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Science News for September 12, 2012


Newspapers biased toward reporting early studies that may later be refuted

Researchers found that 7 out of 10 top media-covered ADHD studies were refuted or strongly attenuated by later research. This phenomenon may cause significant distortion in health science communication if generalized to other health topics. The study highlights the potential for misleading early results to dominate public discourse.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2012

Study implicates marijuana use in pregnancy problems

A study found that abnormal endocannabinoid signaling in mouse embryos can disrupt placental development and lead to pregnancy problems. Researchers hope the findings will inform studies on the causes of preeclampsia, a medical condition affecting mothers and children.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sexual arousal may decrease natural disgust response

Researchers found that women's disgust responses are weaker when they are sexually aroused. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a combination of peer review and post-publication rating and commenting to maximize the impact of every report it publishes. All works published in PLOS ONE are Open Access.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2012

Entomological Society of America names 2012 insect science award winners

The Entomological Society of America has recognized Dr. Donald A. Rutz, Dr. Kevin Heinz, and Dr. Florence Dunkel with awards for their contributions to extension entomology, horticultural entomology, and teaching respectively. The winners will be honored at the ESA's 60th Annual Meeting in Knoxville, Tennessee.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 12, 2012

Summer rain more likely over drier soils

Research using satellite data found convective precipitation is more common over dry regions, suggesting a different mechanism than previously thought. The study's findings challenge existing computer models and highlight the need for further research to understand this phenomenon.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 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.

Single gene cause of insulin sensitivity may offer insight for treating diabetes

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that mutations in the PTEN gene can improve metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity in people with Cowden syndrome. The researchers found that those with Cowden syndrome had higher levels of obesity, but the extra weight was caused by extra fat storage, not muscle mass.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 12, 2012

Epigenetics emerges powerfully as a clinical tool

Recent research in epigenetics has identified two key tests that can predict brain tumor sensitivity to temozolomide and distinguish prostate cancer from benign growth. New epigenetic biomarkers are being rapidly developed to predict treatment performance and weaknesses of tumors.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateSep 12, 2012

Record 4.02 billion prescriptions in United States in 2011

In 2011, Americans took a record 4.02 billion prescription drugs, with antidepressants and ADHD medicines showing notable increases in sales. The growth of prescriptions is attributed to the rising demand for CNS disorders medications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateSep 12, 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.

New analysis of drinking water-related gastrointestinal illness

A new analysis by ACS researchers suggests that up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness may be caused by contaminated drinking water distribution systems in the US. Aging infrastructure and lack of funding pose significant health risks, particularly for small systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 12, 2012

Radiation-enabled chips could lead to low-cost security imaging systems

Researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing small, high-frequency radiation-enabled chips capable of producing images through packaging and clothing. These chips have the potential to provide sophisticated yet affordable security technology for everyday use, addressing concerns around cost and size.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalIEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters·DateSep 12, 2012

Parched soils trigger more storms

Research finds that dry soils increase the likelihood of afternoon storms globally, contradicting current climate models. The study's findings have significant implications for predicting regional weather patterns and understanding global climate change.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 2012

Forensic science on trial

The Innocence Project has helped free nearly 300 wrongfully convicted prisoners due to improper use of forensic science. Improved sensitivity in DNA testing has highlighted issues of cross-contamination, affecting accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 12, 2012

When battered women fight back stereotyping can kick in

A recent study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that judges' reliance on stereotyped portrayals of battered women who fight back leads to harsher sentencing. The study analyzed 26 domestic homicide and abuse cases from Canada and identified one judge who resisted these stereotypes.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateSep 12, 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.

Uncertain about health outcomes, male stroke survivors more likely to suffer depression than females

A new study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation reveals that male stroke survivors are more prone to depression than females, primarily due to uncertainty about their illness outcomes. Health ambiguity is significantly associated with greater depression for both sexes, but the association is stronger for men.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateSep 12, 2012

Amazing diversity documented in national park

Madidi National Park has been documented to have an incredible array of species, including 1,088 bird species and over 200 mammal species. Despite this wealth of biodiversity, much remains unknown about the park's tropical montane forests.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateSep 12, 2012

New African monkey species identified

Researchers have discovered a new species of African monkey, the lesula, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species is threatened by local bush meat hunting and has a limited range of 6,500 square miles, making it vulnerable to extinction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 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.

