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Science News for July 25, 2011


Warming climate likely to dramatically increase Yellowstone fires by mid-century

A new study projects that Yellowstone National Park will experience dramatic shifts in forest vegetation and fire patterns, with large fires occurring annually by 2050. The research suggests that a warming climate could lead to a fundamental change in the ecosystem, affecting wildlife, hydrology, carbon storage, and aesthetics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 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.

Global bioterrorism threat analyzed for world animal health office

The global bioterrorism threat is a growing concern for the world animal health office, with evidence of biological agent development in some countries. The article discusses potential perpetrators, priority diseases, modern biology, trade and regulatory restraints to prevent such threats.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalScientific Technical Review·DateJul 25, 2011

Retinal cells thoughts to be the same are not, JHU biologist says

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that two structurally similar neurons have distinct roles, influencing brain regions and visual functions. This discovery has significant implications for diagnosing sleep disorders, as pupillary light reflex may not be an accurate indicator of sleep-wake cycles.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2011

In-state tuition for undocumented students not a partisan issue, study finds

A new study reveals that states considering in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants are more likely to have a large foreign-born population and higher relative unemployment. States with female legislators who favor civil liberties policies also tend to consider tuition bills.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateJul 25, 2011

Study: Some moms 'doppelgang' their daughters' style

A Temple University study found that teenage girls significantly influence their mothers' purchasing decisions, particularly for personal items like makeup and clothing. The 'doppelganger effect' suggests mothers tend to mimic their daughters' consumption behavior rather than vice versa.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Consumer Behaviour·DateJul 25, 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.

How to tell real whiskey from fake -- faster

Scientists at the University of Strathclyde devise a new system to compare whisky samples, distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit brands with high accuracy. The method uses mid-infrared spectrometry and has been successfully tested in blind tests.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateJul 25, 2011

Comprehensive immigrant and refugee health guidelines new resource for physicians

The Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health has developed a new resource for primary care physicians to address the complex health needs of immigrants and refugees. The guidelines cover four areas: infectious diseases, mental health, chronic and noncommunicable diseases, and women's health.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 25, 2011

Pacific Northwest trees struggle for water while standing in it

Researchers found that Pacific Northwest conifers face significant water stress during winter due to freeze-thaw cycles, which disrupts water flow. This challenges the conventional view of summer as the most stressful season for these trees.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJul 25, 2011

Drug shown to improve sight for patients with inherited blindness

A clinical trial led by Newcastle University found that the drug idebenone improved vision and perception of color in patients with LHON, a condition causing inherited blindness. In nine out of 36 patients taking idebenone, vision improved to the point where they could read at least one row of letters on a chart.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBrain·DateJul 25, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hiding vegetables in kids' foods can increase vegetable intake

A study by Penn State found that adding pureed vegetables to children's favorite foods increased their daily vegetable intake and reduced calorie consumption. Researchers served vegetable-enhanced meals to 39 preschoolers aged 3-6, who ate nearly twice as many veggies and 11% fewer calories.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 25, 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.

Diabetes mortality rates in status Aboriginal adults in Alberta concerning

Diabetes rates are higher in Aboriginal adults in Alberta, but the increase is less pronounced compared to the general population. Mortality rates for status Aboriginals with and without diabetes have remained relatively unchanged over 12 years, despite overall improvements in mortality rates among people with diabetes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 25, 2011

Double jeopardy: Tuna and billfish

An international team of scientists assesses the population status of several fish species, classifying seven as threatened with extinction and four as 'near threatened' for the IUCN Red List. The study highlights the need to protect against overexploitation driven by high prices, which are putting pressure on global fish populations.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2011

Treating HIV sooner would save South African lives and money

A new study suggests that adopting the World Health Organization's treatment initiation criteria for HIV-infected individuals would significantly reduce the country's HIV incidence, extend life-years, and ultimately save money. By starting ART earlier, South Africa could prevent more than 120,000 additional life-years by 2040.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 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.

