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Science News Archive August 2009


Page 22 of 22

Higher carbon dioxide may give pines competitive edge

A Duke University-led research team found that pine trees grown in air with one-and-a-half times the current carbon dioxide level produced twice as many high-quality seeds as those growing under normal conditions. This suggests some woody tree species could outcompete herbaceous plants in the future.

Maternal immunity not all good for a fetus

Researchers found that fetal immune cells eliminate transplanted allogeneic blood cells, but only triggered by maternal breast milk antibodies. This limits engraftment following in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Epilepsy halted in mice

Researchers at the University of Leeds have successfully prevented epilepsy in mice by identifying a faulty gene as the cause. The study, published in PNAS, offers irrefutable proof that a defective version of the Atp1a3 gene is responsible for causing epileptic seizures in mice.

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.

LSUHSC's Leigh 1 of only 10 RWJF health policy fellows

Janet Leigh, Chair of Oral Medicine and Radiology at LSUHSC New Orleans School of Dentistry, is a RWJF Health Policy Fellow. She will participate in the policy process at the federal level, accelerating her career as a leader in health policy.

Heavy drinkers face significantly increased cancer risk

A Montreal study links heavy consumption of beer and spirits to an increased risk of six different cancers, including oesophageal, colon, lung, pancreatic, liver, and prostate cancer. Heavy drinkers face a sevenfold increased risk of esophageal cancer and an 80% higher risk of colon cancer.

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.

Big cattle -- the genes that determine carcass weight

Researchers have identified a four-gene region on chromosome 6 that affects cattle carcass weight, known as the CW-2 genotype. This discovery could accelerate the breeding of meatier cattle by identifying genetic markers for selection.

Obesity is a poor gauge for detecting high cholesterol levels in children

A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.

Researchers effectively treat tumors with use of nanotubes

Researchers have discovered a way to effectively kill kidney tumors in nearly 80 percent of mice by injecting man-made nanotubes into the tumors and heating them with a laser. The study found that the higher the quantity of nanotubes injected, the longer the mice lived and the less tumor regrowth was seen.

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.

Regular yoga practice is associated with mindful eating

A study led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found that regular yoga practice is associated with mindful eating habits. People who eat mindfully tend to weigh less than those who don't, and mindful eating may play a key role in long-term weight maintenance.

New tool may help with early detection of deadly pancreatic cancer

A new diagnostic tool developed by Van Andel Research Institute has shown promising results in detecting pancreatic cancer more effectively. The method studies carbohydrate structures in the bloodstream and could lead to the development of blood tests that can detect cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heart disease patients with previous blockages more likely to die

A study of heart disease patients reveals those with prior atherosclerosis are more likely to die in the hospital and receive less recommended therapy. Researchers found these patients were also more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and earlier stroke and heart failure incidence.

Study reveals mounting evidence of fish oil's heart health benefits

A new study reviews data from tens of thousands of patients to set forth suggested daily targets for omega-3 consumption. The study finds that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the incidence of cardiac events and mortality in patients with existing heart disease, with a 30% reduction in CV-related death.

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.

Urban water ecology at the ESA annual meeting

Research at the ESA annual meeting reveals that urban stream pollution can be beneficial to mosquitoes, while lakefront development reduces food supplies for fish. Greenroofs, on the other hand, can absorb significant amounts of stormwater, saving cities millions of gallons of water.

'SIRT'ain security: the protein SIRT3 protects the heart

A new study reveals that Sirt3 helps protect the mouse heart by blocking cardiac hypertrophic response through Foxo3a-dependent antioxidant defense mechanisms. Mice lacking Sirt3 developed enlarged hearts, while those overexpressing Sirt3 were protected from cardiac hypertrophy under similar conditions.

Bath professor recognized by Royal Society research award

University of Bath Professor Cathryn Mitchell has been awarded a Royal Society-Wolfson Research Merit Award for her independent, original research in tomography. Her work applies mathematical algorithms to image the Earth's upper atmosphere, enabling new challenges in medical imaging and research.

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.

Millions of US children low in vitamin D

A study of over 6,000 US children found that 9% had vitamin D deficiency and 61% were insufficient in the essential nutrient. Low vitamin D levels were associated with higher blood pressure, lower HDL cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.

Pain relief only 1 motive for opioid use among high school seniors

A study of high school seniors found that most who took opioid medications without a prescription did so for reasons other than pain relief, including relaxation and getting high. Students who used the drugs only for pain relief were less likely to engage in heavy drinking or other substance use.

Insurance, medical provider do not assure asthma control

Research at National Jewish Health found asthma control poor among 155 students with asthma, regardless of medical insurance or identified provider. Patients and parents must recognize when management is not optimal to seek help and improve asthma control.

