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Science News Archive July 2009


Page 2 of 23

Study links virus to some cases of common skin cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University found that a virus discovered in a rare form of skin cancer was also present in people with the second most common type of skin cancer. The virus had a mutation that enabled it to integrate into host DNA, raising questions about its potential role in causing squamous cell carcinoma.

Drug-proof zebrafish reveal secrets of addiction

Researchers discovered a set of genes that respond inappropriately to amphetamine in 'drug-proof' zebrafish mutants, which do not experience the drug's pleasurable effects. This finding suggests a link between adult neurogenesis and addiction, with potential implications for understanding susceptibility.

Preventing toxic shock syndrome and other severe diseases

A researcher at the University of Western Ontario is investigating how bacterial superantigen toxins lead to toxic shock syndrome and other serious diseases. By understanding how these toxins work, scientists hope to develop drug inhibitors that can neutralize them.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacteria pack their own demise

Researchers at VIB have determined the structure and operating mechanism of a deadly toxin-antitoxin system found in bacteria. The discovery provides new avenues for developing a class of antibiotics to combat bacterial threats.

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.

Protein level may serve as predictor of severe osteoarthritis

A new study identifies vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) as a strong predictor of hip and knee joint replacement due to severe osteoarthritis. Elevated VCAM-1 levels were found in individuals who underwent joint replacement, mirroring active cartilage damage or an inflammatory component in OA.

Evidence of liquid water in comets reveals possible origin of life

A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology claims that comets contained vast oceans of liquid water during their formation, providing ideal conditions for primitive bacteria to grow and multiply. The study's findings support the theory of cometary panspermia, which suggests that life was introduced to Earth by c...

Membrane breaks through performance barrier

Researchers developed a rapid heating treatment called Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) to remove structural defects in zeolite membranes, improving their performance and separation efficiency. This breakthrough could significantly increase the energy efficiency of chemical separations and enable higher production rates.

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.

Mutation responsible for cystic fibrosis also involved in muscle atrophy

A recent study by Dr. Basil Petrof reveals that the CFTR gene is involved in calcium regulation in skeletal muscles, contributing to muscle atrophy and weakness in cystic fibrosis patients. The research also suggests that controlling inflammation and infection may be key to treating CF-related muscle atrophy.

Immune responses to flu vaccine are diminished in lupus patients

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit diminished immune responses to the flu vaccine, including lower antibody and cell-mediated responses. The study found that vaccination did not induce disease activity, but may increase morbidity and mortality due to influenza infection in these patients.

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.

New test for safer biomedical research results

Researchers developed a 'Multiplex cell Contamination Test' to identify 37 different cell contaminations in a single run, detecting viruses and mycoplasmas with high sensitivity and specificity. The test has been tested in over 700 samples and found frequent contamination rates in some laboratories.

Safety and supply issues around an H1N1 vaccine

Countries are urged to prioritize post-marketing surveillance to address H1N1 vaccine safety concerns. The US is advised to support dose-sparing strategies to avoid depletion of the already short vaccine supply.

Unexpected reservoir of monocytes discovered in the spleen

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered an unexpected reservoir of immune cells called monocytes in the spleen, which are essential for recovery of cardiac tissue after a heart attack. The study found that these monocytes released from the spleen directly travel to the injured heart and participate in wound healing.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Little lifesavers -- kids capable of CPR

A study published in Critical Care found that 86% of nine-year-old students performed CPR correctly four months after receiving basic life support training. The researchers concluded that children's performance would improve over time with periodic retraining, and that CPR education can be effectively implemented in primary schools.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

MIT team targets ovarian cancer with nanoparticles

A new gene therapy technique using nanoparticles has shown promise in suppressing ovarian tumor growth in mice, offering a potential treatment for late-stage ovarian cancer. The nanoparticles deliver a killer gene that kills cells by disrupting protein production, avoiding toxic side effects common with traditional chemotherapy.

Got zinc? New zinc research suggests novel therapeutic targets

A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that zinc activates a key protein on T cells needed to fight infections. Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of various illnesses, including childhood diarrhea and lower respiratory infections.

Protein 'Tweek' rare but critical in synaptic process

A large protein called Tweek is crucial for recycling and endocytosis in the synaptic process, allowing neurotransmitters to be transported to neurons. The study found that increasing PI(4,5)P2 levels reverses the defect in endocytic processes, highlighting the importance of Tweek in maintaining cellular homeostasis.

