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Science News Archive December 2009


Page 2 of 21

Drug-resistant urinary tract infections spreading worldwide

A sudden increase in antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains is spreading globally, posing a significant threat to public health. Researchers warn that the misuse of powerful antibiotics may lead to the development of even more resistant strains, rendering current treatments ineffective.

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.

Researchers find clues to why some continue to eat when full

Researchers found that ghrelin, a hunger hormone, triggers mice to seek out pleasurable foods even when full. The study suggests that ghrelin may increase the rewarding aspects of eating, driving individuals to continue consuming high-calorie foods despite feelings of fullness.

Cockroaches offer inspiration for running robots

Researchers at Oregon State University are developing a legged robot that can run stably over rough terrain using principles found in insects like cockroaches and guinea hens. The goal is to create robots that can perform difficult jobs, such as military operations or space exploration, with minimal computing power.

There may be a 'party' in your genes

A recent study published in Political Research Quarterly found that genetics may contribute to an individual's political party identification, challenging the long-held assumption that it is solely shaped by socialization factors. The study used quantitative genetic models to examine the sources of party identification and intensity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A 'fountain of youth' for stem cells?

Researchers developed a self-assembling nanofiber scaffold to regulate cell activity, delaying growth and differentiation. The innovation enhances the survival rate of implanted stem cells, allowing them to maintain their youthful state and promote neural circuit regeneration.

Emerald BioStructures announces discovery of small molecule modulators of PDE4

Researchers at Emerald BioStructures have developed new allosteric small molecule modulators of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) with improved safety and efficacy. These discoveries validate the company's structure-based drug design capabilities for addressing previously undruggable targets in inflammatory diseases and cognitive impairments.

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.

Disinfectants may promote growth of superbugs

Using disinfectants can promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This adaptation enables the bacteria to survive and infect patients even without exposure to antibiotics.

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.

Steroid injections may slow diabetes-related eye disease

Researchers found that injecting triamcinolone into the eye may slow proliferative diabetic retinopathy progression, but not macular edema. Steroid treatments reduced the risk of retinopathy progression without significantly improving vision outcomes.

1 step closer to closure

Researchers identified a link between Sec24b and Vangl2 genes in mouse spinal cord development, which may lead to new research on all spinal defects. The discovery opens doors for investigating the root of spinal cord defects in humans.

Ladder-walking locusts show big brains aren't always best

Scientists discovered that locusts, like mammals, rely on vision rather than touch to navigate ladders. This finding highlights the complexity of insect behavior and challenges the notion that larger brains are necessary for sophisticated motor control.

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.

'Self-seeding' of cancer cells may play a critical role in tumor progression

A new study reveals that self-seeding allows circulating tumor cells to return to their primary tumor and promote local growth while increasing potential for distant metastases. The research identifies key genes responsible for this process, which may lead to targeted therapies to slow or prevent tumor progression.

How does a locust walk a ladder? A lot like you

A new study shows that locusts rely on visual input from a single eye to control their legs while walking, achieving similar results to vertebrates like humans or cats. This discovery emphasizes how insects can use simpler mechanisms to achieve complex behaviors with fewer neurons.

Seeing without looking

A recent study by researchers at the Salk Institute found that the superior colliculus plays a key role in controlling attention, particularly in covert attention. This discovery may shed light on neurological disorders such as neglect syndrome and autism.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Final moments of bee landing tactics revealed

Researchers discovered bees use their antennae to estimate surface slope, allowing them to orient correctly and land on surfaces ranging from horizontal to ceilings. By slowing down in the final moments before touchdown, bees control their approach and optimize landing speed.

Synergistic interaction enhances pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that a synergistic interaction between ?-syn and LRRK2 exacerbates neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease by disrupting intracellular transport mechanisms. Inhibition of LRRK2 expression may provide a therapeutic strategy to prevent PD-associated neuropathology.

Phragmites partners with microbes to plot native plants' demise

Researchers discovered that invasive Phragmites produces more gallotannin, a precursor to toxic gallic acid, than its native cousin. This triggers the native plant's natural defense mechanism, releasing tannase that cleaves gallotannin into toxic gallic acid, ultimately harming the native plant.

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.

Alzheimer's disease may protect against cancer and vice versa

A recent study found that people with Alzheimer's disease were less likely to develop cancer, while those with cancer were less likely to develop Alzheimer's. The study suggested that these two conditions may be linked, offering potential avenues for new treatments and a better understanding of both diseases.

Turtles' Christmas journey tracked by scientists

Two female leatherback turtles, Noelle and Darwinia, have traveled 800 miles between them since December 2009. The researchers aim to use their data to inform management of fisheries and protect key areas from industrial fishing and oil exploitation.

Glacial watersheds may contribute to oceanic food web

A study in Alaska's Gulf of Alaska has found that glacial watersheds export biologically active organic matter to marine ecosystems, supporting higher organisms. As glaciers recede, this valuable food source will decrease, potentially impacting marine productivity.

