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Science News for November 7, 2011


Decrease in observed rate of TB at a time of economic recession

A study found a decrease in TB cases in the US between 2000 and 2009, particularly among recent immigrants and disadvantaged groups. The drop was attributed to economic recession and lower immigration rates, but the long-term impact on public health remains uncertain.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 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.

Tying molecules in knots

Researchers have successfully tied molecules into a complex pentafoil knot using self-assembly, expanding the understanding of material properties and potentially leading to new materials with improved properties. The knot is composed of just 160 atoms, approximately 16 nanometers in length.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 7, 2011

Ancient DNA provides new insights into cave paintings of horses

A team of researchers used ancient DNA to analyze the color variations seen in Paleolithic cave paintings, finding that all phenotypes existed in pre-domestic horse populations. This study lends weight to the argument that artists were reflecting their natural environment.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 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.

Paper uncovers power of Foldit gamers' strategies

Foldit players employed creative strategies to solve protein structure puzzles, codifying and sharing their approaches. The study reveals the flexible nature of gamer intelligence and its potential for solving complex scientific problems.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011

Monkey mothers found to be key to sons' reproductive success

A study found that northern muriqui monkey mothers play a key role in their sons' reproductive success, with no evidence of inbreeding. The research suggests that this egalitarian society may be the reason for the species' critical endangered status.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011

Suboxone is most effective in treating painkiller addiction

A large-scale study has shown that Suboxone is the most effective treatment for prescription opioid addiction, with 49% of participants benefiting from the medication. Despite this finding, relapse rates were high once the medication was discontinued, highlighting the need for continued research on long-term use.

SourceMcLean Hospital·DateNov 7, 2011

UT MD Anderson study finds advances in breast cancer don't extend to older women

A new study found that older women with breast cancer are not experiencing the same improvements in treatment and detection as younger women. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, reveals a discrepancy between age groups when it comes to breast cancer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 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.

UMMS researchers identify epigenetic signatures of autism

Researchers mapped epigenetic changes in neurons from individuals with autism, finding hundreds of sites affected by histone methylation alterations. The study reveals considerable overlap between genetic and epigenetic risk maps for developmental brain disorders.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 7, 2011

Fish follow the rules to school

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that small lake-dwelling fish follow simple yet effective rules when schooling together. By tracking individual fish and analyzing their interactions, the team identified key movements such as slowing down near others and turning to move towards neighbors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011

Attention! End of traffic jam!

Biophysicists studied the interplay of microtubules and motors that shorten filaments, revealing a critical concentration of motors necessary for proper cell division. The research model shows that a traffic jam of motor molecules significantly alters microtubule shortening behavior.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateNov 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.

Students will use futuristic technology to dive into the past

Students from three schools will use robotic submarines to map and monitor shipwrecks scuttled by Lord Cornwallis during the Battle of Yorktown. The project aims to conserve these historical sites and introduce students to advanced robotics and marine science.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateNov 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.

Tying atomic threads in knots may produce material benefits

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have created a new generation of materials by tying molecules into complex knots that can give them exceptional versatility and flexibility. By producing chemicals with specific numbers of well-defined knots, scientists may be able to design materials with greater control over their properties.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 7, 2011

Study characterizes epigenetic signatures of autism in brain tissue

A study characterizes epigenetic signatures of autism in brain tissue, finding hundreds of genomic loci affected by altered histone methylation. The research provides new insights into the genetic and epigenetic risk maps of developmental brain disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 7, 2011

Your stroke risk profile may also help predict your risk of memory problems

A new study published in Neurology found that a person's stroke risk profile can also predict their risk of developing memory and thinking problems later in life. The researchers followed 23,752 people with an average age of 64 and found that those with higher stroke risk profiles were more likely to develop cognitive problems.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 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.

Opening the data bank -- scientists try to match new protein structures

Researchers at RIT and Dowling College are working on a three-year study to match the protein to its job in the human body. They will use a library of 400 protein motifs associated with known functions and compare proteins from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Biology Protein Data Bank with existing active-site templates.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateNov 7, 2011

Individual CO2 emissions decline in old age

Demographer Emilio Zagheni's profile shows that societies with a growing elderly population tend to produce lower CO2 emissions. As people age, their carbon dioxide emissions decrease due to reduced consumption of energy-intensive goods and increased healthcare spending.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDemography·DateNov 7, 2011

Compelling research will flow at fluid dynamics meeting

Researchers will present groundbreaking studies on fluid dynamics at the APS conference, covering topics from mosquito flight in rain to wine swirling mechanisms and mechanical heart valve design. The meeting aims to bring together experts from around the world to share their findings.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 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.

