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Science News for September 27, 2011


Treatment of common virus can reduce tumour growth

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that treating common Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can reduce tumour growth and size. CMV is found in 70-75% of adults and plays a central role in brain tumours, breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 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.

Alzheimer's protein kills nerve cells in nose

Researchers discovered a mutated version of human APP, which causes rapid death of olfactory nerve cells. The study suggests that reducing APP production may prevent or reverse cell death and dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 27, 2011

Assessing California earthquake forecasts

UC Davis researchers compare seven different earthquake forecasts to identify the most accurate methods for predicting earthquake locations. The study finds that all seven forecasts showed some utility in forecasting earthquake locations, with the UC Davis group's forecast being the most accurate.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

U of A chemistry team produces a 'game-changing' catalyst

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a new catalyst that transforms amides into desired chemical products efficiently and safely, producing no by-products or hazardous waste. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the chemical industry from an economic and green perspective.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 27, 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.

Self-cleaning cotton breaks down pesticides, bacteria

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a self-cleaning cotton fabric that can kill bacteria and break down toxic chemicals like pesticide residues when exposed to light. The new fabric uses 2-AQC, a chemical that bonds strongly to cellulose in cotton, producing reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria and break down toxins.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateSep 27, 2011

Venus weather not boring after all, NASA/international study shows

A new study by NASA and international scientists detects temperature changes in Venus' upper atmosphere, contrary to the planet's harsh surface conditions. The findings suggest that atmospheric circulation patterns may be more complex than previously thought, with potential implications for understanding Earth's own atmospheric evolution.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateSep 27, 2011

National labs leading charge on building better batteries

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made significant improvements to lithium battery anodes, leading to faster charging times and increased capacity. The new designs could enable the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateSep 27, 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 'FeTRAM' is promising computer memory technology

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of computer memory called FeTRAM, which combines silicon nanowires with a ferroelectric polymer. This technology has the potential to use 99% less energy than flash memory and may be faster than SRAM.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 27, 2011

Scientists shut down pump action to break breast cancer cells' drug resistance

Researchers found a way to shut down pumps on breast cancer cells' surface that reject chemotherapy drugs, allowing the drugs to penetrate and kill the cells. Activating heat-shock protein Hsp27 forces the pump-action protein P-gp to decrease, making the cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 27, 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.

What do infants remember when they forget?

Researchers discover that six-month-old babies recall the existence of objects even when hidden from view, but not their details. This discovery sheds light on how young brains process object information.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 27, 2011

'Finding yourself' on Facebook

A Tel Aviv University researcher found that social networking on Facebook can be beneficial for teens' psychological development. The study discovered a positive correlation between Internet use and self-understanding, ego development, and clarity of self-perception.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateSep 27, 2011

Pediatricians in Appalachia less likely to recommend HPV vaccine

A study found that pediatricians in Appalachia are less likely to encourage parents to get the HPV vaccine for their children, citing a lack of information and cultural concerns. This is alarming as HPV infection is a major risk factor for cervical cancer, which disproportionately affects Appalachian women.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 27, 2011

How global warming could cause animals to shrink

A new study reveals that global warming can lead to a phenomenon where animals shrink due to the decoupling of growth rate and development rate. This effect is observed in marine planktonic copepods, which show increased growth but mature faster at warmer temperatures.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateSep 27, 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.

Quantum teleportation analysed by mathematical separation tool

Researchers from the University of Vienna have proven that the entanglement or separability of a quantum state depends on the perspective used to assess its status. By using mathematical density matrices, they showed how different factorisations can lead to entanglement or separability in complex physical systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 27, 2011

Rhode Island Hospital finds lack of testing for Legionella

A study by Rhode Island Hospital found that current guidelines for testing patients with possible community-acquired pneumonia due to Legionella may underestimate the number of cases. The researchers suggest more comprehensive Legionella testing in patients hospitalized with pneumonia, which could identify additional cases and provide ...

SourceLifespan·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateSep 27, 2011

US Department of Energy PECASE recipients

Thirteen US Department of Energy researchers have been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for their innovative work in various fields. The award recognizes their contributions to advancing energy independence and national security, as well as their commitment to mentoring and community ser...

