Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive July 2009


Page 15 of 23

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NSF awards $2.5M grant to Antarctic research facility at Florida State

The Antarctic Marine Geology Research Facility at FSU has received a $2.5M grant from the National Science Foundation, double its previous funding. The facility serves as a national repository for marine sediment samples and provides clues to a geologic history stretching back 80 million years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.