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Science News for August 7, 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.

Electronic health records help cardiac patients remain healthy

A randomized study found that a program combining electronic health records and proactive patient outreach kept lipid and blood pressure levels at controlled, healthy levels for two years after discharge. The study's results suggest that using technology can help support patients in maintaining treatment goals and medication adherence.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateAug 7, 2009

Advances in lung cancer research announced at conference

Researchers from TGen and Scottsdale Healthcare presented two significant advances in treating lung cancer, including a potential method to prevent brain metastasis. A drug called TH-302 showed promising results in clinical trials, achieving stable disease or better in 75% of patients with small cell lung cancer.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateAug 7, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Navigating in the ocean of molecules

A new computer program called Scaffold Hunter helps researchers identify potential active agents for cancer and malaria treatment by navigating the vast ocean of molecules. The program generates maps of chemically-related structures and links them to biological activity, identifying promising candidates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 7, 2009

Guided care reduces cost of health care for older persons with chronic conditions

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that guided care patients spent 24% fewer hospital days and 37% fewer skilled nursing facility days compared to usual care. Guided Care programs could save Medicare over $15 billion every year, according to the study.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateAug 7, 2009

How to make negative services less unpleasant for consumers

A study found that women's stress levels increased when they believed in mammography's efficacy, while those coming in for diagnostic tests felt less stress as their belief grew. Healthcare providers should consider patient stage and tailor services to reduce stress.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateAug 7, 2009
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 hepatitis healing power of blueberry leaves

A chemical found in blueberry leaves has shown a strong effect in blocking the replication of the Hepatitis C virus, which affects 200 million people worldwide. The compound, proanthocyanidin, is similar to chemicals found in grapes and wine and is considered safe as a dietary supplement.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2009

NOAA and partners to survey ships sunk off North Carolina in World War II

NOAA is conducting a three-week research expedition to study World War II shipwrecks sunk in 1942 off the coast of North Carolina. The expedition aims to document the condition of these vessels and preserve their historic sites, which serve as 'time capsules from one of the darkest times in the nation's history.'

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateAug 7, 2009

Bladder cells feel stretch

Bladder urothelial cells sense fullness of urine through TRPV4 protein activation, which triggers Ca2+ influx and ATP release. The discovery may lead to treatment of bladder disorders such as overactive bladder and pollakiuria.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2009

Cost-effectiveness of cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer

A study found that cetuximab was not cost-effective for all patients with advanced colorectal cancer. However, it showed promise when used in patients whose tumors had wild-type KRAS genes. The authors suggest restricting cetuximab treatment to these patients to save costs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 7, 2009
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.

Conaway Lab uncovers function of potential cancer-causing gene product

Researchers discovered Alc1's chromatin remodeling enzyme activity is strongly activated by NAD and Parp1. This suggests a mechanism for Parp1 and poly(ADP-ribose) to function in transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, and DNA replication

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2009

Planning English football fixtures

Professor Graham Kendall's software programme automatically plans Christmas and New Year fixtures for 92 teams, considering guidelines to ease policing and transport pressure. The algorithm prevents local derbies, ensures balanced match schedules, and limits London clubs' home games.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateAug 7, 2009

Psychologists say longer lives can still lead to happier golden years

Researchers found that mental health generally improves with age, except for those with dementia-related diseases. Older adults tend to avoid negative situations and have a stronger sense of emotional control. Building strong social relationships is crucial for healthy aging, according to experts.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 7, 2009

NASA satellite image shows deadly Typhoon Morakot slamming Taiwan

Typhoon Morakot's massive size and powerful winds have brought catastrophic effects to Taiwan, with reports of up to 20 inches of rain in mountainous areas. The storm's landfall is expected to occur on Saturday in mainland China, where it will then move north towards Shanghai.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 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.

Yerkes researchers propose ambitious new strategies for AIDS vaccine research

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center propose alternative approaches to developing an effective AIDS vaccine, including making infected individuals resistant to disease progression or reducing the number of cells the virus can infect. They draw inspiration from African nonhuman primates that adapt to HIV-like viruses i...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 7, 2009

Words matter in public health

A study by Professor Brigitte Nerlich's team found that the way people communicate about a threat largely determines how they understand it and behave towards it. The research focused on MRSA, avian flu, and compared media coverage with hospital matrons' language.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 7, 2009

Marine microbes creating green waves in industry

Researchers are searching for new enzymes in marine microbes that can convert waste products into desired compounds, increasing efficiency and sustainability. The goal is to develop more efficient and sustainable manufacturing solutions for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateAug 7, 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.

Ability to process information as a baby continues into adulthood

A study by Case Western Reserve University Psychologist Joseph Fagan found an association between early ability to process information and IQ scores later in life. Infants who processed new information well at 6- and 12-months-old showed higher levels of academic achievement as young adults.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalIntelligence·DateAug 7, 2009

Extension of vaccination policy could be more effective than giving antivirals to healthy adults with flu

A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that extending the vaccination policy could be a more clinically effective and cost-effective strategy for treating seasonal flu. The study analyzed the effectiveness of antiviral treatments and found that vaccination may be a better option for healthy adults, while th...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 7, 2009

Growth spurts

Researchers have observed single colloidal platinum nanocrystals growing in solution using liquid cell in situ transmission electron microscopy. The study reveals complex growth trajectories, including steady and spurt-like growth driven by coalescence events.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 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.

Fumbled handoffs can lead to medical errors

A study found that hospital discharge summaries are inadequate at documenting tests with pending results and information about outpatient follow-up providers. The researchers identified 668 discharges with pending test results, where only 16% of the tests were mentioned in the summaries.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 7, 2009