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Science News for June 26, 2012


New in Geosphere: From fractal-sized fragments to a large-footprint LiDAR survey

A new Geosphere study uses virtual fieldwork to analyze terrain data from the 2010 Haiti earthquake, revealing evidence of active faulting and ancient surface rupture. The research also explores the provenance of sandstones in the Colton Formation and the interactions between the Seattle and Saddle Mountain faults.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 26, 2012

Tiny magnetic coils modulate neural activity, may be safer for deep-brain implants

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed tiny magnetic coils that can modulate neural activity, reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. The study found that the coils can selectively target specific populations of neurons, minimizing effects on non-targeted cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2012

Lung nodule matching software dramatically increases radiologists' efficiency

A new study has found that lung nodule matching software can significantly improve radiologists' efficiency, with an average increase of almost two-fold compared to manual matching. The software correctly matched nodules at an accuracy rate of 79-92% while reducing the time required for matching from 1 second to under 6 minutes.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJun 26, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Kids who cook hungrier for healthy food choices

A survey of Grade 5 students in Alberta found that kids who help with meal preparation are more likely to eat healthier foods and have better diets. Children who cooked showed a greater preference for both fruits and vegetables, and were more confident about making healthier food choices.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJun 26, 2012

The perception of corruption in Spain is above the European average

A study by the Rey Juan Carlos University found that objective corruption data for Spain is higher in politics than administrative-official institutions, but Spaniards perceive corruption as a major issue. The researchers attribute this discrepancy to cultural and institutional factors.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Española de Investigaciones Sociológicas·DateJun 26, 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.

Researchers develop new method for analyzing cell function

BioImageXD is an open-source software that enables the analysis of cell and tissue functions by rendering microscopic images into three-dimensional models. The software allows scientists to study how molecules move on cell surfaces, bond together, and analyze cancer cells' behavior.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 26, 2012

More accurate diagnostic test may reduce deaths

A novel diagnostic test has been developed to accurately detect Group B Streptococcal infection in babies, allowing for quicker treatment and potentially reducing mortality rates. The test detects the presence of a specific gene in the bacteria, which is an important disease-causing factor.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2012

Spinal cord, heal thyself

Researchers found that a diet enriched with DHA and curcumin preserved walking ability in rats with spinal-cord injury, while a Western diet caused measurable walking problems. The study suggests that dietary supplements may help repair nerve cells and maintain neurological function after degenerative damage to the neck.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateJun 26, 2012

Facebook makes us feel good about ourselves

A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that editing social media profiles on Facebook increases self-esteem, while using MySpace leads to higher levels of narcissism. Researchers also discovered that the differences in site format between MySpace and Facebook may contribute to these findings.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJun 26, 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.

Reaching, researching between stars

Researchers use Lonestar supercomputer to create nearly 100,000 models of one galaxy, representing the range of possible ways stars can move. They find that dark matter is more spread out at the edge of the galaxy than previously thought, with a fluffier distribution but the same total amount.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateJun 26, 2012

Who has power over food?

Raj Patel argues that understanding hunger and malnutrition requires examining systems and institutions holding power over food. Food sovereignty is advocated as a means to achieve food security and eradicate undernourishment, prioritizing women's rights and community control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 26, 2012

Countering crowd control collapse

Researchers found that crowd disasters are not caused by individual panic, but rather amplifying feedback and cascading effects. They introduced a new scale to assess criticality of conditions in the crowd, aiming to prevent disasters before they occur.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateJun 26, 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.

