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Science News for February 14, 2011


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hearing loss associated with development of dementia

A study of 639 individuals aged 36-90 found a significant association between hearing loss and dementia. The risk of dementia increased among those with moderate or severe hearing loss, particularly in older adults, who experienced nearly one-third more risk due to hearing loss.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Researchers working toward automating sedation in intensive care units

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a computer system that accurately determines a patient's level of sedation and notifies medical staff of changes. The algorithm achieved a high level of agreement with clinical assessments, showing promise for enhancing patient safety and improving drug delivery in ICU units.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Monitoring killer mice from space

A University of Utah study used satellite imagery to monitor vegetation surges that boost deer mouse populations, predicting hantavirus outbreaks months in advance. The method has potential applications for forecasting rodent-borne illnesses worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 14, 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.

Consumer beware: Rejecting an option may make you more likely to choose it later

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that rejecting alternatives can lead consumers to reverse their preferences. Consumers may focus on less-preferred options when trying to decide what they don't want, making them more likely to notice appealing features of alternative options.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 14, 2011

Canada awards top science prizes

Outstanding Canadian researchers were awarded top science prizes for their groundbreaking work in AI, astronomy, and engineering. The awards recognize the research excellence and influence of prominent scientists such as Geoffrey Hinton and Victoria Kaspi.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 14, 2011

Stem cell transplants help kidney damage

Researchers found that transplanting autologous renal progenitor cells into rats with kidney damage from pyelonephritis improved kidney structure and function. The study demonstrated benefits for a disease characterized by severe inflammation, renal function impairment, and scarring.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Medicine·DateFeb 14, 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.

New combination therapy for solid tumors?

Researchers have discovered a compound, ABT-737, that sensitizes hypoxic cancer cells to apoptosis. This compound synergizes with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in tumor-bearing mice, suggesting improved treatment of solid tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 2011

An early step in Parkinson's disease: Problems with mitochondria

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that a protein called MEF2D plays a key role inside mitochondria in brain cells, and its impairment is linked to Parkinson's disease progression. The study suggests that problems with MEF2D could represent one of the earliest steps in neurodegeneration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 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.

How do consumers react when friends provide poor service in a business arrangement?

A study found that consumers are more likely to react negatively to poor service from a friend than a business associate. The researchers suggest that this is because people in friendships expect their partners to be concerned about them, and when this expectation is not met, it can lead to feelings of betrayal.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 14, 2011

Obese women may be less likely to develop glaucoma

A study of 3,939 participants found that obesity was associated with higher eye pressure and a lower risk of open-angle glaucoma in women. The authors suggest that high estrogen levels and hormone therapy may be protective against open-angle glaucoma in obese women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 14, 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.

More deep-sea vents discovered

Researchers have discovered four new deep-sea vents in the Southern Ocean, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution and evolution. The vents, found near the South Sandwich Islands, support unique microbial communities and are part of a larger project to study ocean chemistry and life diversity.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateFeb 14, 2011

Treating the aging knee as an organ

Researchers view the knee as a complex organ to develop more effective treatments for osteoarthritis. The exhibit explores degenerative knee arthritis as a failure of multiple tissue systems.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateFeb 14, 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.

Military/civilian medical experts turning attention to 'army' of injured civilians supporting wars

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that civilians with noncombat injuries are more likely to be evacuated for treatment, but also more likely to return to work in war zones due to higher salaries. In contrast, soldiers are less motivated to return after such injuries, possibly due to the loss of hazardous duty pay.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011

Fiber intake associated with reduced risk of death

A nine-year study found that high fiber intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of total death, cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases in both men and women. Dietary fiber from whole plant foods, such as grains, was particularly beneficial.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011

George Clooney or Saddam Hussein? Why do consumers pay for celebrity possessions?

Researchers found that participants were willing to pay more for items owned by well-liked celebrities due to the concept of contagion, which suggests that people can transfer an individual's immaterial qualities onto an object. In contrast, despised individuals decreased the value of their belongings

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 14, 2011

Extinction predictor 'will help protect coral reefs'

A new predictive method developed by marine scientists has found that a third of reef fishes studied across the Indian Ocean are potentially vulnerable to climate change. The 'extinction risk index' provides coral reef managers with insights to better protect and manage coral reefs, showing local and regional commitment improves prospe...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 14, 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.

