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Science News Archive January 2009


Page 1 of 19

Stress may hasten the growth of melanoma tumors

Research suggests that stress can increase the production of proteins that support tumor growth and angiogenesis in aggressive melanoma cells. Beta-blocker medications may slow this process, offering potential improvements for patients' quality of life.

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 30, 2009

Stevens receives National Science Foundation grant for cybersecurity scholars

Stevens Institute of Technology has been awarded a $850,672 National Science Foundation grant to support students pursuing degree programs in cybersecurity. The scholarship program will provide 11 two-year scholarships covering tuition and a stipend, requiring students to work for the government for at least two years after graduation.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJan 30, 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.

Study confirms persistence of diversity problems in academic medicine

A survey of tenure-track physicians at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that awareness and sensitivity to racial and ethnic diversity are poor among faculty, particularly those from underrepresented minorities. The study suggests that enhancing diversity remains a challenge for medical schools.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateJan 30, 2009

The paradox of temptation

Researchers found that increased temptation, such as sweets in a gym setting, can actually decrease desire for them. This counteractive self-control theory suggests the mind dampens desire to protect greater goals like good health. The study also applied this concept to other temptations like work and play.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 30, 2009

LSUSHC researchers find potential new target for hypertension treatment

Researchers at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center have found a potential new target for hypertension treatment in the brain's Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). By blocking one of its receptors, AT1Rs, ACE2 activity increased, normalizing impaired baroreceptor reflex function and blood pressure.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateJan 30, 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.

Grasso leads technical team's response to HHS HIV/AIDS Bureau announcement

The team aims to enhance access and retention in quality HIV care for women of color by developing a web-based data entry and reporting platform. Recent HIV data highlights significant disparities among black and Hispanic women, who account for 82% of AIDS diagnoses despite making up only 24% of all US women.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJan 30, 2009

Smithsonian scientists receive coveted BBVA Ecology and Conservation Award

Laurance and Lovejoy received the award for their contributions to understanding habitat fragmentation and global change impacts on tropical forests. Their work promotes conservation research in imperiled forests, inspiring decision-makers and the public to establish and conserve large, interconnected forest reserves vital to ecologica...

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateJan 30, 2009

UCSF receives tentative renewal of major stem cell training grant

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has received tentative approval for a comprehensive stem cell training program, designed to cultivate the next generation of stem cell scientists. The three-year grant, totaling $3.9 million, will support six graduate students, six postdoctoral fellows, and four clinician-scientists.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJan 30, 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.

European fusion computer comes to Julich

The new supercomputer will help researchers better understand complex plasma effects in the ITER fusion reactor through advanced computer simulations. The HPC-FF system will be optimized for European fusion scientists' simulation programs and will provide 101 teraflop/s computing power.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJan 30, 2009

Mesh-like network of arteries adjusts to restore blood flow to stroke-injured brain

Researchers discovered that small arteries at the brain's surface redirect and widen to maintain a constant blood supply after a stroke. The mesh-like vascular network enables the arteries to compensate for reduced blood cell velocity by increasing diameter, ensuring steady delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJan 30, 2009

Circumpolar researchers to study indigenous teen resilience

A team of researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and other institutions will examine successful life stories of indigenous youth in four circumpolar communities. The project aims to share knowledge and expertise within these communities, guided by community members, to inform ways to address challenges and promote resilience.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateJan 30, 2009

Teaching an old drug new tricks

Researchers discovered clofazimine's potential to treat autoimmune diseases by inhibiting the Kv1.3 potassium channel. The findings suggest a new approach to treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and type 1 diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 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.

Stem cell grant would boost UCI training program

The University of California, Irvine has received a $3.3 million grant to expand its stem cell training program, which will attract top talent and develop more physician-scientists engaged in stem cell research. The program will train researchers to cross disciplines and develop new disease treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJan 30, 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.

Omega-6 PUFAs and risk of cardiovascular disease

The American Heart Association advises consumers to aim for at least 5-10% of energy from omega-6 PUFAs, which may reduce cardiovascular risk and lower the risk for heart disease events by 24%. Omega-6 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, dispelling concerns of increased inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalCirculation·DateJan 30, 2009

UC San Diego engineers develop novel method for accelerated bone growth

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a novel method to accelerate bone growth using nanotubes and stem cells, which could lead to quicker recovery times for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. The new method uses mesenchymal stem cells placed on top of titanium oxide nanotubes to control cell differentiation into osteoblasts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2009

Enzyme with a sugar antenna

Researchers achieve semisynthesis of homogeneous glycoproteins, a complex task in biomedical studies. They used a novel strategy to synthesize ribonuclease C, a glycosylated bovine pancreatic enzyme with a unique sugar component.

