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Science News for July 14, 2009


LSUHSC's Bazan awarded ARRA grant to preserve vision

Dr. Haydee Bazan received a $710,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore potential therapeutic approaches to heal corneal injuries. The research focuses on finding balance between signaling mechanisms that promote cellular damage or repair in the cornea.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateJul 14, 2009

Researchers map how staph infections alter immune system

In a study mapping the gene profiles of children with severe Staphylococcus aureus infections, researchers found that the innate immune response is overactivated while the adaptive immune system is suppressed. This knowledge could lead to better patient outcomes and more effective therapies.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

LincRNAs serve as genetic air-traffic controllers

A recent study found that lincRNAs have a global role in genome regulation, guiding chromatin complexes to specific genomic locations. By analyzing RNA-protein interactions, researchers identified which lincRNAs are bound by chromatin-modifying enzymes and which genes are affected by their depletion.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2009

The minerals on Mars influence the measuring of its temperature

Researchers confirm that Mars' surface minerals influence its soil temperature measurements using infrared spectroscopy, with significant increases and falls in reflectance values. This study has implications for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, allowing for more accurate interpretation of data from the soil temperature sensor.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateJul 14, 2009

Drug rescues memory lost to Alzheimer's disease

A study found that a drug similar to one used for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can rescue memory in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms. The drug, PMX205, prevented inflammation in brain regions with amyloid plaques, which accelerates neuron damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 14, 2009

First near-total human face transplant for a severely disfigured patient

A groundbreaking surgery has enabled Connie Culp to regain facial function and appearance after being shot in the face with a shotgun. The procedure involved a 22-hour operation to connect donor tissues to her disfigured structures, resulting in restored smell, eating, drinking, and intelligible speech.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 14, 2009

New technique could sustain cancer patients' fertility

Researchers have developed a method to advance undeveloped human eggs to near maturity in laboratory cultures, paving the way for women with cancer to preserve their fertility after treatment. The technique focuses on the follicle and avoids concerns related to freezing ovarian tissue.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 14, 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.

Flexible neck in cell-receptor DC-SIGN targets more pathogens

Researchers discovered that flexibility in DC-SIGN's neck region allows it to recognize a broader range of pathogens, including Ebola, Dengue fever, and HIV. This flexibility enables the protein to adapt to different target surfaces, maximizing bond strength.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2009

Turbulence responsible for black holes' balancing act

Researchers found that turbulence created by material ejected from supermassive black holes' disks prevents cooling gas from forming stars. The discovery explains a long-standing mystery in galaxy cluster physics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 14, 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.

Obesity contributes to rapid cartilage loss

A recent study published in Radiology found that obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of rapid cartilage loss in the knees. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 participants, identified baseline BMI as a key predictor of rapid cartilage loss.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 14, 2009

Avoiding hysterectomy: Major interventional radiology E-collection info available

A major electronic collection of articles about uterine artery embolization is now available, providing information on the treatment's benefits and technical aspects. The collection includes studies that demonstrate the procedure's lower cost compared to traditional surgery.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateJul 14, 2009

Experts critique JAMA studies on brain cancer linked to altered genes

Recent JAMA studies on brain cancer and altered genes have made significant progress in understanding the root causes of this deadly disease. Researchers identified seven genes linked to survival among glioblastoma multiforme patients, paving the way for potential new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJAMA·DateJul 14, 2009

NASA sees Carlos power back up to hurricane status in 3-D

NASA's TRMM satellite provides forecasters with a 3-D look at Hurricane Carlos's cloud heights and rainfall, aiding forecasting. Carlos regained hurricane status as a Category One storm on July 14, 2009, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 14, 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.

Study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory properties of pine bark extract

A recent study published in International Immunopharmacology reveals that Pycnogenol inhibits the generation of COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes associated with inflammation. This finding suggests that Pycnogenol can decrease pain and reduce inflammatory conditions by shutting down specific enzyme production.

SourceMWW Group·JournalInternational Immunopharmacology·DateJul 14, 2009

Addiction scientists call for end to executions for drug offenders

A group of addiction scientists argue that the death penalty for drug trafficking is ineffective and violates human rights. The editorial cites the UN statement on capital punishment's limited scope and emphasizes the need to abolish this practice. Addiction experts, including lead author Professor Griffith Edwards, call for scientists...

