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Science News for September 20, 2011


Massive push to improve the health of women and children

Tens of billions committed globally to improve the health of women and children, with over $11 billion from poorest countries. The Every Woman, Every Child effort aims to reduce death tolls and improve health outcomes through policy and service delivery commitments.

SourcePartnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health·DateSep 20, 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.

NIH Director's Awards go to 3 Johns Hopkins scientists

Three Johns Hopkins researchers, including Andrew Feinberg, Gyanu Lamichhane, and Thomas Hartung, have received NIH Director's Awards for their groundbreaking work in epigenetics, tuberculosis, and toxicological testing. Their research aims to revolutionize cancer treatment, develop new antibiotics, and improve human health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateSep 20, 2011

Costly blood clots more common than expected among cancer patients

A study of over 30,000 cancer patients found that up to one in five risk developing blood clots called venous thromboembolism (VTE), with risks nearly doubling after a year of treatment. VTEs can be deadly and costly, with average care bills exceeding $110,362 compared to $77,984 for non-VTE patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateSep 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Depression associated with increased risk of stroke and stroke-related death

A meta-analysis of 28 prospective cohort studies found depression associated with a 45% increased risk of total and fatal strokes. Depression also increases the risk of ischemic strokes by 25%. The study suggests depression may contribute to stroke through various mechanisms, including neuroendocrine and immunological effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 20, 2011

Digital panoramas of rangelands could be rich source of research data

USDA researchers are exploring high-resolution digital panoramas to study landscape changes in rangelands. By creating detailed images, scientists can track wildlife populations, invasive plant species, and monitor riparian areas.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·DateSep 20, 2011

A good night's sleep may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes in obese teens

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that optimal sleep duration for teenagers can help stabilize blood sugar levels and insulin secretion. The researchers discovered that 7.5-8.5 hours of sleep per night may protect against the development of type 2 diabetes in obese adolescents.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 20, 2011

Racing against time

The Controlled Impact Rescue Tool (CIRT) rapidly rescues those trapped beneath concrete by creating a contained hole with high-energy jolts, making it up to four times faster than traditional methods. CIRT units have been distributed to various search-and-rescue teams across the US.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateSep 20, 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.

Study identifies risk factors for complications after spine surgery

A recent study found that older patient age, congestive heart failure, and preoperative neurological problems are independent risk factors for death and complications after spine surgery. The study analyzed data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateSep 20, 2011

Amateur botanists discover a genuflecting plant in Brazil

A new plant species, Spigelia genuflexa, with a rare characteristic of burying its seeds has been discovered in the Atlantic forest of Bahia, Brazil. The plant's 'geocarpy' adaptation ensures its propagation by depositing seeds on the ground and sometimes burying them, similar to peanuts.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPhytoKeys·DateSep 20, 2011

UTHealth student earns fellowships to research major source of bacterial infections

Jennifer Juarez, a UTHealth doctoral student, has been awarded two research fellowships to study the spread of E. coli, a hard-to-treat bacterium that can lead to food poisoning and fatal disease. Her research focuses on understanding how bacterial cells divide and proliferate, paving the way for novel antibacterial treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateSep 20, 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.

Vacuum-like device makes cellular exploration easier

A team of researchers at McGill University developed a new device that can float over cell surfaces without touching them, allowing for the study of cellular processes such as cancer cell formation and neuron alignment. The device uses quadrupoles to create force fields and deliver molecules selectively to cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2011

Possible new blood test to diagnose heart attacks

Researchers have discovered a potential new biomarker for heart attacks, cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), which is released into the blood following a heart attack. Elevated levels of cMyBP-C may help diagnose heart attacks more accurately, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateSep 20, 2011

UNC scientist proves potential of new nanoparticle design for cancer therapy

A new type of nanoparticle has been developed to deliver chemotherapy drugs more effectively, with a high drug loading capacity and controlled release. The nanoparticle demonstrated significant growth inhibition of pancreatic tumors, showing up to three times higher therapeutic efficacy than traditional chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 20, 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.

Catching molecular motion at just the right time

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to account for missing thermodynamic and molecular parameters in molecular dynamic simulations. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of material behavior under various conditions, reducing the need for trial-and-error experimentation. By refocusing inform...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 20, 2011

AGU journal highlights -- September 20, 2011

New studies suggest that Arctic sea ice loss is not irreversible, while radiation hazards for spacefarers and air travelers are likely to rise due to solar activity. Researchers also predict an increase in space weather radiation events over the next century.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 20, 2011

NIDA Avant-Garde-Medications Development Award winners announced

Two scientists, Dr. Thomas Kosten and Dr. Peter Burkhard, will receive funding to develop a vaccine against methamphetamine addiction and a peptide nanoparticle nicotine vaccine. The vaccines are expected to undergo initial clinical trials within the next five years.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateSep 20, 2011

Illinois professor to receive NIH Director's New Innovator Award

Dr. Douglas A. Mitchell, an Illinois professor, has been awarded the $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop a generalized toxin-disabling strategy against bacterial pathogens. His approach aims to create drugs that combat pathogenic microbes without promoting antibiotic resistance.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateSep 20, 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.

