Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 24, 2011


Syracuse University biologist discovers key regulators for biofilm development

The study reveals a complex cascade of enhancer binding proteins (EBPs) that initiates the formation of biofilms. Bacterial cells require cooperative behavior similar to higher organisms, and understanding this process is crucial for developing new ways to prevent and treat infected surfaces.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2011

'Quantum magic' without any 'spooky action at a distance'

Researchers led by Anton Zeilinger found that quantum mechanical measurements cannot be interpreted classically even when no entanglement is involved. This challenges the idea of 'spooky action at a distance', sparking debate about the limits of classical physics.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2011

Safer and more effective diabetes control with basal insulin analogs

New basal insulin analogs have improved diabetes management by reducing hypoglycemic episodes and improving blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Modern physiological basal insulin replacement has made optimal blood sugar control a realistic target for diabetes management.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJun 24, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Life expectancy for those with Type 1 diabetes improving, Pitt study says

A new study found that people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can expect to live up to 15 years longer than previously thought. The study, published in the American Diabetes Association's 71st Scientific Sessions, analyzed data from a 30-year prospective study and found a significant improvement in life expectancy among participants.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJun 24, 2011

June 2011 Geosphere highlights

A new themed issue of Geosphere delves into the geology and tectonic history of northern San Francisco Bay region, featuring studies on sedimentary and volcanic deposits cut by active strike-slip faults. The papers provide insights into groundwater hydrology, seismic hazard, and plate margin evolution.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 24, 2011

Exposure to parental stress increases pollution-related lung damage in children

Research finds that growing up in a stressful household is associated with larger traffic pollution-induced lung deficits in healthy children. High levels of perceived stress among parents, particularly Hispanic and Asian families, led to decreased lung function in children exposed to traffic-related pollutants.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 24, 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.

Humpback whales catch prey with bubble-nets

Humpback whales employ complex feeding maneuvers involving bubble nets to corral and contain planktonic prey. The study reveals novel behaviors such as 'double-loops' and team cooperation, showcasing advanced tool use similar to that of apes.

SourceBrill·JournalBehaviour·DateJun 24, 2011

Ancient species of mayfly had short, tragic life

A 100-million-year-old mayfly fossil has provided valuable insights into the ecology of ancient ecosystems. The discovery of a rare ovipositor and long antennae sheds light on the life cycle and adaptations of this ancient species.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateJun 24, 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.

The mechanics of speciation

A new mathematical model integrates key factors influencing sympatric speciation, finding strong mate choice and resource variety more important than competition. This approach generates insights into biological diversity, suggesting that speciation can occur under ideal conditions.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJun 24, 2011

Optical circuit enables new approach to quantum technologies

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a quantum logic gate acting on four particles of light, enabling new approaches to quantum technologies. The device has the potential to improve secure communication and precision measurement, paving the way for more efficient computers and innovative applications.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2011

Adolescents' dieting and disordered eating behaviors continue into young adulthood

A 10-year longitudinal study found that adolescents who dieted in early adolescence were at increased risk of continuing these behaviors in young adulthood. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing disordered eating behaviors from an early age to prevent obesity and related health issues.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJun 24, 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.

Fermilab experiment weighs in on neutrino mystery

The MINOS experiment at Fermilab recorded 62 electron neutrino-like events, constraining the transformation of muon neutrinos into electron neutrinos to a narrow range. This result is consistent with and improves upon previous measurements, potentially shedding light on the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateJun 24, 2011

National Geographic honors 4 at inaugural 'Evening of Exploration' celebration

Environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad and underwater photographer Wes Skiles were named Explorers of the Year for their work documenting Blue Holes in the Bahamas. Musician Jack Johnson received the Arts Ambassador for the Environment Award, while IBM was recognized for its research partnership with National Geographic.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJun 24, 2011

Mantis shrimp eye could improve high-definition CDs, DVDs

Researchers have developed a novel waveplate technology inspired by the peacock mantis shrimp's eye, which can improve high-definition CD, DVD, and holographic technology. The new waveplates offer broader polarized light capabilities over the entire visual spectrum.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Haima poised for Vietnam landfall

