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Science News for April 8, 2009


NCAR tests system to steer drivers away from dangerous weather

The system gathers detailed info about weather and road conditions from moving vehicles, providing critical alerts to drivers. The goal is to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths by giving drivers timely warnings about nearby hazards.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateApr 8, 2009

Vitamin D deficiency related to increased inflammation in healthy women

Researchers discovered a correlation between low vitamin D levels and elevated serum TNF-α concentrations, indicating increased inflammation. The study's findings suggest that vitamin D plays a role in preventing inflammatory diseases, including heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Inflammation·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceMarketing Science Institute·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2009

Scientists identify key gene that protects against leukemia

Researchers discovered the JunB gene's role in regulating hematopoietic stem cells, which produce blood cells. The study suggests that JunB can help prevent leukemia by limiting cell proliferation and differentiation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of School Health·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceAutoimmunity Research Foundation·JournalAutoimmunity Reviews·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Private Law·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2009
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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Denver·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2009

Wristbands ease nausea with cancer treatment

Researchers found that acupressure wristbands reduced nausea by 23.8% in cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment, with no difference between the two wristband groups.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateApr 8, 2009

Prune juice not necessary: New research should make bowel movements easier

Researchers have discovered a group of nerve ending receptors and chemicals that can activate them, providing a blueprint for the development of new laxatives. This breakthrough has the potential to make bowel movements easier, especially for infants and the elderly.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2009

Research could lead to new non-antibiotic drugs to counter hospital infections

Research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveals the mineral phosphate plays a crucial role in its deadly behavior, potentially leading to new treatments that disarm the pathogen without killing it. Excess phosphate can mitigate harm caused by activated P. aeruginosa, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMethods·DateApr 8, 2009
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.

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2009

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 8, 2009

ISU researcher identifies protein that concentrates carbon dioxide in algae

A team of researchers has identified a key protein in microalgae that concentrates CO2 for improved photosynthesis and growth. This breakthrough could lead to increased productivity in biofuel production and improved crop yields in plants such as rice and wheat.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2009

Heartburn medications do not ease asthma symptoms

A new study by the American Lung Association found that heartburn medication does not help control asthma symptoms in adults with poorly controlled asthma and no significant heartburn symptoms. Despite using a high dose of esomeprazole, participants showed no improvement in asthma episodes or control.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

Study: Treatment for acid reflux does not improve asthma

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that proton pump inhibitors do not improve asthma control in patients with persistent acid reflux. Researchers examined 402 adults with asthma over 24 weeks and found no benefits from treatment, saving patients unnecessary costs and potential side effects.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2009

Purple does not stand for prevention in asthma

A 20-center study of 402 patients with poorly controlled asthma found that proton pump inhibitors did not improve asthma control, despite previous beliefs about their role. In fact, half the patients showed excess acid in their gastrointestinal tract, but heartburn medications had no effect.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2009

Drug shows activity in men with advanced prostate cancer

Researchers found that two novel compounds, RD162 and MDV3100, inhibit the androgen receptor function in CRPC cells, leading to declining PSA levels in men. The study's findings also showed that these agents showed activity in CRPC cells in culture and in mice.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateApr 8, 2009

Biomedical researchers invited to design experiments for the International Space Station

The NIH-NASA partnership aims to facilitate biomedical research on the International Space Station, addressing pressing health questions through unique microgravity conditions. Biomedical experiments will focus on bone and muscle deterioration, infectious disease, cancer growth, and more, with the goal of improving human health on Earth.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateApr 8, 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.

Community provides essential support to military families

A new article in Family Relations explores the concept of community capacity building to provide essential support to military families. The framework outlines a collaborative approach to connecting isolated families with support services, enhancing family strengths and preventing stressful experiences from becoming crises.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateApr 8, 2009

Ancient diatoms lead to new technology for solar energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new way to create dye-sensitized solar cells using ancient diatoms, which can potentially triple the electrical output. The technology uses environmentally benign materials and works well in lower light conditions, offering advances in manufacturing simplicity and efficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 8, 2009