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Science News for November 8, 2011


Which way you lean -- physically -- affects your decision-making

A study found that subtly manipulating body posture influences people's estimates of quantities such as sizes, numbers, or percentages. Participants who leaned left estimated lower quantities, while those who stood upright gave more accurate estimates.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 8, 2011

Can metals remember their shape at nanoscale, too?

Physicists from the University of Constance used computer simulations to study shape memory materials down to the nanoscale. They found that the material's atomic-scale crystal structure shifted as the temperature increased, triggering a structural phase transition.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 8, 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.

The story behind the science

Two Penn physicians propose incorporating narrative into evidence-based medicine to translate medical science to the public, combating disproven theories and fear-based appeals. They suggest using counternarratives and personal stories to unmask hidden work of researchers and guidelines committees.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2011

Carbon monoxide -- the silent calmer?

Research found that inhaling low levels of CO reduces the impact of environmental stress, including noise pollution, in city living. The study suggests that CO can have a narcotic effect that counters stress caused by noise and crowd density.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateNov 8, 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.

How do we manage the demand for global health education?

Global health training programs should be evaluated by the quality of experience for trainees from all settings and by the incremental improvement in in-country care, infrastructure, and research. Investments in human resources are crucial to discovering and delivering innovations in prevention and treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011

Drinking water from plastic pipes - is it harmful?

A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study investigates the impact of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes on drinking water quality. The research found that while there are no health risks associated with PEX pipes, certain types may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odor, especially when water remains in the pipes over time.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalJournal of Water and Health·DateNov 8, 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.

Studies reveal potential of HPV vaccine to substantially reduce incidence of cervical cancer and suggest screening programs could be modified

A bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to offer excellent protection against the most serious immediate precursor to invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also partially protects against four other cancer-causing HPV types, which together with HPV16/18 cause about 85% of cervical cancer worldwide.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 8, 2011

Benefits of working from home depends on family demands

A study by Professor Timothy Golden found that individuals who juggle conflicting demands between their work and home lives experience more work exhaustion. However, those with lower levels of conflict benefit from teleworking during traditional or non-traditional work hours, leading to reduced exhaustion.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateNov 8, 2011

UH receives $990K grant to enhance cancer research facilities

The University of Houston will receive funding to purchase and install an advanced imaging system for in-depth monitoring of tumor growth and cancer progression. This will enable researchers to study the interactions of tumors in local tissue environments, leading to a better understanding of cancer cell progression.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 8, 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.

Brain stimulator shown to reduce 'untreatable' epileptic seizures

A first-of-its-kind study found that brain stimulation significantly reduced 'medically refractory' epileptic seizures in adults. The NeuroPace Responsive Neurostimulation System delivered electrical pulses to stop seizures, providing a new treatment option for patients who have tried multiple medications and surgery without success.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalNeurology·DateNov 8, 2011

Autism linked with excess of neurons in prefrontal cortex

A study published by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found a 67% excess of cortical cells in children with autism, pointing to prenatal processes gone awry as a possible cause. The excess neurons were discovered in areas associated with social, communication and cognitive development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 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.

Hi-tech scans catch prehistoric mite hitching ride on spider

Researchers have produced the smallest arthropod fossil ever scanned using X-ray CT techniques, a 176-micron-long prehistoric mite trapped in Baltic amber. The study reveals almost 50 million years of evolution among these mites of phoretic behavior using another species.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 8, 2011

10 million euros for pioneering research projects at TU Muenchen

Six TUM researchers have received substantial ERC grants to support their groundbreaking research projects. Prof. Annette Menzel's project aims to investigate the impact of extreme weather events on ecosystems, while Prof. Christian Pfleiderer is working on magnetic vortices for information technology.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateNov 8, 2011

Cooking in the classroom to fight childhood obesity

A study found that cooking programs like Cooking with Kids integrate nutrition education with academic subjects, strengthening students' understanding of content and developing social skills. The program helps students develop good food habits and treats them respectfully, preparing them for adulthood.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 8, 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.

