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Science News for July 14, 2011


Graphene gives up more of its secrets

Researchers used ARPES to study graphene's behavior near the Dirac point, observing unusual electronic interactions and renormalization. This discovery confirms graphene's semimetal properties and provides insight into its unique electronic structure.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2011

Editing the genome

Researchers developed genome-scale editing tools, replacing instances of a stop codon in E. coli with another, creating novel cell strains with increased functionality and safety. The new method, CAGE, surpasses current methods by two orders of magnitude.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2011

Fuel cell mobile lighting system featured at Space Shuttle Atlantis launch

A hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile lighting system was deployed at the Kennedy Space Center for the final Space Shuttle Atlantis launch, providing clean and quiet power. The system has the potential to drastically reduce dependence on diesel-fueled mobile lighting across the US, offsetting up to 900 gallons of fuel per year.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJul 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.

Size matters: Why do people eat less when they have big forks?

A field study found that diners with large forks ate less than those with small forks due to the need to visually track their progress. The authors suggest consumers learn to better understand hunger cues to avoid overeating.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 14, 2011

How the mole got its 12 fingers

Researchers discovered that moles' extra 'thumb' develops from a single bone that forms later than the real fingers. This adaptation allows for increased digging efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 14, 2011

Study finds that it is the number of sexual partners, rather than whether they are concurrent, that increases risk of HIV transmission in a typical high prevalence African population

A new study published in The Lancet found that the number of sexual partners, rather than concurrent partnerships, is strongly predictive of HIV transmission in women. Researchers analyzed data from over 87,000 individuals in South Africa and found that men with multiple lifetime partners were more likely to transmit HIV.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 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.

Weight-loss surgery cost-effective for all obese

A new study found that bariatric surgery is a cost-effective treatment option for all obese patients, with significant savings in medical costs over lifetime. The analysis suggests that the procedure should be universally available to all obese people, making it a good value and a potential game-changer in obesity treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMaturitas·DateJul 14, 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.

Protein may help diagnose and treat lymphoma in people and dogs

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have identified a protein that may play a key role in the development of lymphoma by inhibiting a tumor-suppressing gene. The study found that this protein, known as RNPC1, is frequently overactive in dog lymphomas and may contribute to the formation of cancerous cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2011

When will a message of social responsibility backfire?

A study found that luxury brands associated with self-enhancement concepts can cause consumers to feel a sense of disfluency when receiving social responsibility messages. In contrast, brands associated with openness or conservation concepts tend to have less conflict and experience more positive reactions to CSR initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 14, 2011

The secret to successful aging

New research explains how positivity bias in the brain contributes to successful aging, with increased engagement in positive emotions leading to greater emotional stability. The study suggests that focusing on the positive can help individuals age successfully.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 14, 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.

Novel combined therapy extends life, diminishes pain in brain cancer patients

A novel combined therapy has been developed to treat brain cancer patients with neoplastic meningitis, a devastating neurological complication. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly to the brain's surfaces while draining excess spinal fluid to alleviate pressure and improve quality of life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJul 14, 2011

Soft memory device opens door to new biocompatible electronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a soft memory device that functions well in wet environments, similar to the human brain. The device has biocompatibility and holds promise for interfacing electronics with biological systems, such as cells or tissue.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 14, 2011

Your brain on androids

A team of researchers led by Ayse Pinar Saygin found that the human brain responds with a mismatch in perception when an android's appearance and motion are at odds. This phenomenon, known as the 'uncanny valley,' occurs when an artificial agent becomes too human-like, causing discomfort and unease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 14, 2011

A new gene identified for restless legs syndrome

Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs. The discovery provides new avenues for understanding the disease and developing effective treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 14, 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.

Novel adenovirus confirmed to infect both humans and monkeys

A novel virus has been identified that can infect both humans and New World monkeys, spreading between species. The titi monkey adenovirus (TMAdV) was found in a California primate research center and later infected a human researcher and a family member.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 14, 2011

IRCM researchers uncover a new piece of the puzzle in the development of our nervous system

Researchers at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) have made a breakthrough in understanding how neurons connect and communicate. Drs. Artur Kania and Tzu-Jen Kao discovered that axon guidance is modulated by ligands present within the same neuron, leading to increased diversity of neuronal connections.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalNeuron·DateJul 14, 2011

Swarms of locusts use social networking to communicate

Researchers used network science to study swarming behavior in locusts, finding that social interactions play a crucial role in coordinating movements. The study suggests that animals may be creating equivalent social networks to humans, with locusts convincing others to move in the same direction.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 14, 2011

Cancer gene therapy from camels

Scientists have successfully used camel blood-derived nanobodies to target and kill cancer cells expressing specific markers. The approach involves attaching the nanobodies to nanoparticles that deliver a killer gene, preventing non-specific cell killing and improving safety.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 14, 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.

