Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 4, 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.

Researchers reveal how solvent mixtures affect organic solar cell structure

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University found that some mixing of donor and acceptor layers in polymer-based solar cells can increase efficiency. The study showed that controlling the mixing of domains can lead to better performance, contradicting previous assumptions that pure layers were best.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 4, 2012

Medication use higher among overweight, obese kids

Research from UAlberta finds that overweight and obese children aged 12-19 are 59% more likely to take prescription medication. This trend contributes to higher health-care costs for treating childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 4, 2012

What makes self-directed learning effective?

Researchers Todd Gureckis and Douglas Markant examine the benefits of self-directed learning from a cognitive and computational perspective. They argue that this approach optimizes educational experiences by focusing on useful information and exposing learners to new sources. By understanding these processes, researchers can develop as...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 4, 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.

NYU researchers find electricity in biological clock

Researchers at NYU have uncovered the electrical activity of biological clock neurons that help regulate behavioral rhythms. The study highlights the importance of understanding the coordination between neuronal firing and gene expression to develop new pathways for treating sleep disorders.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2012

C3E award winners announced at Women in Clean Energy Symposium

Female leaders in clean energy were honored at the Women in Clean Energy Symposium, including C3E award winners who made significant contributions to policy, innovation, education, and corporate implementation. The event highlighted the importance of local initiatives in advancing national energy plans.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 4, 2012

'Thick Infrastructure' proposes new amenities for Houston

A team of University of Houston architects and designers developed new ideas on how the city can better serve its growing populations through innovative uses of ditches, easements, Metro transit centers, and park and rides. The 'Thick Infrastructure' exhibition will showcase bold possibilities for these components of the city.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 4, 2012

Marlene R. Cohen wins Eppendorf/Science Prize

Cohen's research reveals that when the mind wanders, so too do our perceptual abilities, with a significant decrease in ability to detect subtle changes. Her method allows for measuring the effect of internal states on behavior, offering new insights into attention and perception.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate sceptics more prominent in UK and US media

Research finds climate scepticism prevalent in UK and US newspapers, with opinion pieces often unchallenged. The study analyzed over 2,064 articles from six countries during two periods, including the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report, and found a significant presence of sceptical voices in these nations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 4, 2012

NASA gets 2 infrared views of tropical storms Nadine, Oscar

NASA's Aqua satellite captured two infrared images of Tropical Storms Nadine and Oscar on October 3, showing contrasting storm behavior. Infrared imagery revealed strong convection and thunderstorms in Oscar, but not in Nadine, as it merges with a cold front.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 4, 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.

How ketamine defeats chronic depression

Current evidence suggests ketamine regenerates damaged brain cells, providing immediate relief from symptoms in treatment-resistant patients. Understanding its mechanism could lead to the development of a new class of antidepressants.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

Study reveals how bicultural consumers respond to marketing cues

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that bicultural consumers respond differently to marketing cues depending on their level of cultural integration, with 'integrated-self' individuals exhibiting chameleon-like behavior and 'divided-self' individuals behaving as cultural contrarians.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 4, 2012

Toward an artificial pancreas: Math modeling and diabetes control

Researchers develop novel mathematical models for injection of insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, simulating injections of insulin in the manner of insulin pumps. The models simulate open-loop and closed-loop systems, achieving real-time feedback between glucose levels and insulin delivery.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateOct 4, 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.

Nonprescription medication abuse underestimated

A new study reveals that nonprescription medication abuse is a significant issue, with 48% of cases involving pharmaceutical overdoses. The most common medications involved were sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers, leading to 35 deaths in 2011.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateOct 4, 2012

Far, far beyond wrist radios

The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has identified key technologies needed to enhance first responder capabilities. These include augmented reality eyeglasses, telemedicine, and assistive technologies that can aid in crime-fighting and medical procedures.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateOct 4, 2012

A molecular scissor related to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers led by CSIC and Kiel University reveal meprin β, an enzyme anchored in cell walls that cuts off proteins. The study found a dimeric structure with a cleft that acts as the scissor-like active site.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

Insects shape the genetic landscape through plant defenses

A new study reveals that insects feeding on plants drive genetic variation in their host species across large geographic areas. The researchers found that two aphid species exert pressure on plants to create diverse chemical defenses, leading to changes in the genetic makeup of plant populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

Hi-fi single photons

A French team identified key parameters to generate high-fidelity single photons, crucial for quantum computing and communication. They simulated detector properties and experimental results to improve reliability.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 4, 2012

MU researcher identifies factors to help parents and professionals recognize teens in distress

A University of Missouri public health expert has identified factors that can help parents, medical professionals, and educators recognize teens at risk for self-injury and suicide. Factors such as parent connectedness and connections with other positive adult influences are associated with reduced likelihood of engaging in self-injury.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateOct 4, 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.

