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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 2


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.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateJul 30, 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.

New analysis of global fisheries data suggests marine ecosystems can recover

A new analysis suggests that global fisheries are showing positive signs of recovery, with five out of ten large marine ecosystems studying well. However, 68% of worldwide fisheries still require rebuilding and more stringent regulations are needed to reverse the collapse of vulnerable species.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2009

Researchers report successful riser-drilling operations in seismogenic zone

Researchers successfully conducted riser-drilling operations in the Nankai Trough earthquake zone to gather information on geological formations and stress-strain characteristics. This technology enabled dynamic formation testing and measurement of stress, water pressure, and rock permeability.

SourceIntegrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International·JournalScientific Drilling·DateJul 30, 2009

Sun exposure may trigger certain autoimmune diseases in women

Researchers at NIEHS found an association between UV radiation and the frequency of dermatomyositis in women. Women with higher UV levels were more likely to develop this form of myositis, which weakens muscles and causes distinctive rashes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 30, 2009
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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 30, 2009

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...

SourceCardiff University·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateJul 30, 2009

U of M study identifies risk factors of disordered eating in overweight youth

Researchers found specific tendencies and behaviors linked to disordered eating habits among overweight adolescents, including socio-environmental and psychological factors. Strong family relationships are also crucial in preventing disordered eating behaviors, particularly the lack of family connectedness.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 30, 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.

Human language and dolphin movement patterns show similarities in brevity

Researchers found that dolphins tend to perform simple movements at the water surface, similar to how humans use short words in human language. The study, published in Complexity journal, analyzed dolphin behavior patterns and showed that they obey the same law of brevity as human language.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalComplexity·DateJul 30, 2009

Higher drug doses needed to defeat tuberculosis, UT Southwestern researchers report

Studies have shown that standard doses of anti-tuberculosis drugs may not be effective in modern-day patients due to weight and gender variability. A new model developed at UT Southwestern Medical Center has shed light on the issue, suggesting that different doses are needed for various populations.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 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.

Metal composition hold key to identity of modern sculptures

Researchers classified bronze sculptures by European artists of the first half of the 20th century based on alloy composition profiles. The study found correlations between alloying elements and artist, date, origin, and authentication.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 30, 2009

Species barrier may protect macaques from chronic wasting disease

A study on cynomolgus macaques exposed to chronic wasting disease (CWD) shows that they remain healthy after over six years of observation. The findings suggest a potential species barrier against CWD in humans, but more research is needed to confirm this.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJul 30, 2009

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.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJul 30, 2009
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.

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalBrain·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 29, 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.

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Imaging·DateJul 29, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Research·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceKellen Communications·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 29, 2009

Is it possible to differentiate GISTs from leiomyomas by endoscopic ultrasonography?

The study evaluated EUS features to distinguish GISTs from leiomyomas and found that inhomogenicity, hyperechogenic spots, a marginal halo, and higher echogenicity were more frequent in GISTs. The presence of at least two of these four features had high sensitivity (89.1%) and specificity (85.7%) for predicting GISTs. A maximal diamete...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 29, 2009

Overconfidence among teenage students can stunt crucial reading skills

A study of nearly 160,000 students found that overconfident teens are often below-average readers globally, while under-confident students tend to perform better. Parents and teachers can help by promoting self-assessment, setting achievable goals, and encouraging peer evaluation.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateJul 29, 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.

Mental, emotional and behavioral disorders can be prevented in young people

A new article assesses government reports on preventing mental health problems among young people. Early intervention programs using certain interventional approaches have been shown to identify and treat risk factors, reducing the likelihood of disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing·DateJul 29, 2009

Want responsible robotics? Start with responsible humans

Engineers propose new laws to rethink human-robot relationships, focusing on human organizations that develop and deploy robots. The laws aim to ensure high safety standards and address the limitations of current AI capabilities.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Intelligent Systems·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 29, 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.

College students who feel 'invincible' unlikely to accept vaccines, MU researcher finds

A new study found that college students with high danger invulnerability tend to decline HIV vaccines, while those with psychological invulnerability are more likely to accept them. The study suggests that efforts to promote vaccine acceptance should consider the role of invulnerability in students' health-protective behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 29, 2009

Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery now abstracted and indexed by Thomson Reuters

The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery has been accepted for coverage by multiple Thomson Reuters services, including Journal Citation Reports. Abstracting and indexing will begin with Volume 47:1 (2008), supporting the journal's mission to advance practitioner competency and enhance patient care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery·DateJul 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGeology·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateJul 29, 2009