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Science News Archive 2009


Page 16 of 277

Spices halt growth of breast stem cells, U-M study finds

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that compounds derived from turmeric and pepper can decrease stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells. This suggests a potential role for curcumin and piperine in preventing breast cancer by targeting stem cells.

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.

New computer model could lead to safer stents

A new computer model explains why certain drugs released from stents can cause blood clots and heart attacks, by predicting drug distribution in branched arteries. The findings could aid the FDA in its approval process for stents and lead to safer stent designs.

Study links factors to choice of infant sleep position

A study has identified three key factors linked to the choice of infant sleep position: physician recommendations, fear of choking, and comfort concerns. Back sleeping remains the most effective means to reduce SIDS risk, with a significant decrease in rates since the Back to Sleep campaign began.

New platinum compound shows promise in tumor cells

MIT chemists develop a new platinum compound called mitaplatin that selectively destroys tumor cells while leaving normal cells intact. The compound combines cisplatin and dichloroacetate to target cancer cells' altered mitochondrial properties.

Difficult childhood may increase disease risk in adulthood

A study found that individuals who experienced psychological or social adversity in childhood may develop lasting emotional, immune, and metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of age-related diseases. Adverse childhood experiences were linked to depression, high inflammation levels, and metabolic risk factors in adulthood.

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.

MIT takes step toward airport scanners that can identify explosives

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to tune terahertz quantum cascade lasers, enabling the creation of compact and tunable scanners capable of identifying explosives. The technique involves manipulating the transverse mode of the laser using a mechanical lever, allowing for precise control over the emitted frequency.

Study shows gene positions may aid cancer diagnosis

Researchers have identified genes that switch their nuclear position in tumor cells, offering a potential new method of diagnosing cancer. The study found that eight genes consistently relocated in the nuclei of invasive breast cancer cells, allowing for accurate diagnosis with success rates similar to current clinical tests.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce risk of colon cancer

A study found that long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake was linked to a reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer in white participants. However, the association was not observed among black participants. The researchers suggest an increase in dietary omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for colon cancer prevention.

Air Force-funded research is shattering traditioinal notions of laser limits

Researchers have successfully demonstrated the world's smallest semiconductor laser, paving the way for ultra-sensitive bio-detection, nanoscale optics, and enhanced communication systems. The breakthrough technology has potential applications in various fields, including healthcare, optics-based telecommunications, and optical computing.

UOG and Guam Navy donate endangered cycad plants to Tinian

The University of Guam and the Guam Navy have partnered to conserve the endangered fadang cycad species on Tinian, which faces threats from alien insect invasions. The donation of over 200 plants aims to establish a safe haven for the species in case all plants on Guam are killed.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mayo Clinic researchers prove key cancer theory

Researchers demonstrate how aneuploidy, or abnormal number of chromosomes, causes cancer by eliminating tumor suppressor genes. The findings provide a new understanding of the mechanism underlying cancer development and may lead to targeted therapies.

AACR names Perou 2009 Outstanding Investigator for Breast Cancer Research

Charles M. Perou has been awarded the AACR's 2009 Outstanding Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on breast cancer subtypes and racial disparities in diagnosis. His findings have led to a reevaluation of treatment approaches, with his work being incorporated into clinical practice worldwide.

Metamaterials could reduce friction in nanomachines

A new class of materials may allow nanoscale machines to overcome mechanical friction by harnessing a quantum phenomenon known as the Casimir effect. Chiral metamaterials have been found to exert a repulsive force when placed in close proximity, enabling potential applications in industry, energy, and medicine.

NRL's MISSE7 launched aboard STS-129

The experiment aims to understand the durability of advanced materials and electronics when exposed to vacuum, solar radiation, atomic oxygen, and extreme temperatures. The results will provide insights into increasing the performance and useful life of next-generation satellites and launch systems.

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.

December 2009 Lithosphere highlights

The study examines crustal melting during continental subduction, revealing evidence of igneous diapirism and its impact on mountain belts. Researchers also investigate the weight of the Andes affecting the continental crust and correlate the Mocha fracture zone with orogenic uplift.

New approach to sickle cell disease shows promise in mice

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have found a promising new approach to treating sickle cell disease by silencing a gene that suppresses fetal hemoglobin production. Inactivating the BCL11A gene led to a significant increase in gamma-globin production, potentially compensating for defective adult hemoglobin.

Severity of swine flu in the United States

Researchers combined large datasets from Milwaukee and New York City to estimate swine flu severity, finding most deaths occur in non-elderly adults. The study suggests the autumn-winter pandemic wave should have a death toll only slightly higher than or lower than seasonal influenza.

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.

With amino acid diet, mice improve after brain injury

Researchers found that feeding amino acids to brain-injured mice restored cognitive abilities and improved learning capacity. The study suggests that dietary intervention could restore a proper balance of neurochemicals in the injured part of the brain.

Pitt study suggests craving hinders comprehension without your realizing it

A new University of Pittsburgh study reveals that cigarette craving disrupts an individual's meta-awareness, making it harder to notice when the mind has wandered. Participants who craved cigarettes were more likely to acknowledge mind-wandering episodes, but their ability to recognize these episodes was impaired.