Drospirenone-containing contraceptives linked to higher risk of blood clots

A study found that drospirenone-containing oral birth control pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thrombotic events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk was highest in the early months of use and was also influenced by factors such as age, high blood pressure, and obesity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 7, 2011

Pharmaceutical intellectual property laws need reform

The current system is broken due to complex rules and regulations leading to costly litigation between brand and generic companies. Reform options include a standard fixed period for market exclusivity or abolishing the Patented Medicines regulations, both aimed at reducing litigation and improving investment certainty.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 7, 2011

Connexins: Providing protection to cells destroyed in Type 1 diabetes

Researchers found that connexin 36 protects mouse pancreatic beta-cells against apoptosis triggered by immune molecules prevalent at the onset of Type 1 diabetes. Promoting connexin 36 expression and function could provide a therapeutic strategy to protect beta-cells from immune system attack.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 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.

Web-based intervention appears ineffective for preventing weight gain in adolescents

A web-based intervention aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity among adolescents was found to have no long-term effects on weight gain, but did show positive short-term changes in dietary behavior. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the FATaintPHAT intervention over two years, finding it ineffective in reducing ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 7, 2011

Rates of breast reconstruction after mastectomy in Canada

A review article reveals historically low breast reconstruction rates in Canada, with only 7.7% of Ontario patients undergoing the procedure in 1994/95. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and geography influence the use of breast reconstruction, with women living in urban areas more likely to undergo the procedure.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 7, 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.

Routine iron fortification of infant formula linked to poorer development

A 10-year follow-up study found that infants with high hemoglobin levels who received iron-fortified infant formula had poorer long-term developmental outcomes. The study suggests that the optimal amount of iron in infant formula may need to be redefined.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 7, 2011

UC Santa Barbara receives Grand Challenges Explorations funding

The University of California, Santa Barbara has received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an innovative global health research project, ImmuNet. The project aims to create a low-cost local cellular architecture to track vaccine status and disseminate vaccination-related information in rural regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateNov 7, 2011

Forest Service part of team sequencing 1,000 fungal genomes

The US Forest Service's Northern Research Station is part of an international team sequencing 1,000 fungal genomes as part of the DOE's Community Sequencing Program. This project aims to create an encyclopedia of all fungi, which will help researchers understand their roles in ecosystems and develop new products.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·DateNov 7, 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.

Researchers using new technology to study breath for toxins

A Virginia Tech research team has created a microelectromechanical system to detect trace amounts of toxins in breath on the parts per billion scale. The study aims to monitor patient exhaled breath to identify and quantify environmental exposure risks, providing valuable data for limiting harmful contaminant exposure.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 7, 2011

Novel surface triples stem-cell growth in culture

Researchers at Whitehead Institute and MIT have developed a novel surface that enables tripling of human embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cell growth in culture. This breakthrough eliminates the need for mouse feeder cells, reducing contamination risks and increasing efficiency.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011

Delaware Fire Service offers important lessons for fire prevention programs nationwide

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that Delaware's fire service program is a model for comprehensive fire prevention. The researchers highlight the importance of community involvement, partnerships with schools and local businesses, and policy advocacy efforts to advance fire safety initiatives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateNov 7, 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.

The secrets of tunneling through energy barriers

Electrons in graphene exhibit Klein tunneling, allowing them to pass through energy barriers regardless of width and height. This phenomenon has been observed experimentally in graphene.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 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.

Physical functioning declines more rapidly among the poor, study finds

A new national study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better in physical functioning. The study found that the disadvantage for the poor snowballs over time, leading to steeper declines in their health as they age.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateNov 7, 2011

Sowing the seeds of the obesity epidemic in babyhood

A large population-based study found that babies who rise two or more major percentiles in weight-for-length on growth charts before age 2 are more likely to be obese at age 5 and 10. The study suggests assessing weight gains during the first two years, especially in the first 6 months, to identify early risk factors for obesity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 7, 2011

Fatherhood can help change a man's bad habits

A new 19-year study from Oregon State University reveals that fatherhood leads to significant decreases in crime, tobacco, and alcohol use in men. This finding suggests that becoming a father can be a transformative experience for men engaging in high-risk behavior.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateNov 7, 2011

Gates Foundation funds novel Third World sanitation proposal

A novel sewage digestion system designed by Duke University's Marc Deshusses has the potential to revolutionize sanitation in developing countries. The system captures methane gas produced during waste breakdown, using it to kill pathogens and destroy harmful bacteria.