BYU study: Exercise may affect food motivation

A new study from Brigham Young University found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise in the morning can decrease a person's motivation for food. The research measured neural activity in women while they viewed food images before and after exercise, revealing a lower attentional response to food pictures after the workout.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 12, 2012

Gut bacteria increase fat absorption

A new study reveals that certain gut microbes increase dietary fat absorption, allowing the host to extract more calories. The research found that one type of bacteria, Firmicutes, plays a key role in this process.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 12, 2012

Gladstone-led study underscores Truvada's potency in preventing the transmission of HIV

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has reaffirmed the effectiveness of Truvada in preventing HIV transmission, finding that patients can reap benefits even with lower adherence to daily regimens. The research suggests that alternative dosing strategies could be explored to optimize efficacy and convenience.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 12, 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.

Gut microbes help the body extract more calories from food

A new study reveals that gut microbes can increase the absorption of dietary fats, allowing the body to extract more calories from the same amount of food. Firmicutes bacteria are found to play a key role in this process, and their abundance is influenced by diet.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 12, 2012

Sinusitis linked to microbial diversity

Chronic sinusitis may be caused by a loss of normal microbial diversity in the sinuses, which allows a specific bacterium to colonize and cause inflammation. Restoring natural protective bacteria could be an effective way to treat this condition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 12, 2012

How is grief unique to young adults with cancer?

Young adults with advanced cancer experience life disruption and losses, affecting their educational, career, and personal goals. Clinical interventions can help patients cope with grief associated with cancer-related losses and life transition.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateSep 12, 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.

Popular pain-relieving medicines linked to hearing loss in women

A recent study found that frequent use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in women. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that these pain-relieving medicines may reduce blood flow to the cochlea or deplete factors that protect it from damage.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 12, 2012

Scientists discover how the brain ages

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that brain cells follow the same molecular pathway as senescent fibroblasts, leading to cell damage and age-related diseases. This discovery opens new possibilities for understanding and treating conditions like dementia and motor neuron disease.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 12, 2012

Evolving righteousness in a corrupt world

A modeling study published in PLOS ONE found that introducing small payments alongside punishment can create stable, righteous societies in the face of corruption. Once corruption is eradicated, it can be held at bay indefinitely even if power inequalities return.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2012

Study examines thoughts and feelings that foster collaboration across cultures

A study by Michael Morris and colleagues reveals that individuals with high cultural metacognition tend to develop more affectively trusting relationships with people from other cultures, enabling the free flow of ideas. This leads to greater success in collaborative creativity across cultural lines. The research highlights the importa...

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateSep 12, 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.

Jay Keasling wins Heinz Award

Dr. Jay Keasling has made significant contributions to synthetic biology, engineering microbial factories to produce affordable antimalarial drugs and biofuels. His work has improved the lives of millions of people in impoverished areas, making him a true science hero.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateSep 12, 2012

Antidepressants, sleeping pills and anxiety drugs may increase driving risk

A recent study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology suggests that psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs may increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. The research found a significant association between higher doses of these medications and a greater risk of accident involvement.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateSep 12, 2012

Weizmann Institute's mathematical model may lead to safer chemotherapy

A new model developed by Weizmann Institute mathematicians and physicians proposes a more individualized approach to chemotherapy by considering not only the quantity but also the quality of blood cells. This could lead to better precautions for high-risk patients and spare unnecessary preventive treatments for those at low risk.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 12, 2012

Mercury in water, fish detected with nanotechnology

Researchers developed a nanoparticle system that can detect even the smallest levels of heavy metals in water and fish, offering an inexpensive alternative to existing cumbersome techniques. The device is capable of measuring low concentrations of mercury, a toxic metal that can accumulate in predatory fish and harm human health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 12, 2012

Physicians suggest expert recommendations ignore vital issues for patients

Hartzband and Groopman argue that expert recommendations often ignore vital dimensions of life and are based on flawed calculations. They propose a new approach for individual patients to weigh risk and benefit, and emphasize the importance of nuanced judgment in medical decisions.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 12, 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.

Facebook boosts election turnout

A study by UC San Diego researchers found that Facebook's 'get out the vote' message boosted voter turnout by an estimated 340,000 votes in 2010. The study showed that social influence and peer pressure played a crucial role in encouraging people to participate in elections.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 2012

With food insecurity rising in US, SNAP benefits should be left alone

A University of Illinois economist warns that cutting SNAP benefits would exacerbate food insecurity in the US. Restricting food choices through programs like New York City's sports drink ban also discourages participation and leads to more food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Human Resources·DateSep 12, 2012

Going with the flow

An international team of researchers has developed a way to manipulate cells using fluid flow patterns generated by mechanical oscillations in a microfluidic channel. This technique combines the precision of direct physical contact with the speed of non-contact methods, allowing for high-level control over individual cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 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.

