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Science News Archive 2009


Page 236 of 277

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.

Artificial disc replacement as good or better than spinal fusion surgery

Researchers found that artificial disc replacement is as effective as, or even better than, spinal fusion surgery in treating damaged discs in the neck. Patients who received an artificial disc lost less motion and recovered faster than those who had a disc removed and the bones of the spine fused.

Study to evaluate success of parental involvement in early childhood education

A new four-year grant-funded study will test the effectiveness of combining two research-proven programs, Texas Early Education Model (TEEM) and Play and Learning Strategies (PALS), to prepare children for kindergarten. The program aims to bridge the gap in learning between economically disadvantaged students and their peers.

Self-digestion as a means of survival

A team of scientists has identified two proteins that may act as receptors for autophagosomes, the cell structures responsible for removing misfolded proteins and damaged organelles. This discovery sheds light on how autophagy works and could lead to new drug development.

Frog's immune system is key in fight against killer virus

A foreign virus called Ranavirus is devastating frog populations in the UK, killing tens of thousands each year. The frogs' immune system has responded by changing a gene called MHC, which codes for a major part of their immune system.

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.

Purdue study projects weakened monsoon season in South Asia

A Purdue University study projects a weakened summer monsoon season in South Asia, potentially causing delayed onset and reduced precipitation. The research suggests that climate change could exacerbate seasonal flood risks and impact agricultural production, water availability, and hydroelectric power generation.

UIC receives $3 million to study prostate cancer risk factors

Researchers at UIC will enroll 500 men with early-stage prostate cancer to investigate the biological factors behind poorer outcomes in obese patients. The study aims to identify new approaches to preventing prostate cancer recurrence or progression after treatment.

Understanding natural crop defenses

Researchers found that reduced light quality leads to decreased sensitivity to jasmonic acid, a hormone involved in plant defense. This allows plants to redirect resources away from defense and towards growth, but may increase vulnerability to herbivores in densely planted crops.

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.

Novel pandemic flu vaccine effective against H5N1 in mice

Scientists at Emory Vaccine Center develop virus-like particles to combat H5N1 influenza. Mice immunized with VLPs showed long-term protection against lethal infection, offering an alternative to traditional chicken egg-based vaccines.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery ... in brief

Studies quantify the female form's attractiveness using morphing software, confirming smaller waist-to-hip ratios and lower body weights as predictors. Additionally, research provides statistics on 302,000 liposuction procedures and 118,000 facelifts performed in 2007.

Newly discovered gene plays vital role in cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a new gene, Wrap53, that regulates p53 activity. The study reveals that damage to Wrap53 can indirectly cause cancer, making it a potential target for future therapies.

Scientists unlock the secrets of C. difficile's protective shell

Researchers have detailed the molecular structure of Clostridium difficile's protective 'jacket', a surface layer that helps the pathogen colonize human gut cells and cause illness. Understanding this structure could lead to new treatments, including targeted drugs and vaccines, to combat the deadly superbug.

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.

A worm-and-mouse tale: B cells deserve more respect

Scientists studied how mice fight off intestinal worm infections to discover the immune system's versatility. They found that B cells produce cytokines, presenting proteins from invaders to T cells, which are crucial for a successful response.

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.

Alzheimer's-associated plaques may have impact throughout the brain

Research reveals that amyloid plaques may increase astrocyte activity throughout the brain, affecting neuronal function and potentially offering new therapeutic targets. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to demonstrate synchronized calcium wave transmission across astrocytes in plaque-bearing mice.

New Zealand breeding program creates new red raspberry variety

A new red raspberry cultivar, 'Moutere', has been developed in a planned breeding program at The New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research Limited. This variety is characterized by high yields of large, uniform size, bright red berries suitable for early season consumption.

Muscling in on type 2 diabetes

A new study suggests that high levels of myostatin produced by muscle tissue in extremely obese individuals may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Muscle loss is a key indicator of this transition, and understanding its role in metabolism is crucial for finding effective treatments.

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 tool for genome-wide association studies

Researchers developed AssociationViewer to analyze genetic differences and uncover new genetic markers for diseases. The software displays SNPs on a large scale, enabling scientists to visualize significant variations in the genomic context.

Researchers identify ALS gene mutation

A new gene mutation has been identified as a common cause of inherited ALS, affecting motor neurons in the central nervous system. This discovery is part of a national study led by Northwestern University, aiming to understand the triggers of motor neuron death and develop new treatments.

Team-based diabetes care fetches more value for dollar

A recent study found that team-based diabetes care improves health outcomes for Medicaid patients, including significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1C. However, the study suggests that this approach does not result in lower treatment costs under Medicare and Medicaid.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Dark cells' of living retina imaged for the first time

Researchers have imaged the nearly invisible layer of retinal pigment epithelial cells in a living eye, which could help diagnose macular degeneration at an early stage. This breakthrough technique uses fluorescent chemicals produced by the cells to detect potential disease before symptoms appear.

