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Science News Archive June 2009 - Page 5


Page 5 of 26

U-M study finds voice box can be preserved, even with the largest cancers

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a single round of chemotherapy can identify patients most likely to benefit from preserving their speech. After three years, 78% of T4 study participants were still alive and 58% had an intact larynx.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 25, 2009

City pupils use GPS to map heathland

Year 10 students from Hadden Park High School in Nottingham are using advanced GPS technology to map fragments of heathland at Sherwood Pines Forest Park. The project aims to raise awareness of heathland and develop habitat corridors to protect species affected by climate change.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJun 25, 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.

STAT3 protein found to play a key role in cancer

A recent study published in Science found that the STAT3 protein plays a key role in converting normal cells to cancerous cells by regulating gene expression in both the cell nucleus and mitochondria. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted cancer therapies.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2009

Alcohol must be given political priority

A global Framework Convention on Alcohol Control is seen as crucial to addressing the alcohol-related health crisis. Non-governmental organisations and governments must work together to overcome industry resistance and generate political priority for alcohol control efforts.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Structural biology scores with protein snapshot

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used NMR methods to determine the structure of diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK), a large bacterial protein that resides within the cell membrane. The study suggests that similar methods can be applied to other membrane proteins, including G protein-coupled receptors, which are targets for...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2009

Health care outcome boost needs better studies

A study on quality improvement (QI) research found that most studies had methodological limitations, including inadequate study duration, selection bias, and poor implementation. The review highlights the need for longer-term results and improved intervention design to accurately assess QI effectiveness.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateJun 25, 2009

Stem cell surprise for tissue regeneration

Scientists found that adult muscle stem cells can regenerate muscles after injury without the two key embryonic muscle cell genes Pax3 and Pax7. This discovery challenges current research on muscular dystrophy and regenerative medicine, suggesting that age-matched stem cells may be more effective for therapy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 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.

Roadsters embrace green racing

The American Le Mans Series has introduced a green racing initiative, awarding prizes to the fastest cars producing the smallest environmental footprint. The concept aims to accelerate innovation in everyday life, reducing dependence on foreign oil.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateJun 25, 2009

CPAP treatment linked to lower mortality in stroke patients with OSA

Patients with ischemic stroke and moderate to severe OSA who received CPAP treatment had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who did not comply. The study found that nearly half of the original group had died within five years, while only 28 were fully compliant with CPAP treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 25, 2009

Nematode courting caught on camera

Researchers have produced video footage of a male nematode worm preparing to mate with a hermaphrodite, showcasing the complex process. The study revealed that the male uses acetylcholine to regulate tail muscles for an exploratory embrace, and then searches for the vulva before mating commences.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 25, 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.

New fossil tells how piranhas got their teeth

Researchers uncover jawbone of transitional fossil Megapiranha paranensis, showing intermediate pattern of teeth. The discovery confirms the evolutionary link between piranhas and their herbivorous relatives, with implications for understanding the piranha's distinctive bite.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJun 25, 2009

Diabetes is significant economic burden for US health-care system

New research reveals that diabetes costs the US economy over $174 billion annually, with a focus on lifestyle modifications and preventive care. Implementing pay-for-performance incentives can significantly reduce these costs by encouraging improved disease management and adherence to clinical guidelines.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateJun 25, 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.

A penny for your prions

Researchers discovered that prion proteins bind more stably to copper in human bodies, which may prevent their misfolding. The study suggests that copper binding could play a beneficial role in early stages of prion diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2009

In the warming West, climate most significant factor in fanning wildfires' flames

A study by the USDA Forest Service and university scientists found that climate plays a critical role in shaping wildfire behavior, particularly in the Western United States. Climate influences fuel production and drying, which varies among different ecosystems, leading to varying fire sizes and severities.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 25, 2009

Around 1 in 25 deaths worldwide attributable to alcohol

The Lancet report reveals that 3.8% of global deaths are attributable to alcohol, with the majority being caused by injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver cirrhosis. Men drink more than women, and the risk is higher in developing countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2009

Effective pain treatment for cancer patients?

