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Science News for April 6, 2009


Stem cell innovation at risk

The University of Nottingham's studies found that improved collaboration with clinicians, better funding, and regulatory certainty are crucial for stem cell therapy success. The industry is at risk of market failure due to structural barriers within the NHS.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateApr 6, 2009

Obesity rates differ among racial/ethnic groups in kids as young as 4

A new study found that obesity prevalence differs among racial and ethnic groups in US children as young as 4, with American Indian/Native Alaskan children being twice as likely to be obese as white and Asian children. An estimated 18.4% of 4-year-olds are considered obese.

SourceOhio State University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009

Researchers regenerate axons necessary for voluntary movement

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have clearly shown regeneration of critical nerve fibers required for voluntary movement. The breakthrough uses genetically engineered neurons to over-express receptors for BDNF, enabling corticospinal axon regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 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.

The fragility of the world's coral is revealed through a study of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

A recent study by researchers from UC Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis has shed light on how to effectively manage the world's endangered coral reef ecosystems. The study reveals that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, a vast area stretching over 1,200 miles, are highly vulnerable to human-induced t...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCoral Reefs·DateApr 6, 2009

Stem cell therapy grows new blood vessels

Research led by David Hess identified how to use bone marrow stem cells to grow new blood vessels in mice with ligated leg arteries. These pro-angiogenic stem cells have a natural ability to induce blood vessel repair and improve blood flow in ischemic limbs.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalBlood·DateApr 6, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NOAA: National tornado experiment to begin in May

The Verification of Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment 2 (VORTEX2 or V2) will study the origins, structure, and evolution of tornadoes from May 10 to June 13. Data collected will help researchers understand how tornadoes form and improve forecasts.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateApr 6, 2009

Rare window on spinal muscular atrophy genetics

Researchers analyzed human muscle tissue from SMA patients to understand transcriptional changes. The study found distinct expression signatures for severe and mild forms of SMA, revealing different phases of atrophy and hypertrophy in muscles affected by each form.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009

Children with low self-control more likely to become overweight preteens

Research suggests that young children who struggle with self-regulation are more likely to gain weight and develop obesity by their pre-teen years. Studies found that children with limited ability to delay gratification were 29% more likely to be overweight at age 11.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 6, 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.

Australia, India, New Zealand join integrated ocean drilling program

The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program has expanded its international support with the addition of Australia, India, and New Zealand as Associate Members. These countries will contribute scientists to upcoming expeditions, expanding research opportunities in climate change, geodynamics, and marine biology.

SourceIntegrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International·DateApr 6, 2009

States that vote early can reap big bucks if they pick a winner

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that states holding early presidential primaries or caucuses receive more federal procurement funding per capita if they back the eventual winner. The earlier a state votes, however, the smaller the benefit for backing a losing candidate.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateApr 6, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

JCI online early table of contents: April 6, 2009

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a signaling pathway that initiates the flushing response associated with nicotinic acid. Analysis of human cell lines revealed that beta-arrestin proteins play a key role in this process, which may be targeted to prevent side effects while maintaining therapeutic benefits. I...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2009

Avastin effective at delaying brain tumor progression in recurrent disease

Researchers at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance found Avastin to be effective in delaying brain tumor progression and improving quality of life for patients with recurrent Grade 3 brain tumors. The treatment improved survival time while reducing the impact of steroids on patients, who experienced a marked improvement in their condition.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateApr 6, 2009

Study reveals potential to amass more carbon in eastern North American forests

Researchers found that temperate forests in eastern North America can store more carbon than previously believed, with potential to accumulate up to two-fold higher than current estimates. The study suggests that forest management practices may be more important than intrinsic limits on carbon storage.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009

MIT: Cooperative behavior meshes with evolutionary theory

A team of MIT researchers used game theory to study cooperative behavior in yeast, finding that individual benefit can outweigh costs and lead to successful competition against non-cooperators. The study offers a concrete example of how cooperative behaviors can be compatible with evolutionary theory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

Major breakthrough in transplantation immunity

Researchers have successfully tested a method to adjust the immune system to accept transplanted cells as 'self' in mice. The complex combines IL-2 with an antibody to stimulate T regulatory cells, boosting specific populations and subduing others.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009

