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Science News for August 21, 2013


How women achieve a healthier weight may impact long-term health of offspring

Research suggests that weight loss surgery in female rats prior to conception has no positive impact on the metabolic health of their offspring. In fact, the study found that the metabolic health of VSG-treated offspring was worse than that of obese controls, with lower birth weights and increased susceptibility to glucose intolerance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 21, 2013

Lower-cost drug substitutions could mean big savings for Medicare patients, government

A new UCLA-led study finds that substituting less expensive medications for brand-name counterparts can result in significant cost savings for Medicare beneficiaries. The study identified 50 common medications and found that 39% of patients receiving the low-income subsidy were eligible for generic or therapeutic substitutions, leading...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 21, 2013

Pazopanib shows better quality-of-life in advanced kidney cancer

A large international clinical trial found pazopanib to be superior to sunitinib in terms of quality of life, with fewer side effects and lower risk of complications. The study's results suggest that pazopanib may become the preferred treatment for advanced kidney cancer patients.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA sees another Earth-directed CME

A recent CME sent billions of particles into space, reaching Earth in one to three days, potentially causing geomagnetic storms and disruptions to communication signals and power grids.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2013

New results from Daya Bay

The Daya Bay Collaboration has released new results on neutrino oscillation, measuring a key difference in neutrino masses known as mass splitting. The findings provide insight into the structure of matter and the evolution of the universe.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateAug 21, 2013

Tuberculosis genomes portray secrets of pathogen's success

A new study analyzes dozens of tuberculosis genomes to understand why TB is so prevalent and how it evolves to resist countermeasures. The analysis shows that the bacterium takes advantage of human population growth and history, evolving to thrive in crowded and wretched conditions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 21, 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.

Drug swap drives down costs

Researchers found that generic substitutions result in $127-$160 annual savings, while therapeutic substitutions yield $389-$452 per beneficiary. Therapeutic substitutions have the potential to double or triple annual cost savings compared to generic substitutions.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 21, 2013

UK & USA scientists collaborate to design crops of the future

Three projects aim to revolutionise farming methods by enabling crops to fix their own nitrogen, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers. Researchers will search for a lost bacterium with special properties, create synthetic biological modules to produce fertiliser, and engineer beneficial relationships between plants and microbes.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateAug 21, 2013

NASA's Fermi enters extended mission

Fermi's extended mission will enable deeper studies of gamma-ray bursts, pulsars, and supermassive black holes. The telescope has already revealed giant bubbles above and below our galaxy, shedding light on the universe's most extraordinary phenomena.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2013

A virus changes its stripes

A significant outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis occurred in Panama in 2010, marking a change in the virus's behavior in Latin America. The outbreak confirmed 13 human cases and one dual infection case, with a low case-fatality rate compared to US standards.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2013
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.

Trial aims to advance prenatal diagnosis of genetic defects

A multicenter prospective clinical study is investigating the effects of chromosomal abnormalities found prenatally through microarray analysis on developmental delays and birth defects. Researchers aim to share genetic variances with parents during pregnancy, providing them with detailed genetic counseling.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateAug 21, 2013

Shorter working hours do not guarantee happier workers

A study by Robert Rudolf of Korea University found that reducing working hours has no significant impact on overall job and life satisfaction for married couples with children. Despite cutting work weeks by four hours, women face higher work-family role conflicts and rising work intensity demands, offsetting any positive effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateAug 21, 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.

