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Science News for July 19, 2011


Hebrew U. scientists identify molecular basis for DNA breakage

Researchers at Hebrew University identified the molecular basis for DNA breakage, a key feature of cancer development. The study sheds light on how DNA replication stress leads to breaks, providing new insights into cancer development and potential therapeutic approaches.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 19, 2011

Tortoise populations can withstand fires every 30 years

A study by Spanish researchers found that spur-thighed tortoises in Mediterranean environments can withstand fires if they occur every 30 years. However, young tortoises are more susceptible to fire and disappear after each fire due to their limited shell development.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 19, 2011

Soil samples reveal urban mercury footprints

A new study reveals that measurable amounts of mercury emitted by coal-fired power plants are deposited in local soil, contaminating regional watersheds and affecting fish populations. The research found hot spots of mercury contamination tied to specific power plants, highlighting the need for better energy production choices.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateJul 19, 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.

Reinventing the toilet for safe and affordable sanitation

Scientists at Delft University of Technology are developing a new toilet facility that uses microwave technology to transform human waste into electricity. The process involves drying, gasifying, and generating syngas, which is then fed to a fuel cell stack for electricity production.

SourceDelft University of Technology·DateJul 19, 2011

Positive teens become healthier adults

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers with high positive well-being had reduced risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors and reported excellent health in young adulthood. Positive psychological characteristics during adolescence are linked to improved long-term health outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 19, 2011

Resource center focus on jail leadership

The resource center offers core competencies, a mentoring program, and a library with over 400 documents to support effective jail administrators. Key findings include the development of 22 core competencies and a mentoring program to groom experienced leaders and recruit new employees.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateJul 19, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Patients who use anti-depressants are more likely to suffer relapse, researcher finds

A meta-analysis by McMaster researcher Paul Andrews found that patients who have used anti-depressant medications can be nearly twice as susceptible to future episodes of major depression. The study suggests that people who have not been taking any medication are at a 25 per cent risk of relapse, compared to 42 per cent or higher for t...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 19, 2011

Nutrition researchers examine restaurants' calorie counts

A new study by Tufts University researchers found that 19% of restaurant food samples contained at least 100 calories more than listed. Lower-calorie foods purchased in sit-down restaurants also tended to have more calories than stated.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJAMA·DateJul 19, 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.

Avian 'Axe effect' attracts attention of females and males

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that male songbirds use scent to attract both female and male mates through the 'Axe effect'. Female birds preferred the odor of smaller males, while larger males overcompensate with greater amounts of an attractive scent.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJul 19, 2011

Mysterious fossils provide new clues to insect evolution

Scientists uncover ancient fossils of Coxoplectoptera, an insect order that defies classification, offering clues to the evolution of wings and lifestyle. The discovery presents a new hypothesis on the development of insect wings, suggesting they originated from thoracic backplates.

SourceBrill·JournalInsect Systematics & Evolution·DateJul 19, 2011

Tropical Storm Dora bringing rough surf to southern Mexico

Tropical Storm Dora has strengthened to near-hurricane strength, expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to southern Mexico. Cloud top temperatures have dropped significantly, indicating increasing convection and thunderstorm activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 19, 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.

New mouse model for testing cancer drugs

Researchers developed a new mouse model to test cancer drugs by simulating gene inhibition, preventing rapid cell division in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The study published in Nature Communications validates the preclinical relevance and predictive value of the inducible RNAi-based mouse model.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2011

Study of H. pylori treatment in South America reverses trend found in Europe

A randomized trial found that standard triple therapy was more effective than newer four-drug regimens in Latin America, justifying population-wide eradication trials to prevent gastric cancers. However, comment authors disagree, citing potential risks and complications associated with mass eradication programmes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 19, 2011

Heartburn treatment may extend survival in IPF patients

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have longer survival rates than those who don't. Treatment for GER may help reduce microaspiration and scarring of lung tissue, leading to improved survival outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 19, 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.

ASTRO announces 2011 Fellows class

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named 21 esteemed members as its 2011 Fellows, acknowledging their significant contributions to radiation oncology. These distinguished professionals have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them highly respected in the field.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateJul 19, 2011

Study finds some desert birds less affected by wildfires and climate change

A Baylor University study reveals that some desert bird species are more resilient to wildfires and climate change due to changes in their habitat. The research found that three bird species will benefit from the drying of grasslands, reducing the likelihood of intense wildfires, and allowing for easier prey foraging.

SourceBaylor University·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 19, 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.

Falls may be early sign of Alzheimer's

A study found that participants with high levels of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, had twice the typical annual rate of falls for their age group. This suggests that falls may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease in people with preclinical symptoms.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 19, 2011

Evolution of the evolutionarily minded

A new framework for the evolutionary analysis of the mind proposes that humans cannot be accurately portrayed as being adapted only to a Stone Age environment due to recent selection of genes. Experimental evidence suggests that humans utilize general learning rules rather than a modular account of cognition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 19, 2011

New lung-cancer gene found

Cancer biologists have pinpointed a gene that drives progression of small cell lung cancer, an aggressive form of lung cancer. Researchers found the gene to be overexpressed in both mouse and human lung tumors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 19, 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.

