Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2009


Page 18 of 24

MIT: New insights into perception

Researchers found that visual motion affects tactile perception, causing subjects to perceive touch as moving in the opposite direction. Conversely, tactile motion gives rise to visual illusions of motion in the opposite direction.

£2.8 million grant to raise standards in maternal and newborn health

A £2.8m grant will support a three-year programme to increase skilled birth attendance and quality obstetric care in 5 target countries, aiming to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. The programme will evaluate the impact of training and supportive supervision on healthcare provider capacity and care delivery.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Small RNAs can play critical roles in male infertility/contraception

Researchers have discovered that small RNAs on the X chromosome play a crucial role in male fertility, escaping silencing effects and influencing sperm formation. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding and potentially treating male infertility and developing non-hormonal contraceptives.

Study: Privatized Philly schools did not keep pace

A study found that test scores improved in privatized schools, but at a slower rate than the rest of the city's public schools. The achievement gap between the two groups increased by 2006, with the privatized schools lagging behind their public counterparts.

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.

New method for detection of phosphoproteins reveals regulator of melanoma invasion

Scientists have developed a new approach to survey phosphorylation in cells, revealing a previously uncharacterized protein that plays a crucial role in cancer cell invasion. The study identified ninety phosphorylation events regulated by oncogenic B-Raf and found that one target, MINERVA/FAM129B, is involved in melanoma progression.

Can downloads predict impact for scientific articles?

A recent analysis found that downloads and citations are highly correlated with a 0.74 correlation coefficient, indicating that downloads can be used as an alternative metric to measure article impact. Downloads mirror citations but become available about two years earlier.

Towards a natural pacemaker

Researchers created a cell culture model that accurately mimics HCN channel function in whole mammalian hearts, enabling the genetic reprogramming of individual channels. This breakthrough facilitates the development of practical biological pacemakers by allowing for rapid assessment of channel mutations before animal testing.

Milestone tumor virus publication by Elsevier journal Virology

The recent special edition of Virology journal explores the past, present, and future of small DNA tumor viruses, including polyomaviruses, adenoviruses, and papillomaviruses. These viruses have led to fundamental discoveries in basic biology, unraveling complex aspects of host cells.

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.

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.

Certain states more aggressive with anti-smoking policies

A new study finds that politically conservative states with higher per capita income, youth populations, and cancer mortality rates are more likely to restrict youth access to tobacco. The study reveals that clerk intervention and random inspections are effective methods for restricting youth access.

CFI awards $854,098 to University of Montreal and partners

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has awarded $854,098 to support four research projects at the Université de Montréal and its affiliated institutions. Dr. May Faraj will study LDL particles as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, while Dr. Emile Levy will advance nutrigenomics research to reduce cardiovascular diseases.

Enzyme therapy slows kidney function decline

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa slows kidney function decline in men with Fabry disease. The therapy showed promise when initiated early, particularly for those with higher initial kidney function.

High-dose radiation improves lung cancer survival, U-M study finds

A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation combined with chemotherapy improve survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy increases treatment effectiveness and overall survival rates.

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.

Impact of floods on soils

A recent study found that flood conditions can decrease soil aggregation stability by up to 20%, impacting crop production. The research suggests that reducing conditions contribute to the degradation of soil structure.

Award-winning paper looks at consumer response to really new products

A study by David Alexander, John Lynch, and Qing Wang found that consumers are four times more likely to choose an incrementally new product over a really new one. The researchers also discovered that actual purchases were twice as likely for the least-new products as the most-new ones, with the difference increasing over time.

Test predicts who will develop end-stage renal disease

A study suggests that combining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin levels can predict which patients with chronic kidney disease will develop end-stage renal disease. This combination test could help identify patients at high risk of serious kidney trouble.

