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Science News for June 12, 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.

Why are some people greener than others?

The study found that cultural values associated with sustainability, such as being unselfish and prioritizing social responsibility, are linked to environmentally sustainable behaviors. The researchers observed strong correlations between these values and practices, suggesting that fostering sustainable attitudes can promote behavioral...

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Economy·DateJun 12, 2012

Male doctors make $12K more per year than female doctors

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that male doctors make $12,001 more per year than their female colleagues after adjusting for various factors. This translates to a difference of over $350,000 over a 30-year career.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateJun 12, 2012

UCI researchers create mosquitoes incapable of transmitting malaria

Researchers at UCI have developed genetically modified mosquitoes that are unable to infect people with malaria. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing the spread of the disease, which affects over 40% of the world's population and kills nearly 1 million people annually.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2012

Hormones, Elvis, and human emotion

Researchers studied people with and without Williams syndrome to gauge emotional response through hormone release. The study found that oxytocin levels increased in response to music, particularly Elvis songs, suggesting a link between the hormone and emotional experience.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 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.

Nevirapine based treatment for HIV is effective in African women

A clinical trial found that nevirapine-based treatment was as effective as lopinavir/ritonavir in controlling HIV levels and reducing mortality among African women. The study confirms the affordability and efficacy of nevirapine-based treatment regimens for initial HIV treatment in resource-limited settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 12, 2012

UTMB researchers create powerful new method to analyze genetic data

The method combines three bipartite visual representations of genetic information to explore genetic data and identify novel patterns. The technique is applied to SNPs from individuals with Nigerian and Utah ancestry, revealing associations between SNP frequencies and ancestral origins.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 12, 2012

Intervention to improve foster families' lack of trust, connectedness

Foster families face significant challenges in building trust and connection with their foster children, according to a new study. The 'Staying Connected' program, adapted for foster families, aims to strengthen relationships through exercises that acknowledge the strengths of the child and provide opportunities for involvement.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJun 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Many poor pregnant women with HIV go untreated for depression

Roughly 28% of low-income HIV-positive pregnant women reported depression, with African-American women facing barriers to care due to mistrust and unequal quality of care. Untreated depression poses significant risks to both mothers and fetuses, highlighting the need for targeted screening and treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Outcomes Research in Medicine·DateJun 12, 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.

USC Norris clinicians discuss cancer research results

Research studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting showed promising advances in targeted therapy for various cancers. Additionally, clinical trial results indicated that intermittent hormonal therapy may shorten survival for certain prostate cancer patients while improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·DateJun 12, 2012

Volcanic gases could deplete ozone layer

Research suggests that giant volcanic eruptions in Nicaragua over the past 70,000 years temporarily thinned the ozone layer by releasing bromine and chlorine gases. The team used a novel method to estimate gas content in lava rocks and combined it with existing data to calculate potential ozone layer depletion.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateJun 12, 2012

Woolly mammoth extinction has lessons for modern climate change

Scientists have found that woolly mammoths' extinction was caused by a combination of climate warming and habitat change, with human-induced climate change mirroring the same pressures. The researchers used radiocarbon dating to create detailed maps of changes in plant species, forest development, and human settlements over time.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 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.

New study shows earlier birth is best for twins

A new study suggests that women carrying twins should aim to give birth at 37 weeks, as this reduces the risk of serious complications. Babies born early were found to be less likely to be small for their gestational age compared to those born later.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateJun 12, 2012

Pre-surgical steps for eye surgery are standardized through JoVE's video publication

JoVE has standardized pre-surgical steps for eye surgery through video publications, standardizing corneal transplant procedures to minimize waste and risk of tissue rejection. The articles describe simplified techniques for harvesting cornea and retina, as well as critical steps in keratoplasty and endothelial keratoplasty.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJun 12, 2012

Development of prosthetic hands stagnated for 20 years

A study by researchers from TU Delft and the University of Groningen found that contemporary body-powered prosthetic hands perform equally or less well than those from 1987, with insufficient grip strength required to operate them. The study suggests that user overload problems may be a result of excessive operating force, highlighting...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJun 12, 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.

