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Science News for July 4, 2011


In homes with substantiated child abuse reports, study identifies groups at higher risk for reabuse

A study found that children who remain in the home after a report of abuse are at increased risk of further abuse if they have certain characteristics, such as behavior problems and developmental disabilities. The study identified groupings of characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of reabuse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011

More than 1 in 10 chance of colder UK winters

New research predicts that UK winters will become colder due to low solar activity, with a 10% chance of returning to Maunder minimum conditions within 50 years. This could lead to an average winter temperature below 2.5°C, with implications for national infrastructure planning.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 4, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that massage therapy is more effective than usual medical interventions for improving pain and function in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers also suggest that relaxation massage may have a slight advantage over structural massage due to its wider availability.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 4, 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.

Taller women more likely to have twins after double embryo transfer

Researchers found that maternal height over 1.74cm and multiple oocyte retrieval (11+) are associated with twin pregnancies in IVF treatment. The study may lead to personalized fertility treatment with predictive models for choosing single or double embryo transfers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 4, 2011

Patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death

A meta-analysis of previous studies found that patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death, especially those with anorexia nervosa. The study also highlighted the seriousness of bulimia nervosa and disordered eating not otherwise specified, which are often overlooked due to limited published data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 4, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Factors affecting obstetric outcomes of IVF singletons

Researchers investigated predictors of adverse outcomes in IVF singletons, finding associations with preterm birth, small for gestational age, and placenta previa. Maternal smoking, BMI, and years of infertility were linked to increased risks of these conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 4, 2011

Exposure to anti-depressants in pregnancy may increase autism risk

A Kaiser Permanente study found that exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in early pregnancy may modestly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders. Researchers reported a two-fold increased risk of ASD associated with maternal treatment with SSRI anti-depressants during the year before delivery.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 4, 2011

Study shows answers for treating obesity-related diseases may reside in fat tissue

A study by Boston University School of Medicine shows that the quality of fat tissue, not just its quantity, contributes to inflammation and vascular disease in obese individuals. The research identified that 30% of obese subjects demonstrated reduced fat inflammation, less insulin resistance, and similar vascular function.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 4, 2011

The forces of attraction: How cells change direction

A team of researchers developed a novel technique to study how cells respond to changing concentrations of chemoattractants. The study reveals two ways cells can reorient in response to changes, and provides insights into the underlying signaling pathways that control chemotaxis. The research has clinical significance for embryonic dev...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 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.

Mutant flies shed light on inherited intellectual disability

Researchers studying mutant fruit flies with dNab2 mutations have found a link to intellectual disability (ID) in humans, particularly those affected by ZC3H14 gene mutations. The study suggests that the protein's role in regulating RNA length may be critical for brain cell function and learning.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Antarctic krill help to fertilize Southern Ocean with iron

A new study reveals that Antarctic krill feed on iron-rich fragments from the sea floor, releasing it into the water and stimulating phytoplankton growth. This process enhances the ocean's natural storage of carbon dioxide, with implications for managing commercial krill fisheries.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJul 4, 2011

Smokers using varenicline to quit the habit at greater risk of heart attack

A Johns Hopkins-led study suggests that healthy, middle-aged smokers taking varenicline have a 72% increased risk of being hospitalized with a heart attack or serious heart problems compared to those on a placebo. This risk applies even among smokers without pre-existing heart disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 4, 2011

Scripps Research scientists solve mystery of nerve disease genes

Researchers discovered that all GARS mutations causing CMT type 2D lead to a structural opening in the protein, creating space for other proteins to bind and cause havoc. This finding may lead to the development of drugs targeting this region, offering new therapeutic avenues for the disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 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.

Massage eases low back pain in randomized controlled trial

A randomized controlled trial found that both structural and relaxation massage types helped alleviate chronic low back pain and improve function. Massage patients experienced significant reductions in pain, improved functioning, and increased activity compared to those with usual care.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011

New study on childbearing and education offers surprising findings

A recent study by Joel E. Cohen and colleagues found that childbearing impeded education more than education reduced childbearing among Norwegian women. The researchers followed all women born in Norway in 1964 through the end of their childbearing, using year-by-year data on education, enrollment, and reproduction.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Chantix associated with 72 percent increased risk of serious CV events

A new study found that varenicline, marketed as Chantix, significantly increases the risk of hospitalization due to serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and arrhythmias. The study, published in CMAJ, suggests that clinicians should carefully weigh the benefits against the risks.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 4, 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.

Crucial role for molecule in muscle development

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that a specific microRNA, miR-206, plays a pivotal role in normal muscle development during embryonic stages. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the maintenance and regeneration of healthy muscle tissue, particularly in diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cancer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Researchers push the boundary with high carbon emission scenarios

US and Swiss researchers created two high-carbon emission scenarios to test the boundaries of current computer simulation programs. The AllCoal scenario projected a complete loss of summer Arctic sea ice by 2070 and significant warming above the IPCC's entire range of scenarios.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 4, 2011

Embedding microchips in ornamental shrubs

Researchers have developed a novel method to embed microchips in ornamental shrubs, allowing for efficient tracking and monitoring. The new technique has been successfully tested on rose cultivars, demonstrating its potential for improving plant health and productivity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJul 4, 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.

Long term prognosis for life birth after RM

Researchers analyzed records of 987 women with recurrent miscarriages to find long-term prognosis for live birth. The study found that 66.7% of women achieved a live birth within five years and 71.1% within 15 years after referral.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 4, 2011

Gene secrets of the reef revealed

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and the Australian Genome Research Facility have sequenced the genome of the staghorn coral, a major threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The study provides insights into coral biology, including responses to climate change and ocean acidification.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJul 4, 2011

Length of parental military deployment associated with children's mental health diagnoses

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children whose parents were deployed for longer periods had a higher likelihood of receiving a mental health diagnosis. The researchers analyzed data from over 307,000 children and found that the length of parental deployment was significantly associated wit...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011

Balance tips toward environment as heritability ebbs in autism?

A large twin study found that shared environment influences autism susceptibility more than previously thought, accounting for 55% of strict autism cases. Genetic heritability accounted for 37%, with moderate genetic and environmental contributions observed in spectrum disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 4, 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.

Body's natural marijuana-like chemicals make fatty foods hard to resist

Researchers discovered that when rats tasted fatty foods, cells in their upper gut produced endocannabinoids, triggering a surge in cell signaling that prompts overeating. The study suggests that obstructing endocannabinoid activity may curb this tendency, offering new potential treatments for obesity and related diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Most of world's 'missing species' live in known hotspots

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that most of the world's undiscovered species reside in regions already identified as conservation priorities. This suggests recent conservation efforts have been effective and should reduce uncertainty over global conservation priorities.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Urban children are healthier commuters than rural teens

A new study reveals that urban children are more likely to walk or cycle to school than their rural counterparts. The research, published in Pediatrics, found that factors such as parental influence and social connections play a significant role in shaping children's transportation choices.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 4, 2011

Face science meets robot science

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and UCL are investigating whether robots can learn to recognize faces like humans do. This research aims to develop software that allows robots to interact with humans in a natural way, understanding facial expressions and emotions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateJul 4, 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.

Study finds pregnancy and birth environment may affect development of autism in twins

The California Autism Twins Study suggests that both genetic and shared environmental factors significantly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in twins. Environmental influences such as parental age, low birth weight, multiple births, and maternal infections during pregnancy may greatly increase the risk for ASD.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 4, 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.