Predicting if scientists will be stars

A new Northwestern University study developed a formula that accurately predicts a young scientist's success in the life sciences, considering factors like publications, h-index, and high-impact journal articles. The formula is more than twice as accurate as existing methods for predicting future success.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 2012

First pediatric study to look at the role of vitamin D in critical illness

A new study found that nearly three-quarters of critically ill children had low vitamin D levels, leading to increased sickness and longer hospital stays. The research suggests that vitamin D supplements may be able to rapidly restore levels and improve outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 12, 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.

An advance toward a flu-fighting nasal spray

Scientists have identified a substance that primes the body's immune system to fight infections, including flu, in a nasal spray. The synthetic form of Pam2Cys has shown promise in activating the innate immune system without replacing a normal response.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateSep 12, 2012

Self-control may not be a limited resource after all

Researchers argue that self-control is not a depletable resource but rather a process influenced by motivation, attention, and individual perceptions. This new perspective has implications for understanding behaviors related to important problems like obesity and impulsive spending.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 12, 2012

Entomological Foundation announces 2012 award winners

The Entomological Foundation recognizes Dr. Subramanyam for his research on stored-product insects and the Zebra Chip Research Team for their development of techniques to identify and manage the Zebra chip pathogen, leading to sustainable practices in the potato industry.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 12, 2012

NIBIB and HHMI announce graduate biomedical training awards

Three projects have won awards from NIBIB and HHMI to enhance interdisciplinary training for graduate students, sharing successful strategies among institutions. The resources developed through the grants will be disseminated to the broader research community, impacting biomedical science advancement.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·DateSep 12, 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.

Insecticide resistance caused by recombination of 2 genes

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology identified a specific enzyme, CYP337B3, responsible for the cotton bollworm's resistance to pyrethroids. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the genetic mechanisms behind insecticide resistance.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2012

An important breakthrough in the fight against muscular dystrophies

Researchers from IRCM, MIT, USC, and Illumina have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against muscular dystrophies, particularly myotonic dystrophy. The study provides insights into the role of muscleblind-like proteins in causing the disease and has potential applications for diagnostic tools and treatment.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalCell·DateSep 12, 2012

Studies shed light on how to reduce the amount of toxins in plant-derived foods

Researchers have identified genes that can be used to select low-cadmium accumulating crop varieties, offering a potential solution to reducing toxic levels in food. By understanding the mechanisms of Cd uptake in plants, scientists aim to develop targeted breeding strategies for crops like rice, wheat, and potatoes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateSep 12, 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.

Math anxiety causes trouble for students as early as first grade

Research at the University of Chicago found that high-achieving students experience math anxiety from an early age, which can disrupt their working memory and negatively impact their math performance. The study suggests that reframing anxiety through writing or expressive picture drawing can help alleviate this effect.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·DateSep 12, 2012

Less wear, longer life for memory storage device

A research team at Intel Corp. has developed a long-lasting ultrahigh-density probe storage device by coating probe tips with a thin metal film, reducing wear and increasing the device's lifetime to over 8 kilometers. The device features an array of 5,000 ultrasharp probes that write tiny bits of memory as small as a few nanometers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 2012

Russia fails to grasp democratic ideals

A Michigan State University sociologist argues that Russia's pursuit of liberalization has not led to democracy, but rather created a culture of greed, corruption, and disloyalty. The country's elite prioritize personal wealth over national interests, undermining its global influence.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCommunist and Post-Communist Studies·DateSep 12, 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.

Single-port kidney removal through the belly button boosts living-donor satisfaction

A University of Maryland study found that single-port kidney removal through the belly button resulted in higher satisfaction rates among living donors, with fewer limitations after surgery. The new technique also showed slightly less pain and no increased risks or complications compared to traditional multi-port laparoscopic removal.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 12, 2012

Smoking abstinence tough for teens, too

A new study reveals that abstaining from smoking significantly affects teenagers' mood, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms in a manner similar to adults. Contrary to expectations, teenagers who had smoked for only two years showed strong negative effects after just one day of abstinence.

SourceBrown University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 12, 2012

Information theory helps unravel DNA's genetic code

Researchers used information theory to identify DNA introns and exons, achieving an order of magnitude speedup over previous methods. This breakthrough can help better understand the human genome and predict diseases linked to DNA.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 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.