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Science News Archive August 2009


Page 1 of 22

No such thing as ethnic groups, genetically speaking

Researchers discovered that genetic differences exist more within Central Asian ethnic groups than between them, indicating a constructed social system rather than common ancestry. This challenges traditional notions of ethnicity and highlights the importance of analyzing genetic data in understanding ethnological issues.

Are intravenous treatments safe? New research raises doubts

Researchers have identified a contaminant in common intravenous treatments that can trigger life-threatening inflammation in critically ill patients. Advanced glycation end products, found in albumin infusion solutions, can cause significant inflammation and death rates in mice, suggesting the need for improved patient outcomes.

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.

Moths cloaked in color

A new revision of the Dioptinae subfamily sheds light on the diversity of tropical moth species, revealing a unique story of parallel evolution. The study found that around 500 species evolved from a common ancestor into diverse butterfly mimics, with some feeding on toxic plants to gain protection.

New strategies for reperfusion therapy

A new trial aims to determine the best strategy for patients who cannot receive primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) by investigating early fibrinolysis with mandated angiography. The study seeks to clarify whether this approach can achieve comparable outcomes to P-PCI.

The link between weight and importance

A study published in Psychological Science found that carrying a heavy clipboard increased volunteers' judgment of the value of foreign currencies and the importance of social justice issues. The researchers propose that this effect may be linked to embodied cognition, where bodily experiences shape mental processes.

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.

Open source DNA

A new mathematical formula and software solution ensure the protection of individual identities in genetic research studies. This allows researchers to access valuable DNA information while maintaining privacy, potentially leading to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

Aspirin works for primary prevention in moderate and high risk diabetics

Recent studies suggest that aspirin may not provide significant benefits for primary prevention in all diabetics. However, the European Society of Cardiology recommends its use for individuals with a high cardiovascular risk profile. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of myocardial infarctions and strokes in this population, par...

$30 million grant to enhance world's largest open computing network

The University of Chicago will expand and extend TeraGrid until 2011 with a $30 million National Science Foundation grant. This enhancement will provide access to extremely powerful supercomputers and ultra-high-speed networks for leading-edge scientific discovery and education.

Yerkes researchers show early life nurturing impacts later life relationships

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center studied the impact of early social experience on adult bonding behaviors in prairie voles. They found that pups raised by single mothers or both parents exhibited different levels of care and social behavior, with significant influences on long-term relationships.

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.

Cigarettes, not Swedish snuff linked to increased risk of MS

A study published in Neurology found that smoking cigarettes significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, particularly in women. In contrast, using Swedish snuff was not associated with an elevated risk for MS. The researchers suggest that nicotine may not be the primary substance responsible for the increased risk.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Platinum nanocatalyst could aid drugmakers

Rice University chemists have developed a polymer-coated platinum-gold nanorod catalyst that can be used in organic solvents favored by the chemical and drug industries. The coated particles exhibit nearly 100% catalytic selectivity, making them attractive to industry.

Breast cancer intervention reduces depression, inflammation

Researchers at Ohio State University found that a psychological therapy significantly relieved depressive symptoms and reduced markers of inflammation in breast cancer patients. The study published in Psychosomatic Medicine showed that treating depression can also lead to less inflammation, highlighting the importance of including psyc...

Contribution of clinical breast examination to breast cancer screening

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that adding clinical breast examination to mammography improves breast cancer detection rates and sensitivities, but also leads to higher false-positive rates. The study used a cohort of over 290,000 women screened between 2002 and 2003.

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.

Family stability may be more crucial than 2 parents for child success

A new study by Ohio State University researcher Claire Kamp Dush found that children from stable single-parent homes perform similarly to those in married households in terms of academic abilities and behavior problems. The key factor for many children is growing up in a stable household, regardless of family structure.

Can we change society?

The role of society in preventing chronic diseases such as CVD is crucial. Governments, industries, and civil society must collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles and environments. The impact of societal changes on health outcomes has been observed in countries like Finland, where CVD mortality has decreased by over 70%.

Results from the TRIANA trial

The TRIANA trial found primary angioplasty superior to thrombolysis in treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients aged 75 or older. Primary angioplasty showed a significantly lower need for recurrent cardiac ischemia and comparable outcomes compared to thrombolysis.

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.

Acute impact on brain function in earthquake survivors

Researchers found significant alterations in brain function similar to posttraumatic stress disorders shortly after the Wenchuan earthquake. Hyperactivity in certain areas and decreased functional connectivity were observed, suggesting a need for early treatment and potential long-term psychological impact.

