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Science News for September 11, 2012


Investigators identify gene linking cataracts and Alzheimer's disease

A recent study identified a gene linking age-related cataracts and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting common etiologic factors between the two conditions. The study found correlations between cortical cataract formation and brain degeneration measures, as well as poorer cognitive performance.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improved nanoparticles deliver drugs into brain

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed nanoparticles that can safely and predictably infiltrate deep into the brain, delivering chemotherapy drugs to treat brain cancer. The breakthrough allows for controlled release of medication over time, reducing dosage challenges and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

'Spin' in media reports of scientific articles

Researchers analyzed 70 press releases and 41 associated news stories, finding that 33 contained 'spin' in press releases and 28 in study abstracts, potentially leading readers to overestimate treatment benefits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 11, 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.

Little Ice Age led to migration of island hopping arctic foxes

A new research study by Durham University found that the Little Ice Age enabled arctic foxes to colonize Iceland from different Arctic regions. The genetic diversity of the Icelandic population increased due to this migration, which is attributed to the formation of sea ice during the Little Ice Age.

SourceDurham University·DateSep 11, 2012

Pregnancy exposures determine risk of breast cancer in multiple generations of offspring

Researchers found that maternal exposure to high-fat diets and excess estrogens during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk in daughters, granddaughters, and even great-granddaughters. The study suggests that biological alterations caused by maternal diet affect the offspring's breast tissue and make it more sensitive to carcinogens.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2012

Scrub jays react to their dead

Researchers found that Western scrub jays gather around a dead bird's body and call loudly, attracting other birds to join in. The purpose of this behavior is unclear, but it may serve as a warning system or teach young jays about dangers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateSep 11, 2012

Comparison of immigrant children in 4 nations shows strengths, lags

Research compares immigrant children in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, finding they excel academically despite initial language struggles. Despite cultural differences, social institutions help immigrant children overcome early language barriers.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 11, 2012

New discovery related to gum disease

Researchers at UofL School of Dentistry have discovered a way to prevent inflammation and bone loss surrounding teeth by blocking the natural signaling pathway of enzyme GSK3b. This finding has implications for preventing periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition causing tooth loss.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateSep 11, 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.

Quality of life and treatment of late-stage chronic kidney disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that renal transplantation offers the best treatment option for improving quality of life in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease. In contrast, home-based automated peritoneal dialysis provides a better quality of life than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

Fasting makes brain tumors more vulnerable to radiation therapy

A new study by USC researchers shows that controlled fasting enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating gliomas, a type of brain tumor with a median survival of less than two years. Fasting improved survival rates in mice treated with radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2012

Trouble in paradise: Does nature worship harm the environment?

A study finds that nature worship can harm the environment due to consumers' tendency to prioritize romantic escapes from culture. Eco-friendly products offer an opportunity for outdoor equipment manufacturers and tourism service providers to help reduce environmental damage.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 11, 2012

Sliding metals show fluidlike behavior, new clues to wear

Scientists observe bumps, folds, vortex-like features, and cracks on the metal surface as it slides, revealing a surprising fluidlike behavior at room temperature. The findings could lead to improved durability of metal parts and better understanding of material behavior.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 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.

Partnership enhances biology teaching at California community colleges

A partnership between San Francisco State University and Bay Area community college biology instructors aims to refine their teaching through scientific research, collecting evidence from students to improve instruction. The goal is to increase student engagement in science and successful transitions to four-year colleges.

SourceSan Francisco State University·DateSep 11, 2012

Who (and what) can you trust?

Researchers used a robot named Nexi to test how people assess trustworthiness in others. They found that sets of non-verbal cues, not just one cue, determine a person's trustworthiness. Participants exposed to untrustworthy cues with Nexi adjusted their financial decisions accordingly.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 11, 2012

How genetics shape our addictions

A study at McGill University reveals that people with genetically fast nicotine metabolism have a greater brain response to smoking cues than those with slow metabolism. This finding may lead to tailoring smoking cessation programs based on individual genetics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 11, 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.

