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Science News Archive April 2009


Page 1 of 24

Study validates means to measure possible leukemia marker

Researchers at Ohio State University validated a method to measure variations in histones, promising biomarkers for chronic leukemia diagnosis and treatment response. The study accurately detected differences in histone composition between CLL cells and healthy B lymphocytes.

Genetic variant impairs communication within the brain

Researchers have identified a genetic variant that impairs communication within the brain, increasing the risk of schizophrenia and manic depression. The study found altered brain activity patterns, particularly between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other regions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researcher: Lasers used to detect melamine in baby formula

Lisa Mauer, a Purdue University researcher, has developed an inexpensive and rapid method for detecting melamine in infant formula using infrared lasers and light spectroscopy. The technique can identify trace amounts of melamine at one part per million, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

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.

Gene test determines risk of heart surgery complications

Researchers discovered a genetic variant that can predict patients' risk of developing shock and kidney failure after heart surgery. Patients with the 'LL' gene variant are more likely to experience these complications and may not respond well to standard treatments, highlighting the potential benefits of personalized medicine.

NASA study says climate adds fuel to Asian wildfire emissions

A NASA study estimates that climate change fuels Asian wildfires, increasing carbon dioxide emissions by a factor of 10 during dry El Niño years. The research used satellite data and computer models to analyze the impact of drought on fire spread and intensity in regions like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

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.

Women with arthritis more likely than men to stop working

A new study found that women with arthritis are more likely to leave the workforce, while men may be more likely to remain working and report negative experiences. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 individuals aged 25-64 and found that greater education was associated with being in the labor force for both men and women.

Synthetic chemical offers solution for crops facing drought

A new synthetic chemical, pyrabactin, has been identified as a potential solution for crops facing drought. The compound activates the ABA signaling pathway, helping plants survive in water-scarce conditions. Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a stable and easy-to-make chemical strategy to improve plant resilience.

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.

Fertilization intensifies competition for light and endangers plant diversity

Fertilizing grasslands increases productivity but decreases plant diversity by intensifying competition for light, allowing faster-growing species to outcompete others. Artificially added light can counteract these effects, suggesting that controlling nutrient enrichment is crucial for conserving biodiversity in managed grasslands.

Research finds photos more useful than words

Patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease can rely on implicit memory processes to support successful recognition of pictures, but struggle with word-based recall. Researchers hope to develop strategies that leverage implicit memory to improve learning and independence in patients with AD.

MESSENGER discovers an unusual impact basin on Mercury

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown, massive impact basin named Rembrandt on Mercury's surface. The 700-kilometer-wide basin is younger than most other known impact basins and features unique tectonic landforms that formed after volcanic flows filled it.

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.

Adding steroid drug to MS treatment may reduce disease activity

A new study suggests that adding a steroid drug to multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment can significantly reduce disease activity. Researchers found that participants who received both the steroid and interferon beta-1a had 38% fewer relapses than those receiving only the interferon drug.

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.

Cancer-causing virus associated with higher risk of new HIV infection

Researchers at UCSF found that anal human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with a higher risk of new HIV infection in previously HIV-negative men who have sex with men. The study suggests that HPV enhances susceptibility to HIV infection through anatomical and immunological mechanisms.

The story of ancient Persia gets digitized

The Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago is using modern technology to digitally record thousands of ancient Persian Empire tablets. The project, supported by a substantial grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, aims to record about 10,000 tablets and fragments by 2010.

Decrease in sense of smell seen in lupus patients

A study found that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have significant olfactory deficits compared to healthy controls. Patients with more active disease and past neuropsychiatric SLE manifestations had lower total TDI scores, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism.

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.

Cetuximab slightly increases overall survival in lung cancer patients

A phase III study found that adding cetuximab to standard chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) extends survival by almost one month compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment has been shown to target epidermal growth factor receptor, which plays a key role in tumour growth.

Synthesis with a template

Scientists have successfully synthesized a soccer-ball-shaped molecule made of 60 carbon atoms, dubbed the C80 fullerene. The researchers used pentaphosphaferrocene and copper chloride as building blocks and a carborane template to form the spherical supermolecule.

Caring for stroke survivors sometimes stressful, but also rewarding

A study of 75 stroke caregivers found that while caregiving can be stressful, many families report personal benefits and rewards. Caregivers reported increased appreciation for life, feeling needed, and developing a more positive attitude towards life, with only 44% reporting no strain.