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJul 14, 2009

Was SIDS the cause of infant deaths even 150 years ago?

A study suggests that 19th century infant deaths attributed to smothering and overlaying were likely caused by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The analysis of mortality schedules from 1850-1880 found that these deaths shared similar characteristics with known SIDS cases, including age, gender, and racial patterns.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJul 14, 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.

Surviving mass extinction by leading a double life

A team of experts, including Dr Chris Wade from the University of Nottingham, have presented evidence that planktonic foraminifera may have survived mass extinction by taking refuge on the sea floor. Genetic and geochemical data show that these species can thrive in both surface waters and sediment habitats.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2009

Mathematics taking guesswork out of plastic surgery tissue transfer

Researchers create mathematical model to predict optimal blood vessel size for tissue transfer, ensuring successful flap transfer and reducing failures. The model takes into account variables such as oxygen pressure and capillary spacing to provide a more accurate estimate of required blood vessel diameter.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2009

New theory on why male, female lemurs same size

A new theory proposes that male lemurs deposit a solid plug in the female's reproductive tract to prevent rival males from mating, allowing them to focus on other females. This strategy is thought to be advantageous when females have short receptivity periods and are the same size as males.

SourceRice University·JournalEvolutionary Biology·DateJul 14, 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.

Early life experience linked to chronic diseases later in life: UBC research

A UBC study found that people's early-life experiences can lead to chronic diseases later in life by affecting gene expression and inflammation responses. The researchers identified a link between low socioeconomic circumstances in early life and increased risk of infectious, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2009

More 'McBang' for your 'McBuck'

McDonald's Dollar Menu has been instrumental in maintaining the chain's reputation as an affordable luxury, even in today's tough times. The menu puts price control and consumer motivation in one wrapper, with clever pricing and uniformity across all franchise outlets.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateJul 14, 2009

United we stand; divided we fall

Researchers observed paracrine signaling in Bacillus subtilis, a novel mechanism for maintaining two differentiated cell populations within a bacterial community. This discovery opens doors to developing strategies to reverse differentiation in antibiotic persister cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 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.

Capturing images in nontraditional way may benefit AF

Researchers develop new imaging method using nonlinear crystals, allowing for data encryption and higher resolution images. The technique enables capture of wide-view photos with high resolution, promising applications in various fields including optical systems, microscopes, and dynamical imaging.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateJul 14, 2009

Munich researchers discover new target for tailored antibiotics

Researchers at TUM have identified a unique pathway in aggressive microorganisms, such as tuberculosis and malaria pathogens, that may be vulnerable to custom-tailored antibiotics. The discovery opens a promising approach for developing new reaction steps vital to microorganisms but irrelevant in humans.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 14, 2009

Wood stoves -- a viable home heat source?

A recent study found that adding a wood stove to a home can significantly reduce heating costs, with savings ranging from 25% to 60%. The carbon emissions associated with wood stoves are also negligible, making them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gas heating systems.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateJul 14, 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.

New isotope cluster could lead to better understanding of atmospheric carbon dioxide

Researchers discovered an unexpected concentration of a certain isotopic molecule in parts of the stratosphere, which could help understand the carbon cycle and its response to climate change. The finding suggests that air from the mesosphere may be mixing with air from the stratosphere, leading to elevated concentrations of 16O13C18O.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2009

Hospital workers smoking -- only the most addicted flout the rules

A study at a UK hospital found that smokers who break the rules are more addicted and less likely to believe in second-hand smoke protection. Researchers suggest screening staff for smoking behaviors and offering evidence-based workplace interventions to improve compliance and quit rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 14, 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.

NASA's Fermi finds gamma-ray galaxy surprises

The NASA Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered a third class of active galaxies that emit gamma rays, opening a new window in the field. The telescope has detected gamma rays from dozens of galaxies beyond our own, including Seyfert galaxies and blazars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 14, 2009

Reintroduced Chinese alligators now multiplying in the wild in China

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has successfully reintroduced critically endangered Chinese alligators into the wild, with the population now multiplying on their own. The reintroduction effort, which started in 1999, included captive-bred animals from North American zoos and partner agencies in China.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateJul 14, 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.

