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Science News Archive 2009


Page 85 of 277

Depression increases cancer patients' risk of dying

A recent meta-analysis published in Cancer found that depression is associated with a higher risk of death in cancer patients, with death rates up to 25% higher for those experiencing depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for systematic screening and treatment of psychological distress in cancer patients.

Diabetes drug kills cancer stem cells in combination treatment in mice

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a diabetes drug that selectively targets and kills cancer stem cells in mice, leading to faster tumor reduction and prolonged remission. The findings support the potential use of metformin as a first-line treatment in breast cancer patients.

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.

Green tea component may help preserve stored platelets, tissues

Researchers found that green tea component EGCG can prolong the preservation of stored blood platelets by up to six days via anti-apoptosis properties. Additionally, EGCG was shown to preserve skin tissues by controlling cell division and preventing oxidation, allowing for the storage of skin grafts up to seven weeks.

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.

Figures of speech -- understanding idioms requires both sides of the brain

Researchers found that idiomatic sentences activated the right middle temporal gyrus and right medial frontal gyrus, indicating a more complex understanding process. The left hemisphere's role in suppressing literal meaning was not specifically activated, but limbic regions involved emotional responses were.

New function for the protein Bcl-xL: It prevents bone breakdown

The Bcl-xL protein prevents bone breakdown by negatively regulating the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts. In mice, Bcl-xL promotes osteoclast survival and decreases extracellular matrix production, leading to increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.

Cancer risk raised after northern Italian industrial accident

A study found increased risks of breast cancer in women from the most exposed zone and an excess of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue neoplasms in all but the least exposed zone. Researchers analyzed medical records of over 36,000 individuals exposed to dioxin after a 1976 industrial accident.

What happens when immune cells just won't die?

T cells from XLP patients are resistant to cell death triggered by repeated stimulation of the TCR complex. This resistance enables uncontrolled T cell expansion upon infection with common viruses like infectious mononucleosis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heart study shows many suffer poor quality of life

A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that 29% of chronic angina patients experience angina chest pain at least once a week. Despite treatment options, many patients report limited enjoyment of life due to the symptom.

On-the-job pesticide exposure associated with Parkinson's disease

A new study found that occupational pesticide exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Archives of Neurology, investigated the link between pesticide use and parkinsonism, and found that certain pesticides more than doubled the risk of the disease.

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.

Going with the flow: Using star power to better understand fusion

Researchers will study turbulent transport and organization in fusion and astrophysical plasmas to design better, smaller and cheaper fusion systems. Understanding the link between flow self-organization and large-scale flow dissipation may also improve ITER's fusion power production.

Tropical Storm Koppu poised for China landfall

Tropical Storm Koppu is expected to make landfall in mainland China on September 15, bringing heavy rainfall, heavy surf conditions, and gusty winds. The storm has sustained winds near 69 mph and is forecast to strengthen slightly before landfall.

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.

For carnivorous plants, slow but steady wins the race

Researchers found that carnivorous plant traps are cheaper to make than leaves, contrary to evolutionary predictions. This discovery sheds light on how complete food webs operate, highlighting the benefits and trade-offs of nutrient allocation in plant ecology.

Engineering team to design and study liver mimics

Researchers are designing liver mimics that can eventually form the basis for extracorporeal liver-assist devices. The primary research goal is to assemble 3D cellular structures that mimic the liver, capturing precise spacing between different cell types.

Evidence points to conscious 'metacognition' in some nonhuman animals

New research suggests that some nonhuman animals, including dolphins and macaque monkeys, may possess functional parallels to humans' consciousness and cognitive self-awareness. These species exhibit behaviors such as hesitation and uncertainty, indicating a capacity for metacognition.

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.

Antioxidant ingredient proven to relieve stress

A melon-derived antioxidant supplement has been shown to relieve stress and fatigue in healthy volunteers. The study found significant improvements in perceived stress symptoms after 28 days, but not beyond the initial 7-day period of placebo effect.

Understanding the implications of prenatal testing for Down syndrome

The introduction of new prenatal tests for Down syndrome has led to a steady decrease in births of babies with the condition since their introduction. Experts argue that existing tests may not be providing accurate information, leading to difficult conversations between physicians and expectant parents. To address this, researchers are...

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.

Digging deeper below Antarctica's Lake Vida

Researchers will drill through Lake Vida's thick ice cap to study the brine and sediment below, aiming to understand the ecosystem's history and its survival strategies in extremely cold conditions. The project, funded by a $1.1 million grant, may reveal insights into life on Earth dating back thousands of years.

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.

Fred fades with a satellite exclamation point

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared and visible images of Fred's clouds stretching from northeast to southwest after declaring the storm 'dead' on September 12. The remnants of Fred are expected to produce intermittent shower and thunderstorm activity as it moves west-northwestward over the next couple of days.

