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Science News for January 6, 2011


Secondhand television exposure linked to eating disorders

A Harvard Medical School study found that indirect media exposure, such as friends' TV viewing habits, is a significant factor in eating disorder symptoms among adolescent girls in Fiji. Social network exposure was linked to a 60% increase in high-level eating disorder symptoms, independent of individual viewing habits.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 6, 2011

Stem cell discovery could lead to improved bone marrow transplants

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz identified a crucial molecule for blood stem cells' niche in the bone marrow, potentially improving transplant safety and efficiency. The study's findings may lead to safer and more effective treatment options for cancers like lymphoma and leukemia.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 6, 2011

Ammonites dined on plankton

Researchers discovered that extinct ammonites had jaws and teeth adapted for eating small plankton using synchrotron scans. The study provides new insights into why ammonites went extinct 65.5 million years ago due to an asteroid impact.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 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.

School-based interventions for obesity

A US study analyzed 26 school-based nutrition interventions, revealing that classroom nutrition education and parental involvement were the most commonly used components. The study emphasizes the importance of synthesizing findings to inform research and program development for effective childhood obesity prevention.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJan 6, 2011

Standing tall is key for success in 2011

According to the study, posture plays a crucial role in determining whether people act as though they are really in charge. Adopting an expansive body posture activates a sense of power that produces behavioral changes independent of actual rank or hierarchical role in an organization. In contrast, recalling an experience of being in a...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 6, 2011

Princeton scientists construct synthetic proteins that sustain life

Researchers create genetic sequences never seen in nature and produce substances sustaining life in cells almost as readily as natural proteins. The team's work represents a significant advance in synthetic biology, suggesting the construction of artificial genomes capable of sustaining cell life may be within reach.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 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.

The hunt for the lunar core

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a core with an iron-rich center, resembling Earth's core, using array processing techniques on Apollo seismic data. The discovery sheds light on the lunar interior's composition and structure, providing insights into the Moon's ancient origins.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2011

Plasma jets are prime suspect in solar mystery

Scientists have discovered that narrow jets of plasma, known as spicules, shoot up from the Sun's surface and insert heated plasma into its outer atmosphere. This finding addresses a fundamental question in astrophysics and provides an observational challenge to existing theories of coronal heating.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 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.

GE acquires Argonne-UChicago start-up SmartSignal

SmartSignal's patented technology helps predict pump failures at nuclear facilities, later developed for power and oil & gas industries. GE acquisition aims to utilize its software and services to monitor machinery and equipment, analyze data, and diagnose problems proactively.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJan 6, 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.

Drinking recycled water?

Researchers develop method to treat stormwater in constructed wetland and store it in an aquifer, producing near potable water after treatment. The study demonstrates potential for sustainable water recycling through managed aquifer recharge schemes.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 6, 2011

Loss of gene promotes brain-tumor development, reduces survival, study finds

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that losing the NFKBIA gene promotes glioblastoma multiforme growth and reduces survival. Restoring this gene may improve survival for certain patients with glioblastoma, as it inhibits tumor cell growth and increases sensitivity to chemotherapy.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 6, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fermi's Large Area Telescope sees surprising flares in Crab Nebula

The discovery of gamma-ray flares in the Crab Nebula, powered by a rapidly spinning neutron star, challenges current theories on cosmic particle acceleration. The flares were caused by super-charged electrons of up to 10 peta-electron volts, 1,000 times more energetic than any man-made accelerator.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2011

Longstanding mystery of Sun's hot outer atmosphere solved

Researchers discover that jets of plasma shooting up from just above the Sun's surface are a major source of hot gas replenishing the corona. This finding addresses a fundamental question in astrophysics and provides new insight into the Sun's subtle influence on the Earth's upper atmosphere.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJan 6, 2011

Young people say sex, paychecks come in second to self-esteem

Research suggests that young people prioritize self-esteem over other enjoyable activities like sex, favorite foods, drinking alcohol, seeing a best friend or receiving a paycheck. This fixation on self-esteem may be problematic as it can lead to an unhealthy obsession with boosting one's self-worth.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Personality·DateJan 6, 2011

Carbon swap bank to beat climate change

A carbon swap bank could lead to genuine reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, according to Australian researchers. The concept allows for direct deposits of sequestered carbon and withdrawals of emission rights, bypassing issues with accurate measurement and international regulation.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInterdisciplinary Environmental Review·DateJan 6, 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.

