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Science News for August 3, 2011


UCLA life scientists' study of abalone yields new insights into sexual reproduction

Researchers studied interactions between individual sperm and eggs in red abalone, making precise chemical measurements and physical models of these interactions. They found that the egg releases a plume of tryptophan to attract sperm, greatly increasing its target area. Ocean flow conditions also play a significant role in fertilization.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2011

Raptor usurpers in neighboring habitats reshape the conventional wisdom

Environmental assessments need to examine a broader reach, as displaced species migrate to neighboring habitats, causing competition for resources. Researchers tracked the movements of raptors in the Judean Foothills, finding that buzzards are taking over eagles' nests and diminishing their food supply.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 3, 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.

Aggressive drug therapy aids superbug evolution

Research warns that using powerful antibiotics to treat diseases like MRSA and malaria can accelerate the emergence of resistant strains. The study suggests strategies for slowing resistance spread and preventing mutations.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2011

Product stewardship: Designing for life after the consumer

Manufacturers are designing products with an end-of-life perspective, incorporating biodegradable materials and easy disassembly. This approach to product stewardship fosters take-back programs and recycling, reducing environmental pollution risks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 3, 2011

Researchers create umpire schedule for MLB

Researchers created a novel solution to generate high-quality schedules for MLB umpires, minimizing travel time and adhering to league rules. The method, developed in collaboration with experts from Carnegie Mellon University and Michigan State University, reduced the creation time from weeks to just a few days.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalInterfaces·DateAug 3, 2011

Science showcase presents psychology's 'hands-on' benefits

The American Psychological Association will feature public demonstrations of psychological science applications, including a device that enables 'seeing' with one's ears. The Science Showcase also includes an interactive home energy-use feedback system and a test to determine on-the-job fatigue associated with sleep loss.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2011

Basis for battery-powered skin patch for wider range of protein-based medicines

Scientists have developed a battery-powered skin patch that can deliver medication for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and healing stubborn skin ulcers and burns. The patch uses transdermal iontophoresis to deliver fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), larger proteins that were previously ineffective when given by mouth or injected, result...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateAug 3, 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.

25 percent of Ontarians hospitalized for depression required ER visit or readmission within 30 days

A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that 25% of people hospitalized for depression in Ontario needed emergency care or were readmitted within 30 days. The research highlights the need for better integration of care and transition planning for patients with mental illness.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 3, 2011

The Geological Society of America announces 2011 awardees

The Geological Society of America recognizes Paul F. Hoffman, Susan L. Brantley, Jasper A. Vrugt, Naomi E. Levin, A. Wesley Ward, Scott F. Burns, Richard C. Berg, and Brendan Murphy for their exceptional contributions to geology, hydrogeology, paleoclimate, and public service.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateAug 3, 2011

Biocontrol of sweetpotato weevils

University of Guam scientist Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy is developing an integrated control strategy to manage sweetpotato weevil populations using pheromone traps and lethal fungi, eliminating toxic pesticides.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateAug 3, 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 WHO guidelines call for more evidence on drug-resistant TB

The World Health Organization has released updated guidelines for managing drug-resistant tuberculosis, highlighting the need for more research to improve disease management. Key recommendations include wider use of rapid drug susceptibility testing and ambulatory models of care.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 3, 2011

Text messaging improves management of malaria treatment by health workers

A six-month study in Kenya found that daily text-message reminders improved correct malaria treatment management by 23.7%, with significant effects on patient adherence to medication. The intervention is cheap and can be scaled up nationally, making it a promising low-cost strategy for improving health worker performance.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2011

Harnessing the power of positive thoughts and emotions to treat depression

A comprehensive review article found that positive activity interventions (PAIs) may offer hope to individuals with depressive disorders who do not respond to medical therapy. PAIs, such as counting blessings and practicing optimism, teach patients ways to increase their positive cognitions and emotions without professional help.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateAug 3, 2011

Standard aplastic anemia therapy improves patient outcomes better than newer version

A recent NIH study found that ATGAM significantly improved blood cell counts and survival rates for patients with severe aplastic anemia compared to Thymoglobulin. The study enrolled 120 patients and showed improved outcomes after six months, with 96% of ATGAM patients surviving after three years.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 3, 2011

Wayne State researcher receives NSF award to develop neural implants

A Wayne State University researcher has received a $475,000 grant to develop graphene-based neural implants that could improve the quality of life for millions. The technology aims to overcome limitations of current implantable devices by using a flexible material and biodegradable backing.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateAug 3, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Progress made in understanding breast cancer risk

Research presented at the Era of Hope conference explores genes that contribute to breast cancer risk in African Americans and the possibility of mitigating it through vitamin D intake. Additionally, studies examine how daughters of BRCA mutation carriers manage their own risk of breast cancer.

