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Science News for January 16, 2009


New infant feeding and obesity research adds insight to ongoing issue

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that longer periods of breastfeeding were associated with lower BMI at one year of age and no significant difference by age 60. The research suggests that infant feeding may have a protective effect on obesity until around age 7.

SourceKellen Communications·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 16, 2009

African-Americans have worse prognosis at colorectal cancer diagnosis

Research from Thomas Jefferson University reveals that African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to present with advanced disease and have a worse five-year survival rate. Socioeconomic factors, including access to healthcare screening, may contribute to these disparities.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateJan 16, 2009

Players love the game not the gore

A new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that violent content does not increase enjoyment in video games. Instead, challenges and a sense of autonomy are key drivers of player engagement. For most players, gore actually detracts from the game's 'fun factor'.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 16, 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.

3 Palauans selected as interns in new US Forest Service program

Three Palauans, Uelbil Puanani Michael, Omekrael Sadang, and Sheldon Siksei, have been selected as interns in the US Forest Service's Professional Internships in Pacific Terrestrial Island Ecosystem Management program. They will work on forestry projects in their home islands and later implement focus projects with mentors.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateJan 16, 2009

Neurons show sex-dependent changes during starvation

Researchers found that male neurons more readily withered up and died under starvation, while female neurons conserved energy and stayed alive. The study revealed sex-dependent effects in brain cells, shedding light on metabolic differences between males and females.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 16, 2009

Dartmouth researchers identify potential cancer target

Researchers found that two proteins, Kif2b and MCAK, work together to ensure proper chromosome segregation during cell division. Increasing these proteins in tumor cells restored nearly normal accuracy of chromosome segregation, providing insight into mechanisms of cell division in tumor cells.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 16, 2009

Salt reduction may offer cardioprotective effects beyond blood pressure reduction

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that reducing salt intake can have cardioprotective effects beyond lowering blood pressure. The research found benefits for people with normal blood pressure and those who are overweight or obese, starting as early as a few weeks after sodium reduction.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 16, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pre-emptive treatment helped curtail skin toxicity with panitumumab

A pre-emptive skin regimen can significantly reduce skin-associated toxicities associated with panitumumab for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. The study found that this approach reduced the incidence of grade 2 or higher skin toxicities by over 50%. Patients who received prophylactic treatment reported improved quality of life,...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateJan 16, 2009

Astronomers find dust around a primitive star

Researchers found evidence of cosmic dust forming around a dying star in a nearby galaxy, similar to those that formed soon after the Big Bang. This discovery provides insight into the early stages of the Universe and challenges the long-held theory that supernovae explosions are the primary source of dust.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2009
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.

Evolutionary process more detailed than previously believed, study shows

A Texas A&M University study found that yeast cells exhibit a dynamic evolutionary process with multiple beneficial adaptations arising within a population, leading to competition between segments. The research provides direct experimental evidence of 'clonal interference,' contradicting the classical model of evolution.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 16, 2009

Is there a relationship between sleep-wake rhythm and diabetes?

A new gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels influences insulin secretion via melatonin metabolism, implicating a previously unknown relationship between the sleep-wake rhythm and diabetes. Further studies will explore the role of melatonin in regulating insulin secretion and potentially lead to new treatment options.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 16, 2009

Fishdunnit! Mystery solved

A recent study published in Science reveals that fish produce a significant fraction of the oceans' calcium carbonate, affecting seawater's pH balance. The researchers estimate three to 15 percent of marine calcium carbonate is produced by fish, which can dissolve rapidly and release into the deep ocean.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 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.

Scientists glean new insights into convection in planets and stars

Researchers built a novel device to study convection in rotational systems, providing new insights into how it controls planetary and stellar behavior. The findings show that fluid boundary layers control rotating convection systems, rather than Coriolis and buoyancy forces.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateJan 16, 2009

Key protein that may cause cancer cell death identified

Scientists at A*STAR's IMCB have discovered a human protein called Bax-beta (Baxβ) that can induce cancer cell death. The protein is normally degraded by proteasomes in healthy cells, but its levels are elevated in cancer cells, leading to apoptosis.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 16, 2009
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.

2 Pohnpeians selected as interns in new US Forest Service program

The US Forest Service has selected two Pohnpeian students, Fa'afo'i Tony Maugalei and John Ah Sue, as part of its Professional Internships in Pacific Terrestrial Island Ecosystem Management program. The program aims to recruit and train the next generation of forestry professionals in the Pacific Islands.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateJan 16, 2009

3 Kosraeans selected as interns in new US Forest Service programs

Three Kosraeans, Maximilian Nithan, Jacob Sanney, and Rickson Johnithan, have been selected as interns in the US Forest Service's Professional Internships program. They will address watershed management issues and implement focus projects to improve forestry practices in their communities.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateJan 16, 2009

Coastal barrier island researchers learn lessons from Ike destruction

Researchers from the Coastal Barrier Island Network project gathered on Galveston Island to address complex issues facing barrier islands. They identified critical differences between natural and human-dominated land forms and ecosystems, as well as the need for economic valuation tools and communication strategies.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJan 16, 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.

Why you can't hurry love

A mathematical model by UCL researchers explains how extended courtship enables a male to signal his suitability and the female to screen out unsuitable mates. The study shows that long courtship carries information about the male's type, making it more probable that he is a good male over time.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateJan 16, 2009

Seasonal variation in blood pressure

A French study of 8801 elderly participants found significant seasonal variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure according to outdoor temperature. The authors advise careful monitoring and antihypertensive treatment during extreme temperatures, particularly in the elderly, who are at higher risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 16, 2009

UGA study may give hope that ivory-billed woodpeckers still around

A UGA study by Warnell researchers found that just five breeding pairs of ivory-billed woodpeckers could have ensured the species' persistence in southeastern US forests. The analysis suggests sufficient reproduction and survival rates are more important than large numbers of individuals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAvian Conservation and Ecology·DateJan 16, 2009

2 Samoans selected as interns in new US Forest Service program

Two Samoan students, Fa'afo'i Tony Maugalei and John Ah Sue, have been selected as part of the US Forest Service's Professional Internships in Pacific Terrestrial Island Ecosystem Management program. They will develop and evaluate an agroforestry project on private lands to demonstrate economically viable forest management methods.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateJan 16, 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.