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Science News for August 19, 2009


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Rich interaction' may make computers a partner, not a product

Researchers develop algorithms that allow end users to ask computers why they made mistakes, read their responses, and explain why those were errors. This 'meaningful' interaction enables computers to customize themselves to users and perform better in the future.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateAug 19, 2009

Novel polymer could improve protein-based drugs

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new approach to attach polymers to proteins, improving their circulation and efficacy in animal models. The new conjugates showed longer half-lives and remained active for up to 18 hours, potentially reducing toxic effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2009

A safe approach to nanotechnology

Researchers developed a non-toxic method to synthesize zinc oxide nanorods using water and ultrasound. The approach produces uniform nanorods of 30-100 nm in diameter, suitable for large-scale production. It enables safe use in medical applications, food products, dentistry, and electronics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanoparticles·DateAug 19, 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.

Painless 'microneedle' patch may take the sting out of shots

Scientists have designed a painless microneedle patch that can deliver vaccines and medications through the skin, offering a potential solution to painful injections. The patch uses tiny 'microneedles' to improve treatment of diseases such as diabetes and macular degeneration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 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.

Nurses in Africa know when to start antiretroviral treatment

Researchers found moderate to perfect agreement between nurses' and doctors' ART recommendations, suggesting increased investment in training non-physician clinicians to deliver therapy. This shift could fill a gap in rural areas where physicians are scarce, improving access to HIV/AIDS treatment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalHuman Resources for Health·DateAug 19, 2009

LIGO listens for gravitational echoes of the birth of the universe

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration have set the most stringent limits yet on the amount of gravitational waves that could have come from the Big Bang. The analysis of data taken over a two-year period has constrained current theories about universe formation, including models of cosmic strings and superstrings.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 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.

Nonprofit nursing homes provide better care, major study finds

A major statistical review of 82 studies found that nonprofit nursing homes deliver higher quality care than for-profit homes, with benefits including more staff, lower rates of bedsores and restraints. The findings have significant patient-care implications and raise concerns about the role of for-profit firms in U.S. health reform.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·DateAug 19, 2009

MSU scientists: Progesterone leads to inflammation

Progesterone exposure may increase breast cancer risk by activating genes involved in cell adhesion, survival, and inflammation. The study reveals targets for future work in reducing progesterone's influence on breast cancer development.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateAug 19, 2009

Warning over codeine use after tonsillectomy

A recent report from the University of Western Ontario warns that codeine use after tonsillectomy can be deadly for some children due to ultra-rapid metabolism genotypes. The study highlights the need for cautious prescribing and monitoring of pain relief medication in these cases.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 19, 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.

Harvard study reveals taxing job-based health benefits would hit working families hardest

A new Harvard study finds that taxing employer-sponsored health insurance would disproportionately affect low-income families, taking up to 18.3% of their income, while high-income families face only a 2.7% tax rate. Single-payer national health insurance is proposed as a more affordable option for universal coverage.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 19, 2009

Bosses with 'green' values more likely to over-comply with environmental rules

A new study by Oregon State University professor JunJie Wu found that senior management's environmental values are a leading factor in firms' decisions to over-comply with environmental regulations. Facilities making products sold directly to consumers or offering services are less likely to violate regulations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateAug 19, 2009

Managing disasters with high-tech imaging could save lives

Researchers at RIT and UB are developing real-time information products to help emergency responders during disasters. The lab will focus on technology, policy, and business-development to create potential business opportunities for industry.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateAug 19, 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.

Shocking state of US health care shows achievement of universal health coverage not connected to GDP

Despite being one of the wealthiest nations, the US struggles with health coverage, with an estimated 47 million citizens lacking any coverage. In contrast, poorer countries like Costa Rica and Cuba have achieved impressive prepaid coverage. The authors argue that universal health financing schemes can improve social sectors like educa...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 19, 2009

Some aspects of birding not always environmentally friendly, professor says

Competitive birding practices like World Series of Birding and big-year birding can harm the environment by visiting polluted sites such as Superfund sites and landfills. Many birders prioritize species tracking over environmental conservation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·DateAug 19, 2009

Study reveals new metabolic safeguards against tumor cells

Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that separated cells lose energy-harvesting ability and eventually starve due to metabolic defects. Increasing antioxidant activity restores metabolic function, allowing cells to use alternative energy sources, raising the possibility of early-stage tumor cell survival.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 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.

UBC research pokes holes in Hubbard model

UBC researchers have found that single-band Hubbard physics fails to explain certain conditions in high-temperature superconductors. The study suggests new theoretical approaches may be needed, revealing potentially new or less-bizarre behavior.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 19, 2009

'Housekeeping' genes play important role in developmental pathways of cells

Researchers found that HPRT gene plays crucial role in regulating transcription factors' expression and development of neurons, supporting a possible link to Lesch Nyhan disease. The study provides first direct experimental support for HPRT's involvement in neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateAug 19, 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.

New robot-assisted surgical method found successful for treatment of thyroid cancer

A new robot-assisted endoscopic technique successfully treated 200 consecutive patients with thyroid cancer, offering safer and easier operations with minimal scarring. The minimally invasive procedure uses the da Vinci Surgical System to remove part or all of the thyroid gland with less risk of complications.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 19, 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.