Study suggests touch therapy helps reduce pain, nausea in cancer patients

A study by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center found that cancer patients experienced significant improvements in pain, stress, and nausea after one Jin Shin Jyutsu session. The study included 159 patients who reported a mean decrease of three points for stress and two points for both pain and nausea.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateJun 26, 2012

Seeing inside tissue

Caltech engineers enable focusing of light deep into biological tissue, opening up possibilities for non-invasive diagnoses and treatments. The technique uses ultrasound waves to shift the frequency of light, allowing for image creation without scattering effects.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2012

Jeffrey W. Olin, DO, authors study that describes symptoms and severity of fibromuscular dysplasia

A patient registry has yielded crucial data on the clinical features and outcomes of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a non-inflammatory vascular disease. The study found that 91% of patients are women diagnosed in their prime of life, with an average delay in diagnosis of four years from symptom onset.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateJun 26, 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.

What's the best way to treat problem alcohol use?

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has released comprehensive reviews of the most effective treatments for alcohol dependence, emphasizing medication and psychosocial therapies. These interventions have been shown to be effective in treating problem alcohol use and concurrent disorders.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 26, 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.

Study challenges the notion that a calorie is just a calorie

A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association suggests that reducing refined carbohydrates may help maintain weight loss better than reducing fat. Diets with low glycemic index or very-low carbohydrate consumption showed similar metabolic benefits to low-fat diets without negative effects on stress and inflammation.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateJun 26, 2012

Simpler lifestyle found to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

A study found that a simpler lifestyle with fresh foods and limited use of environmental chemicals can reduce exposure to EDCs. Researchers analyzed urine samples from OOM women and compared them to NHANES data, finding lower levels of BPA and phthalates in the former group.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuroToxicology·DateJun 26, 2012

Caltech scientists find new primitive mineral in meteorite

Researchers found panguite, a titanium oxide mineral, in the Allende meteorite, which is considered one of the best-studied meteorites in history. The discovery sheds new light on the formation and evolution of the solar system.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateJun 26, 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.

Hospitals' communication during residency matching may put stress on OB-GYN doctors-in-training

A new study by U-M researchers found that residency programs vary in their interpretation of National Residency Matching Program rules, leading to stress for both OB-GYN residents and program directors. The study suggests that frequent communication with candidates may create an unfair advantage, undermining the original purpose of the...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateJun 26, 2012

Reminders of mortality increase concern for environmental legacy

A study published in Psychological Science found that reminding people of their mortality motivates them to behave in ways that ensure their personal legacy, leaving a positive impact on the environment. Participants who were primed with thoughts of death gave more money to charities serving impoverished communities in the future.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 26, 2012

Immediate rewards for good scores can boost student performance

A study at the University of Chicago shows that offering immediate rewards for good scores can dramatically improve test performance, particularly for low-performing students. Researchers found that non-financial rewards, such as trophies, were more effective for younger students than financial rewards.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJun 26, 2012

First 3-D nanoscale optical cavities from metamaterials

Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop 3D optical cavities with potential to generate intense nanolaser beams, suitable for various technologies including LEDs and optical sensing. The unique electromagnetic properties of these cavities enable new approaches for designing nano-scale optical cavities.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 26, 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.

Regular, moderate, coffee drinking may reduce heart failure risk

Moderate coffee consumption as part of a daily routine may be linked with a significantly lower risk of heart failure. The study found that moderate coffee drinking reduces the risk by as much as 11 percent, while excessive consumption has no benefit and may even be dangerous.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 26, 2012

Make me an offer, say online shoppers

A Michigan State University study found that online shoppers tend to be happier when they receive an offer rather than making one. This can have significant impacts on the fast-growing e-commerce industry. By putting customers in the receiver role, businesses may be able to fill more hotel rooms and airplane seats.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJun 26, 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.

Storm researcher calls for new air safety guidelines

New research highlights the impact of atmospheric gravity waves caused by thunderstorms on air safety, leading to a call for rewritten guidelines. The study reveals that thunderstorms can produce unexpected turbulence more than 100km away from storm cells, posing risks to passengers.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 26, 2012

Stanford scientists spark new interest in the century-old Edison battery

Researchers have created an ultrafast nickel-iron battery that can be fully charged in about 2 minutes and discharged in less than 30 seconds. The new battery uses graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes to improve performance, making it suitable for applications such as electric vehicles and emergency situations.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2012

Duplicate spending on veterans' care costs billions

A new study found that the federal government made $13 billion in duplicative payments to provide health-care services to veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. The researchers analyzed over 1 million veteran records and found that 61% used both VA and Medicare Advantage coverage.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA·DateJun 26, 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.

