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Science News Archive July 2009


Page 3 of 23

EphA2-targeted therapy delivers chemo directly to ovarian cancer cells

Researchers developed a novel therapeutic delivery system that targets EphA2 protein in ovarian cancer cells, delivering chemotherapy with high specificity and reducing tumor growth by up to 98%. The therapy shows promising results in preclinical models and is expected to enter phase I clinical trials soon.

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.

'Artificial Golgi' may provide new insight into key cell structure

Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip device mimicking the natural Golgi apparatus, producing heparin quickly and efficiently in an assembly-line fashion. The artificial Golgi has strong clot-fighting potential, potentially leading to faster and safer heparin production methods.

Reprogramming human cells without inserting genes

A team at WPI and CellThera has discovered a novel method to turn on stem cell genes in human fibroblasts by manipulating culture conditions. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for human diseases and traumatic injuries by coaxing patient cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.

Health benefits of physical activity more pronounced in women

A long-term study found that increased exercise in middle-aged adults led to decreased triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol levels, with stronger effects in women. African-American women experienced the greatest benefits, especially post-menopause, while racial differences may be attributed to genetic variations.

Research shows rates of severe childhood obesity have tripled

Researchers found that the prevalence of severe obesity in US children increased from 0.8% to 3.8% between 1976-80 and 1999-2004. The study highlights the significant health risks facing morbidly obese children, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Improving AF situational awareness with smart satellite imagery

Researchers from USC and Geosemble Technologies improved Air Force situational awareness by creating software that integrates vast amounts of map data with satellite imagery. The technology uses road vector data to automatically extract information from maps and match it with satellite images.

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.

Childhood adversities have a predictive role in peptic ulcer

Research in Finland found that childhood financial difficulties and family conflicts are associated with an increased risk of developing peptic ulcers. Long-lasting financial difficulties had the greatest influence on the development of peptic ulcers.

Cosmic dance helps galaxies lose weight

Astronomers have discovered a mechanism for the formation of dwarf spheroidal galaxies, which are thought to be composed mostly of dark matter. The 'cosmic dance' of gravitational interactions between galaxies may trigger the removal of stars from smaller dwarf galaxies, transforming them into the observed dwarfs.

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.

If bipolar disorder is over-diagnosed, what are the actual diagnoses?

A follow-up study found that patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or impulse control disorders. The researchers analyzed 82 psychiatric outpatients who received a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which was not confirmed through the Structured Cl...

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.

US Forest Service funds fadang research

The US Forest Service has awarded a grant to study the threats to Guam's fadang tree, a culturally and biologically significant species. The ongoing research aims to understand the cascading responses of other plants and insects as the fadang population declines.

Large trees declining in Yosemite

A decline in large-diameter trees in Yosemite National Park is linked to warmer climate conditions, resulting in habitat loss and potential reduction in species such as spotted owls. The study found that fewer new trees will grow in the landscape due to large trees being a seed source for the surrounding area.

New computer simulation helps explain folding in important cellular protein

Scientists at the University of Georgia have created a two-step computer simulation using the Wang-Landau algorithm to study how glycophorin A folds into its functional shape. The research reveals that the process is driven by a subtle interplay between multiple types of interactions, providing insights into membrane protein folding.

Scientists create energy-burning brown fat in mice

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute engineered mouse cells to produce brown fat, a natural energy-burning type of fat that counteracts obesity. Transplanted into adult mice, the synthetic brown fat precursors burned excess energy at a high rate.

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.

Why we learn more from our successes than our failures

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that brain cells only change their responses after a successful behavior, but not after a failure. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory, with implications for understanding how we learn and treating learning disorders.

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.

ASTRO announces 2009 Fellows

The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named its 12th class of ASTRO Fellows, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership. The fellows will be recognized at the 51st Annual Meeting in November.

Little-known protein found to be key player

Researchers discovered that atlastin, a previously underappreciated protein, plays a critical role in building and maintaining healthy cells by fusing intracellular membranes. This process is essential for cell function and development.

Video game minority report: Lots of players, few characters

A comprehensive survey of video game characters reveals that the industry does not better represent American society than television. Latino characters are virtually absent, with only non-playable background characters being represented. Women, Native Americans, children, and the elderly also lack representation. Meanwhile, males, whit...

Study sheds light on squirrel psychology

A study at the University of Exeter found that grey squirrels learn more quickly when rewarded for recognizing a different pot, suggesting they prioritize gathering and storing nuts. The research also shows that squirrels are primed to recognize other squirrels as potential food thieves.

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.

Freshwater fish at the top of the food chain evolve more slowly

Researchers found that freshwater fish like largemouth bass, which feed primarily on fish, have remained relatively unchanged over time. Once they evolved the optimal size and shape for catching fish, natural selection kept them in an evolutionary holding pattern.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

E-Noses: Testing their mettle against fly noses

Researchers compared e-nose sensors with those of the common house fly, finding that fly receptors outperformed MOx sensors in terms of independence and specificity. The findings will help improve the design of electronic noses for various applications.

