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Science News Archive February 2009


Page 10 of 24

Troubled youths struggle after time in detention center

Research reveals that over 90% of detained youths struggle in their lives, with severe impairment affecting up to 20%. Early interventions and comprehensive services are crucial to address psychiatric disorders, education, vocational training, and social skills.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enzyme weakens the heart

Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital found that CaMKII delta enzyme activates stress response and hypertrophy of the heart. Genetic suppression of this enzyme protects mice from chronic cardiac insufficiency, offering a promising approach for systematic prevention.

New blackberry introduced

The new blackberry 'Natchez', developed by the University of Arkansas, produces large fruit with an exceptional glossy finish. It has exceeded postharvest performance in most years and is recommended for commercial shipping production.

Methyl bromide alternatives for California strawberry nurseries

Researchers found alternative fumigants to be effective in controlling weeds in California strawberry nurseries. The study tested various treatments, including MB-alternatives, and found that hand-weeding times were reduced in all fields that had been fumigated, with varying material costs.

Robot playmates monitor emotional state of children with ASD

Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a system to monitor children with autism's emotional state using physiological sensors attached to robots, allowing for personalized treatment. The system achieves an accuracy of over 80% in predicting emotional states like anxiety and engagement.

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.

Statins pay off on a health-policy level, UCSF study finds

A new UCSF study using the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model found that adherence to 2001 NCEP guidelines would be cost-effective in preventing and managing coronary heart disease, saving 20,000 heart attacks and 10,000 CHD deaths annually. Statin costs become negligible when prices fall below 50 cents per pill.

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.

Anti-social behavior in girls predicts adolescent depression seven years later

Researchers tracked first- and second-graders for seven years and found that anti-social behavior among girls and anxiety among both sexes predicted depression in early adolescence. Early signs of depression were not predictive of adolescent depression, highlighting the need to recognize mental health issues in younger children.

Case report of a brain and spinal tumor following human fetal stem cell therapy

A rare case of a boy with Ataxia Telangiectasia developed abnormal growths in his brain and spinal cord four years after receiving human fetal stem cell therapy. The tumors were found to be benign neural tumors that could not have arisen from the patient's own tissues, highlighting the need for caution in stem cell therapy.

Protecting wine grapes from heat and drought

A study published in HortScience found that foliar particle film can increase the weight of red-skinned wine grapes by 7% and soluble solids concentration by 11%. However, it did not prevent sunburn on exposed fruit when vines were under stressful growing conditions. The results support anisohydric classification for these grapes.

Grape shapes

A team of researchers has developed a new method to analyze grape shapes using digital technology, which enables faster and more accurate breeding of elongated grapes. The study, led by Dr. John R. Clark, uses a special application of the SigmaScan technology to measure the area of each grape and calculate its shape.

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.

Scientists develop resource to study animal aging

A database detailing life history traits of over 4,000 animal species has been developed for studying ageing, evolution, and conservation. The AnAge resource provides insights into the mechanisms of ageing and how environmental adaptations influence lifespan, with potential applications in conservation efforts.

Assisted colonization key to species' survival in changing climate

Researchers found that translocation to climatically-suitable areas can help butterflies survive beyond their northern ranges. The study showed that assisted colonisation can play a vital role in wildlife conservation, especially for rare species and those with limited mobility.

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.

Capillary mats labor-saving, economical alternative to hand watering

Capillary mats provide automated irrigation, conserve water, and reduce labor needs, resulting in 71% less summer and 62% less winter water usage compared to overhead sprinklers. The study also found that plants on capillary mats required 62% less fertilizer due to higher substrate electrical conductivity.

Drug doubles survival of patients with pre-leukemia

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that azacitidine significantly improves the survival of patients with high-risk forms of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Patients treated with azacitidine had a median overall survival of 24.5 months, compared to 15 months for those receiving conventional care.

Mutant rats offer clues to medical mystery

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a genetic mutation in rats that links to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and potentially Alzheimer's disease. The study found that the mutation also increases susceptibility to arterial calcification.

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.

Asthma drugs need to be maintained for continued benefit

A comprehensive childhood asthma study shows that children who initially improved with steroid drugs no longer see those improvements after stopping the medications. The Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) trial found that continued benefit of these medications likely requires continued use to manage symptoms.

Select roses survive with minimal care

The study found that 'RADrazz' rose had the best overall performance, while Trumpeter was the worst. Fifteen varieties of roses are recommended for low-maintenance growing in Texas, with Polyanthas and Hybrid Tea roses performing differently.

Results of national nursery survey unveiled

The national nursery survey report highlights distinct regional variations in nursery production practices and technology adoption. Regional differences were found in areas such as labor usage, integrated pest management, and computerization adoption.