Risk-glorifying video games may lead teens to drive recklessly, new research shows

New research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that playing mature-rated, risk-glorifying video games can lead to increased rebelliousness and sensation seeking among adolescents. These traits are strongly associated with risky driving habits, automobile accidents, police stops, and a willingness to drink and...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateSep 11, 2012

UCLA stem cell researchers use gene therapy to restore immune systems in 'bubble babies'

Researchers at UCLA have developed a gene therapy regimen that safely restores immune systems to children with ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a devastating disease. The treatment showed promising results in restoring immune function to three out of six patients, offering new hope for these children.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBlood·DateSep 11, 2012

Yellow lights mean drivers have to make right choice -- if they have time

Researchers found that half of drivers make the stop-go decision three seconds before the stop line and few can clear the intersection before the light turns red. The study also revealed that people over 60 years old react slower to yellow lights due to longer perception-reaction times.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Transportation Engineering·DateSep 11, 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.

Study examines cost-savings of physician group practice program

Researchers found modest estimates of overall savings associated with the PGPD, but larger savings among dually eligible patients through reductions in hospitalizations. The study also revealed lower medical 30-day readmissions and significant variation in savings across participating organizations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 11, 2012

New grant awards aim to prevent autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute will receive $4.7 million in grants to study immune function and develop new therapies for autoimmunity prevention. The goals include understanding how the immune system becomes unbalanced in individuals with autoimmune diseases.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·DateSep 11, 2012

More traffic deaths in wake of 9/11

The article explores how terrorist attacks can lead to an increase in fatal traffic accidents, particularly in regions with well-developed infrastructure that encourages driving. The study found that the New York area saw a significant increase in car traffic after the 9/11 attacks, while other states did not experience the same surge.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 11, 2012

Genetic test predicts risk for Autism

A new genetic test developed by University of Melbourne researchers can predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with over 70% accuracy in people of central European descent. The test identifies genetic markers that either contribute to or protect an individual from developing ASD, allowing for early interventions ...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 11, 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.

Genetic make-up of children explains how they fight malaria infection

Researchers at University of Montreal identified novel genes that make some children more efficient in fighting malaria infection. They used an innovative approach analyzing blood samples from West African children, revealing how the environment engages in an 'arms race' with genetic variation to define disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2012

Birth-defect mechanism found by BYU biochemists

Researchers found a cellular cause of birth defects like cleft palates and missing teeth by blocking an ion channel that disrupts protein signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to the prevention of birth defects and has potential implications for cancer treatment.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDevelopment·DateSep 11, 2012

LSUHSC research finds ginkgo biloba doesn’t improve cognitive function in MS

A study by Dr. Jesus Lovera and colleagues found that Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in people with Multiple Sclerosis, contradicting earlier small studies. The researchers suggest that the supplement may be beneficial earlier in the disease process or for participants with more severe impairments.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNeurology·DateSep 11, 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.

'Mad Cow' blood test now on the horizon

Scientists have discovered a way to screen people for Mad Cow disease using a simple blood test, which could help boost critical blood stocks. The breakthrough involves recognizing specific 'signature genes' in the blood stream.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 11, 2012

Asthma study could bring big change to daily regimen

A new study suggests a personalized approach to treating mild persistent asthma, where patients take inhaled corticosteroids only when needed. This approach, called 'temporal personalization,' has been shown to reduce medication usage and severity of symptoms without impacting quality of life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateSep 11, 2012

Comic relief for stressed emergency teams

Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine create comic to highlight life-saving benefits of tranexamic acid (TXA) for trauma patients. The comic aims to appeal to doctors, nurses, and paramedics on the front-line of medicine, promoting awareness about the latest research findings.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

Teachers, school climate key to Latino immigrants' academic success

A study of over 200 third and fourth graders found that positive attitudes towards their ethnicity were associated with improved school experiences, grades, and belonging. Teachers who valued diversity also created a more inclusive classroom environment, discouraging peer teasing based on ethnicity.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 11, 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.

Disaster is just a click away

A team of researchers at Kansas State University is working on a project to develop improved security warning messages that prompt users to make gut decisions about online safety. They aim to minimize traditional text warnings and icons, instead using visual images to convey the importance and danger level of certain choices.

