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Science News Archive 2009


Page 166 of 277

LSUHSC dental researcher funded to develop better dental materials

Dr. Xu's research aims to develop novel dental materials that release fluoride, inhibit bacterial growth, and promote bioactivity, potentially reducing secondary cavities and improving oral health outcomes. The project has the potential to impact high-risk populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised oral health.

Cottonseed-based drug shows promise in treating severe brain cancer

AT-101, a cottonseed-derived compound, has shown promise in treating glioblastoma multiforme by halting the growth of tumor cells. The treatment, which must be properly dosed and monitored, has been effective in slowing cancer progression in many patients, offering new hope for those with this aggressive form of brain cancer.

Saved by junk DNA

Researchers found that unstable junk DNA helps tune gene activity, allowing organisms to rapidly adapt to changes. This discovery suggests that 'junk' DNA has a functional role in the evolution of our genome.

Logan receives water award

Dr. Bruce Logan has developed energy-sustainable water infrastructure that can be used in both industrialized and developing nations. His microbial fuel cells produce clean water and energy, making it a game-changer for powering water infrastructure in developing countries.

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.

MIT: Long-distance brain waves focus attention

Researchers at MIT found that neurons in the prefrontal cortex fire in unison and send signals to the visual cortex to generate high-frequency waves associated with attention, learning, and consciousness. This neural synchrony enables communication between distant brain regions.

Few pharmacies can translate prescription labels into Spanish

A new study found that more than half of US pharmacies in states with large Latino populations cannot translate prescription labels into Spanish. This lack of translation increases the risk of patients taking medications incorrectly, which can lead to serious health problems or even death.

Anemia associated with greater risk of death in heart disease patients

A new study found that anemia in chronic heart failure patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of death and poorer left ventricular function. Researchers analyzed data from 97,699 patients and concluded that optimal treatment of anemia may reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.

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.

Scientists demonstrate all-fiber quantum logic

Researchers at the University of Bristol have successfully implemented a high-fidelity fibre controlled-NOT gate using single photons in optical fibres. This achievement paves the way for more sophisticated quantum networks with increased range and potential applications in computing, communication, and advanced measurement.

Boston University biomedical engineers teach bacteria to count

Biomedical engineers at Boston University have developed synthetic gene networks that enable bacteria to count discrete events, opening up potential applications in drug delivery and environmental sensing. The researchers designed two separate systems, the Riboregulated Transcriptional Cascade and DNA Invertase Cascade, which can be us...

Compliance and cost: Bitter pills to swallow in the age of oral chemotherapy

The shift towards oral chemotherapy agents poses risks of non-adherence, which can lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced efficacy. Studies show that non-adherence is often linked to financial constraints, education issues, and side effects, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to improve patient compliance.

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.

Teenage boy hospitalized by stimulant chewing gum

A teenage boy was hospitalized due to acute caffeine intoxication from consuming stimulant chewing gum. The boy's symptoms included agitation, abdominal discomfort, and increased urination, and he required close monitoring before recovering.

Unstated assumptions color Arctic sovereignty claims

The Arctic Ocean's ownership is disputed due to varying assumptions about its geography, with countries like Russia and Canada viewing it as land with water on top, while the US sees it as just water. This misunderstanding can lead to large-scale disputes over resource extraction.

Flipping the brain's addiction switch without drugs

Researchers have found that injecting BDNF into the brain's reward circuitry can induce drug dependency in rats. This study suggests that BDNF is crucial for inducing a drug dependent state, one important aspect of drug addiction.

Researchers find 'surprising link' leads toward a new antibiotic

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a 'surprising link' between three processes in cell wall synthesis, which could lead to the development of a new antibiotic. This breakthrough provides a novel method for searching for small molecule drugs targeting these pathways.

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.

UF makes gene therapy advance in severe genetic disorder

Researchers at UF have developed gene therapy that restores the faulty enzyme for glycogen storage disease type 1A, allowing dogs to survive for extended periods without glucose supplementation. The treated dog, born with the deadly disease, is now 20 months old and healthy after receiving precise doses of cornstarch every few hours.