Rhode Island Hospital awarded $11 million, 5-year renewal

The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence at Rhode Island Hospital has received a $11 million NIH grant to fund its cancer research program. The center will focus on generating new avenues of research, including the identification of biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic potential in cancer.

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.

Infective endocarditis: An old but changing disease

The new European Society of Cardiology guidelines update the treatment approach for infective endocarditis, emphasizing a multidisciplinary care team and earlier surgery. The guidelines also reduce antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk dental procedures and highlight the importance of echocardiography in diagnosis and management.

New family care model aids at-risk families

A new family care model called I-FAST aims to assist families dealing with severe emotional and behavioral issues in their children and adolescents. The model empowers agencies to develop their own home-based treatment protocols, reducing reliance on out-of-home placements and support.

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.

Signs of ideal surfing conditions spotted in ocean of solar wind

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a new type of turbulence in the solar wind that enables plasma particles to exchange energy without collisions. This finding has significant implications for fusion power development and could provide insights into energy dissipation in solar system-sized plasmas.

Scientists from University of Hawaii at Manoa find genetic marker

A new genetic marker associated with ovarian cancer risk was discovered by a research group led by scientists from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The marker is present among 32% of women and contributes an estimated 0.7% to ovarian cancer risk, particularly for serous carcinoma subtype.

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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that a Mediterranean-style diet was more effective in managing type 2 diabetes than a low-fat diet, with patients on the Mediterranean diet requiring less medication and experiencing greater weight loss. Additionally, retail clinics were shown to provide quality care at lower costs compared to urgent care centers and ...

Results from NORDISTEMI

The NORDISTEMI study found that patients in rural areas with long transfer delays experience improved treatment outcomes with thrombolysis followed by immediate angiography. The results suggest an early invasive strategy may be preferable to conservative management, reducing the risk of death, reinfarction, or stroke.

Children are not the only ones in the game when it comes to sports

A study by Purdue University researchers found that parents of children participating in organized team sports experience improved spousal communication, time management skills, and even develop new friendships. The research also highlighted the emotional connection between parents and their children's sports experiences.

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.

Shift in age distribution of dengue fever in Thailand explained

A study analyzing Thai data found that reduced birth rates and changes in population demographics are linked to the increase in average age of dengue cases. This shift has implications for clinical management and vaccine development, particularly as more adults become part of the case mix.

Planned home birth with registered midwife as safe as hospital birth

A study published in CMAJ found that planned home births attended by registered midwives have a similar risk of infant death to planned hospital births. Women who planned home births had lower rates of obstetric interventions and adverse outcomes, including reduced risk of cesarean sections, epidural analgesia, and infection.

First results from the ISAR-TEST-4 study

The ISAR-TEST-4 study found that biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents are non-inferior to permanent polymer-based DES in preventing cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and revascularisation. The results indicate a comparable one-year clinical efficacy of the biodegradable polymer rapamycin-eluting stent.

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.

Family, friends may impact breast cancer surgery decision, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women's decisions on breast cancer surgery are often influenced by family and friends. The study discovered that when patients take a more active role in decision-making, they are more likely to choose mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery.

Childhood obesity: The increasing vascular drama

A study of obese children found pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, and reduced HDL cholesterol levels, indicating impaired endothelial function. The degree of obesity correlated with vessel dysfunction, and self-healing capacity was compromised. These findings suggest a high risk of cardiovascular disease in young adults.

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.

Silk-based optical waveguides meet biomedical needs

Biocompatible silk-based optical waveguides have been developed to meet the growing need for photonic components in biomedical applications. These waveguides are fabricated using direct ink writing and can be readily functionalized with active molecules.

Results from a GRACE registry study

The GRACE registry study analyzed 43,018 ACS patients to determine the optimal revascularisation strategy for unprotected left main coronary disease. PCI is now the most common revascularisation strategy, preferred in higher-risk patients, while CABG is often delayed and associated with the best 6-month survival.

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.

The effect of economic recessions on population health

Despite high GDP per capita, developed countries experience lower life expectancy and poor health outcomes. In contrast, countries with strong social safety nets and labor protection show smaller health impacts during recessions.

APS Foundation awardees honored at 2009 annual meeting

The APS Foundation presented several monetary awards to recognize excellence in teaching, research, and international service. H. David Shew received the Lucy Hastings de Gutiérrez Award for Excellence in Teaching, while Andrew F. Bent won the Noel T. Keen Award for Research Excellence in Molecular Plant Pathology.