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Science News for July 13, 2009


White matter changes may predict dementia risk

A study found that elderly individuals with growing white matter changes were more likely to develop persistent cognitive impairment and dementia. Researchers followed 49 participants for an average of 9.5 years, tracking brain scans and thinking skills tests.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 13, 2009

Improving mouse heart function following heart attack

A team of researchers has found that transplanting sheets of clonally expanded heart cells improves heart function after a heart attack in mice. The cells secreted a molecule that induced the migration of endothelial cells and prevented oxidative stress, leading to improved heart function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 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.

Researchers identify individuals at risk for developing colon cancer

A new study identifies a group of individuals born with genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing colon cancer. The study found that these mutations affect the glycosylation process, leading to alterations in mucus production and tumor development.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2009

Scientists discover repulsive side to light force

A Yale team has discovered a repulsive light force that can be used to control components on silicon microchips, paving the way for faster and more efficient nanodevices. The researchers found that by manipulating out-of-phase light beams, they could create a controlled repulsive force with tunable intensity.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 13, 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.

Active genes discovered in the developing mammal brain

A study at Penn State has identified over 16,000 active genes in mouse brains during embryonic development and post-natal stages. These genes are linked to cognitive and sensory abilities and may hold the key to developing treatments for neurological disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2009

Smoking associated with more rapid progression of multiple sclerosis

Patients with multiple sclerosis who smoke experience a more rapid progression of their disease, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Neurology. Current smokers had significantly more severe disease at the beginning of the study and were more likely to have primary progressive MS.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJul 13, 2009

Superconductivity: Which one of these is not like the other?

Two papers published in APS Physics journals describe different electron behavior in iron-based superconductors, suggesting distinct origins. The findings challenge theories on the similarities between these materials and cuprates, potentially altering the direction of research in this field.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Herbicide diversity needed to keep Roundup effective

A Purdue University study found that rotating herbicides with glyphosate can significantly reduce resistant marestail weeds, leading to a 95% decrease in viable seeds. This diversification strategy also increases crop yield potential by reducing weed populations.

SourcePurdue University·JournalWeed Science·DateJul 13, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: July 13, 2009

Researchers found that inhibiting Nox4 substantially inhibits hemangioma growth in a mouse model, while transplantation of cardiac progenitor cells improves heart function after myocardial infarction. Additionally, IL-17 and IL-22 play a crucial role in protecting individuals from developing kala azar, a lethal parasite disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 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.

Toxin detection as close as an inkjet printer

Researchers at McMaster University developed a method for printing toxin-detecting biosensors on paper using an inkjet printer, utilizing lateral flow sensing technology. The sensors retain enzyme activity for months, making them suitable for monitoring environmental toxins and detecting diseases in remote settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2009

Neuroimaging suggests that truthfulness requires no act of will for honest people

A new neuroimaging study finds that honest people show no additional neural activity when telling the truth, implying that extra cognitive processes are not necessary to choose honesty. In contrast, dishonest individuals exhibit increased activity in control-related brain regions when tempted to lie.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

Mystery E. coli genes essential for survival of many species

Scientists have identified three previously unknown genes in E. coli that are essential for the survival of the bacteria and one out of the three could be implicated in cancer or developmental abnormalities in humans. These genes are also found in numerous other creatures, suggesting a vital role for them across many species.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJul 13, 2009

Making the difficult task of transporting a child with special needs safer

A study by Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University School of Medicine found that parents of children with special health care needs mostly use the right type of car seat, but often misuse it. The researchers also discovered that many children would benefit from additional body-positioning support to ensure safe transportation.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 13, 2009

Sex involved in plant defense

Researchers found that sexually produced evening primrose plants withstand caterpillar attacks better than asexual relatives. The study suggests that plant sex influences the evolution of defenses against herbivores.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

New drugs faster from natural compounds: A UC San Diego breakthrough

Researchers have developed computational tools to decode and rapidly determine whether natural compounds are new or patented. These advances will speed the discovery process, enabling scientists to characterize ring-shaped nonribosomal peptides and accelerate the timeline for bringing new therapies into clinical application.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 13, 2009

New technique could save cancer patients' fertility

Researchers from Northwestern University have successfully grown a woman's immature egg cells, contained in a tiny sac called a follicle, to a healthy and nearly mature egg in the laboratory. This breakthrough could provide a new fertility option for women whose cancer treatments destroy their ability to reproduce.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 13, 2009

UCLA scientists identify how immune cells may help predict Alzheimer's risk

Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to measure the amount of amyloid beta absorbed by immune cells in the blood, which may help predict Alzheimer's risk. The study found that patients with Alzheimer's disease showed lower uptake of amyloid beta compared to healthy controls.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateJul 13, 2009

How noise and nervous system get in way of reading skills

A new Northwestern University study found that a child's brain has trouble differentiating key sounds in noisy classrooms, leading to reading difficulties. The research suggests that auditory training and reducing background noise can help improve reading skills in poor readers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

Children of undocumented parents may be at higher developmental risk

A new UCLA study examines parents' concerns about development, learning and behavior for young children of Mexican origin, identifying a significant association with family documentation status. The research highlights the need for timely access to primary care and reassurance from pediatric providers to address parental worries.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateJul 13, 2009

News from Cancer

Researchers found that ultrasound outperforms symptom analysis in detecting ovarian cancer, with TVS performing better for malignancies. Racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival dissipate after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Thyroid cancer incidence increases across all tumor sizes, suggesting screening is not ...

