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Science News for July 10, 2012


Gastric bypass surgery alters gut microbiota profile along the intestine

A new study found that gastric bypass surgery changes the gut microbiota composition in rats, increasing beneficial bacteria and altering peptide release. This shift resembles prebiotic treatment effects, suggesting a potential link between postsurgical gut modulations and improved metabolic outcomes.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 10, 2012

New book inspires children to protect dugongs

Dr Mariana Fuentes' new book 'Dhyum the Dugong' takes readers on a journey through the life of a real dugong in the Torres Strait. The book aims to educate young Australians about the importance of protecting these endangered marine mammals.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJul 10, 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.

Preclinical studies use specialized ultrasound to detect presence of cancer

Researchers at UNC Health Care developed a non-invasive ultrasound method to detect cancer using blood vessel 'tortuosity.' This technique filters out tissue signals, allowing for clear visualization of small blood vessels. The study found a definitive difference between tumor and healthy vasculature, with limitations in detection depth.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalRadiology·DateJul 10, 2012

NIH study shows the deaf brain processes touch differently

Research funded by NIH shows that deaf people use auditory cortex for touch processing and visual stimuli more than hearing people. The finding suggests that the brain adapts and takes on additional sensory tasks in response to early loss of a sense, such as hearing.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·DateJul 10, 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.

University of Minnesota licenses Clinical Decision Support technology

The University of Minnesota has licensed its Clinical Decision Support technology to Omicron Health Systems, enabling improved coordination of patient care and research activities. The technology helps standardize medical records, facilitating communication and targeted treatments among clinicians and researchers.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateJul 10, 2012

The magnetic sense

LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

Hubble unmasks ghost galaxies

Astronomers discover that small dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way contain only a few stars and share the same birth date, indicating they were shut down by reionization. The relic galaxies provide evidence for a transitional phase in the early universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2012

Police officer stress creates significant health risks, study finds

A landmark study reveals that police officers are at significantly higher risk for chronic disease, obesity, and suicide compared to the general population. The study found that shift work, stress, and lack of access to healthcare contribute to these risks.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience·DateJul 10, 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.

New biofuel process dramatically improves energy recovery

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a novel biofuel production process that produces energy more than 20 times higher than existing methods. The process, known as microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), uses bacteria to breakdown and ferment agricultural waste into ethanol.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 10, 2012

Melanoma-promoting gene discovered

Scientists from the University of Zurich identified a key role for the Sox10 gene in promoting melanoma development and proliferation. Suppressing this gene in mice inhibited cancer growth, offering new potential therapy avenues.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 10, 2012

Ferroelectricity on the nanoscale

Researchers mapped ferroelectric structural distortions in individual nanocrystals using the world's most powerful transmission electron microscope. The study indicates that a monodomain ferroelectric state remains stable down to dimensions of less than 10 nanometers, and room-temperature polarization flipping was demonstrated down to ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 10, 2012

White LEDs directly on paper

Scientists successfully grow nanorods of zinc oxide on a thin layer of polydiethylflourene, creating white LEDs that can be printed on paper or wallpaper for display purposes. This breakthrough method uses chemical methods and has the potential to enable mass production of flexible electronics.

SourceLinköping University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateJul 10, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Not all brand-consumer relationships are created equal, says University of Toronto study

A University of Toronto study found that the type of relationship consumers form with brands influences their assessment of fairness. In exchange relationships, respectful treatment is more crucial in fair outcomes, while in communal relationships, it has less effect. Marketers must understand these dynamics to correct unfair outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 10, 2012

UC Davis study finds stray-bullet shootings frequently harm women and children

A new nationwide study by UC Davis examines mortality rates and epidemiological aspects of stray-bullet shootings, finding that most victims were unaware of the events leading to their injuries. The study reveals that nearly one-third of victims were children and nearly half were female.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJul 10, 2012

Contraceptive use averts 272,000 maternal deaths worldwide

A new study estimates that contraceptive use prevents more than 272,000 maternal deaths from childbirth each year. The researchers found that satisfying the global unmet need for contraception could reduce maternal deaths by an additional 30%. Effective contraception also averts nearly 230 million unintended births annually.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 10, 2012
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.

Can robots improve patient care in the ICU?

Remote presence robots enhance critical care physician interactions with patients, leading to improved patient satisfaction. Most surveyed ICU physicians intend to continue using the technology, believing it improves patient care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateJul 10, 2012
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.