New ways to measure magnetism around the sun

Researchers use old mathematical techniques and insights on CMEs to devise a fresh way to measure magnetic fields in the sun's upper atmosphere. By spotting a diffuse ring around a CME, they can determine the strength of the magnetic field using Alfvén speed.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 14, 2011

Study challenges baby formula claim

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that using hypoallergenic baby formula does not decrease the risk of allergies in high-risk infants. The trial involved 620 infants and assessed whether hypoallergenic formula could prevent childhood eczema, asthma, or hay fever up to seven years of age.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 14, 2011

'Amplified' nanotubes may power the future

Rice University scientists have developed a cable made of metallic nanotubes that can carry electricity with minimal loss. The 'amplified' nanotubes are created by chemically attaching an iron/cobalt catalyst to the ends of nanotubes and fine-tuning the temperature and environment for amplification.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 14, 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.

New mechanism in the regulation of human genes

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism in regulating human genes by enabling pre-mRNA splicing. The U2AF protein plays a crucial role in this process, which involves the cooperation of different proteins to remove introns and form mature mRNA. This process is essential for genetic information flow from DNA to RNA to proteins.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2011

UCSF confirms first adenovirus to jump between monkeys and humans

A novel virus spread through a California monkey colony in late 2009, infecting over a third of the monkeys and causing devastating respiratory illness. The virus also infected two human researchers and family members, demonstrating its ability to jump between species.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 14, 2011

A manganite changes its stripes

A team of researchers has uncovered a startling new feature of lanthanum strontium manganese oxide, which can change its stripes from fluctuating to static and back. At the right temperature, it switches from a metallic state to an insulator, exhibiting colossal conductivity changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 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.

Speed limit on babies' vision

A recent study found that infants can perceive flicker or movement but struggle to identify individual elements within a moving scene. This suggests that babies have a slower visual processing speed than adults, with a limit of around half a second.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 14, 2011

A 'LEAP' in controlling cardiac fibrillation

Researchers develop a new LEAP (Low-Energy Anti-fibrillation Pacing) method to terminate life-threatening cardiac fibrillation, reducing energy required by more than 80%. The technique uses weak electrical signals to synchronize the heart's tissue, gradually suppressing chaotic activity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2011

Print your own teeth

Researchers have developed a method to create perfect-fit prosthetic dentistry using 3D printing technology. The approach combines medical imaging with computer-aided design to produce complex shapes like teeth and crowns. This technique has the potential to reduce production time and improve fit, making dental care more efficient.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Rapid Manufacturing·DateJul 14, 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.

Enzymes for cell wall synthesis conserved across species barriers

Researchers have discovered conserved enzymes for cell wall synthesis across various plant species, including barley, rice, and wheat. This finding has significant implications for improving crop yields and unlocking the full potential of industrial applications.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJul 14, 2011

Current, not prior, depression predicts crack cocaine use

A new study published in Addiction found that women in drug court with current major depression were more likely to use crack cocaine within four months. The study suggests that addressing depression could reduce the number of women who fail to beat crack addiction in drug court.

SourceBrown University·JournalAddiction·DateJul 14, 2011

Rensselaer Ph.D. candidate Philip W. Robinson awarded Fulbright Grant

Philip W. Robinson, a Rensselaer Ph.D. student, has been awarded a Fulbright grant to conduct research in architectural acoustics at Aalto University of Science and Technology in Helsinki, Finland. His research aims to understand how architectural enclosures transform sound to produce specific perceptual effects.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateJul 14, 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.

Ready, go!

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered the role of Super Elongation Complex (SEC) in controlling gene expression during early development. They found that SEC facilitates coordinated and rapid induction of genes, including Hox genes, which are essential for embryonic development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2011

Researchers examine way to undercut dust emissions

Researchers have identified a promising conservation tillage technique called undercutting, which can reduce PM10 emissions by 30-70% compared to conventional tillage. This method creates an aerodynamically rougher soil surface, promoting retention of crop residue and reducing wind erosion.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateJul 14, 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.

Roll out treatment as prevention now to stop HIV and AIDS

The International AIDS Society advocates for an expanded global HIV strategy that incorporates 'Treatment as Prevention' to reduce transmission and prevent the onset of AIDS. This approach promotes widespread HIV testing and facilitated access to free treatment for all medically eligible individuals.

SourceInternational AIDS Society·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 14, 2011

Galaxy sized twist in time pulls violating particles back into line

Physicist Dr. Mark Hadley proposes a galaxy-scale explanation for Charge Parity violation, suggesting galactic rotation's effect on space-time causes differences in particle decay rates. This theory preserves parity while offering a new explanation for the matter-antimatter imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJul 14, 2011

Breaking down cellulose without blasting lignin

The study of brown rot fungus Serpula lacrymans' genome reveals new insights into cellulose breakdown and its role in the global carbon cycle. The findings have significant implications for biofuel production and could lead to more efficient processes.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2011

Ocean acidification will seriously impact mussel populations

The study found that ocean acidification has a strong impact on shell strength and size in mussel larvae, leading to reduced survival rates and ecosystem balance disruption. The findings suggest that increased CO2 levels could affect the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 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.

