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Science News Archive 2009


Page 207 of 277

Can periodontal disease act as a risk factor for HIV-1?

A study found that periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis can reactivate latent HIV-1 in infected individuals. The bacteria induce histone acetylation, leading to HIV-1 reactivation. Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for preventing AIDS progression.

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.

Does the stress of being a parent lead to decay in children's teeth?

A study found that parents with low income, limited education, and single status experience higher levels of stress, which increases the likelihood of their children developing tooth decay. Conversely, receiving treatment for a child's dental decay can decrease parental stress levels.

Bird feathers produce color through structure similar to beer foam

Research by Yale University reveals that bird feathers create bright colors through nanostructures resembling a sponge with air bubbles. The structures self-assemble as the feather grows, replacing water bubbles with air, and have significant implications for the role of color in birds' plumage.

Maternal personality affects child's eating habits

A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study analyzed children's diets combined with psychological and sociodemographic variables in mothers. The results show that mothers with high negative affectivity are more likely to give their children unhealthy food, but not the opposite for healthy food.

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.

Locking parasites in host cell could be new way to fight malaria

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found a new way to combat malaria by trapping parasites inside host cells. They identified an enzyme called calpain-1, which parasites use to break out of infected cells, and developed a method to block it, leaving parasites trapped.

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.

Big men more susceptible to atrial fibrillation

A new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy reveals that big men are more susceptible to atrial fibrillation, a disturbance in the heart's rhythm. The risk of atrial fibrillation increases linearly with both body size and weight gain, putting larger men at higher risk.

Study: Sports drink consumption can cause tooth erosion

A recent study by NYU researchers found that sports drinks can cause tooth erosion and hypersensitivity due to high levels of citric acid. The condition affects one in 15 Americans and can lead to severe tooth damage if left untreated.

Dissecting a stellar explosion

The analysis reveals highly polarised gamma rays, providing insight into the central engine's magnetic field structure. The team favours a synchrotron model, suggesting that the jet lifted the magnetic field into space.

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.

Cellular target may prove useful in treating deadly brain tumors

Researchers at Duke University have identified a receptor on human glioblastoma cells that may be an appropriate target for therapies. Activation of the neurokinin 1 receptor leads to increased cell growth, but blocking this activity can reduce cell death and potentially stall cancer growth.

Beating the back-up blues

Physicists at the University of Leeds and IBM Research have made advances in racetrack memory, a new kind of computer memory that could replace hard disks. The technology is estimated to be 100 times cheaper per bit than flash memory and promises faster speeds.

Bent tectonics: How Hawaii was bumped off

Scientists have re-examined Hawaii's formation, finding the Pacific oceanic plate moved under a drifting hotspot, creating a 50 million-year-old bend in the seamount chain. Mantel circulation models aid understanding of forces on tectonic plates and stress estimation for major earthquakes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover primer to plant defense system

A novel compound called azelaic acid has been identified as a primer for the plant's immune system, leading to increased systemic plant immunity and disease resistance. The discovery was made by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Chicago.

Radiologists can dramatically lower cardiac CT radiation dose in some patients

A study at the University of Erlangen found that reducing tube voltage from 120 kV to 100 kV lowered cardiac CT radiation doses in adult patients weighing 185 pounds or less by 39% without compromising image quality. The lower dose resulted in effective radiation doses ranging from 4.9 to 11.9 mSv, compared to 8.8 to 16.9 mSv at 120 kV.

Computer based model helps radiologists diagnose breast cancer

A computer-based model has been developed to aid radiologists in diagnosing breast cancer by analyzing mammogram images. The model was trained on 48,744 mammograms and found that it could detect 41 more cancers than routine practice, with potential benefits including reduced unnecessary biopsies.

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.

Alzheimer's disease linked to mitochondrial damage

Researchers found that beta-amyloid protein generates nitric oxide, which attacks and damages mitochondria in neurons. This damage leads to synaptic injury and eventual nerve cell death, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression.

How a woman nearly lost her leg because of grapefruit

A woman developed a large blood clot in her left leg after eating grapefruit for breakfast every morning on an aggressive weight-loss diet. Treatment with clot-busting medication and a stent resolved the issue, but underlying factors included oral contraceptive use and an inherited mutation.

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.

Naturally fluorescent molecules may serve as cancer biomarker

Researchers discovered that naturally fluorescent molecules like NADH can be used to detect cancer cells. The team developed a non-destructive method to measure NADH levels in live cells, which could help differentiate between normal and cancerous cells at early stages of tumor progression.

New antibiotic moxifloxacin could shorten tuberculosis treatment

A phase II study found that moxifloxacin, in combination with other drugs, significantly improved sputum culture conversion rates, potentially shortening tuberculosis treatment time. The results demonstrate moxifloxacin's antimycobacterial activity and suggest a new regimen could cure drug-resistant TB strains.

Sleep: Spring cleaning for the brain?

A study published in Science has provided molecular evidence for the theory of synaptic homeostasis, which suggests that sleep refreshes the brain by downscaling synapses. This process saves energy, space, and material, clearing away unnecessary proteins and 'noise' from the previous day.

Redefining what it means to be a prion

Whitehead Institute researchers have identified 24 prion candidates in yeast, shifting the view from biological anomalies to mediators of trait inheritance. Prions in yeast appear to prepare individual organisms for environmental changes, sometimes providing a survival advantage.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Nuclear hormone receptors, microRNAs form developmental switch

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine discovered a molecular switch involving nuclear hormone receptors and microRNAs that coordinates stage transitions in Caenorhabditis elegans. This finding may provide insights into cancer development, particularly hormone-dependent cancers. The study suggests a link between development and en...

