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Science News for December 23, 2009


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.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009
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.

Genomic toggle switches divide autoimmune diseases into distinct clusters, Stanford study shows

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that pairs of autoimmune diseases are linked in clinical practice and can be attributed to specific genetic variations known as SNPs. The researchers identified 15 key SNPs that predispose individuals to multiple autoimmune diseases, while also protecting them against others.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

New insights into mushroom-derived drug promising for cancer treatment

A team of researchers has discovered how a cancer drug works, revealing its potential to treat various cancers and improve efficacy. The breakthrough could lead to the design of new cancer drugs that work on the same principle as cordycepin.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 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.

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.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 23, 2009

Anti-inflammatory drugs (coxibs) interfere with aspirin's clotting ability -- Ben-Gurion U.

A new study at Ben-Gurion University reveals that taking coxib medications like Celebrex with aspirin increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers found that coxibs interfere with aspirin's effectiveness in preventing blood clots, potentially offsetting its protective benefits.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNeuron·DateDec 23, 2009
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.

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...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 23, 2009
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

First adhere, then detach and glide forward

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that malaria parasites alternate between phases of rapid gliding and firm adhesion to surface. This 'stick-slip' mechanism enables the parasite to move rapidly over a long time, necessary for successful transmission of the disease.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 23, 2009
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.

Scientists map speed of climate change

A new study calculates that ecosystems will need to shift about 0.42 kilometers per year to keep pace with global climate change over the next century. Mountainous habitats can move more slowly, while flatter ecosystems must move rapidly.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

Physician-assisted suicide: A perspective from advocates for people with disability

This special issue of Disability and Health Journal explores the complex issues surrounding physician-assisted suicide, featuring articles from disability advocates who oppose legalization. The analysis highlights concerns about discrimination, health disparities, and the potential risks to people with disabilities.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateDec 23, 2009

Air pollution linked to hospitalizations for pneumonia in seniors

Research by McMaster University scientist Mark Loeb found that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older. Exposure to air pollution may compromise lung immune defenses, making individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 23, 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.

Whiskers hold secrets of invasive minks

Researchers analyzed mink carcasses to determine diet and movement patterns, revealing a reliance on seafood and coastal habitats. The findings will aid in the eradication of this invasive species from native ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 23, 2009