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Science News for October 4, 2011


Young children show improved verbal IQ

Pre-schoolers improved their verbal intelligence and brain function after participating in a four-week learning program that combined interactive, music-based cognitive training cartoons. The study, led by Dr. Sylvain Moreno, found rapid transfer of cognitive benefits in 90% of children.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 4, 2011

Advance offers new opportunities in chemistry education, research

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new method to describe electronegativity, a basic chemical concept that can be difficult for college students to grasp. The system, called an atomic solid state energy scale, offers simplicity of understanding and opens important new avenues in materials and chemical research.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 4, 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.

Regular exercise improves health of people with long-term kidney disease

A systematic review published in The Cochrane Library found that regular exercise can improve physical fitness, walking capacity, and heart rate among people with CKD. Exercise programs can also increase muscular strength, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 4, 2011

Estimating severity of a flu epidemic

Estimating the severity of a flu epidemic can be done in real-time using serological data coupled with clinical surveillance data. This approach provides valuable insights for pandemic preparedness and response, making it useful not only for influenza pandemics but also for other emerging infectious diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 4, 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.

Researchers question key quality measure for asthma

A study published in JAMA found that hospitals' compliance with the Children's Asthma Care measures had no impact on patient outcomes, including return to the hospital for another asthma attack. The researchers concluded that these measures may not be suitable for public reporting, accreditation, or pay-for-performance policies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 4, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new leaf turns in carbon science

Researchers reveal new insight into global photosynthesis, estimating a 25% increase in the chemical process governing CO2 absorption and release. The study provides a benchmark for models simulating carbon cycling through plants.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2011

New Geological Society of America earth science research posted

Researchers have uncovered a compound monogenetic volcano at Ilchulbong, Jeju Island, revealing multiple magma pulses and vent shifts. Additionally, petrographic analysis of Enkingen impact breccias indicates significantly more than previously estimated impact melt volume.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateOct 4, 2011

Practical play: Interactive video games appear valuable for ICU patients

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that interactive video games safely enhance physical therapy for ICU patients, boosting their interest in therapy and motivation to do more. The study suggests that video game therapy activities can improve muscle weakness and balance in critically ill adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Critical Care·DateOct 4, 2011

Why narcoleptics get fat

Researchers found that narcoleptic patients have a deficiency of the neuropeptide hormone orexin, leading to impaired brown fat activity. This can result in excessive weight gain despite reduced caloric intake.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 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.

This is your brain on estrogen

Researchers have identified estrogen receptors in specific brain areas that influence metabolism, weight gain, and fertility. Deleting these receptors from mice resulted in significant weight gain and metabolic changes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2011

Frequently used weight-loss method is light on evidence

A newly published Cochrane systematic review reveals that the transtheoretical model stages of change (TTM SOC) method is ineffective in achieving significant weight loss. The study found that TTM SOC resulted in only 2kg or less weight loss, and no conclusive evidence of sustained weight loss was observed.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 4, 2011

MRI study finds that depression uncouples brain's hate circuit

A recent MRI study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that depression frequently uncouples the brain's 'hate circuit', which includes regions involved in risk and action responses, reward and emotion processing. This disruption may lead to impaired ability to control social interactions and increased self-loathing.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 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.

New findings validate the accuracy of autism diagnosis in children with Down syndrome

A 16-year study confirms the accuracy of autism diagnosis in children with Down syndrome using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The research found that clinicians can use the DSM to identify autism spectrum disorders in these individuals, providing them with targeted educational and intervention services.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalJournal of Intellectual Disability Research·DateOct 4, 2011

University of Texas Health Science Center: Alzheimer's might be transmissible in similar way as infectious prion diseases

A study by UTHealth suggests that Alzheimer's disease may arise from an infectious process similar to other neurological diseases. Researchers injected brain tissue from a confirmed Alzheimer's patient into mice, which developed plaques and brain alterations typical of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2011

New study of Glover's Reef challenges whether corals will benefit from Marine Reserves' protection

A recent study of Glover's Reef Marine Reserve in Belize found that coral communities showed no significant improvement despite 10 years of protected status. The research revealed declines in coral cover and abundance of juvenile corals, with macroalgae dominating the reef and impeding coral growth.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCoral Reefs·DateOct 4, 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.

