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Science News for July 18, 2011


Married men seek treatment sooner for heart attacks

A study found that married men seek medical care sooner for heart attacks than their single counterparts. Men in marriage experience faster arrival times at the emergency department, highlighting potential benefits of marriage on health outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 18, 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.

Study examines factors in pediatric kidney transplant rejection

A retrospective cohort study examines the relationship between HLA-DR mismatching and rejection in pediatric kidney transplant patients. The study found that patients with 1- or 2-HLA-DRB1 mismatches had a 70% increased risk of allograft rejection, while those with a history of rejection had a 7.7 times greater odds of graft failure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJul 18, 2011

Trastuzumab and chemotherapy improved survival in HER2-postive breast and brain cancer patients

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that trastuzumab, chemotherapy, and surgery significantly improved overall survival in HER2-positive breast and brain cancer patients. Treatment with these therapies led to improved survival rates of up to 20 months for those with central nervous system metastases.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 18, 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.

Single traumatic brain injury may prompt long-term neurodegeneration

Researchers found abnormal tau tangles and amyloid-beta plaques in survivors years after a single TBI, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study suggests that a single TBI may initiate long-term neurodegenerative processes, offering new insights into the development of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBrain Pathology·DateJul 18, 2011

Antiretroviral treatment is HIV prevention: The proof is here

The HPTN 052 study found that early initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission to uninfected partners, with a 96% reduction in transmissions. Early cART also benefits the infected individual by maintaining higher CD4 counts and reducing HIV-related illnesses or death.

SourceInternational AIDS Society·DateJul 18, 2011

Keeping it together

Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered a protein complex called condensin that keeps chromosome arms folded and easy to transport. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how chromosomes are organized during cell division, with implications for our own cells' ability to divide properly.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2011

Study shows small-scale fisheries' impact on marine life

A new study reveals that small-scale fisheries in Peru are capturing tens of thousands of turtles from across the Pacific. The researchers found that thousands of sea turtles are likely to be caught annually while foraging in Peru's waters, often resulting in injuries from becoming tangled in fishing gear.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 18, 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.

Solar Panels Keep Buildings Cool

A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that solar photovoltaic panels can cool buildings by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing cooling costs by 5% over the panels' lifetime.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSolar Energy·DateJul 18, 2011

Hydrogen may be key to growth of high-quality graphene

A new approach to growing graphene reduces problems plaguing researchers, clearing a path for sophisticated electronic devices. Hydrogen controls the graphene grain shape and size, enabling the creation of well-defined graphene grains with perfect hexagonal shapes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 18, 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.

WHOI scientists analyze, explain the chemical makeup of Gulf plume

A research team led by WHOI has determined the chemical makeup of a deep hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico, shedding light on its composition and potential effects on ocean life. The study found that the plume contained high concentrations of BTEX compounds, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

Penn study finds a genetic basis for muscle endurance in animal study

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a genetic basis for muscle endurance in animal study. The study found that mice lacking a specific gene exhibit increased endurance and fatigue resistance, similar to elite athletes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 19, 2011

Researchers found that testing for Lynch Syndrome in all colorectal cancer patients is cost-effective and can help identify families at risk. Antiretroviral therapy also increased life expectancy for HIV patients in Africa to nearly normal levels, with men showing lower survival rates than women. In contrast, low health literacy was li...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2011

Tumor suppressor protein is a key regulator of immune response and balance

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified Tsc1 as a key regulator of the immune system, maintaining a balanced immune response by inhibiting effector T cells and naïve T cells. Loss of Tsc1 leads to premature activation and depletion of immune cells, compromising bacterial infection resistance.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 18, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

JCI online early table of contents: July 18, 2011

Researchers have identified a protein called MYLIP as a potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol levels, which are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Additionally, platinum-based drugs have been found to promote anticancer immune responses by disrupting the mechanisms used by tumors to inhibit immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2011

New therapy provides hope for millions of people suffering from bowel incontinence

A new procedure called InterStim Therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate the sacral nerve and improve muscle function, reducing or eliminating bowel incontinence in 80% of patients. This minimally invasive treatment offers a long-term solution for patients seeking relief from the debilitating symptoms of fecal incontinence.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJul 18, 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.

MIT: The tallest tree in the land

The MIT model takes basic meteorological data and computes how tall a tree is likely to grow under those conditions. The team's results have been published in PLoS One and match up well with actual measurements from the US Forest Service, except for two geographic regions: the arid Southwest and parts of New England.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2011

Key metabolic pathway implicated in intractable form of breast cancer

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have identified a protein called phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) that is crucial for the growth of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells. PHGDH is overexpressed in approximately 70% of ER-negative breast cancer patients, making it a promising target for drug development.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 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.

