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Science News for September 8, 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.

Science supporting abundant, nourishing food for a growing civilization

Advances in agricultural technology have led to the removal of 1.5 billion pounds of unhealthy saturated and trans fats from North American diets since 2006. Scientists are working to meet the increasing demand for protein-rich foods while addressing challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, and evolving pests and diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013

New weapons on the way to battle wicked weeds

Experts warn of spreading herbicide-resistant weed species, including Palmer amaranth pigweed, threatening farmers' crop yields. New herbicides with alternative modes of action and residual activity are being developed to help manage resistant weeds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013

Virtual monitoring could aid adherence to TB medication

A new study suggests that virtually observed treatment (VOT) method can effectively monitor TB medication adherence, allowing for remote completion of treatment without direct observation. The VOT technique requires patients to send short videos of themselves taking their medication to healthcare providers using a mobile phone.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 8, 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.

Researchers uncover genetic cause of childhood leukemia

A team of researchers has discovered a genetic mutation specific to risk of childhood leukemia, providing a potential window into inherited causes. The PAX5 gene mutation was found in several family members with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), increasing the risk of developing the disease.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 8, 2013

Yin-yang effect of sodium and chloride presents salt conundrum

Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that low chloride levels are associated with a higher risk of death and cardiovascular disease in people with hypertension. The study, published in Hypertension, reveals an independent link between chloride and mortality risk, contradicting previous associations with sodium.

SourceUniversity of Glasgow_·DateSep 8, 2013

Rapid diagnostic tests decrease waiting time for drug-resistant TB patients

New rapid diagnostic tests have been shown to diagnose drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in a quarter of the time taken by current methods. The three new tests - pyrosequencing, HAIN line probe test, and microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) test - produced similar results to standard testing with 95-98% accuracy.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 8, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Disparities in lung function found worldwide may impact health

A global study led by McMaster University researchers found large differences in lung function between healthy people from different socioeconomic and geographical regions. South Asians had the lowest lung function, by 30% compared to North Americans and Europeans. The findings have important public health implications.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 8, 2013

Climate change will upset vital ocean chemical cycles

New research reveals that warmer waters impact plankton's ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to a vicious cycle of climate change. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, producing oxygen and serving as the base of the food chain.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 8, 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.

Fumes from military small arms lead to decline in lung function

A new study found that exposure to fumes from military small arms can lead to a decline in lung function, with effects comparable to other occupational risk factors. The research, conducted on Norwegian Armed Forces members, revealed a mean average decline of 5% in lung function after shooting and 7% at 24 hours post-exposure.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 8, 2013

Team IDs 2 pathways through which chromosomes are rearranged

Researchers identified two pathways that recombine DNA repeats to rearrange chromosomes, which can be targeted to prevent cancer and inherited disorders. The study used mouse embryonic stem cells and found large, complicated rearrangements on multiple chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature·DateSep 8, 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.

Purple sweet potatoes among 'new naturals' for food and beverage colors

Researchers have discovered a new generation of natural food colorings derived from purple sweet potatoes, which offer superior properties to traditional synthetic colors. These antioxidants-rich substances may also have health benefits, making them an attractive alternative for the food and beverage industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013

A new approach to early diagnosis of influenza

A new approach uses carbohydrates to detect flu viruses and determine specific strains, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatment. This technology could provide a much-needed home test for diagnosing influenza quickly before antiviral drugs are lost.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013

MERS-CoV treatment effective in monkeys, NIH study finds

A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs reduces MERS-CoV replication and improves clinical outcomes in rhesus macaques. The treatment group showed no breathing difficulties, minimal pneumonia, lower virus amounts, and less severe tissue damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 8, 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.