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Science News for September 26, 2012


Geometry plays a role in GPCR transmembrane signaling

A recent study on rhodopsin in Xenopus rod photoreceptor cells reveals that the geometry of micro-compartments formed by incisures affects its signaling. The researchers found that boundary geometry, rather than heterogeneity in diffusion or bound fraction, explains differences in rhodopsin distribution

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateSep 26, 2012

Satellite sees Miriam weaken to a tropical storm

Tropical Storm Miriam has weakened to a tropical storm in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph. Wind shear and decreasing sea surface temperatures will continue to weaken the storm over the next several days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 26, 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.

Researchers define 2 categories of multiple sclerosis patients

A new study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital distinguishes multiple sclerosis patients into two meaningful subsets, MSa and MSb, based on distinct RNA molecules. This categorization may lead to more personalized treatments for individual patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 26, 2012

Psychology of equine performance and the biology behind laminitis

A new article explores the link between chronic laminitis and inflammation, identifying an anti-inflammatory protein APOA-IV as a key factor. The psychology of equine performance also plays a crucial role in enhancing horse's mood, emotion, and temperament to improve performance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateSep 26, 2012

Slave rebellion is widespread in ants

Enslaved worker ants kill off parasite offspring to increase chances of survival for their neighbors. Slave workers feed and care for larvae but neglect pupae, resulting in low survival rates. This behavior benefits neighboring colonies by reducing slave-maker colonies' growth and effectiveness.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalEvolutionary Ecology·DateSep 26, 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.

Bigger wind turbines make greener electricity

Researchers found that bigger turbines harness more wind without increasing mass or fuel needs, leading to cleaner power production. The study solidifies the trend towards larger windmills, expected to approach 10% of global electricity by 2020.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 26, 2012

Study reveals complex rupture process in surprising 2012 Sumatra quake

Analysis of seismic waves from the magnitude 8.7 earthquake reveals a complicated faulting process involving at least four faults at right angles to each other. The event was the largest intraplate earthquake ever recorded and involved horizontal motion on a series of faults in the middle of the Indo-Australian plate.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2012

Singing in the brain

A Concordia researcher is developing a system that converts physiological displays of emotion into music. The music is used to teach individuals with autism disorders how to identify feelings by externalizing them through sound. By tapping into the brain's electrical signals, researchers can create an emotional symphony.

SourceConcordia University·DateSep 26, 2012

Retweeted health messages may not be what the patient ordered

A study by Penn State researchers found that people perceive tweets and retweets differently depending on the source, with original tweets from popular doctors being most credible. Non-medical professionals with a large following were also seen as more trustworthy than doctors who retweet health messages.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Communication·DateSep 26, 2012

Loss of species makes nature more sensitive to climate change

A recent study found that climate change can exacerbate the negative effects of losing sensitive species, and that high biodiversity may be weaker than expected. This is particularly true for eelgrass meadows in shallow inlets, where a loss of cod and other predators can lead to an overgrowth of filamentous algae.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 26, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers say smoking relapse prevention a healthy step for mothers, babies

A study by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found that a series of ten self-help booklets helped nearly 70% of pregnant women remain smoke-free after giving birth. The booklets provided detailed information on quitting cigarettes during and after pregnancy, with varying effects based on household income and age.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 26, 2012

Viewing gender-specific objects influences perception of gender identity

Researchers found that viewing objects associated with one gender can make viewers perceive an androgynous face as being of the opposite gender. The study suggests two possible explanations for this effect, including common brain regions involved in identifying both types of stimuli and a higher cognitive function of adapting to gender.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2012

First evidence of fetal DNA persisting in human brain tissue

Researchers have detected male DNA in female brain tissue, a phenomenon known as microchimerism, which is common and affects multiple brain regions. The findings suggest that this long-lasting fetal DNA may be associated with altered risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 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.