Digital tool enhances writing instruction

Eli is a web service that improves writing by providing teachers and students with quick review, feedback, and revision tools. Developed by MSU researchers, Eli aims to enhance writing proficiency among America's students and professional writers.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 8, 2011

Reducing carbon footprints with carbon storage

Research shows that maintaining wildlands in and among vineyards significantly improves carbon storage. This approach can help balance global atmospheric carbon by increasing vegetation and biodiversity while reducing emissions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateNov 8, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Psychologists chase down sleep demons

Researchers found that sleep paralysis is more common in students and psychiatric patients, affecting nearly 28% of students and 32% of psychiatric patients. The study also identified three types of hallucinations experienced during sleep paralysis, including the presence of an intruder, pressure on the chest, and levitation.

SourcePenn State·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·DateNov 8, 2011

Wood biofuel could be a competitive industry by 2020: UBC study

A new study published in the journal Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefinin suggests that wood-based biofuel can compete with corn ethanol for a share of the renewable fuels market. The research identifies opportunities to reduce costs and increase economic viability through technological advancements and economies-of-scale.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateNov 8, 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.

Researchers create extra-long electrical arcs using less energy

Researchers at the University of Canterbury developed a new method to generate extra-long electrical arcs using exploding copper wires, reducing the amount of voltage needed by more than 95%. The technique has potential applications in inducing real lightning from thunderclouds and creating novel electrical machines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 8, 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.

Possible treatment target found for main cause of severe liver disease in kids

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular signature for biliary atresia, a devastating pediatric liver disease. The study found that some children with the condition exhibit high levels of Th2 immune system activity, providing a potential target for new therapies.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2011

Seasonal flu monitoring system launches

The UK Flusurvey, launched by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, will track seasonal flu spread across Britain and compare data with European countries. The online survey aims to detect flu epidemics early and provide insights into vaccine effectiveness.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011

A new role is hatched for female fruit flies

A team of NYU biologists uncovered a previously unknown role for female reproductive tract cells in fruit flies, which affects sperm movement and fertility. The discovery may provide insights into manipulating reproductive behavior in other insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 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.

Nanowires could be solution for high performance solar cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a technique to integrate compound semiconductor nanowires on silicon wafers, enabling high-performance solar cells. The approach uses densely packed arrays of tiny strands of III-V semiconductor that grow up vertically from the silicon wafer.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 8, 2011

Precipitation variability in Northeast, Southwest linked in 1,000-year analysis

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds a strong correlation between precipitation patterns in the Northeast and Southwest. Researchers used sediment layers to reconstruct records and found that extreme weather events are predicted by climate models.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2011

Syracuse University receives $2 million from NSF

The university will conduct research on deciphering and controlling the signaling processes in bacterial multicellular systems and bacteria-host interactions. This study aims to understand persister formation in biofilm development and manipulate the multicellular and inter-kingdom signaling processes.

SourceSyracuse University·DateNov 8, 2011

Bisexual women, more likely than bisexual men, to be depressed and abuse alcohol, new study finds

A recent study by George Mason University researcher Lisa Lindley found that bisexual women are at a higher risk of depression, stress, and alcohol abuse compared to their male counterparts. The research also showed that bisexual girls were more likely to be high-risk for these health issues during their teenage years.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 8, 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.

What the brain sees after the eye stops looking

A Japanese study reveals that the brain, not the eye, produces afterimage illusions in complementary shapes. The research found that the brain's shape-processing visual cortex is responsible for creating these illusory shapes, which were observed in a novel afterimage illusion.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 8, 2011

Vaccine for metastatic breast, ovarian cancer shows promise

A recombinant poxviral vaccine has shown positive responses in both metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer, with median overall survival ranging from 13.7 months to 15 months. The treatment led to clinical responses in some patients and mild injection-site reactions as the most common side effect.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 8, 2011

Spinal bleeding with brain injury may suggest abuse in young children

A new study found that spinal bleeding is common in young children with traumatic brain injury, suggesting abusive trauma. Complete spine imaging can help distinguish between abusive and accidental injury in these cases. The study's findings support the importance of imaging the whole spine for accurate diagnosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 8, 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.