What is war good for? Sparking civilization, suggest UCLA archaeology findings from Peru

A new UCLA study suggests that warfare likely shaped the development of civilization in the Titicaca basin of southern Peru. The researchers found evidence of massive fires, iconographic signs of conflict and agricultural decline after a devastating fire in Taraco state, indicating war may have led to the downfall of this early settlem...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

NHS ill prepared to care for obese patients

An analysis of patient safety incident data reveals that the NHS is poorly equipped to handle obese patients, with common themes including inadequate staffing, specially adapted equipment, and surgical errors. Most incidents resulted in little or no harm, but severe cases were reported.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalPostgraduate Medical Journal·DateJul 25, 2011
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New study finds cancer-causing mineral in US road gravel

A new study reveals that roads in North Dakota contain high levels of the cancer-causing mineral erionite, which can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The research team found that airborne concentrations of erionite in North Dakota were comparable to those found in Turkish villages with high mesothelioma rates.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

Catching the West Nile virus in action

Researchers track both clinical cases of West Nile Virus and infected mosquito populations to identify 'danger zones' and predict outbreaks. They also analyze the virus's genetic types, dynamics, and mobility to better understand its migration patterns.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEurosurveillance·DateJul 25, 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.

Sexual anxiety, personality predictors of infidelity, study says

A new study published in Archives of Sexual Behaviour found that personality characteristics and interpersonal factors are stronger predictors of infidelity than demographic variables. For men, propensity for sexual excitation and concern about sexual performance failure were significant predictors, while women who felt sexually incomp...

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJul 25, 2011

Glycans enter mainstream of biomedical science

The University of California, San Diego has received a major $18 million grant to further develop the science of glycobiology. The grant will focus on training scientists fluent in glycan chemistry and biology to study how glycans modulate inflammatory responses and fund collaborative projects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 25, 2011

Diamond impurities bonanza for geologists studying Earth's history

Researchers analyzed over 4,000 mineral inclusions in diamonds to determine when the Wilson cycle of plate tectonics began. The study found that continents started breaking apart and colliding around three billion years ago, leading to the growth of the Earth's continental crust and the distribution of ores and materials.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 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.

Shuttle service in cells

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum discovered a new enzyme, Ubp15p, that collaborates with motor proteins to convert the protein transport machinery back into its initial condition. The enzyme detaches a specific signal sequence from a protein, allowing for recycling and reuse.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2011

Climate-change-induced wildfires may alter Yellowstone forests

A team of ecologists models climate change effects on fire occurrence and composition of Yellowstone forests, finding a tipping element that may alter the flora, fauna, and ecosystem quality. The researchers predict frequent fires will become the norm in parts of the landscape by 2050.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

Tropical Depression 10W bringing rain to the Philippines

The tenth tropical depression has formed in the western North Pacific Ocean, bringing rains to the central Philippines as observed on infrared imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite. The system is moving northwest at 9 knots and is expected to slowly intensify over the next two days, making landfall northeast of Hong Kong later this week.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2011

Engineering innovation center brings together tools to launch future entrepreneurs

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $10 million grant to launch a national center for teaching innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering. The center at Stanford's School of Engineering will provide resources, including curriculum development, dissemination tools, and industry mentorship, to undergraduate engineering stud...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJul 25, 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.

Study: Climate change to increase Yellowstone wildfires dramatically

A new study by UC Merced professor Anthony Westerling predicts a significant increase in large wildfires in Yellowstone by 2050, leading to changes in forest composition and wildlife habitats. The projected increase could result in fewer dense forests and more open vegetation, with some forests failing to regenerate after repeated fires.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

Beetles play an important role in reducing weeds

Researchers found that ground beetles significantly reduce grass weed populations in UK farmland, improving agricultural productivity. By controlling weeds, ground beetles can help farmers reduce herbicide use and increase crop yields.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 25, 2011

Artificial lung mimics real organ's design and efficiency

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed an artificial lung that uses air instead of pure oxygen, achieving efficiencies comparable to the genuine organ. The device is a significant step towards creating easily portable and implantable lungs, with potential use in humans within a decade.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 25, 2011

Study: Doctors differ in how best to care for America's 12 million cancer survivors

A nationally representative survey of 1,072 primary care physicians and 1,130 oncologists found significant barriers to effective communication and coordination of care following initial cancer treatment. Optimal cancer survivorship care includes surveillance for recurrence, managing late medical effects, and psychosocial support.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 25, 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.

