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Science News for November 29, 2011


WSU researchers use a 3-D printer to make bone-like material

Researchers at Washington State University have successfully created a bone-like material and structure that can be used in orthopedic procedures, dental work, and to deliver medicine for treating osteoporosis. The material was produced using a 3D printer and has shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo tests.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDental Materials·DateNov 29, 2011

Exercise helps us to eat a healthy diet

A new study reveals that increased physical activity is linked to improved diet quality, suggesting that exercise can encourage healthier eating habits. The research also highlights the importance of social policy in promoting physical activity among the population to prevent obesity.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalObesity Reviews·DateNov 29, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Imperfections may improve graphene sensors

Researchers found that defects in graphene improve its chemical sensing capabilities, leading to potential breakthroughs in gas detection technology. The study suggests that micrometer-sized line defects can enhance the sensitivity of graphene sensors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 29, 2011

Low staffing and poor quality of care at nation's for-profit nursing homes

The study found that the nation's largest for-profit chains operate with significantly lower staffing levels than non-profit and government-owned nursing homes, leading to poorer quality of care. The top 10 chains have a strategy of keeping labor costs low to increase profits, resulting in more deficiencies and serious deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Services Research·DateNov 29, 2011

Body rebuilding: Researchers regenerate muscle in mice

A team of scientists from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and CellThera regenerated functional muscle tissue in mice using a novel protocol that combined reprogramming human cells and biopolymer microthreads. The study showed promising results, with most new muscle fibers composed of mouse cells, suggesting that fibrin microthreads alo...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalTissue Engineering·DateNov 29, 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.

"Look at that!" -- ravens use gestures, too

Researchers observed ravens using deictic gestures in the wild, such as pointing and holding up objects to test interest or strengthen bonds. This study suggests that complex communication systems may be more widespread than previously thought.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2011

Use of opioid painkillers for abdominal pain has more than doubled

Chronic abdominal pain has seen a significant rise in opioid prescriptions, driven by factors such as campaigns to recognize pain as the "fifth vital sign". The use of opioids for non-cancer chronic pain is supported by limited evidence and can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and worsen abdominal pain.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 29, 2011

ONR-funded guided rockets hit fast-moving boat targets in test

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has successfully tested a new precision-guided weapon prototype, known as the Low-Cost Imaging Terminal Seeker (LCITS). LCITS enables unguided rockets to automatically compute and home in on targets after launch, providing naval aviators with a new lethal capability.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 29, 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.

Microscopic worms could hold the key to living life on Mars

Scientists use Caenorhabditis elegans to study the effects of long-duration space exploration on humans. The worms develop and reproduce in space just like on Earth, making them an ideal model for investigating the challenges of Martian habitation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalInterface·DateNov 29, 2011

Gene is first linked to herpes-related cold sores

Researchers at the University of Utah have identified a gene associated with frequent herpes-related cold sores. The C21orf91 gene is linked to susceptibility to HSL, and variations in this gene may predict or prevent cold sore outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 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 tuberculosis research movement needed

The TB Research Movement aims to create a framework for concrete actions to harmonize and synergize TB research efforts globally. The movement is creating a framework for more research and innovation, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations burdened by TB.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 29, 2011

Environment and diet leave their prints on the heart

Researchers at University of Cambridge have mapped DNA methylation in human heart, revealing its connection to environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle. The study provides new insights into the genetic changes that can lead to heart disease and potential ways to identify and treat it.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCirculation·DateNov 29, 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.

Gene acts as a brake on breast cancer progression

A new study published in Cancer Discovery reveals that the 14-3-3σ gene plays a critical role in halting breast cancer initiation and progression. The research suggests that this gene is likely a major player in other types of cancer as well.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 29, 2011

Minorities pay more for water and sewer

A study by Michigan State University researchers reveals that racial minorities face higher costs for basic water and sewer services. The study attributes the disparity to the aging infrastructure in urban areas, where whites have fled, leaving minority residents to bear the costs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Practice·DateNov 29, 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.