Research team explores how microbial diversity defends against disease

A research team led by Virginia Tech's Lisa Belden is studying the role of microbial communities on the skin of frogs in defending against a devastating fungal disease. The goal is to develop probiotics that can help amphibians resist the disease and potentially even release endangered species back into nature.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 8, 2011

Financial reimbursement increases cardiac stress tests

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that financial reimbursement for cardiac imaging tests increases their use, with doctors ordering tests 50-100% more often when billed for both performing and interpreting the results.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2011

Molecular corkscrew

Researchers have discovered that the protein p97/VCP aids DNA repair by unwinding proteins at damaged sites. This mechanism holds potential for improving radio- and chemotherapy effects on cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

A list of the planthoppers of Iran

A comprehensive list of 235 planthoppers from Iran has been compiled, featuring new species names and taxonomic data. The study aims to improve pest control management and encourage further research on this important group of insects.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 8, 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.

Research targets brain region affected by Parkinson's

A team of researchers at the University of Western Ontario has demonstrated that eliminating a specific neurotransmitter in the striatum may improve brain function in Parkinson's disease. By using genetically-modified mice and high-level behavior and imaging techniques, the researchers found that neurons responsible for this neurotrans...

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

Using Viagra to combat malignant melanoma

Researchers have found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can neutralize chronic inflammation caused by malignant melanoma, allowing tumor-specific T cells to function properly. This study suggests that Viagra may improve treatment results for people with melanoma by boosting antitumor immunity.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2011

Shoe strings and egg openers

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify novel Rubisco activase in red algae that repairs useless proteins by opening active centers like a shoe string. This discovery could aid in designing more efficient plants and microorganisms that convert CO2 into valuable biomass.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

Promoting corporate sustainability on the web

A new study found that top US companies promote sustainability on their websites to attract and retain profitable customers. The researchers assessed the environmental efforts of 500 leading companies and discovered a significant increase in sustainability programs across industries since 2008.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateNov 8, 2011

Clean indoor air laws encourage bans on smoking at home

New studies found that clean indoor air laws are associated with increased voluntary smokefree policies in the home, particularly in households with smokers and children. The laws have a significant impact on protecting kids from secondhand smoke exposure, with children up to twice as likely to take up smoking themselves.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011

Universities, industry team up for 'greener' electronics

The NSF-funded I/UCRC E3S center aims to develop holistic approaches to energy efficiency in data centers, potentially saving millions of dollars. The collaboration between universities and industry leaders will focus on finding ways to monitor and self-regulate electronic systems' energy usage.

SourceBinghamton University·DateNov 8, 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.

1 neuron, 2 neurotransmitters and different effects on behavior

Researchers discovered that eliminating acetylcholine secretion boosted dopamine actions, potentially improving motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. The study used genetically modified mice to investigate the role of neurotransmitters in the striatum, a region affected by the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

New hybrid detector monitors alpha, beta, and gamma radiation simultaneously

Researchers have developed a new hybrid detector that can monitor alpha, beta, and gamma radiation simultaneously. The device uses three scintillators to distinguish between the different types of radiation, allowing it to provide accurate counts for all three simultaneously.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 8, 2011

Carotid artery stenting possible for high risk patients with lesions

Researchers at UTHealth successfully performed carotid artery stenting on 10 high-risk patients without complications or deaths. The procedure showed promising results, particularly in patients with symptoms of stroke related to their carotid artery disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateNov 8, 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.

