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Science News Archive June 2009 - Page 8


Page 8 of 26

Mouse model of Parkinson's reproduces nonmotor symptoms

A genetically engineered mouse reproduces many of the non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, including digestive problems and loss of sense of smell. The mice have delayed emptying of the stomach, fall asleep more quickly, and display signs of depression in tests.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJun 23, 2009

Weather forecasts of great value to Americans, survey finds

A nationwide survey found that nearly nine out of ten adult Americans obtain weather forecasts daily, placing a value of 10.5 cents on each forecast, resulting in an annual value of $31.5 billion.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 23, 2009

Researchers develop new and efficient breast biopsy technique

Researchers have created a new breast biopsy technique using a mechanical arm to guide the needle, resulting in increased success rates and reduced procedure times. The system has shown promise for improving biopsy efficiency and accuracy, especially for radiologists of varying experience levels.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJun 23, 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.

NASA awards aircraft catalog blanket purchase agreements

NASA has selected five contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to a variety of airborne platforms for science research and range support. The agreements have a maximum ordering value of $10 million and are valid through February 7, 2013.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 23, 2009

New way to fix leaking mitral heart valves safe in initial testing

A new study reports a safe and effective nonsurgical technique for repairing leaking mitral valves, which could significantly reduce risks associated with surgical repair. The Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty (PTMA) system improved mitral regurgitation in patients treated with the reversible implant.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 23, 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.

NASA lunar mission successfully enters moon orbit

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has entered lunar orbit, marking a crucial milestone for the mission, which aims to compile high-resolution maps of the lunar surface and survey it at various spectral wavelengths.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 23, 2009

Anxiety's hidden cost

Researchers discovered that anxious individuals struggle to avoid distractions and take longer to switch attention between tasks. Training techniques to enhance attentional control may help anxious students achieve their full potential.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 23, 2009

Is 31P MRS a useful tool for evaluating early acute hepatic radiation injury?

Researchers found that 31P MRS can detect changes in liver ATP levels related to liver damage score and pathologic changes. The study showed significant differences in ATP quantification among groups, indicating its potential as a non-invasive method for detecting early acute hepatic radiation injury.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 23, 2009

Meckel's diverticulum masked by intermittent recurrent subocclusive episodes

A case of Meckel's diverticulum masked by intermittent recurrent subocclusive episodes is presented, highlighting the difficulty in diagnosing this condition due to overlapping symptoms. Laparoscopy proved to be a crucial diagnostic tool in establishing the final diagnosis and also therapeutic in nature.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 23, 2009

300 billion weather forecasts used by Americans annually, survey finds

A nationwide survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 adult Americans obtain weather forecasts regularly, with an estimated 300 billion forecasts used each year. The study reveals that most people are satisfied with forecasts and place a high value on them, equivalent to $31.5 billion annually.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 23, 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.

In pursuit of a happiness gene

Tel Aviv University researchers found that 50% of happiness is genetically determined, with positive psychology exercises improving participants' happiness levels by up to 30%. The study aims to bridge the gap between psychology and clinical medicine, exploring physical benefits of mental well-being.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics·DateJun 23, 2009

Scientists block Ebola infection in cell-culture experiments

Scientists discovered two critical biochemical pathways for Ebola virus entry into cells and developed inhibitors to block them. The UTMB team prevented Ebola infection in cell culture experiments, a crucial step towards developing the first therapy for the deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Modern Drug Discovery and Drug Delivery Research·DateJun 23, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
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.

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

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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.