Survey reveals reasons doctors avoid online error-reporting tools

A survey of radiation oncologists and healthcare professionals reveals that fears of getting into trouble and embarrassment are the primary barriers to using online error-reporting systems. Despite this, most respondents recognize the value of reporting errors and near-misses for improving care and patient safety.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 4, 2011

Panama REDD: Getting what you pay for

A new report by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute identifies gaps in Panama's forest monitoring, making it difficult to track emission reductions from REDD+ activities. The study emphasizes the need for low-cost, verifiable forest monitoring techniques to verify the effectiveness of conservation strategies.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 4, 2011

Fishy behaviour

Researchers found that timid fish are more likely to be caught using angling techniques near rocky outcrops or submerged vegetation, while bolder fish are targeted by beach seining. The study's findings suggest that boldness can influence an individual's capture technique and habitat preference.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

Rice physicists move 1 step closer to quantum computer

Researchers at Rice University have created a tiny 'electron superhighway' that could be useful for building a quantum computer. The device, which acts as an electron superhighway, is one of the building blocks needed to create quantum particles that store and manipulate data.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2011

Stroke rate 25 percent higher for Metis

A study by the University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Metis Federation found a 25% higher stroke rate among Metis compared to other Manitobans. The research identified a link between Metis-specific health issues, such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which increase stroke risk.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 4, 2011

Keeping track of reality

A structural variation in the paracingulate sulcus (PCS) may explain why some people are better at distinguishing real events from imagined ones. Adults with an absent PCS were significantly less accurate on memory tasks, despite their own confidence in their memory abilities.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateOct 4, 2011

Combination of MRI techniques identifies recent stroke

A study using MRI techniques has identified patients with recent strokes who can benefit from timely thrombosis treatment. The technique, combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), enables the pinpointing of the stroke's onset time, which is crucial for determining treatment efficacy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateOct 4, 2011

Green tea helps mice keep off extra pounds

Obese mice fed green tea supplement gained weight 45% more slowly than control group, suggesting EGCG limits fat absorption and enhances fat use. Green tea did not suppress appetite and a person would need to drink ten cups daily to match study amount.

SourcePenn State·JournalObesity·DateOct 4, 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.

Lungfish provides insight to life on land

Researchers studied lungfish to understand pelvic fin muscle development and its connection to the emergence of hind legs. The team found a transitional mechanism in bony fish that paved the way for tetrapod physiology, highlighting the importance of understanding evolutionary pathways in land adaptation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 4, 2011

Telestroke the next best thing

A new study found that Telestroke technology provides high-quality care for rural patients, administering stroke drug tPA at the same rate as urban centers. Effective use of Telestroke resulted in a 50% decrease in emergency room transfers and $1 million in health-care savings over four years.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 4, 2011

Scientists take up golf to prove long-standing theory of cell stickiness

Researchers from Nagoya University used a micro putter to test the adhesion of yeast cells on various surfaces. They found that dead cells stuck less than living cells, supporting the 'cell adhesion model'. This study could lead to new methods for evaluating cell health and developing effective treatments.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalMeasurement Science and Technology·DateOct 4, 2011

Hysterectomy is associated with increased levels of iron in the brain

A UCLA study found that hysterectomized women have higher brain iron levels than non-hysterectomized women, comparable to men. This may explain why men develop age-related neurodegenerative diseases earlier than women. The research suggests that reducing peripheral iron levels could lower disease risk and improve brain health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateOct 4, 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.

Study: growing up in bad neighborhoods has a devastating impact

A new study by University of Michigan sociologists reveals that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods face significant challenges in achieving high school graduation. The research found that black children are seven times more likely to experience long-term residence in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 4, 2011

A coating that prevents barnacles forming colonies

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have created an anti-fouling coating that prevents barnacles from forming colonies, using macrocyclic lactones to shut down their growth. The coating is environmentally friendly and can fully replace copper-based coatings in use on boats.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBiofouling·DateOct 4, 2011

Grant to LSUHSC Tumor Registry creates pediatric cancer research tool

The Louisiana Tumor Registry will collaborate with state pediatric organizations and the pediatric oncology community to rapidly collect and report pediatric cancer cases. The new database will be a valuable tool for researchers and health professionals working to control cancer in children.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 4, 2011

Natural compound helps reverse diabetes in mice

Scientists have found that nicotinamide mononucleotide, a naturally occurring compound, can reverse diabetes in mice by improving glucose tolerance and reducing cholesterol levels. The study suggests that this compound may one day be used to treat or prevent type 2 diabetes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 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.