New insights into functionality of cystic fibrosis protein

A study in The Journal of General Physiology reveals that CFTR's mechanism is akin to ABC transporters, with ATP hydrolysis underlying its unidirectional cycling. This finding provides new evidence for the functionality of a protein crucial to cystic fibrosis research.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateSep 26, 2012

How immune cells defend themselves against HIV

Researchers discovered that a protein called SAMHD1 protects resting T helper cells from HIV replication by degrading genetic information. The study provides new insights into the immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS and could lead to new treatments for HIV.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 26, 2012

Men on the mind: Study finds male DNA in women's brains

A study published in PLOS ONE found that male DNA is commonly detected in the brains of women, possibly derived from previous pregnancies with male fetuses. The research suggests that fetal cells may frequently cross the human blood-brain barrier, leading to microchimerism in the brain.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2012

Pregnancy generates maternal immune-suppressive cells that protect the fetus

A new study published in Nature suggests that vaccines could be developed to prevent premature birth and pregnancy complications by stimulating the production of immune suppressive cells. These cells, which are generated during pregnancy, can tolerate foreign antigens and provide protection to the fetus.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 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.

Learning requires rhythmical activity of neurons

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that effective signal transmission in the hippocampus requires theta-frequency impulses, generating waves that propagate through the brain. This discovery explains why we are more productive after drinking coffee or experiencing stress.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Neural Circuits·DateSep 26, 2012

Melatonin and exercise work against Alzheimer's in mice

Researchers found that combining daily melatonin intake with voluntary physical exercise had a significant regressing effect on Alzheimer's disease in rodents. The study showed improved behavior, learning, and memory, as well as reduced oxidative stress and amyloid beta peptide levels.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateSep 26, 2012

Contributions of deaf people to entomology: A hidden legacy

This review paper reveals the achievements of deaf and hard-of-hearing scientists who communicated their discoveries in entomology, including Charles Bonnet and Charles Darwin. The authors highlight the struggles and triumphs of these pioneers in light of their isolation from the Deaf community.

SourceBrill·JournalTerrestrial Arthropod Reviews·DateSep 26, 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.

Total knee replacements: Effective, costly and booming

The study found that the number of total knee replacements increased by over two and a half times from 1991 to 2010, driven by an aging population and increased demand among older adults. The procedure is highly effective, allowing patients to remain active as they age, but also represents a major healthcare expense for Medicare.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 26, 2012

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology: There's an app for that

The Society of Interventional Radiology's flagship publication has launched a new app for iPad users, offering convenient access to interventional radiology literature and multimedia. The app allows readers to browse the latest issue, save articles, take notes, and share content on social media.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateSep 26, 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.

Extreme climate change linked to early animal evolution

A team of scientists has uncovered new evidence linking extreme climate change, oxygen rise, and early animal evolution. The research team found spikes in concentrations of trace metals and sulfur isotopes, which are tracers of early oxygen levels, in mudstone collected from the Doushantuo Formation in South China.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2012

TB drug could reduce mortality for MDR-TB and XDR-TB cases

An observational study found that delamanid can improve outcomes and reduce mortality among MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients when taken for at least 6 months. The treatment resulted in a 74.5% favourable outcome rate, significantly higher than the 55% rate for shorter treatment periods.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateSep 26, 2012

Severe hunger increases breast cancer risk in war survivors

A study of Jewish women who lived under Nazi control during World War Two found that those with severe hunger were five times more likely to develop breast cancer. Women aged seven or younger at the time had a three times higher risk of developing breast cancer than their older counterparts.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateSep 26, 2012

'I'm bored!' -- Research on attention sheds light on the unengaged mind

A study defines boredom as an aversive state caused by difficulty paying attention to internal or external information required for engaging satisfying activities. The researchers hope to develop new strategies to ease the problems of boredom and address potential dangers associated with cognitive errors.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 26, 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.

