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Science News for January 25, 2012


New fluorescent dyes highlight neuronal activity

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created new fast-acting fluorescent dyes that optically highlight electrical activity in neuronal membranes. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in neuroscientists' ability to accurately measure and visualize small voltage changes between neurons.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

With a little help from our ancient friends

A new study of hunter-gatherers, the Hadza people, suggests that social networks played a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation. The researchers found that individuals with similar characteristics, such as food preferences, formed distinct clusters within their social networks.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2012

Chemists synthesize artificial cell membrane

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have successfully created self-assembling cell membranes using a simple metal catalyst. This breakthrough could be a crucial step in making artificial life forms from scratch and understanding the origins of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2012

Study: Adolescents from unstable families lose ground in rigorous high schools

A new study finds that adolescents from unstable families experience reduced academic success in rigorous high schools due to the mismatch between their family history and school characteristics. The study suggests that policymakers and educators must clarify college preparation processes and provide resources for disadvantaged students.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSociology of Education·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Queen's study shows the rights of people with disabilities are not being promoted

A Queen's University study found historic legal rulings failed to promote the rights of people with disabilities, in contrast to racial and gender-based protections under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The researcher analyzed 1986-2004 cases to identify unequal treatment against individuals with disabilities.

SourceQueen's University·JournalDisability Studies Quarterly·DateJan 25, 2012

White roofs to make for cooler Melbourne buildings

A University of Melbourne study found that white roofs can cool commercial buildings in the City of Melbourne by three percent on hot days, reducing energy consumption and improving air quality. The research, commissioned by the City of Melbourne, aimed to guide building owners through the best materials to use for white roofs.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

2012 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Matthias Mann's work on mass spectrometry revolutionized the analysis of proteins, enabling quantitative analysis of cancerous tumors. Fiona Powrie's research on bacterial intestinal flora and immune system interactions opens new perspectives for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 25, 2012

Grafted watermelon plants take in more pesticides

A recent study by Mehmet Isleyen and colleagues found that grafted watermelon plants accumulate pesticide levels up to 140 times higher than non-grafted watermelons. The researchers advise commercial farmers to exercise caution when using this grafting practice to minimize exposure to pesticides.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Vesta likely cold and dark enough for ice

The average global temperatures and illumination models suggest that roughly half of Vesta's surface is cold and dark enough for water ice to survive. The polar regions are thought to be favorable for water ice existence, but may be buried beneath a layer of dry regolith.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateJan 25, 2012

Studies on smoking cessation in ethnic minorities

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that telephone counseling services doubled the odds of quitting smoking among Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-speaking smokers. In contrast, a second study on bupropion SR showed promise for African American light smokers during medication phase but lacked long-t...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 25, 2012

New standard for vitamin D testing to ensure accurate test results

The development of a new standard for vitamin D testing aims to ensure accurate measurements of vitamin D levels in the blood. The researchers created a certified reference material, SRM 972, which provides a mechanism to ensure measurement accuracy and comparability.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Will you have a heart attack or stroke?

A Northwestern University study reveals that individuals with low short-term risk may face very high lifetime risk of heart disease if they have just one or two risk factors, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure. The study found significant variations in risk by age, sex and race.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Elevated risk factors linked to major cardiovascular disease events across a lifetime

A large-scale analysis of over 250,000 people found that middle-aged adults with high blood pressure and other CVD risk factors have a substantially greater chance of having a heart attack or stroke during their remaining lifetime. The study also showed that traditional risk factors predict long-term development of CVD more than age.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery may reduce risk of surgical complications

A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery can reduce the risk of serious surgical complications. The study used mice and found that restricting these nutrients can increase stress resistance and prevent injuries to the kidneys and liver.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Researchers discover method to unravel malaria's genetic secrets

Scientists have discovered a new gene involved in lipid synthesis of Plasmodium falciparum, the major cause of human malaria. This breakthrough technique allows for the mapping of genes in the parasite, which could lead to the discovery of new medications and a better understanding of the disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Research shows genes influence criminal behavior

A study by UT Dallas criminologist Dr. J.C. Barnes found that genetic influences play a larger role in life-course persistent offending than environmental factors. For adolescent-limited offenders, environmental factors were more prominent.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCriminology·DateJan 25, 2012

Cardiologists suggest patient-centered approach to replacing implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

The article proposes a more personalized approach to ICD replacement, taking into account each patient's unique circumstances, such as the risk of inappropriate shocks and personal preferences for end-of-life care. A shift in focus towards individualized decision-making could lead to more informed and cost-effective treatment.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

