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Science News for August 5, 2013


An infallible quantum measurement

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a new method to verify entanglement between several objects, using device-independent witnesses. This approach allows for high-confidence statements about entanglement with minimal assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 5, 2013

Tom Bowman's Climate Report delves into Arctic methane controversy

A recent study published in Nature found that a single phenomenon of global warming in the Arctic - the release of methane from thawing permafrost - could have an average global price tag of $60 trillion. The authors modeled various methane release scenarios and stressed that the impacts of Arctic warming will be felt worldwide.

SourceBowman Global Change·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 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's Firestation on way to the International Space Station

The Firestation experiment will study the link between lightning and terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs), which are brief but intense bursts of gamma rays produced in Earth's atmosphere. The study aims to understand the cause and effect mechanisms behind TGFs and their relationship with lightning.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 5, 2013

Carbon emissions to impact climate beyond the day after tomorrow

A new study by Richard Zeebe suggests that amplified and prolonged warming due to unabated fossil fuel burning raises the probability of large ice sheets melting, leading to significant sea level rise. Climate sensitivity may change over time, potentially making future climate change more severe and longer-lasting.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Celiac disease patients with ongoing intestine damage at lymphoma risk

Patients with celiac disease who have persistent intestine damage are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those whose intestines have healed, according to new research. The study found that the risk of lymphoma is significantly lower in patients with healed intestines, approaching that of the general population.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2013

Stem cells found in gum tissue can fight inflammatory disease

A new study by the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC found that stem cells in gum tissue can relieve inflammatory diseases, including colitis. The cells, called gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC), have the ability to become other cell types and affect the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 5, 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.

Looking to the past to predict the future of climate change

Researchers analyze fossil records to understand how past climate changes affected species interactions, potentially revealing patterns for predicting future changes. This study's findings suggest that similar processes drive natural systems' responses to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2013

Seeing depth through a single lens

Researchers at Harvard University develop a method for creating 3D images from two stationary frames, enabling amateur photographers and microscopists to capture stereo-like effects. This technique uses light-field moment imaging to infer the angle of light at each pixel, allowing for the creation of brand-new images as if the camera h...

SourceHarvard University·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 5, 2013

Shadows and light: Dartmouth researchers develop new software to detect forged photos

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a new software method to detect faked photos by analyzing inconsistent shadows, debunking claims that the Apollo 11 lunar landing photo is fake. The new forensic technique provides a more objective task for analysts, shifting the focus from visual plausibility to geometric constraints.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 5, 2013
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.

Escape from poverty helps explain diabetes epidemic in the American South

A study suggests that rapid economic growth between 1950 and 1980 may have contributed to the high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the American South. The 'thrifty phenotype' hypothesis proposes that children who grow up in poverty are unprepared biologically to manage the abundance of processed foods and sedentary lifestyle associate...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Discovery could lead to end of sunburn pain

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the TRPV4 molecule plays a key role in sunburn pain, which is caused by UVB radiation. The researchers found that blocking this molecule could provide protection against painful effects of sunburn and possibly other causes of pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Heterogeneous nanoblocks give polymers an edge

Researchers have discovered that using heterogeneous nanoblocks can alter the morphological structure of polymers at the nanoscale. This effect can lead to improved properties in materials like refractive surfaces and computer chips.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateAug 5, 2013

Putting the brakes on pain

Neuropathic pain is a daily reality for millions of Americans, but researchers have found a way to protect GABA neurons from oxidative stress, which may help alleviate the condition. By using an antioxidant compound, scientists were able to lower pain behavior and preserve GABA neuron populations.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPain·DateAug 5, 2013

Tumor cell vaccination trial to promote anti-leukemia responses

A clinical trial found that tumor cell vaccination increased complete remission rates and induced leukemia-specific T-cells in patients with advanced Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The study suggests that this approach may enhance anti-tumor responses following allo-HSCT.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 5, 2013
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.

