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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 3


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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2009

'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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalCloning and Stem Cells·DateJul 29, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 29, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2009

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...

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2009

JNCI news brief: Older cancer patients have more frailty than other seniors

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that older cancer patients have higher rates of disability and frailty. As the population ages, this trend is expected to pose significant challenges for physicians, with older adults accounting for 70% of cancer patients by 2030.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 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.

Physician trust, early screening reduces disparities for prostate cancer

A University of North Carolina study found that establishing a regular relationship with a healthcare provider reduces racial disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis. Men with ongoing relationships are more likely to receive screenings and less likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCancer·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateJul 29, 2009

Mars and Venus: Short- and long-term success of male to female kidney transplants

A study found that female recipients of male donor kidneys have a higher risk of transplant failure in the first year after transplantation. However, this increased risk is reversed after ten years. The study suggests that H-Y antigens on male cells may elicit an immune response in female kidney transplant recipients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 29, 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.

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.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 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.

Organic food not nutritionally better than conventionally produced food

A systematic review of over 50,000 papers found no evidence that organically produced foods are nutritionally superior to conventionally produced food. Organic foods have comparable nutrient content to conventionally produced foods, with only minor differences detected.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJul 29, 2009

'Microfluidic palette' may paint clearer picture of biological processes

Researchers at NIST have developed a microfluidic palette to produce multiple, steady-state chemical gradients for studying complex biological mechanisms. The device uses diffusion instead of active mixing, allowing cells to remain in the microchamber without disruption.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateJul 29, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2009

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...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNew Media & Society·DateJul 29, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalEvolution·DateJul 28, 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.

Study shows cancer vaccines led to long-term survival for patients with metastatic melanoma

A study by Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian found that patient-specific cancer vaccines derived from patients' own cells resulted in impressive long-term survival rates. The vaccine was well-tolerated, and eight patients experienced remarkable progression-free survival despite having widely metastatic disease.

SourceHoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateJul 28, 2009

University of Toronto helps to 'barcode' the world's plants

A team of scientists, including those from the University of Toronto, identified two genes for cataloging the world's plants. DNA barcoding allows rapid classification using a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 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.

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJul 28, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 28, 2009

'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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 28, 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.

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.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 28, 2009

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...

SourceArizona State University·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 28, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 28, 2009

Study: Being active as a preschooler pays off later in childhood

A University of Iowa study found that kids who were active at age 5 had less body fat by ages 8 and 11. Even small increases in physical activity, such as an extra 10 minutes per day, can make a difference in protecting against excessive fat gains.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 28, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 28, 2009