Avatars may help children with social anxiety overcome fears

Researchers at the University of Central Florida's Anxiety Disorders Clinic have developed a new computer simulation program to help children with social anxiety disorders. The program, designed for ages 8-12, allows clinicians to play the roles of avatars while children practice greetings, compliments, and assertiveness in a realistic...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJun 12, 2012

Study finds gender differences in salaries of physician researchers

A recent study found significant gender differences in salaries among mid-career academic physician researchers. On average, male physicians earned $200,433 per year, while female physicians earned $167,669 per year. The study controlled for various factors, including specialty and productivity, but still found a substantial gap.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 12, 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.

Black hole growth found to be out of sync

A new study using Chandra data reveals two galaxies with supermassive black holes growing at a rate outpacing their host galaxies. The findings suggest that dark matter halos and black holes are linked in the growth of these galaxies, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·DateJun 12, 2012

Radiation exposure from medical imaging has increased even at HMOs

A recent UCSF study found that radiation exposure from medical imaging doubled in integrated health care systems (HMOs) between 1996 and 2010, with significant variations between systems. The study, which analyzed millions of patient records, showed a dramatic increase in imaging rates and high radiation doses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateJun 12, 2012

Living microprocessor tunes in to feedback

Researchers discovered that the Microprocessor complex adjusts its production levels based on available precursor miRNA, reducing the risk of chopping off-target RNAs. This finding has implications for efficiently producing small RNA therapies for diseases.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 12, 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.

Nevirapine-based treatment is effective in African women, but not optimal

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that a nevirapine-based treatment regimen was as effective as lopinavir/ritonavir in suppressing the HIV virus, but had a higher stop-treatment rate due to adverse health effects. The researchers emphasize the need for better-tolerated regimes and improved access to effective treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 12, 2012

When being scared twice is enough to remember

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center found that a single light-shock event isn't enough to make rats afraid of the light, but a repeat of the pairing is. This priming effect could lead to new insights into learning and memory treatments or interfere with troubling memories.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJun 12, 2012

Planting the right messages may make farms safer

Researchers at Penn State found that social marketing campaigns could motivate farmers to install rollover protective structures on older-model tractors, reducing deaths in tractor-rollover accidents. Offering rebates and highlighting child safety concerns were key motivators for farmers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Agromedicine·DateJun 12, 2012

Ancient story of Dartmoor tors has an ice-cold twist

A new study reveals that an ice cap and valley glaciers were present in the centre of Dartmoor during the last Ice Age, sculpting its rocky landscape. The research found distinctive outer tors survived while inner tors were destroyed or prevented from forming due to the glacier's presence.

SourceDurham University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJun 12, 2012

Quantum computers could help search engines keep up with the Internet's growth

Researchers at USC have demonstrated that quantum computing can potentially speed up web page ranking calculations, making it easier for search engines to keep up with the ever-expanding Internet. The study showed that a quantum computer could return the ranking of the most important pages in the web faster than traditional computers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 12, 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.

A study shows that 'mosaicism' is gaining ground in cancer research

A recent study published in Nature Genetics provides evidence that genetic variations in the embryo may predispose individuals to cancer later in life. The study found that mutations in key genes were present in cells of patients with congenital skin lesions, suggesting an early origin for some tumors.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 12, 2012

New weekly fertility injections work as well as daily

Weekly fertility hormone injections are as safe and effective as standard daily injections in increasing pregnancies and minimizing serious side effects. Women undergoing fertility treatment may prefer weekly injections for their patient-friendly nature.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJun 12, 2012

Children with asthma marginalized in movies, says Rutgers-Camden researcher

Research by Rutgers-Camden professor Cindy Dell Clark analyzes Hollywood's portrayal of children with asthma, revealing common stereotypes that can lead to stigma and unfair treatment. Her study suggests that depicting asthma as a form of weakness or stress-induced condition is not supported by medical evidence.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMedical Anthropology Quarterly·DateJun 12, 2012

Unhealthy lifestyles have little impact on sperm quality

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that many common lifestyle choices, including smoking and alcohol consumption, have little effect on male fertility. Instead, factors such as ethnicity, occupation, and previous conception history may play a greater role in determining sperm quality.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 12, 2012

Voicemail discovered in nature

A new study reveals that insects store voicemails via their effects on soil fungi, passing signals to future plants and their enemies.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 12, 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.

UCSF pair win Gruber Foundation Neuroscience prize

Lily Jan and Yuh Nung Jan receive the award for their fundamental contributions to understanding potassium channel function, neuronal morphologies, and developmental neuroscience. They have mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, inspiring new generations of researchers.