Illinois scientists learn startling new truth about sugar

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that sugar decomposes rather than melts, offering new insights into food science and technology. This breakthrough enables food scientists to manipulate sugars for improved flavors and textures, as well as pharmaceutical companies to enhance excipients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2011

LabBits: News from the Marine Biological Laboratory

Scientists at MBL are investigating how jellies interact with their surroundings, the impact of the Gulf oil spill on animal development, and how fish process sound. Researchers are using a new underwater video camera system to study jelly behavior, while also exploring the potential health effects of the oil spill.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·DateJul 25, 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.

Exploring science through underwater robotics

The WaterBotics program engages kids in solving real-world problems using programmable robots for underwater missions. Students learn key science and engineering concepts, as well as 21st-century skills like teamwork and problem-solving.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJul 25, 2011

Cheer up: A view of how fatty foods makes you feel less sad

A team of researchers discovered that consuming a fat solution attenuated behavioral and nerve cell responses to sad emotion, suggesting a link between gut-brain signaling and emotional state. This finding has significant implications for various mental health conditions, including obesity and depression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2011

Rare coupling of magnetic and electric properties in a single material

Scientists have found a new mechanism that couples electric and magnetic properties in a material, enabling faster and energy-efficient logic, memory, and sensing technology. This breakthrough could lead to the development of multiferroic materials, which are rare in nature but can display both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 25, 2011

Researchers provide detailed picture of ice loss following the collapse of Antarctic ice shelves

A study combining satellite data from NASA and aircraft missions has provided the clearest account yet of glacial ice surges into the sea after Antarctic ice shelves collapse. The research reveals rapid elevation decreases of over 500 feet for some glaciers, with total ice loss estimated at 11.2 gigatons per year.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateJul 25, 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.

Sharper, deeper, faster

A novel imaging technique combines high resolution, high penetration depth, and high imaging speed to capture detailed information from live biological samples without damaging them. The technique uses two-photon excitation in sheet-illumination mode, enabling fast imaging speed and reducing light-induced damage.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 25, 2011

Older people find it harder to see the wood for the trees

Researchers found that age-related changes in attention and Gestalt perception hinder older adults' ability to focus on global patterns. The study provides evidence of correlations between healthy aging and declines in visual perception, offering insights into cognitive domains interacting during aging.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateJul 25, 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.

Identical virus, host populations coexist for centuries

A scientist has discovered that a viral host can persist and coexist with the same genetic populations of a virus for centuries. The study, published in Science, reveals that DNA viruses and their algal hosts have been preserved in sediments under the Black Sea for thousands of years.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2011

St. Joseph's scientist receives grant for post-partum research

Dr. Robert Garfield, a researcher at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, has received a $100,000 phase 1 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a device that can prevent post-partum hemorrhage, a major cause of mortality in pregnant women worldwide.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·DateJul 25, 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.

Computer program could 'revolutionize the world's health care'

A new computer program aims to create tailored health systems for individuals, providing doctors with instant access to patients' medical history and genetic information. This will enable quick and accurate diagnoses, reducing the risk of deadly side effects from wrongly prescribed medicines.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 25, 2011

New insight into a therapeutic approach to treating SMA

New data from two independent research groups provides hope that a therapeutic approach can be developed to treat SMA. Prolactin treatment increases SMN levels, improves muscle movement, and enhances survival in mouse models of severe SMA.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2011

In pregnancy, diabetes-obesity combo a major red flag

A new study finds that type 2 diabetes and obesity independently contribute to higher risks of pregnancy complications. Women with both conditions have poorer outcomes, including preterm birth, blood loss, and prolonged hospital stays.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateJul 25, 2011

Specialized regulatory T cell stifles antibody production centers

A specialized regulatory T cell that expresses three specific genes has been discovered to shut down the mass production of antibodies in the immune system. This finding has potential implications for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 25, 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.