Copper making salmon prone to predators

Research reveals that copper from brake linings and mining operations impacts salmon's ability to detect predators via their sense of smell. This altered state makes them more susceptible to attack by predators.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 10, 2012

Grassroots approach to conservation developed

A University of Illinois researcher is testing a new model for conservation that involves raising awareness among private landowners about invasive species and providing strategies for moderate livestock grazing and controlled burns. The goal is to promote the growth of native wildlife habitats in the Grand River Grasslands, which has ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 10, 2012

UMass Amherst researchers unravel secrets of parasites' replication

A team of microbiologists at UMass Amherst has made an advance in understanding the replication of parasites like African sleeping sickness and chagas disease. By characterizing key proteins' organization, they discovered a novel mechanism that could lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEukaryotic Cell·DateJul 10, 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.

U-M researchers identify new genetic cause for chronic kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new single-gene cause of chronic kidney disease, which implicates DNA damage response signaling. The study found that mutations in Fanconi anemia-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1) lead to increased DNA damage and apoptosis in patients with CKD.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 10, 2012

Subtle goal reminders, known as primes, can offset hedonic effects of food and facilitate health behavior

Research suggests that adding words related to health and weight on posters, menus, or recipe cards can stimulate healthy food choices among dieters and overweight individuals. This technique has great potential as an intervention to help weight control, as it is unobtrusive, easy to implement, and low in cost.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 10, 2012
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.

Do people want to know if they are at risk for Alzheimer's disease?

Research finds that people at risk for early-onset Alzheimer's disease want to know their genetic profile, but struggle with the results. The study also reveals that the general population and those with a family history of late-onset AD tend to be motivated by fear and anxiety when considering genetic testing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateJul 10, 2012

Waste to watts: Improving microbial fuel cells

Researchers at Arizona State University improved microbial fuel cell efficiency by modifying cathode materials and adjusting pH levels. By enhancing hydroxide ion transport, they increased power densities and reduced losses in MFC performance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalChemSusChem·DateJul 10, 2012

Study examines risk of poor birth outcomes following H1N1 vaccination

Two studies found that infants exposed to the H1N1 vaccine in utero did not have a significantly increased risk of major birth defects, preterm birth, or fetal growth restriction. However, adults exposed to the vaccine were at a small increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome during the 4-8 weeks after vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 10, 2012

NASA gets a cold stare from Emilia's eye

Cloud top temperatures around Hurricane Emilia's eye were measured to be colder than -94F, indicating high-energy storms. NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites tracked the hurricane's rapid strengthening and weakening phases.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2012
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.

Tobacco use more prevalent among African-American adolescents living in public housing communities

A recent study found that African-American youths living in public housing communities are 2.3 times more likely to use tobacco than their peers. Early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs and addressing depressive symptoms, can help reverse positive attitudes towards tobacco use and reduce the risk of delinquent behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateJul 10, 2012

Researchers develop new possibilities for solar power

A new solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system has been developed by Queen's University researchers, generating both electricity and heat. The system uses amorphous silicon cells, which require less material, cost less to manufacture, and offer a higher return on investment.

SourceQueen's University·JournalSolar Energy·DateJul 10, 2012

AOSSM presents annual research awards

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) recognizes innovative research in orthopaedic sports medicine through various awards, including the Young Investigators Grants, Clinical Research Outcome Grant, Innovative Outcomes Assessment Grant, and O'Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award. The grants provide funding for s...

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Rare glimpse into the origin of species

Scientists have discovered a new plant species in Scotland that has overcome infertility and formed a new hybrid. This rare example reveals the process of polyploidization, allowing the plant to restore fertility and thrive in the wild.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateJul 10, 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.

How tumor cells create their own pathways

Researchers discovered that tumor cells release chemokine CCL2, which docks onto endothelial cells and activates the CCR2 receptor, making them permeable. This pathway enables tumor cells to migrate and metastasize.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 10, 2012

Why do low-income couples marry less and divorce more?

A new study suggests that government initiatives to strengthen low-income marriages should focus on addressing specific problems rather than promoting the institution of marriage. Low-income respondents reported similar romantic standards and experiences as high-income couples, despite facing unique economic and social issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 10, 2012
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.

Mental health concerns should be integrated with development in LMICs

A case study on implementing the BasicNeeds model of mental health and development in Nepal found that user empowerment and community development are key to success. The model works in partnership with governments to provide essential services where mental health has not been a priority, leading to improved outcomes for users.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 10, 2012

UI researchers develop technique to help pollution forecasters see past clouds

University of Iowa scientists have created a technique to estimate cloud properties using remote sensing observations from satellites, correcting predictions of particle concentrations. This new method is expected to find immediate application in various activities, including air quality forecasting and climate projections.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 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.

