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Science News for February 19, 2009


Knowledge of genetics improves uncertain medication

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a model to calculate the appropriate dose of Waran before treatment starts. The study used data from 5,700 subjects across four regions to identify two genes, VKORC1 and CYP2C9, which can predict dosage needs for patients of European, African, and Asian origin.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2009

NASA's Fermi telescope sees most extreme gamma-ray blast yet

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has detected the most extreme gamma-ray burst yet, emitting energies 3,000 to 5 billion times that of visible light. The burst, GRB 080916C, occurred at a distance of 12.2 billion light-years away and is believed to be powered by an exotic massive star running out of nuclear fuel.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA-funded carbon dioxide map of US released on Google Earth

A new carbon dioxide map of the US has been released on Google Earth, showing hourly and geographic emissions data for various fossil fuel sources. The map is an unprecedented inventory of CO2 emissions from different types of fossil fuel, offering insights into climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 19, 2009

Biophysical sciences program receives $2 million training grant

The University of Chicago's Biophysical Sciences program has received a $2 million training grant to provide intensive interdisciplinary training for graduate students. The program, led by Adam Hammond, aims to produce scientists conversant across disciplines and able to combine multiple methods in new ways.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 19, 2009

Shorter wait means longer life for kidney transplant candidates

A new study found that patients waiting for a kidney transplant who receive care at centers with shorter wait times tend to live longer. The research analyzed data from nearly 109,000 patients and found that waiting time had the strongest effect on survival, with patients at centers with long waits having a higher risk of death.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMedical Care·DateFeb 19, 2009

MIT research could help predict red tide

Scientists at MIT explain how thin layers of single-celled organisms form at sea and can trap phytoplankton, leading to harmful algal blooms. This research brings the scientific community closer to predicting these events and has implications for other ecological phenomena.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 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.

A revolutionary new model for Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have discovered a new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by uncovering the normal function of a brain protein. The discovery suggests that the disease stems from an imbalance in signaling between neurons, rather than toxicity from amyloid plaques.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateFeb 19, 2009

People at high risk of stroke less aware of stroke warning signs

A new study reveals that people at high risk of stroke are less aware of the five warning signs, including sudden weakness, vision disturbance, and confusion. Researchers found significant disparities in knowledge among different demographics, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 19, 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.

Gene to reduce wheat yield losses

Scientists from the US and Israel have discovered a new gene that provides resistance to stripe rust, a fungal disease responsible for significant wheat yield losses. The novel gene has been found in wild wheat and is absent in modern varieties, offering a potential solution to devastating disease outbreaks.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2009

Anti-aging pathway enhances cell stress response

Researchers at Northwestern University identified a key molecular relationship between SIRT1 and heat shock factor 1 that helps protect cells from damage. By activating this pathway, it may be possible to manipulate lifespan and treat age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2009

Scripps Research study shows how microscopic changes to brain cause schizophrenic behavior in mice

Researchers discovered that mice lacking neuregulin develop dendritic spine abnormalities and exhibit hallmarks of schizophrenia, supporting the hypothesis that glutamatergic neurons play a crucial role. The study suggests that developmental defects in brain structure may contribute to schizophrenia's onset.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 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.

Can breastfeeding reduce multiple sclerosis relapses?

A study of pregnant women with MS found that those who breastfed exclusively had lower relapse rates than those who did not or stopped early. Women who delayed starting MS treatments to breastfeed also experienced faster return of menstrual periods.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 19, 2009

New initiative to tackle leading killer of children

The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) initiative aims to study the causes of pediatric pneumonia in five to ten countries, using modern diagnostics and methods to guide vaccine and treatment development. This effort could help prevent many pneumonia deaths and develop tools to tackle even more cases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2009

What is the most effective therapy for low-dose aspirin induced peptic ulcer?

Researchers found that H2RA therapy was effective in preventing and treating low-dose aspirin-induced peptic ulcers, while PPIs showed similar results. Cytoprotective anti-ulcer drugs were ineffective in preventing peptic ulcers. The study suggests a therapeutic strategy for managing this condition.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateFeb 19, 2009

A useful method to diagnose chest pain with foregut symptoms

Researchers found that spasm of the esophageal smooth muscle may trigger myocardial ischemia, leading to chest pain. The combination of these tests is significant for differential diagnosis, especially with foregut symptoms, and is cost-effective for patients from developing countries.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateFeb 19, 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.

New 'bubble' targets only cancer cells

Researchers have developed a new drug delivery technology that targets cancer cells specifically, leaving surrounding healthy cells intact. The technology utilizes tiny bubbles containing therapeutic drugs to deliver medication directly to cancer cells, enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 19, 2009

Bacteria in urinary tract infections caught making burglar's tools

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that bacteria causing urinary tract infections produce compounds called siderophores to steal iron from their hosts. These tools provide a potential way to target bad strains of bacteria for eradication without affecting good strains. The discovery could lead to new treatment...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 19, 2009

Coffee cultivation good for diversity in agrarian settlements but not in forests

Research shows that coffee cultivation under shade trees can preserve forest plant and animal diversity in areas with deforestation. In contrast, growing coffee in forests leads to a decline in species richness of forest birds. This study highlights the importance of sustainable land use practices in conserving biodiversity.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 19, 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.