Genome researchers at Bielefeld University decode the hamster genome

Genome researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully sequenced the Chinese hamster genome, providing valuable data for biopharmaceutical production. The decoded genome consists of eleven pairs of chromosomes and is comparable in magnitude to the human genome.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 21, 2013

Epic ocean voyages of baby corals revealed

A new study models how baby corals disperse in the world's oceans to understand their responses to changing sea conditions. The researchers used a computer model to simulate the paths of coral larvae worldwide, revealing that some may travel thousands of kilometers across open ocean.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateAug 21, 2013

Better insight into molecular interactions

Researchers have developed a 'dark channel mechanism' to explain binding processes in biochemical materials, allowing for deeper understanding of molecular interactions. The discovery, combined with ab initio calculations and high-resolution spectroscopy, provides new information on the chemistry of life.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 21, 2013

Home cooking, traffic are sources of key air pollutants from China

A study finds that almost 80% of soot pollution in East Asia comes from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as coal briquettes used in home cookstoves and automobile exhaust. The research identifies these sources as major contributors to air pollution responsible for 500,000 premature deaths annually in China.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 21, 2013

Researchers reveal hunter-gatherers' taste for spice

Early Neolithic and pre-Neolithic hunter-gatherers used spices for flavor, challenging the traditional view that plants were exploited solely for energy requirements. Garlic mustard, with its strong flavor but little nutritional value, was identified as a primary spice in European prehistoric cuisine.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2013
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.

NASA sees Typhoon Trami passing Taiwan for China landfall

Typhoon Trami is expected to make landfall near Fuzhou, China, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 70 knots/80 mph, with tropical-storm-force winds extending out 100 nautical miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2013

Researchers agree that Alzheimer's test results could be released to research participants

A survey of 139 Alzheimer's clinical trial leaders found that a majority supported disclosing test results to study participants, citing the need for guidance and counseling. The study suggests that as biomarkers improve, experts want to share valid results with participants, while also addressing potential harms and benefits.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateAug 21, 2013

Your mother's genes can hasten your own aging process

Research reveals that maternal mitochondrial DNA can influence an individual's aging process, accelerating it. The findings suggest that inherited genetic mutations from mothers contribute to the aging process and potentially impact brain development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2013

Pop! Bursting the bubble on carbonation

Research from Monell Center reveals that carbonation's bite comes from the conversion of free carbon dioxide into carbonic acid in the mouth. Bubbles enhance this sensation through stimulation of the sense of touch.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2013
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.

Highest-ever resolution photos of the night sky

A team of astronomers has developed a new type of telescope camera that makes higher resolution images than ever before, capturing details as small as 0.02 arcseconds across. The new technology has enabled the observation of planetary formation processes and addressed longstanding questions about how planets form.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 21, 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.

Study finds mother's genes can impact aging process

Researchers have found that a mother's genes can influence an individual's aging process. The study suggests that mild DNA damage transferred from the mother contributes to the aging process and that reducing mutations may help extend lifespan.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2013

Schizophrenia symptoms linked to faulty 'switch' in brain

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a faulty 'switch' between brain regions that may cause psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia. The study suggests that detecting this disconnection could help identify patients with the condition, and potentially lead to more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNeuron·DateAug 21, 2013

New health economics study highlights societal benefits of knee replacement surgery

A new study highlights the economic benefits of knee replacement surgery, finding that patients can save nearly $40,000 in indirect costs, resulting in lifetime societal savings of $10,000-$30,000. The study estimates that total knee replacement surgeries will exceed 3 million by 2030 due to an aging population.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 21, 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.

2 studies identify potential new drug for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Two studies found that vedolizumab resulted in remission and reduced use of prednisone for patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The medication blocks immune system cells that trigger inflammation, reducing side effects commonly associated with other treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2013

Brain size may signal risk of developing an eating disorder

Research found that teens with anorexia nervosa had larger insula and orbitofrontal cortex brain areas, which may contribute to their ability to starve themselves. These brain regions process taste and body perception, potentially leading to a distorted sense of hunger and fullness.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2013

Warming Antarctic seas likely to impact on krill habitats

Climate change projections suggest warming Antarctic seas could reduce krill growth habitat by up to 20%, affecting wildlife and fisheries. The Southern Ocean region, including South Georgia, is expected to be worst affected, with potential losses of up to 55% in krill habitats.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2013
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.

