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Science News for August 26, 2009


Grasso and team awarded $2.8 million, 5-year grant by HHS HIV/AIDS Bureau

The five-year grant aims to improve the quality of care for women of color suffering from HIV/AIDS by enhancing access and retention in quality HIV care. The project will be implemented in urban centers across America, addressing the technical requirements of HIV clinics serving the medically and economically disadvantaged.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateAug 26, 2009

A better test to detect DNA for diagnosing diease, investigating crimes

Researchers have developed a new lab-on-a-chip test that detects DNA with excellent sensitivity, eliminating the need for amplification, and enabling wider use of DNA testing. The nanogap sensor technology overcomes current limitations of PCR-based tests, making it a faster and more practical alternative.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2009

PPAR-g agonists have potential therapeutic role in gastric carcinoma?

Research suggests that PPAR-γ agonist 15d-PGJ2 inhibits gastric cancer cell growth through a mechanism independent of PPAR-γ. The study's findings support the potential therapeutic role of PPAR-γ agonists in chemoprevention or chemotherapy of gastric malignancies.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 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.

Getting wired: How the brain does it

Researchers at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in brain connectivity. The study found that inhibiting the interaction between Calcineurin and NFAT resulted in more dendritic branches and synapses, suggesting a potent role for CaN in regulating neural connections.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

Global priority regions for carnivore conservation

Researchers define global conservation priorities for endangered carnivores considering socioeconomic and life-history factors. The study identifies 41 ecoregions worldwide as key areas for cost-effective conservation investments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2009

Star-birth myth 'busted'

A team of international researchers has challenged the long-held idea that the ratio of massive stars to lighter ones in star-forming regions remains consistent. They found that this ratio, known as the initial mass function, varies significantly between different galaxies, with some forming more low-mass stars than expected.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAstrophysics·DateAug 26, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Water scarcity started 15 years ago

A new analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations reveals the onset of water scarcity in southeast Australia around 1993-1996. This finding underscores the importance of good water information for water resource planning and highlights the impact of climate change on the country's current water resources.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 26, 2009

Scientists get first close look at stimulated brain

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used two-photon microscopy to track calcium levels in neurons during electrical stimulation, revealing a scattered and widely distributed set of neurons switch on. The findings contradict a long-standing hypothesis and suggest that axons are being stimulated rather than cell bodies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

Gene assay to help to predict lung cancer treatment resistance

Researchers developed a gene assay that identifies key genes contributing to drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. The assay showed strong correlation between multi-gene signatures and individual chemotherapy agents, allowing for personalized treatment guidance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateAug 26, 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.

Conflict of interest disclosures in clinical trials need to be clearer

Researchers advocate for clearer conflict of interest disclosures in clinical trials to ensure transparency and fairness. Key findings include the need for institutional review boards and study coordinators to play a larger role in disclosing financial relationships that may impact patient decisions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2009

Small peptide found to stop lung cancer tumor growth in mice

Researchers have discovered a small peptide that stops lung cancer tumors from growing by inhibiting blood vessel formation. The study showed significant reduction in tumor size and fewer blood vessels compared to untreated animals.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateAug 26, 2009

Iridescence found in 40-million-year-old fossil bird feather

A team of paleontologists and ornithologists have discovered evidence of vivid iridescent colors in fossil feathers dating back 40 million years. They found a preserved color-producing nanostructure, called melanosomes, which produced black with metallic greenish, bluish or coppery colors at certain angles.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 26, 2009

New technique could eliminate inherited mitochondrial disease

Researchers developed a technique to prevent inherited mitochondrial disorders by transferring hereditary material from one egg to another. The method resulted in four healthy newborns and holds the potential for couples to have biologically their own child without defects associated with maternal mitochondria.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 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.

More research on risks and benefits of medical imaging needed

A new study found nearly 70% of participants received at least one medical imaging procedure between 2005 and 2007, resulting in an average effective dose nearly double natural sources. The study highlights the need for research on the benefits and risks of medical imaging procedures to inform patient care.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2009

Rats' mental 'instant replay' drives next moves

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that rats use a mental instant replay of their actions to help them decide what to do next. The study reveals that these sequences also occur when the animals are awake and may help them consider future options.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

International Greenland ice coring effort sets new drilling record in 2009

The North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling project, led by the University of Copenhagen, has reached a depth of 5,767 feet in early August, recovering over a mile of ice core. The project aims to retrieve ice from the last interglacial episode, providing valuable information on past temperatures and precipitation levels.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateAug 26, 2009
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Do the media lead entrepreneurs astray?

A new study published in Human Ecology found that media propaganda during the late nineteenth century Colorado silver rush misled entrepreneurs by exaggerating ore concentrations, leading to over-risking their investments. The researchers used central place foraging models to investigate optimal foraging strategies and compared actual ...

