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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

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...

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.