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Science News for February 10, 2011


Lake-effect theory sinks, but quake timing questions go on

A new study dating back 1,000 years of earthquakes at the San Andreas Fault shows no correlation between lake changes and earthquake timing. Despite this, researchers warn of a likely buildup of tectonic stress, making a major quake possible for southern California in the near future.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 10, 2011

Wayne State study: Enhance romance by going out with other couples

A Wayne State University study found that couples who socialized with other couples experienced improved romantic relationships and increased happiness. The research suggests that spending quality time with others can put a spark in one's own relationship.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateFeb 10, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New online tool predicts probability of death from stroke

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital developed an online tool that estimates stroke patient mortality based on risk factors like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The tool was validated in a study of 12,262 patients and found to be accurate in predicting death rates 30 days and one year after ischemic stroke.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 10, 2011

Study shows that defensive military alliances enhance peace

A new study by Rice University researchers found that countries with defensive military alliances are less likely to be attacked, and these alliances do not increase the likelihood of aggression. The study analyzed defense agreements from 1816 to 2001 and suggests that such alliances can make war and militarized conflicts shorter.

SourceRice University·JournalForeign Policy Analysis·DateFeb 10, 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.

When nature calls

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that male swordtail fish strategically release pheromone-packed urine in the presence of females as a display of courtship. The study, published in PLOS ONE, challenges previous assumptions about passive pheromone release in fish.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 10, 2011

44-year-old mystery of how fleas jump resolved

Researchers at Cambridge University have finally resolved the debate on how fleas jump, discovering that they push off with their toes. The team used high-speed cameras and mathematical modeling to analyze flea jumps, finding that both the tarsus and trochanter were involved in the jumping process.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011

Coastal Canadians living in high-risk neighborhoods in poorer health: Study

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that Canadians living in high-risk neighborhoods are twice as likely to report poor health, particularly on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The study highlights the importance of targeted health policies for specific regions and neighborhoods at greatest risk.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalHealth & Place·DateFeb 10, 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.

Giant rats lead scientists to ancient face carvings

A team of archaeologists and palaeontologists discovered prehistoric human faces in Lene Hara Cave, dated to the late Pleistocene era. The 'sun ray' face has been confirmed to be around 10,000 to 12,000 years old, while other faces are likely to be equally ancient.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAntiquity·DateFeb 10, 2011

Common insecticide used in homes associated with delayed mental development of young children

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant association between piperonyl butoxide, a common additive in pyrethroid formulations, and delayed mental development in young children. Children exposed to higher levels of PBO showed lower cognitive scores, similar to the impact of lead exposure.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 10, 2011

Study examines phenomenon of women caring for ex-husbands

A new study from the University of Missouri finds that ex-wife caregivers are more common than expected, offering unique characteristics and motivations. Women provide care to their ex-husbands due to emotional attachments, shared children, or a desire to maintain relationships.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateFeb 10, 2011

MU, ASU researchers' discovery could change views of human evolution

Researchers at MU and ASU found proof of arches in a 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis fossil, suggesting a fundamental shift towards human-like walking and locomotion. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the species' behavior and adaptation to its environment.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2011

Leafcutter ant genome reveals secrets of fungus farming ways

A recent study on the leafcutter ant genome has shed light on its unique fungus-farming abilities, revealing how the insect's lifestyle has remade its genetic blueprint over time. The research provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between ants, fungi, and bacteria in this mutualistic relationship.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 10, 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.

Most stroke patients don't get clot-busting treatment in timely manner, study finds

Researchers found that less than one-third of acute stroke patients treated with clot-busting drug tPA receive it within 60 minutes of hospital arrival. Timely tPA administration is linked to lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications, with every 15-minute reduction associated with a 5% lower risk of death.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 10, 2011

WSU researcher designs multilingual instruction materials for world's largest mall

A WSU researcher designed an instructional process to train over 300 employees from diverse countries in custodial duties at the Dubai Mall. The project resulted in a high success rate and has been recognized as a model for efficient, cross-cultural instructional design.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalInternational Journal of Designs for Learning·DateFeb 10, 2011

Virus, parasite may combine to increase harm to humans

Researchers found that a viral infection in a parasite can trigger severe responses in immune cells, increasing disease severity. The study suggests that antiviral strategies could be used to reduce damage caused by Leishmania strains carrying viruses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 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.

