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Science News Archive July 2009


Page 5 of 23

UCSF team focuses on patient safety in ambulatory care system

The UCSF team emphasizes that outpatient care for chronic disease patients poses unique challenges, including lack of communication, inadequate resources, and medication management. To improve safety, the authors advocate for targeted safety promotion efforts and robust health information technology systems.

Jade sheds light on Guatemala's geologic history

New research on jade found in Guatemala's Motagua fault reveals two collision events between the North American and Caribbean plates. The study uses eclogite dating to pinpoint a 130 million-year-old collision, followed by a second event at 70 million years ago.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study examines modern-day course of type 1 diabetes

Researchers analyzed data from studies on type 1 diabetes to find that intensive treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications. The study showed improved outcomes in patients treated with more intensive therapy.

Cardiothoracic surgeons projected to be in short supply by 2025

A study by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a 46% increase in demand for cardiothoracic surgeons while supply decreases by 21% by 2025. This shortage could lead to extended waiting times, unnecessary complications, and deaths, particularly affecting populations with limited access to medical care.

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.

UBC researchers help push for standard DNA barcodes for plants

Two UBC researchers are part of an international team recommending standards for DNA barcoding of land plants. They selected two genomic regions as the best candidates for generating barcode data, with a near-unique signature for barcoding and high accuracy in identifying plant species.

New method uses electrolyzed water for more efficient fuel production

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method using electrolyzed water to pretreat ethanol waste products, producing an acetone-butanol-ethanol fuel mix. The traditional chemical-based method is eliminated, reducing inhibitor production and increasing sugar yield.

Key OSU water research receives national funding

A $226,890 grant will fund a study on the effects of eastern redcedar encroachment on Oklahoma's tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which can alter precipitation and water loss patterns. The research aims to provide insights for land managers to better understand the impact of woody plant proliferation on water availability.

Weight loss improves mood in depressed people

Research finds that a weight-loss program significantly improves symptoms of depression and reduces triglycerides in obese patients. After a 6-month behavioral weight loss program, depressed patients lost 8% of their initial weight and reported improvements in depressive symptoms.

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.

New supercomputer to reel in answers to some of Earth's problems

The EMSL's Chinook supercomputer, commissioned for research, can perform over 160 trillion calculations per second, ranking it among the world's top 40 fastest computers. It will aid in understanding complex biological, chemical, and physical processes to address environmental and energy challenges.

Divorce undermines health in ways remarriage doesn't heal

A study by University of Chicago sociologist Linda Waite found that divorce and widowhood have a detrimental impact on health, even after remarriage. Research based on 8,652 people aged 51 to 61 shows that those who have been divorced or widowed experience worse health outcomes compared to those who remain married.

New FDA regulation of tobacco products has problems

A new FDA regulation on tobacco products has been met with criticism from advocates, who argue that it compromises long-term progress in tobacco control. The law repeals federal pre-emption of state and local regulations, but also allows the tobacco industry to rehabilitate its image through FDA-regulated products.

Anemia increases risk of death in the very elderly

A new study published in CMAJ found that anemia in very elderly individuals aged 85 and older is associated with a higher risk of death. The study, which followed 562 participants for five years, found that prevalent anemia at age 85 was linked to increased mortality rates.

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.

High blood pressure may lead to 'silent' strokes

A study published in Neurology found that people over 60 with high blood pressure are more likely to experience silent strokes. High blood pressure increases the risk by 60%, while white matter hyperintensities nearly double the likelihood of silent strokes.

Researchers capture bacterial infection on film

Scientists at the University of Bath and University of Exeter have developed a technique to study bacterial infections in real-time with living organisms. They used fruit fly embryos to track bacterial movement and interaction with the immune system.

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.

University has grand designs to build a house of straw

Researchers at the University of Bath are constructing a two-storey BaleHaus made of prefabricated straw bales and hemp cladding panels to test the sustainability of straw houses. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions and provide eco-friendly housing options.

A yeast cancer model for mapping cancer genes

Researchers have developed a yeast model to identify genes that contribute to cancer growth. The study found that point mutations in just a few genetic loci are responsible for the faster growth of cells, rather than aneuploidy. This discovery could help guide the search for new cancer genes in humans.

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.

Discovery to aid in future treatments of third-world parasites

Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have identified a single protein, omega-1, secreted from schistosome eggs that induces a specific immune response. This discovery may lead to new treatments and therapies for schistosomiasis, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases.

Researchers develop 'brain-reading' methods

Scientists at Rutgers University and UCLA have developed a highly accurate way to peer into the brain to uncover a person's mental state. They found that specific mental functions do not correspond directly with certain brain areas but rather a unique pattern of neural connections.

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.

Scientists track impact of DNA damage in the developing brain

Research led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists shows that switching off a key DNA repair system in the developing nervous system is linked to smaller brain size and problems with movement, memory, and emotion. The study provides new insights into the role of DNA damage response in preventing neurological disease.

Adult cancer survivors at increased risk of psychological distress

Long-term adult cancer survivors face a higher risk of experiencing serious psychological distress due to effects on physical health and social adaptation. Approximately 5.6% of cancer survivors screened positive for severe psychological distress within the previous 30 days.