People at risk of diabetes offer clues toward novel drugs

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have found a molecular pathway that is activated in people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This pathway holds promise as a target for novel diabetes therapies, offering new hope for patients with the disease.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 2011

UC San Diego biologists gain new insights into brain circuit wiring

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that Wnt proteins stimulate planar cell polarity signaling in growth cones, guiding nerves to their proper targets. This finding provides critical understanding of brain wiring mechanisms and may pave the way for nervous system repair and regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 14, 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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that obesity reduces duration and quality of life by 12 percent, while knee osteoarthritis has a similar impact. A new guideline also recommends targeted prevention and treatment strategies for patients with specific characteristics, such as age, race, and functional status.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011

Drivers engaging in a secondary task may pay more attention to the road

Researchers found that drivers who engage in a secondary task, such as talking on the phone, are more likely to stay focused and avoid accidents. The study suggests that strategically introducing an additional task can improve driver attention and stability, particularly during monotonous driving.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·DateFeb 14, 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.

New clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation

The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation, addressing its use in various settings. Key findings include recommending noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation as the first choice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011

Cigarette smoking associated with increased risk of developing ALS

A study analyzing data from over 1.1 million participants found that cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Smokers had a 42% higher risk of developing ALS compared to non-smokers, while former smokers had a 44% increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Few women seek help for sexual issues after cancer treatment, but many want it

A survey of hundreds of cancer survivors confirms that more than forty percent want medical attention for their sexual health needs. The researchers found that younger women and those who had been out of treatment for over a year were more likely to want medical care, highlighting the need for better support.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCancer·DateFeb 14, 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.

World phosphorous use crosses critical threshold

The world's phosphorous stocks are depleting rapidly, posing a risk of global shortages within the next 20 years. Excess phosphorous from fertilizer use is causing widespread eutrophication of freshwater ecosystems, threatening aquatic life and human water quality.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 14, 2011

Gene that regulates immune system linked to preeclampsia

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a gene associated with the immune system that is overexpressed in placentas of women with preeclampsia, leading to a better understanding of the disorder. The finding may lead to improved screening and prenatal care for these patients and their babies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPlacenta·DateFeb 14, 2011

Playtime helps bind generations

A new study from Concordia University and Wilfrid Laurier University confirms that shared leisure time between grandparents and their adult grandchildren is key to forming strong intergenerational relationships. This common activity allows for knowledge sharing, mutual understanding, and the development of empathy.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFamily Relations·DateFeb 14, 2011

Culling can't control deadly bat disease

A mathematical model suggests culling will not control the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus threatening North American hibernating bats. The fungal pathogen occurs in caves and mines where bats live, making contact rates high among colonial bats.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 14, 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.

Choosing your neighbors: MBL scientists see how microbes relate in space

A new microscopy technique developed at MBL allows scientists to see the spatial arrangement of up to 28 differently labeled microbes in a single field of view. This technique, called CLASI-FISH, reveals the spatial structure of microbial communities and enables faster and more accurate diagnosis of microbes.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2011

Obesity takes heavy toll on knee arthritis

New research reveals obesity significantly impacts knee pain and function, but also improves with weight loss via bariatric surgery. Studies find increased risk of complications after hip and knee replacement surgery for super-obese patients, emphasizing the importance of weight management in treating knee arthritis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 14, 2011

A hunk of a target for treating breast cancer

A study found that protein Hunk plays a key role in the formation of HER2-driven tumors, suggesting it as a potential target for treatment. Inhibiting Hunk may provide a new approach to treating HER2-positive breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 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.

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 14, 2011

Researchers identify Hunk as a key protein required for HER2/neu-induced mammary tumorigenesis, potentially leading to new treatments for aggressive breast cancer. A new compound, ABT-737, sensitizes human cancer cells to apoptosis in hypoxic regions, offering a potential combination therapy for solid tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 2011

The UK is a nation of happy couples

A recent study found that couples who are educated to degree level, have no children, and have been together for less than five years tend to be the happiest. Factors such as age, gender, and employment status also play a significant role in determining relationship happiness.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 14, 2011

Red wine compound increases anti-tumor effect of rapamycin

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute found that combining resveratrol with rapamycin suppresses tumor growth in breast cancer cells. Resveratrol, a compound in red wine, mitigates rapamycin-induced resistance and promotes anti-tumor activity.

SourceLerner Research Institute·JournalCancer Letters·DateFeb 14, 2011

NIH study finds 2 pesticides associated with Parkinson's disease

Researchers discovered a strong link between the use of pesticides rotenone and paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study found that people who used these pesticides developed the disease around 2.5 times more often than non-users.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 14, 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.