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.

A 'shrimp cocktail' to fuel cars and trucks

Scientists have developed a new catalyst made from shrimp shells that can convert canola oil to biodiesel more efficiently and with less waste. The new catalyst enables faster and more environmentally friendly production of biodiesel, reducing pollution and minimizing wastewater.

Therapy should extend beyond childhood

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered that the metabolic disease glutaric aciduria type I causes not only acute but also chronic toxic damage to the developing brain. Therapy should be extended to prevent long-term brain damage and should be started early, even before birth.

NIST scientists study how to stack the deck for organic solar power

Researchers at NIST have advanced understanding of organic films in solar cells, revealing ways to control their formation and optimize performance. By changing electrode surface properties, they reduced barriers between polymers and fullerenes, improving photocurrent and reducing accumulation of fullerenes.

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.

UCSF researchers identify new drug target for Kaposi's sarcoma

Researchers at UCSF have identified a new drug target for the herpes virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma, which could also treat other diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. The new target, a protease dimer, responds well to a chemical inhibitor, offering a potential breakthrough in treating this devastating viral family.

Freshly crushed garlic better for the heart than processed

A new study by Dipak K. Das and colleagues reveals that freshly crushed garlic generates hydrogen sulfide, a chemical signaling substance that relaxes blood vessels and promotes heart health. Processed and cooked garlic loses this ability, resulting in reduced effectiveness.

NYU physicists show way to count sweets in a jar -- from inside the jar

Researchers at New York University have developed a model to accurately count sweets in a jar by studying the geometry of packing from a 'granocentric' view. The model captures the connectivity and density of sphere packings, allowing for the estimation of packing density and subsequently, the number of sweets in the jar.

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.

Too many ways to say 'it hurts'

A new project called PROMIS aims to establish a common scientific vocabulary for measuring pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and physical/social functioning. This will help researchers compare results and evaluate treatment benefits more effectively, enabling better care for patients with chronic diseases.

Cardiovascular risk after ischemic attack predicted by ultrasound

Researchers found that abnormal findings on ultrasound can predict future stroke and cardiovascular ischemic events in TIA patients. The study supports the routine use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in addition to extracranial Doppler ultrasonography for risk assessment.

Nanotubes take flight

Rice University chemist Bob Hauge's team creates bundles of SWNTs using a novel printing process, yielding a high yield of nanotubes. The process could lead to large-scale production of meter-long strands of nanotubes.

Diabetes gene raises odds of lower birth weight

Researchers found that a specific gene variant, CDKAL1, is associated with both lower birth weight and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in childhood. The study suggests a genetic link between prenatal events and the development of diabetes in later life.

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.

New research reveals mothers need infant feeding information

A systematic literature review found that mothers who bottle-feed with infant formula do not receive adequate information and support from healthcare providers, putting their babies' health at risk. The International Formula Council offers online resources, including video and print information, to help meet this need.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Jet-propelled imaging for an ultrafast light source

Researchers create a method to image proteins at ultrafast speeds using x-ray pulses. The technique involves injecting tiny water droplets through a 'particle gun' into the path of bright, brief x-rays, which then diffract off the protein molecules.

Bizarre walking bat has ancient heritage

A study reveals that the lesser short-tailed bat's walking ability evolved in an ancient Australian lineage, contradicting previous assumptions. The bat's unique adaptations, such as adhesive grooves and extra talons, have advantages only in specific circumstances, not due to competition from other mammals.

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.

Scientists discover Amazon river is 11 million years old

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered that the Amazon river and its transcontinental drainage are approximately 11 million years old. This finding has significant implications for understanding South American paleogeography and the evolution of aquatic organisms in Amazonia and on the Atlantic coast.

Re-examination of T. rex verifies disputed biochemical remains

A new study re-examining Tyrannosaurus rex remains has confirmed the presence of proteins from blood and bone, tendons, or cartilage, resolving a long-standing controversy over detectable biochemical remnants. The analysis also found evidence of substances typical of bird-like bones, which were previously disputed.

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.

Experimental treatment halts hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in newborns

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that inhibiting an enzyme in newborn brains stops a type of brain damage linked to cerebral palsy and death. The experimental treatment involves injecting a naturally occurring substance called plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 into the brains of newborn rats.