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Science News for March 20, 2012


Pesticide additives cause drifting droplets, but can be controlled

Purdue University researchers discovered that chemical additives in pesticides can form smaller 'satellite' droplets that drift into unwanted areas. By carefully modulating the strength or ratio of surfactants to polymeric additives, these unwanted satellite droplets can be mitigated or eliminated.

SourcePurdue University·JournalChemical Engineering Science·DateMar 20, 2012

Novel mouse model for autism yields clues to a 50-year-old mystery

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a mouse model that expresses a common genetic variation linked to autism, revealing exaggerated serotonin signaling and social behavior changes. The study suggests that developmental disruptions in serotonin levels may lead to long-lasting brain wiring changes.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2012

In certain jobs supervisor support can reduce absenteeism

Research finds that a supportive supervisor can significantly reduce employee absenteeism, even in hazardous work environments. Employees who feel supported by their supervisors are less likely to miss work due to perceived job hazards or peer pressure.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 20, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds state wealth affects women's heart disease risk

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that state-level resources contribute to early risk factors for heart disease in women. Wealthy states have lower levels of cardiovascular inflammation, while those with higher financial inequality have higher levels of inflammation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 20, 2012

NSA Science of Security 'Lablet' established at NC State

The NC State Science of Security Lablet aims to develop a unified body of knowledge and analytics methods to create a trust engineering discipline. The lablet will leverage NC State's expertise in analytics to advance the state of the art in security science.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 20, 2012

Teachers, parents trump peers in keeping teens engaged in school

A recent study found that teachers and parents significantly influence adolescent engagement in school, contrary to the widely-held belief that peers do. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,500 teens and found that social support from adults can counteract the negative effects of peers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChild Development·DateMar 20, 2012

NASA's Swift narrows down origin of important supernova class

Studies using X-ray and ultraviolet observations from NASA's Swift satellite provide new insights into the elusive origins of Type Ia supernovae. The research suggests that the companion to a white dwarf is either a smaller, younger star similar to our sun or another white dwarf.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 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.

Checks and balances for medical practitioners?

A USC Marshall School of Business study found that video capture and automated systems can significantly reduce medical errors by minimizing the tendency to operate outside normal procedures. The research suggests that technology can overcome human tendencies to cover up mistakes, but training is essential to improve interpretive errors.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 20, 2012

Wayne State creating Detroit's innovative wireless networking and apps through NSF grants

Wayne State University researchers are building an experimental wireless networking infrastructure with a $300,000 NSF grant to explore applications such as smart grids, transportation, and healthcare. The network will utilize WiMAX technology and be connected to the NSF's Global Environment for Network Innovations backbone.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateMar 20, 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.

Canadian Journal of Cardiology publishes new atrial fibrillation guidelines

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology has published new guidelines for atrial fibrillation, which provide updated guidance on stroke prevention and heart rhythm control. The guidelines are based on recent changes in drugs available to treat the condition and will have a significant impact on how doctors worldwide treat atrial fibrillation.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMar 20, 2012

BPA could affect reproductive capabilities, cause infection of the uterus

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found evidence that BPA can alter the structure of the uterus, leading to increased susceptibility to pyometra, a potentially deadly infection. In animal models, exposure to BPA induced immune cell numbers in the uteri, which were five-fold higher than control animals.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 20, 2012

NIH researchers highlight progress, path forward for developing TB vaccines

Scientists have made significant progress in building knowledge and infrastructure to develop novel tuberculosis vaccine candidates. The next decade of research will focus on investigating remaining fundamental questions and leveraging recent innovations in systems biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalTuberculosis·DateMar 20, 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 vaccine strategy to advance solutions for tuberculosis

Researchers and experts call for intensified global collaboration to develop effective new vaccines against tuberculosis. The blueprint outlines a path forward to create more effective, safe vaccines that can protect people from childhood TB, pulmonary TB, and latent TB.

SourceBurness·JournalTuberculosis·DateMar 20, 2012

Nuclear fusion simulation shows high-gain energy output

Computer simulations performed at Sandia National Laboratories demonstrate a high-gain nuclear fusion method, releasing energy 100 times greater than input current. The technique uses a magnetic field to suppress heat loss during implosion, potentially leading to reliable electricity production from seawater.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 20, 2012

NOAA science supports New York's offshore energy planning

A new NOAA study helps New York state officials identify favorable wind energy development sites while protecting critical bird and fish habitats. The report provides a valuable tool for coastal managers to better understand the interactions between renewable energy development and natural resources.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateMar 20, 2012

Why getting healthy can seem worse than getting sick

A new study offers a fresh perspective on the immune system's acute-phase response, which creates systemic stress that can harm both healthy cells and pathogens. By viewing this response as 'immune brinksmanship,' researchers argue that it may be beneficial for natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateMar 20, 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.

