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Science News Archive December 2009 - Page 2


Page 2 of 21

First molars provide insight into evolution of great apes, humans

Scientists used a novel approach to determine the age of first molar emergence in apes, revealing ages similar to those of modern humans. The study's findings have implications for understanding human life history and evolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2009

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.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000 Medicine Reports·DateDec 28, 2009

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 28, 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.

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateDec 28, 2009

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateDec 28, 2009

Exposure to tobacco smoke in childhood home associated with early emphysema in adulthood

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children exposed to tobacco smoke at home were more likely to develop early emphysema in adulthood. The study used CT scans to examine the association between childhood exposure and lung damage, with participants who lived with multiple smokers showing high...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 28, 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.

Chloride increases response to pheromones and odors in mouse sensory neurons

Researchers found that chloride channels amplify signal transduction in mouse vomeronasal sensory neurons, increasing responsiveness to pheromones and odorants. The study used patch clamp recordings and whole cell recordings to demonstrate the critical role of chloride in this process.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateDec 28, 2009

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.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 28, 2009

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.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 27, 2009

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.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalMicrobiology·DateDec 27, 2009
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.

Genetic causes identified for disturbances in lipid metabolism

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified genetic variants associated with disturbances in lipid metabolism, which may contribute to the development of diabetes. The study provides a new approach for early diagnosis and therapy of metabolic diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 27, 2009
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 24, 2009

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 24, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 24, 2009

'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.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateDec 24, 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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 24, 2009

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 24, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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
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.

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
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.

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
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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