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateSep 27, 2011

New modeling of brain's circuitry may bring better understanding of Parkinson's disease

Researchers developed a mathematical model of the brain's neural circuitry to better understand how Parkinson's disease patients' brains transmit information incorrectly. The model reveals that repetitious neuron firing can lead to overly synchronized brain activity, which could aid in developing therapies for Parkinson's disease.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateSep 27, 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.

NIH to fund development of K-12 neuroscience education programs

The NIH will provide funding for eight innovative neuroscience education programs aimed at increasing science literacy and interest among K-12 students. These programs, led by investigators across the US, will use creative strategies such as touch tablet technology and interactive learning centers to engage students in neuroscience.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateSep 27, 2011

New nanostructure-based process will streamline production of magnetic materials

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a simplified method to create ordered magnetic materials using nanostructures, achieving room-temperature ferromagnetism with fewer steps than before. The process uses block copolymers to confine magnetic particles, inducing stronger interactions and yielding stable m...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 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.

Frequent doctor visits benefits patients with diabetes

Researchers found that patients who saw their doctors every two weeks had lower hemoglobin A1C levels, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol within a shorter timeframe compared to those who visited less frequently. This suggests that more frequent doctor-patient encounters can aid in achieving ideal treatment goals for diabetes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2011

Journal focuses on Savannah River National Labratory, Chernobyl Laboratory collaboration

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory and Ukraine's International Radioecology Laboratory collaborated on a special issue of the Health Physics Journal, publishing studies on environmental radiation monitoring, decommissioning Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant cooling ponds, and radioecology re...

SourceDOE/Savannah River National Laboratory·JournalHealth Physics·DateSep 27, 2011

As minds get quicker, teenagers get smarter

Researchers found that the increase in intelligence during adolescence can be largely attributed to improvements in mental speed. The study analyzed data from over 6,900 teenagers and discovered that older teens performed better and worked faster on cognitive tests.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 27, 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.

Gene controlling flowering boosts energy production from sorghum

Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research have discovered a gene regulating sorghum flowering, which can delay flowering and increase biomass accumulation by up to 200 days. This breakthrough enables the development of sorghum as a dedicated bioenergy crop with potential to produce lignocellulosic-based biofuels.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

Exercise eases arthritis in obese mice even without weight loss

Researchers found that exercise improves arthritis symptoms in obese mice without causing weight loss. Modest improvements could have a major impact on people affected by osteoarthritis. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion that excess weight is the primary cause of the condition.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 27, 2011

Clemson University biochemists identify new genetic code repair tool

Researchers have identified a new class of DNA repair enzymes that lack uracil repair capabilities, instead repairing adenine damage. This discovery provides insights into the diversity of DNA repair functions and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific discovery.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 27, 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.

Saw palmetto no more effective than placebo for urinary symptoms

A new NIH-funded study confirms that saw palmetto extract does not reduce urinary problems associated with prostate enlargement. The study found no significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), regardless of dose.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 2011

Tracing an elusive killer parasite in Peru

A team of researchers, led by Michael Levy, have traced the spread of Chagas disease in Peru using advanced mathematical methods and door-to-door surveys. They found that the parasite was introduced into the region around 20 years ago, with most infections occurring over the last decade.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 27, 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.

Modern shift work pattern potentially less harmful to health

Recent studies found that rotating shift patterns do not significantly disrupt circadian rhythm or melatonin production, reducing potential cancer risk. The study's lead author notes that an intervention to combat shift work's health risks may already have occurred.

SourceQueen's University·DateSep 27, 2011

Environmental health risks of livestock farming

A new study by Utrecht University found that living close to livestock farms increases the severity of asthma and COPD symptoms in people with lung conditions. The research also showed that the risk of contracting Q fever increased with the number of animals kept near farms, particularly mega farms.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 27, 2011

Killing crop-eating pests: Compounds work by disrupting bugs' winter sleep

Scientists have created compounds that can force corn earworms out of dormancy prematurely, prevent them from entering diapause, or block its termination. This could lead to effective tools for controlling pests and reducing agricultural losses estimated at $2 billion annually in the US.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Johns Hopkins scientists reveal molecular sculptor of memories

Researchers found that kibra protein is essential for regulating brain circuitry and learning, leading to impaired memory in mice lacking the protein. The study suggests that kibra plays a crucial role in shaping brain connections during learning and memory formation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateSep 27, 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.

