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Science News for July 20, 2009


Iowa State University researchers develop process for 'surgical' genetic changes

Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new technique for making genetic changes in plant genes, allowing for targeted manipulations with high efficiency. This process harnesses homologous recombination to precisely introduce DNA at predetermined locations, enabling faster and safer gene editing for various crops.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2009

Our brain looks at eyes first to identify a face

A study by Matthias S. Keil found that the brain extracts key information for facial identification primarily from the eyes, while the mouth and nose are secondary. The analysis suggests that faces are responsible for the brain's resolution preference, with a optimum resolution of around 30x30 pixels.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 20, 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.

1 gene that contributes to breast cancer's aggressive behavior identified

Researchers at Genome Institute of Singapore identify RCP as a novel breast cancer promoting gene that functionsally contributes to aggressive breast cancer behaviour. Over-expression of RCP is positively correlated with cancer recurrence in patients, and silencing the gene significantly diminishes tumour formation and metastasis.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 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.

Students embed stem cells in sutures to enhance healing

Johns Hopkins students have developed a way to embed patient-derived stem cells in sutures to speed up healing and improve outcomes for orthopedic injuries. The technology has great promise for treating debilitating tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries that affect thousands of young and middle-aged adults annually.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJul 20, 2009

Study offers insights into failed HIV-1 vaccine trial

A study by Dan Barouch and colleagues at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found no correlation between Ad5 neutralizing antibodies and T-cell immune responses. The researchers suggest using rare serotype vectors to develop HIV-1 vaccines that are not suppressed by baseline vector-specific neutralizing antibodies.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 20, 2009

Studies shed light on preserving fertility among cancer patients

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in preserving fertility among cancer patients, including the development of lab-grown eggs and a new understanding of cellular mechanisms that can help restore fertility. These advancements offer hope for young cancer patients who are struggling to preserve their reproductive options.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Muscular protein bond -- strongest yet found in nature

Researchers have discovered the strongest protein bond yet found in nature, which anchors muscular strength. This discovery has significant implications for fields like medical research and nanotechnology.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

PNNL wins 2 R&D 100 awards for human health, renewable energy advances

PNNL has won two R&D 100 Awards for its PowerPuck technology, which harnesses environmental heat to create sustainable electrical power. The laboratory also developed an ultrasensitive ESI-MS Source & Interface, increasing sensitivity in human health studies and enabling precise measurements of chemical compounds.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 20, 2009

Professional lobbyists: Pragmatic operatives or just another partisan resource?

A new study by Gregory Koger and Jennifer Nicoll Victor found that professional lobbyists in Washington, DC are highly partisan, giving most of their campaign donations to one preferred political party. The research analyzed over 1,200 lobbyists and found that only 6.3% gave at least 40% of their donations to both parties.

SourceAmerican Political Science Association·JournalPS Political Science & Politics·DateJul 20, 2009

Statistician emerges from numerical vortex with econometrics prize

Wei Biao Wu and Xiaofeng Shao's article, 'A limit theorem for quadratic forms and its applications,' presents a new statistical method for analyzing time series data. The researchers used a physical dependence measure to characterize time-series dependence, deviating from traditional approaches.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJul 20, 2009

NIST awards $55.5M in grants for new university research facilities

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded grants totaling over $55.5 million to four universities to construct new scientific research facilities. These facilities will support academic research across various topics, including fundamental physics research, nanotechnology, aquaculture, and marine ecology.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 20, 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.

Studies needed on susceptibility of immunosuppressed people to flu and the effects of vaccination

Studies indicate that immunosuppressed populations, including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, transplant recipients, and those on haemodialysis, are at higher risk for flu infection. Vaccination has shown promise in reducing flu cases, but more research is needed to assess vaccine efficacy and timing for optimal protection.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJul 20, 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.

Pacific tsunami threat greater than expected

A new study suggests that future tsunamis could reach a scale far beyond the 1964 Alaskan earthquake, killing up to 35 people directly and causing extensive damage. The research indicates that rupture of an even larger area than previously thought could create an even bigger tsunami.

