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Science News for June 30, 2011


Your brain on nicotine: Nicotine receptors affect social behavior

Research suggests that nicotinic receptors play a crucial role in establishing a balance between social interactions and competing motivations. Mice with normal or modified nicotinic receptors exhibit different social behaviors, highlighting the importance of these receptors in social interactions.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 30, 2011

Mobile phone derived electromagnetic fields can disturb learning

Neuroscientists from Ruhr-University Bochum found that high-powered electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones can disturb learning processes on the synaptic level within the brain. However, daily use of mobile phones is unlikely to cause significant harm.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Don't show, don't tell?

A study by MIT researchers found that explicit instruction makes children less likely to engage in spontaneous exploration, but acknowledging the unknown is crucial. Children taught one function played with the toy for less time and discovered fewer things than those in other conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCognition·DateJun 30, 2011

Integral challenges physics beyond Einstein

Integral's observations show that quantum 'graininess' must be at much smaller scales than previously predicted, contradicting Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The results limit the size of these grains to 10^-48 m or smaller, ruling out some string theories and quantum loop gravity theories.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJun 30, 2011

Sound localization at cocktail parties is easier for men

Research shows that men excel in both visuo-spatial and auditory-spatial tasks, such as detecting a single sound source in a noisy environment. Women struggled with the same task, indicating a 'high attentional mechanism' in the brain involved in extracting spatial information.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateJun 30, 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.

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.

Researchers map the physics of Tibetan singing bowls

Researchers captured high-speed images of fluid-filled Tibetan bowls to quantify how droplets are propelled from the water's surface as the bowls are excited. The unique singing properties of Tibetan bowls were used to investigate a liquid's interaction with solid materials, a situation that arises in many engineering applications.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNonlinearity·DateJun 30, 2011

AOSSM presents prestigious research awards at annual meeting

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) has presented nine research awards and two grants to recognize cutting-edge research in key areas of orthopaedic sports medicine. The award recipients include researchers studying molecular mechanisms in meniscal injury, tendon-to-bone repair, and osteoarthritis.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJun 30, 2011

When viruses infect bacteria

Scientists use a novel technique to analyze virus-bacterium associations in living organisms, revealing one-to-one correspondence and potential ancient infections. The study opens new avenues for understanding coevolution between viruses and their hosts.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2011

Salt-loving microbe provides new enzymes for the production of next-gen biofuels

A new class of solvents, ionic liquids, have been reported to efficiently treat biomass, but hinder enzyme activity. Salt-tolerant microbes like Halorhabdus utahensis were used to identify new enzymes tolerant to ionic liquids. These enzymes offer advantages for industrial utility in breaking down biomass into simple sugars.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 30, 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.

A citizen's dosimeter, and it fits in your wallet

The US Department of Homeland Security has developed a miniaturized radiation dosimeter that can be stored on a credit-card-sized plastic card. This device, dubbed the Citizen's Dosimeter, can measure radiation exposure in real-time and provide life-saving early detection in nuclear accidents or dirty bomb incidents.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateJun 30, 2011

Aircraft influence the local weather, new study shows

Researchers found that airplanes can create holes in supercooled clouds, leading to increased snowfall and precipitation around major airports. The phenomenon is similar to cloud seeding but occurs naturally due to aircraft flight patterns and engine emissions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2011

Adult stem cells carry their own baggage: Epigenetics guides stem cell fate

New research reveals adult stem cells have distinct epigenetic marks that prevent them from differentiating, which are lost over time. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of epigenetics and its role in regulating stem cell behavior, with potential applications in tissue degenerative disorders.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 30, 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.

Thanks for the memories

A study at the Weizmann Institute found that false memories are formed when our brains rely on false information from others, which is reinforced by social pressure. The researchers discovered a unique pattern of brain activity associated with this process, highlighting a surprising connection between social and memory processing.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2011

Discovery of genetic mutations better diagnose myelodysplastic syndromes

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a method to predict MDS patient survival by identifying specific gene mutations in their abnormal bone marrow. Nearly a third of patients had mutations in one or more prognostic genes, which could guide treatment decisions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 30, 2011

The genome guardian's dimmer switch: Regulating p53 is a matter of life or death

Researchers at Salk Institute find that a short segment of p53 regulates activity in blood-forming stem cells, affecting their survival and proliferation after DNA damage. The study suggests that targeting this regulatory mechanism with drugs could reduce unwanted tissue damage from chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 30, 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.

