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Science News for November 9, 2008


New small-scale generator produces alternating current by stretching zinc oxide wires

The new flexible charge pump generator can produce an oscillating output voltage of up to 45 millivolts, converting nearly seven percent of the mechanical energy applied into electricity. This advancement resolves key issues with previous generators, such as moisture infiltration and wear, enabling more robust designs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 9, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths

Women with serious mental illnesses are at least twice as likely to experience stillbirths or newborn deaths compared to those without such conditions. Research revealed that mothers with schizophrenia have a higher risk of stillbirth, while those with other psychotic illnesses face significant complications during childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 9, 2008

Flu shots may cut risk of blood clots forming in veins

Research suggests that flu vaccination can lower the risk of venous thrombotic embolism (VTE) in people with cardiovascular disease. The protective effect was more pronounced in those under 52 years old. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship and explore underlying mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

T cell-based HIV vaccine candidate demonstrates positive results

A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center demonstrates a T-cell-based HIV-1 vaccine strategy may be effective in fighting AIDS. The vaccine regimen induced potent immune responses, reducing viral replication and preventing AIDS development in monkeys.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2008

HIV's disguises no match for 'bionic assassins'

Researchers have engineered killer T-cells with a receptor that can recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells, regardless of the virus's disguise. This technology may lead to a powerful therapy for HIV treatment and could also be applied to other infectious agents.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 9, 2008
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.

Engineered killer T cell recognizes HIV-1's lethal molecular disguises

Researchers have engineered T cells that can recognize HIV-1 strains that evade the immune system, a breakthrough with implications for treating patients with chronic infection. The engineered T cells respond vigorously to HIV, allowing fewer cells to control infection.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 9, 2008

Yale researchers unravel mystery of brain aneurysms

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified three chromosome segments where common genetic variations can create significant risk for ruptured aneurysms, leading to strokes. The findings could lead to new screening tests and therapies to strengthen blood vessels in the brain.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2008

Cancer drugs my build and not tear down blood vessels

Researchers found that blocking VEGF levels in a tumor props up existing blood vessels, making them stronger and more normal. This makes the tumor more susceptible to chemotherapy drugs, offering a new strategy for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2008
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.

MP3 headphones interfere with implantable defibrillators, pacemakers

Researchers found that 14 out of 60 patients experienced detectable interference when MP3 headphones were placed near their implanted devices. Prolonged exposure to high magnetic fields can cause pacemakers to deliver signals without regard to the patient's heart rhythm, while defibrillators may temporarily deactivate.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2008

Simple brain mechanisms explain arbitrary human visual decisions

Scientists report that a simple decision-making task does not involve the frontal lobes, instead relying on the parietal lobe to process sensory information and control responses. This finding challenges the traditional view of human decision-making as willful acts, suggesting that many decisions may be driven by automatic processes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2008

Hispanics less likely to have repeat revascularizations 1 year after angioplasty

A study by the American Heart Association found that Hispanic patients were 57% less likely than Caucasian patients to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) one year after successful angioplasty. Hispanics also had a trend toward lower rates of overall repeat revascularization procedures, including stenting and bypass surgery.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2008
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.

Annuals converted into perennials

Researchers have discovered that only two genes are necessary for converting annuals into perennials, allowing plants to store energy in specialized cells and continue growing for a long time. This breakthrough has significant implications for agriculture and the evolution of plant life strategies.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2008

AAO-SOE Joint Meeting Nov. 9 glaucoma research highlights

A study found a correlation between optic nerve damage in glaucoma patients and significant carotid artery narrowing, potentially increasing stroke risk. Additionally, a survey on religious beliefs and fasting reveals that adherence to faith-related taboos can impact patient compliance with ocular treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·DateNov 9, 2008