To win hearts and minds, focus on small projects, study finds

A study published in Journal of Political Economy finds that a population-centered approach to counterinsurgency in Iraq is effective in reducing violent attacks. The study analyzed nearly $3 billion in spending on small local projects like digging wells and paving roads, which were shown to reduce violence.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateOct 4, 2011

Combination therapy beneficial for head and neck skin carcinomas, UNC study shows

A UNC-led study shows that patients with high-risk non-melanoma skin carcinomas of the head and neck may benefit from concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, achieving better outcomes compared to radiation alone. The study provides preliminary data on the feasibility of combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·DateOct 4, 2011

Making the healthy choice the easy choice

The University of Missouri Extension has received a national grant to promote healthy diets and physical activity through two projects: Missouri Farm to Institution Project and Livable Streets. The programs aim to provide tools and support for schools, hospitals, and institutions to serve locally grown produce and educate citizens to a...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateOct 4, 2011

Undetected strokes increase risk

Researchers found that 95% of people aged 65 have brain small vessel disease, while a quarter of healthy seniors have silent strokes. Regular exercise can delay onset of late life dementia, says Dr. Sandra Black.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 4, 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.

A hormone that fights fat with fat

Scientists at Sanford-Burnham discovered that orexin activates calorie-burning brown fat in mice, suggesting potential for new obesity treatments. The hormone is associated with increased energy expenditure and weight loss.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2011

UNH team wins NSF award for 'sun-to-ice' study

An interdisciplinary UNH team has been awarded a $5 million NSF grant to investigate the complex physical processes linking the dynamic Sun-Earth system. By analyzing polar ice cores for nitrate spikes, they aim to unravel the history of ancient solar activity and establish the range of extreme solar events.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateOct 4, 2011

Circadian clock may impact organ transplant success

A new study correlating circadian clocks with transplant success found that arteries of mice with dysfunctional internal clocks became diseased within weeks after transplantation. Transplanted blood vessels from healthy mice remained healthy in mutant mice, suggesting optimal organ function may be key to successful transplants.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

Same-day discharge after coronary artery stenting safe, yet not used

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that same-day discharge after coronary artery stenting is safe for low-risk patients, but not commonly practiced. The study of over 100,000 patients suggests that better risk assessment tools are needed to identify high-risk patients who require hospital overnight stay.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateOct 4, 2011

Culling can't save the Tasmanian devil

A new study suggests that culling Tasmanian devils cannot control the spread of facial tumour disease and may even increase its transmission. Alternative strategies such as setting up insurance populations, finding genetic resistance, and developing a vaccine are being explored to save the iconic marsupial

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 4, 2011

Yale researchers reveal 1 reason why fat cells fail

A Yale research team discovered a mechanism that enables fat cells to expand when excess metabolic energy is present, helping them store and use fatty acids efficiently. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular balance and preventing the breakdown of fat storage capacity in obese individuals.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 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 shot of cortisone stops traumatic stress

A study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology found that administering a single dose of cortisone up to six hours after traumatic event reduces the likelihood of developing PTSD by 60%. This natural approach may circumvent the harm caused by other pharmaceuticals and prevent the consolidation of traumatic memories.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 4, 2011

Calorific controversy for intensive care patients

A recent study of over 7,800 ICU patients in 33 countries found that those receiving at least two-thirds of their prescribed calorie intake had reduced mortality rates. The optimal caloric intake was approximately 80-85% of total prescribed calorie intake.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateOct 4, 2011

Partnership focuses on developing East Coast fever vaccine

Scientists are developing a vaccine against East Coast fever, a destructive disease in eastern and central Africa, with the potential to also protect US cattle. The collaboration aims to control tick-borne diseases, supporting international food security.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateOct 4, 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.

TGen/Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center publish results of new drug for pancreatic cancer patients

A new drug combination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel has shown impressive results in a clinical trial for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, found that about half the patients showed reductions in tumor size and about 50 percent lived at least a year.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 4, 2011

Women with PCOS have family heart disease link

A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals a strong link between cardiovascular disease in both parents and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in their daughters. Mothers with PCOS are more likely to have high blood pressure, while fathers are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 2011

Transforming medical implants

Researchers are developing biodegradable medical implants that degrade naturally in the body, promoting tissue regeneration. These implants have wide range of applications including repairing knee and hip joints, ligaments, and spinal injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 4, 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.

Health and forensic databases may contribute to racial disparities

A new study finds that health and forensic DNA databases are growing to mirror racial disparities in arrest practices and incarceration rates. Underrepresented groups, such as African Americans and Latinos, face more severe disparities in forensic DNA databases compared to health DNA databases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 4, 2011