Iraq troops' PTSD rate as high as 35 percent, says Management Insights study

A new study by Management Insights suggests that Iraq veterans may be experiencing a PTSD rate of up to 35%, doubling the expected rate due to delayed onset and subsequent deployments. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences calls for increased mental health resources to care for returning troops.

Texas A&M researcher shows possible link between 1918 El Niño and flu pandemic

A study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society suggests that the 1918 El Niño may have contributed to the severity of the flu pandemic. The research indicates that the El Niño was one of the strongest of the 20th century, and its impact on global weather patterns could have exacerbated the spread of the disease.

Study identifies which children do not need CT scans after head trauma

A national study of over 42,000 children with head trauma found that one in five over 2 and nearly one-quarter under 2 did not need CT scans due to low-risk brain injury. The study provides guidelines for doctors to safely reduce CT use in these patients, aiming to minimize radiation exposure risk.

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.

Study examines stroke risk among patients undergoing cardiac surgery

A study examined stroke risk among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, finding that post-operative stroke occurred in approximately 2 percent. Patients with combined cardiac and carotid procedures had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative stroke, suggesting that these procedures should be avoided.

Looking deeply into polymer solar cells

High-resolution 3D images of polymer solar cells reveal new insights into their nanoscale structure and effect on performance. Researchers shed light on operational principles, highlighting potential for cost-effective, flexible, and lightweight technology.

Opto-electronic nose sniffs out toxic gases

A new sensor array can detect multiple airborne toxins in a matter of seconds, providing essential monitoring for workers handling chemicals. The technology uses colorimetric sensors that are not affected by humidity, making it more reliable than previous electronic-nose technologies.

Are the monoamines involved in shaping conduct disorders?

Studies suggest that genetic factors, particularly those related to monoamine neurotransmitters, may contribute to the development of conduct disorders. Variations in genes encoding enzymes such as MAO-B have been linked to increased risk of antisocial behaviour, with associations strengthening when environmental factors are considered.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How stem cells make skin

Researchers identified two proteins, C/EBPα and β, that control the transition from stem cell to skin cell development in mice. Mice lacking these proteins had defective skin formation and died shortly after birth. The study sheds light on the mechanisms involved in skin cancer and other epithelial cancers.

Water quality in orbit

The University of Utah has developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that uses a handheld color sensor to detect iodine or silver levels in drinking water. The system is designed to be simple, low-cost and safe for use on the International Space Station.

New CO2 data helps unlock the secrets of Antarctic formation

A team of scientists has confirmed a major link between declining CO2 levels and the formation of Antarctica's ice caps. The study found that atmospheric CO2 levels reached a tipping point of around 760 parts per million when the Antarctic ice sheet began to form.

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.

When nano may not be nano

A new study by an international team of researchers argues that the current definition of nanoparticles is not specific enough to determine their potential impact on human health and the environment. The study suggests that only particles smaller than 30 nanometers should be scrutinized for their unique properties.

High-res view of zinc transport protein

A new structure of the zinc transporter protein has been revealed, showing how it senses and regulates zinc levels in cells. The discovery suggests an auto-regulatory mechanism for zinc transport and may lead to the development of treatments for diseases like seizure disorders or diabetes.

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.

UCSF researchers program cells to be remote-controlled by light

Researchers at UCSF have developed a way to control mammalian cells using light, enabling the creation of 'microscopic robots' that can follow light beams or stop on command. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for cancer and cardiovascular research, as well as potential applications in nerve growth and repair.

Electronic nose sniffs out toxins

A new optoelectronic nose can detect and identify 19 toxic industrial chemicals, including ammonia and sulfur dioxide, in a matter of seconds. The wearable sensor uses a disposable array with 36 dyes that change colors when exposed to different chemicals.

Evolution still scientifically stable

Researchers discovered molecular evidence supporting Darwin's theory of evolution, finding that complex machines evolved through a process of combination and modification of existing proteins. The study provides a blueprint for understanding the evolution of cellular machinery, contradicting Intelligent Design explanations.

Artificial intelligence helps diagnose cardiac infections

Researchers developed an artificial neural network (ANN) to evaluate symptoms and predict endocarditis diagnoses. The ANN achieved high accuracy in distinguishing between infected and non-infected cases, eliminating the need for invasive transesophageal echocardiography.

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.

Fighting the burden of mental disorders

The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology emphasizes the need to address mental health issues due to work-related stress and increasing economic troubles. The prevalence of mental disorders is expected to rise, affecting millions worldwide.

Instanyl sets new standard in management of breakthrough cancer pain

A head-to-head study confirms Instanyl's superiority over oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) in managing breakthrough cancer pain. Instanyl demonstrated significant pain relief at all time points, with patients preferring its ease of administration and faster onset of action.

Migrating birds chill to fatten up

Researchers found that smaller migrating blackcaps lose body temperature at night during stopovers to save energy, while heavier birds drop their metabolic rates less. This helps the birds accumulate more fuel and shorten their refueling stops.