How many scientists fabricate and falsify research?

A meta-analysis of surveys suggests that altering or making up data is more frequent than previously estimated, particularly in medical research. Up to 14% of respondents knew someone who had fabricated or falsified data, and up to 72% knew someone who had committed other questionable practices.

Suzaku snaps first complete X-ray view of a galaxy cluster

The Suzaku mission has detected X-ray-emitting gas at a galaxy cluster's outskirts for the first time, providing insights into how massive structures evolve. The study reveals the temperature and density of the gas out to the cluster's virial radius, where order turns to chaos.

A global responsibility to help vulnerable communities adapt

The Inuit community faces significant threats from climate change, including rising sea levels and permafrost thaw. A new study calls for urgent support to help these communities adapt, with a proposed 'vulnerable people's adaptation fund' that requires global state actors' involvement.

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.

How oxidative stress may help prolong life

Scientists at UC San Diego discovered the gene responsible for this effect, which prevents cellular damage from reactive oxygen species. The study found that Mga2 is essential for adaptation to oxidative stress and may explain why caloric restriction can raise ROS levels and provide protection.

New treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis C

A new combination therapy of daily consensus interferon and ribavirin is effective for some people with chronic hepatitis C, particularly those with lower fibrosis scores. Nearly half of all HCV patients do not respond to standard therapy, and this treatment shows promise as an alternative.

The vulnerable cancer cell

Researchers have identified a host of genes that cancer cells depend on for survival, including serine/threonine kinase 33 and polo-like kinase 1. Targeting these kinases could potentially lead to effective treatments for various types of cancer.

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.

Video can help patients make end-of-life decisions

A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that watching a video of a patient with advanced dementia can help elderly patients plan for end-of-life care. Participants who watched the video were more likely to choose comfort care and felt it was helpful in their decision-making process.

Stanford study expands window for effective stroke treatment

A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that administering a potent clot-busting medication can benefit patients up to 4.5 hours after they experience their first symptom, improving outcomes without negatively affecting mortality.

Treating gum disease helps rheumatoid arthritis sufferers

Researchers found that treating gum disease improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including reduced swollen joints and morning stiffness. The study's results suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the importance of good oral health in overall well-being.

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.

NASA satellite detects red glow to map global ocean plant health

Researchers have analyzed ocean plant health using a NASA satellite, detecting red light emitted by phytoplankton and assessing their productivity. The findings provide insights into the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and can help track long-term trends.

Intestinal bacteria associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Research reveals a strong association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and both increased intestinal permeability and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. The study suggests that these factors contribute to the severity of steatosis, but not to more severe liver diseases like steatohepatitis or fibrosis.

Cancer cells need normal, nonmutated genes to survive

Researchers found that cancer cells use many normal proteins to cope with stress and maintain their abnormal state. This discovery highlights the importance of stress management genes as potential therapeutic targets for treating tumors driven by Ras mutations.

UCSF discovers new glucose-regulating protein linked with diabetes

Researchers at UCSF have identified a specialized protein called CHC22 that controls the formation of GLUT4 storage compartments in human muscles. This discovery highlights key differences between humans and mice and has implications for developing better models for studying type 2 diabetes.

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.

Ancient volcanic eruptions caused global mass extinction

A previously unknown giant volcanic eruption in China led to global mass extinction 260 million years ago, according to a new study published in Science. The eruption unleashed around half a million cubic kilometres of lava, causing massive cloud formation and acid rain that cooled the planet.

Roommate assignments key in increasing interracial friendships in college

A study at Ohio State University found that roommate assignments are crucial in fostering interracial friendships among college students. White students increased their number of interracial friends during their first year, while black students showed a slight decrease. The results support the idea that

Nontoxic hull coating resists barnacles, may save ship owners millions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a non-toxic coating that resists barnacle buildup for up to 18 months, saving ship owners millions in cleaning and fuel costs. The unique wrinkled topography of the coating prevents barnacles from latching on, a finding that could significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption.

