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Science News for December 29, 2009


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.

New video reveals secrets of Webb Telescope's MIRI

The MIRI detectors will enable the Webb telescope to observe the earliest stars and galaxies in the universe, allowing scientists to study the formation and evolution of the cosmos. The new video showcases the technology behind MIRI and its potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 29, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

A study by Dr. Gregory A. Elder found that presenilin-1 plays a role in the vascular pathology associated with Alzheimer disease, while another study discovered that osteopontin contributes to allergic contact dermatitis. Weakened Plasmodium parasites also elicit a protective immune response.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 29, 2009

Chlorophylls effective against aflatoxin

A new study has found that chlorophyll and its derivative chlorophyllin are effective in limiting the absorption of aflatoxin in humans. The Phase 0 approach allows for the measurement of minute amounts of aflatoxin, revealing rapid absorption that is significantly limited after treatment with chlorophyll and chlorophyllin.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateDec 29, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research could advance research field critical to personalized medicine

Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center report a significant advance in personalized medicine using a new chip that examines hundreds of genetic mutations. The chip, called DMET, could replace highly-specialized and labor-intensive genotyping tools, accelerating cancer research and treatment.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Pharmacogenomics Journal·DateDec 29, 2009

Arctic could face warmer and ice-free conditions

Scientists find evidence that Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas may experience seasonally ice-free conditions and much warmer temperatures in the future. USGS research suggests that current climate models underestimate sea ice loss, with potential consequences including accelerated coastal erosion and impacts on polar bears and seals.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalStratigraphy·DateDec 29, 2009

The cancer 'TRAP'

Researchers found TRAP-1 to be highly expressed in prostate cancer cells, inhibiting cell death, while Gamitrinib treatment killed cancer cells but not healthy ones. This suggests targeting TRAP-1 may provide a new approach for treating advanced prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 29, 2009

Rapid flu testing

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin develop rapid semi- and fully-automated multiplex real-time RT-PCR assays for detecting human H1N1, H3N2, and swine-origin H1N1 viruses. The tests can distinguish between influenza A, B, and RSV infections, reducing technician and assay time.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 29, 2009

Acupuncture reduces hot flashes, improves sex drive for breast cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of Oncology found that acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy in reducing hot flashes and improving energy and clarity of thought in breast cancer patients. Acupuncture also showed benefits for sex drive and overall sense of well-being, with minimal side effects.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 29, 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.

Ginkgo biloba does not appear to slow rate of cognitive decline

A recent study published in JAMA found that Ginkgo biloba supplementation did not slow the rate of cognitive decline in older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found no evidence of an effect on global cognitive change or specific cognitive domains.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 29, 2009

Moving video to 'captcha' robot hackers

Researchers create a synthesis technique that generates moving images of 3D objects, which are virtually impossible for computer algorithms to decode. This technology could lead to a better captcha system, highlighting the difference between human and robotic perception.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateDec 29, 2009

Pharmacists improve care of diabetics while cutting costs, UB research shows

Pharmacists at the University at Buffalo improved diabetes care for patients with Type 2 diabetes, reducing their A1C levels by an average of 1.1% over six months. This improvement came with significant cost savings, with monthly costs per patient decreasing by approximately $212.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Pharmacists Association·DateDec 29, 2009

Sick of blurred identity, US plant pathologists formed own society

A group of US plant pathologists came together in Boston in 1909 to discuss plant problems and establish a new field of science. Their efforts led to significant progress in diagnosing and controlling plant diseases, benefiting the US agriculture industry.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPhytopathology·DateDec 29, 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.

Researchers use new acoustic tools to study marine mammals and fish

Researchers use new acoustic sensors to monitor endangered North Atlantic right whales and reduce ship strikes, a leading cause of their deaths. The tools improve monitoring capabilities and enhance management efforts to protect these whales.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateDec 29, 2009

Judge not lest ye be judged?

Research from the Kellogg School of Management explores 'moral hypocrisy' in powerful individuals, finding that power makes them stricter in moral judgment of others while being less strict of their own behavior. Power also leads to a disconnect between public judgment and private actions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 29, 2009

Gap exists between vision for EMRs to improve care coordination and clinicians' experiences

A study by the Center for Studying Health System Change reveals a gap between policy makers' expectations of commercial EMRs to improve care coordination and clinicians' real-world experiences. Current EMRs facilitate care coordination within practices but struggle with exchanging information across physician practices and settings.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 29, 2009

JAMA launches new series on caring of the aging patient

The new series aims to address the shortage of geriatric expertise in healthcare. The series will explore themes that develop with aging, such as frailty and loss of independence. By analyzing real stories of patients and interviews, it will provide clinicians with pragmatic tools for translating evidence into daily practice.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 29, 2009
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.