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Science News for February 22, 2011


Gas rich galaxies confirm prediction of modified gravity theory

Recent analysis by University of Maryland astronomer Stacy McGaugh confirms MOND's prediction for gas-rich galaxies, performing better than dark matter models. This finding raises new questions about the accuracy of the reigning cosmological model and the nature of gravity on small scales.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 22, 2011

Therapeutic lifestyle changes as useful as drugs in improving mental health

A UC Irvine study reveals that activities like physical activity, nutrition, relationships, fun, and spirituality can significantly improve mental health. The study found that these therapeutic lifestyle changes can offer advantages over medications, including fewer side effects and complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateFeb 22, 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.

Gender gap: Selection bias snubs scholarly achievements of female scientists

A new analysis found that female scientists face sexism in award competitions, with women winning fewer research awards than men but more service and teaching awards. The study suggests that the selection process is biased against women, with committees favoring male-dominated language and stereotypes.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2011

Use of nitrates may increase bone strength

A study found that nitroglycerin ointment increased bone mineral density and decreased bone resorption in postmenopausal women. The researchers also observed increases in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and decreases in urine N-telopeptide, markers of bone formation and resorption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 22, 2011

MIT engineers design new nanoparticle that could lead to vaccines for HIV, malaria, other diseases

Scientists have designed a new type of nanoparticle that can deliver synthetic versions of proteins normally produced by viruses, eliciting a strong immune response comparable to live virus vaccines. The nanoparticles consist of concentric fatty spheres that can be used to develop vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 22, 2011

Struggling to follow doctor's orders

A Northwestern University study found that over one-third of paid caregivers struggled with reading and understanding health-related information, while 60% made errors when sorting medications. The study aims to develop standardized tests to evaluate caregiver skills and improve senior care.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 22, 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.

Blood test may find markers of bladder cancer risk

A blood test can accurately detect biomolecular markers of bladder cancer risk linked to environmental exposures like cigarette smoke and industrial pollutants. The test measures methylation patterns in immune system cells, which are associated with an increased likelihood of disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 22, 2011

New face of sleeping sickness epidemiology highlights need for new tools

A significant decline in new cases of sleeping sickness has sparked renewed efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health problem. Recent literature highlights promising signs of progress, including leadership from the WHO and coordinated control activities in endemic countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 22, 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.

New free, hands-on tool supports sustainable living choices

A new free web-based tool calculates an individual's nitrogen footprint, measuring its impact on the environment and providing recommendations for reducing it. The tool aims to raise awareness about the nitrogen dilemma and encourage people to take action to mitigate its effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·DateFeb 22, 2011

Patients with COPD have higher risk of shingles

A study published in CMAJ found patients with COPD are at a greater risk of developing shingles compared to the general population. The risk is highest for those taking oral steroids to treat COPD.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 22, 2011

The blind also have a Stripe of Gennari

Researchers found that the Stripe of Gennari develops in blind individuals from birth and remains intact, suggesting a role in processing tactile stimuli. This could contribute to improved Braille reading abilities and enhanced sense of touch.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateFeb 22, 2011

High-quality care associated with lower cost in trauma

A study published in the Annals of Surgery found that high-quality trauma hospitals have significantly lower death rates and spending compared to average-quality hospitals. The research suggests that achieving better quality may be less expensive in the long run, with fewer patient complications translating into cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateFeb 22, 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.

Study: For a better workday, smile like you mean it

A study by Michigan State University found that employees who fake smile for customer interactions worsen their mood and withdraw from work. In contrast, those who cultivate positive thoughts improve their mood and withdraw less. The study also showed gender differences, with women being more affected by fake smiling.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateFeb 22, 2011

Cancer-causing virus exploits key cell-survival proteins

A cancer-causing retrovirus exploits key proteins in host cells to extend cell life and spread. The study found that the viral protein targets ATM and REG-gamma, leading to prolonged cell survival and increased virus transmission.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 22, 2011

Study to examine Ohio education innovations

Researchers study Ohio STEM Learning Network's implementation, spread, and sustainability to understand how networks produce gains and apply innovative approaches to education. The study aims to identify effective components of networking needed to establish STEM schools and explore how these innovations are translated locally.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 22, 2011

Are we more -- or less -- moral than we think?

