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Science News for April 10, 2009


A healthy color

Researchers at Temple University have found a simple color-changing oral strip can help detect gum disease more quickly and easily than traditional methods. The strips change color based on levels of microbial sulfur compounds in saliva, providing a comparable screening method.

SourceTemple University·DateApr 10, 2009

Imaging and discovery from USArray and EarthScope

Recent observations from the USArray transportable array and EarthScope instruments have shed new light on seismic wave propagation and the evolution of the Yellowstone hotspot. The analysis suggests a common mantle source for the region's unique topographic features, providing valuable insights into geological processes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 10, 2009

MIT: New method could lead to narrower chip patterns

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method for creating exceptionally fine lines on microchips, overcoming fundamental limits in light-based technologies. The technique uses interference patterns to produce transparent lines interspersed with opaque material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Omega-3 fatty acids may benefit cancer patients undergoing major operations

Patients given an omega-3 enriched supplement maintained all aspects of their body composition after surgery, while those without it suffered clinically severe weight loss. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of post-surgical complications by suppressing inflammation.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateApr 10, 2009

Molecule prompts damaged heart cells to repair themselves after a heart attack

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the protein Thymosin beta-4 initiates migration of heart cells and blood vessel growth after a heart attack, encouraging new growth and repair of damaged heart cells. The molecule affects developmental gene expression as early as 24 hours after systemic injection.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateApr 10, 2009

Hispanics appear to face poorer quality nursing home care

A study by Brown University researchers found that nursing homes serving primarily Hispanic residents provided poorer quality care, including higher rates of bed sores. The study looked at data from California, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado and found disparities in care related to racial segregation.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateApr 10, 2009
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.

Neal Lane wins Karl T. Compton Medal for Leadership in Physics

Dr. Neal F. Lane, a prominent physicist and former U.S. presidential science advisor, has been awarded the AIP's Karl T. Compton Medal for his outstanding contributions to physics through exceptional statesmanship. He is recognized for his advocacy of public understanding of science and technology, as well as his championship of scient...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateApr 10, 2009

IU astronomer's discovery poses challenge to galaxy formation theories

A team of astronomers has found a sample of massive galaxies with properties suggesting they may have formed recently, running counter to widely-held beliefs. The discovery challenges our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, offering new opportunities for research into the origin and early history of galaxies.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 10, 2009
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.

Mount Sinai researchers discover novel mechanisms that might causally link type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer's disease

A recent study by Mount Sinai faculty suggests that a gene associated with type-2 diabetes decreases in Alzheimer's disease dementia cases. The research found that promoting PGC-1 content in brain cells attenuates hyperglycemic-mediated β-amyloid production, linking type-2 diabetic metabolic defects to increasing dementia.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 10, 2009

Test quickly assesses whether Alzheimer's drugs are hitting their target

Researchers developed a test to quickly assess the effectiveness of Alzheimer's drugs in reducing amyloid beta production, which builds brain plaques. The test, SILK, was used to study LY450139, an Eli Lilly drug candidate, and showed a dose-dependent drop in A-beta production.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 10, 2009

Genes from tiny marine algae suggest unsuspected avenues for new research

A team of scientists has sequenced the genomes of two tiny marine algae, revealing unexpected genes with functions similar to those found in land plants and bacteria. The findings highlight the complexity of these organisms and their potential role in shaping marine food webs and carbon cycling.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2009
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.

It pays to compare: Comparison helps children grasp math concepts

Researchers found that comparing different solution methods enhances students' understanding of math concepts and improves their flexibility in solving equations. This approach is more effective than comparing problems solved using the same method.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 10, 2009

CSI: Pisco, Peru

Scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School and University of Oxford have analyzed data to identify details of the major plate boundary event that destroyed 90% of Pisco, Peru. The study reveals maximum intensity and damage occur few tens of kilometers south of the epicenter.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateApr 10, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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