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Science News for July 31, 2012


Camouflage of moths: Secrets to invisibility revealed

Researchers found that moths search for a spot to rest and adjust their body orientation to become nearly invisible to birds. The insects' behavior suggests they have an active choice of a resting spot that makes them visually camouflaged.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 31, 2012

Older patients have lower risk of hip fracture after cataract surgery

A study published in JAMA found that older Medicare patients who underwent cataract surgery had a 16% lower odds of hip fracture compared to those with untreated cataracts. The researchers suggested that cataract surgery may be associated with lower odds of subsequent fracture in the elderly population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 31, 2012

Protein-based coating could help rehabilitate long-term brain function

Researchers have developed a protein-based coating that can help rehabilitate long-term brain function and prevent the brain's immune response from rejecting brain-computer interface electrodes. The coating, using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies with animal models.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJul 31, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mayo Clinic: Drug duo turns on cancer-fighting gene in kidney, breast cancers

A new approach to treating triple negative breast cancer and clear cell renal cell carcinoma has been discovered by researchers at Mayo Clinic. The approach involves activating a potent tumor suppressor gene called sFRP1, which is silenced in these cancers. Once activated, the laboratory tumor cells stopped growing and died.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateJul 31, 2012

Low-cost carbon capture gets X-rayed

Scientists at University of Leeds used Diamond Light Source to study calcium oxide-based materials as CO2 sorbents. They found a mechanism for interaction between CaO and water, which led to disintegration and generation of nano-sized crystallites. This new knowledge aims to improve the efficiency of this economically viable method.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 31, 2012

Gene network restores CF protein function

Researchers have discovered a genetic process that can restore function to a defective protein responsible for cystic fibrosis. By manipulating a specific microRNA network, they were able to partially restore the protein's function and increase its production.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 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.

Study allays concerns about endoscopic vein harvesting during heart surgery

A recent study published in JAMA found that endoscopic vein harvesting during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) has similar mortality rates and lower infection and wound complication rates compared to traditional open incision methods. The study, conducted on a large population of Medicare patients, refutes previous concerns about ...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJul 31, 2012

Ecosystems reveal radiation secrets

A new study challenges conventional models assessing radiation's impact on human health, revealing a non-linear transfer of radioactive compounds in ecosystems. The research found that levels of these compounds are three times higher in fish-eating species than in non-fish-eating species.

SourceSpringer·JournalHydrobiologia·DateJul 31, 2012

From microns to centimetres

University of Toronto researchers have developed a device that can create three-dimensional, functional tissues through a precise and controlled process. The technology uses biomaterials to form a 'mosaic hydrogel' sheet, onto which cells are seeded in specific placements, mimicking natural cell placement in living tissues.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 31, 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.

Hey, I’m over here: Men and women see things differently

Researchers at USC's iLab discovered that men focus on a person's mouth when listening to an interview, while women shift their gaze between the speaker's eyes and body. Women are also more easily distracted by people entering the video frame than men.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalVision Research·DateJul 31, 2012

Allergies? Your sneeze is a biological response to the nose's 'blue screen of death'

Research in the FASEB Journal suggests that sneezing is a biological response to the nose's 'blue screen of death', and patients with sinusitis may sneeze more frequently due to inefficient clearance of mucus. This understanding could aid in the development of new treatments for chronic sinusitis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 31, 2012

Poor mental health linked to reduced life expectancy

A large-scale study found that people with mental health problems have a lower life expectancy due to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Even minor symptoms of anxiety or depression are associated with higher mortality rates.

SourceWellcome Trust·DateJul 31, 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.

Coral reef thriving in sediment-laden waters

A new study has discovered that Middle Reef, part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has grown more rapidly than other reefs in areas with lower levels of sediment stress. The reef thrives in water with high levels of sediment, which had previously been believed to be detrimental to growth.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGeology·DateJul 31, 2012

To know a tiger is at least to start tolerating them, study shows

A Michigan State University study reveals that people's attitudes towards tigers are influenced by benefits and pragmatic costs of having tigers nearby, suggesting a combination of psychological responses drives tolerance. The research provides critical information on how to protect species by understanding human-neighbour relationships.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOryx·DateJul 31, 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.