SourceDurham University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJul 20, 2009

Wolf reintroduction proposed in Scottish Highland test case

Researchers propose a Scottish Highland test case to reintroduce wolves and study their impact on red deer behavior and ecosystems. The goal is to restore landscapes of fear, controlling overgrazing and promoting biodiversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 20, 2009

Tension in axons is essential for synaptic signaling, researchers report

Tiny membrane-bound compartments called vesicles rely on axon tension to dump neurotransmitters into the synapse. The researchers found that axons need tension to keep vesicles clustered near the synapse, essential for neuronal signaling. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism behind this process.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

Cell division find prompts overhaul of immune response modeling

A team of scientists has discovered that individual cells have programmed lifespan and fate, changing the approach to predicting immune responses. The findings could lead to more accurate computer models for infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 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.

Caltech-led team shows how evolution can allow for large developmental leaps

A Caltech-led team demonstrates how partial penetrance enables evolution to make large developmental leaps by allowing genetic mutations to have varying effects on different organisms, leading to twin spores in bacteria that normally produce only singletons. This process involves random fluctuations and noise working alongside partial ...

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2009

New breast cancer-promoting gene identified

A new gene, RCP, has been identified as a potential breast cancer-promoting gene, with overexpression causing tumor cell characteristics and metastasis. Targeting RCP may provide a way to inhibit the known tumor-promoting pathway through activation of the RAS signaling pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

Testing relativity in the laboratory

Researchers have developed a new class of metamaterials that mimic celestial mechanics, allowing for the study of gravitational lensing and chaos in a lab setting. This breakthrough enables scientists to study relativity phenomena, such as gravitational lensing, in a controlled environment.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 20, 2009
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.

UCI scientists discover ozone-boosting chemical reaction

Researchers find that nitrogen oxides combine with hydrochloric acid to create chlorine atoms, speeding up smog formation and contributing to corrosion indoors. This phenomenon should be added to atmospheric models to better predict air pollution levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

Heart disease: Research off the beating patch

Researchers at the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Center have developed a delivery system to introduce living, healthy heart muscle cells into damaged areas of the heart. The new approach uses a patch made from microscopically thin fibers that serve as a scaffold for the cells to adhere to.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

Genes that let creepy-crawlies survive a deep freeze

Researchers have identified a suite of genes involved in controlling the extreme survival mechanism of Arctic springtails against freezing temperatures. These genes are activated during cold-induced dehydration and play roles in trehalose production, heat shock proteins, and tissue remodeling.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJul 20, 2009

UCLA scientists present first genetic evidence for why placebos work

Researchers at UCLA have found a new explanation for why placebos work, citing genetics as the key factor. Genes that influence brain reward pathways may modulate the response to placebos, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateJul 20, 2009
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.

Sea lamprey jettison one-fifth of their genome

The sea lamprey's genome is extensively reorganized during development, with growing embryos discarding millions of units of DNA. This process reveals a dynamic and flexible genome that challenges traditional views on vertebrate genome stability.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

Chasing tiny vehicles

A research team has used single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to follow magnetic nanoparticles as they transport genes or drugs into target cells in real-time. The study reveals bottlenecks in nanoferry transport and provides insights into optimizing existing systems, potentially leading to breakthroughs in gene therapy.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 20, 2009

Immunotherapy linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease

Research published in Neurology suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by targeting beta-amyloid plaques. The study analyzed data from over 847,000 patients and found a 42% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's among those who received IVIg.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 20, 2009

Human movement plays critical role in understanding disease transmission

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and Emory University found that human movement is a crucial factor in understanding disease transmission for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. The study used satellite-based GPS and culturally-sensitive interviews to track individual human movement, revealing how fin...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 20, 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.

Starve a fever, feed a cold, don't be stressed

Research suggests that stress can damage our immune system, leading to weaker responses to vaccines, increased risk of infections, and delayed wound healing. Chronic stress may also accelerate the aging process, increasing the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Type II diabetes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJul 20, 2009

What a coincidence! Personal connections improve sales

A study found that people who share personal information with salespeople, such as birthdays or birthplaces, tend to have better attitudes towards the service and purchase intentions. Conversely, those who isolate themselves from others are less responsive to shared similarities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2009

Promising new treatment for Alzheimer's suggested based on Hebrew University research

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered a promising approach to treat Alzheimer's disease in individuals with a mutated gene that accelerates disease progression. They found that the mutated enzyme protein damages its protective tail, leading to increased risk and rapid disease progression.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2009

Protons in the war on cancer

Research on proton therapy, including proton CT, aims to improve effectiveness and reduce costs. Protons deposit more energy inside cancerous tissue than neighboring healthy tissue, making them a targeted treatment option. New technologies, such as laser-driven acceleration, are being explored to make proton therapy more accessible.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 20, 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.

