society of Cardiology suggests that remote follow-up of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients could be a safe alternative to traditional in-clinic visits. The study found that remote monitoring resulted in fewer inappropriate therapies and similar outcomes compared to conventional follow-up.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 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.

Cycling fast: vigorous daily exercise recommended for a longer life

Researchers found that cycling at high intensity for short periods significantly reduces all-cause mortality. Men who cycled fast survived 5.3 years longer, while women did so by 3.9 years. The study suggests increasing daily vigorous physical activity may help combat cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2011

New salts for chemical soups

Researchers at LMU München have developed a facile route to versatile organozinc compounds by synthesizing them as salt-stabilized solids. This allows for easier storage and transportation compared to traditional liquid forms, making them more suitable for industrial applications.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 29, 2011

Scientist creates new hypothesis on ocean acidification

A recent study by Dr. Paul Jokiel suggests that ocean acidification interferes with the transfer of hydrogen ions between water and coral tissue, disrupting calcification rates and weakening coral skeletons. This 'proton flux hypothesis' provides new insights into the importance of ocean acidification and temperature on coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateAug 29, 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.

Discovery in cardiology: A medication reduces heart volume

A new medication, ivabradine, has been shown to reduce both heart rate and volume in patients with cardiac insufficiency, leading to a significant reduction in mortality and hospitalizations. This discovery holds promise for a new approach to treating this condition.

SourceMontreal Heart Institute·DateAug 29, 2011

It's official -- chocolate linked to heart health

A review of seven studies involving over 100,000 participants found that higher levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke. However, the authors caution that further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceBMJ Group·DateAug 29, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Simple teaching tool boosts student reading performance

A study from North Carolina State University reveals that a simple teaching tool improves fundamental reading skills, particularly fluency, in struggling readers without requiring significant program changes. The HELPS program demonstrates significant advances in reading comprehension and basic reading skills.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·DateAug 29, 2011

New microscope might see beneath skin in 4-D

Researchers developed a new type of laser scanning confocal microscope that can gather spectrographic information from every point in a sample at a wide range of wavelengths in a single scan. This allows for high-resolution pictures and potential detection of early signs of melanoma.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 29, 2011

Cigarette smoking causes more arterial damage in women than in men

A recent study found that cigarette smoking has a greater impact on arterial health in women compared to men, with increased risk of atherosclerosis and carotid artery thickening. This association holds true even after adjusting for other factors such as age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 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.

Remote ICD monitoring a 'safe alternative' to conventional follow up

A multicentre randomised trial in France investigated the safety of long-term daily remote monitoring using a home monitoring system compared to conventional in-clinic follow-up. The results showed that remote ICD monitoring is non-inferior to traditional follow-up, with significant reductions in inappropriate shocks and hospitalizations.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2011

Testing the water for bioenergy crops

Researchers found that large-scale land conversion to bioenergy crops increases water use, reducing soil moisture and runoff but increasing atmospheric humidity. The study's results highlight the need to consider water demands in decision-making for energy production through bioenergy crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

New perspectives on sensory mechanisms

The Perspectives in General Physiology series provides an in-depth look at the mechanisms of sensory information processing, including visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile processes. The series reveals key strategies used by researchers to quantify and characterize sensory information across multiple systems.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateAug 29, 2011

How an 'evolutionary playground' brings plant genes together

Researchers have discovered two gene clusters in plants producing valuable compounds, providing insights into their evolution and function. The clusters, found in dynamic regions of the genome, are maintained as a whole due to evolutionary pressure, enabling coordinated gene expression.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2011

Alley to receive first Schneider Award

Richard B. Alley has made extraordinary scientific contributions and communicated his knowledge to a broad public in a clear and compelling fashion, earning him the Stephen H. Schneider Award. The award was established this year in honor of Stephen Henry Schneider, one of the founding fathers of climatology.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 29, 2011

Tiny wires change behavior at nanoscale

A new study from Rice University reveals that gold nanowires less than 20 nanometers wide can become brittle-like under stress, exhibiting unique properties on the nanoscale. Researchers found twins in nanowires to be a key factor in reducing ductility, leading to premature fracture.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 29, 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.

