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Science News for September 1, 2011


Warming streams could be the end for salmon

A study by UC Davis scientists predicts that warming streams will be fatal to spring-run Chinook salmon in California unless water management strategies are implemented. Reducing hydropower diversions during warmest times could preserve salmon populations for a few decades.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Water Resources Planning and Management·DateSep 1, 2011

Scientists observe smallest atomic displacements ever

Researchers have developed a novel X-ray technique to image atomic displacements in materials, revealing that multiferroics exhibit magnetic and electric polarization due to relative charge displacement. The discovery has significant implications for designing multiferroic materials for practical applications.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 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.

World Trade Center-exposed NYC firefighters face increased cancer risk

A recent study published in The Lancet found that NYC firefighters exposed to the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster site were at least 19% more likely to develop cancer in the seven years following the disaster compared to non-exposed colleagues. The study evaluated the health of over 9,800 WTC-exposed and non-exposed firefighters.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 1, 2011

Increased resistance training does not benefit cardiac rehabilitation patients

A new study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that higher volume of resistance training combined with aerobic exercise did not yield additional benefits for patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. However, the combination of RT and AT resulted in substantial physical fitness benefits and reductions...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateSep 1, 2011

Hubble movies reveal solar-system-sized traffic jams

Astronomers using Hubble Space Telescope images have created time-lapse movies revealing dynamic behavior of stellar jets. The studies show clouds of dust and gas within the jets move at different speeds, challenging existing understanding of star birth processes.

SourceRice University·DateSep 1, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breast cancer risk drops when diet includes walnuts, Marshall researchers find

A study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that a diet rich in walnuts can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in mice. The researchers discovered that the walnut-containing diet changed the activity of multiple genes relevant to breast cancer, leading to fewer tumors and smaller tumor sizes.

SourceMarshall University Research Corporation·JournalNutrition and Cancer·DateSep 1, 2011

Insect gut microbe with a molecular iron reservoir

Scientists have identified a unique protein in an insect gut microbe that stores iron, regulating the concentration of molecules important for plant-insect interactions. The discovery sheds light on the survival strategies of the microbe and its relationship with the host insect.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 1, 2011

To clear digital waste in computers, 'think green,' researchers say

Digital waste in computers can deplete storage space and slow down systems. Researchers suggest a five-tier pyramid of options to curb the clutter: reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and dispose. By applying real-world trash management tactics, computers can be cleansed of unnecessary data.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateSep 1, 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.

Genetics meets metabolomics

Researchers identified 37 previously unknown genetic risk loci associated with complex common diseases and elucidated their effect on human metabolism. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of genetic variance in human metabolism, combining genome-wide association studies and metabolomics.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2011

New map shows where tastes are coded in the brain

Research reveals that four basic tastes are processed by distinct areas of the brain, with unique taste receptors and neurons arranging discretely in a gustotopic map. This discovery sheds light on how our brains represent the last of the classical five senses.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2011

Alzheimer's brains found to have lower levels of key protein

Researchers found that Alzheimer's brains consistently show lower levels of ubiquilin-1, a chaperone protein that helps regulate amyloid precursor protein (APP). Lower ubiquilin-1 levels disrupt APP folding and lead to the formation of toxic aggregates.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 1, 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.

Experts offer pointers for optimizing radiation dose in chest CT

Experts offer practical strategies for reducing radiation dose in chest CT scans, including stratifying protocols based on clinical indications and limiting scan length. Pediatric CT scans require lower doses compared to adult patients, and using appropriate scan parameters can further reduce radiation exposure.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateSep 1, 2011

Caltech team says sporulation may have given rise to the bacterial outer membrane

Researchers at Caltech used powerful imaging technique to study Acetonema longum, a bacterium with two membranes that responds to extreme situations by forming protective spores. The study found that the outer membrane may have originated from an inner membrane during sporulation, providing insights into its evolution and function.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateSep 1, 2011

Using less water to grow more potatoes

Researchers found that using flat bed systems increased yields by an average of 6 percent and improved water and nitrogen use efficiency. The study supported the USDA's commitment to enhancing sustainable agriculture, helping farmers increase yields, save water resources, and reduce nitrate leaching.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalAmerican Journal of Potato Research·DateSep 1, 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.

