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Science News Archive April 2009 - Page 7


Page 7 of 24

UCSF HIV/AIDS training program successfully promotes diversity

The UCSF Visiting Professor Program has provided training and mentoring to 40 visiting professors from minority universities, resulting in over $50 million in research funding and 425 scientific publications. The program accelerates careers and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention research.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 23, 2009

Chromosome breakpoints contribute to genetic variation

Breakpoint regions on chromosomes contain a higher density of genes and are more susceptible to breakage, leading to genetic variation. The study found that rearrangements in these regions can lead to new sources of variation, potentially subject to natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 23, 2009

Completed cattle genome could improve beef and dairy production

The complete cattle genome has been sequenced and annotated, providing unique insight into the biology and evolution of cattle. This breakthrough research could lead to significant improvements in beef and dairy production, including increased milk production, disease resistance, and meat quality.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2009

Ultrasound changes care of some patients with rheumatic conditions

A study found that ultrasound significantly changed management decisions for 50% of patients with rheumatic hand and foot conditions. Ultrasound increased certainty in clinical findings, ranging from 24% to 56%, and led to a decrease in the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for difficult-to-assess patients.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateApr 23, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Medicare policy may pose risks to black kidney patients

A recent study suggests that a change in Medicare reimbursement policy could disadvantage African American patients with kidney disease, who require more treatment with costly erythropoiesis stimulating agents. The new policy may create a

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 23, 2009

Living in history: How some historical events shape our memory

Researchers found that historically-defined autobiographical periods exist, but their formation depends on the intensity and novelty of public events. Public events like wars and natural disasters can categorize personal memories as 'emotionally charged' or 'epoch-defining', causing them to become entwined with history.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 23, 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.

Living outside the box: New evidence shows going abroad linked to creativity

New research by the American Psychological Association finds that living outside the box - literally - can boost creativity. Studies show that individuals who have spent time living abroad are more likely to come up with creative solutions to complex problems, such as a classic test of creative insight known as the Duncker candle problem.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 23, 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.

US shorts critical farm animal research, scientists say

A group of Michigan State University scientists warn that US farm animal research is facing a critical funding crisis, with only $32 million allocated from a $88 billion budget in 2007. This lack of funding threatens not only the research itself but also human health studies that rely on large-animal models.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2009

'Nonsurgical' method for chronic tendinosis of the Achilles tendon

Researchers have developed an alternative treatment method for chronic Achilles tendon tendinosis, with sonographically-guided debridement showing significant improvements in 60% of patients who had failed conservative treatments. The procedure encourages the body's natural repair process to heal damaged tendons.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateApr 23, 2009

First evidence for DNA-based vaccination against chronic hepatitis C

A DNA-based therapeutic vaccination has shown antiviral effects in patients with chronic hepatitis C, with 67% experiencing significant reductions in viral load. The vaccine, developed using naked DNA delivered by electroporation, was found to induce immune responses and activate the host T cell response in patients.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2009
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

'Sleep talking' PCs save energy and money

Researchers at UC San Diego and Microsoft Research have developed a plug-and-play hardware prototype called Somniloquy, which induces a new energy-saving state in personal computers. This allows PCs to save up to 80% of their energy consumption while still maintaining network presence and running well-defined application functions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 23, 2009

Early-stage lung cancer identified using computer-aided system

A computer-aided detection system has been shown to detect 45-55% of overlooked lung cancer nodules, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved survival rates. The study suggests that CAD software can assist radiologists in identifying subtle signs of early lung cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateApr 23, 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.

North America works to halt invasive species

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation releases guidelines to assess and mitigate the risks of aquatic invasive species, which can cause significant environmental harm and economic losses. The guidelines aim to promote preventive measures and harmonized actions among North American countries.

SourceCommission for Environmental Cooperation·DateApr 23, 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.

Scientists give a hand(edness) to the search for alien life

Researchers at NIST create device to detect chirality in molecules, which could indicate presence of life. The technique may be used to search for extraterrestrial life by analyzing light reflected from planetary surfaces.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2009

Researchers find medical inpatients with unhealthy alcohol use may benefit from brief intervention

A study at Boston University School of Medicine found that brief intervention improved outcomes for medical inpatients with non-dependent, unhealthy alcohol use, including reduced drinks per day and better physical health-related quality of life. However, the intervention had little effect on those with dependence, who experienced wors...

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateApr 23, 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.

