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Science News for July 6, 2009


Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Research finds that long-distance travel significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, prompting recommendations for low-cost interventions. Stepped-dosing of efavirenz also decreases incidence and severity of neuropsychiatric adverse events while maintaining efficacy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Family history predicts presence and course of psychiatric disorders

A family history of depression, anxiety, or substance dependence is associated with the presence and progression of psychiatric disorders. The study found that family history was linked to worse impairment, greater service use, and a recurrent course for all four disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2009

Battle of the sexes benefits offspring, says research

A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that parents who slack off compensate with increased effort from their partner, but this is not enough to fully offset parenting responsibilities. Researchers analyzed data on bird parenting behavior over three decades and found a common pattern among species.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 6, 2009

Clinical trial shows quadriplegics can operate powered wheelchair with tongue drive system

A clinical trial shows that quadriplegics can operate a powered wheelchair using a tongue drive system, which detects movement of a magnetic tracer attached to the tongue. The system allows for intuitive control with minimal prior training, enabling users to play computer games and navigate obstacles with ease.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 6, 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.

Songbirds reveal how practice improves performance

Researchers found that brain initially stores improvements in one pathway before transferring to motor pathway for long-term storage. Young zebra finches learn to sing by mimicking their fathers' song and eventually master the syllables and rhythms through repeated practice.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009

Magnetic brain stimulation improves skill learning

Researchers used magnetic pulses to stimulate the dorsal premotor cortex, improving skill learning in volunteers. The study found that excitatory stimulation enhanced motor consolidation of new skills.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJul 6, 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.

Physics research with atomic force microscope could lead to better health care

Researchers at Kansas State University are using an atomic force microscope to study proteins and molecules, which could lead to better diagnostic tools for diseases like cancer. By stretching and measuring tiny displacements in protein molecules, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of the causes of diseases.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2009

Australian researchers identify genes that cause melanoma

Scientists at QIMR have discovered two genes that significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma in people with multiple moles. This groundbreaking research will help develop new screening techniques and potentially lead to new therapies for this deadly skin cancer.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 6, 2009

Elderly breast cancer patients receive chemotherapy if treated in private practices

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that elderly women with localized breast cancer are less likely to receive chemotherapy, with only 15% receiving treatment. In contrast, younger women with nonmetastatic breast cancer received adjuvant chemotherapy at a rate of 70%.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCancer·DateJul 6, 2009

Laboring without the labor bed: It's a good thing

A University of Toronto pilot study found that removing the standard hospital bed during labor reduced infusions of artificial oxytocin by 28% and allowed women to move freely, promoting feelings of calm and confidence. The ambient room design also led to greater one-on-one attention and support from nurses.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBirth·DateJul 6, 2009

Internet-based intervention may improve insomnia

A nine-week online intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques significantly improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia severity in adults with chronic sleep difficulties. The study suggests that internet-based interventions could be a cost-effective and accessible treatment option for millions of people worldwide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stanford Alzheimer's research pinpoints antibodies that may prevent disease

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a wide range of antibodies in healthy people and Alzheimer's patients that target protein aggregates, including those found in plaques. These findings suggest that these antibodies may play a role in slowing or preventing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009

Hurricane Katrina: Phone home

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed a novel way to predict the intensity of the next big flood using cell phone signals. By analyzing fluctuations in atmospheric moisture around cell phone towers, they can provide accurate 'critical moisture distribution' levels for fine-tuning model predictions of big floods.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJul 6, 2009

CU-Boulder, NASA test new 'space Internet' system on International Space Station

The University of Colorado at Boulder is developing a new communications technology called Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) with NASA, which will extend Earth's Internet into outer space and across the solar system. The technology enables automated future communications capabilities for lunar habitation and surface exploration.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 6, 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.

Chemicals in common consumer products may play a role in pre-term births

A new study found that women who deliver prematurely have higher levels of phthalates in their urine compared to those who carry to term. The researchers analyzed data from Mexican women and discovered a significant association between phthalate exposure and premature birth.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 6, 2009

Muscle damage may be present in some patients taking statins

A new study published in CMAJ found significant muscle injury in patients taking statins, even in those without elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Researchers suggest a subgroup of patients may be more susceptible to statin-associated myotoxicity and call for alternative treatment strategies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 6, 2009

Understanding the anti-cancer effects of vitamin D3

Researchers identified CST5 as a candidate tumor suppressor gene induced by vitamin D3 in human colon cancer cells. The protein cystatin D inhibits cancer cell growth and is responsible for some of vitamin D3's anticancer effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 6, 2009

Mice with skin condition help scientists understand tumor growth

Researchers engineered mice with a persistent wound-like skin condition to study tumor growth. The study found that chronic skin wounds promote skin tumors by secreting molecules that activate dermal cells and increase inflammation. Notch1 signaling plays a critical role in this process, suggesting potential complications for drug design.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 6, 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.

To predict the severity of mental disease, consider the family

Researchers found that a short Q뺪bout family history can predict a patient's approximate risks for developing depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders and their future illness severity. Family history is the quickest and cheapest way to sort out whether mental illnesses will run in families.

