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Science News Archive August 2009


Page 3 of 22

Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation: New journal for 2010

Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (C.O.R.E.) will publish bi-annually, addressing topics such as treatment efficacy, clinical diagnosis, and program evaluation. The journal aims to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge on outcome research and program evaluation in counseling.

Acoustic tweezers can position tiny objects

Researchers have developed acoustic tweezers that can position single cells or nanosized beads using sound waves, allowing for efficient manipulation without damaging live cells. The technology has significant advantages over existing methods in terms of versatility, miniaturization, and power consumption.

Handwriting-based tool offers alternate lie detection method

Researchers at the University of Haifa have developed a handwriting-based tool that measures physical properties of handwriting to detect deception. The tool shows promise in replacing verbal-based methods such as polygraphs, providing greater accuracy and ease for law enforcement.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ORNL scientists hone technique to safeguard water supplies

Researchers have enhanced a technique using algae as sentinels to detect toxins in municipal water supplies, showing broader applications and real-world results. The technology can be applied across various environments, even when algae are starved for nutrients.

Ewen Callaway named 2009 APS Plant Pathology Journalism awardee

The American Phytopathological Society announced Ewen Callaway as the 2009 APS Plant Pathology Journalism Award winner. His article, 'The Green Menace,' discussed the citrus disease huanglongbing, which has devastated the citrus industry since its arrival in US soil in 2005.

Marine biomedicine researchers decode structure of promising sea compound

Marine biomedicine researchers have deciphered the structure of a naturally produced ocean-based compound hoiamide A, which offers a novel template for drug development. The findings suggest that hoiamide A may interact with neurons in different ways, potentially leading to therapeutic effects for diseases such as epilepsy and neurodeg...

Researchers find high-dose therapy for liver disease not effective

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid to be detrimental in treating primary sclerosing cholangitis. The six-year trial showed that serious adverse events were more common in the high-dose group, highlighting the need for further research on better treatment options.

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.

Warped debris disks around stars are blowin' in the wind

A team led by John Debes at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center finds that a star's motion through interstellar gas can account for warped debris disks around stars. The fine dust particles are affected by the drag force from the gas, causing them to change their trajectory and creating unusual shapes.

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.

Tropical Storm Danny stars in a GOES Satellite movie

NASA's GOES Project created a movie of Tropical Storm Danny from August 25-27, showcasing his formation and journey up the US East Coast. The storm made landfall with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph, and is expected to turn north.

Radiologists, medical physicists work to make imaging procedures safer

Radiologists and medical physicists have implemented low-dose protocols and tracking systems to reduce cumulative ionizing radiation exposure. The Radiological Society of North America has launched initiatives to raise awareness of radiation risks and explore opportunities to improve patient safety through partnerships with the America...

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.

The path to new antibiotics

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a key enzyme in bacteria that can be targeted to kill dangerous pathogens. Chemical compounds have been discovered to inhibit this enzyme, showing promise for developing new antibacterial agents.

Unique study isolates DNA from Linnaeus' botanical collections

A unique study has successfully isolated long DNA fragments from dried, pressed plant material collected in the 1700s by Linnaeus. The findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution of plant species and may allow for the creation of a living herbarium.

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.

Slowly slip-sliding faults don't cause earthquakes

New research from the University of Arizona found that slowly moving faults, like the Alto Tiberina in Italy, can help prevent large earthquakes. The study used geodesy to measure rock movements and revealed that the fault is actively slipping at a rate of approximately one-tenth of an inch per year.

Skin-disease patients show brain immunity to faces of disgust

Research found that psoriasis patients have weaker brain response to disgusted faces, indicating a potential coping strategy to protect against social stigma. The study suggests that this adaptation may also apply to other stigmatizing skin conditions like acne or scarring.

Clemson professor named American Chemistry Society Fellow

Melanie Cooper, a Clemson University professor, has been recognized as an American Chemical Society Fellow for her contributions to chemistry education and research. Her research focuses on developing effective ways for students to learn science, including evidence-driven curricula like Chemistry, Life, the Universe and Everything (CLUE).

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.

Scientists identify gene for resistance to parasitic 'witchweed'

Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a gene in cowpea that confers resistance to Striga, a parasitic flowering plant that attacks the roots of host plants. The discovery is significant as it could help develop strategies for improving resistance to Striga in other affected crops.

NIH grant advances Tay-Sachs disease gene therapy

A $3.5-million NIH grant will help advance a gene therapy for Tay-Sachs disease from animal tests to human clinical trials. The Boston-based consortium has successfully paired two genes in a single vector, which they believe will increase therapeutic efficiency and lower production costs.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Roflumilast treatment shows promise for some patients with COPD

A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors shows promise for improving lung function and reducing exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD patients. Roflumilast improved lung function by 48mL and reduced exacerbations by 17% compared to placebo, with more adverse events reported.

