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Science News Archive 2009


Page 174 of 277

JCI online early table of contents: May 18, 2009

Researchers have identified a molecular link between sleep and weight gain, suggesting that targeting T-type calcium channels could be beneficial for weight loss. Additionally, studies on glucocorticoid hormones have revealed their protective effects on the heart during ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Tumor growth and chemo response may be predicted by mathematical model

A new mathematical model developed at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston suggests that tumor growth and invasion can be predicted using biophysical laws. The model, which links molecular and cellular properties to tumor behavior, consistently reproduced patterns of tumor invasion observed in experiments and patien...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The first evidence of pre-industrial mercury pollution in the Andes

Researchers have discovered evidence of pre-industrial mercury pollution in the Andes, dating back to 1400 BC, and challenge current thinking on the rise of mining societies. Mercury pollution was initially caused by mine dust from vermillion production, but later increased with Inca control of mines.

Biological link established between tumors and depression

Researchers found a biological link between tumors and negative mood changes in animal models, suggesting that tumor-induced molecules may be responsible for depression. The study also showed that disruptions in gene expression and stress hormone production are associated with tumor development.

July-August 2009 GSA Bulletin media highlights

Recent research includes the documentation of Holocene rupture on major faults in Lake Tahoe Basin and evidence for a large paleolake in Western Desert, Egypt. A study on groundwater system in southern Colorado Plateau-Arizona Transition Zone also sheds light on seismic hazards in western Washington State.

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.

Automated tissue engineering on demand

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a fully automatic production system for two-layer skin models, which can be produced in large quantities with perfect quality. The technique has already proven its use in practice, but was previously too expensive and complicated for mass production.

Integrated microbial genomes expert review goes primetime

The DOE JGI's Expert Review system enhances annotation quality in microbial genomes, correcting errors and improving function annotations. Researchers can access the system to review genome annotations and contribute to advancing bioenergy research and biogeochemistry.

Researchers discover why eczema often leads to asthma

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a substance called TSLP, which is secreted by damaged skin and circulates through the body to trigger asthmatic symptoms. Early treatment of skin rash and inhibition of TSLP production may block asthma development in young patients with eczema.

Study examines trends in gallbladder cancer over 4 decades

Overall median survival improved from 3.5 months in period A to 12 months in period C, despite stage of disease at presentation affecting survival. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment, but many patients present with advanced-stage disease.

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.

Are you okay to kiss?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a pocket-size breath test that can detect the presence of malodorous bacteria, allowing users to determine if their breath is 'okay to kiss'. The test uses biomarkers in saliva to identify two distinct populations of bacteria causing bad breath.

Turmeric extract suppresses fat tissue growth in rodent models

Researchers found that curcumin, a compound in turmeric, suppresses angiogenic activity in mice fed high-fat diets, leading to reduced fat tissue growth and lower blood cholesterol levels. The study suggests potential benefits for preventing fat tissue growth in humans.

Synthetic catalyst mimics nature's 'hydrogen economy'

Scientists have developed a synthetic catalyst that mimics the active site of naturally occurring enzymes, which process hydrogen like platinum. The researchers created a model of the nickel-iron complex, including a bridging hydride ligand, to better understand the mechanism of hydrogenases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Heart disease patients carrying extra pounds do better, live longer

Obese heart disease patients tend to respond well to treatment and have better short- and long-term prognosis than leaner counterparts. However, the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still unclear, and more research is needed to understand the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular outcomes.

Weight loss in old age may signal dementia

A new study found that older people with lower BMI scores are 79% more likely to develop dementia than those with higher BMI scores. Those who lost weight rapidly over eight years were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia, especially if they started out overweight or obese.

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.

Trace elements unbalanced in dialysis patients

A systematic review of 128 studies found that dialysis patients have abnormal levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and vanadium, but lower levels of selenium, zinc, and manganese. This imbalance may contribute to adverse clinical outcomes in these patients.

Komodo even more deadly than thought: Research

Researchers uncover Komodo dragons' venom composition, which combines teeth and venom for lethal effects, contradicting earlier theories. The venom causes severe blood loss, inducing shock in victims.

Triglycerides implicated in diabetes nerve loss

Researchers found that elevated triglycerides are significantly more likely to result in worsening neuropathy over a year. Doctors can use this predictor to address lowering lipid counts with their diabetes patients with neuropathy, similar to pursuing glucose control.

