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Science News for October 3, 2012


Nurse-led intervention deters substance abuse among homeless youth

A new study led by researchers from UCLA School of Nursing found that nursing interventions and art messaging programs can significantly decrease substance abuse among homeless youths. The study revealed significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hallucinogen use.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateOct 3, 2012

NASA sees fifteenth Atlantic tropical depression born

The 15th Atlantic tropical depression, TD15, has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean, moving northwest at 15mph. It is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Oscar and move north and northeast before weakening due to hostile atmospheric conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 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.

Rice U. study: State deregulation of open-heart surgery beneficial to patients

A study by Rice University researchers found that states without Certificate of Need regulations for open-heart surgery experienced a 4% decrease in average patient care costs. The deregulation led to increased competition among hospitals, driving up the quality of care and resulting in cost savings.

SourceRice University·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateOct 3, 2012

Memory and thought-process training show promise in managing breast cancer symptoms

Researchers found that a memory training program improved memory performance, while a computer-based program called Insight improved both memory and information processing speed. The study suggests these programs may help alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue in breast cancer survivors.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateOct 3, 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.

Mom's high blood pressure in pregnancy could affect child's IQ in old age

A study of 398 men found that those whose mothers had high blood pressure during pregnancy scored lower on thinking ability tests at age 69 compared to those whose mothers did not have high blood pressure. This effect was strongest for math-related reasoning and persisted even after controlling for other factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 3, 2012

ARS scientists devising new ways to protect avocados

USDA scientists are working to minimize the threat of Laurel wilt disease caused by the fungus Raffaelea lauricola, vectored by the redbay ambrosia beetle. Chemical attractants for beetle traps and fungicides to slow disease spread have been developed.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateOct 3, 2012

Not getting sleepy? Stanford research explains why hypnosis doesn't work for all

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that highly hypnotizable individuals have greater activity in executive-control and salience networks, indicating a neural trait underlying hypnotizability. This advance enables scientists to better understand the mechanisms of hypnosis and its potential for clinical applications.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 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.

Warning, automatic braking systems on autos will help save lives, research predicts

Research published in IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems suggests that automatic braking systems can significantly reduce injuries in rear-end collisions. The study found that the use of three systems - warning, assisted braking, and autonomous braking - may prevent up to 50% of serious injuries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateOct 3, 2012

Methane emissions can be traced back to Roman times

Researchers have determined that methane emissions in the Greenland ice sheet date back to Roman times, with a significant increase around 1800 due to industrialization. Today, more than half of methane emissions are man-made, primarily from agriculture and energy production.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2012

Mollusc missing link revealed in 3-D

Researchers have uncovered a rare fossil called Kulindroplax, the missing link between two mollusc groups, and modelled it in a 3D computer animation. The study provides unprecedented detail, enabling scientists to understand the relationship between aplacophorans and chitons.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2012

Researchers identify dozens of new de novo genetic mutations in schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered dozens of new de novo genetic mutations that play a significant role in schizophrenia development. Many of these mutations were found to affect genes with higher expression during early-to-mid fetal development, highlighting the importance of both gene function and timing in determining risk.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 3, 2012

Fear of treatment puts stress on women undergoing fertility therapy

A study published in Human Reproduction found that fear of treatment is a significant contributor to psychological stress in women undergoing fertility therapy. Women often experience anxiety, depression, anger, and low self-esteem due to infertility, which can negatively impact relationships with their partners.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 3, 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.

MSU to lead $1.6 million grant on national crop pollination

Michigan State University has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the USDA to support specialty crop yields and profit through improved pollination management. The five-year project aims to develop region- and crop-specific Integrated Crop Pollination approaches using honey bees, wild bees, and alternative managed bees.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 3, 2012

'Humanized' mice advance study of rheumatoid arthritis

Scientists at Northwestern University have created a mouse model that replicates the human response in rheumatoid arthritis. The new prototype uses human stem cells implanted in mice, which showed authentic human reactions, paving the way for more accurate drug discovery and treatment options.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateOct 3, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

For some women, genes may influence pressure to be thin

The study, which analyzed over 300 female twins, suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of body dissatisfaction and thin ideal internalization. Environmental influences, such as exposure to media, also contribute to these issues.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateOct 3, 2012

New study sheds light on cancer-protective properties of milk

A new study found that lactoferricin4-14, a milk protein, reduces colon cancer cell growth and DNA damage by prolonging the cell cycle and increasing DNA repair. This suggests that milk's cancer-preventive effects may be linked to its ability to promote DNA repair in normal cells.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateOct 3, 2012

Chloroquine makes comeback to combat malaria

Scientists have observed that chloroquine is once again effective in combating malaria parasites, particularly in Senegal and other African countries. This development could lead to more affordable treatment options for millions of people in Africa, with the current treatment costing twice as much as chloroquine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 3, 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.

Simple test may ease management of esophagitis

A new test, Esophageal String Test (EST), uses a string that stretches through the esophagus to monitor eosinophilic esophagitis treatment. This non-invasive test can accurately diagnose EoE as effectively as endoscopy with biopsy, potentially reducing complications and improving patient care.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalGut·DateOct 3, 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.

