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Science News for January 13, 2011


What is life? New answers to an age-old question in astrobiology

A collection of essays in Astrobiology presents various perspectives on defining life, including a minimal chemical life model and the importance of feedback loops. The authors propose new ideas and theories to help determine what is and is not considered living.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateJan 13, 2011

Popular sleep medicine puts older adults at risk for falls, cognitive impairment

A study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that older adults taking zolpidem are significantly more likely to experience balance problems and cognitive impairments. Younger adults also showed significant cognitive impacts from sleep inertia, highlighting a need for further research on this topic.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 13, 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.

Post-heart attack, patients with lower kidney function not taking prescribed meds

A recent heart attack study found that patients with lower kidney function have poor medication adherence, with only 50-60% of prescribed medications taken over three years. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve medication adherence in this high-risk population.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 13, 2011

When continents formed

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new methodology for calculating model ages of continental crust formation. This approach uses the isotope composition of newly formed crust to estimate age, resulting in significantly younger and more consistent dates than previous methods based on mantle isotopes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2011

Chandra images torrent of star formation

M82's rapid star formation is believed to have been triggered by a close encounter with neighboring galaxy M81. The Chandra image reveals a unique opportunity to study conditions similar to those of the early universe and the consequences of supernovas in starburst galaxies.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·DateJan 13, 2011

ABTA names Ryan Salinas outstanding '10 summer medical student fellow

Ryan Salinas, a 2nd-year medical student at UCSF, received the Lucien Rubenstein Award for his outstanding research on histone demathylase JMJD3 as a potential treatment target for glioblastoma. The American Brain Tumor Association selected Salinas from a group of 10 Medical Student Summer Fellows.

SourceAmerican Brain Tumor Association·DateJan 13, 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 guidelines for preventing falls in the elderly include: start tai chi, cut-back on meds

The American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatric Society's updated guidelines for preventing falls in older adults emphasize the importance of exercise, such as tai chi or physical therapy, to reduce fall risk. The guidelines also recommend environmental adaptations, medication reduction, and cataract surgery where necessary.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 13, 2011

Reducing HIV risk of breastfeeding with 3-drug prophylaxis

A randomized controlled trial found that a triple-drug regimen during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces HIV transmission to infants. The study's findings support the use of long-term treatment for women with low CD4 cell counts and ARV prophylaxis for all breastfeeding mothers.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2011

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more vulnerable to BPA

A recent study found higher BPA levels in women with PCOS compared to controls, and an association between BPA and increased testosterone levels. Researchers suggest that BPA may exacerbate hormonal imbalances in women with PCOS.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 13, 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.

Driving simulators help older adults improve their road skills

A new study suggests that driving simulators can be an effective way to improve the driving skills of older adults. The researchers found that coaching and feedback through a driving simulator improved driving abilities in older drivers. This method may help keep older drivers on the road longer while maintaining safety.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 13, 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.

Home dialysis effective for kidney patients after transplant fails

A new study found that patients who return to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure can survive just as well on home dialysis as hospital dialysis. However, only 18% of these patients choose the home version due to concerns and limited education about its benefits.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 13, 2011

Aerosols transmit prions to mice, causing disease

Researchers found that prion-tainted aerosols can induce disease in mice by transferring to the brain and colonizing it. The study suggests airborne transmission of prions may be a risk, prompting potential regulations to minimize infection risks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 13, 2011

Liverpool receives $1.5M to tackle disease in Africa

A University of Liverpool-led consortium will analyse Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1, a major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease in Africa. The project aims to develop a protein-based vaccine enhancing or replacing current Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJan 13, 2011

The microbes in our gut regulate genes that control obesity and inflammation

A deficiency in Toll-like receptor 2 leads to changes in gut bacteria resembling those of lean animals, suggesting a new way to manage weight and intestinal problems. This discovery builds on previous research demonstrating the protective effect of TLR2 deficiency against obesity.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 13, 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.

Earth's hot past could be prologue to future climate

A new analysis suggests that future global temperatures may exceed projections by a factor of two, with potentially catastrophic consequences. The study, led by NCAR scientist Jeffrey Kiehl, warns that continued high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could lead to a repeat of Earth's hot past.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 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.