The first studies utilizing the Collaborative Cross mice are published in Genome Research

The Collaborative Cross mouse strains have been used to map causative loci for complex traits like body weight and white head-spotting, showcasing the power of ancestry-based approaches. The studies also revealed the scope of phenotypic variation present in the CC lines, providing insights into breeding effects on genetic structure.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 14, 2011

Loss of large predators has caused widespread disruption of ecosystems

The decline of apex consumers has triggered trophic cascades, leading to changes in vegetation, wildfire frequency, infectious diseases, invasive species, water quality, and nutrient cycles. This review highlights the widespread impact of large predator loss on ecosystems and conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2011

NASA satellite sees Typhoon Ma-on soaking Guam

Typhoon Ma-on has brought heavy rainfall to Guam, with NASA satellite data detecting powerful thunderstorms containing rainfall rates of 2 inches/50 mm per hour. The National Weather Service has issued urban and small stream flood advisories until 2 a.m. CHST.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 14, 2011

Precision gene targeting in stem cells corrects disease-causing mutations

Researchers have successfully manipulated targeted genes in human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells using zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator like effector nucleases. This precision enables the study of genetic diseases and the development of disease-modifying drugs.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateJul 14, 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.

When the brain remembers but the patient doesn't

A study published in Cortex demonstrates that the unconscious brain continues to process information even when the conscious brain is incapacitated. The researchers found that a patient with prosopagnosia, or face blindness, showed brain activity responding to familiar faces despite not being able to recognize them.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateJul 14, 2011

New clues to the structural dynamics of BK channels

A new study identifies a key residue M314 involved in BK channel opening, suggesting a different structural model for the channel. The findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of BK channel activation and open up new avenues for research.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJul 14, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Early-stage melanoma tumors contain clues to metastatic potential

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found six abnormal genes that are both cancer-causing and metastasis-promoting in melanoma skin cancer. These genes can be used to predict whether human melanoma tumors are likely to spread, enabling doctors to cure the disease by intervening early.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 14, 2011

The unfolding 'SAGA' of transcriptional co-activators

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered SAGA's importance in fruit fly development, targeting different genes by interactions with transcription factors. SAGA regulates transcription elongation and is associated with paused polymerase II on developmentally regulated genes.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2011

ASTRO publishes white paper on IMRT safety

The American Society for Radiation Oncology has published a white paper to improve the safe use of IMRT, which requires more time and resources from cancer clinics. The report provides practical guidance to strengthen IMRT programs, reducing errors and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJul 14, 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.

Stem cell study reveals complexity of glue molecule's role in cancer

A recent stem cell study has found that the protein molecule E-cadherin, which plays a key role in cancer, also regulates up to 25% of genes within cells. This unexpected discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by understanding why some cancer cells are difficult to eradicate.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2011

Acidifying oceans could hit California mussels, a key species

California mussels are vulnerable to acidification due to climate change, which can weaken their shells and reduce body mass. This decline could have significant impacts on other organisms that rely on them for food and habitat.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 14, 2011

Does Chinese chocolate taste better than Swiss? Depends on when you find out

A study found that consumers prefer Chinese chocolate over Swiss when informed about its origin after tasting, contrary to expectations. The preference reversed when participants were told the country of origin before consuming the chocolate, suggesting a strong association between Switzerland and high-quality chocolate.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 14, 2011

Environmental factors predict underserved children's physical activity, Wayne State research finds

A study by Jeffrey Martin found that social and environmental factors like classmate support and confidence play a crucial role in determining physical activity levels among underserved children. The study also revealed that girls are less likely to engage in physical activity than boys, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·DateJul 14, 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.

Wood products part of winning carbon-emissions equation, researchers say

A recent study published in the journal Carbon Management suggests that using wood products can reduce carbon emissions by up to 10 tons per ton, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Sustainably managed forests are found to be essentially carbon neutral, but older forests have limited capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCarbon Management·DateJul 14, 2011

Genome blueprint for horse and human vaccines

Researchers have identified genetic similarities between Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus equi, two bacteria that cause potentially fatal infections in humans and horses. The study suggests a shared strategy for causing disease and offers hope for developing novel vaccines for both species.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJul 14, 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.

A mutation in a protein-sorting gene is linked with Parkinson's disease

Researchers identified a pathogenic mutation in the VPS35 gene associated with late-onset Parkinson's disease, implicating a novel protein-recycling pathway in neurodegeneration. The study provides new insights into the disease's pathogenesis and highlights the potential for therapeutic intervention.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 14, 2011

Loss of top animal predators has massive ecological effects

The decline of large predators and herbivores worldwide is causing substantial changes to ecosystems, leading to increased disease transmission and invasive species. This 'trophic downgrading' also affects soil, water, vegetation, and the atmosphere.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalScience·DateJul 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.

Dry onion skin has a use

The brown skin and external layers of onions are rich in fibre and flavonoids, while the discarded bulbs contain sulphurous compounds and fructans, which have beneficial health effects.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPlant Foods for Human Nutrition·DateJul 14, 2011

NSF sponsors $18.5 million effort to create mind-machine interface

The NSF-funded Engineering Research Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering will develop new technologies for amputees, stroke patients, and those with cerebral palsy. Researchers aim to create implantable prosthetics controlled by brain signals, revolutionizing robotic systems integration with the body's nervous system.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 14, 2011
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.