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Science News Archive July 2009


Page 18 of 23

Professor Fisher receives ASEE's Beer and Johnston Award

Frank Fisher, an Assistant Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the 2009 Ferdinand P. Beer and E. Russell Johnston Jr. Outstanding New Educator Award for his commitment to mechanics education. The award recognizes his efforts in developing graduate programs and providing exceptional teaching experiences.

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.

No psychological risk in children next-born after stillbirth

A study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found no significant differences in cognitive or health assessments between children born after stillbirth and those born to non-bereaved mothers. However, mothers who experienced a previous stillbirth reported more child difficulties, particularly peer problems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human sperm created from embryonic stem cells

Researchers at Newcastle University have successfully created human sperm from embryonic stem cells, allowing them to study the causes of infertility and potentially develop new treatments. The technique uses germline stem cells developed from male embryos, which are then prompted to mature into fully functional sperm.

From slam poetry to plain language for health care

Jessica Ridpath's PRISM Toolkit helps researchers communicate clearly in written materials, improving informed decision-making and reducing risks. The toolkit has been downloaded 2,000 times and has led to revisions of patient letters, brochures, and consent forms across healthcare institutions.

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.

Is obesity an oral bacterial disease?

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that salivary bacterial populations were significantly different in overweight women compared to healthy individuals. The presence of certain bacterial species, such as Selenomonas noxia, was linked to an increased risk of obesity.

PM&R accepted for abstracting and indexing in MEDLINE

The Journal of Injury, Function and Rehabilitation has been accepted for coverage by MEDLINE, six months after its launch. This recognition acknowledges the journal's commitment to raising the scientific bar in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Army study improves ability to predict drinking water needs

A new Army study has improved the ability to predict drinking water needs for troops, potentially cutting costs of operations and improving civilian water planning. The study produced formulations that are 58-65% more accurate than the existing Shapiro equation in laboratory settings.

Mathematics in 10 lessons

The book provides a grand tour of mathematics in 10 essential lessons, introducing key concepts such as symbolic logic, infinity, and calculus, with the goal of instilling an appreciation for mathematics as both an art and a science. Professor King's approach aims to make real mathematics enjoyable and palatable for non-technical readers.

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.

Contaminated site remediation: Are nanomaterials the answer?

A new review article highlights the potential of nanomaterials for environmental remediation, with 45 sites globally identified for use in soil and groundwater cleanup. However, more research is needed to fully understand the technology's benefits and potential risks, particularly on a full-scale ecosystem-wide impact.

Restoration technology revolutionized

Dental CAD/CAM technology enables dentists to create porcelain restorations efficiently, eliminating multiple visits. This technology minimizes stress and strain on patients, saving them precious time and money.

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.

David Yap receives Amethyst Award

Dr. David Yap receives prestigious Amethyst Award from Ontario Public Service for his work combating air pollution in Canada and the United States. The award recognizes his contributions to developing air quality management programs, including the Air Quality Index and Smog Alert Programs.

Shaw to receive prestigious honor for plant pathology research

Dr. Brian Shaw will receive the 2009 Alexopoulos Prize for his outstanding contributions to plant pathology research, as recognized by the Mycological Society of America. Shaw has authored 17 research papers in 12 years and is jointly appointed with Texas AgriLife Research.

Robot learns to smile and frown

Researchers at UC San Diego used machine learning to empower their Einstein robot to learn realistic facial expressions, improving the process of teaching robots to make lifelike faces. The team discovered that the model learned to automatically compensate for missing servos and can now make facial expressions it had never encountered.

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.

Easter Island compound extends lifespan of old mice

Researchers discovered that a compound found in Easter Island soil, called rapamycin, extended the lifespan of middle-aged mice by 28-38% when added to their diet. The findings have significant implications for understanding the aging process and developing new therapies.

Link between obesity and diabetes discovered

A Monash University study has discovered a critical link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes, revealing that fat cells release PEDF, which triggers insulin resistance. Blocking PEDF reverses these effects, suggesting a potential breakthrough in treating the disease.

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.

Scientists explore the physics of bumpy roads

Researchers discovered ripples appear even without springy suspension or wheel, linking it to stone skipping physics. The study provides insights into designing improved suspension systems to eliminate bumpy rides.

Muscle rubs: Use for pain is questionable

A systematic review by Cochrane Researchers found that rubefacients, commonly used for muscle pain, are ineffective for chronic and acute pain due to skin irritation. The study analyzed data from 16 trials involving over 1,200 people, concluding that larger, higher-quality trials are needed to establish their effectiveness.

