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Science News Archive 2009


Page 4 of 277

JCI online early table of contents: December 21, 2009

Researchers discover CD20's nonredundant role in generating optimal B cell immune responses. Gene therapy approach targets alpha-1 antitrypsin to alleviate emphysema symptoms. Inhibiting fatty acid oxidation sensitizes leukemic cells to death-inducing compounds.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR best choice for possible cardiac arrest signs

A study found that dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR improves survival rates and poses only a minimal risk of injury. The research suggests that assertive dispatch programs can increase the proportion of victims receiving early CPR, but future studies should aim to improve individual community's dispatcher-assisted CPR programs.

Mystery of golden ratio explained

Adrian Bejan's research reveals that the golden ratio is a fundamental principle in nature's design, guiding the flow of information from vision to cognition and locomotion. This concept, known as the constructal law, explains why the golden ratio appears in various natural systems, from animal vision to river deltas.

ASU leads $40 million effort to rapidly assess radiation exposures

A research program developed by ASU aims to create a system that can rapidly measure an individual's level of radiation exposure. The system will enable faster medical triage and analysis of 2,000 blood samples per day. It is designed for field deployment and collaboration with government entities.

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.

What is the function of the protein CD20?

Researchers have found that CD20 protein is essential for generating optimal B cell immune responses, particularly to T-independent antigens. The discovery was made by analyzing a patient with a mutation in the CD20 gene, who had impaired B cell responses and recurrent infections.

System developed to detect plastic anti-personnel mines

A European research team has created a method for locating plastic anti-personnel mines by analyzing temperature variations in the ground. The new system generates 3D thermal maps, reducing calculations by 34 times compared to other systems.

Fossil shelved for a century reworks carnivore family tree

A newly examined fossil of Miacis uintensis reveals that some early carnivores were built to walk on the ground at least part of the time. The analysis suggests that adaptations for terrestrial or semi-terrestrial locomotion were more common than previously suspected in early fossil carnivores.

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.

New study finds catch shares improve consistency, not health, of fisheries

A new study by the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that catch share programs increase predictability in fisheries but do not necessarily lead to better ecological conditions. The research analyzed 15 catch share programs in the US and Canada, concluding they work well to avoid erratic swings, but may not result in larger fish populations.

Housing growth near national parks may limit conservation value

A new study has found that housing development near national parks and protected areas can reduce their conservation value by interrupting travel corridors for animals and altering habitats. As a result, researchers project an additional 17 million housing units will be built within 50 kilometers of protected areas by 2030.

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.

Study casts doubt on provocative tuberculosis theory

Researchers at Loyola University Health System failed to find evidence of TB bacteria forming spores, contradicting a provocative theory. The new findings could help ensure that efforts to improve treatments for tuberculosis are focused on productive directions.

The role of medical expert witnesses: the Goudge Inquiry

The Goudge Inquiry's analysis of pediatric forensic pathology highlights the importance of carefully controlling the use of expert witnesses. The report emphasizes the need for medical experts to provide fair, objective, and impartial testimony, regardless of their relationship with the court or party involved.

How to relieve the pain effectively after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that implanting fibrin sealant combined with ropivacaine in the gallbladder bed effectively controls both visceral and shoulder pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This method provides long-lasting pain relief for patients undergoing this type of surgery.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Naturally occurring lipid blocks RSV infection in lungs

Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring lung lipid, POPG, can prevent RSV infection and inhibit its spread. In cell-culture studies, POPG was shown to block RSV infection, while in mice, it reduced the infection rate by 1700 times.

Best go digital in a pandemic

A digital checklist system can reduce fatigue in emergency drug administration during pandemics, according to a study. The use of personal digital assistants also shows promise in improving efficiency and accuracy in medication distribution.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How flu succeeds

Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research identified 295 human cell factors that influenza A strains must harness to infect a cell. The team also found small molecule compounds that act on several of these factors and inhibit viral replication, pointing to new ways to treat flu.

Depression saps endurance of the brain's reward circuitry

A new study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that depressed patients struggle to sustain activity in brain areas related to positive emotion and reward. Researchers found that despite normal initial levels of activity, depression impairs ability to maintain them over time.

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.

Imaging tests identify role of allergies in chronic sinus disease

Researchers found that nasal allergies may be involved in some cases of chronic sinus disease, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study suggests using imaging tests to diagnose and treat patients with nasal allergies who also have chronic sinus disease.