A study found that participants acted more morally than they predicted, with emotion playing a central role in moral behavior. The researchers suggest that people misjudge their emotional responses when considering moral dilemmas, leading to unexpected actions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 22, 2011

Higher volume reduces false positives in screening mammography

A recent study found that radiologists who interpret a high volume of mammograms are better at detecting non-malignant lesions, resulting in lower false-positive rates. However, the number of cancers detected did not increase with volume, suggesting that a balance between screening and diagnostic mammogram interpretation is key.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 22, 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.

Research uncovers a secret society connecting through the Internet

A secret online society is found to promote the pro-anorexia movement, using social networks to encourage self-loathing and thinness obsession. The study highlights the dangers of anonymity on the internet, allowing extreme views to be exchanged and potentially dangerous behaviors to co-construct.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNew Media & Society·DateFeb 22, 2011

USDA study confirms links between longer ragweed season and climate change

A USDA study found that ragweed pollen season in North America has increased by almost a month, correlating with seasonal warming shifts and climate change. The study supports the impact of climate change on public health and agriculture.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2011

Transitioning to organic farming

Reduced tillage can increase weed populations, particularly perennial species like Canada thistle and bindweed, which are difficult to control. Integrated systems that include on-site or locally sourced manure can improve the economics of organic production.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateFeb 22, 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.

Babies and toddlers can suffer mental illness, seldom get treatment

Infants and toddlers can develop serious mental health disorders, but often go untreated due to a mistaken impression that they are resilient and 'grow out of' behavioral problems. Early childhood mental health has few practitioners, making it difficult for parents or children's programs to access help when needed.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateFeb 22, 2011

Study suggests gender does not play a role in risk of death from heart attack

A study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that being a woman does not necessarily increase the risk of dying from treatment for a severe heart attack. However, women tend to be older and sicker at the time of treatment, leading to higher mortality rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateFeb 22, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education honors new officers, awardees

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education has elected new officers, including Janet Frank as President-Elect and Kathryn Hyer as Treasurer. The organization also recognized several individuals with awards for their outstanding contributions to gerontological education, including Edward F. Ansello with the Clark Tibbitts Award...

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateFeb 22, 2011

Liquid metal key to simpler creation of electrodes for microfluidic devices

The NC State team has created microfluidic devices with inherently aligned electrodes composed of liquid metal alloy, allowing for easier and faster electrode creation. This approach enables the creation of useful electrode configurations that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateFeb 22, 2011

T. rex more hyena than lion

A new census of dinosaur skeletons reveals that Tyrannosaurus rex subsisted on both carrion and fresh-killed prey, exploiting a variety of animals. The discovery challenges the long-held notion of T. rex as an apex predator.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 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.

Crying baby draws blunted response in depressed mom's brain

Researchers at the University of Oregon used fMRI scans to study brain activity in depressed mothers responding to their infants' cries. The findings suggest that depression can blunt a mother's response to her infant's emotional cues, affecting their relationship.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2011

'Climategate' undermined belief in global warming among many TV meteorologists, study shows

A George Mason University study reveals that 'Climategate' led to skepticism among US TV meteorologists about global warming, with men and conservatives more likely to doubt its existence. The poll found that nearly all respondents followed the story, but many became skeptical of climate science as a result.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateFeb 22, 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.

Natural (born) killers: What do they really do?

