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Science News for January 27, 2009


Easing regulations does not mean lower quality of cardiac care

Researchers at Rice University and Duke University Medical Center found no increase in death rates after states dropped regulations on heart procedures. Dropping CON rules led to increased entry of new cardiac-care facilities, potentially raising costs per procedure.

SourceRice University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateJan 27, 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.

Circumcision rates lower in states where Medicaid does not cover procedure

A study found that hospitals in states where Medicaid does not cover routine male circumcision are half as likely to perform the procedure, leading to increased risk of HIV infection among lower-income children. The study also highlights disparities in healthcare services for Hispanic communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 27, 2009

Researchers iron out new role for serotonin

A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found a surprising link between brain iron levels and serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in neuropsychiatric conditions. The team identified multiple trait differences affected by the SERT GK/ER variation, including traits associated with alcohol consumption and brain dopamine signaling.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New insights into a leading poultry disease and its risks to human health

Research by Arizona State University scientists reveals that APEC can be transmitted from poultry to humans through shared genetic material, highlighting the need for a vaccine to prevent infections. The study identified key genes responsible for disease-causing effects and suggests these could be used to develop vaccine candidates.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2009

Also in the Jan. 27 JNCI

A study found a potential genetic link between a germ-line mutation in the TTF-1 gene and an increased risk of developing multi-nodular goiter (MNG) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The researchers also explored the effects of early mammography on breast cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 27, 2009

Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles

Research found that Helicobacter pylori can multiply in autophagic vesicles within macrophages, increasing resistance to antibiotics and evading the immune system. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the life cycle of H. pylori and potential new drug targets.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateJan 27, 2009

Nuclear fusion-fission hybrid could contribute to carbon-free energy future

Physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have designed a system that uses fusion to eliminate most of the transuranic waste produced by nuclear power plants. This invention could help combat global warming by making nuclear power a more viable replacement for carbon-heavy energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalFusion Engineering and Design·DateJan 27, 2009
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The pseudogap persists as material superconducts

Researchers find pseudogap co-exists with superconductivity, suggesting it may compete with the phenomenon. This discovery could lead to higher-temperature superconducting materials, bringing practical applications closer.

SourceBoston College·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 27, 2009

CHF to present 2009 Othmer Gold Medal to Ahmed Zewail

Ahmed Zewail is honored with the 2009 Othmer Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work in femtochemistry, enabling scientists to study reactions in real time. He is also a tireless advocate for science education, working globally to promote its value and accessibility.

SourceChemical Heritage Foundation·DateJan 27, 2009

Fake internet drugs risk lives and fund terrorism, warns journal editor

The counterfeit drugs market is expected to be worth £55 billion by 2010, with nearly 62% of prescription-only medicines being fakes. Harmful ingredients found in counterfeit medicines include arsenic, boric acid, and leaded road paint, which can have devastating consequences for patients with potentially fatal conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateJan 27, 2009

Researchers identify a cell type that limits stroke damage

A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals that Treg cells limit brain damage after a stroke by blocking neurotoxin production and modulating lymphocyte and microglia action. This discovery offers potential treatments for preserving crucial functions and treating other types of brain damage.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 27, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Game provides clue to improving remote sensing

A new mathematical model developed at Duke University could help robots navigate strange surroundings to find hidden explosives. The model, inspired by the popular board game CLUE, uses a strategy of selecting movements and optimizing information incorporation to achieve success.

SourceDuke University·DateJan 27, 2009

Ancient wounds reveal Triceratops battles

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Triceratops used their three horns for battle scars, contradicting the notion that they only displayed them. The researchers found that the squamosal bone was injured 10 times more frequently in Triceratops than its closely-related dinosaur Centrosaurus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2009
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Dog owners more likely to share germs with pets by not washing hands than by sleeping with dog

Research at Kansas State University found that dog owners who don't wash their hands after petting their dogs or before cooking meals are more likely to spread antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria. Despite common bonding behaviors like sleeping with pets, these practices have no association with an increase in shared E. coli strains.

SourceKansas State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·DateJan 27, 2009

'Fishy' clue helps establish how proteins evolve

Researchers at Yale and the University of Tokyo demonstrated how pyrrolysine (Pyl), a rare amino acid, was incorporated into proteins. This discovery opens the door to engineering the genetic code and understanding the functions of modifications found in human diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2009

New twist on old medical technology may prevent amputations

A new study suggests that a twist on old medical technology could save limbs by treating infections in soldiers with compound bone fractures. Colistin-laced bone cement may prevent the spread of deadly A. baumannii infections, which are widespread among US troops in Afghanistan.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateJan 27, 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.

Exercise no danger for joints

A review of studies on exercise and osteoarthritis found no harm in regular, low-impact physical activity. Vigorous exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being, with body weight being the largest modifiable risk factor for knee OA.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJan 27, 2009

Springer strengthens its publishing position in Asia

Springer has partnered with Education Research Institutes in Seoul and Taiwan to publish the Asia Pacific Education Review journal, further expanding its education research portfolio. The partnership aims to enhance the journal's reputation and make it available to a worldwide audience.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Science and Mathematics Education·DateJan 27, 2009

Avoiding secondhand smoke during pregnancy

A new study of African-American women found that avoiding environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure early in pregnancy is crucial for reducing complications and improving outcomes. Social factors such as household smoking bans, the father's desire to have the baby, and social support play a significant role in ETS avoidance.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 27, 2009

Sequential and alternating chemotherapy and radiation equally effective in larynx cancer therapy

A randomized controlled trial found that alternating cycles of chemotherapy and radiation have similar outcomes to sequential chemotherapy followed by radiation in treating larynx cancer. The study showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 27, 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.