Role of addiction cannot be ignored in obesity epidemic

Researchers suggest that compulsive eating may be a legitimate addiction, sparking a new perspective on weight management. The concept of food addiction shares similarities with other addictive behaviors, including tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Enzyme necessary for development of healthy immune system

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered that deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) enzyme plays a crucial role in the development of healthy immune systems. Mice without this enzyme have defects in their adaptive immune system, producing very low levels of T and B lymphocytes.

How nurses can better support families of dying children

A study by Brigham Young University professor Renea Beckstrand and graduate student Nicole Rawle identified the three biggest obstacles to supporting families of dying children: language barriers, parental reluctance to withdraw life-support technologies, and mixed signals from different specialties on the medical team. The researchers...

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.

Gene therapy makes mice breath easier

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed an approach to sustainably express normal human alpha-1 antitrypsin in the mouse lung, reducing emphysema symptoms. This breakthrough could provide a therapeutic approach for overcoming lung diseases caused by single-gene defects.

Water cycle conference makes a big splash

Recent advances in Earth observation satellite technologies enable monitoring of the global water cycle. The European Space Agency's EO for Water Cycle Science Conference assessed current research capabilities and identified key gaps. Novel missions, precipitation, and soil moisture will improve our understanding of the water cycle.

New warbler discovered in Laos

A new warbler species, the 'limestone leaf warbler', has been discovered in Laos and Vietnam. The bird is characterized by its distinct vocalizations and morphological differences from other warblers in the area.

Compound found to safely counter deadly bird flu

A new compound, T-705, has been found to be effective and safe against H5N1 virus, a highly pathogenic bird flu virus, even three days after infection. The compound works by targeting the viral polymerase enzyme, making it a promising front-line drug for treating influenza.

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.

We now know that the brain controls the formation of bone

Australian scientists have discovered that the brain plays a crucial role in regulating bone formation, fine-tuning the process based on energy availability. The neural network controlling appetite and energy also influences bone density, with starvation reducing bone creation and overeating increasing it.

Up a little on the left ... now, over to the right ...

Researchers identified a family of proteins called Mrgprs that functions as itch receptors in a rare subset of nerve cells. The study found that MrgprA3 is the primary itch receptor for chloroquine, leading to potential new treatments for nonallergic itch.

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.

Mystery solved: Scientists now know how smallpox kills

Researchers discovered how smallpox kills by targeting molecules that block viral replication, paving the way for new therapeutics. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms causing disease in other viral infections, offering hope for prevention and treatment of pox viruses.

Genetic study clarifies African and African-American ancestry

A recent genetic study of African and African-American populations reveals a rich mosaic of ancestry, with individuals having as little as 1 percent West African or as much as 99 percent. The study found significant implications for pharmacogenomic studies, personalized medicine, and disease risk assessment.

Researchers identify tuberculosis strain that thrives on antibiotic

A new strain of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis has been identified as thriving in the presence of rifampin, a front-line drug. The bacteria grew poorly without rifampin and worsened with treatment regimens containing the drug, but recovered once rifampin was removed from the regimen.

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.

Twin study identifies factors associated with skin aging

A twin study has identified factors associated with sun damage and skin aging, including smoking and being heavier. The study found that a history of skin cancer and photodamage were highly associated in twin pairs, while sunscreen use was not.

Is nicotinamide overload a trigger for type 2 diabetes?

Research suggests that high nicotinamide intake can lead to reactive oxygen species production, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. Sweating is identified as an effective way to expel excess nicotinamide from the body, offering a potential preventive and therapeutic intervention for type 2 diabetes.

Aviation-based team training may influence clinicians' safety behaviors

A study on aviation-based team training found that it can increase the use of checklists, self-reporting of patient safety incidents, and perceptions of empowerment among medical staff. The training also appears to change safety-related behaviors, particularly in high-risk areas like surgery.

New insight in nerve cell communication

Researchers discovered a crucial role of protein BAR in membrane vesicle binding, providing insights into nerve cell communication failures that lead to nerve pain. The findings have the potential to develop new treatments for nerve disorders.

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.

NSF grant benefits chemistry research/local H.S. outreach

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $247,553 grant to Enrique Peacock-Lopez, supporting his project on chemical self-replication and regulatory mechanisms. The research will involve undergraduate students and upgrade local high school chemistry teaching to Advanced Placement Chemistry.

1 dose of H1N1 vaccine may provide sufficient protection for infants and children

A study published in JAMA found that a single dose of the H1N1 vaccine may provide sufficient protection for infants and children, reducing transmission of the virus. The researchers assessed the effectiveness and safety of two doses of the vaccine in healthy infants and children, aged six-months to less than 9 years, living in Australia.

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.