Not only bone density, but also quality of bone predicts fracture risk

A study at the University of Eastern Finland found that abnormal bone properties in children with vertebral fractures and after solid organ transplantation can predict fracture risk. Bone histomorphometry revealed changes in bone composition that could explain increased fracture risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 5, 2013

USGS science at the Ecological Society of America

Researchers use tree-ring growth data to reconstruct forest drought-stress index, revealing strong relationships between FDSI and regional forest productivity. Climate change is expected to lead to increased forest drought-stress by the 2050s, driving imminent changes in forest structure and composition.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateAug 5, 2013

Breastfeeding may protect against persistent stuttering

A recent study found that children who were breastfed had a higher likelihood of recovering from stuttering and returning to fluent speech. The researchers suggest that essential fatty acids found in breast milk may play an important role in brain development and language skills.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Communication Disorders·DateAug 5, 2013

Smoke-free casinos reduce medical emergencies

A new study led by UCSF found that banning smoking in casinos results in significantly fewer emergency calls for ambulances, highlighting the need for stricter smoke-free laws in the industry.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCirculation·DateAug 5, 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.

'Insect soup' holds DNA key for monitoring biodiversity

Researchers create 'insect soup' by crushing insects and sequencing their DNA, which accelerates biodiversity monitoring and cataloguing. This breakthrough allows for more efficient and reliable detection of endangered species and environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 5, 2013

Study highlights need for more social responsibility by online gaming industry

A new study highlights the need for more social responsibility by online gaming industry regarding over-addictive use. Researchers found that warning messages on loading screens are insufficient and game developers must adopt strategies to promote responsible gameplay and provide gamers with tools to control their behavior.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateAug 5, 2013
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.

Abused children found to smoke more as teens and adults

A new study from the University of Washington finds that abused children are more likely to smoke excessively in adolescence and adulthood, with girls who were sexually abused being particularly at risk. The study suggests that early intervention and prevention of child abuse can lead to long-term public health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 5, 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.

No-smoking law in Colorado casinos led to fewer ambulance calls

A study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that a no-smoking law in Colorado casinos resulted in a 20% drop in ambulance calls, largely attributed to the elimination of secondhand smoke. This reduction is thought to be due to both smokers avoiding toxic effects and quitting smoking altogether.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 5, 2013

Researchers get close-up view of water pores needed in the eye's lens

A team of researchers has gained a detailed understanding of aquaporin zero, a protein crucial for maintaining the transparency of the human eye lens. This knowledge could lead to new insights and therapies for treating cataracts and other eye conditions.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 5, 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.

The molecule 'scanner'

Researchers developed a detector that can chemically identify single molecules using terahertz radiation, enabling 'molecular imaging' at scales similar to airport screenings. The technology, featured in Nano Letters, has the potential for fundamental studies and practical applications.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 5, 2013

Feelings for fetus may vary smoking amount

A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal suggests that pregnant smokers with low scores on a scale rating emotional attachment to their fetuses may be inclined to smoke more. Women who feel less attached to their fetus tend to have higher levels of cotinine, an indicator of nicotine use.

SourceBrown University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateAug 5, 2013

As data flow, scientists advocate for quality control

Researchers recommend incorporating automated quality control procedures to minimize sensor failures and ensure accurate event characterization. By implementing standardized protocols, scientists can improve the reliability of sensor networks and support land management planning decisions.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalBioScience·DateAug 5, 2013

ORNL research reveals new challenges for mercury cleanup

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that elemental mercury can be converted to methylmercury by bacteria in environments lacking oxygen. This discovery complicates mercury cleanup efforts and highlights the need for further research on microbial mercury methylation.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 5, 2013

NASA eyes 2 Eastern Pacific tropical cyclones: 1 up, 1 down

Tropical Storm Henrietta is strengthening in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with a developing eye, while Tropical Depression Gil continues to weaken and may cease to qualify as a tropical cyclone. Henrietta's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph/95 kph and are forecast to become a hurricane in the next day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 5, 2013
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.

