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Science News for October 5, 2011


Novel Stanford math formula can predict success of certain cancer therapies

A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that a novel mathematical formula can predict the success of certain cancer therapies by tracking the rate of tumor response during the first weeks of treatment. The formula, which uses advanced high-school-level math, identifies oncogene addiction in cancers, allowing for targeted therapies...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Stanford regimen frees kidney-transplant patients from dependency on immunosuppresant drugs

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel protocol that allows kidney-transplant recipients to avoid immune-suppressing drugs without compromising the health of their new kidney. The treatment involves combining targeted radiation with stem cells from the donor's blood, resulting in a successful outcome for eight patien...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

Caltech team uses laser light to cool object to quantum ground state

Researchers at Caltech have successfully cooled a miniature mechanical object to its lowest possible energy state using laser light, paving the way for the development of exquisitely sensitive detectors and quantum experiments. The achievement uses optical light to extract phonons from the system, creating an efficient optomechanical t...

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2011

Invasive melanoma may be more likely in children than adults

Researchers analyzed medical records of 717 children and 1,368 young adults diagnosed with melanoma. Children were found to have a higher risk of metastases in lymph nodes compared to adults. Survival rates did not differ significantly by age among those with metastatic melanoma.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer·DateOct 5, 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.

Illusory memories can have salutary effects

Research suggests that illusory memories can enhance survival by providing extra protection against predators. Additionally, these false memories can also contribute to improved problem-solving skills and a more optimistic self-concept. Memory illusions are seen as an adaptive mechanism, essential for human psychological well-being.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 5, 2011

Progression of lung fibrosis blocked in mouse model

Researchers at University of California, San Diego, have made a groundbreaking discovery blocking the progression of lung fibrosis in mice. By targeting a specific phosphorylation pathway, they found that it may contribute to the development of lung injury and fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 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.

Athletes' winning streaks may not be all in our -- or their -- heads

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found strong support for the 'hot hand' phenomenon in basketball data. The study analyzed five years of NBA free throws and showed that players' probabilities of hitting a shot increase following a hit than after a miss on the previous shot.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 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.

Most ancient supernovas are discovered

A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University has uncovered a record-breaking number of ancient supernovas in the Subaru Deep Field. These explosions are believed to be a major source of iron in the universe, including the Earth's core and blood.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 5, 2011

Long-lost Lake Agassiz offers clues to climate change

Researchers studying Lake Agassiz, a massive lake that once covered much of Canada and the US, have found evidence suggesting that increased evaporation, not outflow, caused a significant drop in water levels during the Younger Dryas cold interval. This finding provides insights into climate change and its effects on global systems.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateOct 5, 2011

Molecular sudoku

Researchers used scanning tunneling microscopy to assemble 1-nanometer sized molecules into a 3x3 square array, showing varying conductance across the structure. The study demonstrates the beauty and intricacy of molecular electronics, with applications in miniaturized circuits and challenges to be addressed.

SourceCatalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 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.

From myth to reality: Photos prove triple rainbows exist

Scientists have confirmed the existence of triple rainbows using photographic evidence and a new meteorological model. The discovery was made possible by a professor's guidelines that showed how to find tertiary rainbows, which are rare because they require specific conditions to appear.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateOct 5, 2011

Tobin Marks awarded Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences

Tobin Marks received the Dreyfus Prize in Chemical Sciences for his work on catalysts enabling recyclable plastics and sustainably produced materials. His research has led to multi-billion dollar industrial processes and enormous energy savings.

SourceThe Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.·DateOct 5, 2011

Think you’re in poor health? It could increase your odds of dementia

A recent study published in Neurology found that people who rate their health as poor or fair have a 70% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who rate their health as good. The association is particularly strong for those without cognitive problems, where the risk is nearly twice as high.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 5, 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.