World's most powerful X-ray laser creates 2-million-degree matter

Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a 2-million-degree piece of matter using the world's most powerful X-ray laser. This achievement takes them a significant step forward in understanding extreme matter found in stars and giant planets, potentially leading to advancements in nuclear fusion research.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Aiding cancer therapy by mathematically modeling tumor-immune interactions

A new mathematical model assesses the impact of therapies on tumor-immune interactions, optimizing treatment dosage and duration to minimize tumor growth while maximizing immune cell activity. The study aims to improve cancer therapy by identifying personalized treatment protocols tailored to individual patient conditions.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateJan 25, 2012

Genetic screens bring new hope for tackling sleeping sickness

Researchers have identified key genes responsible for drug resistance in African trypanosomes, leading to a better understanding of how effective treatments work. This knowledge could lead to the development of new diagnostics and therapies to tackle the disease.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2012

New GSA Bulletin research posted ahead of print in January

Researchers investigate giant submarine landslides using subsurface data to understand their form and origin. The study also sheds light on the tectonic history of the Eastern Cordillera and provides new insights into the formation of mountains along the Atlantic margin of northeastern Brazil.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Middle-age risk factors drive greater lifetime risk for heart disease

A new study reveals that middle-age risk factors have a profound impact on an individual's lifetime risk for heart disease. Researchers found that people with two or more major risk factors in middle age had dramatically higher lifetime risks for cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke across the lifespan.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Sensor sensibility -- better protection for concrete coastal structures

Researchers have developed innovative sensors to detect early signs of corrosion in concrete, making monitoring and maintenance more effective. The new sensors can withstand long-term placement and send notifications via email or text when conditions for corrosion threshold are crossed.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateJan 25, 2012

How the Big Three forgot Accounting 101

Researchers found that the Big Three automakers built excess vehicles without properly accounting for costs, resulting in a culture of short-term gain over brand stability. The study suggests that this practice can lead to harm in other industries with similar characteristics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Appetite accomplice: Ghrelin receptor alters dopamine signaling

Research reveals a molecular partnership between ghrelin receptor and dopamine receptor in brain neurons that regulate appetite, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of obesity and dopamine signaling disorders. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets with fewer side effects, offering new hope for treating these conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 25, 2012

High animal fat diet increases gestational diabetes risk

A high animal fat diet before conception may increase the risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy, according to researchers. Women who consumed a diet high in animal fat and cholesterol had a higher risk for developing the condition compared to those with lower intakes.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 25, 2012

A leukemia drug kills cancerous T-cells while sparing normal immunity

Researchers have discovered that a leukemia drug called Campath can effectively treat L-CTCL without increasing the risk of infections. The treatment targets only circulating cancerous T-cells, while sparing tissue-resident T-cells that provide frontline immune protection.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Jupiter's 'Trojans' on an atomic scale

Researchers successfully stabilized electron orbits using an electromagnetic field, mimicking Jupiter's gravitational influence on asteroids. The experiment verifies calculations made at Vienna University of Technology and holds promise for future studies on the quantum-world of tiny objects.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Does the military make the man or does the man make the military?

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that German conscripts exhibit reduced agreeableness after military service, while those who chose civilian service showed no significant changes. The study suggests that the military may shape personality traits, particularly among non-combatant soldiers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 25, 2012

Protein in the brain could be a key target in controlling Alzheimer's

Researchers at Temple University have discovered a protein that regulates amyloid beta production and controls a biochemical chain reaction linked to Alzheimer's development. The protein, 12/15-Lipoxygenase, targets Beta secretase (BACE-1), an enzyme key to amyloid plaque formation.

SourceTemple University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 25, 2012

Coastal storms have long-reaching effects, study says

A study of extreme coastal storms in the Western Mediterranean found that these events redistribute marine organic carbon, supporting life in deeper waters and enhancing carbon sequestration. The severe damage to coastal environments must also be considered when evaluating human-induced climate change's impact on ocean ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Scientists create first atomic X-ray laser

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created the shortest, purest X-ray laser pulses ever achieved, enabling ultrafast reactions to be seen in detail. This achievement fulfills a 1967 prediction and opens doors for new scientific discoveries.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2012

Being ignored hurts, even by a stranger

A new study published in Psychological Science found that eye contact from a stranger can have a significant impact on social connection. Researchers discovered that even brief moments of gaze can reduce feelings of disconnection, making people feel more part of the group.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 25, 2012