Patient safety improves when leaders walk the safety talk

A study by researchers found that when nurse leaders' actions mirror their spoken words regarding safety, unit nurses are more likely to report errors, leading to a stronger commitment to safe practices. This, in turn, results in a reduction in patient treatment errors.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 26, 2012

New 'Skinny' on Leptin

A new study by researchers at The University of Akron found that leptin may play a role in hearing and vision loss in humans. Leptin also affects the development of eyes and ears in fish, suggesting a potential link to sensory loss.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology·DateSep 26, 2012

Asteroid's troughs suggest stunted planet

Researchers found that asteroid Vesta's extensive system of troughs is likely the result of faults formed by a large collision. The troughs' unique characteristics, such as flat floors and distinct walls, suggest a fault moving apart, rather than simple cracking on the surface.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 26, 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.

How is a Kindle like a cuttlefish

Researchers found that both biological organisms and electronic devices use similar approaches to change reflective colors, but biology outperforms electronics in efficiency, scalability, and sophistication. Human-made technology excels in speed and color range, but lags behind nature's complex adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 26, 2012

Making the healthy choice

Scientists at Caltech identified competing brain systems that guide decisions on healthy options. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex play different roles in self-regulation, with the former taking control when trying to suppress cravings and the latter taking over when encouraging desires.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateSep 26, 2012

New AACAP Practice Parameter on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gender variant issues

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has released a new Practice Parameter addressing the unique challenges faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gender variant youth. The parameter provides best clinical practices to combat stigma, bullying, and discrimination, as well as promote cultural competence and resea...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 26, 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.

Preserving large females could prevent overfishing of Atlantic cod

A recent study found that larger female Atlantic cod are healthier and less stressed than their male counterparts, with longer telomeres and higher antioxidant capacity. This discovery highlights the importance of conserving older females to maintain healthy fish populations and prevent overfishing.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBiology Open·DateSep 26, 2012

Big quake was part of crustal plate breakup

A recent study by University of Utah and University of California, Santa Cruz scientists has confirmed that the April 2012 earthquake measuring 8.7 magnitude was a result of the Indo-Australian plate breaking apart. The quake caused at least four faults to break, resulting in significant changes to the tectonic plate's movement pattern.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2012

Hurricane Irene polluted Catskills watershed

A Yale University study reveals that Hurricane Irene polluted the Catskill watershed, darkening lakes and affecting the Ashokan Reservoir that supplies New York City with drinking water. The storm dumped unprecedented amounts of dissolved organic matter into the reservoir, equivalent to 43% of its average annual export.

SourceYale University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 26, 2012

Biology and management of the green stink bug

The green stink bug is a significant native species causing cosmetic damage and yield reduction in various crops. The article offers management options, including neonicotinoids, trap cropping, and biological control, to address this pest's impact on integrated pest management systems.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateSep 26, 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.

Pluto/Charon poses for sharpest ground-based images ever

Astronomers at the Gemini Observatory have produced exceptionally high-resolution images of Pluto and its largest companion Charon using a method called reconstructive speckle imaging. The resulting images hint at the exoplanet verification power of large state-of-the-art telescopes combined with speckle imaging techniques.

SourceGemini Observatory·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateSep 26, 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.

Reducing acrylamide levels in french fries

A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has identified potential methods to minimize acrylamide formation in french fries. Researchers used computer models to link changes in natural potato components with acrylamide formation, providing a rigorous approach to product development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2012

A birth control pill for men? When?

Despite the need for a male version of the oral contraceptive pill, pharmaceutical companies have discontinued research due to significant challenges. New research on non-hormonal male contraceptives offers hope for the development of a male birth control pill within a decade.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 26, 2012

Antipsychotic drugmakers target marketing dollars at DC Medicaid psychiatrists

A new report by the George Washington University School of Public Health found that antipsychotic drug manufacturers spent over $25 million on marketing to psychiatrists in DC Medicaid in 2010. The majority of these funds, 66%, were directed towards Medicaid providers, raising concerns about the influence of industry funding on prescri...

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateSep 26, 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.

University of Kentucky research sheds light on pain pill abuse

A University of Kentucky study investigated the habit-forming properties of tramadol, a popular pain medication. Researchers found that participants rated tramadol highly, suggesting an increased potential for abuse, even at doses above the normal therapeutic range.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateSep 26, 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.