Evolution-proof insecticides may stall malaria forever

Researchers have discovered a new approach to controlling malaria by killing only older mosquitoes, reducing the selection for resistant insects. This method could lead to evolution-proof insecticides that never become obsolete, saving millions of dollars in development costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 6, 2009

3-year-olds get the point

Research reveals that 3-year-olds, dogs, and young children share similar social environments, leading to comparable understanding of human gestures. 3-year-olds rely on the index finger's direction to locate hidden objects, while 2-year-olds and dogs respond to protruding body parts.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateApr 6, 2009

Gene helps protect tumor suppressor in breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a gene that helps protect PTEN, a major tumor-suppressor protein, from degradation in breast cancer. Rak's protective effect is linked to its ability to stabilize PTEN protein, preventing breast cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

Sun Dial uses mobile phones to alert Muslims to prayer

Researchers developed Sun Dial to help Muslim users determine prayer times, finding imagery-based prompts more appealing than text-based options. The app aims to enhance the religious experience by reminding users of their community ties.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 6, 2009

Biology of flushing could renew niacin as cholesterol drug

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have identified the molecular pathways triggered by niacin, which could lead to a revival of niacin-based treatments for cholesterol. The discovery suggests that a 'biased ligand' could be developed to target the beneficial effects of niacin while minimizing its flushing side effect.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2009

2 nondrug treatments appear to reduce depression after heart surgery

Cognitive behavior therapy and supportive stress management show promise in treating depression after CABG surgery, with significant differences found between treatment groups and usual care. These non-pharmacological interventions are more effective than usual care for treating depression after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 6, 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.

New head-to-head clinical studies reveal Reach Ultraclean toothbrush and floss deliver superior plaque removal compared to leading competitive products

New head-to-head clinical studies reveal that Reach Ultraclean Toothbrush and Floss outperform leading products in plaque removal. The studies found that Reach Ultraclean Floss removes up to two times more plaque than Glide floss products, while the toothbrush provides improved gum health and removes 90% of hard-to-reach plaque.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateApr 6, 2009

AGU journal highlights -- April 6, 2009

Recent research reveals a 'pacemaker' climate shift mode controlling global temperature changes. Meanwhile, natural ocean 'thermostats' for Pacific reefs are disputed, suggesting underreported bleaching events. Space dust also interacts with the atmosphere, vaporizing and leaving behind high-altitude metal ions and molecules.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2009

Simple bedside test improves diagnosis of chronic back pain, could guide treatment

A simple bedside test developed by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers accurately distinguishes neuropathic pain from other types of chronic back pain. The Standardized Evaluation of Pain (StEP) assessment is a low-tech approach that outperforms existing screening tests and even MR imaging in identifying underlying pain mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 6, 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.

New risk variant for atopic dermatitis identified

Researchers have identified a gene variant on chromosome 11 that is linked to an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The study found that this variant is also associated with Crohn's disease and affects approximately 36% of the European population.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 6, 2009

Link between widely used osteoporosis drugs and heart problems probed

Researchers found a significant increase in serious heart rhythm disturbances associated with bisphosphonate therapy. However, non-serious cases showed no overall increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study urges additional investigations to determine the link between the two conditions.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalDrug Safety·DateApr 6, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine propose an intensive disease management approach to help smokers quit successfully, including repeated or intensive interventions that include pharmacotherapy and counseling. The studies also suggest targeting healthier older patients with colorectal cancer screening and using LD...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009

Is there a seat of wisdom in the brain?

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have reviewed the neurobiology of wisdom, identifying key brain regions involved in its attributes such as empathy, compassion and emotional stability. The study suggests an optimal balance between primitive and pre-frontal cortex brain regions may enhance wisdom.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

Broccoli sprouts may prevent stomach cancer by defeating Helicobacter pylori

Researchers found that eating broccoli sprouts daily for eight weeks significantly reduced Helicobacter pylori infection levels in humans. This reduction is expected to lead to a decrease in stomach cancer risk due to the well-established cause-and-effect link between H. pylori and stomach cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateApr 6, 2009

