Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive January 2009


Page 18 of 19

News from the January 2009 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study found that 50% of school lunches provided inadequate nutrients, while young adults often can't find time to eat. The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of consistent nutrition in child-care settings and supports businesses providing scheduled meal times for young adults.

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.

Wii Fit a promising tool for all ages

According to Kansas State University researcher David Dzewaltowski, Wii Fit can be an effective tool to promote physical activity and create or maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, the game's health measurements, such as BMI calculation and fitness age measurement, have flaws and are not suitable for children.

Young adults need to make more time for healthy meals

A study of 1687 young adults found that those with more time for meals consumed healthier foods and fewer fast foods. The researchers suggest addressing time barriers to promote healthy meal behaviors among young adults.

Jefferson Lab begins awarding contracts for construction of $310 million upgrade

The U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has awarded three contracts for a $310 million upgrade project, which will provide a cutting-edge facility for studying the building blocks of matter. The contracts are worth $1.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for construction and materials require...

'Scrawny' gene keeps stem cells healthy

A key gene has been identified as a factor in maintaining the potency of various stem cells, preventing them from differentiating into specialized cell types. The scrawny gene modifies chromosomal proteins to silence genes that would cause differentiation, ensuring stem cells remain undifferentiated.

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.

Traditional risk assessment tools do not accurately predict coronary heart disease

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that traditional risk assessment tools do not accurately predict coronary heart disease. The study analyzed 1,653 patients and found that 21% of those thought to need statin drugs did not require them, and 26% of those already taking statins had no detectable plaque.

Nicotine gum effective for gradual smoking reduction and cessation

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nicotine gum can aid in gradual smoking reduction and cessation. The study showed a significant increase in odds of quitting (40-90%) and overall success rates (2-6 times) for participants using active nicotine gum, making it an effective treatment option f...

Obesity: Reviving the promise of leptin

Children's researchers found that ER stress and unfolded-protein response block leptin action in the brain; chemical chaperones can re-sensitize the brain to leptin, leading to significant weight loss. Leptin-sensitizing agents may bring new hope for obesity treatment

Vision problems prompt older drivers to put down the keys

A new study reveals that vision function decline is a primary reason older Americans decide to give up or restrict their driving. The most common predictors of stopping or decreasing driving were slow visual scanning and poor visuo-constructional skills, as well as reduced contrast sensitivity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Black holes lead galaxy growth, new research shows

A recent study suggests that supermassive black holes formed first and grew before their host galaxies. The ratio of black hole mass to galactic bulge mass is nearly constant across different galaxy sizes and ages. This finding implies that the growth of black holes and galaxies was an interactive process.

Wonderful cheese is all in the culture

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new line of bacteria responsible for the ripening process and flavor of French cheese Reblochon. The reblochoni microbes, part of the Actinomycetes group, outcompete traditional starter cultures to provide flavor.

Four, three, two, one . . . pterosaurs have lift off

Ancient flying reptiles employed all four limbs for take-off, defying conventional wisdom. The study reveals that pterosaurs had stronger front limbs than legs, allowing them to generate massive power without sacrificing size. This discovery sheds new light on the biology and evolution of these fascinating creatures.

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.

New hope for cancer comes straight from the heart

Johns Hopkins researchers found that digoxin, a heart medication, can inhibit HIF-1 protein crucial for cancer cell survival. Digoxin slowed prostate cancer cell growth and reduced tumor size in mice by lowering HIF-1 levels.

Medical errors, apologies and apology laws

A recent editorial emphasizes the importance of apologizing for medical errors to improve patient safety and quality of care. Canadian provinces and territories should enact apology laws to provide early settlement or no-fault compensation.

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.

Study links obesity to elevated risk of ovarian cancer

A new study published by the American Cancer Society found that obesity may contribute to the development of ovarian cancer through a hormonal mechanism. Women who were obese had an almost 80% higher risk of ovarian cancer compared to those of normal weight, particularly in women who had never used menopausal hormone therapy.

Tackling climate change with new permits to pollute

Researchers propose a hybrid cap-and-trade system with controlled permits to reduce emissions uncertainty. A second paper suggests a modified carbon tax to protect poorer households. The third paper highlights the flexibility of tradable permits in allocating emissions value.

Breathing easier

A new screening tool developed by Tel Aviv University researchers may help doctors advise young asthmatic adults on safer employment options and prevent asthma attacks triggered by physical exertion. The study found an indisputable connection between exercise and asthma, which could save lives.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New findings shed light on why smokers struggle to quit

A study at Duke University Medical Center shows that seeing someone smoke can trigger abstinence efforts, highlighting the importance of breaking habitual responses. Brain scans reveal a marked increase in brain activity when quitters see photographs of people smoking, suggesting sensitization to smoking cues.

