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Science News Archive January 2009


Page 6 of 19

Gene may lead to early onset of brain tumor

A gene variant has been linked to an increased risk of developing brain tumors at a younger age, with 20.6% of young people with glioblastoma multiforme having the Pro/Pro variant of the TP53 gene compared to 5.9% of healthy participants.

Helium rains inside jovian planets

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the University of Illinois have determined the temperature at which helium becomes insoluble in dense metallic hydrogen. This finding has significant implications for models of the interior structure and evolution of Jovian planets, including Saturn and Jupiter.

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.

UT Southwestern researchers identify compound that frees trapped cholesterol

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a compound that liberates cholesterol trapped in cells, shedding light on its transport and suggesting a possible therapeutic target for NP-C disease. The findings show improved liver function and decreased neurodegeneration in mice treated with the compound.

Emperor penguins march toward extinction?

Climate change and sea ice fluctuations threaten emperor penguin populations, with a median colony size predicted to decline from 3,000 to 400 breeding pairs. The probability of drastic decline is at least 40%, putting the species at risk of extinction.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Major immune system branch has hidden ability to learn

Researchers have discovered that the innate immune system's natural killer cells can learn from experience and fight more effectively when called into battle a second time. This new ability, known as 'memory-like,' was found in natural killer cells that could respond more easily and vigorously to reactivation.

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.

Unmet medical needs are most common among vulnerable children

A recent study from the University of Michigan found that six million US children have unmet medical needs, with uninsured and underinsured children at highest risk. The study highlights the need for targeted initiatives to address both coverage and access to improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable children.

Cell phones dangerous for child pedestrians, UAB study finds

Researchers at UAB found that children who use cell phones while crossing streets are more likely to exhibit risky behaviors, including taking longer to cross and looking both ways less often. The study's findings highlight the need for parents and caregivers to limit cell phone use in child pedestrians.

Remember that time? New study demystifies consumer memory

A new study by Nicole Votolato Montgomery and H. Rao Unnava found that consumers tend to favor vacations with improved outcomes over those with worsened outcomes when evaluated immediately, but reverse preferences emerge after a delay.

Was it the chicken salad or the swim?

A new study reveals that non-food factors such as swimming and private well water exposure pose significant risks for sporadic bacterial enteric infections, comparable to food-borne risk factors. The findings highlight the importance of controlling these environmental exposures to prevent outbreaks.

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.

Comet impact theory disproved

New research published today disproves the recent comet impact theory that triggered continent-wide wildfires in North America 12,900 years ago. The study found no evidence for large-scale fires across the continent but supports a link between global warming and increased wildfires globally.

Preferential treatment: How what we like defines what we know

A study by Rachel Smallman and Neal J. Roese found that people with positive preferences sort items into finer, more specific categories compared to those with negative preferences. This suggests that our likes can shape how we categorize information, particularly in consumer psychology where this can influence brand perceptions.

Fluorescent proteins illuminating biomedical research

New photoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PAFPs) and advanced fluorescent proteins (FPs) allow scientists to visualize individual cellular molecules in living cells. These tools are transforming biomedical research by enabling the study of cancer cells, protein-protein interactions, and cellular processes.

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.

Scientists unmask genetic markers associated with psoriasis

Researchers have discovered DNA hotspots associated with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease characterized by skin patches and joint pain. The study identified four novel genes linked to the condition, providing potential targets for new treatments.

Dramatic expansion of dead zones in the oceans

Unchecked global warming would lead to a dramatic expansion of low-oxygen areas in the ocean, affecting fisheries and ecosystems for thousands of years. The team's projections show that these oxygen minimum zones could expand much more still and invade the deep ocean.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Rewrite the textbooks: Transcription is bidirectional

A genome-wide study in yeast redefines the concept of promoters, showing most regions produce overlapping transcripts starting at the same promoter. This finding has implications for understanding gene expression and regulation in humans.

New study aims to reduce risk of childhood leukemia

A new study aims to determine whether consuming caffeine during pregnancy can increase the unborn baby's risk of developing childhood leukemia. The research, led by Dr. Marcus Cooke, will examine DNA changes in newborn babies and compare them to caffeine consumption levels.

New tactics to tackle bystander's role in bullying

A new psychodynamic approach, CAPSLE, focuses on empathy and power dynamics to reduce children's experiences of aggression and improve classroom behavior. The study found that schools implementing CAPSLE reported fewer aggressive incidents and more positive bystanding behaviors.

Scientists use lasers to measure changes to tropical forests

A new study uses airborne technology to track changes in Big Island tropical forests, revealing how climate and invasive species affect carbon stocks. The research finds that fast-growing invaders decrease biomass levels, while slower-growing species increase biomass stocks.

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.

Only about one of ten unemployed workers obtain COBRA coverage

Only about one-tenth of unemployed workers secure COBRA coverage, leaving millions at risk due to unaffordable premiums. Low-wage workers are disproportionately affected, with limited public coverage options, and policymakers should consider expanding Medicaid eligibility to provide critical support.

Blocking toxic effects could make clot-buster safer

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have found a way to block the toxic effects of tPA, a life-saving clot-busting drug used in acute stroke treatment. By blocking LRP1, a molecule that transmits inflammation signals triggered by tPA, the researchers were able to soften the drug's impact on the brain.

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.

Feeling your words: Hearing with your face

Researchers find that stretching facial skin during speech affects perceived sound, linking production and perception. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between speech perception and production.