Biofeedback from the zoo

Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a program that analyzes animal behavior to understand and treat OCD. By comparing human behavior to animal rituals, the model identifies abnormal patterns and provides a tool for mental health practitioners. This innovative approach may motivate patients to correct their compulsive actions.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateJan 27, 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.

Predicting the future spread of infectious-disease vectors

Climate change and mosquito adaptation could lead to the expansion of dengue fever vectors in Australia, increasing disease transmission risk. The researchers' Niche Mapper software predicts suitable habitats for the mosquitoes will increase across the continent by 2050.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJan 27, 2009

Geoengineering could complement mitigation to cool the climate

Researchers at the University of East Anglia evaluated 12 geoengineering schemes and found that stratospheric aerosol injections and sunshades in space have the greatest potential to cool the climate. However, these schemes also carry significant risks.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions·DateJan 27, 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.

Biomarkers as a guide to therapy in heart failure patients

A study published in JAMA found that intensive treatment guided by N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels significantly improved hospital-free survival in heart failure patients under 75 years old. However, this benefit was not observed in patients over 75 years old.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalJAMA·DateJan 27, 2009

Smallest ever quantum dots bring real world applications closer

Researchers have successfully created single-atom quantum dots that can be used to control individual electrons with minimal energy. This breakthrough brings quantum dot-based devices within reach, potentially transforming the development of ultra-low power computers.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 27, 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.

SMU engineering school to collaborate on defense research

The Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University will participate in the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), a UARC funded by the DoD, focusing on complex systems engineering issues. SERC aims to support defense system development and integration.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateJan 27, 2009

Fast-food diet cancels out benefits of breastfeeding in preventing asthma

A recent study found that eating fast food more than twice a week negates the protective effects of breastfeeding on asthma in children. The research suggests high fat and salt content in fast food may contribute to increased asthma risk. Long-term breastfeeding duration also appeared crucial for reduced asthma risk

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateJan 27, 2009

The numerate honey bee

Researchers found that honey bees can reliably distinguish between patterns containing two and three dots, but struggle with four. The bees use a combination of working memory and memory rules to solve the problem. This remarkable cognitive ability challenges traditional views on the numerical competence of insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 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.

DNA component can stimulate and suppress the immune response

Researchers discovered that DNA component CpG can stimulate inflammation at low doses but block it at high doses through the enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase. This finding holds promise for treating cancer and infections by manipulating dosage to optimize immune response.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 27, 2009

Professor conducts cosmic ray acceleration research

Researchers aim to understand the structure and dynamics of the heliosphere using cosmic rays to probe its outer environment. The project has potential implications for space weather forecasting and keeping astronauts safe from hazardous space radiation.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateJan 27, 2009

Stress disrupts human thinking, but the brain can bounce back

A new neuroimaging study shows that stressed humans experience impaired attention-shifting abilities, similar to rats under stress. However, the brain's resilience allows for quick recovery from stress, returning to normal function within a month.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2009
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.

Regular sprint boosts metabolism

Research published in BMC Endocrine Disorders shows that regular high-intensity interval training can significantly improve insulin action and glucose clearance. A three-minute sprint workout every couple of days may be the best way to cut the risk of diabetes, with substantial improvements in metabolic prowess seen within two weeks.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Endocrine Disorders·DateJan 27, 2009

Penn study identifies how ebola virus avoids the immune system

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that Ebola virus disables tetherin protein to prevent its inhibition, allowing the virus to spread. Understanding this mechanism may facilitate the development of therapeutics to slow down viral replication.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2009

Robin Clark to receive inaugural Franklin-Lavoisier Prize

Robin Clark will receive the prize for his groundbreaking use of Raman microscopy, enabling the authentication of art and artifacts without damaging them. This award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of chemistry and its impact on the preservation of cultural heritage.

SourceChemical Heritage Foundation·DateJan 27, 2009

HPV18 DNA levels are not prognostic for precancerous cervical lesions

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HPV18 DNA levels are not associated with the likelihood of progressing to advanced precancerous lesions of the cervix. The study suggests that testing for high levels of HPV18 DNA is not clinically useful.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 27, 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.

Pharmaceutical disobedience

A report highlights the growing trend of US healthcare consumers purchasing unapproved prescription drugs online, driven by high prices and limited access to affordable treatments. This phenomenon carries significant social and policy implications, particularly in a period of economic recession.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Healthcare·DateJan 27, 2009

The My Child Matters awards: Improving the 80/20 divide

Eight projects across eight countries will receive funding and expert guidance to improve treatment capacity for childhood cancer. The initiatives aim to narrow the 80/20 divide, where 80% of childhood cancers occur in resource-limited countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 27, 2009
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.