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Science News for September 6, 2012


Mars's dramatic climate variations are driven by the Sun

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a model that links solar insolation to layer formation in Mars's ice caps. The model demonstrates a correlation between ice and dust accumulation and solar insolation, providing a dated climate history for Mars over 1 million years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalIcarus·DateSep 6, 2012

Changes in water chemistry leave lake critters defenseless

A new study found that changes in lake water chemistry, caused by acid rain and logging, are leaving small water organisms like plankton without adequate armor, making them easy prey for predators. The researchers warn that this could have significant consequences for the entire ecosystem.

SourceYork University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2012

Novel therapeutic targets identified for small cell lung cancer

A study published in Cancer Discovery reveals PARP1 and EZH2 as potential therapeutic targets for small cell lung cancer. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments for this aggressive type of cancer, which currently has limited treatment options.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateSep 6, 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.

Immune cell death safeguards against autoimmune disease

Researchers identified Puma and Bim as molecules that work together to kill self-reactive immune cells, which accumulate and attack body organs in autoimmune diseases. The study sheds light on the protection mechanism against autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·DateSep 6, 2012

Social psychologists espouse tolerance and diversity -- do they walk the walk?

A study found that social psychologists exhibit a liberal bias, with conservatives self-selecting out of the field due to perceived hostility. Despite this, the authors highlight the importance of addressing ideological diversity to promote healthy intellectual inquiry.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 6, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improving diagnosis of thyroid nodules

Researchers developed a Bayesian Artificial Neural Network model to analyze gene expression levels from over 90 FNA samples. The model identified eight biomarkers capable of distinguishing between malignant and benign tumours with high accuracy. This approach could potentially reduce the number of people with benign nodules undergoing ...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateSep 6, 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.

NASA satellite captured Hurricane Leslie's picture perfect moment

NASA's Aqua satellite captured two images of Hurricane Leslie on Sept. 5, just as it was being re-classified from a tropical storm to a hurricane. The MODIS and AIRS instruments provided infrared and visible imagery of the storm, showing an eye had formed in Leslie.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 2012

Protein critical to gut lining repair

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified Wnt5a as a critical protein for reconstructing glands in the intestinal lining, which is key to repairing damaged gut tissue. The study provides new insights into the process of gut regeneration and potential therapeutic targets for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2012

Human genome far more active than thought

The GENCODE Consortium discovered a staggering array of genes in the human genome, including over 10,000 novel genes and 20,687 protein-coding genes. Long non-coding RNAs, a relatively new type of gene, were also found to play a significant role in human biology and disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 6, 2012

Childhood virus RSV shows promise against adult cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have discovered that RSV selectively kills cancer cells, with minimal side effects compared to traditional treatments. The virus is expected to be safe due to its childhood origins and limited lung infection.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalBMC Cancer·DateSep 6, 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.

Biopsies may overlook esophagus disease

Researchers mapped eosinophil distribution in esophagus, showing current biopsies may under- or misdiagnose eosinophilic esophagitis. The study suggests new diagnostic methods could be available in five years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 6, 2012

Rust never sleeps

Electron mobility in iron oxide is crucial for understanding chemical reaction mechanisms, including uranium groundwater reactions and low-cost solar energy devices. The study reveals the rates of electron transport vary depending on iron oxide structure, with rates ranging from a single hop to five hops per nanosecond.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2012

Childhood sexual abuse linked to later heart attacks in men

A new study by the University of Toronto found that men who experienced childhood sexual abuse are three times more likely to have a heart attack than men who were not sexually abused as children. The researchers also noted that the pathways linking childhood sexual abuse to physical health outcomes in later life may be gender-specific.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateSep 6, 2012

Adding bavituximab to second-line chemotherapy doubles response rate

Researchers found that adding bavituximab to docetaxel chemotherapy improves response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival in late-stage non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients. The study showed a doubling of the overall response rate compared to the control arm.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 6, 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.

Predicting how patients respond to therapy

A new study found that brain scans can predict patients' responses to cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder. The researchers measured brain activity while patients looked at faces before treatment and found those with greater activity in high-level visual processing areas showed the most improvement after therapy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2012

Bright life on the ocean bed: Predators may even color code food

Researchers discovered that deep-sea creatures produce mostly blue and blue-green light, with some species emitting green spectra. They found that these animals have incredibly sensitive color vision, which may be used to detect and distinguish between food sources.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 6, 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.

Even the very elderly and frail can benefit from exercise

A study led by Dr. Louis Bherer found that all seniors, including those considered frail, can enjoy the benefits of exercise after only three months. The research showed significant improvements in physical capacity, cognitive performance, and quality of life among participants.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateSep 6, 2012

Deep-sea crabs grab grub using UV vision

Researchers discovered that deep-sea crabs can detect shorter wavelengths of light, including ultraviolet and blue light, allowing them to identify toxic corals and distinguish between edible plankton. This sensitivity may enable the crabs to color-code their food using UV vision.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 6, 2012

Family literacy project exceeds expectations

A unique approach to family literacy developed by Professor Cathy Nutbrown has had a huge success, benefiting over 6,000 families in the UK. The ORIM Framework focuses on four key elements: opportunities, recognition, interaction, and models, highlighting parents' roles and offering ideas for how they can help their child.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 6, 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.