A different kind of mentor

An online mentoring program helped students in agriculture and natural resources gain insight into career opportunities and college life. The program expanded students' views of career possibilities and increased their willingness to relocate for career purposes.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateJun 30, 2011

Women win out in gastrointestinal surgery

Researchers found that women are more likely to survive after gastrointestinal surgeries than men, particularly those before menopause. Female patients had lower mortality rates in various procedures, suggesting that female hormones may enhance the immune system.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateJun 30, 2011

The future of chip manufacturing

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to improve the resolution of high-speed e-beam lithography, making it more practical for mass production. By using a thinner resist layer and developing the resist with table salt, they were able to achieve resolutions down to nine nanometers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMicroelectronic Engineering·DateJun 30, 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.

Assessing agroforestry's advantages

Researchers have developed a model to predict the amount of carbon contained in agroforestry systems using detailed web-available data. The model provides a tool for farmers to assess the impact of windbreaks on their operations, capturing substantial amounts of carbon while providing production and conservation benefits.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 30, 2011

MicroRNAs in the songbird brain respond to new songs

Researchers discovered that microRNA levels increase or decrease in the zebra finch brain after hearing a new song. This finding suggests that microRNAs play a regulatory role in fine-tuning the brain's response to social information.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJun 30, 2011

Spider's double beating heart revealed by MRI

Researchers have used MRI to produce unprecedented videos of a tarantula's heart beating, revealing a distinct type of contraction known as 'double beating'. This breakthrough uses non-invasive techniques, providing greater insight into internal workings and paving the way for new applications in medicine and biology.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 30, 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.

Antivenom against lethal snake gives hope to developing countries

Researchers developed an affordable antivenom against the Papuan taipan, a lethal snake, to address chronic shortages in developing countries. The project demonstrates the potential of international cooperation in producing high-quality antivenoms at an affordable price.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 30, 2011

Variation in susceptibility to a virus is the key to understanding infection biology

Researchers created four mathematical models of virus infection and tested them against laboratory data. The study found that variation in host susceptibility enhances the prevalence of mixed-genotype micro-parasite infections. The findings improve our understanding of how virus particles interact with each other and the host animal du...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 30, 2011

Many a mickle makes a muckle: How changes in animals' size and shape arise

Researchers have discovered that subtle genetic changes can significantly impact an organism's size and shape. The study, led by David Stern at Princeton University, found that five specific genetic changes contribute to the evolution of distinct morphologies in fruit flies. These findings provide insight into how individual mutations ...

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 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.

Heart transplant patients at risk for serious skin cancers

A new study found that heart transplant patients are more likely to develop skin cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The incidence increased post-transplant by up to 30-fold, highlighting the need for improved patient education and screening.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 30, 2011

Clues to why 'they' all look alike

Scientists discovered that brain activity increases when viewing same-race and other-race faces, but only predicts whether an other-race face will be remembered. The study suggests that individuation process is fragile for other-race faces due to lack of practice and social categorization.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 30, 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.

NASA completes mirror polishing for James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope's mirrors have been polished to accuracies of less than one millionth of an inch, crucial for forming sharpest images in space. The primary mirror, made of Beryllium, will capture light from faint, distant objects faster than any previous space observatory.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2011

WiFi 'napping' doubles phone battery life

Researchers at Duke University have developed a software called SleepWell that allows mobile devices to sleep while a neighboring device is downloading information, saving energy for both devices. This technology can potentially double the battery life of smartphones and laptops by reducing the energy toll of WiFi usage.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 30, 2011

Scripps study finds plastic in 9 percent of 'garbage patch' fishes

A Scripps study found 9.2% of mid-water fish contained plastic debris, primarily small pieces smaller than a human fingernail, in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The researchers estimate tens of thousands of tons of debris are ingested by fish annually.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJun 30, 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.

Pigment patterns from the prehistoric past

Scientists have discovered a remarkable relationship between copper and pigment in exceptionally preserved feathers and soft tissues from 120 million-year-old Confuciusornis sanctus and 110 million-year-old Gansus yumenensis fossils. The study, published in Science, reveals original colour patterns using X-ray analysis.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2011

Using fear to guide smart investments

A Tel Aviv University researcher suggests investors can master their fear of the market by analyzing and understanding its dynamics. The team's study reveals a strong correlation between volatility and price variations, enabling investors to redefined risk parameters and enrich their portfolios with stocks that behave in different ways.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 30, 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.

NASA's LRO mission gets a sunrise view of Tycho crater's peak

The LRO spacecraft captured a dramatic sunrise view of Tycho crater's central peak, revealing distinctive outcrops and boulders formed through impact melt. The young crater, only 110 million years old, has steep slopes that will erode over time, potentially creating smooth mountains.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 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.

