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Science News for August 19, 2013


Giving preschoolers choice increases sharing behavior

New research reveals that allowing children to make a difficult choice to sacrifice their own toys leads to increased sharing behavior in the future. By giving children autonomy over sharing decisions, they are more likely to see themselves as people who like to share, leading to greater prosociality and generosity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 19, 2013

Important step forward for gait analysis of horses

Researchers have developed a new method using inertial sensors to accurately measure horse movement and detect lameness and Wobblers disease. This allows for better analysis of movement patterns in horses with lameness and enables veterinarians to monitor diagnostics and rehabilitation outside the gait lab.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateAug 19, 2013

Fires sweep through Madeira

Fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira have destroyed up to eleven houses and forced evacuations, with another fire rekindling concerns in the area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCSB anthropologists study the genesis of reciprocity in food sharing

Researchers found that reciprocity is a significant factor in food sharing, similar across humans, monkeys, and apes. Humans tend to exchange food for food, while primates barter for services like grooming or coalition support.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·DateAug 19, 2013

Tick by tick

Scientists have created a novel system to safely study the transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus through ticks. By carefully tracking each tick's movement and feeding pattern, researchers can examine the complete cycle of virus transmission between infected animals and uninfected ticks.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateAug 19, 2013

Altruism or manipulated helping? Altruism may have origins in manipulation

Researchers develop mathematical model for evolution of manipulated behavior, showing that an offspring's resistance to manipulation often fails to evolve if the costs are high. The study suggests that altruistic behavior in eusocial organisms, such as ants and bees, may be coerced through manipulation.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateAug 19, 2013

Recurrence risk for autism spectrum disorders examined for full, half siblings

A Danish study of siblings found the recurrence risk for autism spectrum disorders varied from 4.5 percent to 10.5 percent depending on the birth years. The study suggests an almost seven-fold increase in ASDs risk if an older sibling had an ASD diagnosis, highlighting the role of genetics and maternal intrauterine environment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 19, 2013
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.

Fighting obesity with apps and websites

A new Duke University study found that restaurant websites with easy-to-access calorie information can influence customer ordering decisions. Despite this, in-store marketing and psychological factors often override healthy options.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 2013

Cancer surgery patients have more complications, but less likely to die

A large study found increasing rates of preventable adverse events after major cancer surgery, such as blood clots and infections, but decreasing overall mortality rates in the US. Despite improvements in managing these events, experts emphasize the need for better prevention strategies to reduce complications.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 19, 2013

Global sea level rise dampened by Australia floods

A rare combination of atmospheric patterns drove heavy rains over Australia in 2010-11, causing seas to drop measurably. The event, linked to La Niña and the Southern Annular Mode, was a unique complex pattern that temporarily halted rising sea levels caused by climate change.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 19, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Divers willingness to pay for biodiversity could help conservation efforts -- Ben-Gurion U. study

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that divers are willing to pay to improve aspects of reef biodiversity, with respondents ranking biodiversity as the most desirable value. The study's findings may help inform conservation efforts and direct the design of future marine reserves.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateAug 19, 2013

Too-low diastolic blood pressure can be deadly for CKD patients

Research published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that low diastolic blood pressure may be a significant risk factor for mortality in patients with CKD. A study of over 651,000 veterans found that those with diastolic blood pressures below 70mmHg had higher mortality rates compared to those within the recommended range.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 19, 2013

Microbial team turns corn stalks and leaves into better biofuel

A fungal-bacterial consortium converts tough plant materials into isobutanol, producing 1.88 grams per liter of fluid, with 62% energy conversion rate. The system reduces capital investment and operating cost, making biofuel production economically viable.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Wildfires persist in California

Wildfires in central and northern California continue to rage, with the American wildfire affecting over 13,000 acres. The Swedes Fire has grown to 1,995 acres and is expected to be fully contained by Thursday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2013

A home for the microbiome

A team of scientists has discovered a mechanism by which beneficial bacteria reside and thrive in the gastrointestinal tract. By understanding how these microbes colonize, they may be able to correct abnormal changes in bacterial communities linked to disorders like obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2013

NASA satellite sees Pewa become a typhoon

Typhoon Pewa strengthened into a powerful storm after passing over NASA's Aqua satellite, revealing a small eye surrounded by strong thunderstorms. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Pewa will continue to intensify as it moves northwest, passing far to the northeast of Wake Island on Aug. 21 and 22.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2013
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.