Rice tapped for role in computing research center

Rice University will lead a multi-university Center for Domain-Specific Computing with UCLA, Ohio State, and UC Santa Barbara to develop high-performance computing for medical imaging. The project aims to create energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions for preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.

SourceRice University·DateAug 19, 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.

Kinetic variable most useful for identifying malignant MRI-detected breast lesions identified

Researchers found that the 'washout' curve type is most predictive of malignancy, with 45.7% of lesions with this pattern being malignant compared to 20% with a plateau and 13.3% with persistent enhancement. The study suggests that kinetic features in breast MRI assessment can help determine whether a lesion needs biopsying.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 19, 2009

Case Western Reserve University receives $4M from the NIBIB

The Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences will provide three Technology Cores to support the study of proteins and nucleic acids. The center's facilities will enable researchers to understand the structure and function of proteins, including in vivo studies, as well as investigate the role of metal atoms in proteins.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 19, 2009

Living longer and happier

MU researchers discovered a 'longevity' gene that energizes mice during exercise, potentially applicable to humans. The gene removes toxic free radicals from mitochondria, improving life quality and treating diseases like muscular dystrophy and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 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.

Breakthrough uses light to manipulate cell movement

Researchers develop a new technique using light to control protein behavior in cells and animals, enabling precise manipulation of cellular activity. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cancer spread and developing new treatments.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2009

American Society for Microbiology honors Anton Y. Peleg

Anton Y. Peleg receives the American Society for Microbiology's ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking work on carbapenemase genes, tigecycline resistance, and prokaryote-eukaryote interactions in multidrug-resistant bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateAug 19, 2009

Flying by the skin of our teeth

A study by Prof. Herzl Chai and colleagues reveals that teeth's wavy hierarchy and micro-cracking mechanism can inspire stronger composites for planes and aerospace engineering. Dental specialists can also use the research to create smarter crowns with improved durability.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2009
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

LSUHSC research discovers new targets for treatment of invasive breast cancer

Researchers at LSUHSC have identified miR-27b as a major player in the development of invasive breast cancer, found to stimulate cell growth and invasion. Meanwhile, ST14 gene suppresses tumor cell growth and may serve as an early detection marker for breast cancer.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 19, 2009

Pulmonary CT angiography identifies disease and injury beyond the pulmonary arteries in children

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT angiography can identify diseases and injuries beyond the pulmonary arteries in children. Researchers evaluated 89 CTA exams with suspected pulmonary embolism and found alternative diagnoses in 59% of cases, including pneumonia and atelectasis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 19, 2009

Targeted investments in climate science could present enormous economic savings across the globe

New research by the UK's National Centre for Atmospheric Science suggests that targeted investments in climate science can improve climate predictions by 10-20% globally and up to 20% in specific regions. This could lead to significant economic savings by reducing the costs of adapting to a changing climate.

SourceThe National Centre for Atmospheric Science·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 19, 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.

Pitt scientists find intrinsic changes in protein shape influence drug binding

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that proteins have an intrinsic ability to change shape, allowing them to select the structure that permits the best binding. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment of diseases by designing compounds that target specific protein structures.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 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.

Tumor size and level of visceral pleura invasion can impact survival of NSCLC patients

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that tumor size and level of visceral pleura invasion significantly impact the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,700 surgical resection cases and divided patients into nine groups based on tumor size and VPI.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 19, 2009

Longitudinal study investigates cocaine's impact on adolescent development

A longitudinal study of nearly 400 teens, half of whom were prenatally exposed to cocaine, will investigate the association between prenatal exposure and substance use, sex, and delinquent behaviors. The study aims to understand how environmental factors shape developmental outcomes and inform targeted therapeutic interventions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 19, 2009

Major insights into evolution of life reported by UCLA molecular biologist

Prokaryotes can exchange genes and merge without losing their cell membranes, a process called endosymbiosis. UCLA molecular biologist James A. Lake discovered the first exclusively prokaryote endosymbiosis, which led to the evolution of double-membrane prokaryotes that produced oxygen through photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2009

Water in mantle may be associated with subduction

Researchers at Oregon State University have created a global three-dimensional map of electrical conductivity in the Earth's mantle, indicating areas of high conductivity coincide with subduction zones. The model suggests that water drawn downward during subduction processes may be responsible for enhanced conductivity in these areas.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2009

Gravitational Wave Observatory listens for echoes of universe's birth

A new analysis by LIGO and Virgo Collaborations has set the most stringent limits yet on gravitational waves from the Big Bang, offering insight into the universe's earliest history. The study constrains models of cosmic strings and provides new constraints on the behavior of the infant universe.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 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.

Watching stem cells repair the human brain

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have successfully tracked bone marrow stem cells as they repair damaged brain tissue in a live animal model of Huntington's disease. The innovative use of MRI tracking enables the monitoring of cell viability and migration towards diseased areas, paving the way for potential therapy.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalStem Cells·DateAug 19, 2009

Anti-aging gene linked to high blood pressure

Researchers discovered a link between the anti-aging gene klotho and reduced high blood pressure, reversing kidney damage. The study shows that increasing klotho expression can lower blood pressure for at least 12 weeks and potentially prevent hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 19, 2009