Scientists have developed a mouse with individual genes knocked out only in Natural Killer (NK) cells, allowing them to study the functions of these immune cells in intact organisms. The study reveals that NK cells are essential for the correct development and survival of these cells.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBlood·DateFeb 22, 2011

National anti-drug campaign succeeds in lowering marijuana use, study suggests

A recent study found that the federal anti-drug campaign 'Above the Influence' successfully reduced marijuana use among teenagers by 12 percentage points compared to those who had not seen the campaign. The researchers believe this is the first independent study to find evidence for the effectiveness of the campaign.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPrevention Science·DateFeb 22, 2011

E-health must be a priority, researchers say

A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers highlights the need for a comprehensive electronic health record system to improve chronic disease management and timely access to care. The authors suggest that more work is needed to address implementation challenges and ensure successful adoption of e-health technologies.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 22, 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.

Anti-clotting agent does not improve outcomes of patients with severe pneumonia

Researchers found that the use of tifacogin did not improve mortality rates or reduce adverse events in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. The study's results suggest that anti-clotting therapies may not be effective in preventing organ failure and improving outcomes for this patient population.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2011

Oldest species of a marine mollusc discovered

A new species of marine mollusc, Polyconites hadriani, has been discovered in the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the Lower Aptian period. The species is believed to have adapted to ocean acidification, a process that could inform our understanding of modern marine ecosystems.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalTURKISH JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES·DateFeb 22, 2011

Vaccine made with synthetic gene protects against deadly pneumonia

Researchers developed a vaccine that triggers a protective immune response while preventing fatal inflammation. The experimental vaccine, using a synthetic gene, has shown promising results in animal models, protecting mice from a lethal challenge and reducing inflammation.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 22, 2011

Researchers find local wildlife protection safeguards entire range

Conservationists may better protect mammal populations by treating their ranges as multiple interacting small populations. This approach considers local environmental factors that influence animal resiliency and can provide a more accurate picture of how species' ranges collapse due to human encroachment.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2011

Key regulatory issues for dengue vaccine development

Recent meetings discussed regulatory challenges for dengue vaccines, including issues with funding, ethics and trials. A registry has been established to track systematic reviews, promoting transparency in healthcare decision-making.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 22, 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.

E-health must align with health care reform

A study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the need for an e-health policy to guide the implementation of health information technologies. The policy should align with major strategic priorities, such as patient safety and chronic disease management, to promote electronic health record adoption and data exchange.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 22, 2011

Huntington's disease breakthrough equals hope for patients

Researchers found that a protein called DRP1 triggers a chain reaction causing brain nerve cells to die, but toning it down prevents the chain reaction and keeps those cells alive. The study aims to test whether this protein also protects the brain, potentially delaying disease onset.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2011

Bisphenol A exposures lower in Canadians compared to Americans

A recent study has found that bisphenol A levels in Canadians are lower than those in Americans, with children and adolescents having the highest levels. The reason for this difference is unknown, but possible factors include differences in food packaging and thermal receipt papers.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 22, 2011

Higher vitamin D intake needed to reduce cancer risk

Researchers found that daily intakes of vitamin D in the range of 4000-8000 IU/day are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites and reduce the risk of several diseases by half. The recommended minimum daily intake is only 600 IU/day.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnticancer Research·DateFeb 22, 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.

Time to raise how many mammograms radiologists must read?

The study found that radiologists who interpreted more mammograms had clinically and statistically significantly fewer false-positive findings without missing more cancers. Increasing annual screening volume requirements could lower the number of American women with false-positive workups by over 70,000 per year.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 22, 2011

InHealth awards grant to research team at UC Berkeley

Researchers will examine strategies hospitals use to evaluate and purchase implantable medical devices for cardiac, spinal, and orthopedic procedures. The study aims to shed light on how hospitals can balance innovation and affordability in selecting medical devices.

SourceInHealth: The Institute for Health Technology Studies·DateFeb 22, 2011

3-D nanoparticle in atomic resolution

Researchers Marta Rossell and Rolf Erni developed a new technique to study the 3D structure of nanoparticles, enabling the determination of their atomic arrangement. This breakthrough could improve understanding of nanoparticle properties, reactivity, and toxicity.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 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.