New discovery sheds light on the ecosystem of young galaxies

A team of scientists has discovered a distant galaxy that helps elucidate two fundamental questions of galaxy formation. The galaxy's extended patch of light suggests that roughly half of the radiation is escaping and exciting hydrogen atoms outside its halo.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 29, 2011

Monitoring ground-level ozone from space

A study by the USDA found that high ozone levels above 50 ppb can reduce soybean yields by at least 10 percent, resulting in significant economic losses. Satellite data provides a useful tool for monitoring ozone damage to crops in rural areas where ground networks are limited.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 29, 2011

Research aims to starve breast cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a way to starve breast cancer cells by blocking their efficient amino acid delivery system. This approach could provide new treatment options for patients resistant to standard therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

2011 AAO-HNSF poster presentations

The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO features groundbreaking research in otolaryngology, including studies on deviated noses and nasal base asymmetry. Deficiencies in otolaryngologic knowledge among primary care providers are also highlighted.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateAug 29, 2011

Scientists develop new technologies for understanding bacterial infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a novel approach for studying molecules within their natural environment, allowing for unprecedented detail on bacterial infection mechanisms. The breakthrough utilizes a lateral molecular force microscope to measure biological phenomena directly on a living cell surface, enabling...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2011

Magnetic memories manipulated by voltage, not heat

Scientists from Tsinghua University tested three structures commonly used in magnetic memory experiments and found that voltage directly controls changes in the magnetic properties of all three materials. This is a significant advantage for real-world device performance, as it eliminates the need for heat-controlled systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 29, 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.

Illinois–UC Berkeley discovery turns seaweed into biofuel in half the time

University of Illinois scientists develop a new strain of yeast that converts seaweed into biofuel more efficiently, cutting production time in half. This breakthrough improves the economic feasibility of marine biofuels and offers a healthier product.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 29, 2011

From mild-mannered to killer plague

Scientists identify genetic differences between mild and deadly Plague bacteria, revealing the role of small non-coding RNAs in disease severity. The study provides new insights into the evolution of pathogens and potential therapeutic targets for deadly diseases like the Plague.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

The effect of eplerenone vs. placebo on cardiovascular mortality

A new sub-analysis of the EMPHASIS-HF study showed significant reductions in death and hospitalization for five pre-defined high-risk patient sub-groups with chronic heart failure treated with eplerenone in addition to standard therapy. The benefits were observed across various subgroups, including those with diabetes, kidney impairmen...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2011

Virus attacks childhood cancers

Researchers from Yale University discovered that a virus from the same family as rabies can target and kill soft tissue sarcomas. The oncolytic activity of VSV-rp30a was found to be effective against 12 out of 13 different sarcoma lines, with resistance overcome by interferon antagonizers.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 29, 2011

Astrophysicists report first simulation to create a Milky Way-like galaxy

Researchers at University of California, Santa Cruz and Institute for Theoretical Physics in Zurich simulate formation of massive spiral galaxy like Milky Way, resolving key features with high-resolution simulation. The result supports prevailing cold dark matter theory, which predicts galaxies form within dark matter halos.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateAug 29, 2011

Scientists find new drug candidates for set of protein-folding diseases

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified chemical compounds that prevent the abnormal aggregation of the TTR protein, holding it together in its functional form. The compounds have the potential to help hundreds of thousands of people affected by TTR-related amyloid diseases or at risk for them.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 29, 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.

Vaccine linked to 'bleeding calf syndrome'

Bleeding calf syndrome affects new-born calves, caused by low blood cell counts and bone marrow depletion. A vaccine against BVDV has been linked to the condition through anti-MHC class I antibodies produced by mothers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalVeterinary Research·DateAug 29, 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.

Bilingual babies' vocabulary linked to early brain differentiation

A new study found that bilingual babies' brains remain flexible to languages for a longer period, possibly due to greater exposure to speech sounds at home. Bilingual infants also produced more words in the dominant language, while monolinguals lagged behind.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Phonetics·DateAug 29, 2011

Playing highly competitive video games may lead to aggressive behavior

Research suggests that competitiveness in video games is a key factor in aggressive behavior, with highly competitive games leading to greater elevations in aggression. In contrast, less competitive games do not elevate aggressive behavior, regardless of violence content.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Violence·DateAug 29, 2011

MRI predicts survival in locally advanced rectal cancer

A new study found that MRI-assessed tumor responses to neoadjuvant therapy can predict survival among patients with advanced rectal cancer. The findings suggest that using MRI prior to surgery may help change the course of patient care, enabling physicians to choose a more effective chemotherapy drug or avoid surgery in some cases.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 29, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The brittleness of aging bones -- more than a loss of bone mass

Research reveals age-related degradation of bone's intrinsic and extrinsic toughness. Biological aging increases collagen cross-linking, osteonal density, and micro cracking, compromising fracture resistance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2011

NASA eyes 2 more Atlantic tropical cyclones while Irene drenches Canada

NASA satellites monitor Tropical Storm Jose and newly formed Tropical Depression 12 in the Atlantic, while Hurricane Irene drenches Quebec and Newfoundland in Canada. The National Hurricane Center expects TD12 to strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane later this week due to low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 29, 2011