Brain radiation after lung cancer treatment reduces risk of cancer spreading

A study of 340 stage III NSCLC patients found that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly reduces the risk of brain metastases, but no improvement in overall survival was observed. The rate of brain metastases for PCI-treated patients was 17.3%, compared to 26.8% for observational arm.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 6, 2012

Weapon-wielding marine microbes may protect populations from foes

Researchers found that a few marine microbes produce natural antibiotics that protect their populations from competitors and neighboring populations. This cooperative behavior, where some individuals act as protectors of the many, is a surprising example of social organization in microbial populations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2012

Crizotinib reduces tumor size in patients with ALK positive lung cancer

Crizotinib successfully shrinks tumors in patients with anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment showed a high overall response rate of 60% and improved median progression-free survival.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 6, 2012

Compensation for forced labor under National Socialism: Negotiations to practices

An international team of academics researched the implementation and effects of Germany's compensation payments to former forced labourers, finding that personal experiences and memories played a crucial role in shaping victims' perceptions of the payments. The study, published in four volumes, reveals complex persecution experiences a...

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateSep 6, 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.

The Lancet series on universal health coverage

A Lancet series examines the social, political, and economic issues surrounding universal health coverage. The evidence suggests that progress towards UHC leads to substantial improvements in population health, particularly for the poorest people. However, countries relying predominantly on out-of-pocket payments have not achieved UHC....

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 6, 2012

Survey shows why claws come out over feral cat management

A North Carolina State University survey finds that feral cat management is a contentious issue between 'cat people' and bird conservationists, with differing opinions on the impact of feral cats on wildlife. The study suggests that common ground can be found in caring for animals, and collaborative solutions such as involving cat care...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2012

Hispanic lung cancer patients have higher survival than non-Hispanic white patients

A study of 14,829 Hispanic lung cancer patients from the California Cancer Registry found that foreign-born Hispanics have an even lower risk of death due to improved socio-economic factors and neighborhood conditions. This contradicts the traditional 'Hispanic paradox' by highlighting the positive impact of social factors on survival.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 6, 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.

NASA analyzes Isaac's rainfall: Drought relief and flooding

Hurricane Isaac brought beneficial rain to drought-stricken regions in the Midwest, with rainfall totals ranging from 40-120 mm. The storm also caused significant flooding in Haiti and southeastern Florida, resulting in fatalities and property damage.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 2012

Nutritional supplement offers promise in treatment of unique form of autism

Researchers identified a genetic mutation that speeds up metabolism of certain amino acids, leading to epilepsy and neurobehavioral symptoms in patients with autism. Nutritional supplementation with branched chain amino acids reversed symptoms in mice and showed potential for human treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2012

In Rochester, a tale of tainted tattoos

A recent study in Rochester, NY, documents 19 cases of infected tattoos caused by a type of bacteria often found in tap water. Premixed gray ink is the suspected source of the infection, which was treated with antibiotics and resolved in most patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 6, 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.

Favorite TV reruns may have restorative powers, says UB researcher

Watching a favorite TV show taps into surrogate relationships people form with characters, restoring mental resources and willpower. This activity allows for effortless control without exerting mental energy, leading to a restorative effect.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 6, 2012

Genetic discovery in Montreal for a rare disease in Newfoundland

Researchers from the University of Montreal discovered the genetic cause of hereditary spastic ataxia, a rare disease affecting coordination and movement. The VAMP1 gene mutation is responsible for the condition, which can lead to debilitating symptoms if left untreated.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 6, 2012

A brain filter for clear information transmission

Researchers at DZNE found that inhibitory signals control precise output signals in neurons, enabling targeted patterns for long-term memory storage. This refined system acts like a filter, amplifying synchronous signals and resisting inhibition to ensure specific cell groups are activated.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNeuron·DateSep 6, 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.

Modeling sepsis in newborns

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have created a model to study sepsis in newborns, identifying diagnostic markers and potential treatments. The model has shown that even at the earliest hours of life, newborns can mount a robust inflammatory response to bacterial challenge.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2012

Researchers sequence genome of malaria-causing parasite

Researchers have discovered that the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium vivax shares the same genetic variations despite being found on different continents. The sequencing of its genome could help understand how the parasite lives and causes malaria, and may lead to new treatments for drug-resistant strains.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 6, 2012

Promising new drug target for inflammatory lung diseases

A review article highlights the role of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in inflammation and its potential as a therapeutic target for pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Therapies blocking IL-18 activity may offer effective treatment options for conditions like bronchial asthma and COPD.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateSep 6, 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.