SourceDuke University·DateNov 7, 2011

One if by land, Two if by sea? Climate change 'escape routes'

A study published in Science reveals that animal and plant populations need to move at similar rates to keep up with climate change effects in the ocean and on land. The analysis shows that marine life would need to relocate fast, even in biodiversity hot spots like the coral triangle region.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

A Trojan horse in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Dr. Andrés Finzi's 'Reverse Fusion' project aims to deliver toxic genes to HIV-infected cells to eliminate them. The approach targets the virus's unique key and lock, using modified envelope glycoproteins and receptors to deliver a Trojan horse that eradicates infected cells.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·DateNov 7, 2011

Nonterrestrial artifacts hard to pin down

A pair of postdoctoral researchers at Penn State suggest that we have not looked in enough places to ensure the absence of extraterrestrial artifacts. They used a probabilistic method to determine if sufficient searching has been done, finding it challenging to rule out their presence.

SourcePenn State·JournalActa Astronautica·DateNov 7, 2011

Banning sugar-sweetened beverages in schools does not appear to reduce consumption among adolescents

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that banning all sugar-sweetened beverages in schools reduces in-school access and purchase, but not overall consumption among adolescents. Approximately 85% of students reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a week, regardless of policy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 7, 2011

Berkeley Lab researchers ink nanostructures with tiny 'soldering iron'

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique for fabricating nanoscale structures by controlling the temperature of a tiny soldering iron. This method, called thermal dip-pen nanolithography, allows for precise control over feature size and shape on various substrates.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 7, 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.

How parasites modify plants to attract insects

Scientists identified a molecule that manipulates plant development to favor insect hosts, increasing leafhopper reproduction and pathogen transmission. This phenomenon demonstrates the extended phenotype, where an organism's impact on its environment extends beyond biological processes.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011

An incredible shrinking material

Researchers discovered negative thermal expansion in ScF3 through computer simulations and neutron scattering experiments. The material shrinks as it heats up due to unique atomic vibrations.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 7, 2011

Polio still a threat to public health

A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that live virus polio vaccine evolution can continue to threaten global eradication efforts. The expert recommends maintaining herd immunity, environmental surveillance, and switching to inactivated vaccines.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 7, 2011

Breakthrough scientific discoveries no longer dominated by the very young, study finds

A study of Nobel Laureates from 1901 to 2008 found that the majority of breakthroughs in chemistry and physics were made after age 40, with great achievements by age 30 nearly never occurring. The trend toward youthful achievement in early 20th century physics may be attributed to the development of quantum mechanics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 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 did healthy children fall critically ill in the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic?

A nationwide investigation found that simultaneous infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) increased the risk for flu-related mortality 8-fold among previously healthy children. The study, led by Children's Hospital Boston, tracked 838 children admitted to pediatric ICUs and found that co-infection with MRSA w...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 7, 2011

NIH study finds stroke risk factors may lead to cognitive problems

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health has discovered a correlation between high blood pressure and stroke risk factors with cognitive impairment. The research, which followed over 30,000 participants, found that age, left ventricular hypertrophy, and high blood pressure were independent predictors of cognitive decline.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeurology·DateNov 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.

Castles in the desert - satellites reveal lost cities of Libya

A British team has discovered over 100 fortified farms and villages with castle-like structures in Libya's south-western desert, uncovering new evidence of a lost civilization. The Garamantes were highly civilized, living in large-scale fortified settlements, predominantly as oasis farmers.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateNov 7, 2011

Lost in translation: Credit card bill notes curb cardholders' monthly payments

A study published in Journal of Marketing Research found that credit card bill notes displaying the minimum required payment amount can reduce monthly payments by up to 24% for US and UK consumers. Increasing the minimum payment amount or disclosing future interest costs does not encourage larger payments.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 7, 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.

The economic cost of advanced liver disease

A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with advanced liver disease have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to those with early stages of the disease. The average annual cost for patients with end-stage liver disease was estimated to be $59,995.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateNov 7, 2011

Scott & White Cancer Research Institute receives $3.5 million grant

The Scott & White Cancer Research Institute has received a $3.5 million grant from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas to develop new cancer treatments. The funds will be used to upgrade facilities and support the production of promising drug candidates, enabling rapid transition from laboratory to clinical trials.

SourceScott & White Healthcare·DateNov 7, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 7, 2011

Researchers have discovered that connexin 36 protects mouse pancreatic beta-cells against immune molecules prevalent in type 1 diabetes. Additionally, a study found that PTHrP drives breast tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in mice, suggesting it as a potential therapy target.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 7, 2011

Why cooking counts

A study by Harvard researchers found that cooked meat delivers more energy than raw meat, contradicting current food labeling. This discovery supports the idea that cooking allowed early humans to extract more energy from their diet, contributing to evolutionary adaptations such as increased brain size and long-distance running ability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 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.

Prostate cancer surgery better at teaching hospitals

A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that prostate cancer patients who undergo radical prostatectomy experience fewer complications and shorter hospital stays at teaching hospitals compared to non-academic institutions. The study suggests that the characteristics of teaching hospitals, including higher subspecialty ...

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 7, 2011