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Science News Archive April 2009


Page 5 of 24

New study overturns orthodoxy on how macrophages kill bacteria

Researchers found that macrophages focus reactive oxygen species (ROS) on targets outside the cytoplasm to kill bacteria. The study shows that superoxide dismutases in bacterial periplasm protect bacteria from ROS, suggesting a new mechanism for macrophage-bacteria interaction.

Voice response system useful for monitoring anticoagulant patients

A study by Ottawa researchers found that an interactive voice response system can effectively monitor patients taking anticoagulants like warfarin, reducing the workload of clinical staff. The system improved patient outcomes and efficiency in managing anticoagulation therapy.

FSU researcher wins $2.2 million grant to study childhood obesity

A Florida State University researcher is exploring the effect of school-based screening on student fitness and parent behavior as part of a $2.2 million NIH grant. The study aims to track children's health changes and assess the impact of wellness programs on obesity rates in ethnic-minority students.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Whiter laundry and a surprising new treatment for kids' eczema

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a powerful relief for kids' chronic eczema using diluted beach baths. The study found that giving pediatric patients with moderate or severe eczema reduced signs of infection and improved the severity and extent of the eczema on their bodies.

Inadequate sleep leads to behavioral problems

A recent Finnish study found that short sleep duration increases risk for behavioral symptoms of ADHD, even without sleeping difficulties. The researchers tracked 280 healthy children and found a higher hyperactivity and impulsivity score with shorter sleep duration.

Uncooperative voltage sensors

A new JGP study advances conclusions about the essential features of the Shaker K+ channel. Researchers propose that if three of four voltage sensors are in an activated conformation, the fourth can open and close the channel by itself.

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.

Understanding a target of quinoline drugs

Scientists discover that quinoline compounds inhibit S100A9's pro-inflammatory effects on white blood cells involved in immune regulation. This new mechanism may provide insights into the early stages of autoimmune disease development.

Cystic fibrosis testing -- next steps

Genetic screening for cystic fibrosis carrier mutations is universally recommended for the reproductive-age population. New reference materials have been developed to ensure accuracy in genetic testing, but some mutations may lead to false results due to large deletions or interference with laboratory methods.

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.

Missing planets attest to destructive power of stars' tides

Astronomers have found evidence of planet destruction caused by a star's tides, with some planets falling into their parent stars. The research uses computer models and observations to show that the tidal forces can misshape the star's surface, leading to the planet's demise.

People with higher IQs make wiser economic choices, U of Minnesota study finds

A new study by researchers from the University of Minnesota found that individuals with higher cognitive ability are more likely to make good economic decisions, including taking calculated risks and being cooperative. The study also found a positive correlation between cognitive skill and perseverance in job retention.

Scientist warns over pandemic flu vaccine 6-month time lag

A new study published by the University of Leicester suggests that a six-month time lag may occur before effective vaccines can be manufactured during a pandemic flu outbreak. The study proposes a pre-pandemic vaccination approach to mitigate the worst effects of pandemic flu, which could potentially protect people years in advance.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

UN University to help build electronic government in Afghanistan

The UN University International Institute for Software Technology is launching a project to develop an electronic government strategy for Afghanistan. The project aims to build human and organizational capacity of the Ministry of Communication and IT and promote international best practices in electronic governance.

SUMO protein guides chromatin remodeler to suppress genes

Researchers discovered how a SUMO protein guides an enzyme complex to alter chromatin structure and regulate gene expression. The interaction between SUMO and the enzyme complex prevents aberrant gene expression, which is common in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

Landfill cover soil methane oxidation underestimated

A literature review reveals that landfill cover soils oxidize more methane than previously recommended guidelines suggest. The overall mean fraction oxidized was 36%, with a standard error of 6%, indicating that the actual oxidation rate is likely higher than current default values.

Novel role of protein in generating amyloid-beta peptide

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals a novel protein called RANBP9, which when over-expressed leads to increased generation of amyloid-beta peptide. The researchers found that inhibiting RANBP9 may offer an alternative approach to therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Building the lymphatic drainage system

Researchers Norrmén et al identified Foxc2 and NFATc1 as key transcription factors in lymph vessel development. These factors work together to build lymph vessel valves, a critical aspect of the lymphatic drainage system.

