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Science News for January 8, 2009


How Martian winds make rocks walk

Researchers discovered that Martian winds create pits and hills, causing small rocks to roll forward into the wind. The process is repeated, forming regular patterns, with clusters of rocks adapting by shielding the middle or outer rocks from the wind.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateJan 8, 2009

Help for the overweight could be at the end of a phone

A Dutch study published in BMC Public Health found that phone and internet counselling is effective for weight management in overweight workers. The study compared counselling via phone and e-mail with standard practice and found significant weight loss in all groups, with those in the phone group losing the most weight.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 8, 2009

Particulate emission from natural gas burning home appliances

Italian researchers measured particulate matter from natural gas domestic burners and found high concentrations in stove tops, emitting larger amounts of ultrafine particles. The study provides important insights into the environmental health consequences associated with common home appliances.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateJan 8, 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.

Maslinic acid provides a natural defense against colon cancer

Researchers have shown that maslinic acid significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in colon-cancer cells. The compound may provide a cheap and effective way to control colon cancer and is being investigated as a potential chemotherapeutic agent.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalCancer Letters·DateJan 8, 2009

January Geology media highlights

Research on submarine displacement rates reveals some of the highest strike-slip rates on Earth, with implications for plate boundary deformation. Volcanic ice-slurry flows are also studied, showing extreme mobility and hazards at snow-capped volcanoes, with insights into their kinematic properties.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 8, 2009

Displacing petroleum-derived butanol with plants

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a way to produce higher concentrations of butanol using microorganisms. The mutant strain can use five or six carbon sugars, making it more versatile and efficient. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a second-generation strain with targeted genetic alterations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 8, 2009

Doctors criticize Israel's human rights abuses against West Bank and Gaza

A group of international doctors describe human rights abuses against Palestinian residents in the West Bank and Gaza, including delays in accessing hospitals and increased commuting times. The doctors report on the devastating impact of these abuses, which have been exacerbated by recent hostilities.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 8, 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.

Mortality rates higher for heart disease patients in poorer B.C. neighborhoods

A University of British Columbia study found that heart disease patients living in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods are more vulnerable to death from chronic diseases, particularly cancer. The researchers suggest that the trend may reflect the higher overall stress experienced by patients in low socioeconomic areas.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2009

Spirituality may help adolescents cope with chronic illness

Researchers found that adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have a stronger sense of spirituality tend to experience fewer depressive symptoms and better emotional well-being. In contrast, patients with IBD are at risk for numerous psychosocial difficulties, including increased mental health problems and social stigma.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 8, 2009

Mosquitoes create harmonic love song before mating, study finds

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that male and female mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) create a harmonic duet just before mating. The frequency of this duet is approximately 400-600 hertz for the female and 600-1200 hertz for the male, significantly above previously thought limits.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 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.

Researchers control the assembly of nanobristles into helical clusters

Scientists at Harvard University have discovered a way to synthesize and control the formation of nanobristles into helical clusters. The finding has potential use in energy, information storage, photonics, adhesion, capture and release systems, as well as particle mixing and transport.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2009

How cheating ants give themselves away

A new study reveals that cheater ants give away their fertility status through unique chemical signals, allowing peers to swiftly attack and restrain them. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony in ant societies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2009

Hind wings help butterflies make swift turns to evade predators, study finds

Butterflies use their hind wings to make quick turns and evade predators, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study found that removing hind wings reduces turning acceleration in half, making it harder for predators to catch them.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Growth of new brain cells requires 'epigenetic' switch

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have found that a protein called Gadd45b is involved in changing epigenetic marks in brain cells, leading to the birth of new neurons and long-term changes in memory. This discovery may help understand how daily life experiences trigger long-lasting memories.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 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.

Heavy pyridine crystallizes differently

Researchers have discovered that deuterated pyridine adopts a different crystalline form than its normal counterpart, only achievable under high pressure. This finding has implications for the development of more specific and effective pharmaceutical agents.

SourceWiley·DateJan 8, 2009

Study reveals surprisingly high tolerance for racism

Researchers at Yale University found that non-black participants exhibit low emotional response when confronted with racial slurs, perpetuating racism. This phenomenon is linked to unconscious biases and a lower willingness to confront racist behavior.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2009

RIT and Lockheed Martin enhance sustainable mobility and economic growth

A partnership between RIT and Lockheed Martin has equipped US military vehicles with new systems monitoring technology to improve performance and environmental quality. The project also led to the creation of a spin-off company, LIBAN Inc, which aims to expand the use of software and hardware applications for commercial vehicle fleets.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJan 8, 2009

OHSU School of Dentistry uncovers mechanism for dental pain

Researchers at OHSU School of Dentistry have discovered a novel function of Nerve Growth Factor in the development of the trigeminal nerve, which provides signaling pathways for periodontal and dental pain. The study has broad implications for trigeminal nerve regeneration and may lead to new treatments for various neuropathic and infl...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeuropeptides·DateJan 8, 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.

Online racial discrimination linked to depression, anxiety in teens

A recent study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that adolescents experiencing online racial discrimination are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also revealed the presence of masked racism and hate groups targeting specific ethnic groups online.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 8, 2009

Study finds more effective treatment for pneumonia following influenza

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a more effective treatment for secondary pneumonia following influenza, using antibiotics like clindamycin and azithromycin. These treatments inhibit protein synthesis, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates in mice infected with both conditions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 8, 2009

The UK government's obesity initiative and ill-judged partnerships

The UK government's three-year anti-obesity initiative has been criticized for allowing commercial sponsorships from companies like PepsiCo and Kelloggs, who contribute to the rising obesity problem. The Lancet Editorial argues that these partnerships are ill-judged and undermine the campaign's goal of behavior change.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 8, 2009
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.