121 breeding tigers estimated to be found in Nepal

A nationwide tiger population estimate in Nepal reveals the presence of 121 breeding tigers, a promising sign for conservation efforts. The study employed camera trapping and habitat occupancy surveys to derive information on abundance and distribution.

Nanodiamonds deliver insulin for wound healing

Researchers at Northwestern University use nanodiamonds to deliver insulin for wound healing, demonstrating a method for localized release of therapeutic proteins. The nanodiamond-insulin clusters show promise for wound-healing applications and could be integrated into various treatments.

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.

Blood flow in Alzheimer's disease

Elevated levels of ECE-2 enzyme are linked to reduced blood flow in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that drugs blocking endothelin-1 may also benefit Alzheimer's patients.

Video shows nanotube spins as it grows

The study provides the first experimental evidence of how individual carbon atoms are added to growing nanotubes. The rotation proceeds in discrete steps, resembling the halting motion of a mechanical clock's second hand, with approximately 24 steps per rotation.

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.

Just expecting a tasty food activates brain reward systems

A study found that expecting tasty food activates brain's orexin system, which is also involved in drug addiction and rewards. This mechanism may explain why people overeat in contexts associated with good food, with implications for obesity treatment.

After dinosaurs, mammals rise but their genomes get smaller

A recent study found that only one group of mammals - humans, mice, and their close relatives - have seen their genomes decrease in size since the dinosaurs went extinct. This trend continues today, with human genomes undergoing a contraction, although noticeable changes won't be observed for several million years.

Orangutans unique in movement through tree tops

Researchers studied orangutan movement to understand how they adapt to challenging environments. Orangutans move with an irregular rhythm, allowing them to cope with tree vibrations and forage safely.

Hybrid Linac-MRI system described at medical physics meeting in Anaheim

A new hybrid Linac-MR system has been developed to integrate medical linear accelerators and magnetic resonance imagers for treating certain types of cancer. The system promises to help doctors monitor moving tumors in real-time during radiation treatment, improving precision and reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

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.

Grant for brain tumor and deafness research

The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has received a grant to study the role of brain tumors in deafness and develop non-invasive therapies. The research aims to identify how tumors grow and cause hearing damage, and test drug-based treatments.

Smoking increases potential for metastatic pancreatic cancer

Research found that smoking increases the likelihood of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma becoming metastatic, with osteopontin isoform OPNc playing a key role. High levels of OPNc were detected in 87% of invasive PDA lesions from smokers, correlating with nicotine exposure.

HIV uses autophagy for its own means

Researchers have discovered that HIV hijacks the autophagy process to facilitate viral replication and survival. By leveraging this cellular pathway, the virus can evade degradation and complete its maturation process.

Could therapeutic vaccines treat hard to beat breast cancers?

A study of nearly 1,600 tumor samples found that CT-X genes are expressed in half of ER-negative and triple-negative breast cancers. This suggests a potential new therapy approach for these aggressive breast cancer types. Researchers plan to initiate clinical trials based on the findings.

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.

How the pathology of Parkinson's disease spreads

The study reveals that alpha-synuclein aggregates can pass to new, healthy cells, contributing to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that cell-to-cell transmission of alpha-synuclein occurs through endocytosis and is linked to impaired quality-control systems in recipient cells.

Yawn alert for weary drivers

A computer program can now detect driver yawning, which is a common cause of fatigue and road crashes. The system uses an in-car camera and image-processing software to identify yawning patterns and correlates them with fatigue behavior.

Why retroviruses such as HIV love their neighbors

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that infected cells produce viruses specifically at the point of contact between cells, making cell-to-cell transmission efficient and deadly. The study identified a possible weakness in this transmission chain by finding a sticky protein that docks with uninfected cells.

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.

Ethics review of research in the context of humanitarian relief work

The article describes the functioning of MSF's independent ERB, which has reviewed over 23 proposals since its inception. The board provides crucial ethical oversight to ensure community empowerment and vulnerable individuals' protection in research settings. Additionally, PLOS Medicine editors discuss the role of journals in addressin...

Health care leaders say need for reform is urgent

A majority of healthcare leaders support a public health care option and innovative provider payment reform to control costs and ensure access to quality care. They also favor a national insurance exchange with standard-setting authority to standardize benefits and set rating rules.

Researchers rapidly turn bacteria into biotech factories

A team of researchers has developed a new cell programming method called MAGE, which enables rapid refinement of bacterial genomes. By editing multiple genes in parallel, the researchers transformed E. coli cells into efficient factories that produce a desired compound in just three days.

Common allergy drug reduces obesity and diabetes in mice

Researchers discovered that a common allergy medication can reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice by stabilizing mast cells. A separate study found regulatory T cells play a crucial role in controlling inflammation in fat tissue, suggesting a new connection between immune function and metabolic conditions.

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.

Surgery remans an option for advanced lung cancer

A major study published in The Lancet found that surgery after chemotherapy and radiation can prolong survival without progression of the lung cancer, but does not improve overall survival compared to conventional treatment alone. Patients who underwent a section of the lung removal saw a major benefit from surgery.

New predictions for sea level rise

Researchers at University of Bristol predict sea level rise will be between 7-82 cm by end of century, similar to IPCC projections. The new model uses fossil coral data and temperature records from ice-core measurements to achieve accurate predictions.