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Science News for July 6, 2011


New study: Women less likely than men to fake soccer injuries

A new study published in Research in Sports Medicine found that women are less likely than men to fake soccer injuries. The study analyzed video recordings of 47 televised games from two international women's tournaments and found a rate of 5.74 apparent injuries per match, compared to 11.26 for men

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·DateJul 6, 2011

Nano detector for deadly anthrax

Researchers developed a portable nano detector that can identify anthrax in 15 minutes, detecting as few as 40 microscopic cells. The device uses PCR to amplify target DNA and integrates sample preparation, making it more convenient than existing systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·DateJul 6, 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.

Teaching workshops fail to spur learner-centered teaching

Despite participants' reports of adopting learner-centered teaching methods after professional development workshops, objective assessments revealed that most faculty continued using traditional teaching styles. The study suggests that self-assessment methods may be unreliable and recommends independent validated assessments instead.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJul 6, 2011

August 2011 Geology highlights

This article covers various geological topics from August 2011, including microbial activity in banded-iron formations, the San Andreas fault system's deformation patterns, and earthquake hazards. Researchers also investigated porosity redistribution in crystal-rich magmas and boundaries conditions on laboratory models of simple shear.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJul 6, 2011

The long-term fiscal impact of funding cuts for IVF in Denmark

A study found that cutting IVF funding in Denmark leads to significant short-term cost savings, but long-term losses. By 2059, the government would have lost €74-123 million due to fewer tax contributions from children born through IVF.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 6, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Socioeconomic class and smoking linked to premature menopause

A large cohort study found that socioeconomic class and smoking are strongly associated with premature menopause, affecting quality of life. Women with premature menopause were more than twice as likely to report poor quality of life, with impacts lasting up to 10 years after diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 6, 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.

Transcription factor is potential target for liver cancer treatment

Inhibiting heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) prevents liver cancer in mice by reducing access to glucose and lipids, which are critical for tumor growth. This finding supports the idea that altering metabolism can be an effective cancer treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 6, 2011

Scientists devise way to sort brain cells for potential transplants

Researchers at University of Florida have developed a technique to separate neural wheat from chaff in brain cell generation, enabling precise doses of therapeutic neurons. This technology holds promise for treating disorders like Huntington's disease, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2011

Can in-hospital falls really be prevented?

A literature review published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that many fall prevention initiatives used in healthcare facilities are ineffective in preventing hospital falls. The study suggests that hospitals may not be able to prevent most falls due to various risk factors beyond their control.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 6, 2011

Middle-school students educate community on proper computer posture

Four middle-school students developed an innovative device, the Posture Pad, that vibrates or emits a tone when used incorrectly, aiming to prevent musculoskeletal problems. The study found 75% of students and 80% of office workers sat with incorrect posture, highlighting the need for ergonomic solutions.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·DateJul 6, 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.

Invisibility cloak to be unveiled with new research

A £4.5m research project led by Queen Mary University of London aims to transform invisibility science into practical technology using spatial transformations. The project will focus on developing practical applications for communication, wireless energy transfer, sensors, and security.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateJul 6, 2011

Future labor shortfalls of medical professionals predicted due to new demands of health-care reform

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons predicts a shortfall in the combined workforce of physicians, advance practice nurses, and physician assistants over the next two decades. The US will face serious shortages if an adequate supply of advanced medical professionals is not met.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 6, 2011

Scripps researchers discover new force driving Earth's tectonic plates

Scripps researchers identify a new force driving Earth's massive tectonic plates, finding that plumes of hot magma from the deep interior play a crucial role in shaping the planet. This 'plume-push' mechanism has been linked to significant geological events, including the formation of volcanoes and the movement of continents.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 2011

Leaving anger on the field

A Tel Aviv University researcher found that sports participation improves self-control, problem-solving skills, and delayed gratification in boys, leading to a decrease in aggression. Girls showed a weaker response to sports programming.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateJul 6, 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.