Immune responses can be generated locally within human melanoma skin metastases

A study published in Cancer Research found that immune responses can be activated locally in the tumor microenvironment of melanoma skin metastases, contrary to previous thought. This discovery suggests that ectopic lymphoid structures may play a role in antimelanoma immune responses and has implications for treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 31, 2012

Wayne State research team finds possible clue to progression of MS

A study published in Journal of Neuroimmunology suggests that B cells, a type of immune cell, produce toxic substances that damage myelin and contribute to the progression of multiple sclerosis. Researchers hope to identify these substances to develop targeted therapies for MS treatment.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateJul 31, 2012

Rejected Alzheimer's drug shows new potential

A study published by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine suggests that latrepirdine, a previously failed Alzheimer's drug, may be successful if tested on patients with earlier stages of the disease. The compound effectively stopped progression of memory deterioration and brain pathology in mouse models.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 31, 2012

Study of zebra fish mouth formation may speak to Fraser syndrome hearing loss

Researchers studying zebra fish mouth formation have identified a potential developmental pathway related to Fraser syndrome deafness in humans. The study found that a fras1-dependent 'endodermal outpocket' may underlie some ear defects in Fraser patients, suggesting a connection between skeletal development and hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalDevelopment·DateJul 31, 2012

IL-10 from donor skin cells helps the body incorporate skin grafts

Researchers found that IL-10 production by keratinocytes in donor skin is crucial for successful skin grafting between genetically identical mice. Monitoring IL-10 levels may improve therapeutic success in human patients.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJul 31, 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.

Can herbal products provide sun protection?

Researchers found that herbal agents can prevent sunburn and limit UV damage, with golden serpent fern and Asian ginseng showing promising photoprotective properties when taken orally. Green tea applied topically also offers photoprotection in sufficient doses.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAlternative and Complementary Therapies·DateJul 31, 2012

Concussions and head impacts may accelerate brain aging

Researchers found that concussions and even lesser head impacts can speed up the brain's natural aging process, causing changes in gait, balance, attention, and impulse control. The study suggests a cumulative effect of repeated head impacts on the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalExercise and Sport Sciences Reviews·DateJul 31, 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.

Personality and social psychology at the 2012 APA Convention

Recent studies examine the costs of forgiveness in marriage, attachment processes affecting health, racial bias in perceiving pain, and how individuals choose to remain ignorant about potentially upsetting information. Researchers also investigate the role of race in shaping attitudes toward Barack Obama's election.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 31, 2012

2-virus link to prostate cancer

A new study found that over half of malignant prostate cancers have both high-risk HPV 18 and EBV, with HPV alone present in 70% of the cancers. The research suggests a potential collaboration between the two viruses to promote cancer cell survival.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Prostate·DateJul 31, 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.

Critically endangered whales sing like birds; New recordings hint at rebound

Scientists have recorded over 60 unique songs from critically endangered bowhead whales, with the variety of tunes surprising and comparable to that of songbirds. The findings also suggest that bowhead whales may have a repertoire of songs they sing during a season, making them the only known whales to do so.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJul 31, 2012

Adding a '3D print' button to animation software

A group of computer graphics experts led by Harvard researcher Moritz Bächer create a software tool that translates video game characters into fully articulated action figures using 3D printing. The tool optimizes joint placement, size, and location for physical constraints, producing robust and realistic printed figures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 31, 2012

Economic recession leads to increased entrepreneurship, MU study finds

A recent economic recession has led to a significant increase in entrepreneurship, particularly among necessity-driven ventures. Research suggests that the number of Americans engaging in self-employment rose significantly during this period, with notable increases in rural entrepreneurship levels and African American participation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEntrepreneurship Research Journal·DateJul 31, 2012

Study: Methodology of determining financial viability of social security

Researchers Samir Soneji and Gary King found that outdated forecasting methods have led to a $730 billion error in the Social Security Trust Fund's prediction for 2030. The study suggests using age- and sex-specific forecasts, as well as risk factors like smoking and obesity, to improve the financial viability of Social Security.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalDemography·DateJul 31, 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.