Social media power youth political participation

The study found that large proportions of young people across racial and ethnic groups have access to the Internet and use online social media regularly. Participatory politics are an important dimension of politics, with 41% of young people engaging in at least one act during the prior 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJun 26, 2012

Stem cell transplantation into mouse cochlea may impact future hearing loss therapies

Researchers in Japan have concluded that adult-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells demonstrate similar survival and neural differentiation capabilities when transplanted into mouse cochleae. However, iPS cell transplantation is associated with a risk of tumor growth, highlighting the importa...

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 26, 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.

Better surfaces could help dissipate heat

A new analysis of surface textures reveals that microscale roughening can improve heat transfer by more than doubling the maximum dissipation. The research found that a simple roughening of the surface improved heat transfer as much as previous techniques used to produce nanoscale patterns, and provides a theoretical framework for anal...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 26, 2012

Prairie cordgrass: Highly underrated

Researchers have identified prairie cordgrass as a promising alternative to switchgrass for biomass production due to its high yield potential and environmental sustainability. The grass has been found to be well-suited for marginal land, particularly in wet environments, making it an attractive option for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 26, 2012

Policies to discourage drug trafficking should account for complexity of 'the game'

Researchers found that former drug traffickers often want to quit due to safety reasons, family ties, and personal growth, but struggle to relinquish power and status. The study suggests policies addressing socioeconomic conditions, cultural values, and the demand for illicit drugs are needed to help traffickers leave the trade

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJun 26, 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.

Penn researchers show 'neural fingerprints' of memory associations

University of Pennsylvania researchers have made progress in deciphering the neural processes behind human thought. Using brain recordings, they identified unique patterns that reflect how people associate words in their memories. These patterns, known as 'neural fingerprints', can potentially be used to read out individual's memory or...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateJun 26, 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.

Nanodiamonds cut through dirt to bring back 'bling' to low-temperature laundry

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that nanodiamonds can help remove crystallized fat from surfaces in eco-friendly low-temperature laundry cycles. This breakthrough could lead to significant energy savings and reduced wear on washing machines, as it allows for higher temperatures to be used more frequently.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 26, 2012

Genetic variant is linked to obesity and insulin resistance

A large study found a direct association between the presence of a small genetic alteration in a hormone receptor and increased body fat and insulin resistance. The BclI polymorphism, which makes the glucocorticoid receptor more sensitive to glucocorticoids, was linked to greater effects with similar hormone levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 26, 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.

Marine energy doubled by predicting wave power

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system that accurately predicts wave power, enabling devices to extract twice as much energy as currently possible. This breakthrough addresses key challenges in marine energy technology, including device durability and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRenewable Energy·DateJun 26, 2012

Musical robot companion enhances listener experience

Shimi, a musical robot companion developed by Georgia Tech's Center for Music Technology, uses listener feedback to recommend songs and dances in sync with the beat. The smartphone-enabled robot has various interactive capabilities, including face detection and rhythm analysis.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJun 26, 2012

Rewriting quantum chips with a beam of light

Researchers from CCNY and UC Berkeley have created rewritable computer chips using a beam of light. The technique, published in Nature Communications, uses laser light to control the spin of an atom's nucleus for encoding information.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 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.

Clot-busting medicine safe for use in warfarin-treated patients following stroke

Researchers from Duke University Medical Center found that tPA is safe to use in acute stroke patients on warfarin, contradicting previous concerns about high intracranial bleeding risk. The study included over 23,000 patients and found similar intracranial hemorrhage risks for those on warfarin and non-warfarin users.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 26, 2012

UCI to lead national social computing research center

UC Irvine will lead a new $12.5 million research center applying social science to digital information design and analysis, alongside four other universities. The center aims to bridge the gap between technical and social disciplines, with annual themes focusing on restoring materiality to information.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJun 26, 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.

