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Science News for September 9, 2011


Lithosphere highlights: New research posted Sept. 2

Two studies examine the Jemez-Embudo Accommodation Zone in New Mexico and the Tennessee Salient in Appalachia, shedding light on tectonic processes. Geodynamic models and paleomagnetic data reveal no statistically significant rotation in the Rio Grande Rift and indicate a more complex history of curvature formation.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateSep 9, 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.

Changes to distribution of livers for transplant proposed

Transplantation specialists propose changes to liver organ distribution to prioritize patients with high MELD scores and reduce waitlist mortality. The new model aims to rapidly allocate organs to those most in need, ensuring timely delivery and reducing death rates.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateSep 9, 2011

Local government, homeowners paying price for non-native forest insects

A recent study by the USDA Forest Service estimates that non-native forest insects, such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, are causing significant economic damage to urban trees. The study reveals that homeowners and local governments are bearing the greatest share of costs associated with these insects.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2011

Birth control pills affect memory, UCI researchers find

UCI researchers found that hormonal contraceptives improve women's ability to remember the gist of an emotional event, but not the details. This discovery may help explain why women experience post-traumatic stress syndrome more frequently than men.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateSep 9, 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.

Groundbreaking DNA tests could trap deer poachers

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a DNA test that can identify deer poachers by detecting low levels of human DNA on deer carcasses. The test has been shown to be effective in recovering DNA profiles from poached deer remains, with a success rate of less than one in a billion.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScience & Justice·DateSep 9, 2011

Rhythm is it

Researchers have discovered that HCN channels, essential for the heart's electrical signals, are vital for normal repolarization. A new animal model showed a significant reduction in repolarization phase duration when one subtype of HCN channel protein was missing.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCirculation Research·DateSep 9, 2011

Wayne State University researcher to study spinal muscular atrophy

Researchers aim to clarify the role of alpha-synuclein in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease causing muscle weakness and degeneration. A better understanding of SNCA's role may lead to new therapies for SMA, potentially identifying useful disease markers and advancing neuromuscular disease research.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateSep 9, 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.

Homeowners, taxpayers pay billions to fight invasive pests

Invasive tree-feeding insects cause significant economic damage to homeowners, local governments, and the federal government, resulting in estimated annual losses of over $2 billion. The study highlights the need for strengthened regulations and enforcement to protect forests and economies from invasive pests.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2011

Can scientists look at next year's climate?

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new algorithm that improves climate forecast accuracy by 16 months, enabling more precise predictions for agriculture and industry, while also helping identify El Niño events

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2011

Cotton's potential for padding nonwovens

Cotton technologist Paul Sawhney and his colleagues investigated using virgin cotton in nonwoven materials. They found that greige cotton, a naturally water-repellent material, can be made absorbent by controlling water pressure during processing.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalTextile Research Journal·DateSep 9, 2011

Diamondback moth host-parasite interaction unraveled

Researchers identified genes expressed when diamondback moth is attacked by parasitic wasp, which could lead to new control measures and resistance management strategies. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of parasitization on host physiology.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateSep 9, 2011

Rebalancing the nuclear debate through education

Brazilian scientist Heldio Villar advocates for better physics teaching and environmental education on radioactivity and nuclear power generation. This approach could lead to a more informed public and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nuclear Knowledge Management·DateSep 9, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early motor experiences give infants a social jump start

A new study found that providing infants with 'sticky mittens' enhances their interest in faces, indicating advanced social development. This suggests that early motor training can benefit infants at risk for autism spectrum disorders.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateSep 9, 2011

New twist in diabetes drugs could reduce life-threatening side effects

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed prototype drugs with powerful anti-diabetic effects without the severe side effects of current medications. The new compounds target PPAR-gamma, a metabolic regulator controlling fat cell development, and block phosphorylation to minimize risk.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2011

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers use new tool to counter multiple myeloma drug resistance

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a monitoring technology that can provide a better understanding of drug resistance in multiple myeloma and assist in individualized patient treatments. The technique uses Liquid Chromatography Multiple Reaction Monitoring (LC-MRM) to quantify biomarkers of human disease.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateSep 9, 2011

Using 61 years of tropical storm data, scientists uncover landfall threat probabilities

Researchers analyzed 61 years of tropical storm data to find correlations between hurricane tracks and climate patterns. They discovered that El Niño seasons tend to produce fewer storms, while those that do form are less likely to make landfall due to changes in atmospheric steering currents.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Climate·DateSep 9, 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.