Gene discovery could lead to male contraceptive

Researchers identified a genetic abnormality, CATSPER1, that may prevent men from conceiving. The gene's mutation affects sperm motility and hyperactivity, leading to potential targets for a pharmacological male contraceptive.

ASBMB announces 2009 undergraduate award winners

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has awarded several undergraduate students with grants to support their research in biochemistry and molecular biology. The recipients of the awards will present their findings at upcoming meetings and use the funds to purchase research supplies and reagents.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

McGill researchers squeeze light out of quantum dots

Researchers discovered a parasitic effect when powering quantum dot amplifiers and were able to overcome it, leading to the most efficient amplifier ever measured. This breakthrough has enormous potential significance for laser technology, telecommunications, and optical computing applications.

More compelling evidence on why earlier HIV treatment lengthens survival

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that starting antiretroviral treatment earlier can significantly increase survival rates among asymptomatic HIV patients. The research, led by Dr. Mari Kitahata at the University of Washington, analyzed data from over 17,500 patients and showed that delaying treatment u...

Maybe robots dream of electric sheep, but can they do science?

A computer program using raw observational data teases out fundamental physical laws, particularly for biological systems that have eluded detection. The breakthrough uses a computational process inspired by biological evolution to analyze data sets and identify invariant patterns.

Straw bale house survives violent shaking at earthquake lab

A University of Nevada, Reno alumna's innovative straw bale house design survived a 200% increase in acceleration than the 1994 Northridge quake. The structure, built using locally sourced materials and labor, demonstrated exceptional seismic performance, surpassing estimates for the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

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.

Healing heart attack victims, one cell at a time

Researchers have found that human heart cells develop into adulthood around age 6, with the percentage of new cells decreasing significantly with age. This discovery may lead to new pharmacological strategies to stimulate heart cell regeneration and complement cell transplantation.

The UK Biobank: Transforming an unpleasant afternoon

The UK Biobank project, which enlists 500,000 people to study disease development, faces criticism for its methodological flaws and lack of respect for participants' rights. The Editorial highlights issues with the consent process, including a lack of privacy and incomplete information disclosure.

World-first high blood pressure treatment trialled in Melbourne

A new catheter-based treatment has been successfully trialled to reduce high blood pressure in patients who resist conventional drug treatments. The technique, which disrupts nerves around the kidneys, showed a large and persistent decrease in blood pressure.

Bone deformities linked to inbreeding in Isle Royale wolves

Researchers found that 58% of Isle Royale wolves exhibit congenital malformations, including lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. The condition can cause paralysis and back pain, with all dead wolves displaying bone deformities over the past 12 years.

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.

Pregnancy and tobacco a 'smoking gun' for baby: Study

Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have impaired arousal responses and increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study suggests that maternal smoking can impair a baby's ability to respond to external stimuli, which may explain their increased risk of SIDS.

Salivary diagnostics comes of age

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in salivary diagnostics, discovering new biomarkers for detecting oral cancer, acute coronary syndrome, and systemic diseases. The study highlights the potential of saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, offering clear clinical advantages over traditional methods.

Bird can 'read' human gaze

Researchers found that jackdaws, a type of bird, are sensitive to human eye orientation and use it to communicate, particularly when seeking food or interacting with potential threats. The birds' ability to interpret human gestures, such as gaze alternation and pointing, suggests a high level of cognitive awareness.

Beverage consumption a bigger factor in weight

Researchers found a strong association between reducing liquid calorie intake and weight loss, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages. The study suggests limiting liquid calorie consumption among adults can aid in weight management or prevent excess weight gain.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

JHU researcher discovers brain cells have 'memory'

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain cells in a specific region store visual information for up to two seconds, enabling the creation of a stable visual world despite rapid changes. This discovery may have practical implications for understanding and treating disorders such as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia.

Being Isaac Newton: Computer derives natural laws from raw data

Researchers teach computer to find regularities in nature that become established laws without prior knowledge, applicable to biology, cosmology, and complex systems. The algorithm tests equations against known derivatives, repeats until accurate equations are found.

Autism linked with stress hormone levels

A study led by the University of Bath found that children with Asperger Syndrome do not experience a surge in cortisol levels after waking, which may contribute to their struggles with minor changes. The researchers believe this could help explain why individuals with AS have difficulties adapting to routine or environmental changes.

Will Europe at last unite to combat thousands of alien invaders?

A recent paper suggests legislation is only part of the solution to Europe's invasive species problem, with a single coordinating body needed to tackle the issue effectively. The European Centre for Invasive Species Management (ECISM) would coordinate activities across Member States and support rapid response and public awareness.

MDC researchers prevent virus induced myocarditis

Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch discovered a mechanism to prevent viral myocarditis by blocking the Coxsackie-adenovirus-receptor. Genetically engineered mice without this receptor were protected from cardiac infection caused by the Coxsackievirus, showing that autoimmune response may not be the primary cause of disease process.

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.

Sleep may help clear the brain for new learning

Researchers found that sleep decreases the number of new synapses formed during social enrichment, while deprivation of sleep eliminates this decrease. The study identified three genes essential to links between learning and increased need for sleep, offering a promising avenue for studying plasticity.

Young eye researchers receive prestigious ARVO-AFER/Merck award

Four young researchers under 45 received the 2009 ARVO-AFER/Merck Innovative Ophthalmology Research Award for their groundbreaking research on glaucoma and back-of-the-eye diseases. The award recognizes outstanding investigative work that could lead to meaningful improvements in patients' lives.

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.

A miR boost enables acute leukemia cells to mature

A new study found that boosting miR-29b levels in acute myeloid leukemia cells reverses gene changes, enabling the cells to differentiate and mature. This process could lead to a drop in global DNA methylation and reactivation of tumor suppressor genes, offering a potential treatment for AML.