Provinces could save millions in prescription drug costs, new research finds

Hospitals in Canada can save millions by prescribing the cheapest version of medications for patients, according to a new study. The study found that substituting the least expensive version of proton pump inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers could save taxpayers $1.6 million, $162,000, and $14,000 respectively.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 26, 2012

Stepped-care intervention results in weight loss, at lower cost

A stepped-care approach to weight loss resulted in clinically meaningful weight loss with lower costs compared to a standard behavioral weight loss intervention. The study found that the stepped-care intervention was more cost-effective, with a mean cost per participant of $358 compared to $494 for traditional programs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 26, 2012

Moderate coffee consumption offers protection against heart failure

A new study suggests that moderate coffee consumption may offer protection against heart failure, with a reduced risk of 11% observed among moderate drinkers. The research found that four to five cups of coffee per day provides the strongest protection, while excessive consumption may pose potential harm.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateJun 26, 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.

NTU's new loo turns poo into power

The No-Mix Vacuum Toilet system uses vacuum suction technology to separate liquid and solid wastes, reducing flushing water needs by up to 90%. The system can also produce bio-gas for energy generation and fertilizers for agricultural use.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateJun 26, 2012

UGA study reveals flu-fighting role for well-known immune component

University of Georgia scientists discovered a new flu-fighting role for the immune component IL-15, which reduces peak viral load by nearly three times in mice infected with influenza. The study found that administering IL-15 enhances natural killer cell movement and attracts CD8 T cells to the lung airways.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 26, 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.

Clinical trial first to test heart drug regimen for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A landmark randomized clinical trial is testing whether earlier treatment can prevent or delay heart damage in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study uses enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to detect early changes in heart function and evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-fibrosis drug regimen.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateJun 26, 2012

Translating cultures

The project aims to improve professional translators and mediators in navigating cultural differences and minimizing misunderstandings. Experts investigate the impact of language, body language, and cultural variables on mediation processes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJun 26, 2012

NASA satellites see wildfires across Colorado

Fires raged in southwestern and northeastern Colorado, with the High Park Fire consuming 83,205 acres, the second-largest fire in Colorado history. The Weber Fire burned approximately 8,300 acres, while the Little Sand Fire had been burning for weeks, threatening nearly 200 people.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 26, 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.

Liquid metals are in the focus of a new research alliance

The Helmholtz Alliance LIMTECH aims to increase the energy and resource efficiency of liquid metal technologies. Liquid metals are used in various industrial branches due to their high thermal conductivity and ability to store large quantities of energy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJun 26, 2012

Neuroprotective dietary supplements for chronic spinal cord injury

Researchers found that a diet enriched with DHA and curcumin can protect the injured spinal cord and minimize clinical and biochemical effects of myelopathy in rats. The combination reduces inflammation, provides structural material to plasma membranes, and produces strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·DateJun 26, 2012

Research suggests denser development is good for single-family home values

A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that higher neighborhood density improves single-family home values. The study also discovered a positive association between proximity to retail and multifamily rental property values, highlighting the economic value of walkable neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalURBAN DESIGN International·DateJun 26, 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.

New invasive imaging technique to monitor brain function

A new invasive imaging technique monitors brain function in patients with diseases such as epilepsy, providing real-time analysis at a higher resolution than current technologies. The procedure uses pre-placed electrodes to image the brain, offering unprecedented insight into its function.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJun 26, 2012

UMass Medical School researchers discover a new role for RNAi

Researchers identified a mechanism related to RNAi that scans for intruders by comparing foreign sequences to a memory of previously expressed native RNA, creating an 'epigenetic memory' that silences the gene. This memory can be passed on from one generation to the next.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 26, 2012