Soy/milk protein dietary supplements linked to lower blood pressure

A randomized controlled clinical trial found that soy and milk protein supplements lowered systolic blood pressure in adults with pre-hypertension and stage-1 high blood pressure. The study suggests replacing refined carbohydrates with foods or drinks high in soy or milk protein may help prevent and treat high blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 18, 2011

Face value

A new study by MIT researchers reveals that low-information voters are most influenced by candidate appearances, with the effect being stronger among those who watch a lot of television. The study found a nearly 5% increase in votes for candidates with a 10-point advantage in appearance ratings among uninformed voters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJul 18, 2011

Personalized medicine

Despite genomics' promise in treating cancer and cardiovascular disease, personalized medicine's complexities limit tailored interventions. The authors advocate for a more holistic approach focusing on the person as a whole, rather than abstract scientific manipulations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 18, 2011

NIH funds Emory-led consortium to advance AIDS vaccine research

A five-year NIH grant will fund research at the Emory Vaccine Center and Yerkes National Primate Research Center to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine. The goal is to understand how to prevent early stages of mucosal infection from simian immunodeficiency virus, a key step in developing an effective HIV vaccine.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJul 18, 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.

Promising developments in vaccine research, development of a vaginal gel and PrEP lead to calls for a combination of biomedical and non biomedical approaches to HIV prevention policy

Researchers call for integrated strategies to prevent HIV infection, building on progress in vaccine research and the development of a vaginal gel. A combination of biomedical and non-biomedical approaches is seen as crucial to address the evolving landscape of HIV prevention.

SourceInternational AIDS Society·DateJul 18, 2011

Structure helps new employees adjust, study finds

A University of Guelph study shows that new employees who undergo structured on-boarding processes are more likely to be engaged and committed to their job. The study found that personalized engagement is key to a new employee's commitment and performance.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Managerial Psychology·DateJul 18, 2011

USC research: Cancer cells and stem cells share same origin

Scientists at USC have proven that oncogenes can convert normal cells into stem-like cells, leading to a new approach in treating diseases with stem cell therapy. The study successfully converted human skin cells into brain cells by suppressing p53, suggesting it determines cell fate rather than only cancer outcome.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 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.

Cancer stem cells recruit normal stem cells to fuel ovarian cancer, U-M study finds

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that mesenchymal stem cells, normally used for wound healing, are recruited by cancer stem cells to fuel ovarian cancer growth. By blocking this process with a protein called BMP2, researchers may have discovered a potential therapy for ovarian cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2011

Launch of the Rome Statement for an HIV Cure

The Rome Statement for an HIV Cure aims to accelerate HIV cure research by building a global consensus on the state of HIV reservoirs and defining scientific priorities. The strategy recognizes the importance of developing a safe, accessible, and scalable HIV cure as a therapeutic and preventive strategy against HIV infection.

SourceInternational AIDS Society·DateJul 18, 2011

Chinese culture encourages binge drinking in middle-aged men

A nationwide study in China found that 55.6% of men and 15% of women are current drinkers, with frequent binge drinking among males and women averaging 5.6 and 2.4 binges per year, respectively. Cultural factors, such as social pressure and entrenched customs, contribute to the problem.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJul 18, 2011

Retired NFL players at higher risk for mild cognitive impairment

A Loyola University Health System study found that 35% of retired NFL players had scores suggesting possible mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The average age of the players was 61, and their impairments were highly similar to those exhibited by patients with MCI.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateJul 18, 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.

UCSF receives $112 million to help translate science into cures

The UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute has received $112 million to expand its work, making it the country's second-largest clinical and translational science institute. The funding validates the success of CTSI in creating a framework for scientists to collaborate on promising research.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJul 18, 2011

Trial shows that 2 main antidepressants prescribed for dementia patients with depression provide no benefit yet increased side effects

A recent trial found that sertraline and mirtazapine, commonly prescribed antidepressants for dementia patients with depression, provide no benefit but increase side effects. The study suggests that clinicians should reframe their approach to treating depression in Alzheimer's disease, considering alternative treatments.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 18, 2011

Another danger of secondhand smoke -- hearing loss

A new study published by NYU School of Medicine researchers has found that exposure to secondhand smoke nearly doubles the risk of hearing loss among adolescents. The study found that teenagers exposed to smoke performed worse across every sound frequency tested, especially mid-to-high frequencies important for understanding speech.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJul 18, 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.

Decisions, decisions, decisions ...

A new study published in Psychological Science found that the opportunity to exercise control through choices activates the brain's reward areas. This suggests that choice may be an adaptive behavior, as it recruits reward-related brain circuitry. The research highlights the importance of perceived control in psychological well-being a...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 18, 2011

Esophageal cancer risk higher in medically treated GERD patients with fewest symptoms

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that medically treated GERD patients with mild or no symptoms are at a higher risk for developing esophageal cancer. The research suggests that even asymptomatic patients may benefit from Barrett's esophagus screening to prevent cancerous transformation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJul 18, 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.