Seafood menus from Hawaii reflect long-term ocean changes

A study using Hawaiian restaurant menus from the mid-20th century found a significant decline in reef fish populations and a rise in large pelagic species. The analysis suggests that this shift paralleled drops in wild abundance, pointing to changes in public tastes and supply-side information as contributing factors.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateAug 5, 2013

Making a mini Mona Lisa

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology created a miniature version of the Mona Lisa using nanotechnology, with an image 30 microns in width. The team used ThermoChemical NanoLithography (TCNL) to create variations in molecular concentrations on the nanoscale.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 5, 2013

Study reveals genes that drive brain cancer

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified 18 new genes responsible for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. About 15 percent of patients may be eligible for personalized treatment with existing drugs used in other cancers.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 5, 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.

Questions answered with the pupils of your eyes

Researchers created a simple system using just a laptop and camera to measure pupil size for communication. They found that healthy people's pupils increased in size when solving math problems, which was translated into accurate answers to yes/no questions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Noninvasive test optimizes colon cancer screening rates, UTSW study finds

A noninvasive colorectal screening approach like fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be more effective than colonoscopy in prompting participation among underserved populations. Organized mailing campaigns offering two colorectal cancer tests increased screening rates as much as threefold among uninsured patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 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.

A real-time system that provides detection and identification of epilepsy

Researchers developed a real-time system for detecting and identifying epilepsy using a nonlinear dynamics index and support vector machine. The system effectively identifies epileptic electroencephalogram signals with good generalization ability, making it suitable for clinical applications.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 5, 2013

New therapy strategy could help treat cancer that has spread from breast to brain

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have successfully combined cellular therapy and gene therapy in a mouse-model system to develop a viable treatment strategy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain. The approach shows significant promise in reducing metastatic brain tumor size, providing new hope for pati...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 5, 2013

Chronic harvesting threatens tropical tree

A new study found that chronic harvesting of the African mahogany tree can alter its reproduction and drastically curtail fruit and seed yields. The research used mathematical modeling to estimate plant age from size, revealing different effects on life history traits in dry and moist regions.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateAug 5, 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.

Reliable communication, unreliable networks

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze ad hoc networks with fluctuating link quality, providing mathematical bounds on message propagation efficiency. The framework describes algorithms that can achieve maximal efficiency using randomness and adversarial relationships.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 5, 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.

Ozone-protection treaty had climate benefits, too, study says

A new study published in the Journal of Climate reveals that the Montreal Protocol, which phased out chlorofluorocarbons in 1987, also protected global hydroclimate and prevented major disruption to rainfall patterns. The treaty's success is attributed to its impact on atmospheric circulation, greenhouse gases, and evaporation cycles.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJournal of Climate·DateAug 5, 2013

More intestinal cells than thought can absorb larger particles

Scientists discovered that enterocytes play a significant role in absorbing relatively large particles, challenging conventional wisdom and offering new avenues for increasing the absorption of medicines taken by mouth. The study found that between 10-50% of spheres were absorbed via endocytosis in cells called enterocytes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

ASU-Mayo research project targets carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis

A collaborative research project between ASU and Mayo Clinic aims to improve carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis through the use of novel grasp testing methods. The new approach seeks to provide a more precise measure of functional recovery, enabling early detection of non-recovery after surgery.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 5, 2013

The doctor will email you now

A study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that patients and health organizations favor electronic communications, but physicians face barriers such as lack of compensation and increased workload. The study identified successful examples of medical groups using electronic communication to improve access to care and communication with pati...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 5, 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.

Necrostatin-1 counteracts aluminum's neurotoxic effects

New study links aluminum accumulation to neuronal cell death and identifies necrostatin-1 as a substance that counteracts aluminum's neurotoxic effects. In mice treated with aluminum, Nec-1 demonstrated strong protection against cell death and improved cognitive function.

SourceIOS Press·JournalResuscitation·DateAug 5, 2013

Non-invasive test optimizes colon cancer screening rates

A new non-invasive test may be more effective in promoting colorectal cancer screening among uninsured patients than a traditional colonoscopy. The test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), was shown to triple participation rates compared to usual care strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2013

Eating a big breakfast fights obesity and disease

A recent study found that eating a large breakfast reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Participants who ate a larger breakfast had significantly lower levels of insulin, glucose, and triglycerides throughout the day.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalObesity·DateAug 5, 2013
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.