Tendons absorb shocks muscles won't handle

Researchers at Brown University discovered that tendons absorb shocks and store energy, while muscles take on the role of absorbing remaining energy after impact. This finding highlights the critical role of tendons in shock absorption and has implications for the development of synthetic tendons and rehabilitative practices.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 27, 2011

JBEI identify new advanced biofuel as an alternative to diesel fuel

Researchers at JBEI have identified a potential new advanced biofuel, bisabolane, that could replace diesel fuel with lower freezing and cloud points. The biofuel was produced using synthetic biology tools and engineered microbes to create a precursor, bisabolene.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2011

Researchers identify enzyme that regulates degradation of damaged proteins

A study has identified an enzyme called proteasome phosphatase that regulates the removal of damaged proteins from cells. This process is essential for removing misfolded or damaged proteins from the cell, but a defective proteasome can be catastrophic.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Window of opportunity to treat some stroke patients may be longer than originally suspected

A literature review suggests that some stroke patients can receive treatment beyond the standard 3-hour window, with brain cells remaining structurally intact and potentially revivable if normal blood flow is restored. This finding could enable doctors to provide better patient care by considering the 'tissue window' rather than just time

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 27, 2011

NJIT to salute smart grid expert, Sotirios G. Ziavras

Sotirios G. Ziavras, a professor at NJIT's Electrical and Computer Engineering department, has received the Excellence in Graduate Instruction Award. He is also an internationally recognized expert in advanced computer architecture, embedded computing systems, and parallel processing.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateSep 27, 2011

Atypical antipsychotics appear to be effective for only few off-label uses

A systemic review found atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone to be effective for behavioral symptoms in dementia and generalized anxiety disorder. However, evidence did not support their use for substance abuse or eating disorders, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 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.

Marcellus shale science target of $2.5 million NSF grant

A $2.5 million NSF grant will support a program aimed at enhancing the public's understanding of science, engineering, and energy through community-based activities in Pennsylvania counties with natural gas exploration and production. The project will provide opportunities for residents to gain skills in scientific inquiry and build an...

SourcePenn State·DateSep 27, 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.

Worm 'cell death' discovery could lead to new drugs for deadly parasite

Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a 'programmed cell death' pathway in parasitic worms that could one day lead to new treatments for schistosomiasis. The discovery was made by studying programmed cell death in human cells, where the team found similarities with the process in fluke worms.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

High social status makes people more trusting, study finds

Researchers found that high-status individuals tend to trust others more in initial encounters due to positive expectations of others' motives. In a workplace setting, this means that bosses may be more trusting during initial encounters with employees.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateSep 27, 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.

A labor saving way to monitor vast rangelands

USDA researchers explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor changing land-use patterns in western rangelands. The results show that aerial data can be comparable to information gathered through ground-based surveys, with potential applications for erosion control and invasive species monitoring.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPhotogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing·DateSep 27, 2011

Enzymes possible targets for new anti-malaria drugs

Scientists at Virginia Tech and Penn have identified two enzymes, peptidases, as potential targets for new anti-malarial drugs. The researchers developed chemical genetic tools to specifically inhibit these enzymes, blocking hemoglobin degradation and starving the malaria parasite to death.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

Doctor experience matters in carotid artery procedures

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older patients who underwent carotid artery stenting from lesser experienced physicians had a higher risk of death within 30 days. The study analyzed Medicare data and found that doctors with less than six procedures per year performed worse outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 2011

Saw palmetto no benefit as prostate remedy

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that saw palmetto extract did not relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, even at high doses. The research involved over 300 men with moderate symptoms and took a placebo or saw palmetto for nearly 17 months.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 27, 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.

New online learning module gives children of domestic violence a voice

A new online training program, Honor Our Voices, aims to elevate the voices of children of domestic violence, enabling service providers to better understand and respond to their needs. The platform presents information on child exposure to domestic violence through engaging stories and research-based practices.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateSep 27, 2011

Researchers use carbon nanotubes to make solar cells affordable, flexible

A new material made of carbon nanotubes provides a cost-efficient alternative to current technology, boosting the long-term viability of solar power. The material's mechanical flexibility enables integration into fabrics and clothing, paving the way for portable energy supplies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 27, 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.

Central Asia's hidden burden of neglected tropical diseases

The region's high rates of parasitic infection are nearly 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, particularly among economically disadvantaged groups. Soil-transmitted helminth infections have been linked to developmental delays and decreased economic productivity in countries like Uzbekistan.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2011