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Science News for September 20, 2012


Study shows ancient relations between language families

Studies show that some structural features of languages are relatively stable over time, while others exhibit individual family-specific factors. Researchers found probable connections between the Americas and NE Eurasian languages dating back to peopling of the Americas 12,000 years ago.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 20, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New strategies needed to combat disease in developing countries

Research from the University of Copenhagen suggests that dividing campaigns into combating non-communicable or communicable diseases is ineffective and expensive. Integrated health programmes focusing on common risk factors like poor nutrition can effectively combat diseases such as diabetes and tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

Khoe-San peoples are unique, special -- largest genomic study finds

The largest genomic study ever conducted among Khoe and San groups reveals that these groups from southern Africa are descendants of the earliest diversification event in human history. The research found evidence of local adaptation in different Khoe and San groups, as well as surprising stratification among the groups.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 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.

Physicists reveal striking similarities in sporting performance

Researchers found that the spread of scores across different sports, such as volleyball and snooker, follows a similar distribution. They also discovered that this phenomenon applies to other everyday phenomena, including human wealth and population distribution, governed by power laws and the Pareto principle.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateSep 20, 2012

Obese people can be metabolically healthy and in good shape

A study published in European Heart Journal found that between 30-40% of obese patients are metabolically healthy, exhibiting better cardiorespiratory fitness and a lower mortality risk. Health professionals can use lipid profile, BMI, and fitness to assess the risk for heart or cancer disease in obese individuals.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateSep 20, 2012

Pioneering researcher receives Heart Association Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. James Sowers, a renowned endocrinologist, has received the American Heart Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work on the deadly link between cardiovascular disease and diabetes. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of insulin action, vascular biology, and metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·DateSep 20, 2012

Moving targets

Researchers at Caltech used Caenorhabditis elegans to study cell migration, identifying genes that are active during this process. These findings may lead to the development of new drugs that block cell migration, which is linked to tumor formation and metastatic cancer.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 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.

How the cat got his blotches

Researchers discovered a gene called Taqpep that helps establish periodic patterns like stripes or spots in felines. Variations in the Edn3 gene are responsible for dark hair color, suggesting a link between genetic mechanisms and animal coat patterns.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

Commercial weight loss program evaluated

A Swedish commercial weight loss program called Itrim was evaluated for its effectiveness, and researchers found that participants lost an average of 11 kg after one year. The program, which includes three different diets and group sessions, showed promising results with the most rigorous diet resulting in the greatest weight loss.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 20, 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.

NCD prevention 'more important than life or death'

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine emphasizes that NCD prevention requires significant economic changes across populations and industries to reduce premature deaths by 25% by 2025. Effective policies must consider the broader macro-economic picture, not just micro-economic approaches.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

Mount Sinai researchers awarded 'Provocative Questions' grant from National Cancer Institute

Researchers Stuart Aaronson and Ross Cagan received a $351,713 grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate signaling pathways responsible for Wnt oncogene addiction. They aim to discover potent drugs that can disrupt this addiction in tumor cells, increasing the efficacy of therapy for Wnt-activated human cancers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateSep 20, 2012

Double assault on tough types of leukemias

Researchers at Northwestern University have identified two promising therapies to treat AMKL: alisertib and dimethylfasudil. Alisertib targets Aurora A kinase and shows promise in mouse models, while dimethylfasudil boosts mature bone marrow cells and inhibits malignant ones.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell·DateSep 20, 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.

Computers get a better way to detect threats

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a technique called 'space travel' that allows one computer in a virtual network to monitor another for intrusions and malware. This technology bridges the gap between hardware and software systems, enabling more efficient threat detection.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateSep 20, 2012

No 'July phenomenon' for neurosurgery patients, reports Neurosurgery

A nationwide hospital database analysis found no significant difference in the risk of death for operations performed in July compared to all other months. The complication rate was also similar, with rates ranging from 1.4% to 7.2%. The results suggest that there is no 'July phenomenon' affecting neurosurgical risks.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateSep 20, 2012

Low calorie cranberry juice lowers blood pressure in healthy adults

A study by the American Heart Association found that drinking low-calorie cranberry juice for eight weeks significantly lowered blood pressure in healthy adults, from an average of 121/73 mmHg to 118/70 mmHg. The antioxidants in cranberry juice are believed to be responsible for this effect.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 20, 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.

ORNL research uncovers path to defect-free thin films

Researchers at ORNL have discovered a strain relaxation phenomenon in cobaltites that can lead to defect-free thin films. This breakthrough could enable the creation of advanced materials for fuel cells, magnetic sensors, and other energy-related applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 20, 2012

Understanding the flight of the bumblebee

Scientists tracked bumblebees to understand their route selection process. After an average of 26 attempts each bee refined its route through trial and error, selecting the most efficient path. The study revealed that bees don't easily forget a fruitful flower and can learn complex routes without visual cues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 20, 2012

In heterosexuals, transmitted HIV strains often resemble original infecting virus

Research reveals that preferentially transmitted HIV strains in heterosexuals are often similar to the strain initially infecting the partner, indicating an evolutionary advantage. This finding may help advance HIV prevention efforts and develop an effective vaccine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 20, 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.