ARDS mortality is unchanged since 1994

Mortality rates for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have remained relatively stable since 1994, with a benchmark mortality of 40-45% according to a comprehensive review of major studies. The findings highlight the need for effective therapeutic interventions for this highly lethal syndrome.

Tension in the nanoworld

A team of researchers at CIC nanoGUNE and Max Planck Institutes developed a non-invasive method to map strain fields in semiconductors using scattering-type Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM). The technique resolves nanoscale material properties with 20 nm spatial resolution.

Video games linked to poor relationships with friends, family

A new study at Brigham Young University found that young adults' video game use is associated with poorer relationships with peers and parents. The study, which analyzed data from 813 college students, suggests that excessive gaming may lead to decreased social interaction and relationship quality.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Professor's history of modern meteorology receives major honor

Kristine C. Harper's 2008 book, 'Weather by the Numbers: The Genesis of Modern Meteorology,' has received international acclaim from atmospheric science librarians. The book explores the transformation of meteorology from an art to a scientific discipline, highlighting the development of numerical weather prediction and its impact on w...

Research elucidates way lungs fight bacteria and prevent infection

Lung airway epithelial cells initiate an immune response to inhaled bacteria by signaling white blood cells to move into the lungs. Researchers have identified a way to inhibit proteases and restrict junctions between cells, reducing inflammation and allowing optimal white blood cell response.

Nurses with a second degree could impact workforce

A New York University study suggests that registered nurses with a second degree are an efficient solution to the current nursing shortage. Second degree nurses tend to be older and more motivated, having coping advantages over newer graduates, which can lead to better job satisfaction and retention rates.

Crib-side studies help struggling newborns go home without feeding tubes

A new strategy developed at Nationwide Children's Hospital is helping premature infants and newborns with severe swallowing difficulties learn to feed on their own. The approach involves individualized, crib-side studies that use advanced sensors to capture the rhythm of muscular contractions throughout the aero-digestive tract.

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.

A crystal clear view of chalk formation

Researchers found that stable nanoclusters of calcium carbonate form in water with a small quantity of dissolved calcium carbonate, not as previously thought. This discovery may help explain the structure of biominerals and provide insights into coping with lime scale in washing machines.

Gene's past could improve the future of rice

A Purdue University researcher used a process focusing on one gene to trace the evolutionary history of domesticated rice, discovering genetic variation over millions of years. By comparing domesticated plants to wild rice species, scientists can identify valuable genes for desirable traits like branching and increased plant size.

Cancer-causing gene discovery suggests new therapies

Researchers have discovered a novel way in which the Myc oncogene accelerates cancer by directly affecting protein production, suggesting a new strategy to halt cancer's progression. Drugs like Rapamycin may help treat cancers where Myc is overactive.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research identifies in-flight emergencies

A recent study found that fainting was the most common in-flight medical emergency, accounting for 53.5% of cases. The researchers also highlighted the need for standardization in reporting in-flight emergencies, citing poor data quality as a major issue.

UCI behind world's first embryonic stem cell study in humans

A therapy developed at UC Irvine will become the world's first embryonic stem cell treatment tested in humans, targeting patients with acute spinal cord injury. The U.S. FDA has approved a clinical trial led by Geron Corp., which aims to restore electrical conduction and mobility in paralyzed 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.

UTSA receives $1.2 million gift from Kleberg Foundation

The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $1.2 million gift to purchase an aberration-corrected electron microscope, one of only two worldwide. This instrument will aid researchers in developing new cancer therapies and treatments, while also advancing research globally across various disciplines.

NAU research ties tree mortality trends to climate warming

Research by Northern Arizona University ties tree mortality to climate change, with a significant increase in death rates across the western US. The study, led by Phillip J. van Mantgem and Nathan L. Stephenson, analyzed long-term data from over 6,000 trees and found that regional warming is a key factor contributing to this trend.

Here's venom in your eye: Spitting cobras hit their mark

A new study reveals that spitting cobras create complex geometric patterns of venom when striking, which are actively produced by the snake's muscles. This allows them to hit their targets with remarkable precision, making contact with an attacker's eyes where it causes severe pain and possibly blindness.

Study finds MRSA in Midwestern swine, workers

A study by University of Iowa researchers has documented MRSA in swine and swine workers in the US for the first time. The investigation found a high prevalence rate of MRSA among swine and swine handlers, suggesting transmission between animals and humans.

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.

UCSF finds potential new antibody treatment for autoimmune diseases

Researchers at UCSF have identified a woman's immune system anomaly that may lead to breakthrough therapies for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and colitis. The discovery of antibodies blocking T-cell movement could result in more targeted treatments with lower risks of infections or tumors.

Survey could help pediatricians better treat patients

Researchers developed a quality-of-life survey for children, allowing doctors to understand the results in the same way they understand blood pressure test results. The survey includes questions about children's daily lives, helping pediatricians identify potential health problems.

Process can cut the cost of making cellulosic biofuels

A patented Michigan State University process pretreats corn-crop waste to enhance its usefulness and reduce costs. The AFEX (ammonia fiber expansion) method breaks down cellulose and hemicellulose in plants more efficiently, allowing for the creation of biofuels from cellulose without added nutrients.

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.

Revisiting the anthrax attacks

A University of Pittsburgh study analyzed reactions to the 2001 US Postal Service anthrax attacks, finding that confusion, distrust, and conflicting information from media organizations shaped postal worker responses. The study highlights the importance of trust-building and education to facilitate clear communication during bioterrori...