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Science News for July 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.

Heart CT scans may help emergency room personnel more quickly assess patients with chest pain

A recent study has found that adding computed tomography (CT) scans to standard screening procedures can help emergency room staff rapidly determine whether patients are having a heart attack or not. This allows for quicker discharges and reduced hospital stays, with half of patients discharged in under 9 hours.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 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.

Ancient mummy had lung infection, according to novel proteomics analysis

A 500-year-old Incan mummy was found to have a bacterial lung infection at the time of death, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers used proteomics to analyze immune system response from degraded samples and found that one mummy had a protein profile similar to those with chronic respiratory infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 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.

Alpine Fault study shows new evidence for regular magnitude 8 earthquakes

A new study by University of Nevada, Reno's Glenn Biasi and colleagues at GNS Science in New Zealand found that the Alpine Fault has been experiencing relatively regular magnitude 8 earthquakes for at least 8,000 years. This extends the known seismic record from 1000 years ago to 8,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2012

Disabled Pakistani women abandoned, ignored after quake

Research from the University of Alberta found that paraplegic women were left without necessary support, abandoned by their families after the quake. Women with spinal injuries faced a lack of care, including being left behind by husbands who remarried.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalDisasters·DateJul 25, 2012

NIH scientists identify likely predictors of hepatitis C severity

Researchers have identified genetic and blood serum markers that can predict the rapid progression of hepatitis C disease, allowing for more effective treatment decisions. Patients with high levels of a specific protein called MCP-1 are at risk for severe liver diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 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.

Can a virus fight cancer?

Two Canadian researchers are developing innovative approaches to oncolytic viruses that selectively target and kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. They will study the use of specially engineered viruses combined with new drugs to overcome tumor defense mechanisms.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·DateJul 25, 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.

Aesop's Fable unlocks how we think

Researchers compared Eurasian Jays with local school children using three tasks of varying complexity, revealing that children learn cause-and-effect relationships in a different way than birds. The study found that while the birds struggled to understand the mechanism, the children focused on simple cause-effect relationships.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2012

Study links alcohol/energy drink mixes with casual, risky sex

A study from the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found a link between consuming caffeinated energy drinks mixed with alcohol and having casual -- often risky -- sex among college-age adults. The study suggests that mixing energy drinks with alcohol can lead to unintentional overdrinking, increasing the risk of ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateJul 25, 2012

After the Canadarm, the Canadeyes for the future Webb

The James Webb Space Telescope's NIRISS and FGS instruments, developed by University of Montreal's Professor René Doyon, will study the universe from a record-breaking distance. These Canadian-made instruments will analyze stars and galaxies dating back to the Big Bang and search for life-supporting planetary systems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJul 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.

Pioneering study shows drug can purge dormant HIV

Researchers have discovered a new strategy to directly attack and eradicate latent HIV infection using the deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat. The study showed that vorinostat was able to unmask hidden virus in patients receiving treatment for HIV, increasing active HIV levels by an average of 4.5-fold.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2012

Adolescent sexual behavior tied to motion picture sexual content exposure, says MU researcher

A study by University of Missouri researcher Ross O'Hara found that young people who watch more sexually explicit movies tend to engage in more sexual behavior and start having sex at a younger age. The study also discovered that adolescents exposed to more sexual content in movies are less likely to use condoms with casual partners.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 25, 2012

Darker wings for monarch butterflies mean better flight

Research published in PLOS ONE found that monarch butterflies with darker orange wings flew significantly longer distances than those with lighter wings. The study suggests an association between pigment level and flight distance, paving the way for further research into butterfly wing color.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 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.

Rapamycin effective in mouse model of inherited heart disease and muscular dystrophies

Researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging found that rapamycin improved function and extended survival in mice with a genetic mutation leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and rare muscular dystrophies. The study suggests a therapeutic possibility for human patients suffering from this form of disease.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 25, 2012

Chemical makes blind mice see; compound holds promise for treating humans

A team of scientists has discovered a chemical that temporarily restores some vision to blind mice by making normally 'blind' cells sensitive to light. The approach holds promise for treating humans with degenerative blindness, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateJul 25, 2012

Sum of the parts? How our brains see men as people and women as body parts

A new study suggests that men's brains perceive women primarily as body parts, whereas women tend to view men in a more holistic manner. The research found consistent results across both male and female participants, suggesting a fundamental difference in cognitive processing between the two genders.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateJul 25, 2012

Published clinical trial demonstrates efficacy of Sea-Band® for migraine-related nausea

A recent clinical trial published in Neurological Sciences demonstrates the efficacy of Sea-Band wristbands in reducing migraine-related nausea. The study showed significant improvement in nausea scores and a high percentage of responders to treatment, supporting the use of Sea-Band as a drug-free remedy for this condition.