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.

Bioremediation to keep atrazine from waterways

A new enzyme developed by CSIRO Australia successfully removes over 90% of atrazine from contaminated water in a trial, providing a promising solution to reduce off-farm water contamination. The enzyme works against various triazine herbicides and is expected to benefit farmers worldwide.

Air-filled bones helped prehistoric reptiles take first flight

A new study reveals how pterosaurs used balloon-like air sacs to facilitate sustained activity and enable the evolution of large flying vertebrates. The system reduced bone density, addressing a major challenge in sustaining flight in large-bodied pterosaurs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

An adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent in gastric cancer therapy

The study investigates the anti-apoptotic effects of Astragalus saponin extract on human peritoneal mesothelial cells during peritoneal gastric cancer metastasis. The results show that gastric cancer cell supernatant induces apoptosis in mesothelial cells, while Astragalus injection can partly suppress this effect and regulate the expr...

Protecting apples from disease

Coatings made from plant extracts and vegetable oils significantly reduced lenticel breakdown (LB) in apples, with Malaga trees showing the most improvement after multiple applications. Researchers found that applying coatings three times before harvest was more effective than single treatments.

Digital images estimate canopy coverage, light interception

Researchers found that digital images can effectively characterize canopy coverage and light interception in tomato crops using free software and commercial cameras. The study demonstrated practical advantages over traditional methods, including the ability to measure at any time of day and without bright sunlight.

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.

Vitamin supplements may protect against noise-induced hearing loss

Researchers have found that vitamin supplements composed of antioxidants beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium can prevent both temporary and permanent hearing loss in test animals exposed to loud noise. The supplements may also provide 'post-noise rescue' by protecting against cell death and permanent hearing loss days after ...

Apple peel appeal

A study by the University of Minnesota found that 'Honeycrisp' apple trees produce more blushed fruit than striped ones, which have more intense markings. The research also discovered that northeast-facing branches produce more blushed fruit, highlighting the importance of tree position in determining peel pattern.

State of the steric sea level rise, 1955-2003

The observed ocean warming has contributed significantly to global average sea level rise, with a 20mm increase over the past 53 years. The thermosteric component of sea level change is one of several factors affecting sea level, including glacier melting and freshwater transfer.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Regulating commercial weight-loss programs

Commercial weight-loss programs create unrealistic expectations and false beliefs, highlighting the need for regulation. Governments must require accreditation of providers and supply evidence-based information for claims.

Many children with hearing loss also have eye disorders

A study found that nearly 1 in 5 children with sensorineural hearing loss also have ocular disorders. Genetic testing showed that GJB2 mutations are associated with hearing loss but not additional anomalies. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems can benefit these patients.

Case Western Reserve physics chair named APS Fellow, AAAS speaker

Dan Akerib, Chair of the Case Western Reserve University Physics Department, has been elected an American Physical Society (APS) Fellow for his significant contributions to direct dark matter detection experiments. He will discuss current and planned research in 'The Search for Dark Matter' at the AAAS conference on February 16.

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.

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.

When acute hepatitis develops into chronic hepatitis

A study by Helmholtz Center researchers reveals that acute hepatitis B infection triggers chronic liver disease through altered T helper cell function. The team identified specific genes and immune mechanisms involved in the development of chronic hepatitis B, shedding light on potential diagnostic markers and treatment options.

Weight loss improves fatty liver disease, researchers find

Researchers found that patients who lost at least 9% of body weight showed reversal of their liver damage, while those who lost 5% or more experienced improvement in insulin resistance and fat accumulation. Weight loss was the key factor in improving fatty liver disease.

Early release news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine argues that Medicare's current method for covering off-label uses of cancer drugs is based on an inconsistent and outdated source. The researchers found that the compendia methods varied greatly from their actual practices, and little evidence was cited by the authors of the compendia.

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.

Ethanol plants no panacea for local economies, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois researchers warns that ethanol plants can pose significant risks to local economies. The research found that employment gains from ethanol plants are often overstated and that the industry is plagued by uncertainties such as shifts in energy policy, global economics, and changing technology.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that high-frequency telephone counseling with a dietician resulted in the same amount of weight loss as face-to-face counseling for obese patients taking sibutramine. Wider use of statins could be a cost-effective strategy to prevent heart disease, but may require reevaluation if pill costs are lower.

Doctors' resources for off-label prescribing may be incomplete, unclear

A study led by Duke researchers found that compendia used by oncologists and pharmacists to guide off-label cancer drug prescribing often lack updated information and inconsistent evidence. The compendia's varying methods of reviewing and updating evidence can lead to confusion and incorrect treatment decisions.

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.