'Zombie' stars key to measuring dark energy

Astrophysicists are using Type Ia supernovae, also known as 'zombie' stars, to build a map of the universe's history and understand dark energy. The stars' explosive deaths can be used to measure distances in the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2011

Climate change increases the risk of ozone damage to plants

Researchers at University of Gothenburg find climate change will significantly increase risk of ozone damage to plants due to rising ozone concentrations and higher temperatures. This can lead to premature aging and smaller harvests with lower quality for agricultural crops.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalTellus·DateJun 30, 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 clues to the cause of Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have identified new proteins in human cerebrospinal fluid that may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier and develop effective treatments, offering hope for patients and their families affected by the condition.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2011

Sea urchins see with their whole body

Researchers found that sea urchins have photoreceptors on the tip and base of their tube feet, allowing them to react to light and potentially use the shadow cast by their skeleton for direction. This unique system enables sea urchins to navigate and function in their surroundings despite lacking eyes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2011

Time to let science drive Great Lakes policy on Asian carp, experts say

A new study suggests that the threat posed by invasive Asian carp to the Great Lakes ecosystem is real and warrants action. The research finds that separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through hydrological separation could provide a permanent solution to prevent further ecological and economic harm.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateJun 30, 2011

Telomeres: 2 genes linked to why they stretch in cancer cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified two genes, ATRX and DAXX, that contribute to the lengthening of telomeres in cancer cells. The study found a correlation between mutations in these genes and alternative lengthening of telomeres in various types of tumors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 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.

Faster 3-D nanoimaging a possibility with full color synchrotron light

Using full color synchrotron light has increased the clarity of biological samples and sped up imaging by a 60-fold increase, opening avenues for medical research, drug development, and advanced materials engineering. This breakthrough enables more precise nanoscale analysis.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 30, 2011

Variation in make-up of generic epilepsy drugs can lead to dosing problems

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that generic anti-epilepsy drugs have varying levels of effectiveness, particularly when switched between two generics, raising concerns about safe dosing practices. The study highlights the need for policy makers to evaluate standards for generic drugs' similarity to brand-name versions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 30, 2011

Takeoffs and landings cause more precipitation near airports

Researchers discovered that aircraft takeoffs and landings under certain atmospheric conditions can cause a small but measurable increase in rain and snow near airports. The study used satellite images and weather forecasting models to examine the occurrence of inadvertent cloud seeding within 62 miles of six commercial airports.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2011

Researchers predict locations for deer vs. car collisions

The study analyzed 260 deer-vehicle collisions between 2003 and 2007 to identify high-risk areas along Edmonton's city limits. Creating a buffer zone by grooming natural vegetation alongside roads is suggested as a solution to mitigate fatal collisions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJun 30, 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.

New tasks attributed to Aurora proteins in cell division

Researchers have discovered new functions of Aurora enzymes in fission yeast, which could lead to improved cancer treatments. The study used phosphoproteomics to identify dozens of new substrates for the enzymes, revealing roles in chromatin regulation and DNA protection.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 30, 2011

Novel analysis method organizes genomic cancer data

Researchers developed a novel analysis method to organize genomic cancer data, revealing previously unknown genetic connections and similarities among different types of cancers. The approach uses multiplicity to create three-dimensional models, potentially leading to trials of already approved drugs for additional cancers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateJun 30, 2011

Key ingredient: Change in material boosts prospects of ultrafast single-photon detector

Researchers at NIST have developed a tungsten-silicon alloy that significantly improves the efficiency of ultrafast single-photon detectors, enabling their use in quantum communications and computing systems. The new detection method can capture photons across longer wavelengths, including those used in telecommunications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 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.

Why do we share stories, news and information with others?

Researchers discovered that certain emotions can boost the sharing of stories and information. In experiments, students who felt anxious or amused were more likely to share content than those who felt sad or content. The study's findings have implications for companies and organizations looking to use social media effectively.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 30, 2011

Red wine: Exercise in a bottle?

A daily intake of resveratrol in red wine may prevent insulin resistance and loss of bone mineral density in rats exposed to simulated weightlessness. The study suggests that resveratrol could help mitigate the negative effects of sedentary behaviors in humans.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 30, 2011

How too many options can impair the ability to make skillful choices

Research by Columbia Business School and University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that offering too many 401k funds deters employees from enrolling in the plan. The study revealed a decrease in equity fund allocation and an increase in 'nothing' allocation as the number of funds increases.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateJun 30, 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.

BMC conducts high rates of thyroid testing in pregnant women, study finds

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that BMC conducts a high rate of thyroid function testing in pregnant women. The study detected approximately 80 percent of cases of mild hypothyroidism that may have gone undiagnosed without routine testing.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 30, 2011