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateAug 26, 2009

Nuisance or nutrient? Kudzu shows promise as a dietary supplement

A study found that kudzu root extracts improved lab rats with metabolic syndrome by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Kudzu has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a health food, containing isoflavones with potential health benefits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2009

Study shines light on night-time alertness

Research suggests that red light can impact alertness at night via pathways other than the circadian system, contradicting previous assumptions about blue light's dominance. The study found that moderate levels of red light increase alertness in individuals, making it a viable alternative to blue light for improving nighttime alertness.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateAug 26, 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.

10- and 11-year-olds feel pressure to have a perfect body

A study of 4254 Canadian schoolchildren found a direct association between BMI and satisfaction with their body shape, with girls happier when thin and boys unhappy when too skinny or fat. Poor body satisfaction was more common among rural girls from low-income families.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 26, 2009

NASA sees Tropical Storm Danny form, US East Coast on watch

Tropical Storm Danny has formed east of the Bahamas, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing strengthening thunderstorms in infrared imagery. The storm is expected to bring 2-3 inches of rainfall to the central and northwestern Bahamas, with maximum amounts of 4 inches.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2009

Rutgers-Camden developing enzyme function database

A Rutgers University—Camden biochemist is creating a database for quick background checks on all known enzyme functions, including energy-creators like ATP and ADP. The goal is to create a standard vocabulary to describe how enzymes function for the biomedical community.

SourceRutgers University·DateAug 26, 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.

Tropical storms endure over wet land, fizzle over dry

A Purdue University study found that ground moisture at landfall is a major indicator of tropical storm behavior. Storms are more likely to sustain and cause heavy rains when the ground is wet, while dry conditions tend to calm them down.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 26, 2009

New tools for sustainable farming

Agricultural scientists at TUM created indicators and models to analyze, assess and optimize the sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The new indicator model describes farms as systems based on their material and energy flows, enabling accurate calculations of emissions, climate balance and biodiversity.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateAug 26, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have identified new targets for treating breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting Brk protein expression. Additionally, a study on Wnk1 revealed its critical role in angiogenesis and heart development. Furthermore, drug abuse has been found to worsen HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders through dopamine signaling.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 26, 2009

UCF discovery could open door to obesity, diabetes treatments

Researchers have identified a new genetic mechanism controlling body's fat-building process, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that the MCPIP gene controls fat cell development, offering a new direction for developing drugs to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 26, 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.

Working too much can be dangerous for teen's sexual health

A new study from the University of Michigan found that working too many hours in the wrong environment can lead to teenagers dating older partners, which is associated with riskier sexual behavior and STDs. High self-esteem and low alcohol use can offset the negative effects of excessive work hours.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateAug 26, 2009

Gene mutation alone causes transmissible prion disease

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have shown that a single gene mutation can cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease in mice, similar to human fatal familial insomnia. The study demonstrates that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause the disease and the spontaneous generation of transmissible prions.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

Bird flu leaves the nest -- adapting to a new host

Researchers found that viral polymerase is a key target for preventing systemic flu in humans. The study discovered that avian influenza adapted to infect mice caused severe illness and death due to suppression of the immune system.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 26, 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.

Pitt study finds molecular link between insulin resistance and inflammation

Pittsburgh researchers have found a molecular link between insulin resistance and inflammation, suggesting a novel target for diabetes treatment. The study reveals that protein Fox01 stimulates inflammatory white blood cells, leading to increased production of cytokine IL-1B, which interferes with insulin signaling.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 26, 2009

Safer, denser acetylene storage in an organic framework

A NIST research team has figured out why a metal-organic framework can safely store acetylene at low pressure, leading to potential substantial savings in transportation costs. The discovery could also help scientists better understand MOFs and develop new materials for storing other substances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2009

NASA eyes Hilda's Hawaiian hangout -- south of the islands

Tropical Storm Hilda is expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, with forecasters noting minimal impacts due to her small size. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, and slow strengthening is possible as it continues west-southwest.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2009

Tunnels concentrate air pollution by up to 1,000 times

A new study found that road tunnels can concentrate ultrafine particles and pollutants by up to 1000 times, posing serious health risks to occupants. This concentration level is higher than previously reported measurements.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 26, 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.

D2 lymphadenectomy improves the long-term survival for patients with node-negative gastric cancer

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that a large number of dissected lymph nodes in D2 dissection improves long-term survival and reduces recurrence rate for patients with node-negative gastric cancer. The number of resected lymph nodes is a key prognostic indicator, and increasing it leads to better survival o...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 2009

Has northern-hemisphere pollution affected Australian rainfall?

New research suggests that pollution from Asia, Europe and North America may contribute to recent Australian rainfall changes. Human-generated aerosols from the northern hemisphere are thought to drive changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation, leading to increased rainfall in north-western and central Australia.