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.

Opening new frontiers: First volume of microbial encyclopedia published

The Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea (GEBA) project explores the vast unknown realm of microbes, sequencing genomes to advance discovery science. The initial volume reveals novel enzymes and biochemical pathways, shedding light on complex microbial processes and their role in biofuels production and bioremediation.

Glacier melt adds ancient edibles to marine buffet

Researchers from four universities and the U.S. Forest Service found that glaciers along the Gulf of Alaska are a significant source of organic carbon, with up to 4,000-year-old material being flushed out with glacier melt. This ancient carbon is enriching stream and near-shore marine ecosystems.

UCSB scientists discover how the brain encodes memories at a cellular level

UCSB scientists have made a major discovery in how the brain encodes memories. They found that strengthening synapses, which cement memories into place, involves making new proteins. The production of these proteins is regulated by RNA and microRNA, and degradation of silencing molecules allows for protein synthesis.

Vampires and collisions rejuvenate stars

Researchers found blue stragglers with different properties, indicating both collision-induced and vampirism-based formation. These findings provide direct evidence of star cluster dynamics on stellar evolution.

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.

Climate change puts ecosystems on the run

A new study reveals that climate belts are shifting toward the poles at a rate of about a quarter mile per year, posing a significant threat to many species. The research highlights the need for effective conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and species migrations.

John Flynn elected as AAAS Fellow

John Flynn, Frick Curator of Fossil Mammals and Professor at the American Museum of Natural History, has been awarded the distinction of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Dr. Flynn's research focuses on vertebrate paleontology, especially carnivore evolution and faunal succession in South America.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Stars engage in vampirism to look young, hot

Astronomers found two types of blue stragglers that defy aging: those rejuvenated by cosmic collisions and those formed by vampirism. The latter is thought to be caused by a smaller star siphoning hydrogen from its companion, while the former occurs in nearly head-on collisions where stars merge, mixing their nuclear fuel.

Encyclopedia of microbe genomes: Chapter 1

The study, called the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea (GEBA), describes the first 56 genomes from a diverse set of microorganisms. It reveals that phylogeny plays a key role in determining where new genes appear and how they spread.

Sun and moon trigger deep tremors on San Andreas Fault

Researchers found that tides strongly modulate tremors on the San Andreas Fault, suggesting high fluid pressure lubricates the rock. This lubrication allows for slip with little effort, increasing stress on shallower fracture zones.

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.

Broken genomes behind breast cancers

Researchers characterised genomic rearrangements in 24 breast cancers, revealing diverse patterns of disruption and defective DNA repair mechanisms. These findings have significant implications for tumour classification and the development of targeted therapies.

Researchers find new patterns in H1N1 deaths

Brazilian researchers have identified three distinct lung damage patterns and found that underlying medical conditions significantly contribute to fatal outcomes. The study highlights the importance of monitoring patients with pre-existing conditions, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe H1N1 infections.

Pollution linked to hospitalizations for pneumonia in older adults

Research found that long-term exposure to traffic pollution independently increased the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia among older individuals. Long-term exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were each associated with a more than doubled risk of hospitalization from pneumonia.

Study shows a key protein helps control blood pressure

Researchers have identified a key protein channel that helps nerve sensors regulate blood pressure. The ASIC2 channel plays a crucial role in controlling electrical activity in blood vessels, and its absence leads to high blood pressure.

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.

Genetic study reveals the origins of cavity-causing bacteria

A genetic study has identified the origins of cavity-causing bacteria Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1, revealing its genetic adaptations for oral survival. The study found that the genome sequence of this bacterium has evolved through only a few horizontal gene acquisition events, highlighting the narrow boundary between beneficial and pat...

An easy way to see the world's thinnest material

The team created fluorescence quenching microscopy (FQM) to image graphene, which overcomes previous limitations in seeing these materials. FQM can be used on a variety of surfaces and requires minimal equipment, making it a promising method for quality control and research.

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.

A novel gene found for childhood-onset asthma

Researchers have discovered a novel gene, DENND1B, involved in childhood-onset asthma, which affects immune system signaling molecules. The study's findings may lead to new treatments targeting the gene's role in asthma's characteristic wheezing and shortness of breath.

Sleeping off childhood?

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep time are associated with increased pubertal development, suggesting an earlier transition to adolescence. The research highlights the need for parents and educators to prioritize healthy sleep habits in pre-pubescent children.

Scientists create world's first molecular transistor

Researchers from Yale University and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology created the first transistor made from a single molecule by manipulating the energy states of a benzene molecule through gold contacts. They successfully controlled the current passing through the molecule using voltage manipulation.

Stellar mosh pit, complete with crashing stars, resolves a mystery

Astronomers have discovered that blue stragglers, which appear youthful despite being older than expected, steal mass from companion stars through stellar smashups. In a star cluster, binary systems brush up against each other, sometimes leading to collision-course orbits and the formation of more massive stars.