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Science News for July 12, 2011


TUM researchers discover a new switch in resistance to plant diseases

Researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM) have identified two proteins in barley that powdery mildew takes advantage of during its attack. The RACB protein, a molecular switch, supports the fungus by increasing plant cell surface area, while MAGAP1 prevents this effect and limits the fungus's entry into plant cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 12, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HPV infection highly prevalent among organ transplant recipients

A study of 210 organ transplant recipients with previous SCC found that BetaPV infection is extremely common, with concordant presence of DNA and antibodies increasing the risk for SCC skin cancer. The findings may lead to novel preventative or therapeutic interventions for immunosuppressed individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 12, 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.

Hubble's Neptune anniversary pictures

The Hubble Space Telescope has taken anniversary pictures of Neptune, revealing high-altitude clouds in the northern and southern hemispheres composed of methane ice crystals. The images also show that cloud activity is shifting to the northern hemisphere, with seasons lasting about 40 years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 12, 2011

The metabolic effects of antipsychotic drugs

Research reveals that olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, promotes overeating, weight gain, and insulin resistance due to reduced body temperature. The study demonstrates altered peripheral glucose metabolism, contributing to impaired insulin sensitivity.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 12, 2011

Border fences pose threats to wildlife on US-Mexico border, study shows

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that current and proposed border fences pose significant threats to wildlife populations along the US-Mexico border. The study identifies four species listed as threatened globally or by both the US and Mexico, and another 23 with small range sizes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateJul 12, 2011

Brainy lizards pass test for birds

Researchers at Duke University found that tropical anoles can solve novel problems and remember solutions, demonstrating advanced cognitive abilities. The study's results challenge the notion that reptiles have limited cognitive capabilities and highlight the complexity of animal cognition.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 12, 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.

When it comes to population growth, Houston is No. 1

Houston's population growth was the highest in the US, with a whopping 1.2 million new residents added over the past decade, outpacing New York and Chicago combined. The city's growth can be attributed to its proximity to Latin America, business-friendly policies, low cost of living, and significant job growth.

SourceRice University·DateJul 12, 2011

Effects of exercise on meal-related gut hormone signals

Regular exercise increases sensitivity to leptin, a hormone that inhibits food intake. Exercise also reveals additional mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of physical activity on managing body weight, including altered gut hormone release and increased responsiveness to CCK, a hormone that limits meal size.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 12, 2011

Switch from corn to grass would raise ethanol output, cut emissions

A new study suggests that growing perennial grasses on underproductive farmland used for corn ethanol production could lead to higher overall corn yields, more ethanol output per acre, and better groundwater quality. The switch would also slash emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 12, 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.

Study: People at risk for panic buffered from stressor by high levels of physical activity

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibited reduced anxiety reactivity when engaging in high levels of physical activity. Regular exercise was shown to be an effective alternative or complementary strategy to traditional treatments for depression and anxiety problems.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJul 12, 2011

Molasses extract decreases obesity caused by a high-fat diet

Research suggests that dietary supplementation with molasses extract can reduce body weight and fat levels in mice. After 12 weeks on a high-fat diet supplemented with 4% molasses extract, mice had lower body weight, reduced body fat, and decreased leptin levels.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 12, 2011

Alternative methods of smear collection are effective at diagnosing TB

Researchers developed alternative smear collection methods that are more convenient for patients, yet maintain the same level of accuracy for diagnosis. The findings suggest that a single patient visit could be sufficient to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis, improving access to treatment, particularly in poor countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

Family meals remain important through teen years, expert says

Regular family meals can safeguard teens' health, reducing the risk of disordered eating by 35% and promoting healthy habits. Family members should prioritize three meals a week to foster connection and encourage open conversations about unhealthy behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 12, 2011

Biomarker for autism discovered

Researchers at the University of Cambridge identified a biomarker for autism in siblings of individuals with autism, showing reduced brain activity to emotional facial expressions. This finding provides an opportunity to investigate genes linked to autism and sheds light on why some family members are more affected than others.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJul 12, 2011

Bodyguard for the brain

Scientists have identified a mechanism that protects the brain from degeneration and aging processes. The discovery of CB1 receptors' role in preserving nerve cells and memory capabilities opens up new possibilities for developing therapies to combat age-related brain changes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 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.