New research calls for lower limit to be set for South Asian obesity level

A new study suggests that migrant South Asians should be classified as obese with a BMI between 23-28 kg/m2, indicating a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The conventional definition of obesity may need to be lowered for this population to detect equivalent levels of cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2011

Painkiller abuse treated by sustained buprenorphine/naloxone

A large-scale study found that sustained buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) treatment reduced prescription painkiller abuse by 49% in patients with addiction. However, once the medication was discontinued, relapse rates were high, highlighting the need for sustained recovery strategies.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateNov 8, 2011

New artemisinin-based treatment against malaria promising

A new artemisinin-based treatment has been shown to be highly effective in treating uncomplicated malaria, particularly in regions with high re-infection risks. The study, which involved over 4,000 children in sub-Saharan Africa, found that the combination therapy had excellent efficacy and significantly reduced recurrent infections.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011

Adult living donor liver transplants safe, study finds

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that adult living donor liver transplants are safe with a 100% donor survival rate and low-grade complications. The study, which looked at 54 living donor liver transplants over 10 years, also found minor complications in 61% of donors.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateNov 8, 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.

Researchers identify diabetes link to cognitive impairment in older adults

Researchers identified a key mechanism behind diabetes-related cognitive impairment, finding that insulin resistance triggers inflammation leading to cortical atrophy and brain dysfunction. The study provides new insights into the disease's impact on the brain and highlights the importance of managing and preventing diabetes.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 8, 2011

Survey identifies sea turtle 'hitchhikers'

A recent survey of Pacific sea turtles has identified 16 species of epibionts, including crabs and barnacles, that live on their shells. These organisms can cause drag and transmit disease, highlighting the importance of considering their impact on turtle health and ecology.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalBulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History·DateNov 8, 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.

UCLA biologists slow the aging process in fruit flies

Researchers activated a gene called PGC-1, which increases mitochondrial activity, and found it significantly extends the lifespan of fruit flies' digestive tracts. The study's implications for human aging suggest targeting the intestine as a vital tissue type for healthy aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 8, 2011

Fundamental discovery casts enzymes in new light

Researchers have made a fundamental discovery about enzymes, revealing that flexibility is an essential feature of enzyme function. This finding has significant implications for improving the efficiency of enzymatic processes and developing new treatments for diseases such as AIDS.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

Galaxy DNA-analysis software is now available 'in the cloud'

The Galaxy platform is now available as a cloud computing resource, providing researchers with access to powerful computing power and vast data storage capacity. This development enables scientists to perform large-scale DNA analyses without investing in expensive computer infrastructure.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 8, 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.

Four Hebrew University professors named winners of EMET Prize

Four Hebrew University professors, Prof. Saharon Shelah, Gershon Ben-Shakhar, Berachyahu Lifshitz, and Eliav Shochetman, have been awarded the $1 million EMET Prize for their significant contributions to mathematics, psychology, law, and Jewish law. The prize recognizes their far-reaching influence and impact on society.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateNov 8, 2011

For new microscope images, less is more

Scientists have developed a microscope that utilizes compression sensing to gather molecular vibration information with increased resolution and reduced time. The new method has been applied to sum frequency generation microscopes, resulting in images with 16 times more pixel density than traditional scanning techniques.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2011

Using biochar to boost soil moisture

Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that biochars produced from switchgrass and hardwoods increased soil moisture storage in sandy soils. The study also showed that biochars can extend the window of soil water availability for crops by 1-3 days.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 8, 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.

US institute wraps up data collection in Russian Mars 520-day mission simulation

The 520-day Mars Mission simulated prolonged operational confinement on a six-member international crew, collecting over 4.5 million minutes of actiwatch data to evaluate the impact on sleep patterns and mental health. The study's findings will help scientists mitigate potential problems for future long-duration space missions.

SourceNational Space Biomedical Research Institute·DateNov 8, 2011

Holm oaks will gain ground in northern forests due to climate change

A study projects an increase of up to 350% in Mediterranean forest formations like holm oak and juniper due to CO2 concentration increases. In contrast, cold-adapted species may shrink by 99%. The prediction could have significant impacts on biodiversity conservation.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateNov 8, 2011