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Science News Archive January 2009


Page 13 of 19

Low-cost strategy developed for curbing computer worms

Researchers at University of California, Davis have developed a 2-pronged approach to ward off self-propagating infectious programs known as worms. The strategy enables computers to share information about anomalous activity and use an algorithm to weigh the cost of infection against the benefit of staying online.

Glitches in DNA repair genes predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center identified new biomarkers for treatment response in pancreatic cancer, associating mismatch repair genes with tumor resectability and overall survival. The study found that variations in DNA repair genes can predict patient outcomes, enabling doctors to choose the best therapy.

New tool gives researchers a glimpse of biomolecules in motion

Scientists at NIST have developed a new technique using terahertz spectroscopy to study biomolecules in water. The method uses nanoscale droplets of soap-like molecules called micelles, which provide an aqueous environment for the biomolecules to flex and bend while limiting water absorption.

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.

High caffeine intake linked to hallucination proneness

A new research study suggests that high caffeine consumption may be linked to a greater tendency to hallucinate. People who consume more than seven cups of instant coffee per day are three times more likely to report hearing voices when there is no one around.

Athletes not spared from health risks of metabolic syndrome

A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training suggests that college football players are not immune to the health risks associated with metabolic syndrome. The research found nearly half of the athletes studied had at least three risk factors, including excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol levels.

Contraceptive use may be safe, but information gaps remain

Experts warn that while hormonal contraceptives may be safe for many women, gaps in knowledge remain. The article highlights the need for further research on low-dose oral contraceptives and alternative forms of contraception for high-risk individuals.

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.

Insights into polymer film instability could aid high tech industries

A team of scientists at NIST discovered that temperature can influence the competing processes of crystallization and dewetting in polymer films. This understanding could lead to better control of these processes, resulting in more stable and uniform films for applications like organic solar cells. The research also has implications fo...

Great Lakes water level sensitive to climate change

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island found that the Great Lakes' water level is highly sensitive to climate changes. The study revealed that a dry climate interval caused lake levels to fall dramatically, disconnecting the lakes and running their overflow rivers dry.

'2-faced' bioacids put a new face on carbon nanotube self-assembly

Researchers at NIST and Rice University have discovered a new method for self-assembling carbon nanotubes using bile acid, allowing for the creation of ordered, aligned arrangements of individual nanotubes. This process is inexpensive and does not require external magnetic or electrical fields.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Greater quadriceps strength may benefit those with knee osteoarthritis

A new study found that stronger quadriceps muscles protect against cartilage loss in the lateral compartment of the patellofemoral joint, a site of frequent cartilage loss and pain in patients with knee OA. Greater quadriceps strength also showed to have less knee pain and better physical function than those with weaker muscles.

Delusions associated with consistent pattern of brain injury

A new study reveals a consistent pattern of brain injury to the frontal lobe and right hemisphere causes delusions. The overcompensation of the left hemisphere leads to the creation of false narratives that cannot be edited, resulting in pathologic beliefs.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Worse in women?

Research published in BioMed Central's Arthritis Research and Therapy found that women experience more severe symptoms, greater disability, and poorer treatment outcomes compared to men. The study of over 6,000 patients revealed a significant gender gap in disease activity measures, treatments, and clinical characteristics.

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.

New NIST method accelerates stability testing of soy-based biofuel

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new method to accelerate stability testing of biodiesel fuel made from soybeans. The 'advanced distillation curve' method identifies additives that enhance stability at high temperatures, which can cause biodiesel to break down.

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.

Hepatitis C may increase pancreatic cancer risk

A large cohort study found that infection with hepatitis C virus significantly increases risk for pancreatic cancer, a previously under-examined association. The study, published in Hepatology, suggests that individuals infected with HCV should be closely monitored for this potentially fatal condition.

Study looks at how mental health care affects outcomes for foster children

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that foster children with a history of inpatient mental health treatment are more likely to experience frequent placement disruptions and have lower chances of reunification with their families. The study highlights the need for continued follow-up and referrals to community menta...