Trial will test whether surgery is the best option for type 2 diabetes

A new clinical trial at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center is testing whether surgery can control Type 2 diabetes as effectively as medical treatment. The study enrolls 50 patients with Type 2 diabetes, comparing gastric bypass to conventional medical therapy and lifestyle modifications.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateFeb 10, 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.

Microarray analysis can identify unsuspected incest

Researchers using DNA microarrays to diagnose developmental disabilities may unexpectedly identify cases of incest. Children conceived through incest exhibit a lack of heterozygosity, resulting from the sharing of genetic material between family members.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 10, 2011

Changing views about saturated fat and cardiovascular disease

A new perspective paper challenges long-held beliefs about saturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the complexity of diet's effects on CVD risk. Experts conclude that blood lipid ratios and food matrices, including nutrients like protein and calcium, play a more significant role than just fatty acid content.

SourceGlobal Dairy Platform·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 10, 2011

A new way to attack pathogens

Researchers have discovered a new way to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by targeting the bacteria's RNA degradation process. The approach, which uses an inhibitor called RNPA1000, shows promise against MRSA biofilms and other antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 10, 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.

MRI can help decide therapy in patients with unclear-onset stroke

A study using MRI techniques found that over 80 patients with unclear-onset strokes could safely receive clot-busting therapy, resulting in 45% having a good clinical outcome and 29% an excellent one. However, female patients and those with severe initial assessments fared poorly with treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 10, 2011

NASA awards aircraft catalog blanket purchase agreements

NASA has selected seven contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to various airborne platforms for science research and range support. The BPAs offer a range of instrumentation payloads and access to both manned and unmanned aerial platforms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 2011

How much information is there in the world?

The study, led by Martin Hilbert, found that humankind is able to store at least 295 exabytes of information, equivalent to a galaxy of data for every person in the world. This represents just one percent of the information stored in all human DNA molecules.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2011

Roses get celery gene to help fight disease

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed roses that incorporate a gene from celery to fight botrytis, a major post-harvest disease. The genetically modified roses aim to extend vase life and reduce shipping times, making them more viable for the cut flower industry.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateFeb 10, 2011

Chinks in the brain circuitry make some more vulnerable to anxiety

Two neural pathways have been identified in the brain that play a role in developing phobias and anxiety disorders. The study found that individuals with overactive amygdalas and those who fail to activate their ventral prefrontal cortex are more prone to fear responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 10, 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 mode of dementia care improves health, lowers hospitalization rates

Researchers developed a new mode of dementia care that significantly reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while encouraging the use of non-harmful medications. The model results in improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and less emotional burden on family caregivers.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateFeb 10, 2011

2 NASA satellites see a newborn tropical storm near Madagascar

NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Bingiza showing strong thunderstorms and a well-defined low-level circulation center. The storm is intensifying slowly and expected to meander over the next couple of days before strengthening towards central Madagascar.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 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.

New research helps explain how progesterone prevents preterm birth

A recent study led by Dr. Errol R. Norwitz found that three proteins XIAP, BID, and Bcl-2 play a crucial role in preventing preterm labor by hindering apoptosis in the fetal membranes. This breakthrough research sheds light on the mechanism behind progesterone's success in preventing preterm birth.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 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 evolutionary research disproves living missing link theories

A team of researchers led by Dr. Hervé Philippe found that Xenoturbellida and Acoelomorpha marine worms evolved from more sophisticated ancestors through major simplifications, contradicting the idea of a linear hierarchy of evolution. The study demonstrates the importance of secondary simplification in evolution.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2011

Heat therapy could be new treatment for parasitic skin disease

Researchers at Ohio State University successfully treated two patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, a parasitic skin infection common in tropical regions, using heat therapy. The long-term effectiveness of this treatment, especially in people with compromised immune systems, makes it an appealing alternative to traditional drug therapy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 10, 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.

