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Science News for February 18, 2011


OSU to study farming methods to curb, adapt to climate change

Researchers will investigate how climate change affects cereal crops and develop sustainable farming practices. The study aims to improve the long-term viability of cereal-based farming in the region, reducing carbon footprint and mitigating climate change impacts.

SourceOregon State University·DateFeb 18, 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.

Fountain of youth from the tap

Researchers found a correlation between lithium levels in tap water and lower mortality rates in Japanese municipalities. In experiments with the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, lithium treatment led to increased longevity. The findings suggest that low-dose lithium may have life-prolonging effects in humans.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateFeb 18, 2011

Research universities play a major role in national security

Research universities, like Penn State, host foreign students and visitors, creating security concerns. The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board fosters communication between higher education, the FBI, and federal agencies to promote understanding and cooperation.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 2011

US will no longer dominate science and research

A global shift in research will reposition the US as a major partner but not leader, according to Penn State researcher Caroline Wagner. The US could benefit from this shift by adopting knowledge-sharing policies with emerging global researchers.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists bioengineer a protein to fight leukemia

Researchers have created a bioengineered protein called CD19-L that selectively targets and destroys leukemia cells, including those resistant to chemotherapy. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating childhood leukemia.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Universal flu vaccine study yields success in mice

A new study has successfully trialed a synthetic universal flu vaccine in mice, providing 100% protection against the H3N2 strain and 20% against the highly pathogenic bird flu. The vaccine uses peptides that trigger an immune response to a region of the flu virus present in all influenza A and B viruses.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Bad news/good news

A study by Eric Lambin predicts the world may run out of productive agricultural land by 2050 due to rising global demand and land degradation. However, some developing countries have increased their forest cover while enhancing food production through innovation, sound policy, and good governance.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

Europe attracts American researchers

Karolinska Institutet, a leading medical university in Sweden, has attracted top American researcher Juleen Zierath with its high-quality research environment and competitive ERC grant. She focuses on improving diabetes health through clinical research.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateFeb 18, 2011

Women are better at forgiving

A Spanish study found that women are more empathetic and better at forgiving than men. The research also showed that parents forgive more than children, with lack of bitterness being the key condition for forgiveness.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Latinoamericana de Psicología·DateFeb 18, 2011

Biodiversity in danger: Which areas should be protected?

The DOPA observatory combines data on protected areas, species distributions, and socio-economic indicators to generate global environmental indicators and maps. This initiative aims to address anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems and identify new areas for protection.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 18, 2011

Pulmonary embolism after knee arthroscopy: Rare but serious

A new study reveals the risk of pulmonary embolism after outpatient knee arthroscopy is .028 percent, with identified risk factors including age, female gender, and cancer history. The study examined data from 374,033 patients undergoing 418,323 procedures between 1997 and 2006.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 18, 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.

How nature's patterns form

Researchers studying plant growth discover that universal features exist across various natural systems, including plants and animals. Alan Newell's work focuses on the mathematical models capturing these similarities.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateFeb 18, 2011

Study links hypoxia and inflammation in many diseases

A University of Colorado study explores the relationship between hypoxia and inflammation, finding that a protein called HIF plays a key role in the body's response to low oxygen levels. The research may help patients who undergo organ transplants or suffer from infections or cancer

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2011

Tissue engineering methods earn funding to heal little hearts

Texas Children's Hospital researcher Dr. Jeffrey Jacot receives a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and $450,000 grant to develop tissue engineering therapies using stem cells derived from human amniotic fluid. The goal is to create living heart tissue that can 'patch' or reconstruct hearts with congenital defects.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·DateFeb 18, 2011

Juggling languages can build better brains

Research suggests that bilingual speakers outperform monolinguals in certain mental abilities, such as editing out irrelevant information and prioritizing tasks. This 'mental juggling' skill allows bilinguals to better navigate between languages and enhances their cognitive flexibility.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 2011

1 person of 1,900 met AHA's definition of ideal heart health, says University of Pittsburgh study

According to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, only one out of 1,900 people met the American Heart Association's definition of ideal cardiovascular health. The study evaluated 1,933 participants and found that less than 10% met five or more criteria for heart-healthy behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 18, 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.

What's new in hip care?

Studies analyzed Medicare beneficiaries who had elective primary THR for osteoarthritis and found the risk of revision was approximately two percent per year for the first 18 months post-surgery. High-performance hips with improved functional capacity are also being developed for active patients, offering more durable implants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 18, 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.

First certified reference material for nanoparticle size analysis

The European Commission Joint Research Centre has developed the world's first certified reference material for nanoparticle size analysis. The material provides a stable benchmark for reliable hazard assessments and process quality control, promoting market confidence and innovation.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 18, 2011

Deep brain stimulation helps severe OCD, but pioneer advises caution

Deep brain stimulation therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for a small subset of patients. After years of research, Dr. Benjamin Greenberg presents the longest-term results of the technique, highlighting its potential to improve symptoms and quality of life.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 18, 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.

Back to the roots of the solar system

Two new observations reveal detailed structures in protoplanetary disks of two young stars, including a large gap similar to our solar system's. The images suggest the presence of one or more massive planets sweeping up material from the disk, potentially forming an entire planetary system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 18, 2011

Anti-aging hormone Klotho may prevent complications

Researchers found that Klotho hormone levels are low in patients with chronic kidney disease, which can lead to serious side effects. Restoring adequate Klotho levels improved renal function and reduced vascular calcification in mice with CKD.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 18, 2011

High-caffeine-consuming boys get greater rush from caffeine than girls

A double-blind study found that high-caffeine consuming boys experience a greater rush and more energy from caffeine compared to girls. The study also revealed differences in response to caffeine between genders, including increased blood pressure and heart rate in males.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 18, 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.