Researchers develop new way to see single RNA molecules inside living cells

Biomedical engineers have developed a new probe that allows visualization of single RNA molecules within live cells, enabling scientists to study RNA's operation and interaction with binding proteins. The tool overcomes issues with fluorescent probes, allowing for hours-long imaging and distinguishing between targeted and unbound probes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 6, 2009

New Arctic satellite data shows Arctic literally on thin ice

New Arctic satellite data shows a decade-long trend of shrinking sea ice extent, with thinner ice replacing older, thicker ice. The maximum sea ice extent for 2008-09 was 5.85 million square miles, 278,000 square miles below the average for 1979 to 2000.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

Hollow mask illusion fails to fool schizophrenia patients

Patients with schizophrenia can correctly identify a 'hollow mask' illusion, which may be related to their brains disconnecting visual information from internal thoughts. The study also found that cannabis users are less deceived by the illusion, suggesting a possible link between THC and brain connectivity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 6, 2009

New technique invented to reveal pancreatic stem cells

Researchers develop novel method to identify stem cells in pancreas, showing acinar cells produce digestive enzymes and may have carcinogenic properties. The breakthrough paves the way for further study on proliferation mechanisms and potential dangers of these cells.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009

You wear me out: Thinking of others causes lapses in our self-control

Research by Joshua M. Ackerman and John A. Bargh found that imagining another person's self-control can lead to a depletion of one's own self-control, causing impulsive behaviors like overspending. In experiments, participants who imagined exerting self-control in someone else performed worse on cognitive tasks after the simulation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

AIAA Journal of Energy commended by the Space Foundation

The AIAA Journal of Energy was commended by the Space Foundation for its role in disseminating NASA's aerodynamic vehicle design technology, which reduced drag and increased fuel efficiency. The journal's publication played a key role in widely adopting the technology in the trucking industry.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateApr 6, 2009

Device controls electron spin at room temperature

North Carolina State University scientists developed a GaMnN thin film-based device that manipulates both charge and spin of electrons at room temperature, surpassing previous devices which only functioned at -173°C. The new technology uses lower voltages to switch electron bias, improving semiconductor efficiency and speed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 6, 2009

Big belly and obesity linked to increased risk of restless legs syndrome

A new study found that men and women with a BMI score over 30 were nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to have RLS than those who were not obese. Additionally, people with the top 20% of waist circumference were more than one-and-a-half times more likely to have RLS than those in the bottom 20%

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 6, 2009

Gutsy germs succumb to baby broccoli

Eating two and a half ounces of baby broccoli sprouts daily for two months reduced HpSA levels by over 40% in infected individuals, suggesting potential protection against gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. However, the study did not cure infection or eradicate H. pylori colonization.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateApr 6, 2009

New pain assessment tool distinguishes between pain subtypes

A new standardized tool for assessing chronic pain has been developed and validated to differentiate between peripheral neuropathic pain and non-neuropathic low back pain. The tool, called STEP, takes just 10-15 minutes to administer and has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

A molecular ripcord for chemical reactions

The researchers used mechanical forces to control catalytic activity, initiating chemical reactions and creating a 'molecular ripcord' that can switch between dormant and active states. This discovery enables the creation of self-repairing materials that strengthen under mechanical stress.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 6, 2009

Ambati study published in PNAS

A new study by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati and colleagues found that the siRNA treatment is toxic to both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, with potential applications in cornea transplantation and treatment of lymphatic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

Heart Failure Congress 2009

The European Society of Cardiology reports that heart failure is the most prevalent chronic cardiac condition in Europe, with 30 million cases identified. Recent improvements in diagnosis and treatment have led to a significant reduction in mortality rates, but challenges persist in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 6, 2009

James Crivello given top honor for polymer research by ACS

James Crivello, a prominent polymer researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been awarded the Herman F. Mark Senior Scholar Award by the ACS. His groundbreaking research on novel polymers and innovative applications in energy conservation, coating, and composites has earned him this prestigious recognition.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

Young adults at future risk of Alzheimer's have different brain activity, says study

A new study by scientists from Imperial College London and University of Oxford found that young adults with a genetic variant associated with Alzheimer's Disease exhibit changes in brain activity decades before any symptoms appear. The researchers used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to compare the brains of healthy young...

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009