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Science News Archive July 2009


Page 1 of 23

Long-term health and social outcomes for neuroblastoma survivors

Neuroblastoma survivors are eight times more likely to have chronic health conditions and less likely to be married or employed with high income compared to their siblings. Late mortality, second malignant tumors, and chronic health conditions were analyzed in a study of 954 survivors diagnosed between 1970-1986.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 31, 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.

Structure of protective protein in the eye lens revealed

A team of scientists at TUM has successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of αB-crystallin, a key protein that protects against cataracts. The discovery sheds new light on the molecular architecture of this protective protein and may lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2009

Opening a new window on daylight

A new formula for assessing tropical sky climate conditions allows for optimized daylighting and shading. The study suggests that for over 95% of occupancy periods, daylight alone can suffice for lighting with the right window configuration.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation·DateJul 31, 2009

Robotics insights through flies' eyes

By studying how flies process visual signals in their tiny brains, researchers hope to develop robots that can interpret camera pictures and react accordingly. This is crucial for creating safe human-robot interactions and efficient robotic systems.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJul 31, 2009

August 2009 Geology and GSA Today media highlights

Researchers studied high-grade copper mineralization in porphyry Cu deposits, finding that fluid behavior correlates with emplacement depth of magmatic sources. Acoustic imaging revealed pressurized fluids in a subduction zone, explaining mechanical weakness and earthquake rupture processes.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJul 31, 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.

Got migraines?

A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that surgical treatment of migraine headaches is safe and effective, with nearly 60% of patients experiencing complete elimination of symptoms. The procedure involves removing trigger sites that cause migraines, which can lead to significant improvements in quality of life.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 31, 2009

BioVault locks up biometrics

BioVault uses biometric data to create a secret key for encryption, resolving the asymmetry issue in traditional biometric systems. The system authenticates users directly with biometrics, providing irrevocable identification and authentication.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateJul 31, 2009

Global curbs on overfishing are beginning to work

A two-year study by an international team of scientists found that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems examined. This has led to improved fish abundance and reduced exploitation rates, providing new hope for rebuilding troubled fisheries.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows how college major and religious faith affect each other

A University of Michigan study found that college students majoring in social sciences and humanities tend to become less religious, while those in education become more. In contrast, biology and physical sciences majors remain equally religious. The study suggests a connection between postmodernism and religiosity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 31, 2009

Family planning a major environmental impact

A recent study by Oregon State University statisticians reveals that having one less child can significantly reduce an individual's carbon legacy and greenhouse gas impact. The research found that the average long-term carbon impact of a child born in the U.S. is more than 160 times greater than that of a child born in Bangladesh.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateJul 31, 2009

UC San Diego engineer provides insights to decades-old DNA squabble

Researchers have used innovative approaches to deduce the internal structure of chromatin, reconciling a decades-old controversy. The new finding could unlock the mystery behind cancer origins and other diseases. Chromatin's complex combination of DNA and proteins regulates genetic processes like DNA replication and transcription.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2009

From graphene to graphane, now the possibilities are endless

The discovery of graphane, an insulating equivalent of graphene, may prove more versatile than its predecessor. Graphane retains the thinness, super-strength, flexibility and density of graphene but has a more controlled electrical conductivity, making it suitable for electronic circuits.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJul 31, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Iron isotopes as a tool in oceanography

Researchers from the National Oceanography Centre have made significant discoveries using iron isotopes to study sediment respiration and iron cycling processes in the deep-sea. The findings provide new insights into iron's role in the ocean's carbon cycle and its impact on climate.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeology·DateJul 31, 2009

August 2009 Lithosphere media highlights

The article discusses four main questions: Subducted oceanic asthenosphere flow beneath the Juan de Fuca slab, Arkosic rocks from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) borehole, long-term strain records of the Parkfield Earthquake Prediction Experiment, and mechanisms responsible for map-view curvature over a range of scal...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateJul 31, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

AIDS patients face higher risk of HPV-related cancers as immunosuppression grows

People living with AIDS are at a higher risk of developing HPV-associated cancers, particularly those with lower CD4 T-cell counts. The study estimates that incidence rates increased across three periods, with the greatest risk observed in invasive anal cancer among men after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 31, 2009

Extraterrestrial platinum was 'stirred' into the Earth

Researchers found platinum content in komatiites gradually increased from 3.5 billion years ago to 2.9 billion years ago, indicating the deep source of komatiite was gaining platinum over time. This discovery has significant implications for understanding mantle processes and plate tectonics.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2009

September/October 2009 GSA Bulletin highlights

The GSA Bulletin highlights studies on the Lesser Himalaya, southern Chinese Altai Range, and San Ysidro fault in New Mexico. Researchers unravel tectonic processes responsible for building the Himalayan foothills and provide new insights into faulting mechanisms and magmatic evolution of Western Amazonia.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJul 31, 2009

Parasites ready to jump

Researchers have discovered a new type of cellular defense mechanism that acts against DNA sequences present in high copy numbers, even if they have not integrated into the genome. Small RNA molecules play a central role in this process, which is also found in Drosophila and potentially in mammals.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJul 31, 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.

Researchers uncover genetic link to age-related cataracts

A team of researchers has identified the first gene associated with age-related cataracts. EphA2 encodes an enzyme that plays a role in repairing damaged proteins in the lens, which becomes cloudy and obstructs vision. The discovery provides new insights into the underlying causes of this leading cause of blindness.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 30, 2009

Nanoparticle-delivered 'suicide' genes slowed ovarian tumor growth

Researchers developed nanoparticles that selectively delivered diphtheria toxin genes to ovarian cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and increasing lifespan by nearly four weeks. This therapy shows promise as a targeted treatment for advanced ovarian cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 30, 2009

A crystal ball for brain cancer?