SourceKansas State University·DateSep 11, 2012

New software helps reveal patterns in space and time

The new version of OpenGeoDa provides enhanced capabilities for exploratory spatial data analysis and spatial modeling, including space-time analysis and real-time links between maps and graphs. Researchers can track changes in spatial patterns over time and assess the effect of policy interventions.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 11, 2012

Protein linked to therapy resistance in breast cancer

Researchers at Berkeley Lab identify protein FAM83A as a key player in breast cancer's resistance to widely used cancer therapy EGFR-TKIs. The discovery may provide new insights into the mechanisms behind this resistance and pave the way for novel therapeutic targets.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 11, 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.

Parents' education before migrating tied to children's achievement

A new study found that immigrant parents' education levels before migration are more strongly tied to their children's academic achievement in the US than any other social or economic factor. The study also highlights the importance of cognitive stimulation and socioeconomic status in determining child outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 11, 2012

Results from world's first registry of pregnancy and heart disease

The study found that women with heart disease can safely go through pregnancy if adequately evaluated, counseled, and receive high-quality care. However, developing countries have poorer outcomes due to limited access to better care, while cardiomyopathy patients face higher mortality rates.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateSep 11, 2012

Children of immigrants have advantage in academics, school engagement

A recent study found that children of immigrants have an advantage in academic achievement and school engagement compared to their native-born peers. The research, conducted at Johns Hopkins University, analyzed data from over 10,000 children aged 13-17 and followed them into adulthood.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 11, 2012

Diet could combat adverse side-effects of quinine

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that individuals with high tryptophan levels experience fewer quinine side effects. The study suggests that dietary changes could potentially alleviate toxic effects of quinine treatment, improving its effectiveness and reducing risk of adverse reactions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateSep 11, 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.

Human remains discovered in search for King Richard III

The University of Leicester has made a major discovery in the search for King Richard III, uncovering human remains at the Grey Friars church site. The team has also found various medieval artifacts and structures, shedding light on the city's rich history.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateSep 11, 2012

Molecular beacons light up stem cell transformation

Researchers designed molecular beacons that bind to mRNA of three genes expressed only when stem cells transform into bone cells, allowing for real-time monitoring of gene expression. The technology provides a tool for discovering optimal conditions for stem cell differentiation and identifying desired tissue cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·DateSep 11, 2012

Powerful tool to fight wildlife crime unveiled

A free high-tech tool called SMART has been launched to combat wildlife poaching. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool uses GPS data to identify poaching hotspots and enable rapid responses, ultimately maximizing the impact of anti-poaching efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateSep 11, 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.

Eat dessert first? It might help you control your diet

Consumers with poor self-control can establish greater control when monitoring unhealthy food quantities, leading to quicker satisfaction and reduced unhealthy eating. The study suggests dieters focus on quantity of unhealthy foods rather than healthy ones.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 11, 2012

Next Mars mission enters final phase before launch

The MAVEN mission is transitioning to its final phase ahead of launch on November 18, 2013. The spacecraft and instruments are nearing completion, with a focus on getting everything ready for launch and making science measurements on the Martian upper atmosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 11, 2012

Children's health, access to care differ by parents' immigrant status

A new study published in Child Development found that low-income children of immigrant parents have poorer health and less access to healthcare compared to native-born children. Children with at least one nonpermanent resident parent experience the poorest health outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 11, 2012

Mixed findings emerge on immigrant families' home environments

A study of over 5,000 mothers from immigrant Latino, Asian, and White backgrounds reveals varying levels of mental health, household conflicts, and reading with young children. Immigrant families often display important strengths in parenting that may buffer the negative effects of poverty.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 11, 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.

Review: Altruism's influence on parental decision to vaccinate children is unclear

Researchers investigated whether altruism influences parental decisions to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases. Despite studies showing benefit to others motivates adults to vaccinate themselves, the review found no conclusive evidence that herd immunity plays a role in parents' decision-making.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 11, 2012

Body heat, fermentation drive new drug-delivery 'micropump'

Researchers have created a new type of miniature pump activated by body heat that could be used in drug-delivery patches powered by fermentation. The micropump utilizes temperature-dependent gas generation through yeast fermentation to push against a membrane, pumping for several hours.