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.

Air-fueled battery could last up to 10 times longer

Researchers have developed an air-fueled battery that stores up to ten times more energy than current designs, with potential applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy. The new design uses oxygen drawn from the air during discharge, reducing the need for chemicals and increasing capacity.

How solid is concrete's carbon footprint?

A recent study by Washington State University professor Liv Haselbach found that concrete can absorb more CO2 than previously estimated, particularly when reabsorbed into the material over time. This could lead to a lower overall carbon footprint for the concrete industry.

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.

Popular cancer drug linked to often fatal brain virus

A study from Northwestern University finds a strong link between the cancer drug rituximab and progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis (PML), a swiftly moving and often fatal viral brain infection. The study reports 57 cases of PML in patients with anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or lymphoma who took rituximab.

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.

Novel mechanism of action of corticosteroids in allergic diseases

Researchers discovered that corticosteroids reduce allergic inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of GATA-3, a key regulator of cytokine expression. This finding may lead to new treatments for allergic diseases, targeting interaction between phosphorylated GATA-3 and importin-α.

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.

Voyages of discovery or necessity?

Ciguatera poisoning, caused by eating large carnivorous reef fish, may have prompted Polynesian migrations out of paradise. Researchers propose that climate change and ciguatera outbreaks led to historical mass migrations of Cook Islanders from Rarotonga to New Zealand, Easter Island, and possibly Hawaii.

New insight into primate eye evolution

Researchers discovered that only minor differences in cell proliferation timing explain the anatomical differences between owl and capuchin monkey eyes. This finding sheds light on how complex structures like the eye evolve gradually through evolution without compromising function.

Carbon measuring system to help mitigate climate change

The $9.16m Carbon Benefits Project aims to encourage sustainable development schemes that generate climate adaptation, mitigation and conservation benefits. The innovative web-based system will measure and model greenhouse gas emissions produced and stored in soil and vegetation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Calvin B. Cotner to receive AIAA Aerospace Communications Award

Calvin B. Cotner, a retired COMSAT World Systems director, has received the 2009 AIAA Aerospace Communications Award for his contributions to advancing Earth station technology. He is being honored for his technical and strategic leadership in guiding international cooperation in satellite communications.

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.

COPD Foundation announces launch of Lung Health Check on WebMD

The COPD Foundation's new Lung Health Check platform offers a quick assessment of breathing problems and provides personalized reports with suggestions for prevention and management. The resource aims to inform, educate, and empower individuals to take control of their lung health.

New system for detection of single atoms

Researchers have developed a new technique to detect individual neutral atoms, which is more accurate and sensitive than previous methods. The system uses a novel means of altering laser light polarization to 'see' the scattered photons, allowing for real-time detection with a speed of less than one-millionth of a second.

Environmental exposures may damage DNA in as few as 3 days

A new study finds that exposure to particulate matter can reprogram genes associated with tumor suppression, affecting cancer development and outcomes. The changes are detectable after just three days of exposure, raising hopes for early interventions to prevent or reverse gene programming.

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.

Early mobilization of patients in ICU improves outcomes

A randomized trial of 100 ICU patients found that daily mobilization and sedative interruption improved functional status and reduced delirium at hospital discharge. Nearly 60% of early mobilization patients achieved independence, compared to only one third in the control arm.

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.

The evolutionary foundation of genomic imprinting in lower vertebrates

Research reveals genomic imprinting in goldfish shares similarities with mammalian Imprinting, challenging the idea of unique evolutionary event for mammals. The study found parental differential methylation regions in goldfish, indicating a primitive form of genomic imprinting in early vertebrate evolution.

Scientists identify world's largest leatherback turtle population

A study published in Biological Conservation reveals that a nesting population of leatherback sea turtles in Gabon has the world's largest female population of between 15,730 and 41,373. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these critically endangered turtles.

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.

1 sponge-like material, 3 different applications

A new chalcogel made of cobalt-molybdenum-sulfur exhibits impressive catalytic activity in hydrodesulfurization and gas separation, with high surface area and stability under catalytic conditions. The material can remove nearly 99% of mercury from contaminated water.

Study finds genetic links to age of first menstrual period and menopause

Researchers have identified two chromosomal regions associated with the age at which females experience their first menstrual period (menarche) and the onset of natural menopause. The study may help shed light on the prevention of breast and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.