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Science News for June 24, 2009


Streaming sand grains help define essence of a liquid

Physicists at the University of Chicago have measured nanoscale forces causing droplet formation in a falling stream of tiny glass beads. The resulting 'granular liquid' exhibits surface tension 100,000 times smaller than that found in ordinary liquids.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2009

UCSF commentators call for health reform to revitalize primary care

Researchers at UCSF advocate for a nationwide Primary Care Cooperative Extension Service to support primary care clinicians and address the shortage of physicians. The service would provide infrastructure for practice transformation through local learning communities, information exchange, and cross-fertilization of ideas among practices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 24, 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.

Simple measures may prevent transmission of stomach ulcer bacteria

Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori is not transmitted through drinking water but rather through vomit and faeces, suggesting simple isolation and hygiene measures can prevent its spread. The study suggests isolating vomiting patients, especially children, for a short period can help prevent the bacterium's transmission.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 24, 2009

Human term placenta a new abundant source of hematopoietic cells

Researchers have found a way to obtain large numbers of hematopoietic stem cells from human term placentas, which is an order of magnitude larger than those obtained from cord blood. The findings demonstrate that human term placentas are a high-capacity source of live and functional hematopoietic stem cells.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateJun 24, 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.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium Scientific Workshop

The Sixth Annual Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium Scientific Workshop brought together experts to discuss key issues in MCL research, including biomarkers, chemoimmunotherapy, and novel therapeutic strategies. The report highlights the progress made in understanding this rare disease and its treatment options.

SourceLymphoma Research Foundation·DateJun 24, 2009

Evolution of a contraceptive for sea lamprey

A team at UC San Diego School of Medicine may lead to a contraceptive for female sea lampreys, a jawless fish considered an invasive pest species in the Great Lakes. The researchers' findings suggest that compounds could bind specifically to the lamprey estrogen receptor, potentially acting as contraceptives.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 24, 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.

Study finds DNA barcoding requires caution without closer examination

A recent study by Dr. David Spooner highlights the limitations of DNA barcoding in distinguishing species within complex plant groups, such as wild potatoes (Solanum section Petota). The technique's accuracy is compromised due to intraspecific variation and hybridization among species.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 24, 2009

Large-scale analysis finds bariatric surgery relatively safe

A large-scale analysis of nearly 60,000 patients found bariatric surgery to be relatively safe with complication rates around 10% and a total mortality rate under 1%. The study's findings indicate improved safety measures in modern weight-loss surgery.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJun 24, 2009

University of Oklahoma researchers discover giant Rydberg atom molecules

Giant Rydberg molecules are formed by two interacting atoms due to fluctuations in electron orbitals, allowing for electric field manipulation and control over molecular properties. The discovery brings researchers closer to developing new quantum devices that combine isolated atomic systems with advances in microelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 24, 2009

Climbing the ladder to longevity: Critical enzyme pair identified

Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified a pivotal role for two enzymes, WWP-1 and UBC-18, in regulating lifespan in response to diet restriction. The study found that overexpressing WWP-1 extends lifespan in worms, while depleting UBC-18 negates the effects of caloric restriction.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia is curable without preventive cranial radiation

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that personalized chemotherapy regimens can effectively treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) without cranial radiation. The study, conducted by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, found a cure rate of 90% for all patients, with impro...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 24, 2009

Neurological differences support dyslexia subtypes

Researchers used MRI to compare brains of 38 people with dyslexia to a typical brain model, revealing differences in the right cerebellar declive and lentiform nucleus associated with varying language performance. These findings suggest different neuro-cognitive pathologies underlying dyslexia subtypes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJun 24, 2009

Smoking more than 5 cigarettes a day provokes migraine attacks

A recent study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that smoking more than five cigarettes a day increases the frequency of migraine attacks. The research involved 361 medicine students who were aware of their migraine status and reported higher prevalence of smokers among those with migraines.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Headache and Pain·DateJun 24, 2009

Lasers can lengthen quantum bit memory by 1,000 times

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a method to prolong quantum bit memory by utilizing lasers. By exciting the quantum dot with a laser, scientists were able to block magnetic field interactions and stabilize the magnetic field, resulting in a significant increase in stable existence of the quantum bit.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 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.

