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Science News for May 25, 2012


Hazelnuts improve infant formula

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new infant formula using hazelnut oil that better mimics the structure of human milk. This design improves the digestion and absorption of essential fatty acids, including DHA and ARA, which are crucial for infant development.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2012

UC San Diego researchers receive new CIRM funding

Researchers at UC San Diego have received over $12 million in new grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop stem cell-based treatments for various diseases. The awards will support projects that aim to repair gene mutations, find new drugs and regeneratin spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 25, 2012

Early physical therapist treatment associated with reduced risk of healthcare utilization and reduced overall healthcare costs

A study found that early physical therapist treatment for low back pain was associated with reduced risk of subsequent healthcare utilization and lower overall healthcare costs. Patients who received early care from a physical therapist had lower rates of surgery, injections, and opioid use, as well as reduced medical costs.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalSpine·DateMay 25, 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.

Phone contact with nurses linked with better outcomes for women with gestational diabetes

Women referred to the telephone-based nurse management program had a lower risk of high baby birth weight and were more likely to have postpartum glucose testing, leading to earlier identification and management of postpartum glucose intolerance or diabetes. The study suggests that this program can improve outcomes for women with gesta...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 25, 2012

Autopsy of an eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity

Scientists analyzed magma chamber crystals and correlated them with seismic signals from Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption, revealing a clear connection between crystal growth and volcanic activity. This study could improve eruption forecasting by providing insights into the timing of magma input and pulses of seismicity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2012

Inherited DNA change explains overactive leukemia gene

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a small inherited change in DNA responsible for overactivating the BAALC gene, which is associated with poor treatment response in acute leukemia. The study found that high levels of RUNX1 protein are linked to high BAALC gene expression.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2012

Most occupational injury and illness costs are paid by the government and private payers

Workers' compensation insurance is not used enough to cover workplace illnesses and injuries. Nearly 80% of these costs are paid by employer-provided health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other disability funds. The resulting low premiums provide little incentive for companies to promote workplace safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 25, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tongue analysis software uses ancient Chinese medicine to warn of disease

Researchers developed a computer software that combines ancient practices with modern medicine by analyzing images of the tongue, indicating potential health issues. The software distinguishes between tongues showing signs of hot or cold zheng, which is associated with various symptoms such as fever, chills and loose stool.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateMay 25, 2012

Wells Fargo fosters environmental conservation through University of Miami's RJD program

The University of Miami's R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program will receive a $40,000 grant from Wells Fargo to enhance marine conservation science education and research. The program aims to inspire youth to learn STEM skills and adopt conservation attitudes, as well as raise awareness about marine ecology and shark species.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateMay 25, 2012

70 percent of women use contraceptives during their first sexual encounter

The study reveals a prevalence of 70.4% for contraceptive use during the first sexual encounter among Spanish women, with notable differences observed between regions and socio-economic groups. Factors such as education level and geographical location significantly impact contraceptive use in this context.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHealth & Place·DateMay 25, 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.

High-speed method to aid search for solar energy storage catalysts

A new high-throughput method identifies promising electrocatalysts for water oxidation, enabling the efficient storage of solar energy. The technique uses ultraviolet light and a fluorescent paint to test metal-oxide electrocatalysts, accelerating the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 25, 2012

Cancer may require simpler genetic mutations than previously thought

Researchers have found that cancer cells may require simpler genetic mutations than previously thought to grow and proliferate. The most common hemizygous deletions in cancer involve tumor suppressing genes called STOP genes, which are haploinsufficient, meaning they depend on two copies to function normally.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 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.

A new invading sea crab reaches the Ebro Delta

A new invasive species of sea crab, Dyspanopeus sayi, has established itself in the Western Mediterranean Coast, particularly in the Ebro Delta. The crabs are well-established and reproducing in the area without problems, with both sexes captured along with ovigerous females carrying eggs.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalScientia Marina·DateMay 25, 2012

A mating dance with Popeye arms

A research team at Bielefeld University is studying how female locusts prefer males with the most powerful swellings on their front legs. The study aims to understand the evolution of sexual ornaments and their role in mate selection, which may be linked to an animal's health.

SourceBielefeld University·DateMay 25, 2012

Picture release: More than meets the eye

Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered a 'transformer' protein that allows cells to create vesicles of different shapes and sizes by changing the shape of individual building blocks. This breakthrough provides new insights into the structure and function of COPI protein-coated vesicles.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 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.

Skp2 activates cancer-promoting, glucose-processing Akt

Researchers found that Skp2 E3 ligase promotes Herceptin resistance in breast cancer by activating the Akt kinase, which also regulates glucose metabolism. The study suggests that blocking Skp2 could inhibit glycolysis and provide a new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateMay 25, 2012

UMass Amherst wildlife researcher photographs rare Sumatran rabbit

Wildlife researchers at UMass Amherst have captured photographs of the rare Sumatran striped rabbit, which may now be found only in two remote national parks on the Indonesian island. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these areas from encroachment and development, which threaten the survival of the species.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalOryx·DateMay 25, 2012

Math predicts size of clot-forming cells

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting the final size and shape of platelets, which form blood clots. The study provides insights into the forces inside cells that turn into platelets, shedding light on a longstanding puzzle in platelet formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2012

Like curry? New biological role identified for compound used in ancient medicine

Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered that curcumin can increase levels of a protein that helps prevent infection, highlighting its potential as an alternative to vitamin D. The study found curcumin causes a modest but measurable increase in cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) levels.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 25, 2012

NASA sees Hurricane Bud threaten western Mexico's coast

Hurricane Bud is expected to make a quick landfall in western Mexico before turning back to sea, bringing heavy rainfall and severe flooding to the region. The storm's slow movement may result in life-threatening flash floods and mudslides as it moves over Mexico's rugged coastal terrain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 25, 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.

Copy of the genetic makeup travels in a protein suitcase

Researchers at the University of Bonn have visualized the transport of messenger RNA from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm using a highly sensitive light microscope. The study reveals that the process involves brief collisions with the nuclear membrane and quality control checks, resulting in only about every fourth successful export.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2012