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateJul 13, 2009

July/August 2009 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

The July/August issue of Annals of Family Medicine explores the paradox of primary care, where primary care is associated with poorer quality care for individual diseases yet higher value health care at the level of the whole person. Chronic disease management was found to be superior in community health centers and practices with nurs...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 13, 2009

Swedish researcher finds missing piece of fossil puzzle

A Swedish researcher has discovered a bony clasper in a primitive fossil fish, completing the picture of placoderm reproduction and providing a 400-million-year pedigree for modern sharks' reproductive biology. The finding sheds light on how sharks reproduce, with the clasper serving as an extension of the pelvic fin.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 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.

Novel gene found for dilated cardiomyopathy

A novel gene, ANKRD1, has been identified as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart becomes weakened and enlarged. The study found three disease-associated variants of the gene in four male patients with DCM.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2009

Study finds citrus-derived flavonoid prevents obesity

A flavonoid derived from citrus fruit, naringenin, has shown promise in preventing weight gain and metabolic syndrome. In a study, mice fed a high-fat diet were treated with naringenin, which corrected triglyceride and cholesterol levels, prevented insulin resistance, and normalized glucose metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 13, 2009

Condoms associated with moderate protection against herpes simplex virus 2

A large analysis of six studies found that consistent condom use reduced the risk of acquiring herpes simplex virus 2 by 30%. The risk of infection decreased with increased condom use during anal or vaginal sex, and there were no significant differences in protection between men and women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2009

NOAA bans commercial harvesting of krill

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prohibited commercial krill harvesting in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This rule aims to protect the krill's role as a key food source for numerous marine species, including some listed as threatened or endangered.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateJul 13, 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.

AIAA to present awards at 45th Joint Propulsion Conference and 7th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will honor outstanding achievements in rocket propulsion systems, unsteady combustion, ground testing, and engineering through various awards. The winners include William Sirignano, Vigor Yang, Stan Powell, Frederick Schauer, David McGrath, Suresh Aggarwal, and Cynthia Obringer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJul 13, 2009

Dynamic molecular mechanism to keep brain activity stable

A Japanese research group discovered that two types of palmitoylating enzymes regulate synaptic protein PSD-95 in different ways, contributing to stable synaptic activity. This finding suggests individual enzymes have distinct functions and may represent therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 13, 2009

What are the most effective ways of promoting physical exercise in adults?

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that encouraging the use of pedometers and promoting physical activity through mass media campaigns are the most cost-effective interventions. These programs can reduce death and illness from heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, with an overall cost-saving for the health sector.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Childhood obesity link to parents

New research reveals a significant link between same-gender parent relationships and childhood obesity. Girls with obese mothers are more likely to struggle with weight problems in childhood, while similar patterns exist between obese fathers and sons.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 13, 2009

'Science Under Siege'

This collection of outstanding articles explores science and skeptical inquiry, public controversies, and investigating pseudoscientific claims. The selected essays provide a timely new exploration of important public issues within science, including evolution vs. intelligent design and the future of vaccinations.

SourcePrometheus Books·DateJul 13, 2009

Baylor researchers unravel mystery of DNA conformation

DNA exists in a slightly underwound state, and its status changes in waves generated by normal cell functions such as replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. The researchers found that DNA can be underwound to the point where one of two bases flips out, relieving stress on the molecule.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 13, 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.

Arizona researchers to sequence West African rice strain

Researchers at the University of Arizona have successfully sequenced the genetic code of West African cultivated rice, a key step in breeding hardier Asian strains. This breakthrough could help address global issues such as food scarcity and climate change, with potential applications for other crops like wheat, corn, and sorghum.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJul 13, 2009

Girl well after transplanted heart removed

A 16-year-old girl, Hannah Clark, has made a remarkable recovery after having her transplanted heart removed 10.5 years after it was implanted. Her own heart had recovered sufficiently to operate on its own, allowing the donor heart to be removed without major complications.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 13, 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.