Playing favorites: Parents still involved after children are grown

New research from Purdue University finds that middle-aged parents help each of their grown children with many types of support every few weeks. Parents are particularly eager to help the child they consider most successful, indicating a complex dynamic where parental involvement is motivated by a desire for reflection and validation.

How to read brain activity?

Researchers have found that specific waves in EEG signals can reliably predict neural activity in the brain. By combining EEG and direct neuron recordings, scientists identified a link between 'frequency band coupling' and cell firing rates.

Delivering medicine directly into a tumor

Researchers have identified a peptide called iRGD that specifically targets and penetrates cancerous tumors, delivering diagnostic particles and medicines. This breakthrough could improve cancer treatment and reduce side effects.

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.

Type 2 diabetes gene predisposes children to obesity

Researchers have discovered a link between a genetic variant and childhood obesity, which may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that this gene variant raises the risk of being overweight during childhood, potentially setting the stage for type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

In cancer-ridden rats, loneliness can kill

Research at Yale University and the University of Chicago found that socially isolated female rats developed more tumors and more malignant types than their group-living counterparts. The study suggests a link between social isolation and cancer susceptibility, particularly in psychiatric disorders.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Exercise reduces death rate in prostate cancer patients

Men with prostate cancer who engage in moderate exercise have improved overall survival, while vigorous exercise may decrease death rates from prostate cancer. Researchers found that three or more hours of physical activity per week lowered mortality risk by 35%.

Validity of cost-effectiveness models based on randomized clinical trials

A new study suggests that cost-effectiveness analyses based on data from randomized clinical trials may not be realistic enough to accurately inform policy. The researchers found a significant difference in cost-effectiveness between two painkillers when using routine clinical practice data compared to trial data.

Self-destructing bacteria improve renewable biofuel production

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a process that removes a key obstacle to producing lower-cost, renewable biofuels. The team has programmed a photosynthetic microbe to self-destruct, making the recovery of high-energy fats and their biofuel byproducts easier and potentially less costly.

New York autopsies show 2009 H1N1 influenza virus damages entire airway

Autopsies show that the 2009 H1N1 virus causes damage to both upper and lower respiratory tracts, with evidence of secondary bacterial infection present in over half of victims. The study also highlights the impact on younger people and the importance of identifying and treating severe infections.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Microbes help mothers protect kids from allergies

Researchers found that exposure to environmental bacteria triggers a mild inflammatory response in pregnant mice, rendering their offspring resistant to allergies. This protective mechanism could potentially prevent allergies in people by conditioning the developing immune system to tolerate microbes and allergens.

Isolation and stress identified as contributing to breast cancer risk

Researchers found a 3.3-fold increase in cancer risk among isolated rats with naturally occurring mammary tumors. Isolation and stress led to higher production of corticosterone, a stress hormone, and increased tumor growth. The study suggests a causal relationship between social interaction and disease.

Absence of evidence for a meteorite impact event 13,000 years ago

An international team of scientists led by François Paquay found high iridium concentrations in sediments but could not replicate results. Additional lines of evidence failed to support an impact theory for the onset of the Younger Dryas cold period, contradicting a previously proposed conceptually appealing theory.

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.

Getting a 'Head Start' on obesity prevention

A Temple University study found that 70% of Head Start programs only serve non-fat milk, 94% offer vegetables daily, and 97% provide fruit daily. The program also provides over 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity per day.

Biogen Idec's oral compound BG-12 achieves development milestones in MS and RA

BG-12, an investigational oral therapy, shows promising results in reducing inflammation and neuroprotection in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The compound has activated the Nrf2 pathway, which defends against oxidative-stress induced neuronal death and supports myelin integrity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Improving the odds

Scientists at Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new method for transplanting bone marrow-based stem cells from mismatched donors, restoring the immune system faster and improving cure rates for leukemia patients. The procedure involves infusing regulatory T cells into cancer patients before receiving donor stem cells, lead...

College football linemen take one for the team in terms of health

Researchers found that college football linemen are at risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome due to their high body fat percentage. The study suggests that athletes concerned about maintaining a large size should prioritize healthy weight management and nutrition strategies.

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.

ESC press release: BMI and waist circumference

A large prospective study of over 20,000 Dutch men and women aged 20-65 found that accurately measured BMI and waist circumference can predict the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The associations between BMI and waist circumference with heart disease were equally strong, explaining half of all fatal and one quarter ...

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 see-through surprise

Rice University Professor Junichiro Kono and his team discovered a plasmonic material that can either stop or let through terahertz beams with adjustments to temperature and/or magnetic field. This finding helps close the knowledge gap in the electromagnetic spectrum between electronic and photonic devices.

Web searches for religious topics on the rise

Researchers found that religious searching behaviors remained mainstream and technologically savvy, despite secularization trends. Search engines poorly delivered relevant content, likely due to localized religious websites.

Urine test for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea possible

Researchers have discovered a urine test technique that can determine whether a child has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or habitual snoring. The study found that certain proteins are differently expressed in children with OSA compared to those with habitual snoring or healthy non-snoring children.

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.