SourceRobin Leedy & Associates, Inc.·JournalNeurological Sciences·DateJul 25, 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.

Forest carbon monitoring breakthrough in Colombia

Researchers used LiDAR and satellite image analysis to create detailed maps of the Colombian Amazon's carbon stores, unlocking new methods for monitoring and conserving the region. The breakthrough supports the UN's REDD+ program and has implications for climate change mitigation in Colombia.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJul 25, 2012

Women have a poorer quality of life after a stroke or mini stroke than men

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that women are more affected by strokes and mini strokes than men, particularly in terms of emotional and social aspects. The study highlights the need for equal support and care for female patients after discharge from hospital to address this disparity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateJul 25, 2012

Piglets in mazes provide insights into human cognitive development

Researchers used piglets in mazes to study human cognitive development, finding that environmental insults can affect brain structure and function. The piglet model allows for the testing of learning and memory tasks, providing insights into how stressors impact brain development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Neuroscience·DateJul 25, 2012
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.

2 Solar System puzzles solved

Researchers modelled comets and asteroid particles to explain their origins and compositions. The study found that these particles could have been processed in the hot inner disk of the Solar System before traveling out to icy comets, shedding light on the puzzle of how comets acquired different rim compositions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 25, 2012

Citizen science helps unlock European genetic heritage

A team of citizen scientists, led by Dr Andy Grierson, analyzed human genome data to identify new clues on the Y chromosome, revealing a detailed family tree for Western European men. This community-led approach has the potential to facilitate rapid progress in understanding historical human migrations and paternal lineages.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2012

Global expansion all about give and take, study finds

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that multinational firms perform better over time, especially when they have a global strategy and coordinate efforts across multiple countries. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 48,000 firms, also found that firm size does not affect success in multinationality.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·DateJul 25, 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.

How the fluid between cells affects tumors

A novel procedure in JoVE enables scientists to study the effects of interstitial fluid flow on tumor cells, promoting a better understanding of tumor growth and metastasis. The technique mimics in vivo conditions, allowing researchers to evaluate potential new therapies.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJul 25, 2012

Women with diabetes more likely to experience sexual dissatisfaction

A UCSF study found that women with diabetes are more likely to report low overall sexual satisfaction compared to non-diabetic women. Insulin-treated diabetic women were at higher risk for lubrication and orgasm complications, while end-organ complications such as heart disease and peripheral neuropathy also impacted sexual function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 25, 2012

Medical follow-up in celiac disease is less than optimal

A recent study found that most celiac disease patients do not receive adequate medical follow-up, which can lead to non-compliance with a gluten-free diet. The study suggests that gastroenterologists need to improve communication with patients to ensure timely follow-up care and improve outcomes in celiac disease.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 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.

Basal cell carcinoma risk can be chronic

A new study found that basal cell carcinoma risk can persist even after multiple instances of the disease, with predictors including a history of eczema and early sun exposure. Researchers are exploring preventive medication options to minimize damage.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 25, 2012

Scientists explore new class of synthetic vaccines

Researchers at Arizona State University develop first vaccine complex that can be delivered safely and effectively by piggybacking onto self-assembled, three-dimensional DNA nanostructures. The vaccine complexes trigger a robust immune response up to 9-fold higher than traditional methods.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 25, 2012

Researchers find new gene mutation associated with congenital myopathy

A new cause of congenital myopathy has been identified through research published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The discovery of a previously uncharacterized gene provides a genetic explanation for the disease and may lead to the development of therapies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 25, 2012

Newfound gene may help bacteria survive in extreme environments

Researchers at MIT have discovered a bacterial gene that enables microbes to thrive in oxygen-depleted conditions, producing lipid biomarkers that may signify dramatic changes in Earth's history. This discovery could provide insights into mass extinctions and climate disturbances.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2012

International regulation curbs illegal trade of caviar

A recent study by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science found that international protection of sturgeon species has reduced fraudulent labeling of black caviar. The research revealed a nearly 50% decrease in mislabeled products, indicating the effectiveness of trade regulation.

SourceThe Institute for Ocean Conservation Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 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.