Accentuating the positive may eliminate the negative in teenagers with anxiety

Researchers from Oxford University found that training tasks can shift how healthy teenagers think about social events, promoting more positive interpretations. The approach, called cognitive bias modification of interpretations, has the potential to change negative thoughts that drive anxiety in teenagers with high anxiety levels.

SourceSpringer·JournalChild Psychiatry & Human Development·DateJul 12, 2011

UCI study points to new means of overcoming antiviral resistance in influenza

Researchers at UCI have found a new approach to creating customized therapies for virulent flu strains that resist current antiviral drugs. They used computer simulations to predict how pocket structures on influenza proteins promoting viral replication can be identified, allowing for possible pharmaceutical exploitation.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 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.

Changes in family history of cancer can impact screening recommendations

A study found that changes in family history of cancer can significantly alter screening recommendations, particularly for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. For patients aged 30-50, the risk of increased cancer risk more than tripled for colorectal cancer and increased by 60% for breast cancer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateJul 12, 2011

Last dinosaur before mass extinction discovered

Researchers at Yale University found a ceratopsian horn fossil buried just five inches below the K-T boundary, suggesting that dinosaurs did not go extinct prior to the impact. The discovery provides further evidence for the impact hypothesis and may have closed the 'three-meter gap' in the fossil record.

SourceYale University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 12, 2011

Smokers not very receptive to shocking images

Researchers found that smokers' amygdala activity decreases after abstinence, reducing their fear response to scary images. This could be due to nicotine's role in maintaining normal function.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateJul 12, 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.

Ghrelin increases willingness to pay for food

A new study found that ghrelin, a naturally occurring gut hormone, increases the willingness to pay for food while decreasing it for non-food items. This increase in reward signaling is specifically linked to the nucleus accumbens region of the brain.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 12, 2011

AIAA to present awards at 47th Joint Propulsion Conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics presented several awards to recognize outstanding achievements in air breathing propulsion systems, rocket propulsion systems, ground testing, and combustion engineering. Awards were also given for historical non-fiction literature and graduate research in air breathing propulsion.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJul 12, 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.

Lie of the land beneath glaciers influences impact on sea levels

Researchers found that the Slessor glacier in Antarctica has not thinned significantly since the last ice age due to a large trough in the land. This discovery will help scientists improve their understanding of how ice sheet movements affect sea levels, enabling more accurate projections of future change.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 12, 2011

Low dose naltrexone (LDN): Harnessing the body's own chemistry to treat human ovarian cancer

Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discovered that low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has a potent antitumor effect on human ovarian cancer. Combining LDN with chemotherapy resulted in an additive inhibitory action on tumorigenesis, reducing DNA synthesis and cell replication.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

Severity of spinal cord injury has no impact on how adults rate their health, WSU research finds

A study by Wayne State University researchers found that self-rated physical ability tops injury severity as a determining factor of health ratings in adults with spinal cord injuries. The study suggests that people with disabilities can still rate their health as excellent or good despite being confined to a wheelchair or paralyzed.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·DateJul 12, 2011

Landscape change leads to increased insecticide use in US Midwest

A new study links increased insecticide use in the US Midwest to landscape change, finding that simplification of agricultural landscapes boosts crop pest pressure. The research suggests that preserving or restoring semi-natural lands can reduce the need for insecticides and contribute to agricultural economies.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2011

Wireless power could cut cord for patients with implanted heart pumps

Researchers have developed a wireless power system that can power ventricular assist devices without a cord, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient quality of life. The system uses inductive power and has been shown to be efficient over medium distances, allowing patients to be free from cords for short periods.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 12, 2011

Evidence for 'food addiction' in humans

Clinical research identifies 'food addicts' with increased binge-eating disorder, depression, and impulsive personality traits. The study proposes personalized treatment approaches for obesity.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 12, 2011

Researchers study pesticide pathways into the atmosphere

Researchers discovered herbicide volatilization consistently results in losses exceeding those from surface runoff, with a significant impact on groundwater contamination. The study highlights the importance of considering soil moisture levels and air temperatures in models of pesticide volatilization.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 12, 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.