'IDOLizing' low cholesterol

A team of researchers has identified the MYLIP protein as a potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The study found that the N342S polymorphism is associated with high total cholesterol and increased LDL receptor degradation in humans.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2011

HIV therapies provide near normal lifespan in Africa

A large-scale study reveals that patients in Africa receiving cART for HIV can expect a near-normal lifespan, with females living longer than males. Early initiation of treatment is associated with longer life expectancy, highlighting the need for continued investment in HIV programming.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2011

Manual breast milk expression better than breast pump for poor feeders

A randomized trial found that manual breast milk expression was more effective in improving breastfeeding rates than using a breast pump, especially in the first two months. Manual expression also led to higher comfort levels and more frequent breastfeeding among mothers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 18, 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.

Research identifies genes vital to preventing childhood leukemia

Researchers at the University of Western Ontario identified two key genes, PU.1 and Spi-B, that appear essential in preventing B cell ALL, the most common form of ALL in children. The study found these genes function as unanticipated 'tumor suppressor' genes that prevent leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalBlood·DateJul 18, 2011

Exposure to secondhand smoke associated with hearing loss in adolescents

A recent study found that adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of hearing loss, with over 80% of participants unaware they had impairment. The study suggests that SHS could be considered a risk factor for hearing loss, highlighting the need for close monitoring and education among exposed adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJul 18, 2011

New study details the path to success for social investing

A new study by Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology, and Society explores the current investment methods and profit expectations of 45 'impact investors' who invest in social-entrepreneur ventures worldwide. The study aims to create a more coordinated system for such startups.

SourceSanta Clara University, Center for Science, Technology and Society·DateJul 18, 2011

Juvenile diarrhea virus analyzed

Researchers have defined the atomic structure of astrovirus, which causes juvenile diarrhea, identifying potential targets for vaccine development and antiviral drugs. The study may help block the virus before it becomes infectious and reduce the risk of dehydration in children.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 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.

Columbia University Medical Center receives $38.9 million to help translate science into treatment

The Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University Medical Center has received $38.9 million in renewed funding from the National Institutes of Health. The institute, which aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and medical practice, will use the grant to expand its work over the next five y...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateJul 18, 2011

Deep below the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Scientists gathered oil and gas from the Deepwater Horizon wellhead for the first time, revealing how pollution is partitioned and transported in the Gulf of Mexico. A new molecular model shows that light hydrocarbons dissolve or form hydrates at depths, potentially causing damage to seafloor life far from the original spill.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 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.

Rapid venom evolution in pit vipers may be defensive

Research suggests that venom-targeted proteins evolve rapidly in mammals that eat snakes, implying a defensive role for venom. This finding contradicts the traditional view that venom evolves as a feeding adaptation.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2011

Penn researchers find neural signature of 'mental time travel'

University of Pennsylvania researchers have identified a brain-based explanation for how memories become linked, revealing that contextual associations are retained across time scales. The study uses precise brain activity data from epilepsy patients to pinpoint the region of the brain responsible for episodic memory.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

Nanotech: injections or sampling? New 'molecular syringes' under testing

Researchers at the University of Bologna have found that carbon nanotubes can penetrate cell membranes more easily when inserted at a flat angle, reducing damage and improving efficiency. The study's results suggest that these tiny 'molecular syringes' could be used as probes to test for substances and processes beyond cell membranes.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 18, 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.

AMPK amplifies Huntington's disease

A new study found that hyperactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) amplifies Huntington's disease by promoting neuronal death and reducing cell survival. The findings suggest that AMPK could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of HD.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 18, 2011

8-question survey can help predict post-traumatic stress disorder

A simple survey can help identify Americans at risk of developing depression or PTSD after injury. The screening tool has nearly 100% accuracy in negative results and could facilitate early diagnosis and targeted mental health resources.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateJul 18, 2011

Click chemistry with copper -- a biocompatible version

Researchers have developed a copper-catalyzed click chemistry reaction that is safe for use in living organisms, achieving effective labeling of glycans within 3-5 minutes. The new formulation offers improved target specificity and can be used for enriching glycoproteins for identification.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 18, 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.

GOES-13 movie catches Tropical Storm Bret form and intensify

Tropical Storm Bret formed in the northwestern Bahamas on July 17, strengthened into a tropical storm by July 18, and continued to intensify. The GOES-13 satellite recorded the storm's development, providing a video of its birth and strengthening process.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 18, 2011

Personality plays role in body weight, according to study

A 50-year study found that high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are associated with weight gain and loss, while impulsivity is the strongest predictor of obesity. Individuals with impulsive personalities tend to struggle with self-control and may be more prone to binge eating and poor lifestyle choices.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 18, 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.