SourceWiley·DateJan 30, 2009

Queen's chemist sheds light on health benefits of garlic

Researchers have discovered that an acid produced when garlic decomposes is responsible for its potent antioxidant activity. This finding could explain why garlic has been used as a herbal medicine for centuries and may provide insight into its medicinal benefits.

SourceQueen's University·DateJan 30, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Household chemicals may be linked to infertility

Researchers at UCLA School of Public Health have found evidence that perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), used in household items and manufacturing processes, may be linked to infertility in women. Women with higher levels of PFOS and PFOA in their blood took longer to become pregnant.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJan 30, 2009

Bipolar disorder linked to risk of early death from natural causes

Research suggests that people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of premature death from medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The study found that the risk is similar for men and women, with endocrine problems also contributing to the increased mortality rate.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateJan 30, 2009

Intervention method reduces binge drinking

A new intervention method has been shown to significantly reduce binge drinking among college students. The MIF (motivational interviewing with feedback) intervention includes a personalized feedback profile and a 45-minute counseling session, resulting in a 5.26 drink reduction per week among participants. The study found that this ap...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 30, 2009

Vaccines and autism: Many hypotheses, but no correlation

A recent review summarizes studies refuting the claim of a vaccine-autism link, instead attributing symptoms to coincidental timing or other factors. Immunization rates are crucial in preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 30, 2009

Genome of a heat and drought resistant cereal plant analyzed

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München sequenced sorghum's genome, gaining insights into its drought tolerance and C4 photosynthesis. The analysis provides new information on the evolution of crop plant genomes.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 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.

Education, daytime hours, and job flexibility most help single moms of preschoolers

A University of Illinois study finds that single mothers' education is crucial in creating a nurturing home environment, followed by employment in standard daytime hours or flexible jobs. Stable day shifts with flexibility allow mothers to spend more time with their children and form an attachment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateJan 30, 2009

Drug combinations key in treating neurodegenerative diseases

Combining drugs that protect neurons with those targeting memory may be key to treating neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia are exploring novel drug candidates that target specific disease targets and improve cognition, reaction time and attention.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNeurotherapeutics·DateJan 30, 2009

Physics, math provide clues to unraveling cancer

University of Michigan researchers are using mathematical modeling to develop a more complete understanding of how cancer develops and interacts with its environment. This approach has led to new insights into the complex signaling pathways involved in cancer growth and metastasis.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 30, 2009

Observers of first dates can predict outcome, study shows

In a speed-dating study, researchers found that men and women were equally skilled at gauging romantic interest, but women's deceptive behavior made it harder for observers to judge their interest accurately. The study suggests that evolutionary theory predicts women to be more coy or deceptive in dating environments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 30, 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.

U of T technique put to use to test clean up of contaminated groundwater

A new technique developed at the University of Toronto is being used to test the effectiveness of clean-up efforts for contaminated groundwater. Using Compound Specific Isotope Analysis, researchers can determine if biodegradation is taking place by analyzing the ratio of carbon isotopes in the contaminants.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJan 30, 2009

Dr. Ting Yu's research featured in latest issue of Science magazine

Dr. Ting Yu's article reviews recent progress in studies focused on early-stage disentanglement (ESD) of quantum systems, a phenomenon that can degrade correlation between qubits due to environmental noise. The research has significant implications for the development of quantum information science and technology.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2009

Sports technology for para-athletes: Closing the gap

Recent sports technology advancements aim to bridge the gap between able-bodied athletes and para-athletes. Prosthetic innovations like carbon blades have shown significant advantages in sprinting mechanics data, allowing double transtibial amputees to deliver comparable performance levels with lower metabolic costs.

SourceWiley·JournalSports Technology·DateJan 30, 2009
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.

