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Science News for January 14, 2011


More intensive methods needed to identify TB in HIV-prone populations

Researchers studied TB detection methods in western Kenya and found that passive case finding is inadequate due to the high prevalence of HIV. Intensive methods like sputum culture are needed to diagnose TB earlier and more accurately, especially among men and those with prior TB treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 14, 2011

Mandatory menu labeling didn't change behavior at 1 fast food chain

A study by Duke University found that mandatory menu labeling at Taco Time locations in King County, Washington, had no effect on consumer behavior. The study suggests that detailed nutritional information may not be enough to influence the obesity epidemic unless combined with other interventions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 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.

Warming climate means red deer rutting season arrives early

A recent study found that red deer on the Isle of Rum are rutting earlier in the year, with their calving seasons now up to two weeks earlier than 30 years ago. This change is attributed to warmer spring and summer temperatures, providing rare evidence of climate change's impact on large mammals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 14, 2011

Researchers discover way to halt lung inflammation in animal models

Researchers have identified a potential treatment for acute lung injury (ALI) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by switching the state of macrophages to a reparative state. This approach aims to stop ongoing inflammation and improve lung repair capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 14, 2011

Improved measurements of sun to advance understanding of climate change

Researchers report a lower value of total solar irradiance than previously measured, demonstrating improved accuracy and consistency. The new findings will help resolve the question of how significant a contributor solar fluctuations are to global warming.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 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.

Enhanced early childhood education pays long-term dividends in better health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that intensive early education programs for low-income children can bring improved health and healthier behaviors in early adulthood. The randomized control trial, which enrolled 111 infants from the 1970s to age 21, showed significant benefits in health measure...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 14, 2011

Dramatic ocean circulation changes revealed

New research suggests ocean circulation changes may have caused severe cold intervals in Europe, with the Atlantic ocean capable of radical changes on short timescales. The study found that deep water formation switched off and on repeatedly, leading to warming and cooling centuries at a time.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2011

Bioactive compounds in berries can reduce high blood pressure

Bioactive compounds in berries, particularly anthocyanins found in blueberries, have been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Consuming at least one serving of blueberries per week can lower the risk by 10% and may contribute to hypertension prevention.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 14, 2011

University of Houston professor named 2010 AAAS Fellow

Richard C. Willson, a professor at the University of Houston, has been recognized as a 2010 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work in biomolecular recognition sciences and technology development. The honor is a testament to Willson's research contributions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 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.

NASA's TRMM Satellite sees Zelia born of System 94P

Tropical Storm Zelia forms in the South Pacific after strengthening from System 94P; NASA's TRMM satellite captures heavy rainfall on its northwestern and southwestern sides. The storm is expected to continue moving southeastward, strengthen into a cyclone, and impact New Caledonia with winds and rains.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 14, 2011

UCSF study identifies chemicals in pregnant women

A new study from UCSF found that virtually all pregnant women in the US are exposed to multiple chemicals, including some banned since the 1970s. The study identified over 163 chemicals, with many linked to adverse health outcomes such as preterm birth and childhood morbidity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 14, 2011

Certain genetic profiles increase risk of coronary artery disease while others uniquely increase risk of heart attacks in those with coronary disease; blood group O offers protection

A new study identifies genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks. The researchers found that certain genetic profiles increase the risk of CAD and heart attacks in individuals with CAD, while blood group O offers protection against heart attacks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 14, 2011

Heavy metals and pesticides threaten a Huelva wetland

The Estero de Domingo Rubio wetland is polluted with heavy metals and pesticides, affecting its water quality and ecosystem. The study highlights the need for greater control over agrochemicals and industrial waste to prevent contamination.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateJan 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.

Lady health workers in Pakistan reduce newborn deaths and stillbirths

In Pakistan, community health workers known as Lady Health Workers (LHWs) reduced stillbirths by 21% and newborn deaths by 15%, despite low coverage. The LHWs delivered a package of preventive and promotive maternal and newborn care interventions, including antenatal care promotion and clean delivery kits.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 14, 2011

Measles virus plays role in Paget's disease of bone, Pitt-led team says

A team of researchers led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has confirmed that a gene from the measles virus plays a key role in the development of Paget's disease of bone. The study found that osteoclasts in affected patients express a viral protein, leading to characteristic bone lesions and increased risk of fracture.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 14, 2011

Speeding up E. coli detection

A simple method for tracking E. coli uses laser imaging to detect and monitor microbe contamination in water, potentially reducing waterborne disease outbreaks. The technique improves on existing methods by providing vital information on microbial source tracking.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateJan 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.

Study finds fisheries management makes coral reefs grow faster

A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of California at Santa Cruz found that overfished reef systems have fewer sea urchins, leading to higher coral growth rates and more structure. Reefs with complete fish communities outperform those without predators, which allows coralline algae to thrive.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology·DateJan 14, 2011

Blood pressure control system found in kidney's structural units

Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have discovered that sodium handling in the distal nephron is controlled by a local regulatory system. This system helps set blood pressure and its dysfunction leads to hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 14, 2011