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Science News Archive February 2009


Page 4 of 24

Waiting for biopsy results may adversely affect health

A new study found that women who wait for breast biopsy results experience biochemical changes, affecting wound healing and the immune system. The researchers hope to encourage faster analysis and communication of biopsy results.

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.

Inexpensive depression screening tool works in resource poor countries

A study found a 13% incidence of major depression disorder and a 21% incidence of other depressive disorders among HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screening tool was shown to be reliable and valid for assessing severity and diagnosis in this population.

Children with hypertension have trouble with thinking, memory

Recent research reveals children with hypertension have trouble with complicated tasks, working memory, and planning. Anxiety and depression are also common in obese hypertensive children, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure in this age group.

Yoga provides emotional benefits to women with breast cancer

A randomized study found yoga significantly improved mental health aspects in women with breast cancer, including reduced depression and increased feelings of peace, compared to the control group. The gentle practice provided a wide range of benefits, particularly for those with higher negative emotions and lower emotional well-being.

Transcendental Meditation buffers students against college stress: Study

A new study found that Transcendental Meditation practice buffers college students against intense stresses, improving Brain Integration Scale scores, electrodermal habituation, and sleepiness. Students who practiced TM showed increased frontal coherence, reduced sympathetic reactivity, and improved emotional balance.

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.

Biodefense news tips

Researchers have developed new techniques to quickly identify bacterial infections and determine the best antibiotic treatment. A nanoparticle-based method can detect bacterial strains in hours, while scientists also uncovered genetic basis of morphological differences in anthrax letter material.

In-store video ads a boon to retailers, a peril for traditional media

A new study by University of Illinois business professor Yunchuan Liu finds that in-store marketing has surged in the last decade, offering retailers a pricing edge over traditional media. The study suggests that in-store advertising will become increasingly important for impulse purchases and brand awareness campaigns.

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.

Update presented on disease in pork plant workers

Researchers found that 16 of 24 affected workers improved with treatment, including 12 with marked improvement, while six who were not exposed to pig brain mist also showed improvements. The disease is identified as a sensory predominant polyradiculoneuropathy with an autoimmune basis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers generate functional neurons from somatic cells

Scientists successfully generated functionally mature motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for new treatments of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury. This study offers a promising alternative to embryo-derived cells for regenerative medicine.

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.

Living wills have an impact on pre-hospital lifesaving care

A study found significant confusion among pre-hospital healthcare providers regarding living wills and DNR orders, which can compromise lifesaving care. Implementing clearly defined code status designations within living wills can clarify this confusion and ensure patient safety.

Stroke treated significantly faster and just as safely by medical residents

A study by neurology residents at Barnes-Jewish Hospital showed that they can safely administer clot-busting enzyme tPA to stroke patients, reducing door-to-needle times from 81 minutes to 60 minutes. With proper training and feedback, residents can make complex decisions without increasing the risk of brain bleeding.

Sexual lyrics in popular songs linked to early sexual experiences

A study found that teenagers who preferred popular songs with degrading sexual references were more likely to engage in intercourse or pre-coital activities. High exposure to such lyrics was independently associated with higher levels of sexual behavior among young adolescents.

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.

UCR scientists identify stem-cell genes that help form plant organs

Researchers at UCR identified all the genes expressed in plant stem cells, providing a global view of which genes are expressed and where within the shoot apical meristem. This discovery can help scientists develop better varieties of crops and understand why stem cells give rise to specialized cells.

Widespread stress among vets

A study of 1060 vets in north Germany found that psychosocial stress increased with working hours, leading to demoralization and substance abuse. The research suggests a complex relationship between stress, tobacco consumption, problem drinking, and drug use.

Updated formula measures kidney function more accurately

A new calculation eliminates obstacles in measuring kidney function in children, relying on various blood tests that can be performed in a clinical setting. The study's findings suggest an accurate estimate is crucial to properly treat children with acute and chronic kidney problems.

Money may not buy happiness but neither does poverty

Experts gather to discuss how economic growth affects well-being and whether poverty or wealth guarantees happiness. Research highlights the negative effects of unemployment, while stability in work improves health and well-being.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Diabetes a risk factor for postpartum depression

A new study published in JAMA found that low-income women with diabetes have a more than 50% increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. The research suggests that healthcare facilities and clinicians should pay attention to managing mental health concerns in women with diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Women with diabetes before or during pregnancy at higher risk of depression

Low-income pregnant women and new mothers with diabetes have nearly twice the risk of experiencing depression during and after pregnancy than women without diabetes. The study, published in JAMA, found that women with any form of diabetes were significantly more likely to experience some indication of depression during pregnancy or pos...