Attack or retreat? Circuit links hunger and pursuit in sea slug brain

A new study reveals that a simple circuit in the sea slug's brain links hunger and pursuit, allowing it to make decisions based on how information makes it feel. The researchers found that hungry animals turn towards stimuli that smell like food, while satiated animals turn away or do nothing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2012

Avastin, Sutent increase breast cancer stem cells, U-M study shows

Researchers found that Avastin and Sutent, anti-angiogenesis drugs, increase cancer stem cells in breast tumors, fueling growth and spread. The study suggests combining these drugs with cancer stem cell inhibitors may enhance treatment effectiveness.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

NASA sees development of tropical storm 09S in southern Indian Ocean

Tropical Storm 09S has developed in the southern Indian Ocean with strong thunderstorms and high cloud tops indicating uplift and heavy rainfall. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts it to move eastward toward Western Australia and potentially reach cyclone status over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 25, 2012

Study: Men at higher risk for mild memory loss than women

A recent study published in Neurology found that men are at higher risk of experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than women. The study, which analyzed data from 1,450 participants aged 70-89, revealed that the number of new cases of MCI per year was higher in men, affecting 72 per 1,000 people.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 25, 2012

Microbubbles provide new boost for biofuel production

A team from the University of Sheffield has developed a cheap way to produce microbubbles that can float algae particles to the surface of water, making it easier and cheaper for companies to harvest and process the oil for biofuel. This breakthrough could be a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Researchers induce Alzheimer's neurons from pluripotent stem cells

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created in vitro models of sporadic and hereditary Alzheimer's disease using induced pluripotent stem cells. The living cells provide an unprecedented tool for developing and testing drugs to treat the disorder, offering a new method for understanding the cause of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

IBD travelers are not at higher risk of contracting intestinal infections

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD travelers are not at a higher risk of contracting intestinal infections when visiting developing or tropical countries. Traveling during clinical remission can significantly reduce the risk of illness, according to lead author Shomron Ben-Horin.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 25, 2012

Geosphere science posted online ahead of print -- Jan. 12-23

Recent geosphere research interprets Eocene–Early Miocene paleotopography in Nevada and examines the origin of the Colorado Mineral Belt. The study also investigates Miocene magmatism in the Bodie Hills volcanic field, California and Nevada, and compares mountain building processes in Alaska.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJan 25, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Olivucci models potential of toxic algae photoreceptors

Using computer simulations at the Ohio Supercomputer Center, researchers aim to engineer cyanobacteria to thrive in diverse illumination conditions. By understanding light sensing and harvesting in Anabaena sensory rhodopsin bacteria, they hope to develop new properties for alternative energy via microbial conversion of light energy.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2012

Warning over cost of asthma caused by traffic-related air pollution

A new study reveals the true extent of healthcare costs associated with living close to busy roads, estimating annual costs of $18 million in two Southern California communities. The 'asthma career cost' method takes into account childhood asthma cases and broad costs, exceeding average household income levels.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Scientists create first free-standing 3-D cloak

Researchers in the US have successfully cloaked a three-dimensional object standing in free space using a method known as plasmonic cloaking. The technique uses ordinary materials to bend light around objects, cancelling out scattering and rendering them invisible at all angles of observation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 25, 2012

Mechanism sheds light on how the brain adapts to stress

Researchers discovered a novel intracellular signaling pathway controlling stress-induced CRH gene expression, revealing a key role for Orthopedia protein in stress adaptation. This regulation is critical for neuronal adaptation and failure to activate or terminate the CRH response can lead to chronic pathological conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 25, 2012

In schizophrenia research, a path to the brain through the nose

Researchers have discovered that stem cells from patients with schizophrenia proliferate faster than healthy individuals, indicating dysregulation of the natural cell cycle. This finding provides a potential path to understanding schizophrenia and developing new treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 25, 2012
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.

Recent study by Mars, Incorporated and partners underscores importance of metabolism in understanding health benefits of cocoa flavanols

A recent study by Mars, Incorporated and partners reveals the extensive metabolism of flavanol compounds after consumption, challenging existing in vitro studies. This research provides a critical step forward in understanding how cocoa flavanols exert their circulatory and cardiovascular benefits.

SourceCNC (UK) Ltd.·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

NASA renames earth-observing mission in honor of satellite pioneer

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project has been renamed Suomi NPP in recognition of Verner Suomi's contributions to weather forecasting and climate change research. The new name reflects the mission's objective of advancing scientific knowledge of Earth and improving weather forecasts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 25, 2012