Up from the depths: How bacteria capture carbon in the 'twilight zone'

Researchers discovered a specific type of bacteria capturing carbon dioxide in the 'twilight zone' of the ocean, a region thought to be inhospitable for photosynthesis. The study provides new insights into the dark ocean's carbon cycle and challenges previous assumptions about the role of Archaea.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2011

Sight fails when defective eye cells cripple renewal

Researchers discovered that defective eye cells in a rare disease lead to photoreceptor cell failure, causing sight loss. The study provides a target for treatment and may help understand broader retinal degenerative diseases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 1, 2011

Tropical Depression 8E's remnants still hug Mexican coastline

The remnants of Tropical Depression 8E continue to bring heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms to Mexico's southwestern coast, with 4-6 inches of rain expected over the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima. The National Hurricane Center has issued their last warning for the area, indicating a low chance of regeneration.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 1, 2011

McMaster study finds more gut reaction to arthritis drugs

A McMaster University study found that stomach acid-suppressing drugs used to treat arthritis may cause damage to the small intestine, aggravating ulcers. The researchers suggest using probiotics as a potential cure for this damage.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 1, 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.

Increased prevalence of stroke hospitalizations seen in teens and young adults

A 14-year study found a significant increase in ischemic stroke hospitalizations among adolescents and young adults, with nearly one-third of patients aged 15-34 years also diagnosed with hypertension. The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce risk factors for stroke among this age group.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 1, 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.

Feeding cows natural plant extracts can reduce dairy farm odors and feed costs

Feeding cows natural plant extracts can reduce dairy farm odors and feed costs. Adding tannins to cow feed reduces ammonia emissions from barn floors and fertilized fields by 28-49%. This study aims to provide a practical solution for the US dairy industry, which has been petitioned to regulate ammonia under the Clean Air Act.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 1, 2011

Faster progress through puberty linked to behavior problems

Children who enter puberty quickly are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and acting out behaviors. The study found a strong relationship between tempo of puberty and behavior problems, with slower tempo indicating less acting out.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateSep 1, 2011

Two genes that cause familial ALS shown to work together

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that two genes, FUS/TLS and TDP-43, work together to support motor neuron survival in familial ALS. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggest that therapies targeting these genes may offer new hope for treating familial ALS.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 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.

Decrease in smoking reduces death rates within months

A study published in The Lancet found that a decrease in smoking rapidly reduces mortality rates in individuals and populations within six months. Dietary improvements also show positive results within one to three years.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 1, 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.

GEN reports on advances in DNA vaccine delivery and production

Scientists have made significant progress in developing effective delivery systems and efficient biomanufacturing strategies for DNA vaccines. Novel methodologies have emerged, including transdermal patches, electroporation, and plasmid purification techniques.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateSep 1, 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.

An 'unconventional' path to correcting cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutated gene affecting ion transport across cell membranes. Researchers have discovered an unexpected way to send mutant proteins to the surface to restore ion transport. Higher levels of GRASP65 escort mutant CFTR channels to the cell surface, dramatically extending the lives of mice with cystic fibrosis.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateSep 1, 2011

Sex hormones impact career choices

Research suggests that sex hormones play a significant role in shaping women's career interests. Females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia exhibit more interest in STEM careers due to increased androgen exposure, while those without the condition prefer people-oriented jobs.

SourcePenn State·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateSep 1, 2011

Digital quantum simulator realized

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully created a digital quantum simulator that can simulate any physical system efficiently. The simulator uses trapped ions to manipulate and encode states, allowing for the study of phenomena such as Zitterbewegung, which had never been observed directly in nature before.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 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.

Orchestrator of waste removal rescues cells that can't manage their trash

A recent study by Dr. Andrea Ballabio and colleagues discovered a key role for transcription factor EB (TFEB) in regulating lysosomal exocytosis, which can rescue cells from toxic waste buildup. The findings suggest an innovative approach to treating metabolic disorders associated with lysosomal storage diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 1, 2011

Yale scientists find stem cells that tell hair it's time to grow

Yale scientists identify adipose precursor cells as key players in triggering hair growth. These cells produce PDGF molecules necessary for producing hair growth in mice. The study offers a promising avenue for developing new treatments for male pattern baldness by targeting these stem cells and signals.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateSep 1, 2011

Manipulating plants' circadian clock may make all-season crops possible

Researchers at Yale University have identified a crucial gene, DET1, that regulates the plant circadian clock. This finding could lead to engineering plants that can thrive in different seasons and locations. By understanding the circadian rhythm, farmers may be able to grow crops year-round, reducing seasonal limitations.

SourceYale University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 1, 2011

Suicide bombs in Iraq have killed at least 12,000 civilians and

A study published in The Lancet found that suicide bombs caused 19% of civilian casualties, with a high injury-to-killed ratio for women and children. Coalition soldiers accounted for fewer casualties than civilians, highlighting the devastating impact on Iraqi civilians.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 1, 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.

