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Science News for March 13, 2012


Clinical news alert: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights

The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) found surgical treatment significantly favored outcomes for IDH, DS, and LSS, while vitamin D deficiency is critical to musculoskeletal health. A new study urges orthopaedic surgeons to proactively diagnose and treat vitamin D deficiency, which can improve treatment results for various ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 13, 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.

Get me out of this slump! Visual illusions improve sports performance

A study by Jessi Witt and coauthors found that visual illusions can improve sports performance, particularly in free throws. By projecting a ring of circles around the basket, players sank more putts when the hole looked bigger—about 10 percent more.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 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.

Research suggests new therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury

Researchers have discovered that administering FTY720, an oral drug shown promise for multiple sclerosis, significantly improves motor function recovery in mice with spinal cord injuries. The study suggests targeting sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors may be a new avenue to counteract the degeneration of the spinal cord in human SCI.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 13, 2012

Baboon-like social structure creates efficiencies for spotted hyena

Recent study in Molecular Ecology reveals spotted hyenas exhibit strong kinship relationships, affected by resource reduction. The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy's conservation efforts focus on understanding and conserving these social systems.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 13, 2012

JoVE shows how researchers open the brain to new treatments

A new technique published in JoVE uses MRI-guided microbubbles and focused ultrasound to disrupt the blood-brain barrier, potentially opening new treatment avenues for devastating conditions like Alzheimer's and brain cancers. The method is safer than current methods, which can leave large areas of the barrier exposed to toxins.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 13, 2012

Reduced baby risk from another cesarean

A major study led by the University of Adelaide found that women who had one prior cesarean can lower the risk of death and serious complications for their next baby. Infants born to these women had a significantly lower risk of serious complications compared to those born after a vaginal birth following a prior cesarean.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

NASA sees double tropical trouble in northern Australia

Tropical Cyclone Lua has strengthened to a minimum tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots, while System 96P is getting organized in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Both systems are affecting coastal areas in northern Australia and are expected to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough surf.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 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.

Research reveals carbon footprint caused by China's irrigation system

A new study reveals China's groundwater irrigation system is responsible for releasing over 30 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. This significant pollution is caused by the energy needed to pump water from underground, with some areas requiring pumps that run for miles.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2012

NASA and CSA robotic operations advance satellite servicing

A NASA experiment aboard the International Space Station has demonstrated remotely controlled robots can perform precise satellite-servicing tasks in space, marking a milestone in technology test bed use. The project is expected to reduce risks and encourage future robotic servicing missions, paving the way for satellite repair, refuel...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 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.

A fragrant new biofuel

JBEI researchers have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to generate significant quantities of methyl ketone compounds from glucose, which yielded high cetane numbers comparable to gasoline. The findings add flexibility and options for the biofuels industry, with potential applications in producing advanced biofuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 13, 2012

Gene Kritsky to give Entomology Founders' Memorial lecture

Gene Kritsky will give the Entomology Founders' Memorial Award lecture at Entomology 2012, honoring Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Dr. Kritsky's research has significantly contributed to understanding periodical cicadas and apiculture.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateMar 13, 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.

Italian researchers found how to stop low back pain

Researchers at the Catholic University of Rome found that high concentrations of NF-kB cause degeneration of intervertebral discs, leading to chronic low back pain. They developed an experimental drug, NBD peptide, to inhibit NF-kB and tested its success in mice.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalSpine·DateMar 13, 2012

Optics Express focus issue: Modular ultrafast lasers

The Optics Express Focus Issue on Modular Ultrafast Lasers showcases state-of-the-art developments in femtosecond lasers, enabling new applications in biology, medicine, chemistry, and energy research. Key findings include the generation of broad-bandwidth frequency combs for precision metrology and spectroscopy.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 13, 2012

UC Riverside alumna receives high honor in genetics

Stephanie Turner Chen has received the Larry Sandler Memorial Award for her research on the detection of carbon dioxide in fruit flies and mosquitoes. Her work provides a novel approach to mosquito control, revealing odors that inhibit their ability to detect carbon dioxide.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 13, 2012

Santorini: The ground is moving again in paradise

Scientists have recorded unprecedented deformation within Santorini's caldera, with movement of up to nine centimeters between GPS stations. The volcano's magma chamber has expanded by 14 million cubic meters since January, raising concerns about a potential eruption.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new approach to faster anticancer drug discovery

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a new strategy for faster anticancer drug discovery by analyzing the genetic pathway of disease. They identified Peruvoside, a cardiac glycoside, as a potential treatment for prostate cancer with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2012

Cancer epigenetics: Breakthrough in ID'ing target genes

A new study from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine has developed a computer program called EpiPredictor to rapidly identify genes targeted by epigenetic proteins. The program, which was funded in part by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, shows promise for speeding up research in cancer epigenetics.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 13, 2012

Storage time for cartilage transplant tissue doubled by MU researchers

Cartilage transplant tissue can now be stored for up to 63 days, compared to 28 days previously, using a new method developed by researchers at the University of Missouri. This increase in storage time is expected to greatly improve the success rate of joint grafting procedures.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Knee Surgery·DateMar 13, 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.

More trans fat consumption linked to greater aggression

A study published in PLOS ONE found that dietary trans fatty acids are associated with irritability and aggression in both men and women of all ages. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 1,000 adults, suggests a strong link between trans fat consumption and aggressive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2012

Could the immune system help recovery from stroke?