New tool guides doctors to save cancer patients' fertility

A new guide from Northwestern University helps doctors navigate fertility preservation strategies for cancer patients. The guide aims to increase awareness and improve treatment options for adolescents and younger adults facing cancer diagnosis.

Flu virus foiled again

A recent study has identified a common attachment site on influenza A virus subtypes that can be targeted to develop a universal flu vaccine. This breakthrough discovery was made by researchers at The Scripps Research Institute and provides a blueprint for the development of new antiviral drugs.

An impossible alloy now possible

Researchers at Uppsala University have successfully formed a substitutional alloy between Cerium and Aluminium under high pressure, defying previous limitations on element compatibility. The discovery opens up possibilities for creating new alloys with unique mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

CO2 drop and global cooling caused Antarctic glacier to form

A team of Yale scientists has discovered that a significant drop in CO2 levels triggered the rapid formation of massive ice sheets in Antarctica around 34 million years ago. The findings refute previous theories and suggest that a decline in greenhouse gases played a crucial role in shaping the climate during this period.

Daytime sleepiness provides red flag for cardiovascular disease

A French study found that healthy elderly people who report feeling sleepy during the day have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The Three City study found a 49% relative risk increase of cardiovascular death compared to those who do not report sleepiness.

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.

This grass is still greener

A study by Clemson University researchers found that creeping bentgrass on golf putting greens can recover from winter damage caused by foot and equipment traffic. The study suggests that full recovery should be expected by summer, allowing course managers to minimize lost revenue and extend play during the winter months.

Statins lower stroke severity, improve recovery

Mayo Clinic researchers found that statin use reduced stroke severity and improved outcomes, even in patients with ideal cholesterol levels. The study suggests benefits beyond lipid lowering, including plaque stabilization and anti-inflammatory effects.

Maryland takes national lead to preserve foreign language assets

The state of Maryland is uniquely positioned to support the nation's foreign language needs by tapping into its abundant pool of well-educated, bilingual speakers. The task force recommends harnessing the skills of first, second, and third-generation Americans to recruit teachers and translators.

Is HIV testing during labor feasible?

Research in Cameroon reveals that 88.3% of women are willing to accept HIV testing during labor, leading to a higher rate of detected infections compared to previously estimated rates. The study recommends an opt-out approach for HIV testing during labor to increase the number of mother-infant pairs receiving appropriate treatment.

Color test enhances tomato analyzer software

A new tool called Color Test (CT) was implemented in the Tomato Analyzer (TA) software to analyze color in fruits and vegetables. The study found that CT accurately captured and described characteristic colors for various crops, including tomatoes and strawberries with nonuniform pigmentation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

U of T psychologists shed light on origins of morality

A study by U of T psychologists reveals a connection between moral disgust and primitive emotions related to poison and disease. The research found that people display similar facial movements in response to both moral and primitive forms of disgust.

Einstein scientists receive $10 million NIH grant

The Einstein consortium will investigate two types of autophagy in liver and brain function under normal and stressful conditions. They aim to understand how impaired autophagy contributes to aging-related declines in organ function, immunity, and cognitive function.

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.

Biodegradable mulch films on the horizon

Researchers found biodegradable mulch films to be effective in controlling weeds and diseases in tomato crops, outperforming traditional plastic mulch in some aspects. However, more research is needed to fully break down the material and reduce costs.

Georgia goes bananas

Researchers in a study published in HortTechnology identified two high-quality banana cultivars suitable for commercial production in southern Georgia: 'Manzano' and '1780'. These cultivars can produce over six suckers per plant, generating a potential income of over $60 per plant.

Do doodle: Research shows doodling can help memory recall

Research shows doodling while listening can significantly improve memory recall, with participants recalling an average of 7.5 names of people and places compared to 5.8 non-doodlers. Doodling helps maintain focus on the main task without affecting performance.

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.

Long-term study of orchard ground cover management systems

A 10-year study on orchard ground cover management systems found substantial differences in root growth, turnover, and distribution among different GMS treatments. Hardwood bark mulch and post-emergence herbicide treatments produced more tree growth and higher yields than others.

Science internships attract students to research careers

A model internship program at Texas A&M University–Kingsville Citrus Center attracted undergraduate students to science careers, with over 60 students provided with internships and 20 entering graduate schools. The program addressed access barriers for Hispanic Americans, who are an untapped resource of talent in the US scientific rese...

US shiitake market mushrooming

The US shiitake market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for nutritious mushrooms. Shiitake are high in potassium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, making them an attractive crop for environmentally friendly growers.

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.

1.5 million-year-old fossil humans walked on modern feet

The Ileret footprints, found in Kenya, display human-like arch and short toes associated with an upright bipedal stance. The prints are attributed to Homo ergaster or early Homo erectus, a hominid with body proportions similar to modern humans.