U-Iowa improves delivery of cancer-fighting molecules

Researchers at University of Iowa have modified siRNA to be injectable into the bloodstream, targeting specific genes overexpressed in cancer cells. The new compound triggers tumor regression without affecting normal tissues.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Mice living in sandy hills quickly evolved lighter coloration

Deer mice living in Nebraska's Sand Hills rapidly adapted to their environment by evolving lighter coloration, providing better camouflage against visual predators. This genetic change arose from a single mutation in the Agouti gene, driven by natural selection favoring pale coloration.

Why Obama's dog has curly hair

Researchers from the University of Utah and NIH identified three genes controlling seven major types of dog coat, including curly hair. The study used data from Portuguese water dogs to understand complex human diseases caused by multiple genes.

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.

Studies show dramatic decline in rheumatoid vasculitis in US veterans

A study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin found a dramatic decline in rheumatoid vasculitis among US veterans between 2000 and 2006. The prevalence of RV decreased significantly, from 41 to 28 cases per 1,000 RA outpatients and from 32 to 15 cases per 1000 RA inpatients.

Cardiac arrest casualties form a valuable source of donor kidneys

Researchers found that retrieving kidneys from uncontrolled non-heart-beating donors after sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests can lead to a 10% increase in transplantation rates. The procedure, which raises ethical concerns, has the potential to alleviate organ shortages.

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.

Urine LAM-ELISA poor at diagnosing TB

A new diagnostic test, urine LAM-ELISA, was tested on 291 Tanzanian patients suspected of having TB and found to have a disappointing sensitivity of 50.7%. The specificity of the test was also low at 87.8%, raising concerns about its reliability as a standalone diagnostic tool.

AGU journal highlights -- Aug. 27, 2009

Researchers predict global temperature will increase by 0.15 degrees Centigrade from 2009 to 2014 due to anthropogenic forcing and solar irradiance. The study suggests a recent ice age on Mars, with layered deposits indicating climate oscillations, and sheds light on human's role in global dimming through aerosol emissions.

Feelings of hopelessness linked to stroke risk in healthy women

A study of 559 healthy women found a link between hopelessness and increased thickness of neck arteries, which can be a precursor to stroke. The researchers discovered that hopelessness was independently associated with cardiovascular disease risk in women without clinical symptoms of heart disease.

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.

Predictive tool may help determine treatment of COPD patients

A new predictive tool, ADO index, improves upon the existing BODE index by providing a more accurate estimate of mortality risk. The updated index is easier to use and can help clinicians identify patients at moderate or high risk of mortality, guiding targeted treatment options.

The mysterious glaciers that grew when Asia heated up

A team of researchers found that glaciers in the region advanced due to cooler temperatures created by increased cloud cover and reduced evaporation. The study provides valuable insights into how glaciers respond to climate change, enabling better forecasting of water supply changes in the coming decades.

Blood thinner causes stroke in some dialysis patients

A study found that warfarin may increase the risk of stroke in dialysis patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Patients on dialysis who take warfarin are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those whose blood is not monitored for warfarin levels after treatment.

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.

Small fluctuations in solar activity, large influence on the climate

Small fluctuations in solar radiation have a significant impact on cloud formation and precipitation, with variations of just 0.1% affecting the Pacific Ocean's water temperature and precipitation patterns. This study demonstrates that understanding natural climatic variability is crucial for making reliable future climate scenarios.

An intelligent system avoids forgetting things

Researchers developed an AI-powered system using RFID sensors and mobile devices to remind users of everyday tasks. The system recognizes user actions, assessing activities such as taking keys or leaving home, without modifying daily routines or requiring cameras or microphones.

Milk drinking started around 7,500 years ago in central Europe

A new study by University College London scientists reveals that the ability to digest lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe around 7,500 years ago. This genetic change enabled early Europeans to drink milk without getting sick, providing a survival advantage.

Predicting cancer prognosis

Researchers developed a novel methodology to extract microRNAs from cancer tissues, identifying 17 new and 53 known miRNAs. These miRNAs were well-preserved in long-preserved tissue samples, leading to improved predictions of disease prognosis and treatment response.

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.

Collagen-deficient mice show signs of osteoarthritis

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that mice deficient in Type IX collagen develop osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, leading to impaired physical abilities and increased pain sensitivity. The study provides valuable insights into the effects of collagen deficiency on musculoskeletal disorders.

Gene variation is 'major genetic determinant of psoriasis'

Researchers identify three genetic variations on chromosome 6 associated with psoriasis, with HLA-Cw*0602 being the strongest link. The study found that individuals with all three variants are nearly nine times more likely to develop the disease.

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.

New temperature reconstruction from Indo-Pacific warm pool

A new 2,000-year-long reconstruction of sea surface temperatures in the Indo-Pacific warm pool suggests temperatures may have been as warm during the Medieval Warm Period as they are today. This study contributes to scientists' efforts towards improving global temperature reconstructions.