Re-awakening old genes to help in the fight against HIV

Scientists at the University of Central Florida have revived a dormant gene found in humans, which produces retrocyclin, a protein that resists HIV. The study found that restoring the production of retrocyclins prevents HIV entry and transmission.

Gains in access to antiretroviral treatment come with some costs

In Ethiopia, the scale-up of antiretroviral treatment has achieved remarkable success in expanding access to treatment and HIV counseling and testing. However, HIV prevention interventions and managing chronic care patients are lagging behind. Task shifting to health officers and workers is credited with these successes, but urgent att...

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.

New topical spray may treat premature ejaculation

A new topical spray, PSD502, has been found to be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation, improving latency time from 0.6 minutes to 4 minutes in clinical trials. The spray selectively desensitizes penile skin without affecting sensation, making it a potentially attractive option for patients with this condition.

Brain works best when cells keep right rhythms, new Stanford studies suggest

Researchers found that precisely tuning oscillation frequencies of certain neurons can affect how the brain processes information and implements feelings of reward. The study suggests that parvalbumin neurons play a crucial role in generating gamma brain waves, which enhance information flow among different cell types.

Certain ecologic factors associated with greater risk of bladder cancer

A study published by the American Urological Association found that well water intake is directly associated with bladder cancer incidence in women and mortality rates in both sexes. In contrast, exposure to solar UV radiation is inversely associated with bladder cancer incidence and mortality rates in both men and women. Cigarette smo...

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.

American Urological Association/Engineering & Urological Society 2009 -- news tips

Researchers have identified two potential new targets in the fight against prostate cancer: 'cold shock' proteins that can be turned down through genetic techniques to weaken cancer cells, and higher bone density in men which may increase their risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, children with kidney stones are more likel...

Catching the lightwave: Nano-mechanical sensors 'wired' by photonics

Yale researchers have demonstrated silicon-based nanocantilevers that operate on photonic principles, enabling ultra-sensitive measurements at the atomic level. The system can detect as little deflection as 0.0001 Angstroms, and a sensor multiplex format allows for complex measurements of patterns simultaneously.

Reading reports involving risk-taking affects financial decision making

A University of Haifa study found that exposure to stories about successful risk-taking decisions influenced investment advisors' perceptions of a Nasdaq-traded stock. The study suggests that psychological factors, such as priming, can shape financial decision-making. This phenomenon highlights the importance of considering psychology ...

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.

MIT: Making waves in the brain

Researchers at MIT have discovered a way to induce gamma brain waves by shining laser light onto the brains of mice, using optogenetics to manipulate individual nerve cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into the role of gamma oscillations in regulating brain functions and may lead to new treatments for brain-related disorders.

Details of bacterial 'injection' system revealed

Scientists have decoded the structure of a needlelike protein complex on Shigella bacteria, essential for infection, revealing new insights into the mechanism of bacterial injection systems that could lead to new drugs.

Increased mortality associated with nocturia

A study found that elderly patients experiencing nighttime urination had a higher mortality rate compared to those without nocturia. Researchers identified several factors associated with an increased risk of death, including age, diabetes, and hypertension.

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.

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.

Generics less effective/safe than branded medications in treating LUTS

A recent study found that generic substitutes for alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are less effective in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than their branded counterparts. Men taking these generics experienced increased side effects, including dizziness, nasal congestion, and ejaculatory dysfunction.

Autologous muscle-derived cells may treat stress urinary incontinence

Researchers confirmed that transplanting autologous muscle-derived cells into the bladder improves symptoms and quality of life in patients with stress urinary incontinence. The treatment has few side effects and significantly improved symptoms, with 76.5% of patients reporting a reduction in stress leaks at 12 months.

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.

Gladstone scientists identify key factors in heart cell creation

Researchers have identified three genetic factors that can turn non-muscle cells into beating heart cells, providing a significant breakthrough in understanding how to repair damaged hearts. The discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches using stem cells.

Obesity associated with higher risk for urinary tract infections

A study published by the American Urological Association found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of urinary tract infections. Morbidly obese patients were most at risk, highlighting the importance of urologic care for individuals with elevated body mass indexes.

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.

Long-term complications of melamine consumption in children

Long-term studies found that melamine consumption increases the risk of developing kidney stones in children, particularly between six months to 18 months old. Non-invasive treatment can effectively manage these complications with a high success rate.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.