Long-term effectiveness of new family planning method shown in study

A large, multi-country study found that a fertility-awareness based method of family planning was effective for years. The Standard Days Method, which identifies a 12-day fertile window, showed high effectiveness rates, with fewer than 5% failure rate over three years.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateSep 20, 2011

10 ways to make better decisions about cancer care

Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified 10 strategies to help patients understand their cancer treatment options and risks. By using plain language, visualizing risk, and considering frequency over percentages, patients can become more fluent in the language of cancer care and make informed decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 20, 2011

Rice wins grant to develop CO2 capture technology

A Rice University research team is developing a novel system for separating CO2 from power plant smoke stacks. The technology uses waste heat and specialized materials to filter liquids and gases, aiming to significantly reduce energy requirements compared to existing methods.

SourceRice University·DateSep 20, 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.

Early antiretroviral therapy for HIV shown cost-effective

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that early treatment of HIV significantly reduces mortality by 75 percent. The researchers also found that the benefits of early ART outweigh its costs, making it a cost-effective intervention in resource-poor settings.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 20, 2011

Peacekeeping creatures help maintain woodland diversity

Research from Cardiff University reveals that invertebrates living on the woodland floor regulate fungal battles, ensuring less competitive species survive. This process maintains soil quality and fertility, supporting native trees and plants.

SourceCardiff University·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 20, 2011

Scientists turn back the clock on adult stem cells aging

Researchers have shown they can reverse the aging process for human adult stem cells, which are responsible for helping old or damaged tissues regenerate. The study found that suppressing the accumulation of toxic transcripts from retrotransposons allows for rejuvenation and resetting of 'aged' human stem cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Cycle·DateSep 20, 2011

Stanford researchers create first human heart cells that can be paced with light

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have engineered human heart cells that respond to light, using optogenetics. These light-sensitive cells could lead to a new class of pacemakers and genetically matched replacement heart cells, potentially replacing traditional electrical pacemakers and addressing tissue rejection issues.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 20, 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.

A big step towards the redefinition of the kelvin

The Boltzmann constant has been re-determined by PTB scientists using Dielectric-Constant Gas Thermometry, with an uncertainty of 8 ppm. This achievement demonstrates that DCGT is suitable for determining fundamental constants and brings the country closer to redefining the kelvin unit.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalMetrologia·DateSep 20, 2011

One size doesn't fit all for vitamin D and men

African-American men are up to 3.5 times more likely to have Vitamin D deficiency than Caucasian men, requiring higher supplementation doses. Skin color and sunlight exposure play a crucial role in Vitamin D production.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateSep 20, 2011

Finance sector top industry for geoscientist salaries

Geoscience professionals can expect high salaries in the finance and insurance industry, with average aggregated salaries ranging from $102,640 to $82,650. This analysis by the American Geological Institute highlights the varying salary ranges across different industries.

SourceAmerican Geosciences Institute·DateSep 20, 2011

Power corrupts, especially when it lacks status

A study by USC, Stanford, and Kellogg School researchers found that individuals with power but low status are more likely to engage in demeaning activities. The study's results support the idea that a combination of power and lack of respect can be toxic, as seen in incidents like Abu Ghraib torture and the Stanford Prison Experiment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateSep 20, 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.

QBI researchers identify signals triggering dendrite growth

A study in worms has yielded clues about how nerves grow by identifying the molecular mechanisms that prompt dendrite development. The QBI team discovered that a ligand and receptor work together to coax certain neurons to extend dendrites towards their targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 20, 2011

The 'silent majority' agrees with me, voters believe

A new study found that Dutch voters tend to think people who don't cast a ballot support their own party. This phenomenon allows voters and politicians to exaggerate the influence or size of their own party. The researchers suggest that this occurs due to social validation and a desire to promote one's party's success.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 20, 2011

Microwave ovens a key to energy production from wasted heat

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to produce 'skutterudites' using microwave technology, cutting production time from days to minutes and opening doors to efficient thermoelectric energy generation. This breakthrough has huge potential for applications in industries and devices that waste heat.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMaterials Research Bulletin·DateSep 20, 2011

Blood pressure drugs may lengthen lives of melanoma patients

A new study suggests that beta-blocker drugs commonly used to treat high blood pressure may also slow the progression of certain serious cancers like melanoma. The review of thousands of medical records in Denmark found patients taking beta-blockers had lower mortality rates and improved survival times.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 20, 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.

Candid discussion regarding sexuality can improve quality of life for prostate cancer survivors

A recent study published in JAMA found that discussing sexuality with doctors can improve quality of life for prostate cancer survivors. Researchers used phone interviews and questionnaires to measure quality of life in over 2,900 men before and after treatment, including surgery, radiation, or brachytherapy. The study revealed that me...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 20, 2011

Proton-based transistor could let machines communicate with living things

Researchers at the University of Washington have created a novel proton-based transistor that can communicate directly with living organisms. The device uses protons instead of electrons and has potential applications in biological sensing, prosthetics, and even controlling certain biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 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.