Lavender oil has potent antifungal effect

Scientists have discovered that lavender oil has a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. The essential oil was found to be lethal to dermatophytes and various species of Candida, making it a promising alternative to existing treatments.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Early signs of heart disease in preadolescent children with type 1 diabetes

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that children with type 1 diabetes often develop early cardiovascular disease before puberty, characterized by stiffer blood vessels and vascular inflammation. The study highlights the need for long-term studies to monitor the progression of these changes in young patients.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 14, 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.

Does social anxiety disorder respond to psychotherapy? Brain study says yes

A Canadian psychological scientist team found improvements in brain activity after group cognitive behavior therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder. The study used EEGs and found that changes in brain electrical interactions paralleled clinicians' and patients' reports of easing symptoms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 14, 2011

Worldwide sulfur emissions rose between 2000-2005, after decade of decline

A new analysis of sulfur emissions found global emissions rose after a decade of decline, driven by international shipping and China's growing economy. The study also estimated the accuracy of emissions data, with regional values potentially off by up to 30%.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateFeb 14, 2011

Total cooperation among people is not viable

Researchers found that people can be categorized into different types based on their cooperation behavior, with around 5% always helping, 35% never helping, and 60% cooperating depending on circumstances. The study suggests that economic incentives are not the primary driver of cooperation, but rather individual motivations and behaviors.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 2011

Estrogen reduces aggression in breast cancer

Researchers found that oestrogen can reduce the proportion of breast cancer stem cells, explaining a better prognosis for tumours expressing the oestrogen receptor. This study presents new insights into oestrogen's effect on cancer stem cells and opens doors to developing tools for preventing breast cancer.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateFeb 14, 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.

Medicare costs in last 6 months of life driven by patient variables twice as much as geography

A study found that Medicare costs in the last six months of life are driven more by patient characteristics such as ability to function and family support than regional factors. Patient impairment or decline was a strong predictor of higher Medicare costs, accounting for ten percent of variation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011

Boston Medical Center's CARE Unit receives additional NIH funding

The Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit at Boston University School of Medicine has received $1,886,087 in NIH funding. The grant aims to educate physicians-in-training on substance use screening, assessment, and treatment research, addressing a notable shortage of experts in addiction medicine.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateFeb 14, 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.

Ground-based lasers vie with satellites to map Earth's magnetic field

Physicists propose beaming laser at atmospheric sodium to measure global magnetic field, offering cheaper alternative to satellites. Ground-based measurements can avoid problems caused by satellite movement and electronic instrument effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2011

Earliest humans not so different from us, research suggests

A recent study challenges the long-held assumption that early humans were significantly different from modern humans. Archaeologist John Shea found no single behavioral revolution in human evolution, but rather wide variability in toolmaking strategies over time. This research has significant implications for understanding human behavi...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Ancient Mesoamerican sculpture uncovered in southern Mexico

The newly discovered stone monument features a central figure with an elaborate headdress and ornate accessories, dating back to the Early Formative period. The sculpture's design suggests a connection between corn cultivation and religion, supporting the idea of an early association between the two.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 14, 2011

Pay attention! Many consumers believe 36 months is longer than 3 years

A study by Mario Pandelaere and colleagues found that consumers tend to perceive larger differences between ratings with higher numbers, not necessarily because of actual quantity. For instance, a 7-year warranty might seem more desirable than an 8-month one due to the arbitrary nature of unit representation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 14, 2011

Tuberculosis in Nunavut: a century of failure

A recent outbreak of tuberculosis in Nunavut, with a population infection rate 62 times the Canadian average, underscores the need for rebuilding trust in public health. The territory's historical legacy of mistreating patients and lack of consistent screening measures have hindered control efforts.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 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.

X-rays show why van Gogh paintings lose their shine

Scientists have identified a complex chemical reaction responsible for the degradation of Van Gogh's paintings, which involves the reduction of chromium in chrome yellow pigment. The study suggests that shielding affected paintings from UV and sunlight can help slow down the fading process.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 14, 2011

Physicists isolate bound states in graphene-superconductor junctions

Researchers developed a method to isolate individual Andreev bound states in graphene-superconductor junctions, allowing for the measurement and manipulation of these unique states. This breakthrough may enable new applications in quantum computing and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 14, 2011

Quest for designer bacteria uncovers a 'Spy'

Scientists discovered a molecular assistant called Spy that helps bacteria produce stable, functional proteins. The 'spy' helper aids in protein refolding and protects unstable proteins from degradation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Why are vines overtaking the American tropics?

Research finds vines are outcompeting trees in tropical forests across the Americas, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. This shift has significant implications for climate models, business models relying on tree growth data, and human communities dependent on these forests.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 14, 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.