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Science News for December 10, 2013


Study provides nutritional information on oilseed crop for use in pig diets

Researchers evaluated camelina expeller digestibility in pigs, comparing them to canola meal. The study found that some camelina expeller sources had comparable amino acid digestibility to canola meal, suggesting their use in pig diets may be possible. However, other sources showed lower digestibility values.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Animal Science·DateDec 10, 2013

Resisting temptation: Why reading your horoscope on diet days might be a bad idea

A recent study found that consumers who believe their fate can change are more likely to exhibit impulsive or indulgent behavior after reading a negative horoscope. On the other hand, participants who believed in a fixed fate were able to resist temptation and stay focused on their day ahead.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 10, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pest-killing wasps and berry fungus

Two Canadian teens, Adamo Young and Kiri Daust, published their research on wasps and leaf disease, revealing an efficient killer of an agricultural pest and a little-known fungus hurting Highbush Cranberries. Their studies help farmers combat the moth pest without pesticides.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalThe Canadian Field-Naturalist·DateDec 10, 2013

NASA: Fire vs. ice: The science of ISON at perihelion

Comet ISON successfully passed close to the sun, shedding light on its composition and behavior. Despite initial hopes for a bright display, the comet's nucleus likely broke apart due to intense heat, producing limited dust tail observations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 2013

Hipster, surfer or biker? Computers may soon be able to tell the difference

Researchers at UC San Diego developed an algorithm that uses group pictures to determine urban tribes, achieving 48% accuracy. The algorithm analyzes facial features, clothing, and other attributes in a 'parts and attributes' approach, with potential applications in search results, social networks, and public space surveillance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 10, 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.

Scripps Florida compound dramatically reduces joint inflammation

Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute developed a compound that dramatically reduces joint inflammation in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis. The study showed the compound, SR2211, blocked symptoms and bone erosion in mice within eight to ten days of treatment.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateDec 10, 2013

University of Houston physicist honored as rising star in Texas research

Physicist Zhifeng Ren has been recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to five scientific fields: carbon nanotubes, thermoelectrics, hierarchical zinc oxide nanowires, high temperature superconductivity, and molecule delivery/sensing. His work on waste heat recovery and immunosuppressant medication detection has shown significa...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateDec 10, 2013

Mount Sinai researchers say new strain of bird flu packs a punch even after becoming drug-resistant

Mount Sinai researchers found that a drug-resistant H7N9 virus retained its ability to replicate and cause severe illness in humans, even after becoming resistant to Tamiflu. The study suggests that flu viruses can develop drug-resistant mutations without suffering a penalty in terms of their fitness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 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.

Recipe for a universe

Researchers have mathematically described the phase transition between a boring empty space and an expanding universe containing mass. The theory connects quantum field theory and Einstein's relativity, suggesting that time and space can undergo a phase transition similar to liquid-solid transitions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 10, 2013

Early initiation of ER palliative care consultations resulted in shorter hospital stays

Researchers found that initiating palliative care consultations in emergency departments (EDs) reduced hospital length of stay by an average of 3.6 days compared to patients receiving consultations after admission. This study suggests that EDs could be a setting for improving patient-centered care and reducing healthcare costs.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateDec 10, 2013

Announcing project agora: Ambitious comparison of computer simulations of galaxy evolution

The AGORA project aims to resolve inconsistencies in supercomputer simulations of galaxy evolution by comparing results from different codes and processes. By applying the principle of reproducibility, researchers hope to identify key physics ingredients that produce realistic galaxies.

SourceUniversity of California High-Performance AstroComputing Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 10, 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.

Turning off major memory switch dulls memories

Scientists at Medical College of Georgia discovered that disabling a key brain component impairs memory formation and retrieval. Mice lacking an NMDA receptor exhibit flat tones, poor associations, and difficulty recalling fearful memories, highlighting the importance of reverberation in memory consolidation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 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.

Muscular head pumps give long-proboscid fly the edge

A study published in Springer's journal found that a long-proboscid fly can suck up almost all nectar available in a flower in one go due to more efficient suction pumps in its head. This allows the insect to gain an advantage over other flies with average-sized mouth parts.