SourceYale University·DateJun 12, 2012

Tiny 'speed bump' device could sort cancer cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a lab-on-chip platform that can sort microscopic particles and bits of biological matter using gravity or simple forces. The device, similar to speed bumps on a road, separates particles based on weight, size or other factors, holding promise for early cancer detection.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJun 12, 2012

Robotic assistants may adapt to humans in the factory

Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm allowing robots to quickly learn an individual's preference for a task and adapt accordingly. This enables robots and humans to work side by side, improving productivity and efficiency in manufacturing plants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 12, 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.

University of Arizona researchers awarded $3.6 million to design metaphorical cybersecurity map

Researchers at the University of Arizona are developing a visualization system to detect suspicious network activity in real-time, using a geographic map metaphor to facilitate human analysis. The system aims to provide quick high-level information to non-experts and comprehensive data to experts, while also offering customization opti...

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJun 12, 2012

Nature or nurture? It may depend on where you live

Researchers found that genetic and environmental factors influence childhood characteristics differently across the UK, with some traits more strongly linked to genes in certain regions. The study's nature-nurture maps provide a global overview of how environment interacts with genetics.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 12, 2012

Potential Iceland eruption could pump acid into European airspace

A modern recurrence of a 'flood lava' eruption in Iceland could inject large quantities of hazardous gases into North Atlantic and European flight corridors. The emissions could exceed WHO chronic exposure guidelines and pose significant health risks to air travelers, particularly if the event were to occur during late spring or summer.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateJun 12, 2012

What does a tree growing faster than its neighbor look like from outer space?

Scientists will analyze satellite pictures, airplane data, and tree core samples to determine how trees respond to longer growing seasons. This study aims to understand whether faster-growing trees are taking more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a positive factor in combating global warming.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·DateJun 12, 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.

Improving quality of care for sick children in Kenya is cost effective

A cost-effectiveness analysis found that improving quality of care for sick children in district hospitals in Kenya is affordable and effective, with a significant increase in care quality and low additional costs. The intervention was estimated to be approximately $3.6 million annually, or 0.6% of the annual child health budget.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 12, 2012

Evaluation of microscopy techniques may help scientists to better understand ancient plants

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed new microscopy techniques to analyze pollen grains, enabling better classification of prehistoric flora. The research highlights the importance of pollen morphology in understanding the evolution and diversity of ancient vegetation.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2012

Illnesses in Colorado children's hospital prompts discovery of contaminated alcohol pads

A cluster of unusual illnesses at a Colorado children's hospital led to the discovery of contaminated alcohol prep pads with Bacillus cereus bacteria. The investigation resulted in an international recall of the products and highlighted the importance of clear labeling on non-sterile healthcare supplies.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 12, 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.

Substance abuse librarians raise the alarm as libraries continue to close

The Substance Abuse Librarians and Information Specialists are warning of the impending loss of specialist libraries and databases due to continued closures. Over 25 libraries worldwide have been downsized or closed since SALIS' campaign began eight years ago, with valuable grey literature and documents at risk of being lost forever.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJun 12, 2012

Alcohol abuse may be cause, rather than effect of social isolation, poor grades among teens

A new sociological study shows that alcohol consumption leads to increased social stress and poor grades among teens, especially those in tightly-connected friendship cliques. The study found a correlation between drinking and feelings of loneliness and not fitting in, which can lead to declining grades.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 12, 2012

Potential carbon capture role for new CO2-absorbing material

Researchers have developed a novel porous material with unique carbon dioxide retention properties, which could be used in new carbon capture products to reduce emissions from fossil fuel processes. The material's structure allows selective adsorption of CO2, even at low temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 12, 2012

Spotting ultrafine loops in the sun's corona

Researchers used NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and New Solar Telescope to observe ultrafine loops in the sun's corona. These narrow loops are connected to higher lying, wider loops and may help explain how temperatures rise throughout the corona.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 12, 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.