Salty ocean in the depths of Enceladus

Researchers detect sodium salts in Enceladus plume, confirming presence of salty ocean beneath moon's surface. The concentration of sodium chloride is estimated to be similar to Earth's oceans, with a concentration of 0.1-0.3 moles per kilogram of water.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2009

How mitochondria get their membranes bent

A research team at Goethe University Frankfurt has identified two proteins, Fcj1 and Su e/g, that regulate the shape of mitochondria's inner membrane. The protein Fcj1 promotes negative curvature, while the Su e/g protein induces positive bending, leading to the formation of cristae junctions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 24, 2009

Study pinpoints novel cancer gene and biomarker

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a cancer-causing gene, GOLPH3, which can spur cancer cell growth and is linked to effective treatment with rapamycin. The study also found that high levels of the protein may serve as a biomarker for tumors responding well to this chemotherapy drug.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2009

Tummy troubles -- gastrin key in bacterial-induced stomach cancer

A recent study suggests that gastrin is an essential cofactor for Helicobacter-associated gastric corpus carcinogenesis in mice. High levels of gastrin lead to the development of stomach cancer, while absence of gastrin increases tumor numbers in the gastric antrum.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 24, 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.

Wildlife faces cancer threat

A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that cancer is a major threat to wild animal populations, with certain species at risk of extinction due to contagious cancers and pollution. The study highlights the need for increased health monitoring and resource allocation to safeguard animals and humans.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateJun 24, 2009

Study finds people residing in poor communities not benefiting from recent drop in colorectal cancer

A recent study found that colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased significantly among whites aged 65 and over, but not among those in poorer communities. The researchers suggest that lack of access to healthcare may be the reason for this disparity. Colorectal endoscopic screening rates also increased among whites, but were lower a...

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJun 24, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Scientists have made significant discoveries in the fight against muscular dystrophy, identifying a potential gene therapy approach to overexpress Galgt2 protein. In another breakthrough, researchers have identified a stromal marker for breast cancer progression, highlighting the importance of examining stroma PDGF receptor expression ...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 24, 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.

New piece found in colorectal cancer puzzle

Researchers found increased mRNA levels of PN-1, a prostasin inhibitor, in colorectal tissue samples from patients with mild/moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia before colorectal cancer. Elevated PN-1 levels coincide with the acquisition of malignant properties in colorectal tissue.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateJun 24, 2009

Employee involvement programs key to workplace diversity

A new study by University of Arizona professor Alexandra Kalev shows that employee involvement programs can increase both quality and diversity at the same time. Self-directed work teams and cross-training programs are found to give women and minorities more opportunities for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJun 24, 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.

Space shuttle science shows how 1908 Tunguska explosion was caused by a comet

New Cornell University research links 1908 Tunguska explosion to comet entry, supported by NASA space shuttle exhaust plume. The study reveals a possible connection between the two events through noctilucent clouds, which are the Earth's highest clouds forming at high altitudes and in extremely cold temperatures.

SourceCornell University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 24, 2009

Pushmi-pullyu of B-cell development discovered

B cells in every cell carry genes necessary to function, but only a small proportion matures into immune-system cells. Two chromatin remodeling complexes work in opposing directions to control epigenetic changes allowing for B-cell development.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 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.

American elderly thrash English at 'brain training' test

A recent study found that American over-65s scored significantly better than their English counterparts in a memory and awareness test. Higher levels of education and lower levels of depressive symptoms in the US may have contributed to this difference, while aggressive cardiovascular disease treatment in England could be a factor.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJun 24, 2009

Tiny levels of carbon monoxide damage fetal brain

A UCLA study found that miniscule levels of carbon monoxide during pregnancy cause permanent brain damage in fetuses. The exposure level was established as safe by Cal/OSHA but still led to oxidative stress and protein loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJun 24, 2009

Measuring intellectual disability

Researchers have developed a specific and quantitative method to measure FMRP protein levels, which is mutated in fragile X syndrome. This test will help correlate protein levels with clinical severity of the disease.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJun 24, 2009

Mouse model provides clues to human language development

Researchers have identified a crucial role of the Foxp2 gene in human language development using a mouse model. The study found that alterations in this gene are closely linked to speech and language ability, and that it plays a significant role in various organ systems.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell·DateJun 24, 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.