Iowa State study examines why innocent suspects may confess to a crime

Researchers at Iowa State University found that innocent suspects may confess to a crime to relieve short-term distress and avoid long-term consequences. In two experiments, participants shifted their admissions to avoid immediate questions, even knowing it increased the likelihood of future consequences.

SourceIowa State University·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateFeb 18, 2011

High-volume hospitals improve orthopedic outcomes

Patients who undergo elective orthopedic surgeries at high-volume hospitals have better surgical outcomes and fewer complications than those at local hospitals. Regionalizers, or patients traveling to regional high-volume hospitals, tend to be younger, white, male, and have private insurance.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateFeb 18, 2011

$20 million USDA grant to study climate on corn-based cropping systems

Researchers will collect and analyze data on carbon, nitrogen, and water movement to create models and evaluate crop management practices. The goal is to develop scenarios based on different practices and offer training for teachers and scientists to understand climate shifts and agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2011

What a rat can tell us about touch

Researchers at Northwestern University are studying the rat whisker system to gain a better understanding of how animals perceive touch. By developing models and simulating the rat's behavior, they aim to unlock the secrets of neural processing and potentially create new technologies that can mimic the senses of mammals.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 18, 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.

Brown scientists to discuss best practices for the oceans

Two Brown University scientists, Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen, will discuss the importance of marine spatial planning, ecosystem-based management, and social science inclusion in managing the nation's oceans. Leslie will focus on understanding ocean ecosystems' resilience to variability and climate change, while Sievanen will high...

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 18, 2011

3 NYU faculty win Sloan Foundation Fellowships

NYU's Robert Fergus, Jinyang Li, and Matthieu Wyart receive $50,000 fellowships to support their innovative work on computer vision, machine learning, and physical systems. The awards recognize the potential of these rising stars in their respective fields.

SourceNew York University·DateFeb 18, 2011

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2011 Annual Meeting tip sheet

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons emphasizes the risks of delayed hip fracture surgery, which can lead to increased medical complications and longer hospital stays. Additionally, researchers highlight high rates of adverse events in patients undergoing partial hip replacement, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. The s...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 18, 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.

Depression symptoms increase over time for addiction-prone women

A new study found that depression symptoms increase over time for addiction-prone women, contradicting the common notion that these disorders are either genetic or caused by environmental factors. The research highlights the complex interplay between biological, social, and community-level factors that influence these disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Experts question aspects of prescribed burning

A group of scientists argue that prescribed burning may cause more problems than it solves, as there is little evidence that Mediterranean-climate plants are fire-adapted. The researchers suggest alternative management practices to prevent increased fire frequency.

SourceRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 18, 2011

Recipe for success

The University of Idaho will lead a five-year, $20 million USDA-funded project to study the impacts of climate change on Pacific Northwest wheat and barley production. The team will focus on cereal production systems and create a region-wide research, outreach, and education network to address complex issues raised by changing climate.

SourceUniversity of Idaho·DateFeb 18, 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.

Asthma through the eyes of a medical anthropologist

Asthma affects 8% of Americans and 300 million worldwide, but global variations in diagnosis and treatment have significant implications. Researchers are exploring how cultural factors impact asthma management, including the use of different terms to describe symptoms and varying levels of parental involvement.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 18, 2011

Competing risks analysis highlights new targets in preventing ESRD and death of diabetics

Researchers analyzed data from 592 patients with type 1 diabetes and macroalbuminuria to identify predictors of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and pre-ESRD mortality. The study found that poor glycemic control increases ESRD risk but not pre-ESRD mortality, while improved lipid management affects both outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 18, 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.

Doing good with operations research

Karen Smilowitz and her team are applying operations research techniques to promote welfare and equity through efficient delivery of goods and services. They have worked with organizations such as the Mobile C.A.R.E. Foundation to develop models for matching donors and recipients, as well as designing collection and delivery routes.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 18, 2011

Efficacy of tuberculosis vaccine enhanced

Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have developed a new tuberculosis vaccine that affords better protection against the disease by triggering an immune reaction in the body. The new vaccine works differently from existing vaccines and acquires its extra protective value by emitting signals that provoke inflammation.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2011

Multiple approaches necessary to tackle world's food problems

To solve the world's food problems, agriculture needs to use resources more efficiently by integrating various sectors and adopting innovative methods. Researchers are exploring ways to grow crops in areas that were previously unused, such as using wastewater to irrigate and fertilize fruit and vegetables.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 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.

Stretching before a run does not prevent injury

A study of over 2,700 runners found that stretching before running neither prevents nor causes injury. However, runners who normally stretch and suddenly stop or switch routines are more likely to experience injuries, particularly groin pulls, foot/ankle injuries, and knee injuries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 18, 2011

'Telecoupling' explains why it's a small (and fast) world, after all

The symposium explores the shrinking distance between humans and nature, with increased trade and technological advancements having significant consequences for environmental sustainability. World-renowned experts will present on the topic of telecoupling, highlighting new dynamics in human-nature interactions.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 18, 2011

Brain function linked to birth size in groundbreaking new study

A new study reveals that children born small with large placentas exhibit more activity on the right side of their brains, linked to mood disorders like depression. This finding suggests that adverse environments during pregnancy can cause long-term changes in brain function.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 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.

CeBIT 2011: Preparing for the unexpected

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute are developing multi-hazard and multi-channel technologies to create trend-setting warning systems. The PRONTO project uses automatic information collection and assessment to support rescue services in crisis situations.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 18, 2011

New model for probing antidepressant actions

A new mouse model has been developed to study selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and their effects on the brain. The model shows that SSRIs target a specific protein in the brain, leading to improved treatment options for depression and potentially shedding light on addiction.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.