Stage I NSCLC patients who receive radiation therapy are surviving longer

Patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received radiation therapy had an increased median survival of 21 months compared to 16 months. The percentage of patients not receiving treatment declined from 20 percent to 16 percent between 1999-2003 and 2004-2008.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 6, 2012

More grandparents fill caregiver role

A new study by the University of Chicago shows that 60 percent of grandparents provided some care for their grandchildren during a 10-year period. Grandparents with less income and less education are more likely to take on care for their grandchildren, highlighting the diversity in grandparent care.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateSep 6, 2012

Popular kids in US and Mexico more likely to smoke, USC studies show

A USC-led study confirms a strong correlation between popularity and smoking behavior among high school students in the US and Mexico. Popular students were found to become smokers earlier and form friendships with other smokers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 6, 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.

Parents' skin cancer concern doesn't keep kids inside

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that parents' concern about skin cancer does not affect their children's outdoor play time or obesity rates. The research suggests that children can get plenty of physical activity and prevent skin cancer by using sun protection measures.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateSep 6, 2012

2013 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Awards announced

The Gruber Foundation honored Mary Gehring and Valerie Horsley with the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award for their groundbreaking research in Arabidopsis epigenetics and mouse genetic models. The awards recognize early career female scientists making significant contributions to genetics.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateSep 6, 2012

Almost 1 in 5 young children with cancer suffers from a trauma disorder

Research shows that nearly 20% of young children with cancer develop posttraumatic stress disorder, exhibiting symptoms such as flashbacks and anxiety. The study highlights the need for child-friendly treatment procedures and psychological support to prevent prolonged disorders that impair development.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateSep 6, 2012

'I knew it all along…didn't I?' – Understanding hindsight bias

Researchers explore three levels of hindsight bias: memory distortion, inevitability, and foreseeability. Factors fueling the phenomenon include selective recall, need for closure, and overconfidence in judgments. This bias can hinder learning and lead to poor decision-making.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 6, 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.

Deep-sea crabs seek food using ultraviolet vision

A Nova Southeastern University study reveals that deep-sea crabs have eyes sensitive to ultraviolet light, allowing them to distinguish between toxic corals and edible plankton. The crabs use their sensitivity to blue and ultraviolet light to color-code their food.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 6, 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.

Lifestyle of a killer

Researchers found Hematodinium sp. and its sister species are a major problem for crab fisheries, causing 'bitter crab' disease. The parasites have bacteria-like endosymbionts that increase their chances of survival outside the shrimp, leading to significant damage to infected crustaceans.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAquatic Biosystems·DateSep 6, 2012

Even small weight gains raise blood pressure in college students

A University of Illinois study finds that even small weight gains in college students (1.5 pounds per year) increase systolic blood pressure by 3 to 5 points. Regular physical activity can help mitigate this effect, particularly for young women, who are more susceptible to increased blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPublic Health·DateSep 6, 2012

New blood test detects potentially deadly calcium deposits

A new test can measure an individual's propensity for calcification in their blood, identifying those at increased risk of vascular calcification and potential heart disease. The test may also provide a basis for treatment monitoring in patients who receive calcification inhibitors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 6, 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.

The quantum world only partially melts

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered pre-thermalization, where an intermediate state emerges between an ordered initial state and statistical equilibrium. This state exhibits some equilibrium properties but retains distinct order for a remarkably long time.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2012

Alcoholics Anonymous participation promotes long-term recovery

A Case Western Reserve University study found that AA-related Helping activities significantly lower alcohol use and increase interest in others over time. Participation in these activities also correlates with increased step-work and meeting attendance, strengthening the commitment to the program.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalSubstance Abuse·DateSep 6, 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.

Moderate voices muted in political news

A recent study found that moderate political groups receive less attention in newspaper articles compared to more radical groups, leading to a skewed perception of their importance.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateSep 6, 2012

Advanced maternal age not harmful for adult children

Research finds that a mother's education and years of survival are more influential on her child's adult health than maternal age. Children born to older mothers have a higher incidence of health conditions if they lose their mother at an early age, but this effect is statistically insignificant when adjusted for these factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDemography·DateSep 6, 2012

Well-known protein reveals new tricks

A new study reveals that clathrin protein moonlights as a key player in cell division, shedding light on the process and potential links to cancer. By deleting clathrin from cells, researchers found that it stabilizes centrosomes, which are essential for proper chromosome segregation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 6, 2012

Some patients with common kidney disease can skip standard treatments

A new study found that patients with common kidney disease IgA nephropathy who have normal kidney function and only minor urinary abnormalities at diagnosis experience remission without special treatments. No patients developed kidney failure over a 20-year follow-up, indicating an excellent prognosis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 6, 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.

CIRM funds 6 UC San Diego stem cell researchers

Six UC San Diego researchers received over $7 million in CIRM funding to study human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and hematopoietic stem cells. Their work aims to develop unlimited sources of transplantable beta-cells for diabetes patients and promote immunological tolerance to hESC-derived tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 6, 2012

Longest fiber-optic sensor network developed

Montserrat Fernández-Vallejo has developed the longest fibre-optic sensor network measuring 250 km with a multiplexing capability, enabling remote monitoring of large infrastructures. This technology allows for efficient data transmission and analysis without power sources, critical state observation, and preventive maintenance.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateSep 6, 2012