Freshwater methane release changes greenhouse gas equation

A new study suggests that freshwater methane emissions impact the global balance of greenhouse gases, with a potential 25% change in net absorption rates. The research highlights the importance of including inland waters in carbon budgets, as they are more active in carbon processing than seas or land surfaces.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2011

'Long-shot' discovery may lead to advances in treating anxiety, memory disorders

Researchers at UCLA have made a groundbreaking discovery about neuronal gap junctions, which could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders like PTSD. The study found that blocking these gap junctions can disrupt critical rhythms in the brain region most involved in cognition, preventing fear memories from forming.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2011

When less is more: How mitochondrial signals extend lifespan

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that slowing mitochondrial function in specific cells can extend the lifespan of an entire organism. The key finding is that a unique signal emanating from damaged mitochondria in nerve or gut cells extends lifespan, while disrupting this signal has no effect.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 6, 2011

Study of 'sarcoid-like' granulomatous pulmonary disease finds elevated rates in WTC responders

A Mount Sinai study found a significant increase in the rate of 'sarcoid-like' granulomatous pulmonary disease among World Trade Center (WTC) responders compared to pre-9/11 FDNY personnel. The condition was associated with environmental exposures and lung function abnormalities.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateJan 6, 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.

British scientists head off on polar expedition

A team of British scientists are heading to the Antarctic Peninsula to collect rock samples and analyze their mineralogy, geochemistry, and isotopic character to determine how glaciers and ice sheets behaved in past climates. They aim to predict how these natural systems will react in years to come if temperatures continue to rise.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJan 6, 2011

It's complicated: Despite the challenges, collaboration is key in kidney disease care

A study found that most primary care physicians and kidney specialists prefer shared care for patients with progressive chronic kidney disease, but their preferences on how and when to collaborate differ. Effective collaboration is crucial in slowing CKD progression or preparing patients for dialysis or transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 6, 2011

Genetic abnormalities identified in pluripotent stem cell lines

Researchers have documented genetic abnormalities in human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, including duplications near pluripotency-associated genes and deletions involving tumor suppressor genes. Frequent genomic monitoring of these cell lines is necessary to ensure their stability and clinical safety.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 6, 2011

Water, water everywhere focus of new sustainability project

A UW-Madison team, led by Chris Kucharik and Adena Rissman, is conducting a comprehensive study on the Yahara watershed to understand the links between water systems, land use, climate change, and human activities. The goal is to develop tools for managing water resources in balance with social, economic, and environmental considerations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateJan 6, 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.

Babies process language in a grown-up way

Researchers at UC San Diego found that babies over a year old process words with adult-like brain structures and meanings, challenging previous theories on infant language development. The study used MEG and MRI to map brain activity in infants and confirmed the same left frontotemporal areas activated in adults for word meaning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJan 6, 2011

NOAA-led team measures atmosphere's self-cleaning capacity

Researchers found that global levels of hydroxyl radical, a critical player in atmospheric chemistry, are stable and vary by only a few percent every year. This discovery improves confidence in projecting the future of Earth's atmosphere and reduces concerns about human-caused or natural changes.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 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.

CMU research finds regional dialects are alive and well on Twitter

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that regional dialects and slang terms on Twitter can predict the location of tweet authors. The study analyzed over 380,000 tweets and found that users from different regions used distinct words and phrases, such as 'yinz' for Pittsburghers and 'coo' for southern Californians.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJan 6, 2011

Neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species, UCLA study finds

Researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research found that neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to help regulate normal self-renewal and differentiation. The findings may have significant implications for brain repair and abnormal brain development.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 6, 2011

Punctuated evolution in cancer genomes

Researchers discover that chromosomal crisis is common in cancer development, causing hundreds of genome fragments and multiple mutations. The phenomenon is particularly common in bone cancers, where the ravaged genome can lead to increased cancer development.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 6, 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.