Flawed deposit insurance programs need reform, banking expert says

Research suggests government insurance programs for bank deposits are overly generous, putting taxpayers at risk. Finance professor George Pennacchi proposes reforms, including a central clearinghouse requiring collateral for derivative trading and private-market insurance rates.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Jan. 6, 2009, issue

The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for enhanced infection control practices to prevent viral hepatitis outbreaks. Researchers also stress the importance of proper antibiotic treatment for health care-associated pneumonia, highlighting its more serious nature compared to community-acquired pneumonia.

Volcanoes cool the tropics, say researchers

Climate researchers show that large volcanic eruptions temporarily cooled the tropics over the past 450 years. However, recent eruptions may have been overridden by rising temperatures. The study found that higher latitudes are more sensitive to volcanism and are vulnerable to temperature shifts.

How to treat fevers in African children up for debate

Two experts disagree on whether all African children with fever should be treated presumptively with antimalarial drugs. Blaise Genton and colleagues argue that declining malarial transmission rates support changing the policy, while Mike English and colleagues claim there is not enough evidence to abandon presumptive treatment.

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.

Lamin A/C deficiency is 'unnerving'

Research reveals that mutations in the LMNA gene disrupt neuromuscular junction organization, leading to muscle fiber innervation disruption. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.

Collagen VI may help protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease discovered that collagen VI protects brain cells against amyloid-beta proteins, which are widely thought to cause Alzheimer's disease. The study found that increased collagen VI expression can effectively protect neurons against Aβ toxicity.

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 5, 2009

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Pennsylvania found that COX2 in mouse nerve cells plays a crucial role in pain caused by physical insult, while PDE5 inhibition may prevent hypertrophy in the mouse heart. These findings have implications for treating conditions such as postoperative and arthritic inflamma...

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.

New insight into aggressive childhood cancer

Researchers identified a key role for the kinase Aurora A in stabilizing N-Myc, a primary driver of aggressive childhood cancer. The findings suggest that targeting Aurora A may not be effective in inhibiting cancer growth, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches.

Baby Jupiters must gain weight fast

A new study found that gas giants like Jupiter must form extremely fast, in less than 5 million years, or they won't form at all. This rapid growth spurt is necessary because the material from which they formed probably disappeared within a few million years.

Zeroing in on Hubble's constant

The Carnegie Hubble Program aims to decrease the uncertainty of the Hubble constant from 10% to 3% by refining distances to galaxies using Cepheid variable stars and Spitzer telescope observations. The team will observe 700 hours of nearby galaxies, correcting for lingering uncertainties and systematic errors.

Pneumococcal vaccine does not appear to protect against pneumonia

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials found that commonly used pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines do not appear to prevent pneumonia. High-quality trials only showed no evidence of vaccine efficacy, raising questions about current recommendations for the vaccine.

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.

Team finds breast cancer gene linked to disease spread

A team of scientists at Princeton University has identified a long-sought gene, Metadherin, that is responsible for the aggressive behavior of poor-prognosis tumors and makes them resistant to chemotherapy. The discovery paves the way for new drugs to inhibit the gene's diabolical actions and may have significant health implications.

Stars forming just beyond black hole's grasp at galactic center

Researchers identified two protostars located just a few light-years from the Milky Way's central black hole, defying expectations that gravitational tides would prevent star formation. The discovery suggests molecular gas at the galactic center is denser than previously thought, allowing it to form new stars.

Teens frequently mention risky behaviors on social networking sites

A report from the JAMA/Archives journals found that nearly half of teens reference sex or substance use on their online profiles. A subsequent intervention study showed a single warning email from a physician reduced mentions of sex, while references to substance use remained lower over time.

Gene plays dual role in breast cancers with poor prognosis

Researchers discovered abnormally high copy numbers of chromosomal region 8q22 in more than 30% of breast cancers, associated with shorter survival times. The metadherin gene (MTDH) was found to play a dual role in cancer metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy.

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.

The importance of early childhood monitoring

A federal Commissioner of Children would promote and defend children's needs by bringing together measurement systems across the country. Universal access to high-quality early childhood programs is crucial for young children's potential, according to a recent article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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.

Studies reveal lifelong gender difference in physical activity

Research shows males are more physically active than females across all ages. Studies focusing on primary schools and the over-70s reveal girls play differently, engaging less in vigorous activities. This may contribute to higher rates of obesity among girls, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery -- in brief

A new study suggests that US health care spending is unlikely to decrease without significant restrictions and limitations. The study also highlights the importance of managing risks associated with common medications used by cosmetic surgery patients, including antidepressants and herbal supplements.

Doubts make consumers more willing to re-evaluate brands, study finds

A study by Sharon Shavitt found that consumers are more open to new marketing messages if they feel a sense of difficulty when thinking about brands. This can lead to a more favorable view of the brand. Consumers with the greatest need for closure were most likely to reevaluate brands after facing difficulties.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cell biologists identify new tumor suppressor for lung cancer

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a new tumor suppressor, protein kinase C-zeta, that may help develop targeted drug therapies to combat lung cancer. The study found that PKC-zeta normally slows down Ras transformation and prevents tumor development, but its absence or inactivity accelerates cancer growth.