Cancer patients often suffer from severe pain due to tumors releasing signal substances that make nerve cells sensitive; a new approach involves injecting proteins that block these effects. This discovery opens up new prospects in the fight against cancer pain and potentially reduces side effects for patients.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

Kidney damage from medical imaging procedures can cause long-term health problems

A recent study found that contrast-induced kidney damage from medical imaging procedures increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack over the next year or two. Patients who developed this damage had twice as many long-term negative health effects compared to those whose kidneys were not damaged.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 25, 2009

Gladstone scientists identify key factor that controls HIV latency

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have found a key factor controlling HIV latency, which could lead to new strategies for clearing the virus. The discovery involves DNA methylation and a host protein called MBD2, and offers hope for future therapies to reactivate latent HIV.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 25, 2009

'Nature' and 'nurture' variables early predictors of AMD

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmolgy & Visual Science found that multiple genetic, ocular, and environmental factors contribute to the incidence of AMD. Researchers developed a predictive model using these variables, which can be used to guide prevention and treatments.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 25, 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.

Online ethics and the bloggers' code revealed

A recent study found that bloggers adhere to an ethical code based on standards journalists follow, with key principles including truth telling, accountability, and minimizing harm. However, the extent of their adherence depends on context and intended audience, highlighting the need for 'teeth' in ethics codes.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalNew Media & Society·DateJun 25, 2009

More gene mutations linked to autism risk

A recent study has discovered 27 genetic regions associated with autism spectrum disorders, revealing the complex interplay of inherited and new mutations. The research identifies multiple genes, including BZRAP1 and MDGA2, which play crucial roles in synaptic function and neurological development.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 25, 2009

Cancer researchers link DICER1 gene mutation to rare childhood cancer

A study published in Science Express demonstrates the first definitive link between mutations in the DICER1 gene and cancer. Children with pleuropulmonary blastoma carried a mutation in one of their two DICER1 gene copies, which may disrupt normal lung development and communication.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 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.

International framework convention on alcohol control, similar to that for tobacco, is needed to confront alcohol disease burden

The authors emphasize the need for an effective international response to address alcohol-related harm, citing inadequate policies and industry influence as major obstacles. Cost-effective interventions exist but require scaling up; governments, NGOs, and academia must work together to develop and implement policies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2009

Brain plasticity: Changes and resets in homeostasis

Synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in maintaining brain homeostasis, ensuring an effective response to challenges followed by recovery. The study provides the first set of synaptic rules for resetting homeostatic setpoints in vivo.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNeuron·DateJun 25, 2009

Some stroke survivors' function slowly declines over time

A large study found that stroke survivors experience a decline in functional ability over five years, with those having Medicaid or no private insurance showing the greatest decline. Factors such as age, diabetes, and severe stroke severity also contribute to this decline.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 25, 2009

Alcohol causes more than half of all the premature deaths in Russian adults

A study published in The Lancet found that excessive alcohol consumption in Russia is responsible for more than half of all premature deaths among adults, with men being particularly affected. The researchers analyzed data from three Russian cities and found that alcohol use was linked to an increased risk of deaths from accidents, vio...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 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.

New research shows dinosaurs may have been smaller than we thought

A new study by George Mason University researchers challenges the long-held notion that dinosaurs were massive creatures. They found that using a flawed statistical model led to overestimations of dinosaur weight, revealing some species may have been smaller than initially thought.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateJun 25, 2009

CWRU receives $5 million from Ohio Third Frontier Commission

Case Western Reserve University has received funding to support multiple stem cell and regenerative medicine commercial, emerging, and pilot projects. The $5 million grant will help advance technologies to benefit patients in Ohio, building on previous investments that have brought in $170 million in new commercial development.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 25, 2009

'Neurologger' reads bird brains in flight

Researchers used a 'neurologger' device to record pigeon brain activity while flying over familiar terrain. The study found that pigeons respond to visual cues with distinct brain patterns, including high-frequency oscillations reflecting memory processing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 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.