Homogeneous tuberculosis treatment ineffective in children, UT Southwestern researchers find

A new study reveals that standardized medication dosages for children with tuberculosis are too low and may not be effective due to individual variations in response. The researchers used computer simulations to determine how a child's body handles the medication, highlighting the need for personalized treatment plans.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 10, 2011

Many stroke patients not getting preventive therapy for blood clots

Patients with strokes and spinal cord injuries are prone to life-threatening blood clots. Despite the high risk, many do not receive preventive therapy. Studies show that starting heparin medication within 24-48 hours can be both safe and effective in preventing recurrent VTE.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalContinuum·DateFeb 10, 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.

Newly discovered pheromone linked to aggressive behavior in squid

Scientists have identified a protein pheromone produced by female squid that triggers aggression in male squid, with similarities to beta-microseminoproteins found in humans. The discovery sheds light on complex mating and egg-laying processes in squid.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011

Robot therapy can improve arm, shoulder mobility after stroke

Research shows that robotic therapy combined with standard rehabilitation can significantly improve upper extremity function in patients after stroke. The study involved 60 stroke survivors who received either robotic therapy or a standard self-training program for six weeks, resulting in improved scores on measures of voluntary arm mo...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 10, 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.

Young, uninsured or Medicare Part D survivors often can't afford medicines

Despite government prescription coverage, many young, uninsured, and Medicare Part D beneficiaries struggle to afford medications due to rising costs. Researchers found that nearly half of those enrolled in Medicare Part D reported difficulty affording their medications, with significantly higher rates among younger survivors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 10, 2011

Squid pheromone sparks extreme aggression on contact

A new study in Current Biology found that male squid become aggressively after contacting a chemical on female eggs, revealing the first detailed evidence of an aggression-inducing pheromone in any aquatic animal. This discovery challenges previous theories on aggression and highlights the complex communication system of squid.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011

Seismology highlights from BSSA February issue

Researchers detected a sequence of small earthquakes in Dallas-Fort Worth triggered by brine disposal, highlighting induced seismicity concerns. Seismologists also identified large hurricanes using microseisms recorded at distant seismic stations.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 10, 2011

P Summit calls for a 'new alchemy' around phosphorus and food

Attendees of ASU Sustainable Phosphorus Summit emphasize economic opportunities and new industry solutions to 'wicked' problem. Key findings include education, efficient use of P on farms, protection of water quality, and developing affordable fertilizers for farmers.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 10, 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.

Anti-bacterial collar to help mend broken bones

A new anti-microbial collar is being designed to prevent bacterial infections associated with broken bones, reducing infection rates by up to 85%. The device aims to kill bacteria before they can spread, and could reduce NHS costs by avoiding complications.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateFeb 10, 2011

Welders can breathe easier with chromium-free alloy

A new nickel alloy consumable has been developed to lessen the risk of breathing toxic fumes on the job. The alloy is compatible with stainless steel and produces no fumes of hexavalent chromium, a toxic form of chromium linked to cancer.

SourceOhio State University·DateFeb 10, 2011

Noninvasive test for trisomy 21 closer at hand

A new noninvasive test for trisomy 21 has been developed using DNA sequencing of maternal blood plasma, accurately detecting the extra chromosome in 100% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity. The test shows promise as a potential alternative to invasive prenatal testing.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 10, 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.