An angry heart can lead to sudden death, Yale researchers find

Yale researchers discover a link between anger and sudden cardiac arrests, which claim 400,000 lives annually. The study found that patients with T-wave alternans, a measure of electrical instability, were more likely to experience arrhythmias after a mental stress test.

Also in the Feb. 24 JNCI

Researchers found that gene expression profiles differed between tumor samples from patients who had taken vitamin E, selenium, or both supplements compared to those on placebo. The study provides insight into the effects of preoperative supplement use on prostate cancer gene expression, a potential area for future investigation.

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.

In battle against teacher turnover, MSU mentoring program proves effective

A new study finds that MSU's mentoring program improved teacher effectiveness in the Lansing district, leading to a significant reduction in teacher turnover. The program involves freeing up veteran teachers to advise beginning peers throughout the school year, providing training and support to help them succeed.

Spinal repair technique may offer hope to vertebral fracture patients

A randomised trial found that kyphoplasty treatment significantly improved quality of life, function, mobility, and pain in patients with acute vertebral fractures compared to non-surgical management. The procedure was also safe and effective, with no significant differences in adverse events between the two groups.

Bizarre bird behavior predicted by game theory

Researchers used game theory to explain juvenile ravens' unusual foraging behavior, finding that it occurs when searching individually is less efficient. The study suggests that abundant food and social advancement drive the adoption of 'gang' foraging, potentially improving their social status.

Jordan's fossil water source has high radiation levels

Researchers at Duke University discovered that ancient groundwater in Jordan's Disi aquifer contains up to 20 times the safe level of radiation, threatening long-term human consumption. To make it safe, experts recommend diluting or treating the water with technologies like ion exchange and desalination.

Stunning finding: Compounds protect against cerebral palsy

Researchers developed compounds that inhibit an enzyme producing nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter that can damage brain tissue. The treatment was effective in preventing cerebral palsy in animal models, suggesting a potential preventive strategy for humans in the future.

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.

Diagnosis of 'war-zone disorder' to help stroke victims

Researchers discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder impacts stroke patients' recovery and ability to resume normal life, even with minor brain damage. Early testing using simple questionnaires could lead to significant improvements in subarachnoid hemorrhage patient outcomes.

Saving wheat crops worldwide

Researchers at CSIRO Australia have discovered a key to overcoming three major cereal diseases, providing long-lasting protection against multiple pathogens. The Lr34 gene sequence offers broad-spectrum control of leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew, with tests showing constant protection for over 80 years.

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.

Researchers block immune cell rush behind deadly sepsis

A new study suggests blocking neutrophil migration using rhAPC could eliminate bleeding risk from sepsis treatment. The results recommend existing drugs as potential new treatments against sepsis, increasing the pace of new treatments in the clinic.

Gestures lend a hand in learning mathematics

A study published in Psychological Science reveals that hand movements can aid in creating new math concepts and aid learning. Fourth-grade students who repeated a specific gesture during a lesson solved more problems correctly than those who only spoke the words or partially correct gestures.

Anti-cancer gene discovered: Perspective for therapy

Researchers at VIB have identified a key gene that suppresses cancer across species, including humans. The Atonal gene regulates the final step of cell specialization, which is lost in cancer cells, offering new hope for therapy.

Growing danger from post-birth bleeding

A recent study found that post-partum haemorrhage is a significant threat to new mothers in high-income countries, resulting in severe outcomes including infertility and death. The authors recommend increased access to active management of the third stage of labour to reduce PPH rates.

Great Lake's sinkholes host exotic ecosystems

Researchers have discovered unique ecosystems in Great Lake Huron's sinkholes, featuring brilliant purple mats of cyanobacteria and pallid, floating pony-tails of microbial life in dense, salty water. The unusual environments are similar to those found at the bottoms of permanently ice-covered lakes in Antarctica.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Commercial yeasts upgraded with an enzyme for biofuel production

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered an enzyme that enables yeast cells to ferment xylose into ethanol, a waste sugar in the cellulosic ethanol production process. This single-step conversion technology has the potential to increase biofuel production efficiency and reduce competition with food and feed production.

Treating drug-addicted doctors is good medicine

A national-level analysis confirms that Physician Health Programs, which couple referral to treatment with rapid responses to noncompliance, are successful in helping doctors stay drug-free. The study found that over three-quarters of enrolled doctors stayed sober for five years and were able to return to medical practice.

Lovely 'snowfakes' mimic nature, advance science

Researchers have developed a computer model that replicates the growth of snow crystals in rich three-dimensional detail. The model, which can generate all types of snowflakes, is significant because it helps scientists better understand and predict how snowflakes form in clouds.

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.

Anger management: The key to staying heart healthy?

A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that changes brought on by anger can predict future arrhythmias in patients with ICDs. Patients who experienced higher levels of anger-induced TWA were more likely to have arrhythmias requiring ICD termination.