Teaching autistic teens to cope

A UCLA program has proven effective in teaching social skills to high-functioning autistic teens, leading to improved relationships and social functioning. The PEERS clinic's 14-week program helps teens develop critical skills needed to make and keep friends, resulting in fewer problem behaviors and greater understanding of social skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJun 12, 2012

Unusual microbes could hitch a ride with travellers

Researchers discovered a rare yeast species, Saccharomycopsis fodiens, in geographically distant locations, suggesting its spread may be linked to human migrations. The novel strain is parasitic and unusual in using alternative growth methods, providing clues about global micro-organism dispersal.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJun 12, 2012

Physicians and public health agencies need shared accountability to improve health outcomes

A joint supplement published by two leading journals calls for better integration between primary care and public health to meet today's health challenges. The effort aims to eliminate duplication and competition, and showcase successful examples of shared accountability in improving community and population health outcomes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 12, 2012

A 'dirt cheap' magnetic field sensor from 'plastic paint'

University of Utah physicists created a spintronic device that uses MEH-PPV plastic paint to detect magnetic fields, showing exceptional impact in real-world applications. The new magnetometer can accurately measure fields ranging from weak to strong, with potential consumer products on the market in three years or less.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 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.

Retention forestry now sparing trees and benefitting biodiversity worldwide

Retention forestry is a management practice that deliberately leaves selected trees standing during harvesting, reducing ecological simplification and preserving natural forest complexity. It brings benefits such as maintaining ecosystem services, increasing public acceptance, and ensuring habitat continuity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJun 12, 2012

With altered brain chemistry, fear is more easily overcome

A new study from Duke University found that a drug blocking fatty acid amide hydrolase activity reduces fear in mice by increasing endocannabinoids. Human genetic differences related to the same enzyme also influence how well people cope with fear and stress.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 12, 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.

Sleep apnea persisting into teens can impact life skills, study finds

Children with persistent sleep apnea (OSA) into their teens experience behavioral and emotional difficulties, including attention problems and aggression, impacting daily life skills. OSA remission or absence is a protective factor against these issues, highlighting the need for early identification and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 12, 2012

NJIT designer creates an ergonomic chair for musicians

NJIT designer creates a chair to reduce back pain and promote good playing posture among professional musicians. The chair features adjustable seat height, backrests, and a lightweight carbon fiber frame to support individual preferences and body characteristics.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateJun 12, 2012

New research published today is already saving lives

A new study has led to the introduction of rapid syphilis tests in six countries, including China, Peru, Brazil, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tests have been shown to be effective in remote areas and could save up to one million children's lives every year.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 12, 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.

BYU engineers conceive disc replacement to treat chronic low back pain

A new biomedical device aims to alleviate chronic back pain by duplicating the natural motion of the spine. Developed by BYU engineers and licensed to Crocker Spinal Technologies, the artificial disc has shown promise in studies and is set to begin international sales distribution as early as next year.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe International Journal of Spine Surgery·DateJun 12, 2012

Protein residues kiss, don't tell

Researchers create DCA-fold tool to spot subtle interactions between amino acids in proteins, refining methods for predicting protein form and function. The new method uses genomic sequence information to eliminate possibilities from the range of forms a protein might take.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 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.

A father's love is one of the greatest influences on personality development

Research reveals that fatherly love is critical to a person's development, with rejection having a significant impact on anxiety, insecurity, and relationships. The study suggests that the influence of one parent's rejection can be greater than the other's, highlighting the importance of fathers in child care.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateJun 12, 2012

Climate change to alter global fire risk

A new study projects increased fire activity across large parts of the planet due to climate change, particularly in the western United States. Meanwhile, fire activity is expected to decrease in tropical rainforests as a result of increased rainfall.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 12, 2012

Echocardiogram screenings are effective in preventing rheumatic heart disease

A new study from Children's National Medical Center found that routine echocardiogram screenings can identify three times as many cases of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as clinical examinations. The screenings can detect clinically silent RHD in children, allowing for early intervention and prevention of serious complications.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateJun 12, 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.

Making music with real stars

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology's Sonification Lab converted numerical data from Kepler telescope star data into sounds to create a musically appealing melody. The team used this sound in a song by Echo Movement, showcasing the potential of sonification as a tool for analyzing large data sets.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJun 12, 2012

Naturally occurring protein has a role in chronic pain

Researchers have identified a naturally occurring protein involved in generating chronic pain in rats, which could lead to new therapeutic treatments. The discovery highlights the impact of molecular signalling events on nerve transmission and offers promising avenues for pain relief.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJun 12, 2012