New global subsidy for malaria medicines must ensure quality of care

A new global subsidy, Affordable Medicines Facility–malaria (AMFm), will be rolled out in 2009 to address poor access to artemisinin combination therapies for malaria. The authors argue that the AMFm should focus on quality patient care by funding fixed dose combinations and rapid diagnostic tests.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 20, 2009

Rice defies its reputation as a thirsty crop

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is developing drought-tolerant rice to help farmers cope with water shortages affecting 15-20 million hectares of irrigated rice. Genetically modified rice may also play a role in boosting production and improving grain quality during postharvest

SourceInternational Rice Research Institute·DateJul 20, 2009

The unwelcome gift: Marketing and cross-cultural differences

A new study by Ana Valenzuela, Barbara Mellers, and Judi Strebel found that Westerner consumers are more receptive to unexpected promotional gifts than their East Asian counterparts. East Asians tend to view surprises as indicative of bad fortune, leading to a different emotional response.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2009

New life histories emerge for invasive wasps, magnify ecological harm

The study found that invasive yellowjacket wasps kill or scavenge prey from 14 different taxonomic orders, including reptiles and birds, by analyzing DNA from food bits returned to nests. Nearby populations of caterpillars and spiders rebounded after nest removals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 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.

H1N1 influenza pandemic modeling for public health action

Mathematical models help simulate plausible scenarios, develop control strategies, and identify areas for research. The H1N1 virus could become more severe in the fall, with small seasonal variations driving large annual surges in disease transmission.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 20, 2009

'Invisibility cloak' could protect against earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a 'cloak' that can control surface waves, reducing damage from earthquakes. The technology involves concentric rings of plastic that deflect waves away from protected areas, offering potential protection for densely populated regions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 20, 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.

Discovery of genetic toggle switch inches closer to possible diabetes cure

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a master regulator gene for early embryonic development of the pancreas and other organs. The study reveals that Sox17 acts like a toggle or binary switch, instructing cells to become either pancreatic or part of the biliary system.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 20, 2009

Reveal the enemy

Researchers have developed a novel biosensor using carbon nanotubes and aptamers to detect Salmonella typhi bacteria at concentrations as low as one bacterium in 5 mL. The technique enables fast, simple, and precise detection of micro-organisms.

SourceWiley·DateJul 20, 2009

Could science use the common cold to cure cystic fibrosis?

Researchers at University of North Carolina have discovered a new approach to delivering a corrected CF gene to lung cells using parainfluenza virus, which could potentially cure cystic fibrosis lung disease. The method has shown promise in laboratory models and may pave the way for future clinical trials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 20, 2009

California's Channel Islands hold evidence of Clovis-age comets

A team led by University of Oregon archaeologist Douglas J. Kennett found shock-synthesized hexagonal diamonds in 12,900-year-old sediments on the Northern Channel Islands. The discovery suggests a significant cosmic impact during Clovis time and matches the extinction of multiple species.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 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.

Most women would choose surgical profession again

A report in Archives of Surgery found that most women surgeons (82.5%) would choose their career again, citing lifestyle implications such as high patient acuity and irregular work hours. Women were also more likely to value part-time work options and child care benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJul 20, 2009

UK bioscience sparkles with new Diamond fellowship

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has awarded 16 fellowships to UK researchers, including the first-ever Diamond Fellowship. Professor So Iwata from Imperial College London will study human cell membrane transporters using high-quality x-rays produced by the Diamond Light Source.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJul 20, 2009

Nature? Nurture? University of Iowa scientists say neither

Researchers argue that development involves a complex system in which genes and environmental factors constantly interact. They support evolution but reject simplistic notions of innate traits and behaviors. Instead, they propose a developmental systems theory that acknowledges the interplay between genes and environment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2009

The right messenger for a healthy immune response

Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research found that Beta-Interferon facilitates faster immune reactions against microbial and viral threats by regulating antigen presentation. Low levels of Beta-Interferon before infection can lead to a stronger immune response, known as priming.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 20, 2009

UCLA researchers discover new molecular pathway for targeting cancer, disease

Researchers identified a novel strategy to inhibit the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is involved in various physiological processes but also stimulates cancer development. By activating the liver X receptor (LXR), they were able to block tumor cell growth and prevent cancer formation in animal studies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateJul 20, 2009
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.