Novel approach scores first success against elusive cancer gene

Researchers developed a small molecule called JQ1 that targets the bromodomain protein BRD4, switching off the MYC gene and slowing down cancer cell division. The study showed promising results in treating multiple myeloma and other cancers driven by MYC.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 9, 2011

Researchers find high levels of toxic PCBs in Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal

A recent study found high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the deep sediments of the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Iowa Health Care, who used submersible vibro-coring systems to collect sediment samples.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalChemosphere·DateSep 9, 2011

Hormone predicts which kidney patients might die early

A blood test measuring fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels can identify kidney disease patients who are at high risk of developing heart problems, needing dialysis, and dying prematurely. FGF-23 levels are strongly associated with key outcomes in CKD patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 9, 2011

Fermi's latest gamma-ray census highlights cosmic mysteries

The Fermi catalog reveals a mix of known and unknown objects, with active galaxies, pulsars, and supernova remnants making up a large portion. Unassociated sources pose an intriguing mystery, sparking research into new types of gamma-ray-emitting objects.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 9, 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.

Invasive forest insects cost homeowners, taxpayers billions

The study estimates $1.7 billion in local government expenditures and $830 million in lost residential property values each year from invasive tree-feeding insects like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle. Strengthening regulations and enforcement are crucial to mitigate future costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2011

Taming light

Researchers achieve precise control over ultrashort light pulses, enabling the manipulation of electron motion in atoms and molecules. This breakthrough enables new tools for studying sub-atomic processes and understanding atomic interactions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 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.

Fewer than 3 doses of cervical cancer vaccine effective

A new study suggests that Cervarix vaccine may be as effective in preventing cervical cancer with fewer than three doses, offering potential cost and logistics benefits. The researchers found similar protection levels among women receiving one, two, or three doses of the vaccine.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 9, 2011

BMC awarded NIH grant to study brain abnormalities in former ELGANS patients

Researchers from Boston Medical Center will study neurological and brain abnormalities in former extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANS) with a $13 million NIH grant. The study aims to identify infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and establish a method for prophylactic interventions.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateSep 9, 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.

Researchers find hormone that predicts premature death in kidney patients

High levels of fibroblast growth factor-23, a hormone regulating phosphorous levels, can predict premature death in kidney patients. The discovery allows for earlier interventions with drugs to lower phosphorous and reduce hormone levels.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 9, 2011

NASA satellite rainmap shows extent of Tropical Storm Lee's heavy rainfall

Tropical Storm Lee caused massive rainfall across central Louisiana, Mississippi, and northern Alabama, with some areas receiving over 250 mm. The TRMM satellite's TMPA analysis showed heavy rains extending inland from the Gulf of Mexico, with Chattanooga Tennessee breaking its all-time 24-hour rainfall record.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 9, 2011

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted Sept. 2, 2011

Researchers studied arroyo cycles and canyon paleoflood records in Utah, magma formation in the Karakoram shear zone in India, and brine origin in the Alberta Basin. They found that arroyo cycles control chronologies of paleoflood sequences and that magma formation in the Karakoram shear zone provides pathways for removing magma from d...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateSep 9, 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.

Body clock found to regulate platelet function

Researchers found that the body's internal clock regulates human platelet function, causing a peak in platelet activation corresponding to the morning peak in adverse cardiovascular events. This discovery has potential to address the morning peak in cardiovascular risk and decrease related mortality.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2011