3D IR Images Now3D IR images now in full color in Full Color

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and University of Wisconsin have developed a non-destructive 3D imaging technique that provides molecular-level chemical information. The technique, FTIR spectro-microtomography, combines Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy with computed tomography to create full-color 3D images with unprecedented detail.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 5, 2013

Odd Martian crater type made by impacts into ancient ice

Researchers at Brown University propose that double-layered ejecta craters on Mars were formed when impacts blasted through ancient glacial ice, creating a two-layered appearance. The model explains distinct features of the craters, including radial striations and their locations at middle or high latitudes.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2013

Great Recession onset spurs harsh parenting, researchers find

Researchers found that economic conditions worsen only for mothers carrying the T allele, leading to increased harsh parenting. The study suggests that anticipation of adversity, rather than actual economic hardship, drives this response.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Trial finds more support for universal HIV screening in emergency departments

A randomized trial found that universal HIV screening in emergency departments detected nearly as many cases as targeted screening, despite requiring fewer tests. The study suggests that broad criteria and sufficient resources can detect most cases with reduced testing numbers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateAug 5, 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.

Mindfulness meditation IBMT trims craving for tobacco

A new study found that mindfulness meditation, known as Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT), significantly reduced smoking in smokers by 60 percent. The training improved self-control pathways related to addiction, leading to increased activity in areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Proteins hoist the anchor

Scientists successfully reproduce protein recycling process, tracing Rab's extraction from lipid membrane. The study reveals GDI protein's active role in recycling Rab proteins, shedding light on disease-relevant interactions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Mayo Clinic researchers decode origin of inflammation-driven pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have made a breakthrough discovery about the origin of inflammation-driven pancreatic cancer. They found that chronic inflammation in the pancreas can push acinar cells to transform into duct-like cells, which can then acquire mutations leading to further progression of pancreatic cancer. The study identified...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Salk scientists add new bond to protein engineering toolbox

Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a new tool for protein engineering by adding strong, unbreakable bonds between two points in a protein or between two proteins. This technique enables the design of novel drugs, imaging agents, and molecules that aid basic research.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 5, 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.

Consumer satisfaction an indicator of quality of care in nursing homes

A study published in Health Affairs found that nursing home consumer satisfaction scores are a valuable tool for informing consumer choice and rewarding homes for quality care. The study also found correlations between higher satisfaction scores and better staffing levels, fewer citations, and improved care.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 5, 2013

New insight on vulnerability of public-supply wells to contamination

A USGS report identifies crucial factors influencing public-supply well vulnerability to contamination, including geochemical conditions, groundwater age, and human-induced changes in aquifer conditions. Understanding these factors can help anticipate future water quality issues and inform water management strategies.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateAug 5, 2013

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Aug. 6, 2013

A study found that patients with Celiac disease and persistent intestinal damage have a higher risk for lymphoproliferative malignancy. Prioritizing USPSTF recommendations based on patient characteristics can improve life-expectancy by identifying the most beneficial interventions for each individual.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2013

Researchers re-evaluate swine nutrition

A study by Purdue University researchers found that pigs thrive on lipids from soybean oil, leading to improved growth performance. The study's results suggest that using concentrated energy sources like soybean oil can help counteract issues limiting growth in nursery pigs.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateAug 5, 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.

Scientists learn how soy foods protect against colon cancer

University of Illinois scientists have found that lifelong exposure to genistein, a bioactive component in soy foods, protects against colon cancer. The study suggests that a diet rich in soy genistein represses signals through epigenetic modifications, reducing the number of pre-cancerous lesions and abnormal cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateAug 5, 2013

Young vs. old: Who performs more consistently?

Researchers found that older adults showed less day-to-day variability in cognitive performance compared to younger adults. The study suggests that learned strategies, motivation levels, and daily routines contribute to the consistency of older adults' cognitive abilities. This finding has implications for workplace productivity and ag...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 5, 2013