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Science News for June 22, 2009


Some patients are not notified of abnormal test results

A study of 5,434 patients found that 7.1% of abnormal test results were not informed to patients or documented, with practices using paper and electronic records having the highest failure rates. Practices with better testing processes had lower failure rates and more satisfied physicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

Music may have a future role in heart and stroke patient rehab

Researchers discovered that music can induce moderate arousal with swelling crescendos and relaxation with decrescendos, modulating cardiovascular control. This study suggests a potential role for music in rehabilitative medicine, particularly for patients with heart and stroke conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 22, 2009

Bioengineers develop a microfabricated device to measure cellular forces during tissue development

Researchers have created a tiny micron-sized device that allows them to measure and manipulate cellular forces as cells reorganize into tissues. This discovery has significant implications for the study of tissue mechanics and its role in coordinating cell signaling, gene expression, and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

How can the world's fisheries be sustainable?

The study assesses the effectiveness of world fisheries management regimes using evaluations from nearly 1,200 fisheries experts. It reveals that most regimes are not meeting international standards and that transparency in converting scientific advice into policy is key to sustainability. Wealthier countries face challenges from exces...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 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.

Gpx5: Sperm shouldn't leave the testes without this protein

Researchers identified Gpx5 as a protective protein for immature sperm in the epididymis, reducing oxidative stress and associated with improved fertility outcomes. In contrast, males lacking Gpx5 showed increased miscarriage rates and fetal developmental defects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2009

Potent metastasis inhibitor identified

Scientists have discovered a protein called prosaposin that inhibits tumor metastasis by blocking blood vessel growth. The study found that prosaposin significantly reduces lung and lymph node metastases in mice, increasing survival time.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009
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.

Fighting TB might be a matter of 'flipping a switch' in immune response

Researchers at Ohio State University used mathematical modeling to determine the optimal timing of the immune response to tuberculosis, finding that introducing interferon gamma during early stages could shorten the switching time and reduce bacterial load. The study suggests a cocktail approach to new TB therapies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Intensive in-hospital support doubles likelihood of smoking cessation in heart patients

A new study found that intensive in-hospital smoking cessation support significantly increases long-term abstinence rates among heart patients compared to minimal support. Absence of previous heart attack, postsecondary education, and at-home smoking restrictions also contributed to successful cessation.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 22, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Older men with breathing problems during sleep more likely to have irregular heartbeats

A study of 2911 men found that severe sleep-related breathing disorders are associated with a higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Different types of breathing problems are linked to different categories of arrhythmia, with obstructive sleep apnea linked to ventricular arrhythmias and central sleep apnea linked to atrial fibrillation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

JCI table of contents: June 22, 2009

A study found that the Gpx5 protein helps protect immature mouse sperm from oxidative stress, which is associated with fertility issues and miscarriages. In contrast, high levels of IL-21 are linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in multiple sclerosis patients treated with alemtuzumab.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2009

New electron microscopy images reveal the assembly of HIV

Researchers at EMBL have produced a three-dimensional reconstruction of immature HIV, showing its protein coat assembly in unprecedented detail. The study suggests a simple model of HIV formation, involving multiple Gag proteins interacting to form a hexameric lattice.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Study: Bankruptcy rates reflect policy, not people

A recent study found that bankruptcy rates vary widely across states due to differences in policy, including wage garnishment laws and Chapter 13 filings. Broad demographic factors such as age and income also influence filing rates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Law and Economics·DateJun 22, 2009

Treating lazy eyes with a joystick

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a computer game therapy that corrects brain activity to treat lazy eyes, showing promising results in vision research publications. The treatment is already FDA-approved for adults and aims to make eye therapy fun for kids as well.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalVision Research·DateJun 22, 2009

Physicians frequently fail to inform patients about abnormal test results

A study of 5,434 patient records found that physicians failed to report clinically significant abnormal test results in nearly one in every 14 cases. Implementing simple processes such as routing all test results to the responsible physician and documenting patient notification can greatly lessen error rates.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 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.