MU researchers to study dangerous, deadly weather phenomenon

Researchers will analyze social and economic impacts of atmospheric blocking events from the 20th century. They aim to develop new methods for spotting and predicting this rare weather phenomenon, which can trigger extreme conditions such as heat waves and flooding.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateSep 20, 2011

USDA-sponsored initiatives tackle food safety concerns

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing strategies to diagnose and prevent two of the most pervasive food-borne microbes, focusing on extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and noroviruses. The new initiatives aim to improve food safety and reduce human illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 20, 2011

Epigenetic changes don't last

Scientists discovered that epigenetic modifications in plants, such as DNA methylation, are unstable and often disappear after a few generations. These changes can occur frequently but usually do not contribute significantly to long-term evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2011

How key genes cooperate to make healthy skin

Researchers have identified a critical link between p63 and Satb1 genes in regulating skin development. The study found that Satb1 plays an essential role in chromatin remodeling, which is necessary for gene expression and cell differentiation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 20, 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.

If insurance companies pay out too often, farmers will be threatened with ruin in the long term

A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEcological Economics·DateSep 20, 2011

Living alone is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related deaths

A Finnish study published in PLoS Medicine found that people living alone are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of increased alcohol availability, leading to a substantially increased risk of alcohol-related mortality. The study analyzed data from over 80% of Finland's population between 2000 and 2007 and discovered a greater incr...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 20, 2011

NASA sees heavy rainfall in Typhoon Roke

Typhoon Roke is bringing intense rainfall to Japan, with areas seeing rain fall at 2 inches/50 mm per hour. Heavy rains are already causing rivers to overflow and prompting evacuations for over 1.1 million people in central Japan's Aichi prefecture.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 20, 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.

Benefits of radionuclide therapy for neuroendocrine tumors

Radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with [177Lu-DOTA0,Tyr3]Octreotate has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce tumor size in patients with gastroenteropancreatic or bronchial neuroendocrine tumors. The treatment has been found to have fewer severe side effects compared to other cancer therapies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 20, 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.

Countries worldwide are saving mothers' and children's lives at a faster pace

More than half of countries are lowering maternal and child mortality rates faster than the global average, with progress particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa. However, few countries are on track to meet international targets for reducing these deaths, highlighting the need for immediate action.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 20, 2011

University of Illinois faculty members named University Scholars

Paul Kenis and James Slauch have been recognized as University Scholars for their exceptional contributions to the field of chemical engineering and microbiology. Their research focuses on developing novel microfluidic tools and studying Salmonella bacteria to understand its virulence and develop new treatments.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateSep 20, 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.

Using bone marrow to protect the brain

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a patented technology that uses bone marrow stem cells to produce neuroprotectors, proteins that shield the brain from neurodegenerative disorders. The treatment has shown efficacy in animal models and is now being tested in human clinical trials.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalStem Cell Reviews and Reports·DateSep 20, 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.

3-D microscope opens eyes to prehistoric oceans and present-day resources

The University of Alberta's Virtual Reflected-Light Microscopy (VRLM) technology enables geoscientists to analyze ancient sea creatures and date rocks with unprecedented detail. This innovation accelerates species identification of microfossils, used to determine rock age and explore energy resources.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Microscopy·DateSep 20, 2011

Early HIV treatment cost-effective in resource-limited settings

A cost-effectiveness study found that early antiretroviral treatment (ART) is cost-effective in resource-poor settings like Haiti. The study supports the implementation of the new WHO guidelines for early ART initiation, which recommend treatment for all HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts below 350 cells/mm3.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 20, 2011

Scientists reveal how organisms avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

Researchers have discovered how living organisms, including humans, protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning by altering the structure of haemproteins. This mechanism allows for safe levels of internal carbon monoxide production without impairing cellular functions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 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.

Rude employee behavior quietly sabotages the bottom line

A study by Boston College researchers found that one-third of consumers experience rude treatment from employees once a month. This behavior leads to negative reactions, decreased customer loyalty, and lost profits. Training programs promoting employee civility can help prevent such incidents.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateSep 20, 2011

Stem cells, potential source of cancer-fighting T cells

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found a way to generate antigen-specific T cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which could lead to a simpler and more efficient method for using the body's immune system to fight cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, used iPS cells from mice converted into immune ce...

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 20, 2011

Living in poor neighborhood a risk factor for out-of-hospital cardiac death

Research from Ohio State University finds that those living in poorer neighborhoods have a higher risk for out-of-hospital deaths caused by coronary heart disease. The study analyzed data from four U.S. communities between 1992 and 2002, finding that lower socioeconomic status was associated with greater mortality rates outside hospitals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateSep 20, 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.

Spiral constriction -- how dynamin mediates cellular nutrient uptake

MDC researchers have determined the molecular structure of dynamin, a key player in cellular nutrient uptake. The study provides fundamental insights into the 'wire-puller' mechanism of dynamin during endocytosis, which is essential for signal transmission and immune system function.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2011