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Science News for January 13, 2009


Simply weird stuff: Making supersolids with ultracold gas atoms

Physicists at NIST and the University of Maryland have proposed a method for creating a supersolid, an exotic state of matter that behaves as both a solid and a friction-free superfluid. The team identified clear experimental signatures, verifying the simultaneous existence of these properties in ultracold atoms.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJan 13, 2009

UNC study supports role of circadian clock in response to chemotherapy

A new UNC study found that the circadian clock influences a cell's repair machinery, which can affect the potency of cancer drugs. By targeting the daily oscillations of this enzyme system, researchers believe clinicians can maximize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2009

Cell 'anchors' required to prevent muscular dystrophy

Researchers found that ankyrin-B protein plays a vital role in stabilizing microtubules and anchoring dystrophin to the muscle membrane, preventing cellular damage and death. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of muscular dystrophy.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJan 13, 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.

Cognitive rehab helps people with acquired brain injury

A meta-analysis of cognitive rehabilitation studies suggests that treatments tailored to age, injury, symptoms, and time since injury are more effective. Cognitive skills training in specific domains like attention and visuospatial processing shows promise, while holistic approaches have limited benefits.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateJan 13, 2009

MIT develops camera for the blind

The portable device is relatively inexpensive, replacing expensive diagnostic equipment with light-emitting diodes. It allows visually challenged individuals to access the Internet, view friends' faces, and express themselves through photography.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 13, 2009

Mobile phone use not associated with melanoma of the eye

Researchers examined the link between mobile phone use and uveal melanoma in a large study of 1,453 participants. No significant increased risk was found among regular users or those who used radio sets, suggesting that phone use may not be associated with this type of eye cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 13, 2009

Tequila boom triggers social, environmental hangover in Mexico

The tequila boom has led to a surge in demand, causing companies to plant their own agave, marginalizing independent farmers and workers. The study highlights the need for sustainable production practices to be incorporated into the legal framework of geographical indications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateJan 13, 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.

Novel technique changes lymph node biopsy, reduces radiation exposure

Researchers have developed a novel technique using photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and gold nanocages to noninvasively image sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in breast cancer patients. This method reduces the need for invasive surgical biopsies and minimizes patient radiation exposure, offering a promising alternative for cancer diagnosis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 13, 2009

Race and gender determine how politicians speak

Researchers found that politicians' speech patterns reveal a social hierarchy, with black race and female gender assigned subordinate roles, while white males dominate. This study highlights the reproduction of racism and sexism in political discourse, affecting how leaders are perceived.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psycholinguistic Research·DateJan 13, 2009

Voracious sponges save reef

Researchers have found that sponge cells in coral caves rapidly recycle dissolved organic material, providing essential nutrients for the reef's inhabitants. This process allows the reef to maintain itself despite limited space and nutrient availability.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalChemical Physics Letters·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceDurham University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJan 13, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 13, 2009
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.

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...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalSoft Matter·DateJan 13, 2009

When it comes to sleep research, fruit flies and people make unlikely bedfellows

Research published in the journal Genetics shows that fruit flies and humans regulate their circadian rhythms through similar cellular machinery. This discovery provides a viable animal model for circadian research and sheds light on the potential treatment of seasonal affective disorder, insomnia, and possibly some cancers.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalGenetics·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalEos·DateJan 13, 2009
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.

'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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJan 13, 2009

Meta-analysis confirms value of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy for women with BRCA mutations

A meta-analysis of 10 studies confirms that risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy significantly reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers in women with BRCA mutations. The procedure is associated with a 51% relative reduction in breast cancer risk and an 79% relative reduction in ovarian cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJan 13, 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.

HPV testing followed by cytology and repeat HPV testing may improve cervical cancer screening

A new study suggests that combining HPV DNA testing with cytology and repeat HPV testing can increase cervical cancer screening detection rates without a substantial increase in false-positive tests. This approach resulted in a 30% higher detection rate compared to cytology alone, while doubling the number of required tests.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJan 13, 2009

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...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalResearch on Social Work Practice·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

SourceDairy Council of California·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJan 13, 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.

Children's National scientists uncover key developmental mechanisms of the amygdala

Researchers at Children's National Medical Center have identified a specific group of precursor cells that develop into the amygdala, a critical brain region for emotional processing. The discovery sheds light on how the amygdala forms during development and could help understand autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 13, 2009

Can you see me now? Flexible photodetectors could help sharpen photos

Researchers have developed a flexible light-sensitive material that can revolutionize photography and other imaging technologies by eliminating image distortion. Inspired by the human eye, the curved photodetector can correct distortion and produce sharper images.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 13, 2009

Education professor dispels myths about gifted children

A Florida State University professor, Steven I. Pfeiffer, studies gifted children and dispels myths about their needs. He developed a diagnostic test to identify gifted students and advocates for programs to support them.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2009

Human beta cells can be easily induced to replicate, according to study in Diabetes

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully induced human insulin-producing beta cells to replicate in a living animal and in the lab. The discovery could improve models and methods for studying diabetes and lead to techniques for generating new beta cells in patients with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 13, 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.

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.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 13, 2009

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.

SourceWiley·JournalValue in Health·DateJan 13, 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.

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%.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 13, 2009