Is school closure effective in reducing the impact of flu pandemics?

A review of past epidemics suggests that early and prolonged school closure can reduce the number of cases at the peak of a flu pandemic, but has limited impact on total cases. School closures are associated with significant social and economic costs, including disruption to healthcare systems and key services.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJul 20, 2009

Gene linked to increasingly common type of blood cancer

Researchers at UC Berkeley and TGen found a gene variant, rs6457327, associated with nearly twice the risk of developing follicular lymphoma, a cancer of the body's disease-fighting network. The presence of the G allele was protective against the disease, while the A allele increased risk.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 2009

Babies understand dogs

Researchers found that infants can match angry snarl sounds to photos of aggressive dogs, while matching friendly yap sounds to welcoming body language. This study contributes to our understanding of how babies learn rapidly, recognizing emotions in their social world.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJul 20, 2009

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease increasing in younger Canadians

A new Canadian study reveals that cardiovascular disease is on the rise in younger Canadians, with increased rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The study found that people of lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected, facing greater health risks and burdening healthcare resources.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 20, 2009
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.

JCI table of contents: July 20, 2009

Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine and the University of California Davis have discovered a protein, PRCP, that regulates appetite suppression by breaking down alpha-MSH in mice. Administration of PRCP inhibitors reduced food intake in both normal and obese mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

Yale discovery may open door to drug that cuts appetite and boosts energy

Researchers at Yale University have made a groundbreaking discovery that reducing levels of an enzyme in the brain decreases appetites and increases energy levels. The study found that blocking this enzyme leads to weight loss and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in mice, providing new hope for treating metabolic disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

Young men living at home with parents are more violent

A new study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that young men living at home with their parents are more violent than those who live independently. These men, making up only 4% of the UK's male population, are responsible for 16% of all violent injuries in the last five years.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateJul 20, 2009

University of Miami receives stimulus funds for study of hurricane impacts on structures, ecosystems

The University of Miami will create a high-tech seawater laboratory with $15 million in stimulus funds to study hurricane impacts on structures and ecosystems. The facility, set to be completed by summer 2012, will enable scientists to develop advanced sensor technology and models to improve construction standards and practices.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJul 20, 2009
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.

Extending the life of an appetite-suppressing peptide

A team of researchers has identified a protein that breaks down an appetite-suppressing peptide, leading to reduced food intake in mice. Mice lacking the protein were leaner and less likely to become obese on high-fat diets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

Quantum memory and turbulence in ultra-cold atoms

Researchers at MIT create a quantum memory that heralds successful storage of light beams in ultra-cold atom gases, enabling scalable quantum networking. In Brazil, scientists control the formation of quantum turbulence in an ultra-cold atom gas using magnetic fields.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2009

Uterine cells produce their own estrogen during pregnancy

Researchers discovered that uterine stromal cells increase estrogen production through the enzyme aromatase, supporting decidualization and blood vessel growth. Progesterone supplementation is necessary for successful pregnancy, highlighting the benefits of local estrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009
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.

Slotted buses keep passengers cool

Researchers propose a simple redesign of public buses to enhance cooling airflow through wide vents and adjustable roof designs. This design improvement increases the comfort zone of the bus from 11% to over 50%, benefiting all passengers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems·DateJul 20, 2009

Researchers identify genes linked to chemoresistance

Two genes, AEG-1 and LSF, contribute to chemotherapy resistance in liver cancer treatment. The study found that over-expression of AEG-1 increases resistance to 5-fluorouracil, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

Neural stem cells offer potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at UC Irvine have found that neural stem cells can rescue memory in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease by secreting a protein called BDNF, which creates new neural connections. This study provides hope for a potential treatment for the leading cause of elderly dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

Transplanted neurons develop disease-like pathology in Huntington's patients

A recent study found that transplanted neurons develop disease-like pathology in Huntington's patients, raising concerns about the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation therapy. The research suggests new mechanisms involved in the development of the disease and offers a new direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

C. difficile spores spread superbug

Researchers have found that antibiotic treatment can induce the transmission of C. difficile by creating a 'supershedder state' in mice, where they shed high levels of spores even without symptoms. This suggests widening infection control measures to include all patients receiving antibiotics could be necessary.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJul 20, 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.