Genetic buzzer-beater genes may save fish

A study published by researchers at the University of Oregon reveals that two distinct populations of rainbow trout share a genetic trait that enables them to adapt to their native rivers in Alaska and Idaho. This gene variant, identified using RAD technology, may hold key to saving struggling fish populations from extinction.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 29, 2011

A smarter way to make ultraviolet light beams

Researchers have optimized a type of optical resonator to boost infrared signals to higher-energy ultraviolet beams using low-power nonlinear processes. This enables the creation of low-cost, wavelength-tunable ultraviolet sources with applications in chemical detection, medical imaging and fine lithography.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 29, 2011

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted ahead of print

Two studies published in GSA BULLETIN examine the evolution of C4-dominated grasslands in the southern Great Plains and the tectonomagmatic evolution of northwestern Mexico. The first study uses carbon isotope composition to reconstruct the relative abundance of C4 grasses over the past 12 million years, finding a protracted history of...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateNov 29, 2011

Geosphere highlights: New research posted Nov. 22, 2011

Two studies investigate geological history of Grenville Province and thermal properties of Antarctica's Victoria Land Basin. A new educational program also enhances science education among educators participating in the ANDRILL research initiative.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateNov 29, 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.

Shedding light on the 'dark matter' of the genome

Plant pathologists discovered a gene with varying intron lengths in fungus M. graminicola, challenging conventional models of intron presence-absence polymorphisms. The study sheds light on genome evolution and suggests natural selection may play a role in intron fixation.

SourceETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2011

Is the end of polio truly in sight?

Despite significant progress, polio eradication remains complex due to asymptomatic infections and vaccine limitations. Experts emphasize the need for further research on virus-host interactions and vaccine usage in the final stages of the program.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateNov 29, 2011

Industrialization weakens important carbon sink

Researchers found a 100-fold weakening in coastal ecosystems' ability to sequester carbon since European settlement, coinciding with industrial expansion and nitrogen deposition. Estuaries, natural global carbon sinks, are at risk of diminishing their ability to mitigate climate change.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 29, 2011

U of I study: Kindergarten friendships matter, especially for boys

A University of Illinois study found that high-quality kindergarten friendships are essential for boys' social skills and behavior problems in first and third grades. In contrast, girls' social skills were not significantly affected by their kindergarten friendships. The research suggests that early friendships provide a positive found...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInfant and Child Development·DateNov 29, 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.

Growth hormone increases bone formation in obese women

A six-month growth hormone replacement study found increased bone formation, muscle mass, and decreased abdominal fat in abdominally obese women. The results suggest growth hormone as a potential treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2011

Cobblestones fool innate immunity

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg create a nanostructured surface on implants, fooling the innate immune system and reducing rejection rates. The unique surface mimics natural structures, allowing the body to integrate foreign objects more easily.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateNov 29, 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.

E. coli bacteria engineered to eat switchgrass and make transportation fuels

Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute have successfully engineered E. coli bacteria to digest switchgrass biomass and synthesize its sugars into all three major transportation fuels: gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This breakthrough reduces fuel production costs by consolidating two steps into one, enabling a single-step operation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2011

Graphene lights up with new possibilities

Researchers at Rice University developed a two-step method to attach organic molecules to pristine graphene, making it suitable for various new applications. This breakthrough enables advances in chemical sensors, thermoelectric devices, and metamaterials.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2011

'Heading' a soccer ball could lead to brain injury

Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study the effects of soccer 'heading' and found that frequent headers can lead to degeneration of brain cells. Brain areas responsible for attention, memory, and visual functions showed significant changes in FA values with high heading frequencies.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 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.

Study: No decline in running economy for older runners

A new study from the University of New Hampshire found that older runners' running economy is no different than that of younger runners, but maintaining this efficiency comes at a higher cost, including lower VO2 max and maximal heart rates. Researchers recommend strength training to minimize age-related decline in performance.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateNov 29, 2011

New thinking required on wildlife disease

A University of Adelaide scientist highlights the potential of freely available software tools to predict the spread of diseases in Australian wildlife and commercial stock. The team used these tools to estimate that up to 100,000 buffalo would need to be culled annually for 15 years to reduce TB prevalence near zero.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateNov 29, 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.

