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Science News Archive 2009


Page 244 of 277

Process for expansion and division of heart cells identified

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have identified a complex signaling process that governs heart cell expansion and division. The study shows that cardiac fibroblasts send signals to cardiomyocytes to divide or grow, which could lead to regenerative therapies after heart attacks.

Health sciences students open weekly free clinic

The UC Irvine Outreach Clinic offers free primary care, preventive medicine, laboratory testing, medication, and healthcare referral services to individuals with very low incomes. The clinic is the result of a decade-long effort by UCI students to address healthcare needs of underserved populations.

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.

Sweet potato takes a ride on space shuttle

Researchers at the Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space successfully grew sweet potato cuttings in microgravity, showing that they can regenerate roots. The study found significant differences in root growth development between microgravity and ground-based conditions.

Veterinary college, Luna Innovations partner on nationally funded nerve gas program

Researchers at Virginia Tech will explore the development of novel methods for delivering chemical antidotes that can mitigate the devastating effect of organophosphate-based neurotoxicants. The team aims to use nanoparticles called fullerenes to enhance their water solubility and catalytic properties, which could potentially protect a...

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.

How do secure mother-child attachments predict good friendships?

Preschool children with secure mother-child attachments form closer friendships due to their positive understanding of others and open emotional communication. Open emotional communication also predicts fewer hostile attributions and greater teacher-reported friendship quality.

Mechanical thinning increases fruit size, reduces labor

Researchers found that mechanical thinning increased fruit size by 9% compared to conventional hand-thinning or non-thinned control trees. The technology also reduced labor time by 50% while maintaining average fruit sizes within the desired range, offering economic benefits for growers.

Extensive publication bias for Phase I drug trials

A recent study found that Phase I drug trials are underreported, with only 17% published in scientific journals. The lack of transparency can compromise the safety and efficacy of new drugs, highlighting the need for increased mechanisms to ensure complete availability of trial results.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

OHSU vaccine research targets HIV in the slower, early stage of infection

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute have developed a vaccine that targets HIV in its early stages of infection. The vaccine, which involves creating resistance by programming the immune system to recognize HIV, showed protection in one-third of subjects in animal studies.

Cracking the species code for plants

Scientists have identified six gene regions suitable for automated plant species identification, promising to aid in biodiversity protection and pharmaceutical discovery. A large-scale test is underway to validate these regions against a vast number of plants.

Always something brewing year 'round on NASA's hurricane Web page

The NASA Hurricane Web Page offers daily storm updates, stunning video animations, educational tools, and historic storm information on all storms since 2005. Researchers gather data from various satellites to understand factors that determine why a tropical cyclone strengthens or weakens.

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.

Decline of shorebird linked to bait use of horseshoe crabs

A long-term study reveals that the average weight of red knots has declined significantly since their primary food source, horseshoe crab eggs, was reduced. The population size of red knots has declined by over 75 percent due to increased harvest of horseshoe crabs.

Cheaper materials could be key to low-cost solar cells

Researchers identify 12 abundant materials with potential to meet global energy demand, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The study suggests that these new materials could significantly reduce the cost of solar photovoltaics and accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy.

Researchers explore new driver of transplant rejection: Platelets

A new review by Johns Hopkins scientists highlights the importance of platelets in organ transplant rejection, revealing their role in driving inflammatory responses. This research could lead to the development of new strategies using drugs or other means to keep platelets quiet and non-inflammatory.

Can exercising your brain prevent memory loss?

A study of 197 people with mild cognitive impairment found that engaging in mental activities like reading, crafting, and playing games reduced the risk of memory loss by 30-50% compared to those who didn't participate. Participants who watched TV for less than 7 hours a day were also 50% less likely to develop memory loss.

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.

Forgotten and lost -- when proteins 'shut down' our brain

Researchers used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to study the tau protein's structure and interactions in neurons of Alzheimer's disease patients. The study found that abnormal phosphorylation of tau proteins disrupts their ability to bind to microtubules, leading to cell death and nerve damage.

Biomarker predicts disease recurrence in colorectal cancer

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a biomarker, guanylyl cyclase 2C (GUCY2C), that predicts disease recurrence in colorectal cancer. The study revealed that 87.5% of patients had positive GUCY2C expression and 20.9% developed recurrent disease.

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.

Persons who survive cancer more likely to be unemployed

A meta-analysis of 36 studies found that cancer survivors are 1.37 times more likely to be unemployed than healthy control participants, with higher risks for breast and gastrointestinal cancers. Long-term medical and psychological effects may cause social functioning impairments, including employment difficulties.

Cells with double vision

Researchers found that fly nerve cells can respond to movement in a wider field of vision due to connections with neighboring cells, allowing for more efficient processing of visual information. This challenges the traditional view of single-cell functionality and suggests a more complex network-based approach.

Exploring new pathways to language

A study by Gerry Stefanatos and team found that dextroamphetamine improved speech processing in patients with Broca's aphasia and Anomic aphasia, suggesting the drug may enhance brain repair and therapy outcomes.