Monkeys 'move and feel' virtual objects using only their brains

In a groundbreaking study, monkeys trained at Duke University Center for Neuroengineering learned to control a virtual avatar hand and identify textures of virtual objects solely with their brain activity. This technology has the potential to restore tactile sensation and mobility to quadriplegic patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2011

Collectivism and bribery

Researchers found that people in collectivist cultures are more likely to offer bribes, as they feel less individually responsible for their actions. In a laboratory experiment, students primed with collectivist words were more likely to offer bribes than those primed with individualist words.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Scarborough·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 5, 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.

Bacteria forge nitrogen from nitric oxide

Researchers have solved the molecular mechanism of anammox, a crucial pathway in the nitrogen cycle that converts ammonia to nitrogen without oxygen. The study reveals the role of hydrazine and nitric oxide as intermediates, shedding light on how this process occurs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2011

Nursing home flu shots fall short, especially for blacks

A study by Brown University found that nursing home flu shot vaccination rates are lower for black patients compared to white patients. Despite efforts to improve vaccination rates over time, the disparity persists within individual facilities, with black patients refusing shots at a higher rate than whites.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 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.

Women exposed to diethylstilbestrol in the womb face increased cancer risk

A large study found that daughters of women given diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy face an increased risk of reproductive problems and certain cancers. The study also found a twofold higher risk of infertility and a fivefold increased risk of preterm delivery among DES-exposed women.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

New mouse model recreates common form of autism

A genetically engineered mouse model with tripled Ube3a gene dosage exhibits robust examples of all three traits considered hallmarks of autism: reduced social interaction, impaired communication, and excessive repetitive behaviors. The study provides further clues in understanding brain defects that lead to autism development.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

Last universal common ancestor more complex than previously thought

Researchers found that the polyphosphate storage site represents the first known universal organelle, present in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. This discovery challenges traditional definitions of bacterial organisms, suggesting LUCA was more complex than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiology Direct·DateOct 5, 2011

Organic medical imaging system to detect disease and track medication

Scientists at the University of Nottingham are developing a new organic medical imaging system using nano-transducers made from biological membranes to detect diseases earlier and track medication. The system has the potential to monitor electrical activity in the brain and track individual cells in the human body.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateOct 5, 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.

Longer trips to the ER, especially for minorities and poor

A new study found that nearly one in four Americans must travel farther to a nearest trauma center due to hospital closures, especially affecting African Americans, poor and uninsured residents. The study highlights the need for policy makers to subsidize trauma centers serving vulnerable communities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 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.

You can wash away your troubles, with soap

A literature review found that people's judgments of others' moral wrongdoing are influenced by their physical state, with exposure to cleanliness improving moral perceptions. Additionally, using soap can alleviate post-decision doubt and reduce feelings of guilt associated with negative experiences.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 5, 2011

New study shows how trees clean the air in London

A new study shows that trees in London's urban areas remove between 850 to 2000 tonnes of particulate pollution from the air every year. This research uses a prediction model to estimate future air quality and suggests that targeted tree planting and a mix of evergreen species can maximize benefits.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateOct 5, 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.

Survival increased in early stage breast cancer after treatment with herceptin and chemo

A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a combination of chemotherapy and Herceptin significantly increases survival in patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer. The regimen without Adriamycin was comparable to the standard therapy, reducing heart toxicity and acute side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

Research sheds light on origins of greatness

A new paper by Michigan State University scientist Zach Hambrick finds that working memory capacity can outperform practice in complex tasks such as piano sight reading. The study shows people with higher levels of working memory capacity perform better even with extensive experience and knowledge.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 5, 2011

First comet found with ocean-like water

Astronomers at the University of Michigan discovered ocean-like water in Comet Hartley 2, a finding that suggests comets may have delivered a significant portion of Earth's oceans. The discovery was made using data from the Herschel Space Observatory and suggests that the source of Earth's oceans is more complex than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2011

A third of elderly Medicare beneficiaries undergo surgery during their last year of life but many procedures are likely to be unnecessary or unwanted

The study found that nearly one in five patients underwent a surgical procedure in the last month of life, and nearly 1 in 10 had a procedure in their last week. The likelihood of surgery varied by age, location, and hospital bed availability, suggesting that some operations may be discretionary or avoidable.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 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.