New psychotherapy intervention improves end-of-life experience for dying patients and helps their relatives

A new psychotherapy intervention, dignity therapy, significantly improves quality of life and enhances the dignity of patients at the end of life, while helping their families. The study found that dignity therapy reduces distress and enriches the end-of-life experience compared to standard palliative care and client-centred care.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 6, 2011

The best hospitals are run by physicians

A new study by Amanda H. Goodall shows that hospital quality scores are approximately 25% higher in physician-run hospitals compared to non-physician led institutions. Physician leadership may be a key factor in improving hospital performance, particularly in areas such as cancer treatment and digestive disorders.

SourceInstitute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn, Germany·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 6, 2011

Scientists find 'brake-override' proteins that enable development of some cancers

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a mechanism enabling cancer cells to sustain abnormal growth by nullifying natural defense against uncontrolled division. Cks proteins overexpression causes incipient cancer cells to ignore braking signals, leading to unchecked cell division.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2011

Combination therapy as good as old regimen to prevent full-blown TB in people with/without HIV

A new combination therapy of rifapentine and isoniazid, taken once weekly for three months, has been shown to be as effective as traditional daily treatment in preventing latent tuberculosis in people with and without HIV. The study found that 95% of participants completed the treatment, compared to 60% or less with traditional therapy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 6, 2011

Thinking globally to improve mental health

The Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health Initiative identifies top 40 barriers to better mental health globally, focusing on increasing discoveries in research and improving access to evidence-based care. The initiative seeks to build a community of funders dedicated to supporting research that will significantly improve the lives ...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 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.

Discovering the bigger picture in chromosomes

A research team from Kansas State University has found that the chromosome sizes within each eukaryotic species are similar rather than drastically different, and share a similar distribution pattern. This discovery will help scientists better predict evolutionary adaptations and understand core components of biological evolution.

SourceKansas State University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 6, 2011

Landsat 5 captures Missouri River flooding near Omaha

Flood warnings remain in effect along the Iowa/Nebraska border as Missouri River waters continue to rise near Omaha. NASA's Landsat 5 satellite captured an image of the affected area, showing the Interstate cut off by floodwaters just south of Missouri Valley, Iowa.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 6, 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.

USC: The brain co-opts the body to promote pro-social behavior

A USC researcher found that the human brain can simulate physical sensations in response to emotional stories, leading to increased moral behavior and motivation to help others. This phenomenon is detected using brain scans and may be an evolutionary mechanism for promoting social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEmotion Review·DateJul 6, 2011

Giving up smoking averts the adverse birth outcomes associated with tobacco

A recent study has found that quitting smoking during pregnancy can have a positive effect on birth outcomes. Women who gave up smoking in the periconceptional period had babies with significantly higher birthweight, similar to those born to non-smoking mothers. Stopping smoking before conception may also improve fertility outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 6, 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.

Outcomes for cardiac valve procedure patients are affected by insurance status

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that cardiac valve procedure patients' outcomes are influenced by their primary insurance type. Uninsured and Medicaid patients experienced higher risks of mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased total costs compared to those with private insurance.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 6, 2011

Study: Breastfeeding does not protect against MS relapses

New research from the American Academy of Neurology found that breastfeeding does not have a protective effect on multiple sclerosis relapses. In fact, women with high disease activity and high risk of postpartum relapses may need to resume MS treatment after giving birth.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 6, 2011

London bombing memories explored

A special issue of Memory Studies explores how mass-mediated commemoration affects the London bombings, highlighting shifts between social engagement and memorialization. Researchers analyzed media coverage and personal memories to understand the complexities of remembrance and trauma.

SourceSAGE·JournalMemory Studies·DateJul 6, 2011

Future fire -- still a wide open climate question

A future climate is likely to lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, according to CSIRO's Dr Melita Keywood. The complex relationship between fire and climate change requires closer scientific attention to predict fire occurrence and understand its impacts on atmospheric chemistry.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalCritical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology·DateJul 6, 2011

What causes brain cancer?

Researchers have discovered potential regulatory networks in glioblastoma using microRNAs and transcription factors. The study identified 54 feed-forward loops with functions important to carcinogenesis and unique functions specific to each FFL.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateJul 6, 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.