Neck surgery for cervical spine disorders found to alleviate associated headaches

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who undergo anterior cervical reconstructive surgery can experience significant improvement in headache symptoms. The study, which evaluated over 1000 patients, suggests that neck surgery can alleviate headaches associated with cervical spine disease.

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.

Daily temperature shifts may alter malaria patterns

Researchers found that daily temperature fluctuations significantly impact malaria parasite growth and transmission rates. In areas with cooler temperatures, a fluctuation of 45 degrees Fahrenheit reduces the parasites' incubation period, making them infectious nearly two weeks earlier.

Ouchless wildlife plague vaccine, shipwrecks and coral reefs and more

A new oral vaccine shows promise in protecting prairie dogs against plague, offering a potential solution for endangered black-footed ferrets. Meanwhile, shipwrecks and man-made structures are found to increase the risk of invasive species taking over coral reefs, threatening their diversity and native life.

Chemists explain the switchboards in our cells

Researchers describe a mathematical model that helps fine-tune artificial biomolecular switches, shedding light on their evolution and potential applications in detecting chemicals and disease markers.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Structure of antibiotic ramoplanin reveals promising mechanism

Researchers at Duke University have solved the structure of Ramoplanin A2, a candidate antibiotic that can kill pathogenic bacteria by interrupting cell membrane formation. The molecule forms U-shaped structures that bind to Lipid II, preventing its participation in membrane synthesis and leading to bacterial death.

Project Zero Delay accelerates drug's path to clinical trial

A phase I clinical trial enrolled its first patient only two days after FDA clearance, accelerating development of new cancer drugs. The joint effort between M.D. Anderson and AstraZeneca demonstrates how to shrink the time it takes to bring new therapies to patients.

Scientists report original source of malaria

Researchers believe a parasite found in chimpanzees in equatorial Africa is the original source of malignant malaria, transmitted to humans through a single mosquito around 5,000 years ago. This discovery could aid the development of a vaccine for malaria, which affects 500 million people annually.

Finding the right connection after spinal cord injury

Researchers successfully guided regenerating sensory axons to their correct targets and formed synapses, but not electrically active connections due to lack of myelin sheath. The study suggests that restoring the myelin sheath is crucial for fully restoring function in injured spinal cords.

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.

Stem cell 'daughters' lead to breast cancer

A study by Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists suggests that luminal progenitor cells, the 'daughters' of breast stem cells, are likely responsible for basal-like breast tumours in women with BRCA1 mutations. The research, published in Nature Medicine, represents a major shift in understanding how breast cancer develops.

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.

Diagnostic tools and innovative therapies improve patient prognosis

Recent studies at WCLC reveal that specific volatile organic compounds can help detect early stage lung cancer, while iloprost improves endobronchial dysplasia in former smokers. Researchers hope to develop a test examining exhaled breath for early detection of lung cancer using this information.

Yale scientists develop 'gas gauge' to prevent pregnancy loss

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed an equation to measure the volume of the placenta, providing a reliable way to monitor fetal growth and prevent pregnancy loss. The 'Estimated Placenta Volume' (EPV) test has shown accuracy of up to 89%, with potential to become routine for pregnant women.

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.

ADA releases position paper on food and water safety

The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on food and water safety, reviewing current issues and new tools to decrease illness. The paper highlights the need for collaboration among professionals, industry and government agencies to promote education, technological innovation and research.

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.

Poor sleep in children may have prenatal origins

A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure and small body size at birth predict poorer sleep and higher risk of sleep disturbances in 8-year-old children. Smaller body size was associated with lower sleep efficiency, while low-weight birth was linked to clinical significant sleep disturbances.

TGen-led team is 1 of 7 selected for $1 million skin-cancer grants

A TGen-led research team has been awarded a $1 million grant by the Melanoma Research Alliance to identify novel melanoma risk genes. The team, led by Dr. Jeffrey Trent, aims to characterize genes influencing melanoma risk and develop targeted screening or prevention efforts.

Advanced targeted therapies effective as first-line treatment for lung cancer

Studies presented at the WCLC confirm that targeted therapies have improved efficacy and prolonged progression-free survival time compared to chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR mutations who received gefitinib experienced longer progression-free survival and greater objective response rates, while erlotinib showed prolonged progression-f...

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.

Dementia induced and blocked in Parkinson's fly model

Researchers created a fly model to study Parkinson's-associated dementia, finding that sleep loss caused long-lasting cognitive impairments. Curcumin blocked this effect, restoring normal learning abilities in genetically modified flies.