NIH-funded scientists describe genesis, evolution of H7N9 influenza virus

Researchers used genetic sequencing to trace the source and evolution of the avian H7N9 influenza virus infecting humans. Domestic ducks and chickens played distinct roles in its genesis, with strains exchanging genes that led to outbreaks among chickens and human infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2013

The bitter and the sweet: Fruit flies reveal a new interaction between the 2

A new study reveals an unexpected role for a protein in the integration of opposing attractive and aversive gustatory stimuli in fruit flies. The findings demonstrate that the protein inhibits the activity of sugar-activated receptors when bitter compounds are present, reducing attraction to sugars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateAug 21, 2013

Half of all UK 7 year olds not exercising for recommended minimum

UK research found that half of all seven year olds are sedentary for six to seven hours a day, with only half reaching the recommended minimum of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Girls, children of Indian ethnic origin, and those in Northern Ireland were the least active.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 21, 2013

Putting sleep disorders to bed

A new study has identified a fundamental biological process controlling the body's circadian clock, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating circadian clock-related disorders. The research found that removing a repressor protein improved brain clock function, enabling mice to adapt to time zone changes faster.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 21, 2013
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.

Breast is best: Good bacteria arrive from mum's gut via breast milk

Scientists have discovered that breast milk contains beneficial bacteria from the mother's gut, which is essential for establishing a healthy gut microbiome in babies. This finding confirms the importance of breastfeeding and highlights the need to develop formula milk that mimics nature.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateAug 21, 2013

First update in a century in testing drugs for elemental impurities

The US Pharmacopeial Convention has introduced new limits on 15 elemental impurities and procedures for measuring levels, updating tests used to ensure safe products. The changes require drug companies to install multiple systems at multiple sites, potentially increasing costs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 21, 2013

Poor oral health linked to cancer-causing oral HPV infection

A new study found that poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can cause oropharyngeal cancers. Good oral hygiene practices can help prevent HPV infection and its related cancers.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateAug 21, 2013

Bacteria make us feel pain… and suppress our immune response

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that invading bacteria themselves are the cause of pain during skin infections, rather than the body's immune response. The study also showed that activated pain neurons suppress the immune system, potentially helping bacteria become more virulent.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 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.

Study: Crocs eat fruit??

A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that 13 species of crocodilians consume fruit, including berries and legumes. The researchers suggest that these animals may function as significant seed dispersal agents in freshwater ecosystems, contributing to forest regeneration.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateAug 21, 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.

Playing video games can boost brain power

A study of 72 volunteers found that playing real-time strategy games like StarCraft improved cognitive flexibility and strategic thinking. The researchers suggest that these games can promote the ability to think on the fly and learn from past mistakes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2013

Common genes may underlie alcohol dependence, eating disorders

A recent study of nearly 6,000 adult twins found that genetic factors contribute to both alcoholism and certain eating disorder symptoms, such as binge eating and purging habits. The study suggests that genes explain 38-53% of the risk of developing these disorders.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateAug 21, 2013

Growing share of HIV/AIDS burden shifts to changing group of regions

The study found that between 2006 and 2010, HIV/AIDS deaths increased in 98 countries, with a growing share of the burden shifting from Eastern Africa to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, countries where HIV/AIDS is not the leading cause of disease burden saw a larger share of the overall burden.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalAIDS·DateAug 21, 2013

Vigorous physical activity linked to lower incidence of obesity in young African-American women

A study by Boston University researchers found that vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of obesity among young African-American women. The study, which followed 20,259 women for 14 years, revealed that increasing levels of vigorous exercise resulted in a 23% lower incidence of obesity.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 21, 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.