The best way to measure dark energy just got better

A new study led by Ryan Foley has found a way to correct for small variations in the appearance of Type Ia supernovae, making them better standard candles. This discovery allows cosmologists to improve their data analysis and make more accurate measurements of dark energy.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJan 13, 2011

Stanford researcher uses living cells to create 'biotic' video games

Ingmar Riedel-Kruse's lab group developed video games where players influence the behavior of living microorganisms in real-time. These biotic games aim to educate people about basic biological processes and promote interest in biology, with potential applications in crowd-sourced research.

SourceStanford University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJan 13, 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 sequence gut microbes of premature infant

Researchers sequenced and reconstructed most microbes in premature newborn's gut, documenting changes over time. They aim to understand the causes of necrotizing enterocolitis by studying the colonization process under normal circumstances.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2011

New impulses for surface research

Ralph G. Nuzzo, an American chemist, has been awarded the Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for his pioneering work on thiol-based SAMs. He will spend several months researching at KIT and Bielefeld University to advance Interfacial Systems Chemistry.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJan 13, 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.

Race plays role in weight-related counseling among obese patients

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that black obese patients receive less weight-related counseling than white obese patients, regardless of the doctor's race. This disparity is particularly concerning given the increased risk of chronic diseases associated with obesity among blacks in the US.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalObesity·DateJan 13, 2011

A pounding heart may be dangerous for some kidney patients

A study found that patients with lower kidney function had lower long-term adherence rates for three major heart medications, increasing the risk of hospitalization and death. Medication non-adherence was significantly lower for patients who had lower levels of kidney function at the beginning of the study.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 13, 2011

Cattle health and welfare at the heart of K-State research

A team of K-State researchers is working to reduce the percentage of cattle affected by bovine lameness, a common health issue in US feedlot and stocker calves. They are developing models to assess lameness and identify risk factors for prevention, as well as analyzing indicators of pain to determine effective treatment options.

SourceKansas State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·DateJan 13, 2011

Physicists discover Crab nebula is slowly dimming

LSU scientists and an international team discovered the Crab Nebula is flickering due to changes in magnetic fields near its central neutron star. The anomaly has significant implications for astronomers, forcing them to find new ways to calibrate their instruments.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 13, 2011

Suicide risk greater for people living at higher elevations

A study of US counties found a positive correlation between altitude and suicide rate, controlling for known risk factors. Despite lower overall mortality rates at higher altitudes, the study suggests an association between elevation and increased suicide risk.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHigh Altitude Medicine & Biology·DateJan 13, 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.

New tool for cell research may help unravel secrets of disease

Advancements in understanding rotational motion in living cells may shed light on disease causes, such as Alzheimer's. Researchers have developed a new technique using gold nanorods and differential interference contrast microscopy to reveal nanoparticle movement in live cells.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 13, 2011

Electricity pricing policies may make or break plug-in hybrid buys

A study by Purdue University economists found that California's tiered electricity pricing system discourages consumption and makes plug-in hybrid cars less economical. Adding a plug-in hybrid would increase energy use nearly 60% per household, mostly charged at the highest rate.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateJan 13, 2011

MIT neuroscientists explain 'Proustian effect' of small details attached to big memories

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute of Learning and Memory discovered that relatively minor details are sometimes linked to long-term memories. They found that irrelevant information that follows a relevant event is more likely to be integrated into long-term memory, and that this can occur within an hour and a half after the event.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJan 13, 2011

Writing about worries eases anxiety and improves test performance

A University of Chicago study found that writing about worries immediately before an exam can ease anxiety and boost test scores. Researchers discovered that students who wrote about their anxieties showed significant improvements in math accuracy compared to those who didn't write, even among those with high test anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2011

NASA satellites capture a stronger La Nina

NASA's new satellite data confirms a strong La Niña event in the eastern Pacific, with record-breaking rainfall in Australia and significant impacts on global climate. The La Niña effect is being felt worldwide, influencing ocean currents and heat storage.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 13, 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.