Study links swings in North Atlantic oscillation variability to climate warming

A new marine-based reconstruction shows that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has become more variable over the past century, swinging wildly between cold and warm periods. The research suggests that climate warming is linked to this increased variability, with potential implications for extreme weather events and droughts.

Smoking during pregnancy may impair thyroid function of mom and fetus

A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal thyroid hormone levels. Smoking-related changes in thyroid function extend to the fetus, potentially leading to impaired neuropsychological development.

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.

The auto change bicycle

Researchers in Taiwan have developed a computer algorithm that provides a gear-shifting sequence to optimize power output and maintain comfort while cycling. The system, tested on a 12-speed bicycle, minimizes power losses and gear shifts, allowing riders to pedal efficiently without fatigue.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers identify another potential biomarker

A recent study by Boston University researchers has identified a class of microRNAs that regulate gene expression changes in airway cells caused by smoking and lung cancer. These findings may lead to a non-invasive biomarker for smoking-related lung diseases, improving early diagnosis and treatment options.

MyFitness Planner really moves you

A randomized control trial of 150 healthy adult women showed that MyFitness Planner resulted in increased walking and total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The study found that participants who clicked more links in update emails trended toward greater activity, regardless of socio-economic or education status.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Women may be more likely to experience EMS delays for heart care

A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that women are more likely to experience delays in emergency medical services (EMS) care for heart-related issues. The study analyzed data from nearly 6,000 men and women and revealed that women had a 52% higher chance of being delayed during EMS care.

Fatty liver disease medication may have no effect

A new trial found that orlistat, a common fat absorption inhibitor, does not help patients with fatty liver disease lose weight or improve liver enzymes. However, moderate weight loss was associated with significant improvements in liver symptoms.

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.

Smart lighting: New LED drops the 'droop'

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new type of LED with improved lighting performance and energy efficiency. The new polarization-matched LED exhibits an 18% increase in light output and a 22% increase in wall-plug efficiency.

Hospital diabetes care standards not met by US academic medical centers

A study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine found that US academic medical centers do not meet current American Diabetes Association hospital diabetes care standards. The research highlights the need for improved insulin therapy and standardized protocols to enhance patient outcomes.

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.

Genetic variation cues social anxiety in monkeys and humans

A genetic variation involving serotonin has been found to shape social behavior in rhesus macaque monkeys, which could provide a new model for studying autism, social anxiety, and schizophrenia. Monkeys with this variation spent less time looking at faces and were more risk-averse.

A case of mistaken dino-identity

A Texas state dinosaur is facing a name change after research revealed it was misidentified as Pleurocoelus. The new species, Paluxysaurus jonesi, was discovered by Southern Methodist University scientist Peter Rose, who studied sauropod bones in central Texas.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Also in the Jan. 13 JNCI

Researchers found that lapatinib delayed tumor development and reduced the number of tumors in a mouse model of hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. Lapatinib is a small-molecule inhibitor that blocks tyrosine kinase activities associated with tumor formation.

Study examines burden of diabetes on US hospitals

A new study published in Value in Health estimates that Americans with diabetes had nearly 22% of hospital charges in 2005, totaling $171 billion. The study also found that individuals with type 1 diabetes were more likely to be hospitalized than those with type 2 diabetes.

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.

Small changes can lead to big rewards, says ASN president

According to ASN President James O. Hill, PhD, small changes in diet and physical activity can prevent weight gain and reduce the magnitude of the obesity problem. Examples of such small changes include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking extra 2,000 steps a day, and reducing food portion size by 5%.

'Smart scaffolds' may help heal broken hearts

Researchers developed an organic substance that attracts and supports cells necessary for tissue repair and can be directly injected into problem areas. The 'smart scaffolds' work by containing a protein that allows progenitor cells to adhere to damaged tissue and survive long enough to promote healing.

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.

Evolution of new brain area enables complex movements

A new area of the cerebral cortex has evolved to enable complex movements, such as picking up small objects and using tools, in humans and higher primates. This new area is home to cortico-motoneuronal cells that directly control spinal cord motor neurons, bypassing limitations imposed by spinal cord circuitry.