Proteasome inhibition affects epigenetic mechanisms

Chronic ethanol feeding inhibits nuclear proteasome activity, altering epigenetic mechanisms and gene expression. Proteasome inhibition also affects the remethylation pathway, leading to decreased histone acetylation and increased betainehomocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) enzyme.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateFeb 19, 2009

Cleaning the atmosphere of carbon: African forests out of balance

Researchers discovered that African forests are increasing in tree carbon stocks by an amount equal to the weight of a small car each year. This suggests that extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could be acting as fertilizer, but other factors like human occupation and past disturbance may also be at play.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 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.

Business information services focus on added value to deal with difficult financial climate

The 2008 financial crisis has radically transformed the business information landscape, with senior information managers seeking to add value and manage costs. The survey found that companies are pushing for more strategic management of their information services, with a focus on appraising how to add value and managing vendors.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalBusiness Information Review·DateFeb 19, 2009

Fruit flies sick from mating

Researchers found that fruit fly females' genes are activated similarly to an immune reaction when they mate, leading to a heightened defense system. The cost of mating is also revealed to be high, as females produce fewer offspring due to male harassment and toxic sperm fluid.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 19, 2009

More reasons to hate humidity: It expands global warming, prof says

Climate scientist Andrew Dessler explains that warmer temperatures lead to higher humidity, causing additional warming through the water vapor feedback mechanism. This process is responsible for significant predicted warming over the next century, with potential devastating long-term consequences.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 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.

Study shows ultrasound and tPA effective for stroke

A new experimental therapy combining ultrasound and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has shown to be more effective than tPA alone in treating ischemic stroke, according to a recent study. The treatment, which involves tiny gas-filled microspheres activated by ultrasound waves, helped restore blood flow and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateFeb 19, 2009

Pitt researchers create atomic-sized one-stop shop for nanoelectronics

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a nanoscale one-stop shop for electronics that can yield transistors two nanometers in size. This breakthrough has potential applications for high-density memory devices, sensors and computer processors, and could pave the way for more advanced technologies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2009

Indoor air pollution increases asthma symptoms

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that indoor particulate matter pollution is associated with a significant increase in asthma symptoms among children. Fine particles were also linked to an increase in wheezing and respiratory issues.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 19, 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.

Team learns how cellular protein detects viruses and sparks immune response

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois reveals that RIG-I, a cellular protein, can detect viral RNA and trigger an immune response in every cell type. The protein uses two major parts to distinguish between viral and self-RNA, using a unique 'triphosphate' tag.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 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.

Academics to brief new US administration on tackling poverty

New research methods developed by Dr Peter Davis aim to better understand the complex realities of chronic poverty, affecting millions worldwide. The conference in Washington DC will engage policymakers and stakeholders from the US and internationally to formulate a policy agenda to address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateFeb 19, 2009

How Volvox got its groove

Researchers discovered that ancestors of Volvox algae transitioned to multicellularity at least 200 million years ago. This finding provides insights into the evolution of complex life forms, highlighting the importance of cooperation among cells in overcoming conflicts that hinder collective growth and reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2009

Incidence rates of cervical cancer linked to deprivation

A new study published in BMC Public Health found that cervical cancer incidence varies among geographical areas in Southeast England, with higher rates in more deprived areas. The research analyzed data on 2,231 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed between 2001 and 2005, revealing dramatic variations within regions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 19, 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.

K-State marketing professor says online shopping will look something like Second Life in the future

A Kansas State University marketing professor says online shopping will borrow from Second Life, allowing shoppers to interact with virtual avatars and purchase items in a social setting. The future of e-commerce may also involve mobile devices, with research suggesting that gaming and chat features are key to attracting young customers.

SourceKansas State University·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing·DateFeb 19, 2009

Physical activity guidelines are too confusing, say researchers

Researchers at the University of Bath found that around nine out of ten men could be categorized as active or sedentary depending on which guidelines were followed. This inconsistency in physical activity guidelines may prevent people from taking the message that being active can make a huge difference to their health.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 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.

Scientists find black gold amidst overlooked data

Researchers found black gold bubbles in sunlight reflections on the ocean's surface, revealing a new technique to detect oil seeps. This method could provide timely and cost-effective means to survey oceans for oil spills and monitor human-induced releases.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 19, 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.

Online collaboration identifies bacteria

A new website allows scientists to collaborate on bacterial strain identification through multilocus sequence analysis. The database grows in size and utility as taxonomists add their isolates, enabling electronic taxonomy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 19, 2009

'Neurological work-arounds' offer hope to people with monoamine-related disorders

Researchers have identified a way for the brain to compensate for problems with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, opening up new treatment options for addiction, depression, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. The discovery was made using fruit flies with a genetic mutation that disrupted monoamine neurotransmitter rel...

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalGenetics·DateFeb 19, 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.

Infection prevention falls short in Canadian long-term care facilities

A new study by Queen's University reveals that Canadian long-term care facilities are not meeting recommended standards for infection prevention and control. The findings highlight a lack of essential activities, including surveillance and control measures, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and financial expense.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateFeb 19, 2009