Cancer in a single catastrophe

Researchers have discovered that cancer can arise rapidly after a single catastrophic event involving tens to hundreds of genomic rearrangements. This phenomenon, known as chromothripsis, is seen in at least two percent of all cancers and up to 25 percent of bone cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 6, 2011

A blood test for Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers have created a potential method for detecting Alzheimer's disease with a simple blood test using synthetic molecules. The new technology may lead to blood tests for many important diseases if it proves successful.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 6, 2011

DNA sequencing pioneer receives 2011 Russ Prize

Leroy Hood's automated DNA sequencer has enabled the rapid sequencing of DNA, transforming genomics and accelerating scientific discovery. The technology has led to numerous breakthroughs in disease research, personalized medicine, and pharmaceutical development.

SourceOhio University·DateJan 6, 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.

NARSAD announces $12.6 million for new generation of brain and behavior research

NARSAD has awarded $12.6 million in new research grants to support innovative brain and behavior research projects. The Young Investigator grants will fund the work of 214 researchers from around the world, including those studying schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

SourceNARSAD, The Mental Health Research Association·DateJan 6, 2011

Sulphur proves important in the formation of gold mines

Researchers have discovered that sulphur plays a crucial role in forming gold deposits by enhancing gold solubility. The study's findings could lead to more successful gold exploration and mining practices.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2011

Less invasive techniques help manage complications of severe pancreatic disease

A study found that combined treatments for severe acute pancreatitis are safe and effective in managing the disease, resulting in shorter hospitalizations and fewer radiological procedures. Primary conservative treatment also showed promise in avoiding surgery and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 6, 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.

High dietary fat, cholesterol linked to increased risk of breast cancer

A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that mice fed a Western-style diet with high fat and cholesterol developed larger, faster-growing tumors and metastasized more easily. The researchers suggest that measuring blood cholesterol levels may be an effective method of screening cancer development.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 6, 2011

Web-based curriculum improves surgical residents' knowledge of health care business

A web-based curriculum was found to be an effective method for teaching and assessing systems-based practice concepts in surgical residents. The study showed a significant improvement in knowledge of health care business concepts and principles, with residents reporting a preference for Web-based learning.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 6, 2011

Ammonites' last meal: New light on past marine food chains

Researchers used synchrotron X-rays to reveal the last meal of ammonites, a group of extinct sea creatures that were distant relatives of squids and octopuses. The findings suggest that ammonites dined on plankton, which may have contributed to their extinction after a massive asteroid impact.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Packaging that knows when food is going off

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are developing a new type of indicator made of 'intelligent plastics' that changes color when food is about to spoil, cutting unnecessary waste by up to 8.3 million tonnes in the UK each year. This technology aims to improve food safety and reduce the economic damage caused by food waste.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateJan 6, 2011

Researchers visualize herpes virus' tactical maneuver

Researchers have developed a 3D picture of a herpes virus protein interacting with human cellular machinery, revealing how the virus hijacks cells to spread infection. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms of viral replication and opens up possibilities for preventing or treating viral diseases.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 6, 2011

NIST telescope calibration may help explain mystery of universe's expansion

Astrophysicists can now obtain accurate answers to the mystery of accelerating universe expansion thanks to a calibrated Pan-STARRS telescope. The telescope's performance was fine-tuned at many individual wavelengths, allowing for consistent information about supernovae.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateJan 6, 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.

'Timing is everything' in ensuring healthy brain development

Brain cells need to create links early on in their existence to ensure successful connections across the brain. This is demonstrated through computer analysis of nerve cell connectivity patterns in roundworms, showing that most neurons develop long-distance connections by being physically close together.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 6, 2011

Extracting cellular 'engines' may aid in understanding mitochondrial diseases

Researchers at NIST have developed a technique to extract individual mitochondria from cells, enabling further study of genetic mutations behind neuromuscular disorders. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of mitochondrial-based diseases and potential treatments.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Optics·DateJan 6, 2011

New study reveals impact of eating disorders on Native-Americans

A new study by Professor Ruth Striegel-Moore and team found that Native American (NA) women are more likely to report behavioral symptoms of eating disorders than men. Research also revealed a parallel between NA women and ethnically white women when considering binge eating, purging and eating disorder diagnoses.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJan 6, 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.