Australia's top models at science conference

Australia's top scientists will present on using mathematical models to understand complex systems, including climate change and agricultural sustainability. The conference will feature models assessing water availability, predicting aircraft distances for safer skies, and evaluating coral bleaching impacts.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 13, 2009

'Lipstick on a pig' -- tracking the life and death of news

Researchers at Cornell University tracked 1.6 million online news sites to analyze the life cycle of news stories, finding a consistent rhythm as they rise and fall in popularity. The study reveals a 'heartbeat' pattern of handoffs between mainstream media and blogs.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 13, 2009

Hush little baby ... linking genes, brain and behavior in children

A new study found that a specific gene, DRD4, is linked to children's temperament and brain activity, with those having the long version of the gene exhibiting more soothable behavior. However, when this gene was combined with increased right frontal cortex activity, it led to attention problems in children.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 13, 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.

Couples who cohabit before engagement are more likely to struggle

A University of Denver study found that couples living together before engagement are more likely to struggle, with a higher chance of getting divorced. The researchers also discovered that couples who lived together before engagement reported lower marital satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Denver·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJul 13, 2009

Viewing child porn not a risk factor for future sex offenses

A study of 231 men found that only 1% of child pornography consumers went on to commit a hands-on sex offense. The researchers suggest that the motivation and recidivism rates differ between child pornography consumption and physical assault.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJul 13, 2009

New method may accelerate drug discovery for difficult diseases like Parkinson's

A rapid and inexpensive drug-screening method developed by Whitehead Institute scientists uses baker's yeast to synthesize and screen molecules, cutting testing time to weeks. The technique targets protein-protein interactions found in cellular processes, offering new potential for treating diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 13, 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.

Study: Bath time falls injure thousands of children annually

A nationwide study reveals that slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of bathtub- and shower-related injuries in children. Most injuries occur to young children under 4 years old, with facial lacerations being the most common diagnosis.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 13, 2009

Stan Powell to receive 2009 AIAA Ground Testing Award

Dr. Stan Powell will receive the award in Denver on August 5 for his extensive original research and engineering development leading to hypersonic test facilities. His contributions include thermophysics research, modeling of combustion processes, and assessment of simulation fidelity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJul 13, 2009

Active commuters have fewer heart disease risk factors

Men who walk or bike to work are less likely to be overweight or obese and have healthier triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Active commuting is also associated with improved fitness and reduced environmental impact.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Researchers gain insight into mechanism underlying Huntington's

A novel DNA repair pathway, referred to as DNA hairpin repair (HPR), targets TNR hairpin removal in the daughter strand to ensure fidelity of TNR sequences. This finding may be responsible for TNR instability in diseases such as Huntington's disease.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 13, 2009

Common infant tumor has a Nox(4)ious requirement

Researchers have identified protein Nox4 as crucial for hemangioma growth and found a potent inhibitor fulvene-5 to substantially inhibit its growth. This discovery suggests targeting Nox4 using fulvene derivatives may attenuate hemangioma growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2009

Medical use for waste television screens

Scientists at the University of York have developed a technique to recover polyvinyl-alcohol from discarded TV screens, transforming it into a substance suitable for use in tissue scaffolds that aid body regeneration. The recovered material can also be used in pills and dressings designed to deliver drugs to specific parts of the body.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2009

Leading pathogen in newborns can suppress immune cell function

Researchers discovered that GBS fools the immune system by reducing production of antibiotic molecules, allowing the bacteria to survive and proliferate. This understanding may lead to new targets for medical therapy to boost the immune system and clear GBS infection in critically ill newborns.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

'Show me the money!' MDA greenlights grants

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has announced $5 million in new grants to support cutting-edge research projects tackling muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, ALS, and spinal muscular atrophy. Researchers at top institutions will explore groundbreaking treatments and therapies for these devastating conditions.

SourceMuscular Dystrophy Association·DateJul 13, 2009

Climate change may spell demise of key salt marsh constituent

New research shows that pannes in New England salt marshes are sensitive to temperature increases and may be driven to local and regional extinction. The plants in these waterlogged zones respond by growing more initially but then dying off, making way for invasive species like Spartina patens.

SourceBrown University·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 13, 2009

Novel drug discovery tool could identify promising new therapies for Parkinson's disease

Researchers have developed a novel drug discovery tool that uses baker's yeast to rapidly search for drugs to treat Parkinson's disease. The tool identifies cyclic peptides with protective effects on yeast cells and neurons in an animal model of the disease, offering new hope for treatment breakthroughs.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 13, 2009

Happier, healthier, more productive hens on omega-3?

The study aims to reduce bone damage and fractures in laying hens by providing omega-3 supplemented diets. Researchers will house 16 flocks of 1,500 hens each in identical free-range systems to compare the effects of high and standard omega-3 diets.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJul 13, 2009
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.

Building memories with actin

Researchers have discovered that actin reorganization in two stages is controlled by different pathways, making it easy to encode new memories but hard to hold onto them. The Rho-ROCK pathway initiates cytoskeletal changes, while the Rac-PAK pathway solidifies them, leading to heightened synapse sensitivity and memory persistence.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 13, 2009