Texas A&M biologists prove ZOLOFT packs potential to fight fungal meningitis

Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that the antidepressant sertraline hydrochloride (ZOLOFT) exhibits potent mechanisms against Cryptococcus neoformans, the major causative agent of fungal meningitis. The study suggests that ZOLOFT could be repurposed as a treatment option for this deadly infection.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 25, 2012

Expanding Medicaid to low-income adults leads to improved health, fewer deaths

A recent Harvard study found that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults leads to significant improvements in health and reduced mortality rates. The study analyzed data from three states with expanded Medicaid programs and found a 6.1% reduction in mortality among those covered, corresponding to 2,840 deaths prevented per year.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2012

NASA and university researchers find a clue to how life turned left

Researchers analyzed meteorite fragments from Tagish Lake in Canada and found large left-hand excesses of aspartic acid, an amino acid used by life, while alanine showed a much smaller excess. The team suggests that liquid water inside asteroids may favor the production of left-handed proteinogenic amino acids.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateJul 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.

Research charts growing threats to biodiversity 'arks'

A recent study published in Nature highlights the challenges facing tropical protected areas, but also shows that long-term engagement with conservation can have positive results. Conservation efforts in Tanzania's Udzungwa mountains have paid dividends, with the reserve remaining relatively unchanged from a biodiversity point of view.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2012

High blood sugar, obesity increase risk for surgical site infection

Two studies published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that high blood sugar and obesity significantly increase the risk of surgical site infections after orthopaedic trauma and total joint replacement. Nearly one-third of hospital admissions without diabetes have hyperglycemia, which is associated with longer stays, ICU ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 25, 2012

Hunter-gatherers, Westerners use same amount of energy, contrary to theory

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that hunter-gatherers, such as the Hadza tribe, expend a similar amount of energy daily as Western adults, contradicting the long-held assumption that their ancestors burned more calories. This similarity suggests that habitual metabolic rates are relatively constant among human populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 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.

ONR-funded research takes flight in Popular Science article

Researchers are developing small UAVs that can navigate complex environments, such as forests and urban settings, at high speeds. By studying birds' flight strategies and behavioral processes, scientists aim to create compact platforms with limited sensing that can safely move through challenging environments.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 25, 2012

Locally produced proteins

Researchers discovered that importin beta1, a crucial protein for nerve repair, is produced locally in the axons of peripheral nerve cells. This finding has significant implications for treating nerve damage and may lead to better treatments and faster repair.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNeuron·DateJul 25, 2012

The debate over ecstasy continues

A new study published in Addiction journal reveals that even occasional ecstasy use can lead to memory impairments, particularly with damage to the hippocampus. The research found that participants who took ten or more pills over their first year showed decreased function of immediate and short-term memory.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJul 25, 2012

Identifying the arrogant boss

A new measure of arrogance, the Workplace Arrogance Scale (WARS), can help organizations identify and address arrogant managers. Developed by researchers at The University of Akron and Michigan State University, WARS is correlated with lower intelligence scores and lower self-esteem in managers.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateJul 25, 2012

How a low-protein diet predisposes offspring to adulthood hypertension

A low-protein diet during pregnancy may increase the risk of hypertension in children. Research suggests that reduced activity of an enzyme called Hsd17b2 allows more testosterone to reach the fetus, leading to increased susceptibility to adulthood hypertension.

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateJul 25, 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.

Tropical arks reach tipping point

A new study by William Laurance and co-authors finds that nearly half of tropical forest reserves are ineffective in protecting biodiversity. Well-protected reserves also show signs of decline, highlighting the need for improved conservation efforts to safeguard these critical ecosystems.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2012

Scientists looking for second-line defense for patients with NSCLC

Scientists investigate the use of novel AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in combination with erlotinib as a second-line defense for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have developed resistance to erlotinib. A Phase II trial has shown promising initial results.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateJul 25, 2012

In muscular dystrophy, what matters to patients and doctors can differ

A new study reveals that myotonic dystrophy patients prioritize fatigue, mobility, and sleep problems over symptoms like myotonia, which are often considered hallmark symptoms. Researchers have developed a patient-reported outcome measure to better evaluate the impact of experimental therapies on patients' lives.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateJul 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.

Children of 'The Troubles' more prone to suicide

Research at Queen's University Belfast found that children who grew up during the worst years of violence have the highest suicide rates and most rapidly increasing rates. The study attributes this to a range of factors including social isolation, poor mental health, and increased political stability.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalSAGE Open·DateJul 25, 2012

CT angiography speeds emergency diagnosis of heart disease in low-risk patients

A study found that incorporating CT angiography into the initial evaluation of low-risk patients with chest pain reduced hospital stay time by half and decreased costs without increasing the risk of missed diagnosis. The use of CCTA also led to fewer adverse clinical events, but future studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2012

Contaminant transport in the fungal pipeline

Researchers found that fungal hyphae can transport contaminants, bypassing air barriers, allowing for potential environmental remediation. This ability enables fungi to overcome limitations in nutrient uptake, suggesting a broader role in facilitating contaminant movement.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 25, 2012