Study rules out ancient bursts of seafloor methane emissions

Researchers confirm that major methane increases near the end of the last Ice Age were due to wetland growth and associated methane releases, not sudden bursts of seafloor methane. The study's findings provide a significant relief as they largely rule out massive seafloor hydrate deposits as a source of methane.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2009

Completed bovine genome sequence opens door to better cattle production

The completed bovine genome sequence provides new information about mammalian evolution, cattle genetics, and improved cattle production. Researchers identified genetic variation among different breeds of cattle, shedding light on the relationship between genes and meat quality.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2009

Wetlands likely source of methane from ancient warming event

Researchers found that a surge in atmospheric methane gas 11,600 years ago was more chemically consistent with an expansion of wetlands rather than a large-scale melting of frozen methane deposits. This discovery suggests that wetland regions may have played a significant role in regulating global warming during past events.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2009

Regulation of cell proliferation by the OGF-OGFr axis is dependent on nuclear localization signals

The Opioid Growth Factor (OGF) and its receptor (OGFr) play a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation by modulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. The study found that transport of OGFr into the nucleus required two out of three nuclear localization signals, highlighting the importance of this pathway in cancer treatment.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateApr 23, 2009
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.

Double-action power stations: Energy and hydrogen

Chemists have developed a catalyst to produce hydrogen and electricity simultaneously in existing gas power plants with minimal investment. The technology could ease the transition to a hydrogen economy by repurposing existing infrastructure.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateApr 23, 2009

Teleradiology offers CT colonography to rural areas

A study at the University of Arizona found that remote CT colonography is feasible in rural health centers using teleradiology. Technicians performed CTC exams on 86 patients and sent data to a local server for interpretation by an off-site radiologist.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateApr 23, 2009

More African-Americans die from causes that can be prevented or treated

A new study reveals that two-thirds of the racial gap in death rates among African Americans and Caucasians is due to preventable or treatable conditions. The major contributor to this disparity is conditions with effective treatments, such as stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.

SourceIQ Solutions, Inc.·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 23, 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.

Cattle genome sequencing milestone promises health benefits, researcher says

A recent cattle genome sequencing milestone has significant implications for human health research, revealing a closer genetic link between humans and cattle than previously thought. The study's findings suggest that milk evolved as an immune function, essential to the survival of newborn mammals, dating back over 160 million years.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2009

How late is too late to break bad habits?

A study of over 2,000 seniors found that quitting smoking can slow down gait and improve overall health. Changing bad habits such as poor food choices and lack of exercise can also have a significant impact on senior health.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·DateApr 23, 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.

Even modest exercise can reduce negative effects of belly fat

A new University of Illinois study suggests that moderate exercise can reduce visceral fat inflammation, even without a change in diet. The benefits were apparent in both short-term and long-term studies, with significant reductions in belly fat and improved insulin sensitivity found in mice.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateApr 23, 2009

Noninvasive test accurately identifies gynecologic malignancies

A noninvasive test using diffusion weighted MRI accurately identifies benign from malignant pelvic lymph nodes in patients with gynecologic malignancy. The test has a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 85%, making it a useful tool for determining the extent of cancer spread.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateApr 23, 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.

MIT: Jeremy Nathans to deliver Scolnick Prize lecture

Jeremy Nathans receives the Scolnick Prize for his groundbreaking work on color vision, brain development, and retinal disease. His research has led to significant insights into human blindness and the basis for many forms of color blindness.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·DateApr 23, 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.

Muscle deterioration in patients with lung disease seen connected to CO2

Researchers link muscle decline to elevated carbon dioxide in blood of patients with lung diseases, discovering surprising effects including increased lifespan and dynamic gene changes. High CO2 levels may impact treatment strategies for lung conditions.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2009

How cigarettes calm you down

Researchers found that nicotine alters brain areas involved in inhibiting negative emotions like anger, leading to reduced retaliation and increased cravings. The study supports the idea that individuals with an angry disposition are more susceptible to nicotine's effects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateApr 23, 2009

Scientists moving closer to 'artificial noses'

Researchers at LMU Munich have created a system of nanostrings made of non-conducting material, which can be individually electrically excited and produce thousands of strings on a small chip. This breakthrough could lead to the development of highly sensitive 'artificial noses' for detecting various molecules, including pollutants.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2009

EU supports future metrological research

The European Union has launched a €400 million research program to develop highly precise measurements in healthcare, energy, environmental and advanced technology sectors. The EMRP program aims to bring together the best minds from one research area, creating new foundations for metrology.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·DateApr 23, 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.

New cow genome sequence released

Scientists from the University of Maryland have published their assembly of the domestic cow genome, improving on previous versions in terms of completeness and accuracy. The new assembly is anchored onto chromosomes with around 91% of the genome placed correctly.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 23, 2009

A genomic CluE for cloud computing

Researchers at the University of Maryland are working on a project to analyze vast amounts of DNA sequencing data using remote computer clusters, also known as Cloud Computing. The goal is to determine whether this approach can be more cost-effective and efficient than traditional local clusters.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateApr 23, 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.