New discovery of proteins involved in positioning muscular nuclei

Researchers have discovered two proteins, Kif5B and MAP7, that play a vital role in positioning muscular nuclei on the edge of muscle fibers. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on the mechanism behind this process, which is essential for skeletal muscle function.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2012

Better organic electronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have provided the first experimental determination of the pathways by which electrical charge is transported in organic thin films. By chemically modifying these films, they show improved conductance and pave the way for future organic electronic devices with better performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 20, 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.

Stopping marketers from treating customers like monkeys

A team of UC Riverside marketing professors will study the effects of gamification on marketing strategies, aiming to understand how far marketers are taking this trend. They believe game mechanics should be used thoughtfully to achieve specific marketing objectives.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 20, 2012

How the smell of food affects how much you eat

Research published in BioMed Central's Flavour journal found that strong smells associated with food lead to smaller bites, suggesting aroma could regulate portion size. The study suggests a possible link between bite size and flavor sensation, potentially aiding weight loss by reducing intake per bite.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFlavour·DateMar 20, 2012

Pregnancy is safe for women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer

New research shows that becoming pregnant after a diagnosis of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer does not increase the risk of recurrence. In fact, patients who become pregnant appear to survive longer than those who do not. The study also found no difference in disease-free survival between women with ER+ or ER- disease.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 20, 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.

2 servings of salmon a week is healthy for pregnant women and their babies

Researchers found that consuming two servings of salmon per week improves omega-3 fatty acid levels in both pregnant women and their babies. This increase in omega-3s enhances the body's antioxidant defenses, potentially helping to reduce oxidative stress associated with pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 20, 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.

Produce safety future focus of supermarkets, farmers and consumers

Penn State researchers found that consumers are highly concerned about produce safety, and supermarkets will increasingly require growers to demonstrate good agricultural practices. To comply, growers will need GAP training and educational materials, as supermarkets implement policies requiring third-party certification.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Control·DateMar 20, 2012

How cost effective are US cancer prevention services?

A new study published in The Milbank Quarterly found that US cancer screening services are less cost-effective than those in the Netherlands, despite conducting three to four times more screenings. Despite similar mortality rates, practical cost savings depend on how preventive services are implemented.

SourceWiley·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 20, 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.

Double whammy: RNAi enhances lung cancer therapy

Researchers found that adding RNAi to standard TKI or antibody therapy can enhance the effect of therapy on NSCLC cell death and slow cell growth. The treatment may benefit patients with EGFR mutations who do not respond to TKI, or those whose cancer is driven by overactive EGFR production.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 20, 2012

Not just for the birds: Man-made noise has ripple effects on plants, too

A study reveals that manmade noise has indirect effects on plants, with some species benefiting and others being harmed. Noise levels can influence the number of pollinator visits, pollen transfer, and seed production in certain plant species, highlighting the ripple effects of human activity on the natural world.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·DateMar 20, 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.

New evidence links Alzheimer's disease and diabetes

Research suggests a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, with defective insulin signaling potentially impacting cognitive function. Studies show that treating Alzheimer's disease with anti-diabetic drugs can normalize insulin signaling and improve cognitive function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2012

Ethical considerations of military-funded neuroscience

Neuroscience research with military funding sparks debate over scientific validity and consequential ethical considerations. Dual-use applications include brain-computer interfaces and neuromodulation technologies that may enhance or suppress neurological capacities in soldiers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2012

Low-calorie diet may be harmful for bowel disease patients

Research suggests that calorie-restricted diets can impair immune systems and increase mortality in mouse models with colon cancer. The findings contradict previous research on obesity's impact on inflammatory bowel diseases. Further studies are needed to understand the association between body fat percentage and immune responses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 20, 2012

What was B.F. Skinner really like? A new study parses his traits

A new study analyzes B.F. Skinner's traits, revealing a highly conscientious and open individual who scored high in neuroticism and extroversion. Contrary to his radical behaviorist views, the researchers found that Skinner was charming, funny, and creative.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 20, 2012

Study highlights risks from arm difference in blood pressure

A systematic review found that a difference of more than 10mmHg or 15mmHg in systolic blood pressure between arms is associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. The study supports the need for two-arm blood pressure checks to become the norm.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·DateMar 20, 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.