JCI online early table of contents: July 25, 2011

A study by Lukas Van Oudenhove and colleagues found that a fat solution to the stomach attenuates behavioral and nerve cell responses to sad emotion in humans. This discovery has implications for treating disorders such as obesity, eating disorders, and depression. Additionally, two independent research groups have generated new data o...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 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.

Discovery places turtles next to lizards on family tree

A new technique using microRNA analysis resolves an old issue in turtle evolution, placing turtles closer to lizards than crocodiles. The study identified 77 new microRNA families and found evidence of turtle-microRNA similarity with painted turtles.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 25, 2011

Children eating more, and more frequently outside the home

A new study found that eating location significantly impacts daily energy intake for children, with foods prepared away from home and fast food fueling increased calorie intake. The percentage of calories from fast food has surpassed schools as the largest contributor to foods prepared away from home.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 25, 2011

Predictors of dying suddenly versus surviving heart attack identified

Researchers found that certain traits, such as hypertension and extreme high or low body mass index, are predictive of increased risk of sudden cardiac death. These findings could lead to the development of a risk stratification score to identify patients at greater risk of dying suddenly if they experience a heart attack.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalHeart·DateJul 25, 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.

Novel gene increases yeast's appetite for plant sugars

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a new gene, CtAKR, that improves yeast's ability to consume xylose, a key sugar found in plant biomass. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of renewable fuels from biomass crops.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

1 tiny electron could be key to furture drugs that repair sunburn

Scientists at Ohio State University reveal the entire process of how an enzyme repairs sun-damaged DNA, contradicting previous notions. The discovery could lead to synthetic photolyase-based drugs or lotions that can heal sunburn in humans.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

University of Houston student awarded Hogg Foundation Scholarship

Ana Luisa Laws, a University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work student, is one of five students in Texas to receive the Hogg Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship program aims to attract students to mental health careers and support their advanced studies and professional practice.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 25, 2011

International conference launches revolutionary South Asia autism network

The International conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South East Asia marked the launch of a revolutionary South Asia Autism Network. The network aims to identify common challenges and form partnerships to develop solutions for autistic individuals in South Asian families and countries.

SourceAutism Speaks·DateJul 25, 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.

Study examines screening for pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations

A prospective cohort study found that a tumor marker and targeted endoscopic ultrasound can detect stage 1 pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations more effectively than standard means of detection. The study identified a total of one patient with stage 1 disease among 546 enrolled participants.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 25, 2011

10 years later, 9/11 tragedy has wide-ranging psychological impacts

Research examines the long-term psychological effects of 9/11 attacks on Americans, including increased prejudice and anxiety, as well as charitable donations and civic engagement. The study also explores how psychology is helping people understand and cope with the enduring impacts of terrorism.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJul 25, 2011

Heavy metal: Titanium implant safety under scrutiny

Researchers developed a highly sensitive method to determine titanium levels in human blood, establishing a baseline for natural levels and measuring levels in patients with surgical implants. The study found significantly higher titanium concentrations in patients with implants, shedding light on the potential harmful biological effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2011

Study exposes habit formation in smartphone users

Researchers found smartphone users engage in 'checking habits' throughout waking hours, triggered by contexts like reading email or browsing social media. These habits can be difficult to change due to their automatic nature.

SourceAalto University·JournalPersonal and Ubiquitous Computing·DateJul 25, 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.

Global depression statistics

The study found that 15% of the population from high-income countries were at risk of developing depression over their lifetime. Depression was strongly linked to social conditions and more prevalent in high-income countries, where MDEs were elevated by 28%, with France having the highest incidence.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJul 25, 2011

Researchers identify risk factor pathways for PTSS in female and male veterans

The study found that risk factors for PTSD among OEF/OIF male veterans were similar to those observed in Vietnam veterans, but identified novel mechanisms of risk for OEF/OIF female veterans. Family relationships during deployment played a more prominent role in explaining PTSD in female veterans than in male veterans.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 25, 2011

Culprits and cures for obesity may reside in our gut

A study by Arizona State University researchers aims to understand the connection between gut microbiota and obesity treatment outcomes. The research focuses on two popular obesity treatments: gastric bypass surgery, which has been shown to alter gut microbial populations.

SourceArizona State University·DateJul 25, 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.