Genome Research publishes special issue: Genomics and Darwinism

The special issue of Genome Research celebrates Charles Darwin's birthday and the publication of On the Origin of Species. Researchers investigate human adaptation and evolution on a genome-wide scale, describing novel fine-scale genetic structure within and between populations worldwide.

Report shows US wildlife trade poorly regulated

A recent study by Brown University and the Wildlife Trust found that US wildlife imports are fragmented and insufficiently coordinated, failing to accurately list over four in five species entering the country. This lack of regulation poses significant risks to human health, food supply chains, and ecosystems.

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.

Brain protein central to both Parkinson's, drug addiction identified

Researchers discover organic cation transporter 3 (oct3) plays a critical role in both Parkinson's disease and drug addiction by transporting toxic chemicals into brain cells that die in patients with the condition. Oct3 helps astrocytes remove excess dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria but also potential brain damage.

Ancestor of HIV in primates may be surprisingly young

Researchers estimated virus evolution using genetic sequences and found that SIV lineages giving rise to HIV-1 and HIV-2 date back to the 18th century. This finding challenges previous estimates of millions of years of coevolution between SIVs and their primate hosts.

Chlamydia may play role in a type of arthritis

Researchers found that 62% of patients with chronic uSpA had Chlamydia infection, significantly higher than controls. This suggests Chlamydia may play a role in causing this type of arthritis.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Simultaneous transplant gives best results in diabetics with kidney disease

A study of nearly 6,900 patients found that simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation resulted in a 89% long-term survival rate compared to 80% for kidney-only transplants and 65% for deceased donor transplants. SPK recipients were also more likely to die during the first year after transplantation.

Risk of leukemia with multiple sclerosis drug higher than thought

A retrospective study of 2,854 Italian patients with MS found leukemia occurred in .74% of those treated with mitoxantrone, significantly higher than previously reported rates. The study highlights the need for careful hematological follow-up to check for acute leukemia.

The shocking state of UK stroke care: A medical emergency

A recent report by the Royal College of Physicians found that up to a quarter of stroke patients do not receive optimal treatment in specialist units. The editorial advocates for increased public awareness and priority for stroke care, citing the importance of rapid recognition and admission to acute units.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Low vitamin D causes problems for acutely ill patients

A study of ICU patients found that 45% were deficient in vitamin D, with lower levels associated with greater disease severity. Researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to disease complications and suggest that raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial for critically ill patients.

Methylprednisolone added to interferon beta reduces relapse rate

A new study found that adding oral methylprednisolone to interferon beta-1a therapy significantly reduces the relapse rate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The treatment was associated with a threefold lower relapse rate compared to placebo.

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.

Atomic physics study sets new limits on hypothetical new particles

Researchers from University of Nevada, Reno set new constraints on extra Z-boson particle, a carrier of the fifth force of nature. The team achieved high-precision analysis of atomic parity violation in cesium atoms, outperforming previous experiments with increased computational complexity.

Popular diabetes treatment could trigger pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer

A new study suggests that the widely used diabetes medication Januvia may cause pancreatitis and increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in some patients. Researchers found that combining Januvia with the older diabetes drug metformin helped mitigate these effects, suggesting a potential way to safely use GLP-1 class drugs.

Recycler protein helps prevent disease

A team of researchers has uncovered the first step in the recycling of a crucial molecular tag that ensures correct gene expression. This mechanism, called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), helps protect against genetic diseases such as thalassaemia and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

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.

Cancer patient mortality increased by anemia treatments

A meta-analysis of 53 cancer trials found that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) increased mortality in all patients with cancer by 17%. The treatment's benefits must be weighed against the increased risks of death and thromboembolic events.

New technology shows promise against resistant staph infections

Scientists have developed nanoparticles that release nitric oxide to combat drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections, improving wound healing and reducing bacterial counts. The therapy has shown promise in treating MRSA and other infections, with plans for clinical trials.

Study fuels debate about why female birds seek extra mates

A new study on blue tits reveals that eggs fertilized by non-social partners tend to hatch earlier, with nearly 75% of extra-pair offspring produced in the first half of the clutch. This suggests that early hatching may be a key factor in the observed superiority of extra-pair offspring.

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.