Quick test to diagnose bacterial or viral infection developed by Ben-Gurion University researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University developed a new test that distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections by measuring chemiluminescence. This timesaving method has predictive diagnostic value and could reduce antibiotic misuse and healthcare costs, as well as provide more accurate treatment.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Analytical Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2011

Over half of Alzheimer's cases may be preventable, say researchers

A study by Deborah Barnes found that low education, smoking, physical inactivity, depression, mid-life hypertension, diabetes, and mid-life obesity are associated with up to 51% of Alzheimer's cases worldwide. Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and quitting smoking could potentially prevent some cases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJul 19, 2011

Does food act physiologically like a 'drug of choice' for some?

A study found that obese and non-obese women experienced reduced calorie consumption when exposed to the same foods in different ways, suggesting meal monotony can lead to decreased caloric intake. The results support the idea that reducing food variety may be an effective strategy for weight loss.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 19, 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.

New report shows seniors' economic security falling

A new report reveals that nearly 75% of senior households have limited financial buffers against unexpected events, making them vulnerable to poverty. The situation is expected to worsen if cuts are made to Social Security, which could impact millions of seniors in the US.

SourceBrandeis University·DateJul 19, 2011

Painful legacy of teen sports

Research reveals abnormal femur development in young athletes due to high-intensity sports, leading to osteoarthritis and hip deformity. Athletes are ten times more likely to experience impaired hip function than non-athletes.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJul 19, 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.

Hebrew U. scientists show for first time how early human embryo acquires its shape

Researchers at Hebrew University have successfully identified and isolated 'organizer' cells in human embryos, which are responsible for determining the shape of the embryo during development. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of embryonic development and potential applications in treating spinal damage.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalStem Cells·DateJul 19, 2011

How dairy farms contribute to greenhouse gas emissions

Agricultural Research Service scientists monitored emissions from a commercial dairy in southern Idaho, revealing that open-lot pens generate the majority of facility's ammonia, nitrous oxide, and methane emissions. The study provides detailed data on how large-scale dairy facilities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 19, 2011

Kidney dopamine regulates blood pressure, life span

Vanderbilt University researchers found that dopamine in the kidneys plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and life span. The study suggests that targeting the kidney dopamine system may be effective in treating hypertension and progressive kidney diseases.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 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.

Gradual bone reduction seen in some pill users

A study by Group Health Research Institute found that oral contraceptives can slow down bone gain in young women, especially those taking higher hormone doses. The study measured bone densities in 301 teen and 305 young adult women who used oral contraceptives, compared to similar women who did not use this method.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 19, 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.

Memories may skew visual perception

Researchers found that holding a memory of a visual event can 'contaminate' visual perception, leading to exaggerated misperceptions. The study used a visual illusion to demonstrate this effect, showing participants reported more dramatic changes in motion direction than actually existed.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJul 19, 2011

University of Maryland researchers discover possible drug targets for common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found a complex molecular relationship between ERK and CHK2 proteins, which could lead to new treatments for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study showed that inhibiting both proteins simultaneously killed more cancer cells than treating them separately.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2011

Hummingbirds catch flying bugs with the help of fast-closing beaks

Researchers discovered that hummingbird beaks can 'snap-buckle' to catch insects in mid-air, using elastic energy stored in the bone. This phenomenon allows for faster and more powerful insect capture than could be achieved by jaw muscles alone.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateJul 19, 2011

Nanomechanics: New test measures key properties of polymer thin films and membranes

Researchers at NIST have created a measurement technique that determines mechanical properties of near-nanoscale films, enabling better design for water purification systems. The study reveals chlorine causes progressive deterioration in membrane performance over time, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 19, 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.

Time and numbers mix together in the brain

A new study found that people associate small numbers with short time intervals and large numbers with longer intervals, indicating a brain-wide connection. This association affects how individuals perceive time, with larger numbers leading to slower time perception.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 19, 2011

Plenary speakers address challenges in the delivery of sustained antiretroviral therapy in developing countries, call for social scientists to take their place at the HIV/AIDS policy-making table, and stress the need for a long-term response to AIDS

Researchers stress need for long-term response to AIDS, citing financing, retention, and socio-political instability as major challenges. Social scientists urged to take part in policy-making table.

SourceInternational AIDS Society·DateJul 19, 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.

Vascular disease management increasingly important

The latest evidence-based vascular medicine provides comprehensive guidance on managing noncardiac vascular diseases, including PAD, carotid stenosis, renal artery stenosis, chronic mesenteric ischemia, and critical limb ischemia. The series of articles offers expert clinicians the tools they need to improve patient care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateJul 19, 2011