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Science News for February 12, 2009


How do you mend a broken heart?

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made a breakthrough in growing functional heart cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for potential therapies for heart failure patients. The discovery uses a virus to reprogram skin cells into embryo-like states and could potentially lead to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCirculation Research·DateFeb 12, 2009

Evidence of ancient hot springs on Mars detailed in Astrobiology journal

Scientists propose that structures in Vernal Crater depict areas of ancient spring activity, creating ideal locations to search for life evidence. Hot springs are crucial target areas for future Mars missions due to their ability to preserve fossilized microbial communities.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateFeb 12, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stem cell research uncovers mechanism for type 2 diabetes

Researchers have discovered a signaling pathway involved in normal pancreatic development is also associated with type 2 diabetes. The Wnt signaling pathway is up-regulated in insulin-producing cells of pancreases from adults with type 2 diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalExperimental Diabetes Research·DateFeb 12, 2009

£82m ($116.2m) award to train scientists and engineers for Britain's future

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has awarded £82m in grants to train Britain's future scientists and engineers, generating over 1200 PhD students. The grants aim to broaden the student experience with industry-related training, as part of EPSRC's broader commitment to excellence in postgraduate research.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateFeb 12, 2009

A pocketful of uranium

Scientists create a protein that selectively binds to uranium, offering potential methods for detecting and treating uranium poisoning. The protein is based on a nickel-binding protein from E. coli and has been engineered to bind to uranium instead.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 12, 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.

AAAS plenary: Intrepid explorers and the search for the origin of species

The AAAS plenary lecture explores the origins of evolutionary thought through the adventures of intrepid scientists Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Henry W. Bates. The talk will be presented by Sean Carroll, a leading evolutionary biologist and author, who will share the stories of these pioneers who changed our view of life.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 12, 2009

Songbirds fly 3 times faster than expected

Researchers tracked songbirds using tiny geolocator backpacks, revealing they can fly up to 500 km per day, exceeding previous estimates of 150 km. Songbirds' spring return times were also found to be two to six times more rapid than in fall migration.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

Caregivers not receiving the help they need, study shows

A recent study found that 24% of caregivers need respite care but do not receive it, with families having private insurance facing greater unmet needs. This translates to approximately 200,000 families in the US who require support services for their children's special needs.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2009

U and CDC find startling numbers of active-military personnel engaging in frequent binge drinking

A study by the University of Minnesota and CDC found that 43% of active-duty military personnel engage in frequent binge drinking, leading to approximately 30 million episodes annually. This behavior is strongly associated with health and social problems, including job performance issues and alcohol-impaired driving.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 12, 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.

'Quantum data buffering' scheme demonstrated by NIST/Maryland researchers

Researchers at NIST and Maryland have demonstrated a 'quantum buffer' technique to control data flow inside a quantum computer, potentially speeding up decryption and database search tasks. The technique involves delaying entangled images by up to 27 nanoseconds, which can be useful for quantum information-processing systems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2009

Sequences capture the code of the common cold

Researchers sequence genomes of 99 known cold virus strains, exposing vulnerabilities that could lead to effective remedies. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic composition of rhinovirus A and B, as well as emerging species C, which is more virulent.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

New test may help to ensure that dengue vaccines do no harm

Researchers have created a new test to better predict whether a given vaccine candidate will protect or harm patients with dengue fever. The test aims to address the deadly complications associated with the disease, which affects 100 million people annually and claims 22,000 lives yearly.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalClinical and Vaccine Immunology·DateFeb 12, 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.

Five rockets ready to launch at Poker Flat Research Range

Scientists are launching five NASA sounding rockets to study turbulence in the upper atmosphere. The rockets will release a glowing vapor trail nearly 87 miles up into the sky, allowing scientists to track its movement and analyze upper-atmospheric winds.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateFeb 12, 2009

Next generation digital maps are laser sharp

A new study reveals that airborne laser elevation (lidar) surveys provide a 10-fold improvement in topographical feature measurement precision. This technology adds greater clarity to mapping streams and rivers, allowing for better habitat analysis and restoration. The results have significant implications for various fields such as fo...

SourceBoston College·JournalEos·DateFeb 12, 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.