Nano changes rise to macro importance in a key electronics material

A team of researchers has identified the source of unique electronic properties in silver niobate, a ceramic dielectric material used in wireless communications equipment. The study reveals how subtle nanoscale changes in the material's structure give rise to major changes in its physical properties.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Einstein researchers devise a fast and sensitive way to detect ricin

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a simple and accurate test to detect and quantify ricin, an extremely potent toxin. The assay detects small amounts of ricin more accurately and faster than ever before, paving the way for discovering drugs that could serve as antidotes.

NC State researchers find soy may aid in treating canine cancers

Researchers at NC State University have discovered that a molecule found in soy, genistein, can inhibit the growth of canine lymphoma cells. The study's findings suggest that this compound could be used to enhance traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, leading to reduced stress and costs for dog owners.

Key protein in cellular respiration discovered

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new function for a protein essential to mitochondrial protein synthesis, which plays a key part in cell respiration. Without this protein, mitochondria cannot produce proteins and cellular respiration is impaired.

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.

Study shows that HIV antiretroviral treatment should start earlier

A new study analyzing over 45,000 people with HIV in Europe and North America found that starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) at a minimum CD4-cell count of 350 cells per µL reduces AIDS-related events and death rates. The findings challenge current guidelines recommending cART initiation at a lower threshold.

Middle school youth as young as 12 engaging in risky sexual activity

A recent study found that middle school students as young as 12 are engaging in vaginal, oral, and anal sex, with 1 in 3 sexually active students reporting unprotected sex. The study highlights the need for comprehensive sexual education programs to promote healthy attitudes and skills among young people.

Caltech researchers train computers to analyze fruit-fly behavior

Researchers at Caltech trained computers to automatically analyze aggression and courtship in fruit flies, enabling high-throughput screens for genes controlling these behaviors. The program allows for accurate analysis of complex social behaviors in a matter of minutes, improving the efficiency of genetic research.

Vitamin D may exacerbate autoimmune disease

Research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D can exacerbate autoimmune diseases by deactivating the immune response and allowing bacteria to spread more easily. The form of vitamin D derived from food and supplements, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, is a secosteroid rather than a vitamin.

Ma and Pa solutions to global warming

A perspective article published in International Journal of Private Law suggests that the prairies can capitalize on environmentally friendly farming practices and produce renewable energy sources. The author proposes solutions such as marketable sod, fertilizers, bio-methane, and artificial wetlands to address climate change.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Did a nickel famine trigger the 'Great Oxidation Event'?

Researchers found a drop in dissolved nickel in seawater around 2.7 billion years ago, which could have led to the Great Oxidation Event. This event increased oxygen levels dramatically, changing the Earth's surface environment and making advanced life possible.

Acid reflux without symptoms does not worsen asthma

A new study suggests that silent GER does not play a role in worsening asthma symptoms and control, contradicting previous beliefs. Researchers found no differences between patients treated with reflux medication and those who were not.

First screening in Italy on children's health in prison

Physicians from the Catholic University of Rome assessed health conditions of 150 children living with mothers in prison. Environmental factors and early weaning are linked to premature birth, hypertension, and allergy risk. Vaccination status is also a concern, with only 14% of jail-bound children fully vaccinated.

Study compares sound from exploding volcanoes with jet engines

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a connection between the sound produced by volcanic eruptions and jet engines. By analyzing infrasound from Mount St. Helens and Tungurahua volcanoes, they found that the large-amplitude signals are generated in a similar way to smaller-scale man-made jets.

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.

New research shows children take a toll on marital bliss

A study by University of Denver researchers found that ninety percent of couples experience a decrease in marital satisfaction once the first child is born. Couples who had been married longer or had higher incomes tended to have fewer marital problems related to having a baby.

Joslin study identifies 'good' energy burning fat in lean adults

Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center have demonstrated that adult humans still have a type of 'good' fat called brown fat, which is active in burning calories and using energy. Brown fat was found to be more common in thin adults with normal blood glucose levels, but less likely to be present in those who were overweight or obese.