SourceSpringer·DateDec 10, 2013

Onboard camera captures Juno's approach to Earth

Juno's flyby provided an extraordinary view of Earth and the moon from a unique vantage point near the tip of one of the spacecraft's solar-array arms. The star tracker captured frames for the movie when the spacecraft was about 2.4 million miles from Earth, offering a front-row seat to the flyby.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 2013

NASA-USGS Landsat 8 satellite pinpoints coldest spots on Earth

Researchers analyzed 32 years' worth of data from satellite instruments to find temperatures plummeting to record lows dozens of times in clusters of pockets near a high ridge between Dome Argus and Dome Fuji on the East Antarctic Plateau. The new record of minus 136 F (-93.2 C) was set Aug. 10, 2010.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 2013

Evolution of 'third party punishment'

A study by University of Maryland researchers predicts that strong social ties and low mobility enable the evolution of third-party punishment. In contexts with high social constraint, responsible punishers can induce cooperation and benefit the community.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateDec 10, 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.

What climate change means for federally protected marine species

A new study provides guidance for conserving endangered marine species in a changing climate. The research outlines the most likely future scenarios for aquatic animals, helping decision makers and biologists assess impacts and incorporate that information into conservation decisions. Trends such as increased ocean acidification and wa...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalConservation Biology·DateDec 10, 2013

Can celebrity cancer diagnoses prompt quitting smoking?

A new study by SDSU researchers found that celebrity cancer diagnoses lead to a substantial rise in quitting smoking queries, even after media coverage subsides. The study analyzed Google News archives and public search activity surrounding former Brazilian President Lula da Silva's diagnosis, revealing a lasting impact on behavior.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateDec 10, 2013

Research unveils clues about protein mechanism critical to plant growth and yield

Heterotrimeric G proteins play significant roles in plant development, including fruit and seed size and production, defense against pests and pathogens, and response to abiotic stresses. Research by Sona Pandey and collaborators showed that elevated G protein quantities in Camelina sativa led to increased seed production and size.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 10, 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.

Money may corrupt, but thinking about time can strengthen morality

Research finds that thinking about time reduces cheating behavior by encouraging self-reflection, whereas priming people to think about money makes them more likely to cheat. This study suggests that boosting self-reflection might be an effective way to curb dishonesty.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 10, 2013

Biodegradable or not?

A new detection method and model enable determinations of pesticide residues' biodegradability. The study classifies residues into three types based on their release mechanisms, allowing for more accurate evaluation of pesticide environmental impact.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalCritical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology·DateDec 10, 2013

Boosting self-expression online may limit impulsive purchases

Researchers found that customizing a personal website can improve self-control, reducing the likelihood of making impulsive decisions during online transactions. Participants who tailored their own site worked longer on a puzzle task than those who customized for others.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 10, 2013

Study raises questions about longstanding forensic identification technique

A new study from North Carolina State University has raised doubts about the effectiveness of using skull shape for positive identifications. Researchers found that only 47% of participants accurately matched antemortem and postmortem X-rays, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on cranial vault outlines.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateDec 10, 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.

Game-changing shift occurring in cancer discovery and treatment

Research advances demonstrate progress in cancer fight, but also stress need for increased funding to translate research into effective treatments. The report highlights three areas of progress: genomics, treatment-resistant cancers, and targeted immunotherapy.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 10, 2013

Motivating healthy adults to be more physically active improves their cardiorespiratory fitness

University of Missouri researchers found that encouraging healthy adults to be more physically active can improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. The study suggests that recommendations from healthcare professionals and simple interventions can effectively boost physical activity levels and lead to better health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNursing Research·DateDec 10, 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.

Colleges pay attention: How do top 10 rankings influence applications?

A study by Mathew S. Isaac and Robert M. Schindler found that moving just two spots up or down a ranked list can greatly influence consumer perception. The researchers analyzed data from the Graduate Management Admissions Council, finding that rank changes near round-number group borders are the best predictors of increased applications.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 10, 2013

SIRT5 regulation has dramatic effect on mitochondrial metabolism

Researchers have identified widespread regulation of proteins involved in metabolism by the mitochondrial sirtuin, SIRT5. This study found that SIRT5 selectively removes specific sites of succinyl modifications in over 140 different proteins, leading to disruptions in metabolic pathways.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 10, 2013

Measuring up

Researchers found that tree sparrows can identify parasitic eggs by color and shape, ejecting 81% of non-native objects. The birds' ability to recognize foreign eggs is linked to motivation and nest sanitation, with some species being more careful during incubation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 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.