Abortion rates plummet with free birth control

A new study found that providing free birth control reduced unplanned pregnancies and cut abortion rates by 62-78%. Most women chose long-acting methods like IUDs or implants, which have lower failure rates than commonly used birth control pills. The study enrolled 9,256 women and adolescents in the St. Louis area between 2007 and 2011.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 4, 2012

Sandia Labs benchmark helps wind industry measure success

The Sandia Wind Plant Reliability Benchmark helps the wind industry compare performance, identify vulnerabilities and enhance productivity. The benchmark is based on data from over 800 turbines, showing that the fleet is now producing electricity or available to produce electricity at 97% of the time.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateOct 4, 2012

Strathclyde take the lead in space research

The University of Strathclyde is launching a new training network, 'Stardust', to tackle space debris and asteroid deflection with 14 European partners. The programme will provide significant advances in protecting the planet from these hazards.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateOct 4, 2012

TGen's Dr. Daniel Von Hoff delivers first Lori Groetken Memorial Lecture

TGen's Dr. Daniel Von Hoff delivers his lecture on a molecular pursuit approach to take out pancreatic cancer, honoring the memory of patient Lori Groetken who fought the disease for two years. The award recognizes his significant contributions to genomic research and novel therapy development in pancreatic cancer.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateOct 4, 2012

Fox squirrels show long-term investment savvy when hoarding nuts

Researchers at UC Berkeley have found that fox squirrels engage in a long-term savings strategy by diversifying their nut storage, with some nuts hidden up to 100 meters away. By studying this behavior, the team aims to understand how squirrels remember where they hide their nuts and develop insights into human decision-making.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateOct 4, 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.

BWH researchers discover genetic risk for uterine fibroids

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have discovered a genetic risk allele for uterine fibroids in white women using an unbiased approach. Genetic variants were found to be significantly associated with uterine fibroid status, particularly in the FASN gene, which encodes fatty acid synthase protein.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 4, 2012

Chewing ability linked to reduced dementia risk

Research from Karolinska Institutet found a significant association between difficulty chewing hard food and cognitive impairment, including dementia. The study of 557 people aged 77 or older suggests that maintaining good chewing ability may be crucial for brain health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 4, 2012

Researchers find ancient carbon resurfacing in lakes

A new study reveals that a significant amount of carbon released into lakes and rivers is very old, approximately 1,000 to 3,000 years old. This finding challenges the current models of long-term carbon storage in lakes and rivers, suggesting a significant lag in the coupling between terrestrial and aquatic environments.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2012

BPA's real threat may be after it has metabolized

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that BPA's metabolite MBP interacts more strongly with estrogen receptors than BPA itself, posing a greater health threat. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting excessive estrogen activity linked to diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 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.

Dating encounters between modern humans and Neandertals

Researchers estimate that modern humans and Neandertals interbred around 37,000 to 86,000 years ago, with the most recent encounters occurring well after modern humans migrated outside of Africa. This suggests that Neandertals had children with the ancestors of present-day people outside of Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 4, 2012

New function of a protein involved in colon cancer is identified

Researchers have identified a new function of the IKKalpha enzyme variant in colorectal cancer progression. This breakthrough could lead to the design of targeted drugs that inhibit this specific form of the enzyme, reducing harm to healthy cells.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 4, 2012

Why we need insects -- even 'pesky' ones

A 5-year study found that removing insects from the environment can cause plants to quickly lose defensive traits, such as anti-moth chemicals and temporal blooms. This rapid evolution is driven by natural selection, with successful varieties emerging when moths are absent.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

VIMS researchers unravel life cycle of blue-crab parasite

Researchers have successfully unraveled the life cycle of Hematodinium, a single-celled parasite affecting blue crabs. The study provides critical information on transmission and development time, enabling better management and handling practices for wild-caught blue crabs and shrimp farms.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Parasitology·DateOct 4, 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.