Scientists identify new marker for heart disease

A new study by Dr. Todd Anderson at the University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute has identified endothelial dysfunction as a predictive marker for coronary heart disease. By detecting this marker in patients, doctors may be able to intervene early to prevent the progression of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 22, 2011

Human umbilical cord blood cells aid diabetic wound healing

Researchers found that transplanted EPCs from human umbilical cord blood significantly accelerated wound closure in diabetic mouse models. The study showed that growth factors and cytokines produced at the wounded skin sites contributed to healing. This experimental study opens the possibility of using endothelial progenitor cells deri...

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 22, 2011

New finding in ribosome signaling may lead to improved antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a signaling mechanism in the bacterial ribosome that detects proteins activating genes for antibiotic resistance. This mechanism may lead to the development of more effective antibiotics by understanding how signals are generated and transmitted within the ribosome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 22, 2011

Speaking foreign languages may help protect your memory

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that speaking multiple languages can protect against memory decline in seniors. Researchers discovered that individuals who spoke four or more languages were significantly less likely to experience cognitive problems compared to those with limited language proficiency.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 22, 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.

Brain doesn't need vision at all in order to 'read' material

A study by Hebrew University and French researchers reveals that the brain's Visual Word Form Area is co-opted for reading regardless of sensory input modality. Brain scans show identical activity patterns in blind and sighted readers, suggesting a task-oriented approach to reading.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 22, 2011

Increased contraceptive supply linked to fewer unintended pregnancies

Researchers found a significant decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions when women received a one-year supply of oral contraceptives. The study suggests that a larger supply allows for more consistent use, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits or resupply trips.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 22, 2011

Protecting the sustainability of UK wheat production

Scientists at the University of Nottingham are part of a £7 million research programme to increase wheat diversity and boost yield, addressing climate change and environmental concerns. The project aims to develop new high-yielding varieties adapted to global warming and environmentally friendly farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateFeb 22, 2011

Stresses of unemployed spouse can hurt job performance of other spouse, says study

A recent study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that ignoring an unemployed spouse's job search stress can lead to decreased productivity and strained relationships in the home. The researchers found that couples are better at sharing their burden than alleviating it, leading to a negative impact on both spouses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateFeb 22, 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.

Job seekers: How do you rate with employers?

A study of over 450 college graduate employers found that top qualities include communication skills, critical thinking, and writing skills. Employers rate internships, majors related to the job, and foreign language skills as valuable signals.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 22, 2011

Screening mammograms catch second breast cancers early

Women with a history of breast cancer have double the cancer rates as those without, according to a comprehensive study. Annual mammography screening detects second breast cancers early, but may not be as effective in detecting invasive breast cancer.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 22, 2011

Brain's 'reward' center also responds to bad experiences

Researchers have discovered that the brain's 'reward' center also responds to negative experiences, such as fear, which can lead to increased dopamine production. This finding could help explain thrill-seeking behavior and inappropriate habits like drug addiction.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 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.

Study links long-term use of osteoporosis drugs to unusual fractures

A new study found that women taking bisphosphonates for five years or more may be at higher risk of certain kinds of fractures of their thigh bone, but the drugs still prevent hip fractures. The overall risk is low, and researchers recommend continuing use for high-risk patients

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 22, 2011

Study to analyze seizures in HIV patients, explore drug interactions

A Michigan State University researcher is conducting a cohort study to analyze seizures in HIV-positive patients and examine the effects of antiepileptic drugs on antiretroviral medicines. The study aims to determine whether dual treatment increases the risk of drug failure, AIDS, or death.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 22, 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.

Nanoparticles increase survival after blood loss

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed nanoparticles containing nitric oxide that improve survival after life-threatening blood loss in hamsters. The therapy maintains blood circulation and protects vital organs by increasing levels of NO gas, which relaxes blood vessels and regulates blood pressure.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalResuscitation·DateFeb 22, 2011

Using EEGs to diagnose autism spectrum disorders in infants

A noninvasive EEG test using machine-learning algorithms can identify infant autism risk at 9 months with 80% accuracy, suggesting a safe and practical approach to early diagnosis. The test captures differences in brain organization and function, allowing for behavioral interventions before traditional testing.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2011