SourceUS Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs·DateAug 3, 2011

Natural killer cells participate in immune response against HIV

A new study shows natural killer cells can contribute to HIV immune response, suggesting an additional cell type with anti-HIV activity. Researchers found that HIV strains infecting individuals with specific NK cell receptors had variant forms of viral proteins, implying the virus mutates to avoid NK cell activity.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 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.

Text message reminders improve healthcare practice in rural Africa, study finds

A study funded by the Wellcome Trust found that sending text message reminders to healthcare workers in rural Africa improved the implementation of national guidelines for treating malaria. The intervention resulted in a 25% improvement in health workers' practices, leading to more patients receiving accurate antimalarial treatment.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2011

USDA scientists study effects of rising carbon dioxide on rangelands

A study by USDA and university scientists found that higher CO2 levels can reverse the drying effects of predicted higher temperatures on semi-arid rangelands. This is because CO2 causes leaf stomatal pores to partly close, lessening water loss and increasing plant growth for warm-season grasses.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2011

ONR-Funded smartphone app exceeds 33,000 downloads in first 3 weeks

The ONR-funded Build A Bird app has been downloaded over 10,000 times a week, teaching players about flight dynamics and the Navy's commitment to K-12 STEM education. The app is part of a larger effort to engage underserved youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateAug 3, 2011

First observational test of the 'multiverse'

Researchers from University College London and Imperial College London developed an algorithm to search for signatures of other universes in cosmic microwave background radiation. They found an observational upper limit on the number of bubble collision signatures, providing a test of the multiverse theory.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 3, 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.

Bellybutton microbiomes

A study on human bellybutton microbiomes found diverse bacterial communities, similar to those on the skin, but also stable over time and between family members. The research used citizen science to collect and analyze 391 samples, shedding light on human health and environmental interactions.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 3, 2011

What steers vampires to blood

Scientists have found a heat-detecting molecule called TRPV1 on the noses of vampire bats, which helps guide their bites to veins. This discovery highlights how small genetic changes can lead to major evolutionary adaptations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 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.

Carbon hitches a ride from field to market

A new study provides a detailed account of the natural carbon cycle in agriculture, revealing that regions dependent on others for food release more carbon than they take in. The researchers developed a national crop carbon budget, finding that the crops absorb and return about 37% of the US's total annual carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalBiogeosciences·DateAug 3, 2011

Getting to the heart of the appeal of video games

Researchers found that playing videogames allows people to try on different identities, reducing negative emotions and increasing motivation. The study suggests that games enable players to act as their ideal selves, leading to improved self-esteem and enjoyment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 3, 2011

Ray Semlitsch receives 2011 Fitch Award for Excellence in Herpetology

Dr. Ray Semlitsch has been awarded the 2011 Fitch Award for Excellence in Herpetology for his groundbreaking research on amphibian ecology and wetland conservation. His studies have shown that tolerance to contaminants varies among species, and he established the importance of aquatic environments for semi-aquatic amphibians.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateAug 3, 2011

Fighting breast cancer from new angles

Researchers present novel approaches to breast cancer treatment, including reconstituted cholesterol as a drug delivery model and heat-activated peptide therapy. These methods aim to improve patient outcomes by reducing side effects and increasing targeted treatments.

SourceUS Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs·DateAug 3, 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.

Novel coatings show great promise as flame retardants in polyurethane foam

Researchers at NIST and Texas A&M University developed a coating made of carbon nanofibers and polymers that significantly reduces flammability in polyurethane foam. The coating achieved reductions of up to 158 percent better than nonhalogen flame retardants and 1,138 percent better than halogen-phosphorous flame retardants.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPolymer·DateAug 3, 2011

An advance toward an 'electronic nose' urine test for TB

A new urine test uses a portable 'electronic nose' to detect tuberculosis (TB) by analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in patient urine. The test shows promise as a fast and inexpensive diagnostic tool for TB, which affects millions worldwide.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 3, 2011

NC State gets $25 million grant to nullify norovirus

North Carolina State University is leading a $25 million project to study human noroviruses across the food supply chain. The goal is to design effective control measures and reduce virus-caused food-borne illnesses, which affect over 5 million people in the US annually.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateAug 3, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Crop breeding could 'slash CO2 levels'

Breeding crops with deeper and bushier root systems could double the amount of carbon captured from the environment, potentially reducing CO2 levels. This approach could also improve soil structure and water retention while enhancing sustainable plant yields.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateAug 3, 2011

Ferraro to receive GSA's 2011 Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award

Kenneth Ferraro, a renowned sociologist and gerontologist, has been awarded the 2011 Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award by the Gerontological Society of America. He is recognized for his significant impact on fostering excellence in the field through mentoring and inspiring students and colleagues.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 3, 2011

6 million years of savanna

Scientists used ancient soil to measure prehistoric tree cover and found that grassy, tree-dotted savannas prevailed for over 6 million years in eastern Africa. This discovery contradicts previous theories suggesting a shift towards forested environments during human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 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.

