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Science News Archive 2009


Page 50 of 277

NSF grant supports Rutgers-Camden program for science majors

The university has established a new Q-STEP program, which provides support and resources to increase the graduation rate of students in science and math fields. The five-year grant aims to improve retention and success in these disciplines, with goals including increased group study opportunities and assigned academic advisors.

Diagnoses of fatigue in primary care patients

A Dutch study found that only 8.2% of fatigue patients received a diagnosis of severe illness, with musculoskeletal problems and psychological issues being the most common diagnoses. The study highlights the complexity of fatigue as a symptom of underlying specific disease.

Faulty 'wiring' in the brain triggers onset of schizophrenia

Researchers at King's College London discovered abnormalities in white matter that trigger the onset of schizophrenia, particularly in posterior regions. The study suggests that faulty 'wiring' in key brain areas contributes to the development of full-blown symptoms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For big athletes: Possible future risk

A new study reveals professional football players, particularly those in the larger weight classes, exhibit increased fasting glucose levels, body mass index, waist circumference, and other risk factors for cardiometabolic syndrome. This finding highlights the potential future health risks associated with large-scale exercise routines.

FASTSAT instruments shipped to NASA Marshall for tests and launch preparation

The FASTSAT mission will analyze the Earth's outer atmosphere with three NASA-built instruments: Thermosphere Temperature Imager (TTI), Mini-ME neutral atom imager, and Plasma and Impedence Spectrum Analyzer (PISA). The instruments will provide critical data for global space weather prediction, improving communication and navigation.

Researchers evaluate new bowel prep approaches

New studies suggest that adequate bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy can impact follow-up timetables. Researchers found that inadequate bowel preparation resulted in a recommended follow-up colonoscopy 17.1 months earlier than average.

Scientists discover, patent, sell waste-water tech

Researchers developed a revolutionary packaged wastewater treatment system using naturally occurring bacteria, leaving no toxic by-products and requiring minimal energy. The system has been deployed in Afghanistan and offers scalable solutions for large-scale and small-scale applications.

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.

Ocean acidification may contribute to global shellfish decline

Researchers at Stony Brook University found that high levels of carbon dioxide in seawater hinder the growth and survival of bivalve larvae, leading to a significant decline in shellfish populations. The study suggests ocean acidification poses an equally serious risk to ocean resources.

A nervous system drug-by-design

Researchers have developed a new drug, L803-MTS, that targets the GSK3 protein to prevent CNS diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The compound slows down disease progression without exhibiting toxic side effects, offering a potential therapeutic approach for these devastating conditions.

Whales are polite conversationalists

Researchers have developed a tool to analyze marine mammal calls, finding that whales adjust click intervals to prevent cluttering echoes. This strategy enables groups of whales to explore more efficiently, suggesting a 'polite listener' behavior.

The pain of torture can make the innocent seem guilty

A study by Harvard researchers found that torture can lead to the perception of guilt in innocent individuals. Participants who witnessed torture and saw the victim's pain rated them as more guilty, while those who were distant from the torture sympathized with the suffering and saw them as less guilty.

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.

Slipper-shaped blood cells

Red blood cells can deform into an asymmetrical slipper shape when flowing through arteries, a phenomenon that affects blood flow. Simulations suggest this deformation helps the cells catch up with fluid, leading to more efficient blood flow.

First national and evidence-based guidelines for brain cancer released

The first national and evidence-based guidelines for brain metastases have been released in the US, providing a framework for treating patients with brain tumors. The guidelines cover various therapeutic options, evidence-based decision-making, and demographic factors that influence clinical decisions.

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.

Weather patterns help predict dengue fever outbreaks

A study published in BMC Public Health found that high temperatures, humidity, and low wind speed are linked to increased dengue fever cases. The authors suggest that weather conditions affect mosquito survival and flying patterns, which contribute to disease transmission.

Partners in weight loss success may help African-Americans shed more pounds

Researchers found that African Americans who participated in culturally specific weight loss programs with frequent partner attendance had greater weight loss success. The study suggested that the involvement of a supportive partner was linked to improved weight loss outcomes, regardless of whether they attended sessions together or not.

Vast majority of physicians satisfied with hospital chaplain services

A national survey found that 90% of physicians were satisfied or very satisfied with chaplains' spiritual services. Physicians who endorsed religion's effect on patients and believed it was acceptable to pray with patients were more likely to be satisfied. The study also found that physicians in the Midwest were more likely to be satis...

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.

In combat zone, gastroenterologists put skills to test

In a unique situation, gastroenterologists performed endoscopies on military dogs with gastrointestinal complications. The procedures involved putting their human skills to the test to care for canine heroes in the combat zone.

Engineering center to probe forces that cause cancer to spread

A new Johns Hopkins Engineering in Oncology Center will study physical underpinnings of cancer growth and spread, aiming to develop innovative therapies and diagnostic tools. Researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the complex forces involved in metastasis.