Anthropologist finds evidence of hominin meat eating 1.5 million years ago

A 2-year-old hominin child's skull fragment unearthed in Tanzania shows signs of anemia-induced porotic hyperostosis due to a diet lacking in meat. The discovery suggests that meat consumption became essential for proper functioning, leading to brain development and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

Army surgeons present new research on cancer vaccine, colorectal surgery

Army surgeons have presented two studies highlighting the potential of a cancer vaccine in improving survival rates. The first study showed that breast cancer survivors who received a HER2 peptide vaccine had a higher likelihood of surviving disease-free compared to those without the treatment. In contrast, patients with Crohn's Diseas...

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateOct 3, 2012

Key environmental factors influencing manta ray behavior identified

A study published in PLOS ONE found that manta rays are more likely to gather together under new or full moons and when wind speeds are lower. The researchers used a citizen science approach involving volunteer divers and tour operators to monitor manta ray behavior at Lady Elliott Island.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

Discrimination from one's manager really bites

A study by University of Leicester researchers found that discrimination from managers has the largest impact on anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion among mental health workers. Meanwhile, discrimination from patients' visitors causes more distress than from patients themselves.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateOct 3, 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.

Discovery leads to new hope against ovarian cancer

Scientists at USC have discovered a new type of drug that works by targeting Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) in ovarian cancer cells. The drug, PACMA31, has shown promise in reducing the number of doses needed and making it effective for patients with resistant cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2012

Brown University awarded $1.5 million for new Big Data tools

Computer scientists at Brown University have been awarded $1.5 million to develop new algorithms and statistical methods for analyzing large genomic datasets. The project aims to identify genetic mutations that drive cancer by comparing gene sequences of healthy tissue to those of cancerous tissue.

SourceBrown University·DateOct 3, 2012

NSF awards $11.9 million for Sustainable Climate Risk Management

A $11.9 million NSF award supports a multi-institution research network on sustainable climate risk management strategies at Penn State and nine additional universities. The network aims to develop improved analysis frameworks, mentor diverse researchers, and inform climate-related risk management decisions.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 3, 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.

The brief but violent life of monogenetic volcanoes

A new model provides insight into the brief but violent lives of monogenetic volcanoes, shedding light on their explosive mechanisms. The research proposes that explosions occur simultaneously over a range of depths, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGeology·DateOct 3, 2012

The mathematics of leaf decay

Researchers developed a mathematical model to analyze data from North American forests, finding that warmer climates accelerate leaf decay uniformly, while plant composition determines the range of rates. The study reveals surprising commonality among diverse leaf decay patterns, shedding light on global carbon flux and climate change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateOct 3, 2012

NASA sees strongest side of Tropical Storm Maliksi

Tropical Storm Maliksi had maximum sustained winds of 45 knots east of its center on Oct. 3, with cloud-top temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit. The storm is forecast to weaken due to strong vertical wind shear and transition into an extra-tropical cyclone.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 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.

Got dry eyes? Measuring eyelid sensitivity may reflect the causes

A simple test of eyelid sensitivity may help vision professionals evaluate one of the most common eye-related symptoms: dry eyes. Researchers found that increased lower lid sensitivity is related to hyperosmolarity of the tear film, suggesting a potential new approach to assessing tear osmolarity via lower lid sensitivity measures.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateOct 3, 2012

Deforestation in snowy regions causes more floods

A new study finds that deforestation in snowy regions consistently causes more floods, both big and small. In mountainous areas, trees help control snowmelt, but without them, water flows faster, leading to a significant increase in flood frequency.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalWater Resources Research·DateOct 3, 2012

Black hole surprise in ancient star cluster

Two black holes, about 10 to 20 times heavier than the Sun, have been found in the globular cluster M22, a surprise discovery that challenges existing theories. The research, published in Nature, reveals that these smaller black holes are more common in globular clusters than previously thought.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 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.

Celebrating the centennial of a landmark in culinary chemistry

The Maillard reaction, discovered by Louis-Camille Maillard in 1912, is a fundamental reaction in culinary chemistry that produces delicious flavors and colors. The reaction also has a dark side, producing potential carcinogens in certain foods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 3, 2012

Rare disease researchers notch a win

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the generic drug mexiletine alleviates symptoms of nondystrophic myotonia, a rare muscle disease. Participants reported significant improvements in stiffness, pain, and everyday quality of life, with stiffness reduced by at least 40%.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 3, 2012

Less is more when choosing between groups of assorted items

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that rhesus monkeys prefer a highly-valued food item alone to the same item paired with a lower-value item. This behavior is similar to what has been seen in human studies, where participants rated a highly-valued item more highly than one with multiple items of lesser value.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

New study links caffeinated coffee to vision loss

A new study links heavy caffeinated coffee consumption to an increased risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma, the leading cause of secondary glaucoma worldwide. Women with a family history of glaucoma are also at higher risk.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 3, 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.