Compassion meditation may boost neural basis of empathy, Emory study finds

A compassion-based meditation program can improve a person's ability to read facial expressions, finds a study published by Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. The Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) program significantly increased neural activity in areas of the brain important for empathy.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 2012

America's top age beat reporters chosen for journalism fellowship

The MetLife Foundation Journalists in Aging Fellows Program has selected 18 reporters to cover various aging concerns such as family caregiving and financial elder abuse. The program aims to provide in-depth coverage of these topics, shedding light on the challenges faced by older Americans.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateOct 4, 2012

In cancer, an embryonic gene-silencing mechanism gone awry

Researchers identified a group of proteins that play a key role in methylation, a process that silences genes in embryonic development. This phenomenon can be accidentally reactivated in tumor cells, leading to the formation of cancer.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 4, 2012

Botox as effective as medication for urinary urgency incontinence

Researchers found Botox injections to be equally effective to oral medication in treating urinary urgency incontinence, with a higher proportion of complete resolution. The study also showed improved quality of life without significant differences.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2012

Everyday evolution

A study from the University of Toronto Mississauga discovered that insect interaction can cause rapid evolutionary changes in plants, with populations diverging significantly in as few as three to four generations. This suggests that insects play a crucial role in plant evolution and diversity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 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.

Lakes react differently to warmer climate

A warmer climate is expected to lead to varying reactions in lakes, with those without fish displaying clear water and avoiding algal blooms, while lakes with fish will see an increase in algae due to the consumption of zooplankton by fish

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2012

There's no place like home -- For dialysis

Home hemodialysis could enable patients to increase their dialysis frequency, potentially providing a survival benefit. Increased physician and patient education can eliminate barriers to its adoption.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 4, 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.

Clot-busting enzymes are working 2 jobs

Scientists found that clot-busting enzyme t-PA also removes necrotic cells from the body. The process involves a blood clot-like structure, allowing for efficient removal without damage to the body.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 4, 2012

Researchers a step closer to controlling inflammation in MS

Researchers have identified a molecule that plays a crucial role in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) in MS animal models. Blocking this molecule reduces inflammation and reverses clinical signs of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 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 gene test detects early mouth cancer risk

A new gene test has been developed to detect pre-cancerous cells in patients with benign-looking mouth lesions. The test shows a cancer detection rate of 91-94% and could potentially allow at-risk patients to receive earlier treatment, significantly improving their chance of survival.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateOct 4, 2012

Newborn mice depend on mom's signature scent

Researchers found that newborn mice depend on the specific blend of scents emitted by their mothers, which is distinct from earlier studies in rabbits. This discovery suggests that innate behaviors like suckling may involve learning rather than hardwired instincts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2012

Northern conifers youngest of the species

A Yale University study found that most Northern conifer species emerged within the past 5 million years, with mountainous environments driving the formation of new species. The researchers also discovered significant differences in conifer evolutionary dynamics between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

Babies learn the smell of mum

Researchers show that newborn mice learn to suckle their mother's milk through a learned response built on learning her unique combination of smells. The study, published in Current Biology, finds that a pheromone is not involved in initiating suckling in mice.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2012

Plants adapt their defenses to the local pest community

Researchers found that plants in different regions produce distinct chemical defenses against aphids, which are influenced by local pest populations. This variation is driven by the need for optimal defense against specific aphid species, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in plant evolution.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

Improving confidence keeps breast cancer survivors exercising

Researchers found that breast cancer survivors with higher self-efficacy scores were 10% more likely to be physically active six months after the intervention. Behavioral skills such as self-confidence and motivation can be taught, enabling women to overcome exercise-related barriers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateOct 4, 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.

More certainty on uncertainty's quantum mechanical role

Researchers have made precise measurements without disturbing the system, providing direct experimental evidence that a new measurement-disturbance relationship is more accurate. This finding has significant implications for fields like quantum cryptography.

SourceOptica·DateOct 4, 2012

BPA linked to thyroid hormone changes in pregnant women, newborns

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that BPA exposure is associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women and newborn boys. The study suggests a potential link between BPA exposure and altered fetal development and cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 4, 2012

Study shows benefits, drawbacks, for women's incontinence treatments

A new study comparing oral medication and Botox injections for treating urge urinary incontinence in women found that both treatments were effective in reducing symptoms, but with varying side effects. The study, which involved nearly 250 women, showed that Botox was more likely to completely eliminate urinary leakage, while oral medic...

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 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.

14 new biomarkers identified for type 2 diabetes

Researchers identified 14 novel biomarkers for type 2 diabetes that can serve as the basis for developing new treatment and prevention methods. These biomarkers provide insight into the complex mechanisms of this disease, which are still not fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalDiabetes·DateOct 4, 2012