Aging eyes linked to sleepless nights, new study shows

Researchers found an inverse relationship between blue light transmission and risk of sleep disturbances in the elderly. The study suggests that natural yellowing of the eye lens, which absorbs blue light, may be responsible for insomnia in older adults.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 1, 2011

Tree-killing pathogen traced back to California

A study published in Phytopathology identifies California as the source of the devastating tree-killing fungus Seiridium cardinale. The pathogen has infected and killed up to 95% of native trees worldwide, including junipers and cedars.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPhytopathology·DateSep 1, 2011

Activating your ABCs might help prevent AD (Alzheimer disease)

Researchers have identified a way to reduce beta-amyloid in mouse brains with AD, suggesting that activating ABCC1 transport protein could impede amyloid plaque formation. The approach uses thiethylperazine to activate ABC transporters and has potential for treating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 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.

Social media expert explores dynamics of online networking

Researchers found that accomplished developers form an elitist circle in the OSS community, making it difficult for less successful developers to establish collaborative relations. The study demonstrates social network analysis as a useful approach to understanding online social systems and their dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalFirst Monday·DateSep 1, 2011

Forests under threat from exotic earthworm invasion

A recent study reveals that humans are the primary agents of exotic earthworm dispersal in North America's forests. Non-native species can accelerate organic material breakdown, reducing habitat for animals and increasing soil erosion.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateSep 1, 2011

Alcohol dulls brain 'alarm' that monitors mistakes, MU study finds

A new study from the University of Missouri found that alcohol impairs a person's ability to monitor their own behavior and make adjustments accordingly. The study showed that while alcohol reduces self-control, it does not necessarily decrease awareness of mistakes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateSep 1, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 1, 2011

Researchers identify key protein ABCCC1 in clearing Alzheimer's beta-amyloid from the brain. A mutation in PSMB8 gene causes Japanese autoinflammatory syndrome with lipodystrophy. Signaling via TACI is crucial for long-lived antibody-secreting cells in a mouse model of flu infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 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.

Modelling melanocyte differentiation in zebrafish

The study combines genetic data with mathematical modelling to provide insights into cell differentiation. The findings demonstrate the utility of a systems biology approach, which could have implications for understanding and treating diseases such as cancers caused by abnormal cell function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 1, 2011

Faster diagnostics through cheap, ultra-portable blood testing

A new sensor technology has been developed to detect specific proteins in human blood, promising faster and more affordable diagnostics for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The sensor uses aptamers, custom-made molecules that can latch onto target compounds with high specificity and accuracy.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateSep 1, 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.

VCU receives grants to advance digital computing

Researchers at VCU are developing a new paradigm for digital computing that could enable the creation of energy-efficient processors running without batteries. The goal is to increase computational power and reduce heat dissipation, making it suitable for medical devices such as brain signal monitors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateSep 1, 2011

Lung cancer ALK rearrangement may predict pemetrexed efficacy, study shows

A study found that ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer patients responded significantly better to pemetrexed than those without the genetic mutation. Researchers discovered that ALK positivity was an independent predictor for pemetrexed efficacy, with improved tumor response rates and longer time to progression.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 1, 2011

Profiler at the cellular level

Researchers developed a diagnostic biological 'computer' network in human cells that recognizes cancer cells and triggers their destruction. The network uses a combination of five specific miRNAs to identify HeLa cancer cells and destroy them, while leaving healthy cells intact.

SourceETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2011

Starving inflammatory immune cells slows damage caused by multiple sclerosis

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered that inhibiting a single enzyme helps slow disease progression in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that targeting fatty acid metabolism could lead to new therapies with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 1, 2011

The geophysicist's guide to striking it rich

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an integrated method for surveying the earth for signs of valuable resources, including natural gas and oil. The technique combines multiple geophysical tools and plate tectonics reconstructions to identify specific areas with high potential for discovery.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPositioning·DateSep 1, 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.

Southern Rocky Mountain pikas holding their own, says new CU-Boulder assessment

A new CU-Boulder study assesses 69 historical sites in the Southern Rockies and finds that 65 of them are still occupied by pikas, contrasting with a recent Great Basin study showing local extinctions increasing five-fold. The team found that drier conditions at abandoned sites may be driving pika disappearance.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEcology·DateSep 1, 2011

Language speed vs. efficiency: Is faster better?