Best energy harvesting sources for future AF UAVs

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is working on airborne solar cells using flexible films and transparent conductive electrodes. These cells have shown promise in powering small aircraft, and the team hopes to develop large, flexible DSSCs with higher energy conversion efficiency.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateJul 14, 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.

Ben-Gurion U. researchers identify how stressed fat tissue malfunctions

Ben-Gurion University researchers have identified a key signaling pathway in intra-abdominal fat that contributes to obesity-related disorders. The study found that this pathway is activated in response to fat accumulation in the abdomen, correlating with increased cardio-metabolic risk and whole-body insulin resistance.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 14, 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.

Stealthy gene network makes brain tumors flourish

A network of 31 mutated genes has been identified as the driving force behind glioblastoma growth. Annexin A7, a vital guard gene, is lost in most cases, allowing tumors to flourish. The discovery offers new therapeutic targets and potentially extends patient survival.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateJul 14, 2009

Flu mortality formula is potentially misleading, say scientists

Researchers say a standard calculation for estimating flu deaths may not accurately reflect true figures due to factors like underreporting and varying disease severity. The study highlights the need for more sophisticated data collection and analysis methods to provide healthcare planners with accurate predictions.

SourceImperial College London·DateJul 14, 2009

Memory test and PET scans detect early signs of Alzheimer's

Researchers found that low scores on a memory recall test and low glucose metabolism in brain regions can predict a 15-fold greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study used cognitive tests and brain scans to identify early warning signs of the debilitating disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJul 14, 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.

Study explains potential failure of oral contraceptives with obese women

Researchers identified a potential biological mechanism for reduced effectiveness of oral contraceptives in obese women, as it takes twice as long to reach the necessary blood concentration levels. The study's findings have important implications for approximately 30% of adult Americans who are obese and rely on birth control pills.

SourceOregon State University·JournalContraception·DateJul 14, 2009

Negligible impact on public safety from shark cage diving operations

Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa conclude that shark cage diving enterprises in Hawaii have a negligible effect on public safety. The study analyzed logbook data from two Oahu operations and found no increase in shark attacks since cage diving began.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEnvironmental Conservation·DateJul 14, 2009

Global warming: Our best guess is likely wrong

A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that scientists' best predictions about global warming may be inaccurate. Researchers analyzed records from the Palaeocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), a 55-million-year-old period of rapid global warming, and found that climate models can only explain half of the observed heating. ...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 14, 2009

News release: Radiation exposure, tracking and dose reduction

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting will explore ways to minimize radiation dosage in children, adults, and health professionals. Studies have shown that lower doses can be effective in detecting abnormalities, reducing the risk of cancer among medical professionals.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 14, 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.

2 Brookhaven Lab scientists receive Presidential Early Career Awards

Two Brookhaven Lab scientists, Jason Graetz and Paul Sorensen, have been recognized for their pioneering research in hydrogen storage and heavy-ion collisions. Graetz's work focuses on developing new materials with improved hydrogen-storage properties, while Sorensen's research explores the properties and phases of quark-gluon plasma.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateJul 14, 2009

NIH expands national consortium for transforming clinical and translational research

The National Institutes of Health has expanded its national consortium for transforming clinical and translational research, awarding $171 million to seven institutions over five years. The consortium aims to accelerate laboratory discoveries into treatments for patients and engage communities in clinical research.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateJul 14, 2009

U of M researchers find childhood cancer risk rises with mother's age

Research from the University of Minnesota indicates that a baby born to an older mother may have a slightly increased risk for many childhood cancers. The study found that advancing maternal age may be a factor in why some children develop cancer, with risks increasing by 7-10 percent for every five-year increase in maternal age.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEpidemiology·DateJul 14, 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.

Scientists report first remote, underwater detection of harmful algae, toxins

Scientists have successfully detected a harmful algal species and its toxin below the ocean's surface using a robotic instrument called the Environmental Sample Processor. This achievement represents a major breakthrough in monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their effects on coastal ecosystems and human health.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalOceanography·DateJul 14, 2009

$20 million NIH grant to transform clinical research at UIC

The University of Illinois Chicago's Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a five-year, $20 million NIH grant to accelerate translational research. The center will facilitate collaborations among researchers, community partners, and national peers to move basic science findings into clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJul 14, 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.