Gut bacteria could cause diabetes

A study published in Nature reveals that people with type 2 diabetes have a high level of pathogens in their intestines, which can increase resistance to certain medicines. The research also identifies biological indicators that could be used for faster and earlier diagnosis of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2012

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms might have clinical importance

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that certain cannabis withdrawal symptoms are more strongly associated with relapse than others. Participants experiencing physical tension, sleep problems, and anxiety were more likely to relapse during the abstinence period and consumed more cannabis afterwards.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2012

Exposure to snot-nosed kids ups severity of cold infections

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Virology found that exposure to school-age children raises the odds that a person with lung disease will suffer symptoms from a cold. The study analyzed 1,000 samples of bodily fluids and found that people whose infections turned symptomatic were twice as likely to have contact with school-a...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Virology·DateSep 26, 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.

Research breakthrough opens door to new strategy for battling HIV

Researchers at George Mason University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the HIV virus targets 'veteran' memory T-cells. By exploiting the cell's treadmilling process, the virus can infect and kill these cells, leaving the body vulnerable to disease.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2012

Researchers uncover biochemical events needed to maintain erection

Scientists have discovered a complex positive feedback loop in penile nerves that triggers waves of nitric oxide to keep the penis erect. This process, which involves phosphorylation, enables the sustained release of nitric oxide and maintains erection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 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.

Tracking koala disease: New findings from old DNA

A study analyzing DNA from museum koala skins found that a retrovirus has infected koalas for at least 120 years, primarily in northern Australia. The virus, known as KoRV, is linked to increased susceptibility to diseases such as Chlamydia and leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 26, 2012

Colorectal cancer genetics research gets $13 million boost

A new $13 million project at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center aims to identify genetic links to colorectal cancer using next-generation sequencing. The study will reveal entire genome sequences of a subset of samples and capture rare variants that could lead to improved drug development and disease prevention.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateSep 26, 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.

Scientists find way to control sugars

Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Purdue University have discovered a way to 'toggling' intestinal enzymes that process starchy foods, helping to better control blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The process involves using inhibitors to regulate the enzymes, which could lead to new solutions for diabetics and...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2012

MBARI researchers discover what vampire squids eat

Researchers discovered that vampire squids use thread-like filaments to capture marine snow, a mixture of dead bodies and debris from the ocean surface. The study found that vampire squids do not hunt live prey but instead consume detrital matter, which is low in nutrients.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·DateSep 26, 2012

UCSB evolutionary psychologists study the purpose of punishment and reputation

Researchers at UCSB's Center for Evolutionary Psychology report new findings on human behaviors, supporting the individual cooperation account over group cooperation theory. The studies involved structured social interactions with over 200 participants, who showed a preference for trusting individuals likely to cooperate, not those who...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2012

Ready for your close-up?

A new Caltech study found that facial photos taken at close range influence perception, making subjects appear less trustworthy, competent, and attractive. Researchers used digital warping to manipulate images, confirming the effect. The findings may have implications for computer vision and social judgments.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 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.

Search for element 113 concluded at last

Researchers at RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-based Science conclusively identify element 113 through six consecutive alpha decays. The discovery sets the stage for Japan to claim naming rights for the element, following a long-standing competition with the US and Russia.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·DateSep 26, 2012

Barrow researchers make breakthrough on immune system and brain tumors

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute and Arizona State University have made a breakthrough in understanding why brain tumors are difficult to treat. The study reveals that the immune system behaves differently in different regions of the brain, including tumors, leading to potential limitations in effective treatment.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalCancer Management and Research·DateSep 26, 2012

New method of resurfacing bone improves odds of successful grafts

Researchers at Penn State developed a method to create a rough surface on bone grafts similar to untreated bone, promoting healing and increasing the likelihood of successful implantation. The new technique uses physical vapor deposition to coat the graft with hydroxyapatite, optimizing its osteogenic properties.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 26, 2012