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Science News Archive December 2009 - Page 5


Page 5 of 21

Metastasis formation revealed in detail and real time

A study led by Dr. Frank Winkler followed the steps of tumor cell formation in real-time, revealing four stages required for metastasis development. Blocking angiogenesis with Avastin can suppress emergence of brain metastases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 20, 2009

Man-made carbon dioxide affects ocean acoustics

Human carbon dioxide emissions impact ocean acoustics by increasing transparency to low-frequency sound, potentially affecting marine mammals' communication. The pH of surface seawater will drop by 0.6 units by 2100, leading to a 70% decrease in sound absorption.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 20, 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.

Global temperatures could rise more than expected, new study shows

A new Yale University study suggests that current CO2 levels could lead to a greater temperature increase than previously thought, with temperatures potentially rising by 3 degrees Celsius or more. The research found that a relatively small rise in atmospheric CO2 was associated with substantial global warming during the mid- and early...

SourceYale University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 20, 2009

Next generation lens promises more control

Duke University engineers have created a new generation of lens that surpasses traditional lenses in focusing electromagnetic rays, with a wide angle of view and flat focal point. The lens is made from exotic composite materials known as metamaterials and has the potential to replace traditional optical systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 20, 2009

Scientists take a step towards uncovering the histone code

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have determined the structures of two enzymes that customize histones, revealing insights into how DNA's packaging is crucial for gene regulation. The discovery may help doctors better understand or prevent inherited mental retardation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 20, 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.

Loud and lazy but didn't chew gum: Ancient koalas

Skull fragments of prehistoric koalas from the Riversleigh rainforests suggest they had a 'lazy' lifestyle and produced loud calls like modern koalas. However, they did not share the specialized eucalyptus leaf diet.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateDec 19, 2009

Data indicates rising adoption of technology in Canadian clinical trials

According to a study by Dr. Khaled El Emam, approximately 41% of Canadian clinical trials have moved away from paper records, with industry-funded trials being more likely to use electronic data capture tools. Pediatric trials also showed increased adoption of technology.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 18, 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.

Caltech scientists discover fog on Titan

Researchers found evidence of fog at Titan's south pole, using Cassini data to isolate clouds and prove an active methane hydrological cycle. The discovery provides insight into Titan's atmosphere and its potential for liquid methane and ethane on the surface.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 18, 2009

Alcohol outlets lead to specific problems among youth and young adults

A new study finds that alcohol-related injuries among underage youth and young adults are shaped by the density and types of alcohol outlets in neighborhoods. Off-premise outlets, such as take-out establishments and bars, are linked to higher injury rates, including accidents, assaults, and traffic crashes.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 18, 2009

Skull bone may hold the key to tackling osteoporosis

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered fundamental differences between skull and limb bones that could lead to new osteoporosis treatments. The study found significant variations in gene activity and behavior between the two types of bone cells.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 18, 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.

Doctors' bedside skills trump medical technology

Researchers found that physicians' bedside exams did a better job than CT scans in predicting which patients would need to return to the operating room to treat complications such as bleeding. The low-cost, simple exam appears to be superior to routine CT scans in determining return to the operating room.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateDec 18, 2009

Texas A&M physicist sees through the opaque with 'T-rays'

Researchers have developed a new technology called 'T-rays' that can penetrate through opaque dry materials without causing harm. This breakthrough could lead to new security measures, such as detecting weapons or drugs concealed on a human body, as well as medical applications, including material studies and biology.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 18, 2009

Fear of lawsuits may prompt some doctors to overprescribe antibiotics

A new study suggests that medical liability concerns may be driving doctors to overprescribe antibiotics in healthcare settings. The research found a strong correlation between antibiotic use and attorney density in European countries, but no such link with physician density.

SourceNew York Medical College·JournalAmerican Journal of Therapeutics·DateDec 18, 2009

Postural sway among abstinent alcoholics can be improved up to a point

A new study finds that alcoholics can improve their postural sway with prolonged sobriety, but the improvement may not fully erase the problem of instability. Researchers found that stabilizing factors such as turning on a light or walking with feet apart can help improve standing stability in sober alcoholics.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 18, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bioactive glass nanofibers produced

A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce bioglass nanofibers, which can be used to regenerate bone tissue. The laser spinning technique allows for the production of flexible and continuous nanofibers with a nanometric structure, enabling the proliferation and spread of bone cells.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 18, 2009

Research project yields better understanding of the defective protein that causes cystic fibrosis

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the defective protein that causes cystic fibrosis, understanding its special relationship with pH levels inside cells. By regulating acid-base balance, the protein controls salt transport and cell survival, offering hope for developing new therapies to restore function.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 18, 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.

Bourbon versus vodka: Bourbon hurts more the next day, performance is the same

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that bourbon causes worse hangovers, but impairment in task performance is similar to vodka. Researchers recruited heavy drinkers and tested their sleep patterns, self-report symptoms, and neurocognitive measures after consuming bourbon or vodka.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 18, 2009

What's his name again? How celebrity monikers can help us remember

Researchers at Université de Montréal discovered that recalling celebrity faces decreases with age, but accessing biographical knowledge via their name remains unaffected. This semantic memory test could become a crucial tool to identify individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCanadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement·DateDec 18, 2009

Minority elders continue to face health care, employment disparities

A new newsletter highlights health care utilization patterns among older Asian minorities and perceived job discrimination among older workers. The Gerontological Society of America emphasizes the need for research to resolve barriers in seeking health care for minority elders.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateDec 18, 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.

