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Science News for July 17, 2009


Hebrew SeniorLife receives Tufts Health Plan Foundation grant

Hebrew SeniorLife is expanding its evidence-based healthy aging programs with a new $105,000 grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The program will educate over 500 seniors on nutrition, exercise, and falls prevention, aiming to maintain their health and independence.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·DateJul 17, 2009

Healing power of aloe vera proves beneficial for teeth and gums, too

Recent research published in the Academy of General Dentistry's clinical journal revealed that aloe vera tooth gel is as effective as commercial toothpaste in controlling cavity-causing organisms. The study found that aloe vera tooth gel was more effective than some commercially popular brands, making it a great alternative for people ...

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateJul 17, 2009

'Artificial leaves can generate energy'

A new research programme, Towards Biosolar Cells, aims to increase photosynthetic efficiency and produce fuels from sunlight. The project will combine natural and technological components to create solar collectors that supply fuel.

SourceLeiden University·DateJul 17, 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.

'Gifted hands' of American surgeons revolutionary in scientific medicine

GIFTED HANDS: AMERICA'S MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO SURGERY explores the history of American surgical practice, from pre-Columbian and colonial eras to modern-day scientific surgery. The book highlights key medical breakthroughs, innovative surgeons like Alexis Carrel and Joseph Murray, and their impact on the field.

SourcePrometheus Books·DateJul 17, 2009

Professor sheds light on DNA mechanisms

By manipulating individual atoms in DNA, Professor Zhen Huang hopes to unlock new avenues for research into DNA replication and transcription. His study reveals that interactions between methyl and phosphate groups can reduce energy needed for DNA duplex separation, potentially leading to improved understanding of genetic processes.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJul 17, 2009

New strategy in tumor treatment

Researchers propose a novel two-agent combination therapy that selectively kills tumors while sparing healthy cells. The approach leverages the frequent absence of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase in various lethal cancers, allowing for increased doses and reduced toxic side effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2009

The fancier the cortex, the smarter the brain?

A larger cortex is associated with greater intellectual capacity, according to new research. Cortical modules, vertical columns of interconnected neurons, vary in number and diversity across the cerebral cortex.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJul 17, 2009

Energetic bottleneck factors in catastrophic winter seabird losses

Seabirds face an 'energetic bottleneck' in winter, struggling to find enough food to survive harsh conditions. The study suggests that the birds' high energy demands may be too much to handle, leading to catastrophic losses during the winter months.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 17, 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.

UAB/Southern research scientists discover how flu damages lung tissue

A recent study from UAB and Southern Research Institute reveals that the M2 protein in influenza viruses damages lung epithelial cells, leading to fluid buildup and breathing difficulties. By understanding this mechanism, researchers hope to develop new treatments to prevent or minimize flu damage.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 17, 2009

2 NASA satellites see remnant low Dolores go out kicking

Two NASA satellites captured images of the weakening tropical storm Dolores, which has faded into a remnant low pressure area. The storms' winds and clouds were tracked using QuikScat and CloudSat, revealing intense rainfall and towering cloud formations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2009

Large epidemiologic study supports brain power of fish in older people

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found an inverse association between fish consumption and dementia prevalence in older adults across 7 middle- to low-income countries. Higher fish consumption was linked to a lower risk of dementia, contradicting previous findings from industrialized countries.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 17, 2009

Scientists assess flooding and damage from 2008 Myanmar cyclone

The study documents the extent of flooding and damage in the Ayeyarwady River delta after Cyclone Nargis, with findings including storm surges up to 5 meters high. Researchers recommend implementing a cyclone education program, developing flood maps, and constructing cyclone-safe buildings to reduce future loss of life.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 17, 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.

Neon blue-tailed tree lizard glides like a feather

Researchers discovered that neon blue-tailed tree lizards can glide through the air with ease, thanks to their lightweight bodies. The team found that the lizard's low weight allowed it to generate lift and stay airborne for longer periods, similar to gliding geckos.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 17, 2009

A NASA 2-for-1: Carlos and Dolores in 1 satellite image

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite captured a unique image of both tropical storm Carlos and Dolores on July 15, 2009. The image shows the horizontal pattern of rain intensity within storms, with false-colored areas indicating rainfall between 20-40 millimeters per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 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.

How to manage erosion caused by everyday beverages

Daily consumption of acidic beverages can lead to demineralization of hard dental tissues, causing tooth structure to wear away. To manage erosion, identify the culprit source, understand its effects on teeth, and stop or reduce consumption. Regular dental check-ups twice a year can help maintain healthy teeth.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateJul 17, 2009

Scientists locate disease switches

Researchers have detected 3,600 acetylation switches in 1,750 proteins, significantly expanding the number of known modifications. This discovery sheds light on how protein regulation is affected by diseases like cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2009

New study sheds light on the growing US wind power market

A new study reveals that the US is home to the fastest-growing wind power market worldwide, with a 60% increase in capacity additions in 2008. The report highlights the growth of wind projects across various states, including Texas, which leads the nation with over 7,000 MW of new wind capacity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 17, 2009

Research sheds light on cause of Down syndrome and other genetic disorders

Researchers have found that a mutation in just one copy of the Bub1 gene can lead to aneuploidy in mice, increasing the risk of genetic disorders like Down syndrome and pregnancy loss. The study's findings suggest that age is also a contributing factor, with older female mice having fewer offspring.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2009

Invasive species threaten critical habitats, oyster among victims

A study found that invasive Atlantic Coast crabs and snails have devastated oyster reefs in Tomales Bay, California, destroying half of the native Olympia oyster population. The invasion has disrupted trophic cascades, causing a loss of critical habitat for marine biodiversity.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalOecologia·DateJul 17, 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.

Why winning athletes are getting bigger

A new analysis by Duke University engineers found that elite athletes are getting bigger and faster, with the fastest swimmers growing 4.5 inches and the swiftest runners growing 6.4 inches taller since 1900. This trend can be predicted by the constructal theory of design in nature.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 17, 2009

Greater Yellowstone elk-wolf study shows elk having fewer calves due to changes in nutrition

A study published by Montana State University researchers found that elk are having fewer calves due to changes in their nutrition, mainly caused by the presence of wolves. Elk are changing their behavior and foraging habits, such as browsing more in forested areas, resulting in a 27% decrease in food intake.

SourceMontana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2009

Baby bathwater contains fragrance allergens

A study by Spanish chemists has detected up to 15 fragrance allergens in baby bathwater, including benzyl salicylate and hydroxycitronellal. The researchers found extremely high concentrations of these substances, exceeding 100ppm, raising concerns about their impact on children's health.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJul 17, 2009

A global model for the origin of species independent of geographical isolation

Researchers develop computer model showing how diverse species can arise from arrangement of organisms across an area without physical barriers or natural selection. The study found that genetic distance increases over generations, leading to a rapid increase in species numbers until they reach a steady state.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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