All the carbon counts

A new study suggests that including land use changes in greenhouse gas control strategies can lead to lower costs and preserved forests. The study found that valuing terrestrial carbon emissions can reduce the cost of reducing global emissions by half compared to only taxing industrial and fossil fuel emissions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blacks more likely to opt for life-sustaining measures at end of life

According to a University of Pittsburgh study, African-American seniors are two times more likely than whites to prefer life-prolonging treatments when faced with a terminal illness. The majority of Medicare beneficiaries surveyed preferred not to die in a hospital or receive life-sustaining measures at the end of life.

UK's appalling failure to tackle HIV

The UK's HIV strategy is being heavily criticized due to its inadequate approach to testing and diagnosis. An estimated 77,000 people are living with HIV in the UK, with 21,000 unaware of their positive status. A third of those diagnosed late could have benefited from treatment if identified earlier.

Lenfest forage fish task force launched

A team of 13 international scientists is developing management plans for sustainably managing forage fish, critical food sources for marine mammals and seabirds. The task force aims to prevent fishing-induced irreversible impacts on marine ecosystems.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Daily alcohol intake can lead to binge drinking

A Canadian study found that frequent alcohol consumption increases the risk of binge drinking among all genders and age groups. Regular drinkers need more than their usual drink to experience the festive feeling and may drink beyond healthy limits sporadically or weekly.

Breakthrough made in assessing marine phytoplankton health

Researchers have successfully measured marine phytoplankton physiology through satellite measurements of fluorescence, providing a reasonably accurate picture of the ocean's health and productivity. This will help evaluate the impact of global warming, climate change, and desertification on oceans.

MIT, BU engineer cellular circuits that count events

Researchers have developed cells that can count up to three cellular events, mimicking computer chips with simple circuits. The RTC Counter uses a series of genes activated in a specific order, while the DIC Counter stores digital memory by encoding 'bits' of information.

2 Central High (Philadelphia) grads honored by AIBS

Joseph Felsenstein and Louis J. Gross, both Central High graduates, received the 2009 and 2006 AIBS Distinguished Scientist Awards for their significant scientific contributions to integrative and organismal biology.

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.

National child protection commission urgently needed

The Lancet calls for a National Child Protection Commission to review evidence on protecting vulnerable children. The UK government should be held accountable for its inadequate system, which has led to the deaths of thousands of victims.

Yellowfin tuna biz concept a winner

Marine Affairs and Policy graduate student John Stieglitz's Blue Ocean Aquaculture project focuses on sustainably cultured juvenile yellowfin tuna for offshore aquaculture industry. The UM Rosenstiel School student received runner-up prize and $3,000 in the competition's High-Potential Venture category.

How do filicide offenders differ from other murderers?

A nationwide study found filicide offenders have fewer previous criminal offenses and are more likely to be employed than homicidal controls, contradicting the idea that they are mentally disordered. They also exhibit emotional problems and suicidal behavior, highlighting the need for adequate support.

Lombardi scientist brings 'Dream Team' breast cancer research effort to GUMC

V. Craig Jordan, a renowned breast cancer scientist, has assembled a team of top researchers to tackle the complexities of breast cancer through a $73.7 million grant from Stand Up To Cancer. The 'Dream Team' aims to accelerate cancer treatment within three years by understanding the molecular diversity of human breast cancer.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Evidence of macroscopic quantum tunneling detected in nanowires

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunneling in ultrathin superconducting nanowires. They observed a process called quantum phase slip, where packs of electrons tunnel together from higher to lower current states. This finding provides evidence that quantum mechanics governs large s...

Yale study: Most polluted ecosystems recoverable

A Yale analysis of 240 studies found that forest ecosystems recover in 42 years, ocean bottoms in less than 10 years, and those affected by human-induced disturbances recover faster than natural events. The study suggests that restoration can become a key tool for conservation organizations to protect habitats.

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.