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Science News Archive December 2009


Page 21 of 21

Careful diagnosis helps fracture patients put best foot forward

A new review article highlights the importance of detailed diagnosis for talus fractures, which are commonly misdiagnosed due to complex anatomy and subtle radiographic clues. By recognizing these injuries and providing targeted treatment, patients can avoid permanent disability and improve outcomes.

Tumor-attacking virus strikes with 'one-two punch'

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a tumor-attacking virus that kills brain-tumor cells and blocks the growth of new tumor blood vessels. The virus, called RAMBO, was tested in animal models and showed promise in treating aggressive brain cancer with a survival rate of 54 days.

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.

Ethnic pride key to black teen mental health

A new study by Northwestern University found that ethnic pride is crucial for the mental well-being of young African-American adolescents. The research discovered that increased feelings of ethnic pride are associated with reduced depressive symptoms in both male and female students.

Heart failure linked to gene variant affecting vitamin D activation

A study found that patients with a specific gene variant are twice as likely to develop congestive heart failure, suggesting a genetic link between vitamin D action and heart disease. The research analyzed the genetic profiles of 617 subjects and identified a critical enzyme associated with the development of congestive heart failure.

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.

To keep muscles strong, the 'garbage' has to go

Researchers found that mice deficient in a gene required for autophagy develop muscle atrophy and weakening, resembling certain diseases. Maintaining normal autophagy levels is crucial to clear away damaged cells and prevent muscle weakness with age.

Preventing repeat strokes -- are survivors taking their medicine?

Despite increased availability of prescription antiplatelet medications, the overall use of blood-thinning agents among stroke survivors has plateaued. Aspirin remains the predominant agent used for secondary stroke prevention, with no improvements in antithrombotic agent usage over a 7-year period.

Shape shifters: Researchers create new breed of antennas

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new breed of antennas that can be bent, stretched, cut and twisted without breaking. These shape-shifting antennas use an alloy that remains liquid at room temperature, allowing them to retain their mechanical properties and tune into different frequencies by stretching.

Severe asymptomatic heart disease may accompany narrowing in leg arteries

A study found that patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and no symptoms of heart disease are at high risk for cardiovascular events. Asymptomatic coronary artery disease was detected in 24% of PAD patients through non-invasive imaging, highlighting the need for extensive cardiovascular risk factor management.

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.

Binge drinking youths find getting old a drag

A study by Dr. John Garry and Dr. Maria Lohan found that young men who perceive declining happiness with age are more likely to engage in risky health behaviors like binge drinking. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 citizens of Northern Ireland aged 15+, finding that just over half were categorized as binge drinkers.

White House rhetoric is important in forming foreign policy opinions

A new study by University of Missouri researchers found that well-informed citizens are less swayed by White House rhetoric, while the general public is more susceptible to manipulation. Simple and compelling language used by presidents can significantly increase public support for military actions overseas.

Pleasant dietary habits are necessary for health

Research by Professor Yasuhiko Minokoshi and Dr. Tetsuya Shiuchi found that meals with sweet taste stimulation activate 'orexin' neurons, reducing blood glucose levels in mice. Pleasant eating habits may prevent hyperglycemia by activating orexin neurons.

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.

Marine aquaculture could feed growing world population

Marine aquaculture has the potential to meet global food demand as freshwater resources are limited and terrestrial agriculture struggles. Expanding marine aquaculture operations using low-on-the-food-chain organisms like plankton and algae can achieve sustainable growth.

Childhood lead exposure causes permanent brain damage

A study using fMRI revealed that adults exposed to lead as children incur permanent brain injury, with distinct areas of the brain affected differently. Lead exposure has been associated with diminished IQ, poor academic performance, and increased risk of criminal behavior.

Investigators identify successful weight control strategies for adolescents

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that adolescents who successfully lost weight reported using six or more healthy weight control behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. In contrast, those who did not lose weight relied less on structured behavior stra...

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.

Typhoon Nida's cloud tops dropping as it zigzags in wind shear

NASA's CloudSat satellite noticed a drop in Typhoon Nida's cloud tops from over 9 miles high to around 8 miles high, indicating less powerful thunderstorms and weakening winds. The storm has zigzagged between 18 and 20 degrees North Latitude, moving west, then east, and now back in a westward direction.

North Pole wolf e-mails locations to researchers

A U.S. Geological Survey scientist is using a satellite collar on a North Pole wolf named Brutus to learn about the Arctic wolves' behavior in winter. The collar collects and stores locations every day, which are then emailed to researchers, allowing them to track the wolf's movements and habitat use.

In CO2-rich environment, some ocean dwellers increase shell production

In a surprising finding, some marine organisms like crabs, shrimp, and lobsters build more shells when exposed to ocean acidification caused by elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This may be due to the increased availability of dissolved inorganic carbon, which is beneficial for their skeleton formation.

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 safety concern related to antipsychotic treatment

Researchers found that antipsychotic medications increase levels of inflammatory markers, contributing to the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease in patients. The study highlights the need for monitoring cardiovascular risk markers in antipsychotic-treated patients.

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2009

High urea levels in chronic kidney failure have been found to be toxic, leading researchers to suggest a potential new treatment strategy. Antioxidant therapy was shown to restore insulin sensitivity in mice with end-stage kidney disease. Similarly, targeting the molecular link Mdm2 may help prevent progression of late-stage metastatic...

Mammography may increase breast cancer risk in some high-risk women

A recent study suggests that mammography screening in young women with genetic or familial predisposition to breast cancer may increase their breast cancer risk. The study found that repeated exposure to low-dose radiation increases breast cancer risk among these women, particularly those under age 20 or with five or more exposures.

Psychologists suggest parents should wait to teach toddlers self-control

Research suggests that pushing toddlers to develop self-control too early may hinder brain development. Toddlers rely on brute-force competition to learn social conventions like language acquisition. Their immature brains are better equipped for learning through trial and error, allowing them to pick up skills effortlessly.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Yehezkel Ben-Ari, winner of the 2009 INSERM Grand Prix

Yehezkel Ben-Ari, founder of Inmed Mediterranean Institute of Neurobiology, receives the 2009 INSERM Grand Prix for his pioneering discoveries in brain maturation, epilepsy, and stroke. He is recognized for his contributions to fundamental, clinical, and therapeutic research.

Loneliness can be contagious

Researchers found that lonely people tend to share their loneliness with others, gradually moving to the fringes of social networks. As a result, these individuals become less connected and more isolated.

Criteria based on CT imaging after chemotherapy may help predict survival

A study found that morphologic changes on CT scans after bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy can predict overall survival in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer. The changes, including tumor size reduction and unique structural alterations, were strongly correlated with pathologic response and improved survival.

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.

Fear of anxiety linked to depression in above-average worriers

Researchers found that anxiety sensitivity significantly predicted depression symptoms in above-average worriers. The fear of cognitive dyscontrol and publically observable anxiety symptoms specifically correlated with depression. Understanding this link may lead to new depression treatments by addressing anxiety sensitivity.