Foot bone suggests Lucy's kin had arched foot, for walking

A new foot bone from Hadar, Ethiopia, reveals Australopithecus afarensis had stiff, arched feet similar to modern humans. This finding supports the hypothesis that A. afarensis was primarily an upright walker, with its well-formed arch allowing for efficient walking and running on two feet.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2011

JPEG for the mind: How the brain compresses visual information

Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University discovered that cells in area V4 of the primate brain select out only the most vital information for understanding the visual world. The brain compresses visual information by responding mostly to flat edges and shallow curvatures, rather than rare high-curvature regions.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011

Tumor microvesicles reveal detailed genetic information

Researchers have found that tumor microvesicles contain segments of tumor DNA, including retrotransposons, which can transfer between cells. This discovery may help understand tumor progression and monitor treatment response.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2011

LED products billed as eco-friendly contain toxic metals, study finds

Researchers at UC Irvine found that low-intensity red LEDs contained up to eight times the allowed amount of lead, while high-intensity bulbs had more contaminants. White bulbs had the least lead but high amounts of nickel, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and stricter testing regulations.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 10, 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.

On their own 2 feet

A 3.2 million-year-old fossil foot bone found in Ethiopia shows that human ancestors walked bipedally with a modern human-like foot, resolving a long-standing debate among paleoanthropologists. The discovery provides strong evidence for the arches and supports a modern-human style of locomotion for Lucy's species.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2011

Cancer breakthrough to prevent heart failure and increase survival rates

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered the role of an enzyme that causes life-threatening damage to the heart when cancer patients receive chemotherapy, restricting treatment doses. New drugs targeting this enzyme could reduce heart damage and increase survival rates.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 10, 2011
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.

New research helps explain how progesterone prevents preterm birth

Research led by Dr. Errol Norwitz found that progesterone prevents preterm labor by hindering apoptosis in fetal membranes, resulting in stronger and thicker fetal membranes. This study contributes to the understanding of what triggers labor and the role of progesterone in preventing premature birth.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateFeb 10, 2011

More advantages found for new drug: McMaster study

A recent McMaster University-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that apixaban significantly reduces stroke or embolism risk in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, preventing one stroke for every 20 patients treated. The drug also reduces major bleeding risk compared to aspirin.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2011

Restructuring natural resource majors

A study by Michigan State University found that students enrolling in fishery and wildlife programs are leaving after completing coursework due to limited hands-on experiences and challenging academic requirements. The researchers identified seven categories for student departure, including engagement, employment, and academic rigor.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 10, 2011

Invasive plants can create positive ecological change

A team of scientists found that invasive fruiting plants, such as honeysuckle, can form mutually beneficial relationships with native birds and other species. In the Happy Valley region of Pennsylvania, honeysuckle increased the abundance of fruit-eating birds and facilitated seed dispersal for nearby native plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateFeb 10, 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.

Exercise helps overweight children think better, do better in math

Exercise has a positive impact on cognition and academic performance in overweight children. Intelligence scores increased by an average of 3.8 points in those exercising 40 minutes per day after school for three months. The study also found improved executive function and math skills, with no improvements in reading skills.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 10, 2011

Young children choose to share prizes after working together

In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that three-year-old children shared equally when collaborating to earn a reward. The study suggests that young children's ability to cooperate and share is more developed than previously thought, and may be linked to the evolution of mutually beneficial arrangements.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 10, 2011

Spring break

A study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that students who have agreements with friends about using alcohol during Spring Break are less likely to binge drink. Women were more likely than men to report having understandings about safer behavior, such as agreeing not to get drunk.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateFeb 10, 2011

SMFM highlights significance of spina bifida research findings

The $22.5 million study found that prenatal surgery greatly reduced the need to divert fluid away from the brain, increasing chances of children walking without crutches. Infants and mothers who underwent the procedure had better outcomes than those with post-birth surgery.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 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.

Childhood physical abuse linked to peptic ulcers

Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong association between childhood physical abuse and peptic ulcers in adulthood. The study, which analyzed data from over 13,000 Canadians, showed that victims of childhood abuse were 68% more likely to develop peptic ulcers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateFeb 10, 2011

Look at your body to reduce pain

Researchers found that viewing a person's hand reduces pain levels due to its size. Participants who saw an enlarged hand tolerated greater heat before reporting pain, while those seeing a smaller hand reported lower temperatures.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 10, 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.