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Science News for June 7, 2011


Universal flu vaccine clinical trials show promise

A new universal influenza vaccine candidate, VAX102, has safely produced an immune response in humans and could eliminate the need for annual flu vaccine updates. The vaccine targets a protein called M2e, found on the surface of the influenza A virus, which remains relatively unchanged over time.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalVaccine·DateJun 7, 2011

USC: Active social, spiritual and physical life helps prevent health decline in seniors

A USC study shows that small, daily changes to a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve quality of life for seniors. The trial involved over 200 participants aged 60+, who made sustainable changes such as visiting museums or taking public transportation, resulting in lower rates of depression and improved overall well-being.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJun 7, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Using magnets to help prevent heart attacks

Researchers at Temple University discovered that a magnetic field can reduce blood viscosity by 20-30%, posing a potential new way to prevent heart attacks. By polarizing red blood cells and streamlining their movement, the magnetic field decreases friction against blood vessel walls.

SourceTemple University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 7, 2011

Study: What mom thinks matters when it comes to mental illness

A new study by researchers at Northern Illinois University found that family members' negative attitudes can hinder the recovery of mentally ill relatives. The study, which examined 129 mothers of adult children with schizophrenia, revealed that stigmatizing views can lead to increased symptoms and lower self-confidence.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateJun 7, 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.

The heat is on for sodium-manganese oxide rechargeable batteries

Researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed a new method to make sodium ion-based battery cells, which could lead to better, cheaper batteries for the electrical grid. The team found that treating manganese oxide with heat improved the electrical capacity and recharging lifetime of the batteries.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 7, 2011

Study links insulin action on brain's reward circuitry to obesity

Researchers have found that insulin directly affects the brain's reward circuitry, leading to increased food intake and obesity in mice. This study suggests that insulin resistance may contribute to the difficulty in managing weight loss. Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these findings.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 7, 2011

Apple peel makes mice mighty

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for muscle wasting disorders using a compound found in apple peel called ursolic acid. The study found that ursolic acid promoted muscle growth and reduced muscle atrophy in mice, while also lowering body fat, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 7, 2011

Drug shows promise in prostate cancer spread to bone

A multi-site study has shown that the new drug Cabozantinib is effective in treating prostate cancer that has spread to the bone, with three-quarters of patients experiencing partial or complete tumor shrinkage. Additionally, patients showed significant improvements in bone pain and reduced need for narcotic use.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJun 7, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Carbon release and global warming now and in the ancient past

Researchers found that ancient global warming, known as the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), saw slower rate of carbon emissions compared to current levels. The study suggests that humankind's carbon footprint may be accelerating modern climate change.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 7, 2011

Bone cancer, from the lab to the clinic

Researchers are using genomic research to identify new genes that give rise to osteosarcoma and develop personalized blood tests to monitor disease in patients. The goal is to improve treatment of this difficult disease through better diagnosis and monitoring.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateJun 7, 2011

Adjuvant combo shows potential for universal influenza vaccine

A combination of two adjuvants induces CD8 killer T cells to join antibodies in response to influenza infection, potentially boosting vaccine effectiveness. The strategy has promise for a universal flu vaccine that wouldn't require annual reformulation.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 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.

Apple ingredient keeps muscles strong

Researchers identified a natural compound in apple peels as a promising new treatment for muscle wasting. Ursolic acid enhanced insulin signaling and corrected gene signatures linked to atrophy, promoting muscle growth and reducing blood levels of glucose and cholesterol.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 7, 2011

NASA sees the sun having a solar blast

A medium-sized solar flare, S1-class radiation storm, and spectacular coronal mass ejection were observed on June 7, 2011. The event was recorded by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, showing a large eruption of cool gas with temperatures less than 80,000 K.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 7, 2011

No such thing as a red or blue state

A recent study by Brigham Young University and University of Pennsylvania researchers suggests that citizens from red states are more likely to be liberal on economic and social issues than previously thought. The study found common ground between voters in red and blue states, particularly on social policy.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateJun 7, 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 pill does not lead to weight gain

A long-term study of 1,749 women found no link between taking the combined contraceptive pill and weight gain. Women who took the pill did not put on more weight than their peers who never took it, with ageing and smoking being the only factors affecting weight.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 7, 2011

Overweight more harmful to the liver than alcohol in middle-aged men

A new study found that overweight men are at a significantly higher risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver compared to those who drink heavily. The research followed 855 men for up to 40 years and discovered that both excess weight and high levels of blood fats increased liver damage, while alcohol's link was not statistically proven.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 7, 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.