Stem cells: Deathly awakening by interferon

Researchers have found that interferon-alpha triggers the activation of quiescent hematopoietic stem cells, which can help replenish blood cells. This mechanism may also be useful in treating certain types of cancer, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2009

Involuntary maybe, but certainly not random

Scientists have long debated the function of microsaccades, but researchers at the Salk Institute found they are actively controlled by the superior colliculus. The study reveals that individual neurons in this area are highly specific about which microsaccade directions and amplitudes they command.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

New strategy to combat cancer: Streamlining blood vessel walls

The study reveals that PHD2-blockers can convert abnormal endothelial layers into tightly aligned cells, allowing anti-cancer medicines to reach their destination more easily. This improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces cancer cell migration.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateFeb 12, 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.

Astronomers unveiling life's cosmic origins

Researchers have discovered complex organic molecules in interstellar space using powerful radio telescopes. Detailed images of protoclusters reveal a complex mix of stars in different stages of formation.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateFeb 12, 2009

NSERC at 2009 AAAS Annual Meeting

Seven Canadians are inducted as AAAS Fellows for their meritorious contributions to science and engineering. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada highlights the 'Canadian way' of pursuing scientific research through partnerships and networks.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 12, 2009

AAAS Annual Meeting news: Dining habits of early humans

Recent findings suggest early humans primarily ate gelatin, contradicting the long-held notion that they ate hard, tough foods like nuts. This shift in understanding may be linked to crisis situations rather than everyday dietary needs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 12, 2009

Vital climate change warnings are being ignored, says expert

A University of Alberta biologist is sounding the alarm on Canada's neglect of crucial research on climate change's effects on its lakes, reservoirs, and carbon cycles. Studies reveal that lake water levels are depleting at a rate of less than one percent per year, posing a significant threat to emergency water supplies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.

New findings on climate change and fisheries

Scientists have developed a new computer model predicting climate-driven shifts in commercially important fish species. The study suggests that most fish will migrate towards the Pole, with devastating consequences for developing countries' fishing industries.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateFeb 12, 2009

Fructose-sweetened drinks increase nonfasting triglycerides in obese adults

A study by Monell Center researchers found that fructose-sweetened beverages increased triglyceride levels in obese individuals, even when consumed with meals. This effect was most pronounced in insulin-resistant subjects, who already had high triglyceride levels.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 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.

ASU genetics research sheds light on evolution of the human diet

Researchers at ASU have discovered that humans have a unique genetic adaptation to starch consumption, with high-starch diets associated with more copies of the AMY1 gene. This finding provides insight into why certain populations may be better equipped to handle diarrheal diseases.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 12, 2009

Women's cancer outcomes improved by surgical evaluation

A post-hysterectomy analysis found about half of women with pre-cancerous cell changes still had invasive endometrial cancer. Women diagnosed with complex atypical hyperplasia should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for evaluation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateFeb 12, 2009

Researchers crack the code of the common cold

The study provides a powerful tool for developing effective treatments against the common cold by sequencing the genetic codes of human rhinoviruses. The researchers found that the viruses are organized into about 15 small groups and can mutate rapidly, making a 'one drug fits all' approach ineffective.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.

New silver-based ink has applications in electronics, researchers say

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new silver-based ink that allows for flexible and stretchable microelectrodes. The ink can be used in electronic and optoelectronic applications to create integrated systems from diverse materials on various substrates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 12, 2009

Plugging in molecular wires

Researchers developed a new process to capture light energy with nearly equal efficiency by connecting molecular wires to biological photosynthetic systems. This approach improves the transfer of electrons, achieving high quantum yields similar to natural photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 12, 2009

Surprising interactions of diabetes mellitus and sepsis

Researchers found that diabetic patients are less likely to develop acute respiratory failure during severe sepsis. They discovered that people with diabetes and sepsis were more likely to develop acute renal failure than those without diabetes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateFeb 12, 2009

Roles of DNA packaging protein revealed by Einstein scientists

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have found that linker histone H1 is necessary for holding together pericentric heterochromatin, a region close to the center of chromosomes. H1 also regulates the expression of genes within this region. The study uses fruit fly larvae to examine H1's role in gene regulation.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 12, 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.