The How-to Parenting Program improves the mental health of children

A study from the Université de Montréal found that the program improves parenting style and boosts children's psychological adjustment, leading to higher well-being levels. The three key dimensions of optimal parenting—structure, warmth, and autonomy support—showed significant increases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateAug 19, 2013

Molten magma can survive in upper crust for hundreds of millennia

Scientists have found that molten magma reservoirs in the crust can persist for far longer than previously thought, with some chambers sitting for hundreds of thousands of years. This new understanding has significant implications for volcanic arcs and the detection of magma pools beneath them.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeology·DateAug 19, 2013

3-D images show flame retardants can mimic estrogens in NIH study

Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize how brominated flame retardants bind to proteins like estrogens, potentially disrupting the body's natural hormones. The study sheds light on the effects of flame retardants on human health and provides insights for developing safer alternatives.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 19, 2013

NASA accepts third generation TDRS into network

NASA has accepted its newest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) into the network, replenishing an aging fleet essential for space exploration. The new satellite will provide critical real-time communication support for NASA's human spaceflights, International Space Station activities, and various science missions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2013
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.

Earliest known iron artifacts come from outer space

Researchers have discovered that ancient Egyptian iron beads were hammered from pieces of meteorites, not iron ore. The findings indicate that metalworkers mastered the smithing of meteoritic iron over 5,000 years ago, enabling the development of iron smelting and replacing copper and bronze as primary metals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 19, 2013

Therapeutic eye injections may be needed less often

Researchers have created a new drug-delivery strategy using a biodegradable coating that prolongs the effectiveness of an eye medication for macular degeneration. This innovation could significantly reduce the frequency of injections needed, potentially changing the standard of care from monthly to once or twice a year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 19, 2013

Tumor measurements predict survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that total tumor measurements greater than 3 inches predict shorter survival times in advanced lung cancer patients. Patients with larger tumors live an average of 9.5 months, compared to 12.6 months for those with smaller tumors.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateAug 19, 2013
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.

NEETs are prime suspects in breast cancer proliferation

A study by an international consortium of researchers found that reducing the expression of NEET proteins significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and tumor size. The overabundance of these proteins is linked to the progression of the disease, making them a prime target for anticancer drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013

Coffee and tea may contribute to a healthy liver

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that increased caffeine intake may reduce fatty liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Consuming four cups of coffee or tea a day could be beneficial in preventing and protecting against the progression of NAFLD.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalHepatology·DateAug 19, 2013

Experts describe ways to eliminate wasteful medical tests and procedures

New study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine outlines top recommendations for improving healthcare value, including reducing unnecessary tests and procedures. The recommendations aim to lower costs and lead to better care for patients, particularly children and adults hospitalized with respiratory illnesses.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateAug 19, 2013

Far from being harmless, the effects of bullying last long into adulthood

A new study reveals that bullying in childhood can lead to serious illness, poor job prospects, and strained social relationships. Bully-victims are particularly vulnerable, facing a higher risk of mental health issues, poverty, and difficulties forming long-term friendships.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 19, 2013
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.