Mathematicians find solution to biological building block puzzle

A mathematical model reveals that multiple mechanisms of microRNA regulation are manifestations of a single biochemical reaction, proposing a simple yet efficient way to control protein production. The findings aim to resolve the decade-long debate and pave the way for future experiments to verify the hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalRNA·DateJul 31, 2012

Opioid receptors as a drug target for stopping obesity

Researchers discovered that blocking delta opioid receptors in mice reduced body weight despite high-fat and sugar diets. The study found increased non-shivering thermogenesis due to gene expression changes in brown adipose tissue.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 31, 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.

University of Illinois professor develops tool that helps dietitians deliver info clients need and can understand

A new algorithm developed by a University of Illinois professor helps dietitians determine a client's specific knowledge gaps, enabling them to focus on what the client needs to know. This tool addresses the challenge of inadequate pre-assessment of nutrition literacy among dietitians.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalHealth·DateJul 31, 2012

'Flightless' molecule may prevent cancer from spreading from 1 tissue to another

A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals that a molecule called 'flightless' significantly helps control cell movement through tissues. By increasing the stickiness of cells to underlying tissue, flightless slows their movement and may prevent cancer from spreading from one tissue to another.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 31, 2012

Exercise boosts mental and physical health of heart failure patients

A large international study found that moderate exercise helps ease depression in patients with chronic heart failure, while also reducing deaths and hospitalizations. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that exercise has a significant impact on both mental and physical health.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJul 31, 2012

Autoantibodies damage blood vessels in the brain

Research suggests autoantibodies contribute to blood vessel damage in the brain, exacerbating Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Immunoadsorption therapy has shown promise in improving symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2012

Sick from stress? Blame your mom… and epigenetics

A new study suggests that choline supplementation during pregnancy can alter epigenetic expression of genes involved in cortisol production, leading to lower cortisol levels in babies. This can potentially reduce the risk of stress-related diseases throughout a child's life.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 31, 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.

$5 million grant awarded to UC Riverside to study immortality

The UC Riverside research project will examine global reports of near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and the cultural variations in these phenomena. The team aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how belief in immortality influences human behavior, promoting interdisciplinary inquiry into this critical area of k...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 31, 2012

Computational analysis identifies drugs to treat drug-resistant breast cancer

A team of researchers used computational analysis to identify a new therapeutic strategy for treating drug-resistant breast cancer. The study found that disrupting glucose metabolism is an effective approach, targeting existing drugs like Lapatinib. This discovery may offer improved treatments for breast cancer patients.

SourceEMBO·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJul 31, 2012

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among Olympic athletes

A study by the University of Western Australia has identified 8% of Olympic athletes with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness, with summer sports showing a higher prevalence. Intense training may be a contributing factor, while genetic aspects also play a role in airway damage.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 31, 2012

When we forget to remember -- failures in prospective memory range from annoying to lethal

Research on prospective memory reveals that failures occur when we form intentions but lose focus due to interruptions or multitasking. Habital tasks can also lead to implicit intentions, making it harder to remember them. To defend against these failures, professionals use memory tools like checklists and implementation intentions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJul 31, 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.

Anxiety and depression increase risk of sick leave

Researchers found anxiety is a stronger risk factor for prolonged and frequent sick leave than depression alone. The study, which followed 13,436 participants over six years, also showed that pain can impact the association between common mental disorders and sick leave.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateJul 31, 2012

Stress during pregnancy leads to abdominal obesity in mice offspring

Research published in the FASEB Journal reveals a link between maternal stress and abdominal obesity in mice offspring. The study found that manipulating the neuropeptide Y system in visceral fat may prevent stress-induced obesity, offering potential insight into how to counteract the negative effects of stress.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 31, 2012