Nurse leaders selected for prestigious national fellowship to improve health care

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has named its 2009 cohort of Executive Nurse Fellows, a group of 20 nurse leaders from across the US who will receive leadership development and training to improve healthcare delivery. The fellows are tasked with developing innovative new initiatives to improve patient outcomes and health reform.

Male seahorses like big mates

Male seahorses choose partners based on body size to increase reproductive output and bigger offspring, challenging conventional sex roles. A study found choosy males and indiscriminate females, with striking differences in courtship behavior.

Kenya's national parks not free from wildlife declines

A study found long-term declines of elephants, giraffe, and other animals in Kenya's national parks are occurring at the same rates as outside the country. The research highlights the problems of maintaining protected areas on wildlife and ecosystems inside and outside the parks.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UTSA psychologist awarded $1 million for memory research

Rebekah Smith, a UTSA psychologist, is studying adult memory with a focus on event-based prospective memory. She aims to understand how age affects cognitive processes involved in prospective memory and develop techniques to improve it in both young and older adults.

Are breast cancer patients being kept in the dark?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports nearly 70% of eligible women lack information on breast reconstruction procedures. To address this issue, ASPS is launching an awareness campaign to educate and empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

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.

Severe COPD may lead to cognitive impairment

Severe COPD is associated with significantly lower cognitive function in older adults, even after controlling for confounding factors. Patients with severe COPD are at greater risk for developing cognitive impairment, which can worsen their general health and quality of life.

Stanford study bolsters case for preventive prostate cancer treatment

Researchers found that finasteride use made no difference in high-grade cancer rates among men without cancer warning signs, but significantly reduced the risk in those with abnormal digital rectal exams or elevated PSA levels. The study suggests doctors can be less cautious in using finasteride for preventive treatment.

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.

Worries about paying bills can cause people to pack on pounds

A study found that stress is linked to weight gain, particularly in women who experience strained family relationships and limited life circumstances. Stress reduction strategies, such as access to weight-loss programs and flexible work schedules, may help mitigate this effect.

Recognition at last

A rapid face recognition method has been developed that can accurately identify individuals despite disguises and varying lighting conditions. The new algorithm reduces computer power requirements without compromising accuracy, making it suitable for real-world applications such as border crossings and automated banking.

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.

Study shows endoscopic surgery as effective open surgery for nasal cancer

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that endoscopic surgery is a valid option for treating esthesioneuroblastoma, with better survival rates than open surgery. The study also showed that endoscopic surgery produced more disease-free outcomes than nonsurgical treatment modalities.

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.

Analysis of Copernicus putative remains support identity

Researchers at Uppsala University analyzed DNA from shed hairs in a book owned by Nicolaus Copernicus, finding two hairs with matching profiles to the putative remains. The results were confirmed by analysis of tooth and bone tissue from the same location.

Protein can help cells or cause cancer, Purdue researcher finds

A Purdue University scientist has discovered a key process in cell growth that can lead to the formation of tumors. The research found that an overabundance of the polo-like kinase 1 molecule during cell growth, as well as a shortage of the p53 molecule, will lead to tumor formation.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to lead Opennotes study

A new 12-month study, led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, will examine the effects of adding openness to traditionally one-sided elements of doctor-patient relationships. The project aims to improve patient recall, empower patients to take control of their care, and reduce medical errors.

DOE funds Clemson University clean energy research

The Clemson University-led Center for Atomic-Level Catalyst Design aims to develop new catalysts for producing clean fuels and chemicals from renewable sources. The project seeks to lower the cost of renewable fuels and reduce carbon footprint through advanced computational methods.

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.

Brown professor continues debate over recovered memory

Brown University political scientist Ross Cheit disputes a 2006 Harvard University psychiatric contest on repressed memory, arguing that the methodology was flawed and no data correction was issued after discovering a pre-1800 literary example fulfilling the criteria

US-Mexico border wall could threaten wildlife species

A new study suggests that a 700-mile US-Mexico border wall could significantly alter wildlife movement and connectivity, threatening populations of some species. Design tweaks and technology can improve animal movement, but the impact on biodiversity is still uncertain.

Low birth weight linked to long-term respiratory problems

Infants with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems that persist into adulthood. Researchers found that those with very low birth weight were twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma or respiratory infection, and 2.6 times more likely to require mechanical ventilation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.