UCLA researchers developed a new way to scan brain tumors and predict which ones will respond to the drug Avastin before treatment. By linking high water movement in tumors to positive drug response, they predicted with 70 percent accuracy which patients' tumors were the least likely to grow six months after therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalRadiology·DateJul 30, 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.

New hope for fisheries

A two-year study by international researchers shows that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five large marine ecosystems, providing new hope for rebuilding troubled fisheries. However, significant work remains to be done, with sixty-three percent of fish stocks still needing to be rebuilt.

SourceCommunication Partnership for Science and the Sea·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2009

New MIT study shows breakdown in Planck's law

MIT researchers have confirmed a long-predicted breakdown in Planck's blackbody radiation law, allowing for increased heat transfer between objects. The discovery has significant implications for applications such as hard disk storage and energy harvesting from wasted heat.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 30, 2009

New location found for regulation of RNA fate

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a new site for RNA degradation initiation, challenging existing assumptions about the process. The discovery involves CRD-BP, a protein that prevents RNA from degrading in this location.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 30, 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.

Unique immunization method provides insights about protective anti-malaria immune response

Scientists developed a novel immunization method that induces complete protection against the life-threatening malaria parasite in humans. The method allowed the human immune system to target the parasite at an earlier stage of its life cycle, resulting in significant improvement over other experimental malaria vaccines.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 30, 2009

New statistical method shows importance of dialysis dose

A new approach to statistical analysis shows that a higher dose of dialysis can lead to longer survival times for patients with advanced kidney disease. The study found no significant effect with conventional methods, contradicting previous conflicting results.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 30, 2009

Invisible ink? What Rorschach tests really tell us

The Rorschach Inkblot Test's reliability has been called into question due to inconsistent literature and scoring discrepancies. The test may be useful in identifying patients with certain psychological disorders, but its use should be cautious and based on empirical support.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJul 30, 2009
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Blood transfusions associated with infection

A study of nearly 25,000 coronary artery bypass graft patients found that receiving blood from another person increased post-operative infection rates by two-fold. Hospital variation in transfusion practices was also significant, accounting for 30% of the variation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJul 30, 2009

Chinese women join global breast cancer trial

A global breast cancer trial has recruited Chinese patients for the first time, evaluating the treatment's impact on cancer recurrence after mastectomy. Researchers aim to identify molecular fingerprints of each patient's cancer to determine the most likely candidates for radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJul 30, 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.

NIH study finds low short-term risks after bariatric surgery for extreme obesity

A recent NIH study found that bariatric surgery for extreme obesity has a low risk of short-term complications and death rates. The study, LABS-1, followed 4,776 patients who underwent bariatric surgery for the first time and found that less than 1% died within 30 days.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 30, 2009

Chronic kidney disease profoundly impacts quality of life

A study found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, particularly women, diabetics, and those with heart problems. The study suggests that medical care for CKD patients should include strategies to lessen the negative impact of CKD on quality of life.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 30, 2009
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.

Scientists uncork a potential secret of red wine's health benefits

Researchers discovered how resveratrol controls inflammation by inhibiting two molecules that trigger inflammatory responses. The findings suggest resveratrol may be used to treat inflammatory diseases and lead to new resveratrol-based drugs.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 30, 2009

UF scientists program blood stem cells to become vision cells

Researchers at the University of Florida successfully programmed bone marrow stem cells to become vision cells by mimicking environmental conditions with chemical compounds. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for age-related macular degeneration, affecting nearly 2 million people in the US. The study's findings have signifi...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJul 30, 2009

Rodent size linked to human population and climate change

A study found substantial changes in rodent size and shape over the past century, tied to human population density and climate change. Rodents from around the world, including Channel Island deer mice and white-footed mice, exhibited significant anatomic changes, with increases and decreases in 15 traits measured.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 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.

Algebra adds value to mathematical biology education

Researchers highlight algebraic models as a crucial tool for undergraduate biologists, allowing them to integrate mathematical modeling into their coursework. These models focus on the logic of network connections, making them accessible to students with limited mathematical background.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2009

Experts urge reformulation of US space policy

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences has released three white papers on US space policy, urging a fundamental reformulation based on Cold War-era mindsets. Experts emphasize the need for a new approach that prioritizes collaboration and equitable utilization of space for common benefit.

SourceAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences·DateJul 30, 2009

Reducing risk of hospitalization in the elderly

A new study suggests that exercise programs focusing on muscle density can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization among older adults. By measuring muscle strength and performance rather than size or mass, researchers found a 50% higher relative risk for hospitalizations in those with poor walking abilities.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 30, 2009

A police woman fights quantum hacking and cracking

Dr. Julia Kempe is working on future programs to keep data safe from quantum hackers, who could crack encryption codes quickly with the power of quantum computers. She estimates that within the next decade, these new computers could be used for malevolent power if not properly protected.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalComputational Complexity·DateJul 30, 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 hope for fisheries on the horizon?

A two-year study by scientists reveals that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems. Management solutions such as catch quotas, community management, and fishing closures offer promise for restoring fisheries and ecosystems.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2009

Risk of frailty in older women dependent on multisystem abnormalities

A study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences found that frailty in older adults is associated with a critical mass of abnormal physiological systems. The research suggests that prevention and treatment may be more effective if multiple systems are improved rather than just one, and highlights the importance of cons...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateJul 30, 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.