Herpes virus: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate

Researchers have discovered a transient protective effect of herpesvirus infections in mice, suggesting possible benefits against bacterial pathogens. The findings, confirmed by Dr. Marcia Blackman's team, contradict previous suggestions that vaccinated individuals may experience unintended negative consequences.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalViral Immunology·DateFeb 12, 2009

Chronic infection may add to developing-world deaths

Researchers from MIT indicate that underlying gastrointestinal infections increase severity of acute diarrhea and delay recovery. The analysis provides a model for evaluating new preventive strategies or therapeutic treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 12, 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.

It's no fish tale: Omega-3 fatty acids prevent medical complications of obesity

Researchers discovered that omega-3 fatty acids protect against liver damage and insulin resistance caused by obesity. The study found that lipids called protectins and resolvins derived from omega-3 fatty acids reduced the incidence of liver complications in obese mice, leading to improved insulin tolerance.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 12, 2009

'Science:' Novel quantum effect directly observed and explained

A research team has successfully observed the quantum spin Hall effect, where electrons flow without external stimulus due to internal material structure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers and spin sources suitable for quantum computing and information processing.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

US Atlantic cod population to drop by half by 2050

Climate change is expected to drastically impact world fisheries, with US Atlantic cod populations projected to decline by 50% by 2050. The study, led by William Cheung, simulates changes in ocean temperature and current patterns caused by various climate scenarios.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateFeb 12, 2009

Psychoactive compound activates mysterious receptor

A hallucinogenic compound found in a plant indigenous to South America has been discovered to activate the sigma-1 receptor, a protein abundant throughout the body. This finding may have implications for treating drug abuse and depression, with potential applications for developing new, highly selective drugs to inhibit the receptor.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.

Montana State University tracks warming trend in northwestern North America

A Montana State University study has found that the coldest daily temperatures recorded in Bozeman, Mont., and Coldstream, British Columbia, have occurred less often over the past several decades. Extreme warm nighttime temperatures have become more frequent at a rate of about one percent per year or 10 percent per decade.

SourceMontana State University·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 12, 2009

Smoking prevention campaign saving billions in smoking-related care

Researchers estimate that truth saved $1.9 billion in health care costs associated with tobacco use by preventing youth from starting to smoke. The campaign's expansion would be an excellent public health investment due to its cost-effectiveness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2009

Major step for drug discovery and diagnostics

Researchers at University of Copenhagen have developed a general method to study membrane proteins, reducing the development time for useful drugs substantially. The method uses amphipols to immobilize membrane proteins on surfaces, allowing for faster and more accurate testing.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 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.

Draft version of the Neanderthal genome completed

Researchers from Max Planck Institute and 454 Life Sciences Corp. have completed a draft version of the Neandertal genome, providing insights into their genetic relationship with modern humans. The study reveals significant differences between the Neandertal and human genomes, shedding light on how our species diverged.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 12, 2009

Potential atherosclerosis drug exhibits no harmful side-effects in liver

Researchers developed a synthetic atherosclerosis drug, DMHCA, which targets the Liver X Receptors and reduces plaque formation without increasing fat levels. The study found significant therapeutic promise, with DMHCA significantly reducing arterial lesions in mice by 45-48%.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateFeb 12, 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.

Have migraine? Bigger waistline may be linked

A study of 22,211 people found that abdominal obesity increased the risk of migraine headaches in those aged 20-55, especially in women. Losing weight around the stomach area may be beneficial for reducing migraine risk in this age group.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 12, 2009

Chewing gum helps treat hyperphosphatemia in kidney disease patients

A study found that chewing gum with a phosphate-binding ingredient can help maintain proper phosphate levels and prevent cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients. Salivary phosphate levels decreased significantly after two weeks of chewing, while blood phosphate levels also showed a notable reduction.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 12, 2009

Penguins marching into trouble

Long-term research reveals a quarter-century of data on penguin numbers, showing a decline of over 20 percent in the last 22 years. Penguins are struggling with food scarcity, leading them to nest outside protected areas where they fall prey to predators.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateFeb 12, 2009

Children's early gesture have important link to school preparedness

Research at the University of Chicago found that children who convey more meanings with gestures at 14 months have larger vocabularies at 54 months, indicating better school preparedness. The study also showed differences in parent gesture use between high- and low-income families.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.