The how and why of freezing the common fruit fly

Scientists are studying the physical processes of ice formation in insects to understand why some survive freezing while others don't. The research found that insects that freeze at consistently higher temperatures have adaptations that allow them to control ice formation, implying cellular or biochemical level adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 18, 2009

How the daisy got its spots ... and why

Researchers explore the development and morphology of insect-mimicking spots on the flower petals of a South African beetle daisy. The study found that these spots are composed of three types of epidermal cells, each spanning four fused petal lobes, and are influenced by UV reflectivity and anthocyanin pigment.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateDec 18, 2009

Tiny whispering gallery

Researchers at Washington University have developed a sensor that can detect and measure single nanoparticles using an ultra-high-Q microresonator. The sensor exploits the phenomenon of whispering-gallery mode resonance, where the light wave interacts with the particle on the ring's surface.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 18, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Disordered eating may affect 10 to 15 percent of women

A study from Université de Montréal and Douglas Mental Health University Institute found that 10-15% of women experience maladaptive eating behaviors, which can lead to binge eating, bulimia, and excessive exercise. The study also revealed a link between problematic eating habits and self-rated health.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 18, 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.

Disparity in use of implantable devices to prevent sudden death in heart failure patients

A study published in the December 2009 issue of HeartRhythm found that only half of eligible heart failure patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death. The study also revealed wide variations in ICD use, with certain patient groups more likely to receive the devices.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·DateDec 18, 2009

Researchers discover new ways to treat chronic infections

Researchers at Binghamton University identified three key regulators required for biofilm formation, which could lead to new treatments for chronic infections. Biofilms are implicated in over 80% of chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and conventional antimicrobial treatments are often ineffective.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 18, 2009

Added sugar in raisin cereals increases acidity of dental plaque

Research suggests that commercially marketed raisin bran cereal causes significantly higher levels of acid in dental plaque than plain bran flakes or unsweetened raisins. Conversely, unsweetened raisins do not increase plaque acidity when added to bran flakes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Pediatric Dentistry·DateDec 18, 2009

Supernova explosions stay in shape

A new study of supernova remnants shows that their symmetry reveals how a star exploded, allowing astronomers to classify supernovas more accurately. The analysis found circular remnants from Type Ia explosions and asymmetric remnants from core-collapse supernovas.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 17, 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.

Water droplets shape graphene nanostructures

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to shape graphene into desired forms using only a nanodroplet of water. The method utilizes weak van der Waals forces between water nanodroplets and graphene, allowing for the creation of complex structures such as capsules, sandwiches, knots, and rings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 17, 2009

Everlasting quantum wave

Researchers at NIST and their colleagues predict the existence of a new, 'immortal' soliton in ultracold gases. This exotic wave could provide new avenues for studying strongly interacting quantum systems and understanding phase transitions, including those in the early universe.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 17, 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.

Dyslexia defined: New Yale study 'uncouples' reading and IQ over time

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that in typical readers, IQ and reading track together, but in children with dyslexia, they are not linked. Dyslexic individuals can be both bright and struggle with reading due to an uncoupling between cognitive ability and reading ability.

SourceYale University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2009

Exposure to young triggers new neuron creation in females exhibiting maternal behavior

Researchers at Tufts University discovered that maternal behavior can stimulate new neuron creation in the brains of adult female rats who have never given birth. The study found increased numbers of new neurons in the subventricular region of the brain in these rats, which exhibited maternal behavior when exposed to foster pups.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalBrain Research Bulletin·DateDec 17, 2009

Science's breakthrough of the year: Uncovering 'Ardi'

The discovery of Ardipithecus ramidus, a 4.4 million-year-old hominid species from Ethiopia, revolutionizes our understanding of early human evolution. The fossils, including the partial skeleton named 'Ardi', show a mix of primitive and derived traits, challenging current models of human-chimpanzee evolution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 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.

Fertilizer use not always helpful in revegetation efforts

Researchers found that organic fertilizer had a neutral or negative effect on plant growth, while mineral fertilizer showed mixed results. Dune grass performed well with the addition of fertilizer, but beach pea was negatively impacted. ATVs continue to be a major obstacle to revegetation efforts in the area.

SourceArctic Institute of North America·DateDec 17, 2009

Study finds orphanages are viable options for some children

A Duke University study of over 3,000 orphaned and abandoned children in five countries found that institutional care can be a viable option, with better physical health and cognitive functioning than community-dwelling peers. The research challenges global policies recommending institutions only as a last resort.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 17, 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.

Case Western Reserve Alzheimer's disease researcher named 2009 AAAS Fellow

Mark A. Smith, Ph.D., has been awarded the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellowship for his distinguished contributions to neurodegenerative disorders and Alzheimer's disease research. He is recognized for his work on oxidative stress and cell cycle alterations in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 17, 2009

Caltech researchers revise long-held theory of fruit-fly development

Researchers at Caltech have challenged the long-held theory on fruit-fly development, showing that a key transcription factor's influence is less widespread and varies over time. The study reveals a more complex system where cells respond to changing signals from the transcription factor Dorsal.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2009

Racing, shooting and zapping your way to better visual skills

Regular gamers outperform non-gamers in visual processing tasks, including mental rotation, spatial memory and divided attention. Training with video games enhances these skills, potentially reducing gender differences and age-related cognitive decline.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 17, 2009
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.