Dad's early connection with child 'writes script' for later school involvement

A new University of Illinois study explores the role of parent involvement on student achievement. The research found that dads who build close relationships with their children in the preschool years are more likely to stay involved when their child makes the transition to school. This early connection can set a positive tone for futu...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJun 22, 2009

Largest carnivorous dinosaur tooth in Spain described

Researchers have identified the largest carnivorous dinosaur tooth in Spain, measuring 9.83cm, and attributed it to the Allosauroidea clade. The tooth's features provide key information about its former owner, a large predatory theropod that likely belonged to the same group as Turiasaurus riodevensis.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEstudios Geológicos·DateJun 22, 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.

Nickel isotope may be methane producing microbe biomarker

Researchers found that nickel isotopic fractionation may be a useful biomarker for identifying methanogenic microbes on the early Earth. The presence of specific isotopic fractions indicates biological processes, such as microbial assimilation or uptake of metals.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

54-million-year-old skull reveals early evolution of primate brains

A well-preserved 54-million-year-old skull from the Plesiadapiform group revealed that primitive primates relied more on smell than sight. The study's findings narrow the possibilities for what caused primates to evolve larger brain sizes, contradicting common assumptions about brain structure and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Faculty of 1000 praised by Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust validated the Faculty of 1000's assessment model through a study analyzing over 900 publications. The scores from both models showed high agreement, highlighting the value of post-publication peer review. However, the study also emphasized that merit cannot be judged solely by citation scores.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2009

Chances of surviving rare pregnancy-related tumor depends on how long before presentation the related pregnancy occurred

Survival rates for placental-site trophoblastic tumours (PSTTs) vary depending on how long ago the related pregnancy occurred. The study found that patients with stage I disease had a 10-year probability of overall survival of 90%, while those with recurrent disease or disease resistant to treatment had poor survival.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 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.

Total knee replacement appears cost-effective in older adults

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that total knee replacement is a cost-effective procedure for managing end-stage knee osteoarthritis, particularly in high-volume centers. The analysis suggests that procedures performed in low-volume centers are more cost-effective than not undergoing surgery at all.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

Larvae shun the light

Research in Drosophila larvae reveals that 5-HT and corazonergic neurons regulate photobehavior, increasing aversion to light during foraging phase. The study provides new insights into the function of 5-HT neurons and mechanisms underlying regulation of larval response to light.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJun 22, 2009

Subseafloor sediment in South Pacific Gyre

A team of scientists found surprisingly few organisms beneath the seafloor of the South Pacific Gyre, with cell counts three to four orders of magnitude lower than at similar depths outside gyres. The sediment's oxygen levels were also unexpectedly high, supporting an aerobic community.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Fruit fly steps in to fight human disease

Researchers have developed the first ever fly model for neuromuscular disease Charcot-Marie-Tooth by introducing mutant genes from human patients into fruit flies. The study reveals that fruit flies with the mutant YARS gene exhibit symptoms of CMT, including reduced movement and nerve cell degeneration.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 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.

Carb synthesis sheds light on promising tuberculosis drug target

Researchers at UW-Madison identified a unique process for building structural carbohydrates in tuberculosis bacteria, offering insight into controlling carbohydrate polymers' length. This discovery may lead to developing new therapeutics against TB and has broader applications in designing vaccines and producing fuels.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Brain represents tools as temporary body parts, study confirms

A study published in Current Biology confirms that our brains temporarily represent used tools as part of our body schema. This phenomenon affects how we move and perform tasks, with participants exhibiting altered arm movements and perception after tool use.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 22, 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.

Midget plant gets makeover

The updated TAIR9 genome release includes detailed information on all 33,518 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, including 114 newly discovered genes and 168 new pseudogenes. The new features promise to accelerate research on designing new crops for food, biofuels, industrial materials, and medicines.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateJun 22, 2009

Competition may be reason for bigger brain

According to University of Missouri researchers, human brain expansion is primarily attributed to social competition over the past 2 million years. The study found that areas with larger populations experienced greater increases in skull size and cranial capacity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHuman Nature·DateJun 22, 2009

Policy transparency key to saving world's fisheries

A new study published in PLoS Biology found that most fisheries management regimes are lagging behind international standards, highlighting the need for transparent policy-making processes. The research assessed global fisheries management practices and evaluated their effectiveness in ensuring sustainability.