Friendly to a fault, yet tense: Personality traits traced in brain

Researchers found abnormal development of the insula circuit hub is rooted in genes and causes overly friendly yet anxious behavior in individuals with Williams syndrome. The study uses neuroimaging to pinpoint the suspect brain area in people with the disorder, revealing structural and functional abnormalities.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2012

Nudging government to greater accountability

Technological advances like citizen journalism and WikiLeaks aim to increase transparency in government. However, Mohamed Chawki argues that current laws may not effectively balance disclosure with potential harm.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intellectual Property Management·DateMar 20, 2012

Proteins shine a brighter light on cellular processes

Researchers have created a new cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) called mTurquoise2, which triples the fluorescence efficiency of existing proteins, enabling improved cellular imaging with unprecedented sensitivity. This breakthrough allows scientists to study protein-protein interactions in living cells with increased accuracy and detail.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 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.

Test to improve peanut allergy diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new test using 'Arah2' to diagnose peanut allergy, reducing the need for oral food challenges by four-fold. The two-step screening process is more accurate and predictive than standard tests, minimizing over-diagnosis and alleviating pressure on healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 20, 2012

Evidence mounts for link between opioids and cancer growth

Two studies suggest that opioids can stimulate tumor growth and spread in cancer patients, with laboratory research indicating the mu opioid receptor plays a key role. Medications blocking this receptor may reduce cancer growth and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 20, 2012

Jellyfish inspires latest ocean-powered robot

Researchers from Virginia Tech have created a robotic jellyfish named Robojelly that mimics the natural movements of a real jellyfish. The robot is powered by chemical reactions taking place on its surface, fueled by hydrogen and able to regenerate fuel from its surroundings.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateMar 20, 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.

Curcumin shows promise in attacking Parkinson's disease

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that curcumin can prevent clumping of alpha-synuclein proteins, a common cause of Parkinson's disease. By binding to these proteins, curcumin rescues them from aggregation, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 20, 2012

NASA GPM satellite's dual-frequency precipitation radar arrives at Goddard

The Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar has arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, providing three-dimensional measurements of raindrop shapes and sizes to better understand storm physical properties. This instrument will be integrated into the GPM Core Observatory, enabling more accurate precipitation estimates globally.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 2012

Collaboration rapidly connects fly gene discovery to human disease

A study discovered mutations in the mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA synthetase gene that cause neurodegenerative disorders in both fruit flies and humans. The findings suggest that antioxidants may counteract the negative consequences of these mutations in flies, raising hope for potential therapeutic approaches in human patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2012

NASA sees more severe weather over eastern Texas, Oklahoma

A stalled frontal system is generating severe weather in eastern Texas and Oklahoma, with cloud top temperatures of up to -63.6°F detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the region due to heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 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.

A camera that peers around corners

Researchers at MIT Media Lab have developed a new imaging system that can produce recognizable 3-D images of objects outside its line of sight by using femtosecond laser pulses and analyzing reflected light. The system has potential applications in emergency response, vehicle navigation, and medical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2012

Scientists measure how energy is spent in martial arts

Researchers studied judo, a complex and unpredictable sport, to understand how athletes spend their energy. They used a portable gas analyzer and mathematical formulas to determine the relative contributions of aerobic, lactic, and alactic anaerobic metabolism.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 20, 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.

JCI early table of contents for March 26, 2012

Research published in JCI suggests a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting potential new therapeutics for treatment. The studies found that defective insulin signaling is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease and that treatment with a new anti-diabetic drug normalized insulin signaling and improv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2012

Marijuana-like chemicals inhibit human immunodeficiency virus in late-stage AIDS

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that marijuana-like chemicals trigger receptors on human immune cells that directly inhibit a type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found in late-stage AIDS. This finding could lead to the development of new drugs to slow the progression of disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2012

A new pipewort species from a unique, but fragile habitat in India

A new species of pipewort has been discovered in the foot hills of the Western Ghats, a unique and fragile habitat. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving this area, which is under threat from population growth, infrastructure development, and uncontrolled tourism.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateMar 20, 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.

Is there good research evidence for health systems interventions?

The article discusses the importance of researching health systems interventions and assessing the reliability of evidence. The authors argue that useful tools are available to evaluate effectiveness, but more work is needed to assess other key factors such as policy acceptability and implementation feasibility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 20, 2012

American Society of Plant Biologists honors early career women scientists

The American Society of Plant Biologists has announced seven winners of the Women's Young Investigator Travel Award, providing $1000 travel grants for female investigators in their first five years as independent scientists. The program aims to increase attendance at the annual meeting and support women in plant biology.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateMar 20, 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.