Earlier tracheostomies result in better patient outcomes

A study found that performing tracheostomies within seven days of a severe head injury improves overall patient outcome. This is especially true for patients with a reasonable chance of survival, where early tracheostomy reduces the risk of complications and increases the likelihood of discharge in an independent state.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurocritical Care·DateOct 5, 2011

Simulations unlock carbon nanotube potential for industry

Carbon nanotubes have exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, but agglomerate formation hinders their full potential. Simulations using the Ohio Supercomputer Center unveil the effectiveness of tie molecules in improving CNTs' stability and performance.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateOct 5, 2011

Health Affairs article focuses on health care disparities facing people with disabilities

People with disabilities continue to face difficulties meeting major social needs, including accessing health care facilities and services. Iezzoni's analysis highlights barriers that restrict their access to health services, including lower rates of mammography and Pap tests. She argues that healthcare professionals need to understand...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 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.

In the brain, winning is everywhere

A study published in Neuron found that brain regions beyond the reward centers engage when playing games, suggesting a more widespread role for reward processing in the brain. The research used multi-voxel pattern analysis to identify patterns of brain activity associated with wins and losses.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 5, 2011

US not taking basic step to prevent toxoplasmosis in newborns, Stanford researcher contends

A new study from Stanford University reveals that North American babies infected with toxoplasmosis in the womb are more likely to suffer severe complications, including brain calcifications, hydrocephalus, and eye disease. The study suggests that a lack of prenatal screening and treatment may be contributing to these outcomes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateOct 5, 2011

New oral drug found to reduce relapses in multiple sclerosis patients

A new oral drug, teriflunomide, has been shown to significantly reduce the relapse rate of people with multiple sclerosis and slow the progression of the disease. The drug was found to be effective in increasing the time between relapses and reducing disease progression by almost 30%.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

Physicists to develop new way of electronic computing

Researchers aim to speed up data processing applications such as internet searching, data compression, and image recognition. They plan to utilize the spin degree of freedom to store and process information in a single chip.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 5, 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.

Athletes' streaks not all in our (or their) heads

Researchers analyzed 300,000 NBA free-throws, finding strong support for the hot hand phenomenon, which suggests a streak of positive outcomes is likely to continue. This study sheds new light on an old question, supporting fans' view that the phenomenon exists and opens doors for further physiological and psychological investigations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2011

The establishment of genetically engineered canola populations in the US

Researchers have discovered genetically engineered canola populations growing outside of established cultivation regions along roadsides across North Dakota. These 'escaped' plants accounted for 45% of total roadside plants sampled and persisted from year to year, raising questions about oversight and monitoring protocols.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 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.

Unlocking jams in fluid materials

Researchers developed a theoretical model to understand how to best avoid jamming of soft matter, which can be applied in food and cosmetics production. The model takes into account common properties between three classes of materials: soft matter, metallic liquids, and granular materials.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 5, 2011

How chronic stress short-circuits parenting

A study from the University of Rochester found that chronic stress disrupts a mother's natural stress response, leading to problematic parenting behaviors. Mothers with higher depressive symptoms exhibited hyperactive stress responses, resulting in harsh and reactive parenting.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateOct 5, 2011

MIT research: Career path closed, must take detour

A new MIT study reveals that non-compete agreements lead many engineers to abandon their chosen industry after switching jobs, often at significant financial cost. The study found that about one-third of tech workers who sign non-compete agreements leave their industry altogether.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 5, 2011

New potential therapeutic target for breast cancer

A study published in Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research found that Tyk2 protein helps suppress breast tumor growth and metastasis. Mice with normal Tyk2 expression were less susceptible to breast cancer, suggesting boosting Tyk2 activity may be beneficial for treating the disease.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 5, 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.

Zinc's role in the brain

Researchers discovered zinc's critical role in regulating neuronal communication, affecting memories formation and learning. The study found that removing zinc interferes with long-term potentiation, a process important for memory and learning.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Scarborough·JournalNeuron·DateOct 5, 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.