NHLBI stops study of pulmonary hypertension treatment in sickle cell patients

The NHLBI has stopped a clinical trial testing sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension in adults with sickle cell disease due to increased risk of severe pain crises and hospitalization. The study found that participants taking sildenafil were more likely to experience serious medical problems compared to those on placebo.

Nanotech particles affect brain development in mice

Research found that maternal exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles affects gene expression related to the central nervous system in developing mice. This may have implications for diseases such as autistic disorder, epilepsy, and learning disorders, as well as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease.

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.

Naming evolution's winners and losers

A new study by UCLA scientists reveals that mammals and many bird species have exceptional rates of success, while crocodiles and the tuatara have much lower species richness. The research analyzed DNA sequences and fossils from 47 major vertebrate groups to calculate which animal lineages have exceptional rates of success.

Mapping the crocodile genome

Researchers created a genetic linkage map for the saltwater crocodile, facilitating genome scans to identify genes affecting complex traits. The map provides a scaffold for genome sequence assembly and will aid in understanding reptilian molecular evolution.

New drug for children with high-risk leukemia

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a novel treatment for children with high-risk leukemia, leveraging a similar mutation linked to Down syndrome and polycythemia vera in adults. The JAK2 inhibitor offers promise as an alternative to chemotherapy, potentially reducing toxicity costs.

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.

'Corrective genes' closer thanks to enzyme modification

Researchers from Université de Montréal and McGill University have engineered an enzyme that resists harmful agents like methotrexate, a breakthrough in treating genetic diseases. The study's discovery provides new avenues for therapies to combat conditions like leukemia.

Forecasting cancer recurrence

A team of scientists developed a computer model that predicts cancer recurrence in an individual based on how their tumor changes size in response to the first rounds of radiation therapy. The study found that tumors with higher resistance to radiotherapy had a lower chance of reappearing years later.

Humans 'damaging the oceans'

A new scientific discussion paper highlights the profound impact of human activity on the world's oceans, with carbon emissions affecting marine biological processes and threatening food security. The study warns that rates of physical change in the oceans are unprecedented and may lead to major shifts in marine ecosystems.

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.

Breaking barriers with nanoscale lasers

Researchers at Arizona State University and Technical University of Eindhoven have made a breakthrough in creating nanoscale lasers, which can improve computer performance and speed up Internet access. The new design uses a combination of semiconductors and metals to confine light and achieve a laser with the smallest thickness ever pr...

Duke scientists create airway spheres to study lung diseases

Researchers created airway spheres using animal and human cells, providing a new model to study dynamic processes in lung diseases. The 3-D spheres lined with ciliary and secretory cells can be used to investigate mechanisms underlying cancer and chronic asthma.

Maternal, paternal genes' tug-of-war may last well into childhood

A study analyzing rare genetic disorders suggests that maternal and paternal genes continue to interact well into childhood, potentially influencing the pace of growth and sexual maturity. This ongoing interplay may be responsible for humanity's unusual extended childhood and unique life history patterns.

Extinction crisis looms in Oceania: Landmark study

A landmark study reveals a worsening picture of biodiversity loss in Oceania, with habitat destruction and invasive species posing major threats. The report calls for urgent government action to address the extinction crisis, including increased protected areas and better ecosystem management of fisheries.

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.

Mathematical modeling predicts response to Herceptin

A new study uses mathematical models to analyze the change in concentrations of biological entities and found that quantitative PTEN protein expression is a key determinant of who will be resistant or sensitive to Herceptin. The absence of PTEN was more predictive than standard multivariate analysis.

Early online releases from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new comprehensive health care database, DARTNet, aims to advance medical research and improve patient care by facilitating secure data sharing among clinicians and organizations. The database, part of a national health data network, has the potential to transform the quality of healthcare by enabling high-quality observational studies.

Wildfires set to increase 50 percent by 2050

Research predicts a 78% increase in forest destruction in Pacific Northwest and 175% in Rocky Mountains due to rising temperatures. The study also forecasts a 40% rise in tiny soot particles in western US air, posing serious health concerns.

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.

Is paperwork suffocating British clinical research?

A growing number of British academics claim that EU regulations are hindering their ability to conduct clinical research, with some facing delays of over 2 years due to excessive paperwork. Researchers argue that the current system requires lengthy protocols and multiple forms, leading to administrative burdens.

Icy exposure creates armored polymer high tech foams

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method for creating high-tech armored foams using an 'ice-templating' process. This approach enables the creation of structured foams with promising results as low-power gas sensors, which can operate at room temperature.

NASA and NOAA'S GOES-14 satellite takes first full disk image

The GOES-14 satellite has provided its first visible full disk image of Earth, showcasing little activity in the Atlantic Ocean and two tropical waves in the East Pacific. The satellite's Imager instrument is taking high-resolution images at a 1 km resolution from an altitude of 36,000 km above Earth's surface.