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Science News Archive April 2009 - Page 17


Page 17 of 24

Diet secrets of 'the Royals'

Researchers used GPS tracking collars and analyzed carbon isotopes in elephant tail hair to monitor the elephants' movements and diet. The study found that when rains begin, satellite measurements show increasing greenness as grasses grow, indicating peak levels of high-protein grass in the elephants' diet.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2009

For cancer cells, genetics alone is poor indicator for drug response

Scientists studying a new cancer treatment discovered that protein levels, not genetics, determine the effectiveness of the medication. This finding offers an alternative explanation to the cancer stem-cell hypothesis and holds promise for designing more effective anti-cancer treatments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2009

New insights into progressive hearing loss

A study found a microRNA gene, miR-96, associated with progressive hearing loss in humans and mice. The mutation disrupts the development of sensory hair cells, leading to dramatic loss of hearing.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 12, 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.

Active optical clock

Researchers have proposed a novel optical clock concept that enables more stable clocks, sub-natural linewidth laser spectroscopy, and long coherence time lasers. The lasing behavior of the active optical clock is described by the modified Schawlow-Townes linewidth formula, which narrows the linewidth due to collective emission from ga...

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateApr 12, 2009

UCSF team closer to creating safe embryonic-like stem cells

Scientists have developed a new method to create safe and effective embryonic-like stem cells using tiny molecules called microRNAs. This breakthrough technology eliminates the risks associated with traditional DNA-based methods, making it a promising step towards regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 12, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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.

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

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
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.

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

Avotermin could give accelerated and permanent improvement in scarring

Researchers found that avotermin improved scar appearance by an average of five points at six months and eight points by month 12 in two studies. The treatment also showed a significant improvement in the structure of healed skin, with 60% of scars demonstrating less abnormal collagen fibre orientation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 9, 2009
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Scorpion biodiversity

A study in Evolution Canyon, Israel, shows that scorpion species exhibit different distributions on the south-facing and north-facing slopes, despite identical regional geology. The results suggest that environmental pressures, such as sunlight and drought, can lead to local changes in biodiversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 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.

The impact of 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake -- 20 years later

The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake had a profound societal impact, transforming earthquake sciences and engineering. The event led to improved understanding of earthquake processes and triggered major changes in building codes and disaster response.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 9, 2009

ARVO 2009 award recipients

This year's Proctor Medal recipient, Joe G. Hollyfield, is recognized for his research on drusen and age-related macular degeneration. Samuel Wu receives the Friedenwald Award for pioneering retinal signaling process systems.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·DateApr 9, 2009

New drug shows promise in treating drug-resistant prostate cancer

A new therapy for metastatic prostate cancer has shown considerable promise in early clinical trials involving patients whose disease has become resistant to current drugs. Researchers have developed a novel compound, MDV3100, which blocks the androgen receptor in CRPC cells, lowering PSA levels and reducing tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2009

Early administration of antiretroviral therapy can improve survival

A study published in The Lancet found that early antiretroviral treatment can significantly improve survival rates among HIV-positive patients. By initiating treatment when CD4 cell counts fall between 351 and 450 cells/µL, the risk of AIDS development and death was reduced by 28%.

SourceIDIBAPS - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 9, 2009
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.

More women with early stage breast cancer choosing double mastectomies

A recent study found a 188% increase in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) between 1998 and 2005. The surgery is typically recommended for women with invasive breast cancer, but not for those with DCIS, which has a 98-99% 10-year survival rate.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 9, 2009

First results from Penn's balloon-borne telescope BLAST

The study confirms individual galaxies are source of Far Infrared Background, a decade-old question answered. BLAST's submillimeter survey uncovers dust-enshrouded galaxies with properties deciphered through multi-wavelength data.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2009

Public trust doctrine could aid management of US oceans

Establishing a public trust doctrine for federal waters could provide a practical legal framework for regulating ocean-based commerce while protecting marine species and habitats. The doctrine would obliges governments to manage natural resources in the best interests of citizens, without sacrificing future generations' needs.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2009
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.

MIT: How you feel the world impacts how you see it

Researchers found that visual motion influences tactile motion, and vice versa, using a unique tactile stimulator. This discovery suggests overlapping neural circuits for sensory processing.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 9, 2009

Human ES cells progress slowly in myelin's direction

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin successfully generated human embryonic stem cells that can produce myelin, a finding with potential for both basic and clinical research. The process takes 14 weeks compared to 2 weeks for mouse ES cells.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateApr 9, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA twin spacecraft may reveal secret of Moon's origin

Stereo will use a wide-field-of-view telescope to search for asteroids orbiting the region, which could be leftovers from a Mars-sized planet that formed billions of years ago. The mission aims to provide three-dimensional views of space weather and study its effects on Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 9, 2009

Physicists discover important step for making light crystals

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a method to compress atoms in an optical lattice until heat is squeezed out and into a surrounding ultra-cold Bose-Einstein condensate, which can absorb and evaporate the heat away. This new approach aims to overcome temperature as a bottleneck for the creation of light crystals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 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.

The 'myths' of Coca-Cola

A recent editorial in The Lancet critiques Coca-Cola's marketing tactics, drawing parallels with the tobacco industry. The company is accused of using celebrity endorsements and blaming shifting to avoid responsibility for its products' impact on health.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 9, 2009

Device protects transplanted pancreatic cells from the immune system

Scientists have developed a device that protects transplanted pancreatic precursor cells from the immune system, allowing them to mature into functional beta cells. This breakthrough approach could alleviate the need for long-term immunosuppression in cell transplantation therapy.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalTransplantation·DateApr 9, 2009

Monitoring Yellowstone earthquake swarms

A massive earthquake swarm in Yellowstone National Park was analyzed by SSA researchers, revealing epicenter migration and sudden depth changes. The study suggests that hydrothermal fluids may be responsible for the swarm's source properties.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 9, 2009

Cloud computing brings cost of protein research down to Earth

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin developed a set of free tools called ViPDAC to combine with Amazon's cloud computing service, providing inexpensive processing time for proteomics data analysis. This makes it possible for more users to analyze their data in greater depth and learn more about the systems they're studying.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 9, 2009
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.

Stem cell therapy makes cloudy corneas clear, according to Pitt researchers

A study by Pitt researchers found that injecting human corneal stem cells into mice with scarred and hazy eyes restored transparency. The cells were able to remodel scar-like tissue back to normal, suggesting a potential treatment for corneal blindness and vision impairment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalStem Cells·DateApr 9, 2009

Novel method predicts impact of a covert anthrax release

A new statistical method estimates the source location and geographic extent of an aerosolized anthrax release based on early cases and weather information. This enables public health decision makers to identify people at risk and treat them promptly to save lives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 9, 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.