People judge therapists by their offices, study shows

A study found that people prefer therapists with well-organized, personalized, and comfortable offices. Offices rated as more orderly and soft were seen as having friendlier and more qualified therapists. However, gender stereotypes also played a role in the perception of office quality.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJun 7, 2011

NASA's solar dynamics observatory catches 'surfer' waves on the sun

Scientists have discovered 'surfer' waves in the sun's corona, which could help explain why it's thousands of times hotter than expected. The waves were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and are thought to be caused by Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 7, 2011

Mapping anemia risk in preschool-age children in West Africa

Researchers mapped anemia risk in preschool-age children in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali using national cross-sectional surveys. The maps indicate the geographical risk profile of anemia, allowing for targeted control measures such as nutrient supplements and fortified foods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 7, 2011

Bursitis a common cause of painful hips, knees, heels and elbows

Bursitis is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain affecting the hips, knees, heels, and elbows. The condition can be managed with simple nonsurgical techniques such as ice packs, compressive dressings, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be required in cases where symptoms persist or infection is involved.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJun 7, 2011

Innovative device for quantum simulations

Researchers developed an artificial graphene device that simulates the quantum behavior of strongly interacting electrons. The device replicates the honeycomb lattice of graphene and enables exploration of fundamental quantum physics.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 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.

First of its kind study conducted by BUSM finds women as resilient to combat stress as men

A groundbreaking study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests female military service-members are equally resilient to combat-related stress as men. The research, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, analyzed the mental health of veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJun 7, 2011

Researchers find that inhibiting microRNAs may help prevent degenerative eye disorders

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found that blocking two specific RNA molecules can suppress abnormal blood vessel growth in degenerative eye disorders. This finding suggests a potential strategy to treat age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness among older people.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2011

Cash talks when overbooked hotel guests walk

Researchers found that cash-based overcompensation leads to higher satisfaction ratings than industry-standard compensation or voucher-based overcompensation. Participants were most satisfied with a $400 cash bonus, but satisfaction levels did not increase linearly with the amount of cash provided.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospitality & Tourism Research·DateJun 7, 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.

'Wrong'-time eating reduces fertility in fruit flies

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that disrupting the circadian rhythms of fruit flies by feeding them at incorrect times led to reduced fertility. The study suggests a connection between diet and reproduction, highlighting the importance of timing in maintaining reproductive capacity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 7, 2011

New report equates dried fruits and fresh fruits

Research recommends considering dried fruits equivalent to fresh fruits in dietary guidelines, highlighting their comparable fiber and potassium content. Dried fruits also contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including anti-cancer properties.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Inc.·DateJun 7, 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.

Air quality worsened by paved surfaces

A new study suggests that widespread urban development can lead to reduced nighttime winds and increased air pollution in coastal cities. Researchers found that paved surfaces absorb heat, reducing the temperature contrast between land and sea, and causing stagnation. This can result in a buildup of pollutants during warm summer weather.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJun 7, 2011

Layout of Arabic manuscripts

A new collaborative research center aims to study the diversity of Arabic manuscripts from a historical and comparative perspective. The project, led by Prof. Dr. Tilman Seidensticker, will analyze nine layout characteristics to understand their functions in everyday transcriptions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateJun 7, 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.

Paved surfaces can foster build-up of polluted air

Research finds that paved surfaces in cities like Houston can lead to stagnant air and increased pollution by altering wind patterns. By adding parks and lakes, cities may be able to improve air quality by blowing away pollutants.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJun 7, 2011

Coseasonality of influenza and invasive pneumococcal disease

A study found that infection with influenza likely increases the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Influenza infection may increase the short-term risk of bacterial invasion in individuals already colonized with Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes IPD. This suggests that some cases of IPD could be attributable to inf...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 7, 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.

UK Government plans for mentally ill prisoners are unrealistic, research suggests

Research suggests that UK government plans to divert mentally ill prisoners into mental health services are unlikely to succeed due to a lack of suitable facilities. The study found that only a small percentage of psychotic prisoners receive treatment, and those who do often face significant barriers to follow-up care after release.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Law and Psychiatry·DateJun 7, 2011

Dolphins use double sonar

Researchers have discovered that dolphins can generate two sound beam projections simultaneously, each with different frequencies and directions. This ability could help dolphins locate objects more accurately, according to Dr. Josefin Starkhammar, who led the study published in Biology Letters.

SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 7, 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.

Mammary gland development of blueberry-fed lab animals studied

A study by Rosalia C. M. Simmen found that blueberry powder improved indicators of rat mammary gland health, including branching and biochemical markers like PTEN. The effects have not been shown in humans and may aid breast cancer research.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 7, 2011

GPS stations can detect clandestine nuclear tests

Researchers have discovered that GPS stations can detect the impact of underground nuclear tests on the ionosphere, allowing for the confirmation of clandestine nuclear explosions. By analyzing changes in atmospheric electron density, scientists can pinpoint the location and timing of such events.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 7, 2011

Your attention please: 'Rewarding' objects can't be ignored

Researchers found that people's brains become distracted by previously associated rewarding objects, such as money, even when they're not important in the task. This effect persists for weeks and is linked to impulsivity levels.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 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.

Bacteria on old-growth trees may help forests grow

A new study reveals that bacteria living in mosses on tree branches contribute to nutrient dynamics, sustaining the long-term productivity of coastal temperate rainforests. Large, ancient trees provide habitat for mosses and cyanobacteria, which fix nitrogen and fertilize the forest.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPlant and Soil·DateJun 7, 2011

Women warriors show resilience similar to men

A recent study found that women veterans of US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan experienced similar levels of combat-related stress and post-deployment mental health impacts as their male counterparts. The research, based on survey responses from 595 service members, suggests that women's exposure to combat stress may be only slightly lowe...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJun 7, 2011

Joint replacement surgery riskier at hospitals with low surgical volume

Patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty at hospitals with lower surgical volume had a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and mortality following the procedure. Researchers found that hospital procedures and peri- and post-operative care processes may contribute to complications.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 7, 2011

Protein folding made easy

Developing better modeling techniques for protein folding is vital to creating effective pharmaceutical treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The new algorithm can predict protein folding in 10 minutes on a laptop, improving upon classical methods that required hundreds of thousands of CPU hours.

SourceMcGill University·DateJun 7, 2011

Researcher tests drug's impact on neurological disease affecting women

A clinical trial at Michigan State University is testing the effectiveness of acetazolamide in reducing vision loss in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The study aims to establish evidence-based treatment strategies and follow patients for up to four years to observe long-term treatment outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJun 7, 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.

Elsevier announces winners of the Executable Paper Grand Challenge

The Collage Authoring Environment won first prize for its scalable architecture designed to support authors, reviewers, and end users as well as publishers. SHARE: A Web Portal for Creating and Sharing Executable Research Papers took second place, while A Universal Identifier for Computational Results received third prize.

SourceElsevier·DateJun 7, 2011

Dangerous and under the radar

A new report examines the ways to protect sex workers, highlighting the need for decriminalization and policy changes. The study, conducted by Concordia University and University of Windsor researchers, reveals that sex work is increasingly dangerous and unprotected, with many sex workers facing marginalization and violence.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateJun 7, 2011

Cruise to investigate impacts of ocean acidification

The UK Ocean Acidification research programme aims to study the impact of changing CO2 levels on marine organisms and ecosystems. The cruise will conduct experiments using tanks of natural seawater collected from the sea, subjecting them to various levels of carbon dioxide that may occur in the future.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateJun 7, 2011

Coffee drinking improves hepatitis C treatment response

A new study found that coffee consumption improved treatment response in advanced patients with chronic liver disease and hepatitis C. Patients who drank three or more cups of coffee per day were two times more likely to respond to treatment, with higher rates of early virologic response and sustained virologic response.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 7, 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.

Cuts are likely to hit charities harder than expected

A recent study reveals that charities in England receive significant public funding, with 70% of organisations working with socially excluded or vulnerable people relying on government support. The study also highlights regional variations and uneven distribution of public funding across the sector.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 7, 2011

Einstein offers easy-to-use genome analyzer to scientific community

The open-source software, GenPlay, is designed to help biologists visualize, analyze and transform raw genomic data. Biologists can now analyze their own data using a user-friendly tool that provides continuous visual feedback, making it easier to make sense of the avalanche of new data.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalBioinformatics·DateJun 7, 2011