Tropical Storm Haima is expected to bring heavy rains to Vietnam this weekend. The storm has regained minimal tropical storm status with powerful thunderstorms south of its center, moving west through the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 24, 2011

Botswana population survey shows surprising drop in species numbers

A recent aerial survey of northern Botswana shows a significant decline in wildlife populations, with wildebeest populations plummeting by almost 90% over the past 15 years. Habitat fragmentation, drought effects, human encroachment, and poaching are major contributing factors to this decline.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·DateJun 24, 2011

Lithium profoundly prevents brain damage associated with Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Buck Institute discover lithium profoundly prevents brain damage associated with Parkinson's disease in a mouse model. The study's findings suggest that lithium could be an effective treatment for PD patients at subclinical levels, avoiding side effects.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateJun 24, 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.

Invest in children's health, urges former US Surgeon General

Childhood obesity is a growing threat to child and adult health, according to former US Surgeon General David Satcher. Dr. Satcher proposes five target areas for investment to improve the health of children and adults, and identifies key factors contributing to childhood obesity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateJun 24, 2011

Menthol cigarettes marketed in 'predatory' pattern, Stanford study shows

A Stanford study reveals that tobacco companies increase advertising and lower sale prices of menthol cigarettes in neighborhoods near California high schools with larger populations of African-American students. This 'predatory' marketing pattern aims to lure young African Americans into becoming smokers.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 24, 2011

UOG scientist wins USDA competitive funding

Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy has received a $188,000 grant from the USDA-NIFA Pest Management Alternatives Program to develop an ecologically sound and cost-effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for tomato farmers in the region.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateJun 24, 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.

Mayo Clinic developing artificial pancreas to ease diabetes burden

Mayo Clinic researchers are developing an artificial pancreas that will deliver insulin automatically and with individualized precision, reducing the need for daily insulin dosing and finger pricks. The system includes a blood sugar monitor, automatic insulin pump, activity monitors, and a central processing unit.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateJun 24, 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.

Astronomers reach for the stars to discover new cancer therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a potential new radiation treatment that uses heavy metals and low-energy electrons to target cancer tumors. The method, called Resonant Nano-Plasma Theranostics (RNPT), has the potential to reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 24, 2011

New genetic risk factors of lupus found in study of African-American women

Researchers at Boston University have found four new genetic variants associated with a higher risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) in African American women. The study, based on data from the Black Women's Health Study, reveals that these genetic factors may be shared among women of different genetic ancestries.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHuman Genetics·DateJun 24, 2011

Singapore scientists discover how to control fate of stem cells

Researchers have discovered a single communication system that decides the fate of stem cells, paving the way for new stem cell therapies with fewer side effects. The Nodal/Activin pathway can specify a wide range of eventual cell types, offering a major step forward for personalized medicine.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 24, 2011

Young people with type 1 diabetes at risk for heart disease

Research finds that adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes have increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries. The study aims to improve glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular risk factors to prevent cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateJun 24, 2011

Northern Eurasian snowpack could be a predictor of winter weather in US, team from UGA reports

Researchers from UGA found a significant relationship between autumn snow extent in specific regions of Eurasia and temperatures across North America during the subsequent winter. Years with extensive autumn snow in northwest Eurasia were associated with winter temperatures seven degrees lower near the center of North America.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJun 24, 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.

New breast cancer risk model quantifies the impact of risk reduction

A new breast cancer risk model quantifies the impact of modifiable lifestyle factors on absolute breast cancer risk. The study predicts a 1.6% to 4.1% reduction in absolute risk among women aged 65, with higher reductions seen among those with positive family history or more non-modifiable risk factors.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 24, 2011

Deep history of coconuts decoded

Researchers discovered two distinct populations of coconuts, indicating separate cultivation origins in the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins. The study also found evidence of prehistoric trade routes and the colonization of the Americas through coconut genetics.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 24, 2011