New study supports mammography screening at 40

A new study published at the Radiological Society of North America meeting found that women between 40-49 years old without a family history of breast cancer are equally likely to develop invasive breast cancer as those with a family history. Annual screening mammography is recommended for this age group.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2011

How to decide who keeps the car

Researchers from Canada and Switzerland develop a quantum coin flipping method to ensure fair car ownership decisions. Despite being imperfect, the method prevents cheating by leveraging the properties of nature.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2011

Crash experts find car seats protect overweight kids, too

Researchers studied nearly 1,000 children in crashes and found no increased injury risk for a broad weight range. The current range of child safety seats and booster seats accommodates various body sizes, including heavier children.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 29, 2011

Gray matter in brain's control center linked to ability to process reward

A new study found that healthy individuals with more gray matter in their decision-making brain region can better evaluate rewards and consequences. In contrast, cocaine addicts have reduced gray matter volume in the same area, leading to impaired reward processing and increased risk of addiction.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateNov 29, 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.

Stress response predictor in police officers may indicate those at high risk for PTSD

A study led by Dr. Charles Marmar found that police recruits with higher cortisol awakening responses were more likely to experience acute stress symptoms in response to trauma years later. The study suggests that measuring cortisol levels could be a potential indicator for identifying those at high risk for PTSD.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 2011

The implications of disease coexistence

A new study published in Journal of Molecular Neuroscience emphasizes the significance of identifying 'overlap syndrome' between ALS and FTD, which can impact patient survival. The research also explores clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and screening strategies for this syndrome.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Molecular Neuroscience·DateNov 29, 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.

Making a light-harvesting antenna from scratch

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis successfully synthesized a chlorosome component, a giant assembly of pigment molecules, and studied its self-assembly properties. The findings suggest that synthetic pigments could be easier to incorporate into solar devices than biomimetics made of proteins.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateNov 29, 2011

High blood sugar levels in older women linked to colorectal cancer

A recent study found that elevated blood sugar levels are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. Researchers observed nearly 5,000 women over 12 years and discovered that those with higher glucose levels were more likely to develop the disease.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateNov 29, 2011

Walnut trees may not be able to withstand climate change

Researchers at Purdue University found that walnut trees are highly sensitive to certain climates and may struggle to survive in a changing environment. The trees' defense mechanisms against cold and extreme weather events could be compromised by climate change, leading to potential declines in the species.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnnals of Forest Science·DateNov 29, 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.

Emerging new properties at oxide interfaces

Researchers at National University of Singapore discovered a collective electronic state not seen before in insulating oxides, exhibiting ferromagnetism. This is achieved through the interface of two materials, enabling novel electronic phases stabilized by the interface.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2011

Frequent 'heading' in soccer can lead to brain injury and cognitive impairment

Researchers found that frequent soccer heading can cause brain injury and cognitive impairment, particularly in areas responsible for attention, memory, and executive functioning. A threshold level of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 heads per year was identified, with higher frequencies associated with significant injury.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateNov 29, 2011

Making collective wisdom wiser

Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Tova Milo has developed a method to automatically optimize 'crowd-sourcing' of online data, flagging questionable input and alerting moderators to potentially offensive commentary. The technology improves the quality of information and saves valuable man-hours.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateNov 29, 2011

Graphene earns its stripes

Researchers at University College London discovered electronic stripes on graphene sheets, a finding that could revolutionize the exploitation of this material. The discovery was made using a scanning tunneling microscope and found that extra electrons arrange themselves into nanometer-scale stripes spontaneously.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 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.

The interplay of dancing electrons

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg developed a new method to study electron interactions in negative ions, crucial for understanding phenomena like superconductors. This knowledge may also shed light on the origin of life and the chemical reactions that occurred in space.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 29, 2011

Lighting the way to understanding the brain

Researchers at Harvard University have created genetically-altered neurons that light up as they fire, allowing them to trace signal propagation and study neural pathways. This breakthrough has the potential to speed up drug development and advance our understanding of genetic conditions.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 29, 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.

'Skin bones' helped large dinosaurs survive, new study says

Research suggests that sauropod dinosaurs used hollow osteoderms to store minerals needed for their huge skeletons and laying large egg clutches. The study also found that these "skin bones" became more important mineral stores as the animals grew.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2011

Breakthrough in the battle against malaria

Researchers have identified new ways to target and kill the malaria parasite in human bloodstreams, which could lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs. The discovery provides a promising avenue for combating the disease, but also highlights the need for continued efforts to address growing resistance to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2011