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.

College-level documents for 8th grade readers

A study analyzing 240 hospital documents found they have an average readability level of a college junior, exceeding the reading capacity of most patients. The use of complex language in Patients' Bill of Rights laws may be obstructing progress towards patient autonomy.

Aerosols -- their part in our rainfall

Researchers identify aerosols as a crucial factor in shaping Australian rainfall patterns, with potential impacts on future climate change. Aerosol pollution from Asia may be responsible for changes in rainfall patterns in northern Australia.

Controlling cucumber beetles organically

Researchers found that Al-plastic mulch and companion plants increase watermelon and muskmelon yields while reducing cucumber beetles. The study suggests that these organic methods can be effective in controlling pest populations, potentially leading to increased crop productivity.

Veterinarians developing model to help producers, vets make cattle more comfortable

Researchers measure discomfort in cattle undergoing procedures like castration and dehorning using equipment similar to a jogger's heart rate monitor. The study aims to improve pain management in livestock by assessing the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and recommending proper dosing. By analyzing various measurements, including skin...

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.

Press statement on new CDC MRSA study from SHEA president

A recent CDC study reveals a steady decline in intensive care unit catheter-associated MRSA bloodstream infections since 2001. SHEA President Mark Rupp emphasizes the need to focus on preventing infections caused by multiple organisms rather than just one, such as MRSA.

Researchers identify gene linked to aggressive progression of liver cancer

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified a gene, AEG-1, that plays a key role in regulating liver cancer progression. The study found that AEG-1 expression increases as the tumor becomes more aggressive and is involved in invasion, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy, and other processes.

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.

Troubled youths struggle after time in detention center

Research reveals that over 90% of detained youths struggle in their lives, with severe impairment affecting up to 20%. Early interventions and comprehensive services are crucial to address psychiatric disorders, education, vocational training, and social skills.

Enzyme weakens the heart

Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital found that CaMKII delta enzyme activates stress response and hypertrophy of the heart. Genetic suppression of this enzyme protects mice from chronic cardiac insufficiency, offering a promising approach for systematic prevention.

New blackberry introduced

The new blackberry 'Natchez', developed by the University of Arkansas, produces large fruit with an exceptional glossy finish. It has exceeded postharvest performance in most years and is recommended for commercial shipping production.

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.

Methyl bromide alternatives for California strawberry nurseries

Researchers found alternative fumigants to be effective in controlling weeds in California strawberry nurseries. The study tested various treatments, including MB-alternatives, and found that hand-weeding times were reduced in all fields that had been fumigated, with varying material costs.

Robot playmates monitor emotional state of children with ASD

Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a system to monitor children with autism's emotional state using physiological sensors attached to robots, allowing for personalized treatment. The system achieves an accuracy of over 80% in predicting emotional states like anxiety and engagement.

Statins pay off on a health-policy level, UCSF study finds

A new UCSF study using the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model found that adherence to 2001 NCEP guidelines would be cost-effective in preventing and managing coronary heart disease, saving 20,000 heart attacks and 10,000 CHD deaths annually. Statin costs become negligible when prices fall below 50 cents per pill.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Anti-social behavior in girls predicts adolescent depression seven years later

Researchers tracked first- and second-graders for seven years and found that anti-social behavior among girls and anxiety among both sexes predicted depression in early adolescence. Early signs of depression were not predictive of adolescent depression, highlighting the need to recognize mental health issues in younger children.

Case report of a brain and spinal tumor following human fetal stem cell therapy

A rare case of a boy with Ataxia Telangiectasia developed abnormal growths in his brain and spinal cord four years after receiving human fetal stem cell therapy. The tumors were found to be benign neural tumors that could not have arisen from the patient's own tissues, highlighting the need for caution in stem cell therapy.

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.

Protecting wine grapes from heat and drought

A study published in HortScience found that foliar particle film can increase the weight of red-skinned wine grapes by 7% and soluble solids concentration by 11%. However, it did not prevent sunburn on exposed fruit when vines were under stressful growing conditions. The results support anisohydric classification for these grapes.

Grape shapes

A team of researchers has developed a new method to analyze grape shapes using digital technology, which enables faster and more accurate breeding of elongated grapes. The study, led by Dr. John R. Clark, uses a special application of the SigmaScan technology to measure the area of each grape and calculate its shape.

Scientists develop resource to study animal aging

A database detailing life history traits of over 4,000 animal species has been developed for studying ageing, evolution, and conservation. The AnAge resource provides insights into the mechanisms of ageing and how environmental adaptations influence lifespan, with potential applications in conservation efforts.

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.

Assisted colonization key to species' survival in changing climate

Researchers found that translocation to climatically-suitable areas can help butterflies survive beyond their northern ranges. The study showed that assisted colonisation can play a vital role in wildlife conservation, especially for rare species and those with limited mobility.