Astrophysicists launch ambitious assessment of galaxy formation simulations

The AGORA project aims to resolve issues in galaxy formation simulations by systematically comparing high-resolution codes using a common set of initial conditions and astrophysical assumptions. The comparisons will help researchers determine which simulation results are due to the code platform or underlying theoretical assumptions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateDec 10, 2013

NREL reports soft costs now largest piece of solar installation total cost

Two NREL reports show that soft costs, including financing and installation costs, now account for up to 64% of the total price of residential solar energy systems. Researchers found that supply chain costs, labor, customer acquisition, and corporate costs are among the largest contributors to these costs.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateDec 10, 2013

You are what your father eats

A McGill study suggests that a father's diet before conception plays a crucial role in the health of their offspring. The research found that paternal folate levels may be as important as those of the mother, with potential consequences for birth defects and long-term development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2013

Malnourished children still have hope beyond first 1,000 days

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that nutritional recovery after early growth faltering can have significant benefits on schooling and cognitive achievement. Children who experienced catch-up growth scored relatively better on tests than those who continued to grow slowly.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 10, 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.

Strong state alcohol policies protective against binge drinking

A new study finds that states with stronger alcohol policies have significantly lower binge drinking rates. The study analyzed 29 alcohol policies and found that stronger policy environments can reduce binge drinking rates by one-fourth, even after accounting for demographic factors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 10, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Madi nearing India's east coast

Tropical Cyclone Madi maintained its tropical storm-force strength as it approached the eastern coast of India. The storm's proximity to the coast was confirmed by NASA's Aqua satellite, which captured a visible image of the elongated system with no visible eye.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 2013

Novel cancer cell DNA damage repair mechanism unveils

Scientists at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have discovered a novel DNA repair mechanism in cancer cells that allows them to survive DNA damage. This finding provides valuable insights into how cancer cells evade programmed cell death and can be targeted by new cancer therapies.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 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.

Video of failed bike stunt lends insights into biomechanics of facial fracture

A study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery analyzes a video of a failed bike stunt to estimate the traumatic forces causing facial fractures. The researchers used frame-by-frame analysis to calculate velocity and impact force, revealing Le Fort types 2 and 3 fractures indicative of high-impact trauma.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateDec 10, 2013

Viral puzzles

Researchers identified weak points in capsids and inferred spontaneous assembly processes, discovering each shell is made of protein 'tiles' that spontaneously join up like Lego pieces.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 10, 2013

Gut microbes affect MicroRNA response to bacterial infection

Researchers found that gut microbiota influences MicroRNA expression in mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Conventional mice exhibited lower miRNA levels after infection compared to germ-free mice, suggesting a protective role for the gut microbiome.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateDec 10, 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.

Low vitamin B12 levels increase the risk of fractures in older men

A Swedish study of 1,000 men aged 75 found that low vitamin B12 levels increased the risk of fractures by up to 70% in six years. The researchers used a new method to measure vitamin B12 uptake and found that physical activity and quitting smoking can help prevent fractures.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateDec 10, 2013

Motivating women to forget the message: When do breast cancer ads backfire?

Research suggests that breast cancer ads can be ineffective when they emphasize a woman's vulnerability, leading to motivated forgetting. This phenomenon occurs when people feel threatened about their gender or social identity, causing them to suppress memories of the ad and its message.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 10, 2013

Social entrepreneur elective gives students opportunity to be leaders of social change

New York University College of Nursing has introduced an undergraduate honors elective in social entrepreneurship that connects the nursing profession to its roots of social innovation and action for change. Students develop essential tools with non-profit agencies serving homeless individuals, at-risk seniors, and pre-school children.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Nursing Education·DateDec 10, 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.