King's €3 million EU grant for research into hospital quality and safety

A €3 million EU grant will support an international research project on hospital quality and safety in European countries. The study, starting in 2010, aims to explore the relationships between organisational and cultural characteristics of hospitals and their impact on clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and experience.

SourceKing's College London·DateJul 20, 2009

Risk factors of cardiovascular disease rising in poor, young

Researchers found cardiovascular disease is increasing in adults under 50 and those of lower socioeconomic status in Canada. Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, and death, making it the most common cause of hospitalization in North America.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 20, 2009

Trash or treasure? Families and their beloved possessions

A two-year case study tracked the origins and placement of one family's objects, showing that families consider the downstream consequences of introducing new products or services. The study suggests that families should be conscious about which activities or objects are important to preserve, especially during times of change.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that HIV-positive patients who underwent susceptibility testing had lower mortality rates. Internet-based self-management programs improved asthma control and lung function in adult patients, but not quality of life or asthma attacks. Restricting artificial trans fat in restaurants led to healthier fatty acid profiles...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 20, 2009

Gene variations can be barometer of behavior, choices

Researchers found that three genes affect dopamine function in the brain, predicting approach and avoidance behaviors, as well as exploratory decision-making. These findings may help shape future treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 20, 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.

Breast cancer drug shows promise against serious infections

Researchers found that tamoxifen kills yeast cells and prevents them from causing disease by breaking apart and dying fungus cells. The drug has potential as an effective treatment against serious fungal infections, particularly in immune-compromised patients, offering a new arsenal to help critically ill patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 20, 2009

Penn-Wistar team gains insight into HIV vaccine failure

A team of researchers refuted a popular hypothesis about the failure of the Merck STEP HIV vaccine study by finding no correlation between pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and increased susceptibility to infection. The study analyzed blood samples from participants with varying degrees of pre-existing immunity to Ad5 and found that...

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 20, 2009

New research provides insight into ice sheet behavior

Scientists from British Antarctic Survey and University of Durham describe a new 3D map created from radar measurements, revealing features in the landscape beneath a vast river of ice. The study provides insight into how ice streams behave and how they might change in the future.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 20, 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.

Taste sensation: Ads work better if all senses are involved

A new study suggests that tapping into our other senses, such as smell and texture, can increase consumers' taste perceptions. In experiments, participants who viewed ads appealing to multiple senses rated the overall taste of a product higher than those who viewed single-sense ads.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2009

Children's IQ can be affected by mother's exposure to urban air pollutants

A study published in Pediatrics found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can lower children's full-scale and verbal IQ scores. The study suggests that reducing air pollution exposure, particularly in urban areas, could have a positive impact on educationally meaningful IQ decreases.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 20, 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.

Stuff of stink bombs investigated for role in pregnancy

Scientists are exploring the potential benefits of hydrogen sulphide in pregnancy, particularly its role in relaxing the uterus and initiating term labour. Research has shown that the gas may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could provide insight into conditions like pre-eclampsia.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJul 20, 2009

OSU researchers receive NSF grant, will travel to Antarctica

Researchers will use optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating techniques to determine the past thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet. They aim to understand how ice sheets respond to sea level and climate change by collecting samples from beach deposits along the coast.

SourceOklahoma State University·DateJul 20, 2009

Brain develops motor memory for prosthetics, study finds

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that the brain can develop a mental map of a solution to achieve motor tasks with high proficiency, similar to how drivers stick to a given route. The study showed that the brain creates a stable neural pattern that adheres without deviation, enabling control of artificial limbs with intuitive ease.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 20, 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.

Prehistoric cold case shows hints of interspecies homicide

Researchers at Duke University propose that a thrown spear, like one used by modern humans, was the likely cause of a fatal injury to a Neandertal man between 50,000 and 75,000 years ago. The wound's downward angle and lack of significant kinetic energy suggest a projectile weapon was used.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateJul 20, 2009

Protein structures revealed at record pace

Researchers have developed a high-throughput protein pipeline that can analyze 40 proteins in weeks, compared to years with current techniques. This technique allows for the deciphering of extremophiles and better understanding of protein functions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 20, 2009