SourceDalhousie University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2009

More patients across the world lowering 'bad' cholesterol

The percentage of patients lowering 'bad' cholesterol to within target levels has nearly doubled over the last decade, with significant improvements in low-risk and high-risk groups. Researchers found that 75% of patients were taking statin drugs, and only 30% of very high-risk patients achieved their LDL target.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 22, 2009

Pesticide susceptibility in children lasts longer than expected

Researchers found that levels of paraoxonase 1 enzyme activity remained low in some individuals through age 7, contradicting the assumption that children approach adult levels by age 2. The study recommends re-evaluating EPA standards for acceptable pesticide exposure levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 22, 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.

Coral face 'a stormy future'

A new study found that coral recruitment drops sharply after major bleaching events or hurricanes, with some species not recruiting at all. This disruption threatens the survival of larger, more spectacular reef-building corals as climate change intensifies and storms become more frequent.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateJun 22, 2009

Geographic profiling applied to track hunting patterns of white sharks in South Africa

Scientists tracked white shark hunting patterns using geographic profiling, revealing that sharks refine search patterns with experience and concentrate efforts in prime hunting areas. The study expands knowledge of large predator hunting behavior and has implications for understanding marine communities.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateJun 22, 2009

Toxic molecule may help birds 'see' north and south

Researchers found that superoxide plays a key role in bird migration by influencing the protein cryptochrome in their eyes. The molecule allows birds to 'see' Earth's magnetic field, enabling them to navigate. However, humans lack this ability due to evolutionary trade-offs between longevity and orientational ability

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 22, 2009

Deaths from heart disease in Canada decreased 30 percent: 10-year national study

A 10-year national study in Canada found a 30% decline in heart disease deaths and hospital admissions. However, the study revealed high rates of cardiovascular-related deaths among elderly women, highlighting the need for increased investment in education and research on cardiovascular health in women.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 22, 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.

Adults with asthma not getting their flu shots

A study by the CDC found that only 33.9% of adults with asthma received the flu vaccine in 2007, compared to 54.7% for those without asthma. The study also revealed a significant race/ethnicity gap in vaccination rates among non-Hispanic whites.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

Green Chemistry Awards announced

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, recognizing research that can make significant contributions to pollution prevention. The award winners developed innovative methods for producing greener chemicals, fuels, and materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateJun 22, 2009

Less frequent social activity may be associated with motor function decline in older adults

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that less frequent participation in social activity is associated with a more rapid rate of motor function decline in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from 906 participants, suggests that this association may be related to the risk of disability and mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 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.

Carnegie Mellon algorithm charts evolution of genetic networks during fruit fly life cycle

A new algorithm developed by Carnegie Mellon University has revealed how genetic networks in fruit flies evolve during their life cycle. The Tesla algorithm uses machine learning techniques to analyze the rewiring of these networks over time, providing insights into how they respond to stimuli and become dysfunctional.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Beyond CO2: Study reveals growing importance of HFCs in climate warming

The study found that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) will become an increasingly larger factor in future climate warming if business-as-usual trends continue. By 2050, HFC emissions could contribute 7-12% to climate change, exceeding CO2's current contribution.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Drinking milk in the morning may help stave off lunchtime hunger

Researchers found that drinking fat-free milk increased feelings of fullness, satisfaction, and led to a decrease in calorie intake at lunch. Fat free milk provides essential nutrients including calcium and vitamin D, which may play a role in the satiety benefits.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 22, 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.

Close relationship between past warming and sea-level rise

A new record reveals a systematic equilibrium relationship between global temperature and CO2 concentrations and sea-level changes over the last five glacial cycles. This suggests that even stabilisation at today's CO2 levels may commit us to sea-level rise, potentially exceeding long-term projections.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 22, 2009