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.

Sperm may play leading role in spreading HIV

Researchers found that sperm can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells and dendritic cells by attaching to their surface and using specific molecules. This discovery suggests that sperm may be a key factor in spreading the virus during sexual intercourse.

Will genomics help prevent the next pandemic?

The PLOS collection explores how genomics can provide insights into emerging infectious diseases. Genomics research has the potential to track the spread of disease agents, develop vaccines, and combat pathogens more effectively. This could lead to a better preparedness for and response to biological threats.

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.

National hydrological measurement facility funded by NSF

The University of Nevada, Reno has received an $890,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national community-user facility for environmental sensing. This facility will provide state-of-the-art fiber-optic distributed temperature (DTS) instrumentation and equipment to researchers nationwide.

Scientists discover gene that 'cancer-proofs' rodent's cells

Researchers found a two-tier defense mechanism in the DNA of naked mole rats, which expresses a gene called p16 that stops cell proliferation when too many cells crowd together. This discovery could potentially lead to new cancer treatments for humans.

Nepotism has its benefits when it comes to survival

A study on Stegodyphus tentoriicola spiders reveals that relatedness fosters better group dynamics and more efficient food foraging. This cooperative behavior helps maintain harmony in larger groups, countering the 'tragedy of the commons' phenomenon.

First evidence for a second breeding season among migratory songbirds

Researchers found evidence of two breeding seasons among five songbird species in western Mexico, challenging previous understanding of bird migration patterns. The discovery reveals that some birds take advantage of the monsoon season to raise young and then continue their journey.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Genes that drive you to drink (but don't make you an alcoholic)

A recent study published in BMC Biology identified genetic pathways associated with moderate alcohol consumption, but found no correlation between these genes and alcohol dependence. The research team found that drinking behavior was linked to pleasure and reward pathways in the brain, similar to satiety and appetite for food.

Animals now picking up bugs from people, study shows

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria jumping from humans to chickens, marking the first clear evidence of bacterial pathogens crossing from humans to animals since domestication. This finding has significant implications for poultry farming and food security.

Survival after heart attack improves in younger women

A recent study found that hospital mortality after a heart attack has declined significantly for younger women, particularly those under 55 years old, over the past 12 years. The researchers attribute this improvement to changes in patient characteristics and treatments.

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.

Holocaust survivors at higher risk for all cancers

A new study found that Jewish survivors of World War II have a higher risk of developing cancer, with increased risks observed for breast and colorectal cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 300,000 Israeli Jews, suggests that early exposure to extreme stressors during childhood may increase cancer susceptibility later in life.

New center to open up new directions in cancer research

The Northwestern Physical Sciences-Oncology Center will study genes and their role in cancer, aiming to understand healthy cells to control cancer. The center brings together physical scientists and cancer biologists to use non-traditional approaches.

Changes in brain chemicals mark shifts in infant learning

Neuroscientists have pinpointed molecular events in brain chemistry that trigger a shift from preference learning to aversion learning in infants. This transition is linked to changes in dopamine levels, which are manipulated through chemical means, advancing our understanding of attachment and development.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Increase in Down syndrome offset by better screening

A new study reveals a 71% increase in Down syndrome pregnancies and births over 20 years, largely due to women delaying childbearing. Despite this rise, improvements in prenatal screening have maintained the number of babies born with the condition at around 750 per year.

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.

Plastic Surgery 2009 news briefs

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conference in 2009 featured presentations on eyelid rejuvenation and its novel approaches, as well as the growing popularity of buttock lifts and implants. More than 220,000 eyelid surgeries were performed in 2008, with a significant increase in the Mountain and Pacific regions.

Exercise makes cigarettes less attractive to smokers

A University of Exeter study found exercise decreases attention to smoking-related images, with participants spending 11% less time looking at these images after exercising. This suggests exercise can help reduce interest in and salience of smoking cues, making it easier for smokers to quit.

Rethinking the antibody-dependent enhancement dengue hemorrhagic fever model

A new study published in PLoS Medicine reexamines the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), contradicting the long-held antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) model. Researchers found that maternal antibodies protect infants from full-spectrum dengue disease, and a higher weight-for-age is associated with DHF risk.

Probiotic found to be effective treatment for colitis in mice

A probiotic bacterium, Bacillus polyfermenticus, has been shown to effectively treat colitis in mice by promoting the growth of new blood vessels. The study found that the bacteria increased angiogenesis, a process necessary for wound healing, and reduced inflammation in affected tissues.

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.

Researchers discover mechanism that prevents 2 species from reproducing

Cornell researchers discovered a genetic mechanism in fruit flies that prevents reproduction between two closely related species, Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. The mechanism involves rapidly evolving junk DNA in the male's X chromosome, which creates incompatibilities with the female's DNA, leading to embryo death.

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.