A recent study finds that languages vary in speed but not in efficiency, with some languages packing more information into each syllable than others. The research, published in Language journal, explores linguistic strategies for efficient communication and reveals a strong relationship between syllable complexity and speech rate.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateSep 1, 2011

Dendritic cells in liver protect against acetaminophen toxicity

Researchers discovered dendritic cells play a protective role in the liver against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure. High levels of dendritic cells are associated with protection, while low levels exacerbate liver damage and death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalHepatology·DateSep 1, 2011

New HIV vaccine approach targets desirable immune cells

Researchers have demonstrated a new HIV vaccine approach by designing an altered form of the virus's outer coating protein. This allows for better targeting of immature B cell receptors, leading to enhanced immune responses in animal models.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 1, 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.

From a flat mirror, designer light

Researchers at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have induced light rays to behave in a way that defies the centuries-old laws of reflection and refraction. The discovery allows for beams of light that reflect and refract in arbitrary ways, depending on the surface pattern.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2011

2 brain halves, 1 perception

Research reveals that specific fibre tracts in the corpus callosum are linked to individual differences in perceived visual motion. The connection affects how people perceive horizontal and vertical motion, with some individuals better at integrating information from both hemispheres.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 1, 2011

Climate in the past million years determined greatly by dust in the Southern Ocean

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and ETH Zürich studied dust and iron fluxes in Antarctic Ocean over 4 million years. Dust was found to increase during glacial periods, stimulating phytoplankton growth and increasing CO2 sink. The study suggests that dust played a crucial role in past climate change and could have imp...

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 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.

Fibrous stroma associated with poor prognosis in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers found that fibrous stroma surrounding squamous cell carcinoma tumors was associated with reduced 5-year recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates. The study suggests that targeting the tumor microenvironment may be a meaningful approach for developing treatment strategies.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 1, 2011

Joining the dots: mutation-mechanism-disease

A recent study discovered that a PSMB8 gene mutation causes Japanese autoinflammatory syndrome with lipodystrophy. The researchers identified the specific mechanism of the mutation and its impact on human health.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2011

Cryptococcus infections misdiagnosed in many AIDS patients

A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that Cryptococcus gattii is more commonly found in AIDS patients than previously thought. This distinction could lead to differences in treatment and clinical outcomes, as C. gattii may exhibit resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 1, 2011

Living with parents in adult life can prolong family conflict

Researchers found that domestic disputes increase when young adults continue to live at home with their parents. This 'full nest syndrome' affects emerging adults (18-25) and leads to conflicts related to personal values and social expectations.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalCultura y Educación·DateSep 1, 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.

Discovery suggests way to block fetal brain damage produced by oxygen deprivation

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that fetal brain damage from oxygen deprivation is linked to the action of a fatty molecule called LPA, which can be targeted with drugs. This finding provides a new strategy to limit or prevent serious developmental brain diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2011

The quantum tunneling effect leads electron transport in porphyrins

Researchers refute hopping mechanism, showing that porphyrins' conductivity is influenced by temperature and length, potentially suitable for quantum computing applications. The study highlights the potential of porphyrins as electronic components due to their wave nature.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 1, 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.

Economic analysis reveals organic farming profitable long-term

A new study reveals that organic crop rotation can be more profitable and carry less risk than conventional corn and soybean production, even with reduced price premiums. The research, which analyzed 18 years of data from a University of Minnesota trial, found that organic production was consistently more lucrative over the long term.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 1, 2011

Infants trained to concentrate show added benefits

Researchers trained 11-month-old infants to improve their concentration skills, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities in unrelated tasks. This early training may have significant implications for improving academic success, particularly for children at risk of poor outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 1, 2011

Student complaints of lackluster learning? The key to quelling boredom is within, grasshopper

According to University of Alberta researcher Lia Daniels, students can overcome boredom by using internal strategies such as re-appraising, critiquing, or evading their classes. The re-appraisers are the most resourceful group, while criticsizers may bring about effective change with the right communication from teachers. Parents and ...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateSep 1, 2011

Habit makes bad food too easy to swallow

Researchers found that people who frequently eat popcorn at the movies will consume stale popcorn regardless of its taste. To break this habit, dieters can try disrupting automatic eating habits by using their non-dominant hand.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 1, 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.

ATS publishes clinical practice guidelines on interpretation of FENO levels

The American Thoracic Society has issued guidelines on interpreting fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) levels in various clinical settings. FENO can detect eosinophilic airway inflammation, determine corticosteroid responsiveness, and monitor airway inflammation to guide treatment decisions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 1, 2011