Study shows US seniors 'smarter' than English seniors

The study found that US seniors performed significantly better than their English counterparts in cognitive function, with a decade of ageing equivalent between the two groups. Lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher prevalence of hypertension among US adults may have contributed to this advantage.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJun 24, 2009

Dry autumns and winters may lead to fewer tornadoes in the spring, says UGA researcher

A new study by researchers at the University of Georgia suggests that drought conditions in an area's fall and winter may lead to a statistically significant reduction in tornado activity during the following spring. In contrast, wet autumns and winters were found to have nearly twice as many spring tornado days as drought years did.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 24, 2009

A breath mint made from ... coffee?

Researchers found a coffee extract can prevent malodorous bacteria from causing bad breath, contradicting the common assumption that coffee leads to bad breath. The team tested different brands of coffee and found some components that inhibit bacterial odor production.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateJun 24, 2009

On malaria struggle, baboons and humans have similar stories to tell

Researchers at Duke University have found that variation in a single gene influences baboons' susceptibility to a closely related parasite, similar to its impact on humans. The study's findings provide a unique example of how the same genetic mechanism can confer resistance to different parasites.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 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.

Imaging the hypnotized brain: Neural mechanisms of suggested paralysis

Research reveals hypnosis induces disconnection of motor commands from normal voluntary processes through executive control and self-image circuits. The study used fMRI to test neural effects of hypnotic paralysis on brain activity, finding enhanced activation of the precuneus region involved in memory and self-imaging.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 24, 2009

New approach to treating heart attacks reduces risk of life-threatening complications

A new study suggests that transferring heart attack patients to specialized hospitals for angioplasty within six hours after clot-busting drugs significantly improves outcomes, reducing repeat heart attacks and serious cardiac complications by 36%. Patients who received earlier angioplasty also had lower rates of chest pain and second ...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 24, 2009

Nicotine dependence remains prevalent despite recent declines in cigarette use

A recent study finds that nicotine dependence has remained steady among adults in the US, while the proportion of addicted smokers has increased across generations. Younger women living in poverty are disproportionately affected, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 24, 2009
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.

Stream of sand behaves like water

University of Chicago researchers have discovered that dry granular materials can form water-like droplets when poured, revolutionizing the way we understand particle transport and manipulation. The study's findings could lead to more efficient oil refining, plastics manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production processes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2009

AUA Foundation names the 2009 Astellas Rising Stars in Urology award winners

The AUA Foundation has awarded the 2009 Astellas Rising Stars in Urology to William Roberts, MD and Edward Schaeffer, MD for their groundbreaking research projects on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Phospholipase A2 signaling in prostate development. The award aims to support young urologists in pursuing careers in urologic research.

SourceAmerican Urological Association·DateJun 24, 2009

US seniors 'smarter' than their English peers -- U-M study

A new study found that US seniors performed significantly better than their English counterparts on standard tests of memory and cognitive function. The advantage was greatest among the oldest old, with 75-year-olds in the US exhibiting cognitive abilities comparable to those of 65-year-olds in England.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJun 24, 2009

Anti-inflammatory drugs may defeat a treatment-resistant type of cancer

Researchers have discovered that anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat arthritis can shrink lymphoma tumors in mice. The study strengthens evidence for a link between inflammation and cancer, suggesting a new way to curb the malignancy of this type of lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 24, 2009

First acoustic metamaterial 'superlens' created by University of Illinois researchers

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully focused ultrasound waves through a flat metamaterial lens to create an acoustic 'superlens'. This innovation could improve high-resolution ultrasound imaging, non-destructive structural testing of buildings and bridges, and novel underwater stealth technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 24, 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.

Showcasing the secrets of Caistor Roman town

A team of experts, led by The University of Nottingham, has unveiled a new set of high-resolution images revealing the plan of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund in Norfolk. The survey confirms street plan, water supply system, and public buildings like baths and temples.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJun 24, 2009

Mini-beamer in a cell phone or PDA

Researchers developed a mini projector that can be integrated into a cellphone or PDA, producing monochrome images with high brightness, and projecting them onto flat surfaces using plastic lenses made of embossed material

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateJun 24, 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.

Irritability should be considered when diagnosing bipolar disorder in children

A new study found that approximately 10% of children with bipolar disorder experience irritable-only mania, and these participants are significantly younger than those with elation-only or both symptoms. The study suggests that irritability should be included in the diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 24, 2009