For fats, longer may not be better

Researchers found that long-chain fats like oleic acid in olive oil increase intestinal absorption of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharides (LPS), promoting inflammation. This study suggests a potential link between dietary fat intake and inflammatory bowel disorders.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJan 8, 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.

New tool enables powerful data analysis

A new algorithm developed by scientists at University of California, Davis, can extract features and patterns from huge data sets using minimal computing power. The algorithm has been successfully applied to analyze complex phenomena represented by billions of data points.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateJan 8, 2009

Chemopreventive agents in black raspberries identified

Researchers identified anthocyanins in black raspberries as effective in preventing esophageal cancer in rats. The study demonstrates the importance of anthocyanins as preventive agents in black raspberries and validates similar in vitro findings.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 8, 2009

Why bladder cancer is deadlier for some

Research reveals bladder cancer is more lethal in women and African-Americans, with mortality rates up to 114% higher than their white male counterparts. The study found that traditional factors accounting for only part of the difference, suggesting other important factors are at play.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCancer·DateJan 8, 2009

UT Southwestern scientist honored among best in Texas research

Dr. Rama Ranganathan received the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award for his groundbreaking work on understanding how networks of interactions produce complex biological systems. His research aims to develop tailor-made proteins with specific functions, which could lead to new treatments for diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateJan 8, 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.

New clues to mystery childhood illness: Kawasaki disease

A genome-wide study has identified new genes involved in Kawasaki disease, a serious illness that affects young children and can cause coronary artery damage. The study found that genes related to cardiovascular function and inflammation may be key factors, leading to potential new diagnostics and treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 8, 2009

Reactions to racism not as strong as we think

A new study published in Science found that people's reactions to racist comments are much more muted than anticipated. The study, led by York University researchers, revealed that students were more likely to choose a partner who made a racist comment as a workmate, despite the comment being perceived as offensive.

SourceYork University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2009

New genetic study sheds light on serious childhood disease

A new genetic study has identified variations in 31 genes that increase a child's risk of developing Kawasaki Disease, a rare and severe childhood disorder. The findings will enable scientists to develop more effective treatments by revealing new targets for therapy.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 8, 2009

Nose-spray vaccine against botulism effective in first tests

A new nasal spray vaccine has shown promising results in protecting against botulism, a deadly bacterium that can cause paralysis and death. The vaccine uses a gene therapy approach to prime the immune system against a key toxin, offering a safer alternative to existing vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalGene Therapy·DateJan 8, 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.

Spirituality is key to kids' happiness

A new study published in Springer's Journal of Happiness Studies found that children who develop a strong sense of personal worth and deep relationships, measures of spirituality, are happier. The study suggests that strategies like expressing kindness and volunteering may help increase happiness in children.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJan 8, 2009

Scientists discover an ancient odor-detecting mechanism in insects

Rockefeller University scientists have discovered a new family of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the fly nose, which explains how cells in coeloconic sensilla detect odors. The finding fills a missing piece in the organizational logic of the insect olfactory system and raises questions about their evolutionary origin.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJan 8, 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.

'Stroke Belt' deaths tied to nontraditional risk factors

A new study by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that geographic and racial differences do not fully explain the South's higher stroke death rate, with a greater-than 40 percent higher mortality rate in eight southeastern states.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 8, 2009

Recognizing children's successes in all areas may prevent teenage depression

A recent study found that students' weak academic performance in the first grade can lead to negative self-perceptions and depressive symptoms in middle school. Recognizing children's successes in all areas, including non-core subjects, can help prevent teenage depression.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJan 8, 2009

Sea level rise of 1 meter within 100 years

Researchers used historical data and ice core analysis to calculate the relationship between global temperature and sea level over 2000 years. The new model predictions indicate a sea level rise of 0.9-1.3 meters, exceeding IPCC estimates due to faster-than-expected ice sheet melting.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJan 8, 2009

Novel prostate cancer vaccine taking aim at cancer cell 'sweet spot'

A new vaccine aims to treat and stop prostate cancer by targeting the unique sugar molecules expressed on cancer cells. The vaccine has shown promise in preclinical studies and could potentially be used against other types of carcinomas such as breast, lung, and ovarian cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJan 8, 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.

Structure mediating spread of antibiotic resistance identified

Researchers identified the structure of a key component facilitating the exchange of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. This discovery sheds light on how type IV secretion systems, which also transport toxins, contribute to disease-causing properties and public health concerns.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2009

Stanford researchers uncover link between 2 aging pathways in mice

Stanford researchers have discovered a connection between two aging pathways, SIRT6 and NF-kB, which could lead to a new understanding of how cells age. The study found that SIRT6 regulates gene expression by modifying histones, making it harder for NF-kB to trigger the expression of genes associated with aging.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 8, 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.

Antipsychotic drugs double risk of death among Alzheimer's patients

New research published in Lancet Neurology reveals that antipsychotic medication nearly doubles the risk of death among Alzheimer's patients over a three-year period. The study found significant increases in mortality rates for patients taking antipsychotics compared to those given oral placebos.

SourceAlzheimer's Research UK·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJan 8, 2009

A good night's sleep protects against parasites

A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that animal species sleeping for longer periods have reduced parasite infestation and increased immune cells. This suggests that sleep plays an important role in protecting animals from parasitic infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 8, 2009

Floods to become commonplace by 2080

New research by Newcastle University forecasts that UK flooding events will increase in intensity and frequency, with a predicted 30% rise in extreme rainfall by 2080. Northern and western regions are expected to be worst hit, with major implications for flood risk management.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJan 8, 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.