MicroRNAs help control HIV life cycle

Researchers discovered that microRNA miR29 suppresses HIV replication by transporting mRNA to processing-bodies where it is stored or destroyed, reducing viral infectivity. Inhibition of miR29 enhances viral replication and infectivity.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 25, 2009

Engineering autism: Mice with extra chromosome region show many autistic signs

Researchers engineered mice with a duplication of the autism-linked chromosomal region and found they exhibited behaviors associated with human autism, including poor social interaction and repetitive behavior. The study provides a valuable model for therapeutic development and sheds light on the molecular pathways underlying autism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 25, 2009

Latino teens happier, healthier if families embrace biculturalism

A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Latino adolescents who maintain strong ties to their native cultures perform better academically and adjust more easily socially. Parents who develop a strong bicultural perspective also have teen children who are less likely to face social problems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Journal of Primary Prevention·DateJun 25, 2009

Total knee replacements increase mobility and motor skills in older patients

A new study from Duke researchers demonstrates the positive impact of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on physical functioning and motor skills in older patients with osteoarthritis. TKA recipients experienced significant improvements in mobility, motor skills, and limitations in activities of daily living.

SourceInHealth: The Institute for Health Technology Studies·JournalMedical Care·DateJun 25, 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.

ATS, ERS jointly issue asthma assessment guidelines

The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have released standardized definitions and measurement recommendations for assessing asthma control, severity, and exacerbations. The guidelines provide a framework for clinicians to diagnose and manage asthma, with a focus on improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 25, 2009

Good males are bad fathers

A new study on seed beetles reveals that low genetic quality males are more successful in fertilizing eggs, contrary to predictions. Females' multiple mating does not guarantee the sperm of the highest genetic male.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 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.

Study challenges routine use of MRI scans to evaluate breast cancer

A study of 577 breast cancer patients found that routine use of MRI scans was associated with delays in starting treatment and increased mastectomy rates. The study suggests that more research is needed to determine the benefits of MRI scans in evaluating breast cancer, as their disadvantages may outweigh any potential advantages.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 25, 2009

Remembering what to remember and what to forget

A UCLA psychologist's study reveals that people with very mild Alzheimer's disease have trouble focusing on what's most important. They recall an average of just 2.8 words out of 12, with a reduced ability to be selective in recalling high-value words.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychology·DateJun 25, 2009

Experts: Big Tobacco dead by 2047, possibly sooner

According to experts, a nationwide effort can accelerate the decline of tobacco use in the next 50 years. Researchers analyzed data from the 1960s to the present and found that smoking rates have declined steadily, dropping from 42% to 20% over six decades.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 25, 2009

Childhood physical abuse linked to cancer

A new study found childhood physical abuse is associated with a 49% higher risk of developing cancer in adulthood. The research also identified potential psychophysiological factors that could explain the link between childhood abuse and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCancer·DateJun 25, 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.

Selenium intake may worsen prostate cancer in some, study reports

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that higher selenium levels can worsen prostate cancer outcomes for men carrying a specific SOD2 gene variant. Men with the highest selenium levels and this variant had a 40% lower risk of aggressive disease, while those with the lowest levels were twice as likely to develop it.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 25, 2009

Superfood soy linked to reduction in smoker's lung damage risk

A study found that high soy intake was associated with improved lung function and a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smokers. Flavonoids in soy may help protect against tobacco carcinogens, but more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalRespiratory Research·DateJun 25, 2009

Your arteries on Wonder Bread

A new study from Tel Aviv University shows that high glycemic index foods, such as cornflakes and white bread, can cause sudden expansion of artery walls, leading to reduced elasticity and increased heart disease risk. The research provides a new mechanism for understanding how these foods affect the progression of heart disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 25, 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.

New nanoparticles could revolutionize therapeutic drug discovery

Scientists have developed a novel protein stabilisation technique using nanoparticles, enabling detailed analysis of previously inaccessible membrane proteins. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drugs and open up exciting possibilities in therapeutic drug discovery.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 25, 2009