A new EU project, TargetBraIn, is investigating the potential of the immune system to aid in stroke recovery. The research seeks to balance the positive and negative effects of inflammation, with the goal of developing more effective treatments for this growing health issue.

SourceLund University·DateMar 13, 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.

150 'Planet under Pressure' public events worldwide

The Planet under Pressure conference brings together 2,500 specialists to present scientific knowledge on the planet's state and potential solutions. Public events at science centers and museums worldwide will take place concurrently, giving the public a snapshot of the planet's state and scientific concern.

SourceEarth System Science Partnership·DateMar 13, 2012

Prolonged space travel causes brain and eye abnormalities in astronauts

Prolonged space travel has been found to cause brain and eye abnormalities in astronauts, similar to those seen in intracranial hypertension of unknown cause. MRI scans revealed optic nerve expansion, eyeball flattening, and pituitary gland changes in astronauts exposed to microgravity for extended periods.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 13, 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.

Fatty diets may be associated with reduced semen quality

A study of 99 men found an association between high total fat intake and lower total sperm count and concentration. Men who consumed more omega-3 polyunsaturated fats had better formed sperm than those who consumed less.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 13, 2012

Global warming skepticism climbs during tough economic times

A University of Connecticut study reveals that growing economic uncertainty leads to decreased public belief in man-made global warming. Research found a strong correlation between unemployment rates and climate change skepticism, with jobless rates dropping skepticism among the public.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMar 13, 2012

Planned repeat cesarean section may be safer for mother and baby

A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that women who have a previous caesarean section may benefit from a planned repeat caesarean section in terms of reduced bleeding and infant mortality. The research found that elective repeat caesarean sections were associated with lower risks of severe bleeding and serious infant morbidity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

New compound discovered that rapidly kills liver cancer

Scientists have identified a new compound, Factor Qunolinone Inhibitor 1 (FQI1), that rapidly kills hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by inhibiting an oncogene, while sparing healthy tissue. Laboratory experiments and mouse models demonstrate the compound's effectiveness without observable toxicity.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2012

Fertilization by invasive species threatens nutrient-poor ecosystems

Biologists at Bielefeld University have developed a new method to quantify the impact of non-native species on ecosystem functioning. The study found that invasive species like the Sydney Golden Wattle can fertilize surrounding soil with nitrogen, extending beyond their occupied area and affecting native plants.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 13, 2012

Cool hands may be the key to increasing exercise capacity

A study presented at the American Heart Association's 2012 Scientific Sessions found that cooling the palms of the hands during exercise improved exercise tolerance and cardiovascular fitness in obese women. Holding a cold bottle or using a cooling device may help exercisers work out longer and stick with their regimen.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 13, 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.

Center for Innovative Metal Processing created

The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory and Sciaky, Inc. have established the Center for Innovative Metal Processing through Direct Digital Deposition as a Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. The center aims to provide an advanced design and simulation tool in a shared network for industry participants to evaluate the technology.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 13, 2012

U-M biologists find potential drug that speeds cellular recycling

A University of Michigan team has identified a synthetic small molecule that can activate lysosome calcium channels, potentially treating rare inherited metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery could also provide insights into the aging process.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2012

Dietary patterns exist among US adults based on demographics

Researchers identified five distinct dietary patterns among US adults based on demographic factors such as age, race, region, gender, income, and education. These patterns include the Southern, Traditional, Healthy, Sweets, and Alcohol diets, which have clear differences in food choices across demographic groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 13, 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.

'A Lethal Inheritance'

The book reveals startling neuroscientific and genetic findings that explain how clusters of mental illness traverse family generations. Victoria Costello shares her personal journey and discovers the earliest signs of mental illnesses that can be passed on from grandparents to parents and grandchildren.

SourcePrometheus Books·DateMar 13, 2012

Cassini spies wave rattling jet stream on Jupiter

Scientists have discovered an invisible wave interacting with Jupiter's jet streams, revealing a connection to Earth's atmosphere and influencing the planet's weather. The Cassini spacecraft's high-resolution images showed the wave's oscillation, tied to Rossby waves and gravity inertia waves.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateMar 13, 2012

Scientists produce eye structures from human blood-derived stem cells

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created early retina structures containing proliferating neuroretinal progenitor cells using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from human blood. The structures showed the capacity to form layers of cells, which possessed the machinery to communicate information.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 13, 2012

Just 60 seconds of combat impairs memory

A study by Dr. Lorraine Hope found that less than 60 seconds of physical exertion can severely impair a police officer's ability to remember details of an incident, including recognizing the person involved. This can lead to inaccuracies in witness accounts and potentially affect an officer's credibility.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 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.

New insights into the synaptic basis of chronic pain

A team of scientists has identified a key player in the amplification of pain signals in the spinal cord, which could lead to the development of novel treatments for chronic pain. By removing an enzyme called PKG-1 from pain-sensing nerves, researchers found that LTP was abolished and pain-related memory and behavior were also altered.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2012

Post-exposure antibody treatment protects primates from Ebola, Marburg viruses

US Army researchers have successfully tested antibody-based therapies in monkeys infected with Ebola and Marburg viruses, demonstrating full protection even when treatment was delayed until two days post-infection. This breakthrough provides proof-of-concept for developing filovirus therapies for human use.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 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.

Barrier to faster graphene devices identified and suppressed

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a major barrier to faster graphene devices, finding that charged impurities on the surface of graphene scatter electrons. By using electrically neutral liquids, they achieved record-levels of room-temperature electron mobility, three times greater than previous graphene-based devices.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2012