Should we sleep more to lose weight?

Research suggests that sleep behavior affects body weight control and that sleep loss has ramifications for how many calories we consume and burn off through physical activity. Sleep deprivation increases hunger and reduces physical activity, leading to weight gain and increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·JournalAppetite·DateJul 10, 2012

GEN reports on growth of tissue engineering revenues

The tissue engineering and stem cell industries have experienced significant growth, with over half of companies generating revenue, up from 21% four years ago. Commercial products and services are driving the increase, with $3.5 billion in sales revenues and industry spending approaching $3.6 billion.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateJul 10, 2012
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.

Kendall L. Carder named recipient of the Jerlov Award

Kendall L. Carder has been recognized with the Jerlov Award for his groundbreaking research on in situ optical measurements, underwater imaging systems, and ocean color remote sensing. His contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of light in the ocean.

SourceThe Oceanography Society·DateJul 10, 2012

Searching genomic data faster

A new algorithm developed by MIT and Harvard researchers drastically reduces the time it takes to find a particular gene sequence in a database of genomes. The more genomes it's searching, the greater the speedup it affords.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 10, 2012

23andMe acquires CureTogether, Inc.

23andMe's acquisition of CureTogether expands its capacity for people-powered research and community-driven projects. The combined platforms will facilitate the sharing of genetic and phenotypic data to accelerate research discoveries.

Source23andMe, Inc.·DateJul 10, 2012

Supporting patient autonomy is critical to improving health

A meta-analysis of self-determination theory research in health contexts found that respect for patients' autonomy is positively related to feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Satisfaction of psychological needs was also linked to improved patient well-being, including both mental and physical health.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJul 10, 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.

Not so happy: King penguins stressed by human presence

Research reveals that king penguins in areas with daily human disturbance show less stress from noise and approaching humans, but experience increased heart rate after capture. The study emphasizes the importance of considering human presence effects on ecological studies and conservation measures.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateJul 10, 2012

Doctors overlook chemical illnesses, study finds

A study of 400 patients found that 20.3% met the criteria for chemical intolerance, a condition characterized by sensitivity to common substances. Patients with chemical intolerance often experience multi-system symptoms and may need to avoid certain chemicals, foods, or medical prescriptions to manage their condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2012

Federally funded clinics for low-income patients as effective as private practices

A recent study found that Federally funded clinics for low-income patients demonstrated greater adherence to guidelines on six quality measures compared to private primary care practices. The clinics performed better in pharmacologic management of chronic diseases and appropriate use of screening tests, while performing similarly on ot...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Levels of hepatitis C virus higher among African-Americans and males

A recent study published in Hepatology found that levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were higher among African-American and male injection drug users. The study also revealed that HCV RNA levels are influenced by demographic, viral, and human genetic factors, making it an important predictor of treatment response.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJul 10, 2012

Potential cause of HIV-associated dementia revealed

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a potential cause of HIV-associated dementia: reduced production of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mature BDNF), a protein essential for brain neuron health. This finding may lead to a therapeutic solution and provide a biomarker for risk assessment.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateJul 10, 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.

Toward achieving 1 million times increase in computing efficiency

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new logic circuit family based on magnetic semiconductor devices, which could result in computers 1 million times more power-efficient. The spin-logic circuits utilize the quantum physics phenomenon of spin to perform Boolean logic and can be cascaded to develop sophisticated func...

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 10, 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.

Metamolecules that switch handedness at light-speed

Researchers created first artificial molecules whose chirality can be rapidly switched from right-handed to left-handed orientation using a beam of light. This discovery holds huge possibilities for terahertz technologies, including biomedical research and ultrahigh-speed communications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2012

Community health centers compare well with private practices, Stanford researcher finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that community health center physicians performed as well as their private practice colleagues in 13 of 18 measures. Community health center physicians followed recommendations a higher percent of the time for certain conditions, such as congestive heart failure...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 10, 2012

Dangerous caregivers for elderly

A study by Northwestern University found that many caregiver agencies do not conduct thorough background checks or provide adequate training for their employees. This can put vulnerable seniors at risk of abuse and neglect. The study suggests that consumers should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to ensure they hire a qua...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 10, 2012
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.