GEN reports on nanotechology's impact on mass spectrometry

Advances in nanotechnology are driving innovation in mass spectrometry instrumentation, enabling faster and more precise biomarker validation. Researchers have developed novel nanoflow separation methodologies that ramp up the speed and precision of validating biomarkers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateAug 3, 2011

First opal-like crystals discovered in meteorite

Researchers found opal-like crystals in a 2000 Canadian meteorite, suggesting conditions existed for their formation 4.6 billion years ago. The discovery implies magnetite colloidal crystals have promising potential as novel functional materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 3, 2011

Urine test shows prostate cancer risk, U-M study finds

A new urine test can help identify men at high risk of clinically significant prostate cancer, potentially delaying or avoiding needle biopsies. The test supplements an elevated PSA screening result and combines genetic markers to predict cancer presence.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 3, 2011

Predicting perilous plaque in coronary arteries via fluid dynamics

Researchers developed a method to predict which areas of the coronary arteries will develop more atherosclerotic plaque over time. The method calculates shear stress based on artery geometry and blood flow, identifying vulnerable plaque that is likely to cause a heart attack or stroke.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCirculation·DateAug 3, 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.

UI biologist finds one species of pathogen can produce two distinct biofilms

A UI biologist found that Candida albicans can form two types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual one. The discovery reveals that 90% of cells colonizing humans make resistant, non-sexually competent biofilms. A minority of cells form highly permeable and penetrable biofilms that support mating

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 3, 2011

Scientists pinpoint river flow associated with cholera outbreaks, not just global warming

A new study finds that large river discharges carrying nutrients contribute to increased phytoplankton blooms, which in turn lead to cholera outbreaks. The research analyzed data from four major river basins and suggests that predicting global warming's impact on cholera will be more complicated than initially thought.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateAug 3, 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.

Research explores how breast cancer spreads and new ways to treat it

Researchers have identified new genetic markers for patients at high risk for bone metastasis, which may provide additional targets for preventing and treating the disease. A novel vaccine for HER2+ breast cancer is also being developed to address a particularly aggressive form of the disease.

SourceUS Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs·DateAug 3, 2011

'Watermark ink' device identifies unknown liquids instantly

A new device, called 'Watermark ink,' can identify unknown liquids by exploiting their surface tension and changes in optical properties. The device, which fits in the palm of a hand, has potential applications in quality control tests, contaminant identification, and forensic analysis.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 3, 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.

'Big splat' may explain the moon's mountainous far side

A new study suggests that a collision between the moon and a smaller companion moon could have formed the lunar farside highlands. The model proposes that the impact did not form a crater, but instead piled material onto one side, creating a mountainous region.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2011

Finding could reduce antibiotic use in critically ill patients

A review of five studies found that monitoring procalcitonin levels can guide the duration of antibiotic treatment, reducing courses by two days without affecting patient health. This could lead to significant cost savings for healthcare systems.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateAug 3, 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.

Calcifying microalgae are witnesses of increasing ocean acidification

Researchers found that coccolithophores form thinner calcite skeletons in acidic ocean water, with significant implications for marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. However, some coastal areas exhibit highly calcified species, suggesting potential adaptations to environmental changes.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2011

Bittman to receive 2011 Gene D. Cohen Award

Barry Bittman, a neurologist and researcher, is awarded the Gene D. Cohen Research Award for his work on the benefits of music-making protocols for individuals with age-related stress responses. His research has shown significant reductions in burnout and mood disturbances among long-term care workers.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 3, 2011

Italian academia is a family business, statistical analysis reveals

A study analyzing over 61,000 Italian professors found significant nepotism in academia, with certain disciplines showing a high likelihood of hiring family members. The research suggests that nepotism is a pervasive problem, contributing to Italy's brain drain and poor university rankings.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 3, 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.

Web search is ready for a shakeup, says UW computer scientist

Oren Etzioni proposes a future where computers can find answers by analyzing data on the internet, going beyond keyword searches. The University of Washington's Turing Center has developed an open-source tool called ReVerb to achieve this goal.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2011

University of Miami scientists find way to identify manmade biofuels in atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Miami have developed a technique to track urban atmospheric plumes using ethanol's isotopic signature, which can indicate the presence of manmade biofuels. The discovery has significant implications for understanding air pollution in urban areas and mitigating its effects on human health.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 3, 2011