New genetic map of potato may lead to improved crops

Scientists have created a new map of the potato genome that could improve crop yields and nutritional content. The study's findings suggest that breeding potatoes with improved genes could help feed a growing global population.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2011

Newly discovered molecule essential to resetting 'body clocks'

A novel molecule, QUASIMODO (QSM), has been discovered as essential for relaying light-information to the circadian clocks of fruit flies. This molecule plays a crucial role in synchronizing the internal biological processes, such as sleep/wake cycles, with external time.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 12, 2011

Supramolecules get time to shine

Researchers developed a supramolecular system combining single-walled carbon nanotubes with porous silicate materials, enabling the study of interactions between carbon nanotubes and a wide range of photoluminescent molecules. The platform holds promise for applications in catalysis, artificial photosynthesis, and hydrogen splitting.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 12, 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.

Scleroderma study identifies roadblocks to employment

Research identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors contributing to work disability in systemic scleroderma. Findings suggest that retraining and additional support can help individuals with the disease maintain or regain employment.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism·DateJul 12, 2011

Cracking the code of the mind

Researchers create a chip that connects neurons with electronics, enabling them to study complex neural networks and their behavior. The device reveals patterns in bigger networks of neurons, showing hierarchical structures and suggesting new approaches for artificial intelligence and neurology.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 2011

Prof receives inaugural award for animal welfare

Ian Duncan, a renowned expert in animal welfare, has been recognized with the inaugural Medal for Outstanding Contributions from the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. His pioneering work on poultry behavior and welfare has significantly benefited animals worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·DateJul 12, 2011

New technology allows lenses to change color rapidly

A University of Connecticut scientist has developed electrochromic lenses that can change color rapidly, reducing waste and increasing production. The technology also has potential applications for the US military, such as enhancing situational awareness in dynamic environments.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateJul 12, 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.

Family planning in conflict

A new study finds that women in conflict-affected areas often want access to family planning but are unable to get it due to limited healthcare services. The research highlights the gap between what women want and what is available, with only a small percentage using modern contraception.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalConflict and Health·DateJul 12, 2011

Deeper insight in the activity of cortical cells

Researchers can now study neuronal activity in deepest layers of the cortex, gaining insights into decision-making and object perception. The technique enables measurement of spatiotemporal organization of activity in these deep layers.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 2011

Cat litter to become an edible product?

Scientists from Spain and France have obtained single-crystal X-ray diffraction images of sepiolite, a lightweight porous mineral used in cat litter. The study opens the path to industrial synthesis and further improvement of its properties, which could lead to edible product applications.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateJul 12, 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.

A 'nutty' solution to type 2 diabetes management

New research from St. Michael's Hospital suggests that consuming two ounces of nuts daily can effectively control glycemic and serum lipid levels for people with Type 2 diabetes. The study found that nut consumption reduced HbA1c levels by two-thirds, a clinically meaningful improvement without weight gain.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJul 12, 2011

Scientists model physics of a key dark-energy probe

Researchers leverage supercomputers to investigate dark energy, a mysterious force driving the universe's expansion. They develop new models that allow for more accurate analysis of subtle dark matter clustering features, such as Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO), crucial for constraining cosmological parameters.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 12, 2011

Team New Jersey to make precast concrete solar house reality

The ENJOY House, a collaborative effort between Rutgers and NJIT, features integrated systems, rainwater collection, and a fully powered photovoltaic system. Construction began after a ground-breaking at NJIT, with the team aiming to complete the house by the end of summer.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateJul 12, 2011

Too much sitting may be bad for your health

A collection of articles in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine explores the health consequences of prolonged sitting time, independent of physical activity levels. Key findings suggest that sedentary behavior is a distinct health risk, with implications for workplace environments and children's health.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.