Stop prescribing heartburn medication to asthma patients without acid reflux

A new national study found that prescription heartburn medication is ineffective for treating asthma in patients without acid reflux symptoms. The study, led by Northwestern University researchers, randomly gave 402 patients either the medication or a placebo, finding no difference in lung function or asthma control episodes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Meat for sex in wild chimpanzees

Researchers found that male chimpanzees who share their food with females can mate more often than those who don't. Sharing meat over long periods of time doubles a male's mating success, while females increase their caloric intake without incurring energetic costs.

UNH: Pavement sealcoat a source of toxins in stormwater runoff

Researchers at UNH found that sealcoat can contribute to high levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waterways, posing a risk to aquatic life and potentially human health. The study showed significant increases in PAH concentrations in stormwater runoff from sealed parking lots compared to unsealed areas.

ARVO announces inaugural class of fellows

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) has announced its inaugural class of Fellows, honoring members who have made significant contributions to vision research and ophthalmology. The ARVO Fellow title recognizes outstanding achievements in leadership, collaboration, and dedication to advancing the field.

How tumor cells move

Scientists at Heidelberg University Hospital have identified a previously unknown protein called SCAI that inhibits the movement and spread of tumor cells. The study suggests that SCAI could be an interesting starting point for research into new mechanisms for fighting cancer.

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.

Parkinson's disease medication triggers destructive behaviors

A new study at the Mayo Clinic found that one in six patients taking therapeutic doses of dopamine agonist medications for Parkinson's disease developed new-onset compulsive gambling or hypersexuality. Researchers analyzed medical records of patients and found no such cases in those taking low doses or other treatments.

Software improves P2P privacy by hiding in the crowd

Researchers developed a technique to restore P2P privacy by hiding user-intended downloading behavior in a cloud of random downloads. This approach disrupts classification and provides users with 'plausible deniability,' making it difficult for eavesdroppers to accurately identify groups of users with similar download behavior.

Soybean component reduces menopause effects

A rat model study shows that dietary soy supplementation can prevent menopause-related syndromes, improve lipid profiles, and reduce LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. The findings support the indication that soybean consumption may prevent coronary heart disease.

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.

X marks the spot: Ions coldly go through NIST trap junction

Physicists at NIST have demonstrated a new ion trap that enables efficient transport of ions through an X-shaped junction, solving a key engineering issue for future ion-trap quantum computers. The demonstration achieved over 1 million successful transports with minimal heating, making it suitable for large-scale quantum computing.

UBC, U of T team helps solve mystery of starlight's origins

Scientists reveal that half of the Universe's starlight originates from young, star-forming galaxies billions of light-years away. The discovery was made using a two-tonne telescope carried by a balloon, and analyzes data from the Balloon-borne Large-Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope (BLAST) project.

Shared equipment can lead to hepatitis B outbreaks

A systematic review of 33 HBV outbreaks found that administration of drugs using multi-vial compounds and capillary blood sampling with non-disposable devices are the most frequent transmission routes. The study highlights several topical factors, including a high number of outbreaks in dialysis units and associations with multi-vial use.

Scientists develop method for comprehensive proteome analysis

Researchers at Burnham Institute have developed a novel method to analyze the proteome of yeast, identifying 4,600 proteins. This breakthrough can lead to the discovery of new biomarkers for diseases and inform protein expression changes in response to stimuli.

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.

Caltech scientists control complex nucleation processes using DNA origami seeds

Researchers at Caltech have successfully created a system using DNA origami seeds that can direct the self-assembled growth of DNA tiles into precise forms. This breakthrough demonstrates unprecedented control over information-directed molecular self-assembly, paving the way for future applications in technology and materials science.

Aerosols may drive a significant portion of arctic warming

Researchers at NASA found that aerosols are responsible for a significant portion of Arctic warming since 1976, with sulfates and black carbon playing critical roles. The study suggests aerosols may account for up to 45% of the observed warming, which is comparable to the impact of greenhouse gases.