Tobacco companies target girls

Research reveals that tobacco companies in South Korea have been deliberately targeting girls and young women with marketing campaigns, using tactics such as associating smoking with body image and female emancipation. The study calls for stricter regulations and public education to combat the rise in female smoking rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGlobalization and Health·DateJan 29, 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.

Research uncovers surprising lion stronghold in war-torn central Africa

A recent study suggests that the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda could support a large lion population, with estimates suggesting up to 905 individuals. The research, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Adrian Treves, used aerial surveys and prey data to predict lion abundance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalOryx·DateJan 29, 2009

What we don’t know still hurts us, environmental researchers warn

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights the need for improved understanding of ecosystem interactions and long-term data collection. The authors warn that current approaches are limited by discipline-bound thinking and lack a full description of the complex biophysical and social systems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 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.

No such thing as a 'born leader,' study in fish finds

A new study on stickleback fish found that followers play a crucial role in good leadership and that individuals adopt roles based on social feedback. The researchers showed that each member of a pair influences the other's behavior, leading to dynamic leadership emergence.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 2009

MIT IDs genes linked to Parkinson's side effects

Researchers at MIT have identified two genes that are altered in the brains of animals with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. The study found that regulating these CalDAG-GEF molecules could have therapeutic value for treating the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2009

Exercise underutilized for chronic back and neck pain

Individuals with chronic back and neck pain are less likely to receive exercise prescriptions, with physical therapists prescribing it most frequently. Exercise is a moderately effective therapy for this highly disabling illness, but its underutilization may hinder treatment outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 29, 2009

Study finds 'rescue course' of antenatal steroids improves outcome in premature babies

A new study shows that premature babies born before 34 weeks have a significant reduction in serious complications when given a 'rescue course' of Antenatal Corticosteroids. The study found a 31% decrease in respiratory problems, ventilator support, and surfactant use with no adverse side effects noted.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 29, 2009
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.

Teen smoking could lead to adult depression, study says

A new Florida State University study found that nicotine exposure in adolescence can lead to depression-like symptoms in adulthood. The researchers injected adolescent rats with nicotine and found that even brief exposure could have long-lasting effects, causing behavioral changes symptomatic of depression.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 29, 2009

Pole-to-pole flights provide first global picture of greenhouse gases

Scientists embark on three-year project to measure carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases worldwide, shedding light on their distribution and impact on climate change. The research will enable better predictions of greenhouse gas emissions and inform society's decisions about climate change mitigation.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJan 29, 2009

Discovery of ionic elemental crystal against chemical intuition

A new phase of pure boron has been discovered with a partially ionic structure, exhibiting unusual physical properties and bringing surprise to the scientific community. The discovery was made possible by a computational method developed by ETH Zurich researcher Artem Oganov, who predicted the stable crystal structures of materials.

SourceETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2009

How your body clock avoids hitting the snooze button

Researchers found three factors governing circadian clock resetting: Cryptochrome, Jetlag, and Timeless. These proteins fine-tune light responses on a molecular level, ensuring the bodyclock stays synchronized with its environment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 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.

Birds' strategic mobbing fends off parasitic invaders

Researchers found that reed warblers employ a defense-in-depth strategy by mobbing model cuckoos at high-risk nests, reducing parasitism rates. Mobbing is adaptive in contexts where brood parasitism varies spatially and temporally.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 2009

Study finds preemies more likely to score positive

Children born preterm are at three times higher risk of screening positive for autism, according to a Boston University study. The modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT) is used to assess developmental risks, with over 21% of children in the study screening positive.

SourceBoston University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 29, 2009

Perceptions and experiences of homeless youth vary by race, UCSF study shows

A new UCSF study reveals significant differences in life experiences and perceptions of homeless youth among African American and white youth. The research found that African Americans tend to maintain closer ties to their families, while white youth are more likely to be runaways from dysfunctional homes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 29, 2009

New data show periodontal treatment doesn't reduce preterm birth risk

A randomized trial of 1,800 pregnant women with periodontal disease found that routine gum treatments do not reduce the risk of early delivery. The study suggests that treating periodontal disease during pregnancy is safe, but standard periodontal care is not enough to prevent preterm births.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJan 29, 2009

Water lilies inspire scientists to create large-scale graphene films

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel method to assemble graphite oxide sheets into continuous membranes, overcoming conventional thin-film processing limitations. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-quality graphene devices with high successful yields and potential applications in energy-related fields.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 29, 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.