Study: Personality effects on fertility

Researchers found that neurotic men born after 1957 have fewer children, while extraverted men and conscientious women tend to have more. The study suggests personality effects may be contributing to the decline of fertility rates in Europe.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·DateAug 21, 2013

Research breakthrough: Impaired autophagy associated with age-related macular degeneration

A recent study published in PLoS One reveals that impaired autophagy is linked to age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual impairment. The researchers found that the lysosomal clean-up mechanism, or autophagy, plays a crucial role in clearing harmful protein accumulations behind the retina, which lead to vision loss.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2013

Brain circuit can tune anxiety

Researchers at MIT have identified a key brain circuit that controls anxiety levels, providing new insights into the development of effective treatments. The study found that manipulating this circuit can boost or reduce anxiety in mice, suggesting a promising avenue for future research.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateAug 21, 2013
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.

Alcohol abuse, eating disorders share genetic link

Researchers found common genetic factors underlying alcoholism and certain eating-disorder symptoms, including binge eating and purging habits. The study included nearly 6,000 adult twins and suggests that some genes influencing alcohol dependence also influence binge eating in men and women.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateAug 21, 2013

Berlin researchers open a door for solid state physics

Researchers at Helmholtz Association's HZB have identified a new area of application for X-rays in solid state physics, leveraging nonlinear physical effects. They observed the interaction between soft X-rays and solids, enabling enhanced color analysis and structural properties correlation.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 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.

Lab-made complexes are 'sun sponges'

Researchers created ring-shaped complexes of protein and pigments that absorb more sunlight than natural ones. The designs use a combination of synthetic and natural pigments to capture a broader spectrum of light, allowing for efficient energy harvesting.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 21, 2013

How does your garden grow?

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a biofertiliser that enables crops to be grown on coal waste, achieving nearly twice the weight and yield of those grown in garden soil. The additive boosts plant nutrition, regulates water, and maintains an ideal environment for growth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Resource·DateAug 21, 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.

Psychotherapy lags as evidence goes unheeded

Despite ample evidence supporting its effectiveness, psychotherapy is on a decline in the US. This stems from a lack of definition, adoption, and articulation of its own evidence base, whereas medications have done so. Research shows that many therapists prioritize personal experience over evidence-based treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateAug 21, 2013

Fires in Idaho and Montana

Fires in Idaho and Montana continue to burn, with the Gold Pan complex fire expanding to 27,000 acres. The Lolo Creek complex has grown to 8,600 acres in difficult terrain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2013
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.

What is your heart attack risk?

Researchers used clustering techniques to analyze 300 patient cases and identify specific risk factors associated with heart attack risk. Key findings include the importance of age, gender, and lifestyle habits in determining cardiac risk levels.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateAug 21, 2013

MERS virus discovered in bat near site of outbreak in Saudi Arabia

Researchers found a genetic match for MERS in an Egyptian Tomb Bat near the first known case of the disease in Saudi Arabia, pointing to bats as the likely animal origin. The study suggests that an intermediary animal may also be involved in human transmission.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateAug 21, 2013

Viewing Fukushima in the cold light of Chernobyl

Recently published studies in Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones reveal high frequencies of tumors, cataracts, and growth suppression in birds and pine trees. Lack of funding for independent scientists hinders understanding of radiation's impact on life.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2013

A brighter method for measuring the surface gravity of distant stars

Astronomers have developed a new technique to measure the surface gravity of distant stars, which is crucial for calculating their physical properties and evolutionary state. The technique has been shown to be more accurate than existing methods and can significantly improve estimates of exoplanet sizes.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2013

Tropical Storm Pewa passing Wake Island

Tropical Storm Pewa has passed over Wake Island, located just north of the Marshall Islands. The storm was captured on NASA satellite imagery and is expected to intensify again while moving northwest, potentially becoming a typhoon over the next five days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 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.

First scientific method to authenticate world's costliest coffee

Researchers have identified unique chemical markers that can distinguish authentic Kopi Luwak from adulterated or fake versions. The development marks the first scientific method to authenticate the world's most expensive coffee.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 21, 2013