DNA analysis aids in classifying single-celled algae

Researchers used DNA analysis to separate hundreds of coral symbionts into distinct species, revealing unique ecological distributions. This breakthrough should improve research into reef-building corals and their complex biology, potentially aiding in the survival of corals under global warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateSep 20, 2012

Fear can be erased from the brain

Researchers at Uppsala University found that newly formed emotional memories can be erased from the brain by disrupting the reconsolidation process. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders such as phobias and post-traumatic stress.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

Abnormal carotid arteries found in children with kidney disease

A federally funded study found that children with mild to moderate kidney disease have abnormally thick neck arteries, a condition known as carotid atherosclerosis. This discovery highlights the need for aggressive monitoring and early treatment to prevent later heart attacks and strokes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 20, 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.

Intrinsically disordered proteins: A conversation with Rohit Pappu

Research reveals that approximately 30-40% of eukaryotic proteomes consist of intrinsically disordered proteins, playing crucial roles in signaling and regulation. These proteins' unique characteristics enable them to interact with multiple molecules, facilitating efficient information exchange through networks.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

Two bionic ears are better than the sum of their parts

Researchers found that bilateral cochlear implants restored binaural processing in deaf children who received the implants at a young age, but not those who delayed their second implant. The study suggests that early auditory experience is critical for binaural processing.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCochlear Implants International·DateSep 20, 2012

Free bus passes have health benefit, say researchers

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that free bus passes encourage older people to walk frequently and take more journeys by active travel. This can lead to improved mental wellbeing, mobility, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, falls, and fractures.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 20, 2012

'Psychopaths' have an impaired sense of smell

Research suggests that individuals with psychopathic tendencies exhibit impaired odor discrimination and identification skills. This finding supports the idea that front-brain inefficiencies are associated with psychopathy.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateSep 20, 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.

Secondhand smoke takes large physical and economic toll

A new study reveals that secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately affects African Americans, especially black infants, resulting in higher mortality rates. The study found that communities of color experience the greatest losses due to secondhand smoke, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 20, 2012

The original Twitter? Tiny electronic tags monitor birds' social networks

A new study using the UW tags recorded over 28,000 interactions among 34 crows, showing a surprising number of contacts between non-related crows. The technology allows researchers to study animal social interactions on an incredibly fine scale, revealing key insights into bird behavior and social networks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 20, 2012

Survival of safety-net hospitals at risk

Research suggests public safety-net hospitals directly controlled by governments are more profitable than others, contradicting expectations. To sustain themselves financially, these hospitals must transform their organizations to adapt to the new market dynamic and reduce reliance on direct public subsidies.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 20, 2012

New uses for old tools could boost biodiesel output

Researchers use near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to assess seed oil quality and quantity, potentially boosting biodiesel output by optimizing oilseed yields and reducing costs

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateSep 20, 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.

Solving the stink from sewers

A new study at the International Water Association Conference has made significant breakthroughs in reducing sewer gas emissions. The treatment, called Cloevis, uses a magic mix of chemicals to stop 99% of hydrogen sulphide emitted from sewers, significantly decreasing bad smells and their impact on corroding pipes.

SourceEconnect Communication Pty Ltd.·DateSep 20, 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.

Mosquito virus could lead to new vaccines and drugs

Researchers have discovered a harmless mosquito virus that's closely related to some of the world's most dangerous mosquito-borne pathogens. The Eilat virus could aid in the development of new alphavirus vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic techniques, potentially offering a unique tool for studying other alphaviruses.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2012

Cause of diabetes may be linked to iron transport

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that an increased activity of a particular iron-transport protein destroys insulin-producing beta cells, leading to type-2 diabetes. Mice without this iron transporter are protected against developing diabetes, providing potential insights into preventing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 20, 2012

Advancing the treatment of trauma

A new series published in The Lancet presents laboratory research and clinical trial results on traumatic brain injury, haemorrhagic shock and major musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers identified promising avenues for improving patient outcomes, including innovative treatments for these complex conditions.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 20, 2012

Taming physical forces that block cancer treatment

Researchers at MGH have identified components responsible for therapy-blocking solid stress and suggest therapeutic strategies. By measuring solid stress in tumor tissues, they found that inhibition of fibroblast growth can reduce solid stress and open up compressed blood vessels, improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 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.