High-flying pilots at increased risk of brain lesions

A new study published in Neurology suggests that high-altitude flying increases the risk of brain lesions. The research found that pilots had nearly four times the volume and three times the number of brain lesions as non-pilots, with lesions evenly distributed throughout the brain.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 19, 2013

Large moths need to hear better

Moths hear at 80 kHz to detect bats, but this ability also leads to unnecessary sound impressions and energy waste. Researchers found that moths' eardrums are more sensitive than small insects', allowing them to survive in environments with high-frequency bat calls.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 19, 2013

Marathon bombing victims aided by rapid response, imaging of injuries

A novel study in Arthritis Care & Research examines the medical response and imaging technologies used to treat Boston Marathon bombing victims. The study found that radiology resources should be used liberally to save lives and limbs in urgent situations like the Boston Marathon bombing.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateAug 19, 2013

An organized approach to 3-D tissue engineering

IBN's novel technique allows researchers to incorporate different cell types into separate fibers, then assemble them into complex constructs with hierarchical tissue structures. This innovation enables the creation of prevascularized tissue constructs that have successfully integrated with the host circulatory system in a mouse model.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2013
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 network decay detected in early Alzheimer's

A study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that disruptions in brain networks emerge simultaneously with chemical markers of early Alzheimer's disease. The research provides an effective and less invasive way to detect early disease, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 19, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

US depression treatment proved effective for UK

A US model of collaborative care for depression has been shown to improve symptoms immediately after treatment. After 12 months, 15% more patients remained improved compared to those who saw their GP alone.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 19, 2013

New models advance the study of deadly human prion diseases

Researchers at Whitehead Institute created mouse models of two neurodegenerative diseases that are fatal in humans. The highly accurate reproduction of disease pathology seen with these models should advance the study of prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and fatal familial insomnia.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013
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.

Copper identified as culprit in Alzheimer's disease

A study found that copper accelerates the pathology of Alzheimer's disease by disrupting the removal of amyloid beta from the brain and stimulating its production. Copper accumulation can lead to inflammation and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, promoting toxic protein buildup.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013

UNH research: Post-run ice baths not beneficial for strength, soreness

A study by UNH researchers found no significant benefit of post-exercise ice baths in reducing muscle soreness or improving strength after intense exercise. Despite initial skepticism, lead researcher Naomi Crystal notes that moderate use of cryotherapy may still be beneficial for elite athletes.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 19, 2013

Newly discovered ocean plume could be major source of iron

Scientists have discovered a vast plume of iron and micronutrients in the South Atlantic Ocean, challenging previous estimates of iron sources in the world's seas. The finding has profound implications for understanding ocean life and Earth's climate as it suggests that slow-spreading ridges may be a significant source of iron.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 19, 2013

Prestigious fellowship award for Strathclyde mathematician

Professor Des Higham has received a Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship to research potential applications of social media data. He aims to identify interest groups, categorize network users based on influence and predict energy usage in individual households.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateAug 19, 2013
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.

Native Californians followed the greenery

Researchers found that suitable habitats were settled first by early migrants, leading to a diverse patchwork of language groups. This process may account for global ethnolinguistic patterns.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013

Fires plaguing Idaho

A series of devastating wildfires has swept through Idaho, with multiple fires burning out of control due to strong winds and hot temperatures. The largest fire, the Beaver Creek Fire, has grown to over 100,000 acres and threatens nearby towns and ski resorts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2013

New risk score predicts 10-year dementia risk for type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers created the first risk score predicting 10-year dementia risk for type 2 diabetes patients based on medical history and electronic health records. The Diabetes-Specific Dementia Risk Score assigns a value to eight predictive factors, including microvascular disease and diabetic foot.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateAug 19, 2013

Handaxe design reveals distinct Neanderthal cultures

A study by Dr. Karen Ruebens reveals two separate Neanderthal cultures in Europe, with distinct handaxe designs and social learning mechanisms. The research provides new insights into Neanderthal regionality and cultural complexity.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 19, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Unala develop and weaken quickly

Tropical Storm Unala weakened to a depression after forming in the central Pacific, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms with heavy rain potential. The storm's interaction with Typhoon Pewa is expected to cause further weakening and dissipation within 24 hours.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Storm Trami U-turning

Tropical Storm Trami appears very large in infrared data from NASA's Aqua satellite, spanning over two-thirds the size of the Philippines. The massive storm is now making a U-turn in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2013

NASA scientists relate urban population to air pollution

Researchers found significant regional differences in the relationship between population and air pollution, particularly in Europe and India. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations more than doubled when cities increased in population from 1 million to 10 million people.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 19, 2013