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Science News for December 4, 2009


How to read brain activity?

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics develop new method to interpret EEG signals, providing insights into neural activity. By combining EEG and neuron recordings, researchers can accurately predict brain cell activity, shedding light on abnormal EEG waveforms in neurological disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateDec 4, 2009

Scientists discover gene module underlying atherosclerosis development

A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet has discovered a gene module underlying atherosclerosis development by analyzing total gene activity in organs relevant to coronary artery disease. The findings suggest that targeting the migration of white blood cells may help reduce the risk of adverse clinical effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 4, 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.

New research uncovers deep origins of the 'Hawaiian hotspot'

A new study by an international team has used seafloor seismometers to image the Hawaiian mantle, revealing a high-temperature plume from the lower mantle. The findings suggest that the Hawaiian hot spot is the result of this upwelling plume, which tilts southeastward as it extends downward.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2009

Where are the female scientists in research articles?

A recent study by researchers from the University of Extremadura found a significant imbalance between male and female scientists in research articles. Women account for as little as 10-15% of overall authorship, 12-20% of lead authors, and 6-17% of last-position signatories.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalScientometrics·DateDec 4, 2009

News brief -- childhood cancer survivor study report: Late recurrence is a risk for some cancers

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that late recurrence is a risk for some pediatric cancers, particularly Ewing sarcomas and tumors of the central nervous system. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 childhood cancer survivors and found varying rates of late recurrence depending on the type...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 4, 2009

Greenhouse gas carbon dioxide ramps up aspen growth

A new study finds that elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide has boosted aspen growth rates by 50% in natural stands of quaking aspen. The accelerated growth could have widespread ecological consequences, particularly for slower-growing plant species.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 4, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Potential new 'twist' in breast cancer detection

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein called Twist that accurately distinguishes stem cells driving aggressive breast cancer from other cancer cells. The protein's presence alone can flag a tumor cell as a breast cancer stem cell, suggesting new potential for early detection and treatment strategies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeoplasia·DateDec 4, 2009

Researchers find increased dairy intake reduces risk of uterine fibroids in black women

A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that black women with high dairy intake have a reduced incidence of uterine leiomyomata (fibroids). High dairy consumption was inversely associated with fibroid risk, with a 30% reduction seen among women who consumed four or more servings per day.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 4, 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.

New study cites lower rate of quakes along some subduction zones

A recent study published in BSSA found that certain types of subduction zones exhibit lower earthquake production rates, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that the efficiency of earthquake production is influenced by fault slip rate and relative plate velocity.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateDec 4, 2009

Case Western Reserve researchers' new pathway discovery published as 'Paper of the Week'

Case Western Reserve researchers identified two new metabolic pathways involving 4-hydroxyacids, a breakthrough that sheds light on the mechanisms of action for lipid peroxidation and drug abuse products. The study, published as 'Paper of the Week' in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, has significant implications for understanding o...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2009

Most runaway teens return home with help of family ties, study finds

A new UCLA study found that most homeless young people return home after leaving, and factors like maintaining relationships with pro-social peers, staying in school, and parental support play a crucial role. The key to returning home appears to be early intervention before family relationships deteriorate.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateDec 4, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

U-Iowa study helps advance heart-related research

Researchers have developed a mathematical model of heart cells to understand the effects of oxidized CaM kinase on cardiac electrical activity. Oxidation activates the enzyme, leading to a vicious cycle that advances heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 4, 2009

Diffusion tensor imaging increases ability to remove benign tumors in children

Researchers have developed a new method using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to improve the removal of benign tumors in children. By visualizing nerve fiber bundles, DTI enables surgeons to avoid damaging critical brain tissue and achieve more complete tumor removal.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateDec 4, 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.

How nutrition affects healthy aging

A new study from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing suggests that a combination of proteins is crucial for healthy aging, not reducing overall calorie intake. Researchers found that manipulating the diet of female fruit flies showed varying results depending on the type and amount of amino acids consumed.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2009

Are stroke survivors taking their medicine?

A UCLA study found that nearly 20% of stroke survivors were not taking antithrombotic medications, with non-Hispanic, older, and male patients more likely to be on these medications. The study suggests further research is needed to understand the reasons behind this disparity in medication adherence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 4, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Human guinea pigs wary of high-paying medical trials

A new study reveals that research participants perceive high-paying medical trials as being associated with higher risks. This perception affects their interest in participating and influences the amount of time they spend researching trial risks.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 4, 2009

Stem cells battle for space

Researchers found that stem cells from flies lacking SOCS protein had more integrin, allowing them to stick to the niche better than neighboring germline stem cells. This model can be applied to other stem cell niches such as cancer, where cancer stem cells become a danger when they become sticky.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2009

Are angry women more like men?

A study published in the Journal of Vision found that androgynous faces with lowered eyebrows and tight lips were misinterpreted as male, while smiles and raised eyebrows labeled a face feminine. The research suggests equivalent levels of anger are perceived as more intense when shown by men rather than women.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateDec 4, 2009

New therapy targets for amyloid disease

Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered that amyloid fibres are toxic and become more damaging when shorter, challenging accepted thinking about their inert nature. The study highlights a potential new area for therapeutics and may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2009