A solution to reducing inflammation

A team of researchers at the University of Manchester has found a novel solution to reducing inflammation by harnessing the power of hypertonic solutions. They discovered that bathing in or applying these solutions can shrink cells and deactivate the inflammatory response.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalImmunity·DateSep 20, 2012

Bergen-Belsen lessons underline vital role that nurses can play in patient feeding

Nurses played a crucial role in feeding people and restoring their humanity in times of great crisis, as evident during the liberation of Bergen-Belsen at the end of World War Two. The lack of credit given to these women has led to research encouraging nurses to take ownership of patient nutrition and acknowledge its importance.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateSep 20, 2012

Pollen cells keep memory to control jumping genes

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism in pollen cells that silences potentially mutagenic sequences of mobile DNA, thereby avoiding damage to new plants. The mechanism involves the addition of methyl groups to DNA sequences, which is restored by small RNA molecules, ensuring epigenetic inheritance.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateSep 20, 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.

A mother’s nutrition--before pregnancy--may alter the function of her children’s genes

Researchers found that a mother's diet before pregnancy can induce epigenetic changes in her genes, which are then inherited by her offspring. These changes affect the metabolism of essential fatty acids in the pups' livers. The study suggests a potential link between maternal nutrition and children's health outcomes.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 20, 2012

Treating disease by the numbers

Researchers used mathematical modeling to better understand the causes of debilitating diseases like glaucoma, which could lead to more efficient treatments. The model helps doctors measure blood flow and oxygen levels in fine detail, improving their ability to treat root causes.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateSep 20, 2012

Informatics approach helps doctors, patients make sense of genome data

Researchers have developed a new analysis framework to help clinicians spot 'medically actionable findings' from genetic tests, streamlining the process and providing more timely results. The approach classifies genetic variations into three categories, prioritizing those linked to treatable or preventable conditions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 20, 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.

Pesticides not yet proven guilty of causing honeybee declines

UK scientists found that widely-used agricultural insecticides like neonicotinoids may not be the primary cause of honeybee colony collapse. Researchers repeated a flawed calculation and used a realistic birth rate, revealing the risk of colony collapse under pesticide exposure disappears.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

Gamers confront copyright law, says Rutgers law scholar

A Rutgers law professor is researching user-generated content in video games, which raises questions about copyright law and creative freedom. The study aims to understand how games enable or constrain player creativity and whether user-generated content complies with copyright law.

SourceRutgers University·DateSep 20, 2012

Study reveals teenage patients attitude towards social media and privacy

A qualitative study of teenage patients found they spend a great deal of time online, guarding their privacy consciously. They prioritize social and psychological privacy but are concerned about data collection for targeted ads.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateSep 20, 2012

Move to less impoverished neighborhoods boosts physical and mental health

A new study found that moving from high-poverty to lower-poverty neighborhoods increases happiness and well-being in low-income adults, despite not improving economic self-sufficiency. The study suggests that neighborhood income segregation is a key factor in shaping the outcomes of adults in these communities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 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.

Astrochemistry enters a bold new era with ALMA

New techniques using ALMA and laboratory technology identify specific molecules in star-forming regions. Scientists can now analyze the unique patterns of wavelengths emitted or absorbed by molecules, enabling studies that were previously impossible.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalJournal of Molecular Spectroscopy·DateSep 20, 2012

In obesity, a micro-RNA causes metabolic problems

Researchers identified miR-34a's role in fatty liver disease and Type II diabetes. Blocking miR-34a improved metabolic outcomes, including decreased liver fat and improved blood glucose levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 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.

3-D display screen on mobile devices could be on the horizon

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new type of screen display called Tilt Displays, which can physically tilt along multiple axes and move vertically. The device has received positive feedback from users, who found it easy to interact with and associate with new methods of presenting and consuming 3D content.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateSep 20, 2012

Humans were already recycling 13,000 years ago

Archaeologists discovered burnt artefacts in the Molí del Salt site in Tarragona, Spain, dating back to the end of the Upper Palaeolithic Age. The recycling of stone tools was common for domestic activities and linked to expedited behaviour.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateSep 20, 2012

NASA's solar fleet peers into coronal cavities

Researchers analyze temperatures, shapes, and densities of coronal cavities to understand space weather disruption. By studying these structures, scientists aim to get advance warning on CME eruptions and improve technology protection near Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 20, 2012

How bumblebees find efficient routes without a GPS

Scientists tracked bumblebees in a field setting to study how they select optimal routes to collect nectar. After repeated trials, bees refined their paths, using mathematical models to understand their learning process and optimize their routes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 20, 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.

Brain study reveals the roots of chocolate temptations

A recent brain study found that rats overeat chocolates due to an opium-like chemical in the brain, leading to increased desire and impulse to consume rewards. This discovery provides insight into human binge-eating tendencies and addiction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 20, 2012