Our preferences change to reflect the choices we make, even three years later

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to prefer the option they chose over the one they rejected, and this preference can last for years. The researchers used a vacation destination rating task to demonstrate this effect, which was only observed when participants made their own choices.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 3, 2012

City of Ottawa sits atop soil, geologic features that amplify seismic waves

A recent study reveals Ottawa's unique geology amplifies seismic waves, exceeding expected National Building Code of Canada values. The area has experienced moderate shaking from earthquakes, but some areas have higher ground motion than others during larger events.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 3, 2012

Ancient mollusk tells a contrary story

A new fossil discovery provides evidence that simpler worm-like mollusks evolved from more complex shelled brethren, rather than the other way around. The find clarifies evolutionary relationships among mollusks, including oysters and mussels.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 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.

A complete solution for oil-spill cleanup

A superabsorbent material can recover up to 5 gallons of crude oil per pound and is strong enough for collection and transportation. The material transforms an oil spill into a soft gel that can be converted back into refined oil, providing a cost-effective solution to reduce environmental impacts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateOct 3, 2012

Rutgers study finds economic abuse affects maternal mental health, parenting

Mothers who experience economic and psychological abuse are more likely to become depressed and spank their children in year five. The study found that controlling for demographic variables, mothers who experienced economic abuse were 1.9 times more likely to exhibit signs of depression than those who did not.

SourceRutgers University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateOct 3, 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.

New Queen's University Belfast plasma jet gives 'cold' shoulder to superbugs

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technique using a cold plasma jet to kill bacteria in biofilms, making it effective against complex organised communities of bacteria. The approach has the potential to control hospital superbugs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

Southern Hemisphere becoming drier

Research by CSIRO scientists reveals a southward shift in the subtropical dry-zone is driving autumn rainfall decline across south-eastern Australia. The expansion also affects southern-coastal Chile and southern Africa, with some regions experiencing increased rainfall during April-May.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateOct 3, 2012

Oldest evidence of regular meat consumption by early humans found

A 1.5-million-year-old skull fragment from Tanzania shows signs of anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency, suggesting regular meat consumption in early hominids was common. The discovery supports the idea that early human ancestors were hunters and had a physiology adapted to regular meat consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

Nadine bringing tropical storm conditions back to the Azores

Tropical Storm Nadine is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Azores on Oct. 3 and early Oct. 4, according to NASA data. The National Hurricane Center forecasts some weakening over the next two days, but Nadine will still be a tropical storm when it moves near or over the Azores.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 2012

Scripps Health, STSI Get $3.75M grant from Qualcomm Foundation

The funding will support clinical trials of wireless biosensor systems and rapid pharmacogenomic diagnostic tests to track heart attacks and Type 1 diabetes. Scripps Digital Medicine aims to revolutionize healthcare with breakthrough technologies, including DNA sequencing tools.

SourceScripps Health·DateOct 3, 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.

New fanged dwarf dinosaur from southern Africa ate plants

A new species of plant-eating dwarf dinosaur, Pegomastax africanus, has been discovered in southern Africa. The species had a unique combination of features, including a short parrot-shaped beak and stabbing canines that were likely used for self-defense and competitive sparring.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateOct 3, 2012

For some women, genes may influence pressure to be thin

A Michigan State University study found that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of thin-ideal internalization, with heritability at 43%. Environmental influences also contribute to the pressure, but non-shared factors have a greater impact.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateOct 3, 2012

Drug reverses abnormal brain function in rett syndrome mice

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered a promising treatment for Rett syndrome by reversing abnormalities in brain activity with an FDA-approved anesthesia drug, ketamine. This study provides new evidence that drug treatment can improve neurological function in individuals with Rett syndrome.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 3, 2012

Home-based assessment tool for dementia screening

A home-based computer software, ClockMe System, allows adults to screen themselves for early signs of dementia. The system scores the participant's clock-drawing test and records the duration and timing of the test, providing valuable insight into thought processes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments·DateOct 3, 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.

Smartphones to steer unmanned rotorcraft on the battlefield

The Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) aims to deliver supplies quickly and safely in hostile conditions using autonomous robotic helicopters. With a smartphone-like device, warfighters can control the aircraft's takeoff, flight, and landing.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateOct 3, 2012

Diabetes screening study finds no reduction in mortality rates

A new study published in The Lancet found that widespread diabetes screening programs do not reduce overall mortality rates. The study, which included over 20,000 patients, also showed no significant difference in mortality rates between screened and non-screened groups.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 3, 2012

Scientists develop novel technology to identify biomarkers for ulcerative colitis

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new technology that can identify potential biomarkers for ulcerative colitis in animal models. The study focuses on protein arginine deiminases (PAD) and their role in diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2012

UT Dallas research shows graphene nanopores can be controlled

Researchers at UT Dallas have successfully controlled the size of graphene nanopores, enabling potential low-cost DNA sequencing. The achievement could lead to improved disease diagnosis and treatment by allowing tailored drug development based on an individual's genetic code.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCarbon·DateOct 3, 2012

Study finds faults in proposed mental disorder diagnosis

A recent study found that a newly proposed mental disorder diagnosis, attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), may not be necessary due to overlap with existing conditions. Researchers evaluated 1,200 patients and found that APS did not identify a single patient who didn't meet the criteria for another existing diagnosis.

SourceCare New England·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 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.