Self-assembling structures open door to new class of materials

Scientists have created tiny spheres that can form unusual structures by attracting and repelling each other in water, leading to the discovery of a new class of smart materials. The researchers hope to explore colloid properties and engineer more unnatural structures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2011

Researchers can predict your video game aptitude by imaging your brain

Researchers used brain imaging techniques to analyze patterns of brain activity in the basal ganglia, predicting individual learning success in a complex task. The method showed powerful predictive power, connecting brain patterns to performance differences among participants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2011

GM chickens that don't transmit bird flu developed

Researchers have successfully developed genetically modified chickens that do not transmit avian influenza virus to other chickens, potentially stopping bird flu outbreaks within poultry flocks. This genetic modification has the potential to reduce the risk of bird flu epidemics leading to new flu virus epidemics in humans.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 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.

BSE pathogens can be transmitted by air

Researchers found that inhalation of prion-tainted aerosols induced disease with frightening efficiency in mice, infecting all within a single minute. This discovery challenges the widely held view that prions are not airborne and suggests precautionary measures for scientific labs, slaughterhouses, and animal feed plants.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 13, 2011

NASA satellites dissect Tropical Storm Vania's clouds and rainfall

The TRMM satellite provided a 3-D image of Vania with thunderstorms reaching 15 kilometers high, while Aqua satellite infrared data showed strongest convection over open waters. Tropical Storm Vania is forecast to move south and brush New Caledonia before weakening due to wind shear and cooler sea temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 13, 2011

TGen and Genomic Health Inc. discover genes affecting cancer drug

Researchers identified 27 genes that influence the effectiveness of oxaliplatin in treating colorectal cancer. The study highlights the need for further clinical research to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects associated with the drug.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateJan 13, 2011

Earth's hot past: Prologue to future climate?

A new study by National Center for Atmospheric Research scientist Jeffrey Kiehl examines the relationship between global temperatures and high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere tens of millions of years ago. The study finds that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas may reach levels that existed about 30 million to 100 ...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 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.

Researchers learn why PSA levels reflect prostate cancer progression

A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels correlate with prostate cancer progression due to a complex formed between PSA and cell surface receptor GRP78. This binding stimulates pathways promoting tumor growth, cell movement, and blocking apoptosis.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 13, 2011

Researchers find rising levels of hypertension in older Mexican-Americans

A study by UTMB researchers reveals a significant increase in hypertension prevalence among older Mexican-Americans, with higher rates among those with diabetes and obesity. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these factors and improve hypertension management in this growing population.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJan 13, 2011

Inventions of evolution: What gives frogs a face

Research by Jennifer Schmidt and Lennart Olsson reveals that the gene FOXN3 influences the development of cranial cartilages and muscles in frogs, contributing to their evolutionary success. The study found that tadpoles without intact FOXN3 genes develop more slowly and experience deformations and loss of functions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJan 13, 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.

When a kidney transplant fails, home-based dialysis is an option

A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that home-based peritoneal dialysis can be just as effective as hemodialysis for patients returning to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure. The research showed similar mortality rates for both types of dialysis, providing hope for patients who may have previously been...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 13, 2011

Forget Planet X! New technique could pinpoint Galaxy X

Researchers develop method to locate satellite galaxies based on hydrogen gas distribution, predicting Galaxy X's mass and location. The technique has broad implications for dark matter detection and alternative gravity theories.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 13, 2011

NASA's Aqua Satellite sees tropical potential in system 94P

A low-pressure system with signs of tropical development has been observed in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia, according to NASA's Aqua satellite. The system, known as System 94P, is expected to track towards Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 13, 2011

Inverse benefits due to drug marketing undermine patient safety and public health

A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that aggressively marketed drugs tend to offer less benefit and more harm to most patients. The 'inverse benefit law' highlights the need for physicians to critically evaluate commercial marketing and prioritize patient safety.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 13, 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.

AGU journal highlights -- Jan. 13, 2011

Scientists have identified a cluster of deep low-frequency earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault, influenced by a Chilean earthquake. Additionally, satellite imagery reveals evidence of buried water ice near the Martian equator, contradicting previous research that Mars' current climate is inhospitable to equatorial water ice.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2011