Microalgae could be Texas' next big cash crop

Texas researchers are studying microalgae's benefits, including its use as a sustainable source of fuels, animal feed and fertilizer. The microscopic algae thrive in freshwater and marine systems and have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJul 6, 2011

Heavy exercise not too high a hurdle for bariatric surgery patients

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that most bariatric surgery patients can perform large amounts of exercise and improve their physical fitness levels. The study participants who exercised for at least five days a week lost an average of 10 pounds and increased their daily step count significantly.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalObesity·DateJul 6, 2011

NIST mechanical micro-drum cooled to quantum ground state

Researchers at NIST have developed a technique to calm the vibrations of a microscopic aluminum drum to the quantum ground state, allowing for longer storage of individual packets of energy. The drum's motion is slowed by applying microwave light, enabling applications in quantum computing and testing of quantum theory.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 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.

Researchers identify early biomarker for future atopy in asymptomatic children

A new study found that high levels of urinary eosinophil protein-X (u-EPX) in newborn babies are linked to a higher risk of developing allergic symptoms and eczema by six years. Elevated u-EPX was associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization, nasal eosinophilia, and eczema.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 6, 2011

The biology behind alcohol-induced blackouts

Researchers found that exposure to large amounts of alcohol interferes with key receptors in the brain, inhibiting long-term potentiation and memory formation. The steroids manufactured by neurons inhibit synaptic plasticity, causing amnesia.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Fewer rain storms across southern Australia

Decreasing autumn and winter rainfall over southern Australia is attributed to a 50-year decrease in storm intensity. The trend is linked to reductions in the strength of the mid-latitude jet stream and changes in atmospheric temperatures.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 6, 2011

An unhealthy lifestyle is associated with sexual dysfunction

A new study reveals that several unhealthy lifestyle factors, including weight problems, physical inactivity, and hard drug use, are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunctions in both men and women. The study found that up to 91% of women and 78% of men without a partner-related sex life had unhealthy lifestyles.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJul 6, 2011

Vertebrate jaw design locked early

A new study suggests that vertebrate jaws evolved relatively early, around 420 million years ago, and that the diversity of feeding mechanisms in these early animals had little impact on jawless fishes. The researchers used physics and engineering concepts to analyze the potential feeding functions of early vertebrate jaw designs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 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.

Women still in grip of idealized love and sex, purveyed by romantic fiction

A recent study suggests that romantic fiction continues to shape women's perceptions of idealized love and sex, potentially influencing negative attitudes towards condom use and non-consensual sex. The author argues that the genre can perpetuate unrealistic expectations and escapism, running counter to real-life health messages.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateJul 6, 2011

Unique gel capsule structure enables co-delivery of different types of drugs

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have designed a unique gel capsule structure that can co-deliver distinct drugs. The microcapsule's spatially-segregated compartments make it suitable for multi-drug encapsulation and release strategies, offering potential advantages such as synergistic effects and suppressed drug resistance.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateJul 6, 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.

Extremely rapid water: RUB scientists decipher a protein-bound water chain

Researchers from RUB-Department of Biophysics elucidated the proton pump mechanism of a cell-membrane protein in atomic detail, revealing that protein-bound water molecules play a decisive role. A chain of only three water molecules is formed for just a few thousandths of a second to transfer protons into the interior of the protein.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2011

Celecoxib may prevent lung cancer in former smokers

A recent study found that celecoxib reduced the Ki-67 labeling index by 34% in former smokers, indicating a potential chemopreventive effect against lung cancer. The medication was also linked to a reduction in lung nodules, a precursor to cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJul 6, 2011

Socioeconomic status as child dictates response to stress as adult

Research from the University of Minnesota finds that people who grew up poor are more likely to take risks for immediate rewards when feeling threatened. In contrast, those raised in a more predictable environment respond by becoming more cautious.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 6, 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.

The rise and rise of the flying reptiles

A new study by Katy Prentice shows that pterosaurs evolved in a unique way, specializing over 160 million years. The research found that pterosaurs remained conservative for 70 million years before experimenting with new modes of life, adapting to feed on different food sources and becoming larger.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateJul 6, 2011

Mushroom lights up the night in Brazil

A rare bioluminescent fungus has been rediscovered in Brazil, shedding new light on its unique glowing properties. The fungus, previously seen since 1840, was reclassified and found to have a different bioluminescent mechanism than other fungi.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalMycologia·DateJul 6, 2011

Climate change forces early spring

A University of Alberta study found that climate change has pushed the province's native wildflowers and trees into earlier blooming times, making them more vulnerable to frost damage. The average winter monthly temperature increased by 5.3 degrees Celsius over 70 years, with bloom dates advancing two weeks for early spring species

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBioScience·DateJul 6, 2011

GEN point of view article questions reported costs of drug R&D

Independent reviews report that many new drugs offer few advantages over existing ones, with median development costs ranging from $13 million to $333 million. This challenges the oft-quoted cost of bringing a new drug to market as high as $1.32 billion.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateJul 6, 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.