SourceDuke University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2009

CU-Boulder study shows brain's immune system may cause chronic seizures

A CU-Boulder study found that chemicals released by the brain's immune system can cause chronic seizures in people who have suffered a traumatic head injury. The research suggests that temporarily shutting down the immune response could prevent the development of acquired epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBrain·DateJul 6, 2009

Health food supplement may curb compulsive hair pulling

Researchers found that patients with trichotillomania reported significantly reduced hair-pulling after taking the supplement for 12 weeks. Fifty people participated in a double-blind study, with 56% reporting improved symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 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.

Delirium in hospitalized adults: Situation critical, no relief available

Despite significant research efforts, no effective way to prevent or treat delirium has been identified. The study found that only 13 randomized controlled studies on promising drugs were conducted from 1966 to 2008, and none of them were effective in preventing or treating delirium.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Long-term survival from abdominal aortic aneurysm repair improving

A Swedish study found improved long-term survival rates among patients with intact abdominal aortic aneurysms who underwent surgical repair between 1987 and 2005. Patients in their 80s and males experienced higher relative five-year survival rates, likely due to atherosclerosis, whereas advances in postoperative care and endovascular a...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 6, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: July 6, 2009

Researchers have identified a potential tumor suppressor gene, CST5, that mediates the anticancer effects of vitamin D3 in human colon cancer cells. The study found that cystatin D protein inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and was induced by vitamin D3, suggesting its role as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 6, 2009

Online computer games could encourage children to eat healthy foods

A recent study found that online computer games promoting healthy foods and beverages can encourage children to choose nutritious snacks. The research involved 30 low-income African American children who played a game rewarding healthy food choices versus one promoting unhealthy options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Atrial fibrillation linked to increased hospitalization in heart failure patients

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that atrial fibrillation significantly increases hospitalization due to worsening heart failure in patients not receiving beta-blockers. However, the risk of all-cause mortality was similar between those with and without atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJul 6, 2009

NASA's Fermi telescope probes dozens of pulsars

Astronomers analyzed gamma-rays from two dozen pulsars, including 16 discovered by Fermi, revealing unprecedented power for discovering and studying gamma-ray pulsars. The studies shed light on the nature of unidentified gamma-ray sources in our galaxy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2009

Institute for Aging Research study finds delirium presentation predicts mortality

A study published in Psychosomatics found that patients with severe hypoactive delirium have the worst six-month survival rate of any class of the disease. Delirium severity, rather than motoric subtype, is associated with higher risk of mortality at six months among patients without dementia.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalPsychosomatics·DateJul 6, 2009
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.

Researchers find genetic key to breast cancer's ability to survive and spread

A new study led by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center researchers identifies the genetic function that enables breast cancer cells to survive and spread in the bone marrow. The findings support the development of therapies targeting this survival capacity, which could prevent metastasis and improve patient outcomes.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 6, 2009

Amino acid may help treat patients with hair-pulling condition

A 12-week study found that N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced hair-pulling symptoms in patients with trichotillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive hair-pulling and significant psychosocial problems. The treatment was well-tolerated and compared favorably to existing treatment options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2009

Microscopic 'beads' could help create 'designer' immune cells that ignore transplanted organs

Researchers have discovered a method to deliver a natural suppressor of the immune response, HLA-G, directly to dendritic cells using microscopic beads. This approach shows promise in creating 'designer' immune cells that can tolerate transplanted organs. The therapy could potentially replace current anti-rejection drugs and improve pa...

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJul 6, 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.

New method for detecting nitroxyl will boost cardiac drug research

Wake Forest University scientists have developed a new detection method for nitroxyl, which can strengthen canine heartbeats and has potential benefits for humans. The new tool will help answer questions about natural production of nitroxyl in the human body.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJul 6, 2009

Sugar substitute appears to prevent early childhood cavities

A recent study found that xylitol syrup can effectively prevent tooth decay in primary teeth of toddlers. The study involved 94 children aged 9-15 months and showed a significant reduction in decayed teeth among those receiving xylitol syrup, with up to 70% prevention rate.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 6, 2009

Electronic tracking system can help diabetes patient care

A new study in CMAJ found that an electronic tracking system improved diabetes care and clinical outcomes for patients, with 62% showing significant improvement compared to the control group. The study also showed greater patient satisfaction with their diabetes care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 6, 2009

Society for Vascular Nursing releases patient care guideline

The Society for Vascular Nursing has released a comprehensive guideline for patient care of those with vascular disease, focusing on endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care across the population.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Vascular Nursing·DateJul 6, 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.

Ancient fossils shed light on anatomical changes accompanying evolution of first land vertebrates

Researchers studied 35 ancient tetrapods to understand anatomical changes during the transition from fish to amphibians. They found that bones changed size at different rates, resulting in reshaping of body shape over time. This study supports the idea that modern amphibians evolved through paedomorphosis and miniaturization.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJul 6, 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.

Nitrogen research shows how some plants invade, take over others

Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows that invasive plant species like Eastern white pine can accumulate and hold onto nitrogen, leading to increased biomass and productivity. This nitrogen accumulation allows the plants to outcompete native species and invade their habitats.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009

Carbohydrate acts as tumor suppressor

Researchers discovered that certain carbohydrates on normal cells and enzymes like β3GnT1 function as tumor suppressors. Upregulation of β3GnT1 reduced tumor activity and metastasis in breast and prostate cancers. The study provides new insights into the role of complex carbohydrates in cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009