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Science News for January 21, 2011


Aquatic food web tied to land

A new study reveals that nearly a third of zooplankton's diet comes from land-derived organic matter. The research provides insight into the complex interactions within aquatic food webs and the role of watershed inputs.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2011

HEPA filters reduce cardiovascular health risks associated with air pollution

Researchers found that portable HEPA filters reduced fine particulate matter and woodsmoke concentrations, improving endothelial function and decreasing inflammation. These findings support the hypothesis that reducing particle concentration can favorably influence cardiovascular morbidity.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 21, 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.

Montrealers are feeding fish Prozac

Research by Dr. Sébastien Sauvé and André Lajeunesse found that antidepressants accumulate in fish tissues, affecting brain activity and potentially causing long-term harm to the Saint Lawrence River's ecosystem. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the impact of chemical pollution on aquatic organisms.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalChemosphere·DateJan 21, 2011

Researchers reveal function of novel molecule that underlies human deafness

Researchers identified miR-96 as a key regulator of auditory sensory hair cell development. The study revealed that mutations in this microRNA prevent the normal progression of hair cell development, leading to deafness. This breakthrough discovery opens new avenues for developing treatments for progressive hearing loss and deafness.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2011

Preventing tooth decay in the youngest American Indians

Researchers found a significant decrease in tooth decay among young American Indians who switched from sweetened soda to water, with up to 63% reduction in early stage cavities. The study suggests that promoting water as a primary drink can have a substantial impact on preventing tooth decay.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateJan 21, 2011

Researchers discover how to tame hammering droplets

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new process relating to the way drops of water spread after striking a surface, which could help engineers design more durable condensing surfaces. The effect explains why blades used in power-plant turbines tend to degrade rapidly and need frequent replacement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 21, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study of nutrition, Alzheimer's links hampered by research approach

A new study found that traditional dietary surveys, relying on self-reported data, are inconsistent and can be influenced by memory impairment and digestive issues. Using nutrient biomarkers through blood tests, researchers aim to improve the accuracy of nutritional assessments and develop more effective therapies for cognitive health.

SourceOregon State University·DateJan 21, 2011

New melt record for Greenland ice sheet

A new study reveals that the Greenland Ice Sheet experienced its highest melting event in 2010, breaking records by up to 50 days. This unusual phenomenon was attributed to extreme temperatures and reduced snowfall during the summer months, which exposed bare ice earlier than usual.

SourceCity College of New York·DateJan 21, 2011

CT scanning aids rapid diagnosis, treatment planning for abdominal pain

A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that CT scans significantly improved physicians' confidence in their diagnosis, changing treatment plans for almost half of patients with abdominal pain. This resulted in reduced probable hospital admissions by 20% and lower overall costs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJan 21, 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.

NFL linemen recover from back surgery, and so can you

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that 80% of NFL linemen who underwent disc surgery were able to return to play many games, suggesting that average people can also resume their active lives. After proper recovery and rehabilitation, patients can safely lift weights and engage in strenuous activities without long-term risks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTranslational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine·DateJan 21, 2011

Mindfulness meditation training changes brain structure in 8 weeks

A 12-week mindfulness meditation program shows measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, self-awareness, empathy, and stress. Increased grey-matter density was observed in areas important for learning and memory, as well as structures linked to compassion and introspection.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateJan 21, 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.

Cell binding discovery brings hope to those with skin and heart problems

A University of Manchester scientist has discovered the mechanism behind skin cells' tight binding, which could lead to new treatments for debilitating skin diseases and heart problems. The study found that glue molecules bind specifically to similar molecules on neighboring cells, creating a resilient structure.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 21, 2011

New research from Psychological Science

Researchers investigate how the insula integrates affective and cognitive processes, and how neural systems develop with age. They also examine the role of vision in auditory and tactile integration, and find that vision plays a crucial role in developing this integration.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 21, 2011

New Anglo-Swiss research questions impact of GM wheat on insects

A study investigated the impact of disease-resistant genetically-modified (GM) wheat lines on insect food webs. The findings show that the differences between GM and non-GM wheat strains are similar to those found between different conventional wheat strains, suggesting no ecological problems with GM wheat.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 21, 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.

Islands in the sky: How isolated are mountain top plant populations?

Researchers found that bee-pollinated Penstemon species have distinct genetic clusters per mountain range, while bird-pollinated species show less genetic structure across ranges. Hummingbirds facilitate gene flow among distant populations, constraining local adaptations.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJan 21, 2011

Dow AgriSciences, MU researcher develop a way to control 'superweed'

Researchers at Dow AgroSciences and the University of Missouri have engineered soybean plants that can tolerate an alternative herbicide called 2,4-D, which may help slow the spread of superweeds. This new approach could reduce the need for multiple herbicides and lead to cost savings for farmers and consumers.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 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.

Defense mechanism against bacteria and fungi deciphered

The human body produces a human antibiotic, beta-defensin 1, in remarkable quantities despite showing little activity against microbes under standard conditions. However, research discovered that this protein unfolds strong antibiotic activity against lactic acid bacteria and yeast under low-oxygen conditions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2011