A look back: Berkeley Lab scientists raced to estimate oil flow from Deepwater Horizon macondo well

In June 2010, Berkeley Lab scientists quickly developed a simplified conceptual model and a coupled numerical model to estimate oil flow from the damaged wellhead. Their simulations predicted an oil flow rate of 60,000 to 100,000 barrels per day, which was later confirmed by a final estimate in August 2010.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2011

Berkeley Lab researchers apply NMR/MRI to microfluidic chromatography

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a portable system for highly sensitive multi-dimensional chemical analysis by pairing NMR/MRI technology with microfluidic chromatography. This breakthrough enables real-time peak detection and chemical shift information for small molecules, demonstrating the unique power of magnetic resonance...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2011

Can gulls smell out a good partner?

A recent study suggests that black-legged kittiwakes use body odor to determine genetic compatibility in potential partners. The research found distinct signatures of individual and sex-specific odors, which may play a role in mate choice.

SourceSpringer·DateJul 6, 2011

Dealing with pollution James Bond style

A team of experts developed a high-tech, portable device to test soil for carcinogenic pollutants, providing fast and accurate results. The Safe Soil Tester can detect toxins in as little as 12 minutes, offering significant cost savings over traditional lab testing.

SourceEUREKA·DateJul 6, 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.

Ethnic, gender stereotypes bias treatment of Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that practitioners' judgments of patients with Parkinson's disease were influenced by cultural and gender stereotypes, leading to inequitable healthcare. Facial masking, a condition where faces lose expression, was particularly stigmatizing for women and men from different ethnic backgrounds.

SourceTufts University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 6, 2011

Using vital signs to predict severity of illness in children

Using a dataset of 873 children's heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation measurements, researchers developed data fusion models that predicted the severity of their illness with moderate accuracy. The best-performing model had a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 75.8%, outperforming existing scoring systems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJul 6, 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.

Multiple medication use a growing problem among elderly cancer patients

The number of elderly cancer patients taking multiple medications is increasing, posing a significant risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions. Research suggests that polypharmacy is becoming more frequent in older adults due to the increasing number of drugs used to prevent or treat medical problems.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 6, 2011

Study of women execs to test 'glass ceiling' issues

A new UT Dallas study is investigating whether a rise in female executives spurs greater gender diversity across all company ranks. Researchers are looking at the 'trickle-down effect' of women breaking through into executive roles and joining boards, with hopes to inform management strategies for expanding women's roles.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateJul 6, 2011

Worldwide study identifies top global challenges in mental health

A global study has identified five key grand challenges in mental health, focusing on integrating screening into primary care, improving medication access, and strengthening training for healthcare personnel. The study aims to guide research funding agencies and clinicians in tackling mental illness worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 2011

Entomological Society of America names 2011 fellows

The Entomological Society of America has elected 10 new Fellows for 2011, recognizing their outstanding contributions to entomology. Dr. Susan J. Brown is a leading geneticist who established Tribolium as a model organism for insect development research, while Dr. James Carey is an authority on arthropod demography and invasion biology.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateJul 6, 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.

Pixel perfect: Cornell develops a lens-free, pinhead-size camera

The Cornell-developed Planar Fourier Capture Array (PFCA) is a pinhead-size, lens-free camera that can resolve images about 20 pixels across. It uses the principles of the Fourier transform to capture multiple angles of light and has numerous applications in science, including surgery and robotics.

SourceCornell University·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 6, 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.

You are what you tweet: Tracking public health trends with Twitter

A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that Twitter posts can be a useful source of public health information, revealing patterns about various ailments. The study uncovered interesting findings on allergies, flu cases, insomnia, cancer, obesity, depression, pain, and other health issues.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJul 6, 2011