Transportation research aimed at designing more livable communities

A University of Texas at Arlington civil engineer will investigate the impact of technology on pedestrian safety, sustainable commuting practices and driver safety. The research aims to develop comprehensive, more livable transportation solutions that prioritize community and public health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 10, 2013

Majority of Americans avoid addressing end-of-life issues, according to new study

A new study found that only 26.3% of adults have completed an advance directive, with women, whites, and those with higher education or income being more likely to have one. The study highlights racial and educational disparities in advance directive completion, emphasizing the need for education on facilitating end-of-life decisions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 10, 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.

Serengeti's animals under pressure

Conflicts between humans and wildlife in Serengeti National Park increase despite efforts to protect the environment and local communities. Research suggests that education and support are crucial for preventing attacks on livestock and crops.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation·DateDec 10, 2013

First the hype, now the science: Evidence-based recommendations for PRP

A new study provides the first evidence-based recommendations for the use of PRP in orthopaedic care, identifying successful treatments and areas where further research is needed. The authors conclude that PRP can be effective for conditions like arthritis in the ankle and tennis elbow, but more study is required for other applications.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateDec 10, 2013

New study shows a breadth of antisense drug activity across many different organs

A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of antisense drugs in targeting a wide range of tissues and organs, including liver, kidney, lung, muscle, and peripheral nerves. The findings suggest that antisense therapeutics have broad therapeutic potential for various disease indications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateDec 10, 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.

Mars and Venus go shopping: Does gender play a role in negative word of mouth advertising?

Researchers found that men are sensitive to impairing their image, but do not prefer who they complain to. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to complain to close friends when concerned about their reputation. The study challenges prior assumptions that negative word-of-mouth is largely driven by product performance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 10, 2013

Silver Banksia plants excel at phosphate saving

The Silver Banksia plant genus has developed a strategy to cope with phosphorus scarcity by reducing ribosomal RNA in their cells, saving phosphorus and water. By optimizing phosphate use, Proteaceae plants outperform Arabidopsis thaliana in photosynthetic efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·DateDec 10, 2013

Rising mountains dried out Central Asia, Stanford scientists say

Researchers suggest formation of lesser mountain ranges Hangay and Altai may have driven climate in Central Asia, leading to expansion of Gobi Desert. The new data indicate that rainfall decreased by 50-90 percent over tens of millions of years, contradicting the traditional explanation.

SourceStanford University·DateDec 10, 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.

Acid-suppressing medications associated with vitamin B12 deficiency

A large population-based study found that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and histamine 2 receptor antagonists increases the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. The association was strongest in women and younger age groups with potent acid suppression, and decreased after discontinuation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 10, 2013

Scientists identify more powerful approach to analyze melanoma's genetic causes

Researchers developed a new statistical model, NOIA, which showed increased power for detecting genetic effects and interactions in cutaneous melanoma. The study identified significant associated genes HERC2, MC1R, and CDKN2A, providing new insights into the influence of gene-gene interactions on melanoma risk.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalHuman Genetics·DateDec 10, 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.

Norwegian University signs research agreement worth US $50 million

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has signed a research agreement worth US$50 million with Statoil to improve the rate of recovery from gas and oil wells in the Norwegian Sea. The funding will support several projects, including the Norne Village and VR Village initiatives.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateDec 10, 2013

Scientists shed new light on the fight against cancer

VIB researchers have identified a protein, Nrp1, that suppresses the anti-tumor activity of macrophages. Blocking Nrp1 restores this immune response, leading to reduced tumor growth and improved prognosis.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 10, 2013

New method for efficient removal of uranium and other heavy metals from water

Researchers at University of Eastern Finland developed a new method to remove uranium and other heavy metals from water using a solid material that collects metal ions directly from the solution. The CH Collector method is efficient, selective, and can recover even small amounts of metal without adjustments to the solution's pH.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·DateDec 10, 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.

Kurt H. Becker named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Kurt H. Becker, NYU-Poly's associate provost and professor, has been recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for his pioneering work on atmospheric-pressure cold plasmas, leading to new sterilization methods and biomedical applications. He is also a key figure in fostering innovation at NYU-Poly.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateDec 10, 2013

Stimulant-addicted patients can quit smoking without hindering treatment

A new study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that smokers addicted to cocaine or methamphetamine can quit smoking while being treated for their stimulant addiction. The study showed that treating tobacco addiction may reduce negative health consequences and improve substance use disorder treatment outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 10, 2013