SourceInternational Geosphere-Biosphere Programme·DateAug 26, 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.

LLNL research reveals how blast waves may cause human brain injury even without direct head impacts

Researchers at LLNL used hydrodynamic simulations to show that nonlethal blasts can induce skull flexure and generate damaging loads in the brain. The study suggests that armor systems designed for impacts may not be optimal for blast wave protection, highlighting the need for improved helmet design.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 26, 2009

New molecular markers for tumor aggressiveness in biliary tract cancer

Researchers identified LNγ2, LNβ3, and active MMP7 as molecular markers for tumor aggressiveness in biliary tract cancer. The study found that these markers were associated with tumor progression, depth of invasion, and advanced stage. Down-regulation of MMP7 expression resulted in a significant decrease in cancer cell invasion.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 2009

How to increase colonoscopy attendance?

A Chinese study establishes a multifaceted barrier-focused intervention program to increase colonoscopy attendance among nonadherent high-risk populations for colorectal cancer screening. The program significantly increased attendance rates, especially among those with objective barriers.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 2009

People vary widely in ability to eliminate arsenic from the body

A new study found that people's bodies handle arsenic differently, with some individuals excreting up to 95% of ingested arsenic, while others store it in their bodies, posing a risk to health. The research suggests that existing standards for evaluating human health risks from arsenic may need to be reassessed.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateAug 26, 2009

Runaway girls reap strong benefits from nurse interventions

A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a nurse intervention program significantly improves the lives of sexually exploited runaway girls. The program reduces trauma, emotional distress, substance use, suicide attempts, and risky sexual behaviors while improving family and school relationships, self-esteem,...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 26, 2009
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

'Hedgehog' pathway may hold key to anti-cancer therapy

Scientists have discovered a way to block the growth of human colon cancer cells by targeting the Hedgehog-GLI pathway, preventing tumor growth and metastasis. This breakthrough could provide a new method for treating incurable forms of colon cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 26, 2009

Antimicrobial antibodies in celiac disease: Trick or treat?

Anti-glycan antibodies are found to be a common feature of celiac disease at diagnosis, linked to severe malabsorption, and lost after long-term gluten-free diet. The presence of these antibodies is not associated with NOD2/CARD15 mutations.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 2009

Up-scale: Frequency converter enables ultra-high sensitivity infrared spectrometry

Researchers at NIST developed a new technique for measuring near-infrared light, enabling high sensitivity detection with over 1,000 times greater sensitivity than common commercial instruments. This breakthrough has applications in fields such as forensics, quantum communications, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 26, 2009

The American Phytopathological Society announces 2009 awardees

The American Phytopathological Society recognized outstanding contributions to plant pathology with its 2009 awards. The APS Fellow class of 2009 includes prominent researchers and educators from around the world. Notable winners include Anne E. Dorrance, Charles Mellinger, H. David Shew, and Richard A. Sikora.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateAug 26, 2009

Return of business to New Orleans post-Katrina

A study analyzing business return to New Orleans post-Katrina found that businesses reopening cited damage to physical locations and financing as primary concerns, while those remaining closed ranked levee protection as top concern. The study used repeated telephone surveys of businesses from December 2005 to October 2007.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 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.

Hankering for molecular electronics? Grab the new NIST sandwich

Researchers at NIST have developed a simple method to assemble organic molecules between silicon and metal, overcoming a key obstacle in creating individual molecule switches. This breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper components and new applications in biosensors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2009

Employee's loyalty to workplace damaged by unfair treatment

A recent study published in Journal of Management Studies found that employees who experience perceived injustices at work are more likely to suffer from psychological well-being damage and extreme emotional exhaustion. This can lead to decreased job commitment, increased turnover rates, and a general depletion in employee morale.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateAug 26, 2009

Strictly ballroom analysis

Researchers developed a neural network system to classify music genres, such as cha-cha-cha, jive, and tango, with varying degrees of success. The approach combines the strengths of two existing methods and uses a neural network to analyze beat and tempo, outperforming other classification techniques.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Information and Database Systems·DateAug 26, 2009

Discovery of natural odors could help develop mosquito repellents

Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a novel class of compounds that could pave the way for developing inexpensive and safe mosquito repellents. These odorants, including hexanol and 2,3-butanedione, prevent CO2-sensitive neurons in mosquitoes from functioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 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.

New ultrasensitive electronic sensor array speeds up DNA detection

Scientists developed a novel electronic sensor array to rapidly detect DNA for disease diagnosis and biological research, with ultrasensitive detection capabilities and cost-effectiveness. The Nanogap Sensor Array technology has the potential to speed up efforts in detecting debilitating diseases such as cancer and infectious viruses.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2009