SourcePurdue University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateSep 11, 2012

Researchers devise more accurate method for predicting hurricane activity

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new method for forecasting seasonal hurricane activity that outperforms traditional techniques by 15%. The approach identifies key combinations of factors most predictive of hurricane activity and provides a probability scale for the forthcoming season. With an 80% accurac...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateSep 11, 2012

American Physiological Society to receive $2.3 million in federal grants

The American Physiological Society has received funding to support programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields. The new grants will provide opportunities for undergraduate students from traditionally underrepresented groups to participate in online courses, research studies, and career development.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateSep 11, 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.

Parents of babies with sickle cell trait are less likely to receive genetic counseling, study says

A new study from the University of Michigan found that parents of newborns with sickle cell anemia are less likely to receive genetic counseling than those whose babies are cystic fibrosis carriers. This disparity may be due to physicians' perceptions of the risks associated with each condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling·DateSep 11, 2012

Chain reaction in the human immune system trapped in crystals

Researchers at Aarhus University have determined the atomic structures of MASP-2 and its substrate C4, shedding light on the complement system's activation process. The findings may lead to more intelligent ways of developing drugs that attenuate undesired activation of the complement system.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2012

Hearing impaired ears hear differently in noisy environments

Researchers at Purdue University found that hearing impairment causes the inner ear's neurons to work harder in noisy environments. The study used chinchillas to measure physiological markers and confirmed a decrease in temporal coding of sounds with background noise.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 11, 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.

Invisible QR codes tackle counterfeit bank notes

Researchers have developed an invisible QR code that increases security on printed documents, making it difficult to replicate. The code can be read by a smartphone under near-infra-red light illumination, offering a new level of authentication for solid objects.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateSep 11, 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.

Aussie wasp on the hunt for redback spiders

Researchers have discovered a small wasp that hunts and paralyses redback spiders, reducing their population. The Agenioideus nigricornis wasp, previously forgotten for over 200 years, is widespread across Australia and plays a crucial role in controlling the redback spider population.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian Journal of Entomology·DateSep 11, 2012

A minute crustacean invades the red swamp crayfish

Researchers have discovered a small crustacean, Ankylocythere sinuosa, living on invasive red swamp crayfish in Europe. The finding suggests that the crustacean may have arrived with the crayfish 30 years ago and could potentially impact native species.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHydrobiologia·DateSep 11, 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.

Moffitt researchers say race affect likelihood of finding suitable stem cell donor

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that racial disparities impact the likelihood of finding suitable stem cell donors for non-Caucasian patients. The study revealed greater difficulty in matching donors for African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, with limited access to unrelated donor HCT.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateSep 11, 2012

Reconstructed 1918 influenza virus has yielded key insights, scientists say

The reconstructed 1918 influenza virus has provided key insights into how to prevent and control future pandemics. By studying the virus's structure and evolution, researchers have identified potential targets for universal influenza vaccines that can protect against multiple viruses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateSep 11, 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.

Scripps Research scientists devise powerful new method for finding therapeutic antibodies

Scripps Research scientists have devised a powerful new technique to discover and expand the power of large numbers of antibodies, immune system proteins that detect and destroy invaders. The method rapidly identifies antibodies with useful biological activity, enabling the creation of unusual antibodies with desired effects.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2012

Planets can form in the galactic center

Astronomers found a cloud of hydrogen and helium plunging toward the galactic center, which represents the remains of a planet-forming disk. The discovery suggests that planets can still form near black holes due to stars in a ring orbiting the galaxy's central black hole.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2012

What are the effects of the Great Recession on local governments?

The Great Recession has brought severe challenges to city and county governments, with budget shortfalls cited as a top problem by nearly half of surveyed local governments. Local government managers have responded by freezing positions, trimming benefits, and reducing service delivery levels.

SourceSAGE·JournalState and Local Government Review·DateSep 11, 2012

Screening technique uncovers 5 new plant activator compounds

The new screening technique uncovers five novel immune-priming compounds in Arabidopsis plants that protect crops without impacting growth or yield. These compounds work by inhibiting enzymes that inactivate defense hormone salicylic acid, leading to enhanced disease resistance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateSep 11, 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.

What do saving money and losing weight have in common?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers pay more when given different options for short-term goals, but pay less when pursuing long-term goals. By strategically choosing between similar options, consumers can maintain motivation and achieve their objectives.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 11, 2012