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Science News Archive March 2009


Page 12 of 26

Protein is key to embryonic stem cell differentiation

Researchers have discovered that the Shp2 protein plays a critical role in controlling the pathways that decide whether human and mouse embryonic stem cells differentiate or self-renew. The study found that Shp2 acts as a coordinator to fine-tune signal strength, providing insight into fundamental signaling mechanisms.

Hippo ancestry disputed

Researchers dispute a recent study that creates a different family tree for the hippo, arguing that it ignores important DNA data. Hippos are closest living relatives of whales, according to most DNA evidence from the last 12-13 years.

Media health reporting: Accuracy improving but still a way to go

A recent study found that media health reporting is improving in terms of accuracy, with online news services showing a notable five percent increase over four years. However, the overall quality of health reporting remains poor, particularly for commercial current affairs programs.

Lab-on-a-chip homes in on how cancer cells break free

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can study cell detachment, a critical step in cancer metastasis. The device helps understand the molecular mechanisms behind cancer cells' ability to break free from tissue, which could lead to better therapies.

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.

Pitt receives $4.7 million award to reduce hospital-acquired infections

The University of Pittsburgh will focus on developing new strategies to prevent and control antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as C. difficile, A. baumannii, and MRSA. The four-year grant aims to improve infection surveillance and reduce healthcare costs associated with these resistant infections.

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.

Ecological insect pest management for Guam

Dr. G. V. P. Reddy's $60,000 SARE grant will educate agricultural professionals on semiochemicals for monitoring and controlling pests like banana root borer and New Guinea sugarcane weevil.

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.

Study finds biological clue in brain tumor development

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have uncovered a vital new biological clue that could lead to more effective treatments for CNS PNETs, a type of brain tumour predominantly occurring in children. The research found that WNT pathway activation is linked to patient survival and may represent an important new target for treatment.

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.

Employee cardiovascular health relates to psychological well-being

A Kansas State University researcher found a link between employee psychological well-being and cardiovascular health, using an efficiency-based measure called pulse product. Those with higher levels of psychological well-being had lower pulse product scores, indicating a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.

DEIMOS joins MARS and its satellite of instruments on seafloor

The University of Washington's DEIMOS acoustic package has joined the Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS) ocean observatory to monitor movements of fish and zooplankton in Monterey Bay. The system uses an echo sounder to reveal what's in a narrow cone of water above the instrument, providing insights into ocean life dynamics.

MIT: Why we have difficulty recognizing faces in photo negatives

A new MIT study reveals our impaired ability to recognize faces in photographic negatives may lie in the brain's reliance on a certain kind of image feature. The research suggests that facial processing regions in the brain are more active when looking at contrast chimera images than pure negatives.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vaccine against CMV shows promise in clinical trial

A Phase II clinical trial found that the vaccine showed efficacy in mothers, with a significantly lower rate of CMV infection. The study used an experimental vaccine made from glycoprotein B and included an adjuvant to improve immune response.

Global poverty is still a priority

The global financial crisis is expected to exacerbate poverty for vulnerable households in developing countries, threatening progress towards reducing extreme poverty. Experts will discuss potential outcomes and steps to mitigate the impact on the most disadvantaged populations.

Swimming pool game inspires robot detection

Researchers used the pursuit-evasion game 'Marco Polo' to create a system for controlling moving robots that can autonomously detect and capture other moving targets. The system, which uses multiple sensors and cell decomposition algorithm, has broad applications in security, environmental monitoring, and tracking endangered species.

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.

Conflicts of interest in clinical research

A study by Georgia State University found that less than half of IRB policies discuss finder's fees as conflicts of interest. Only 26% of IRBs mentioned potential conflicts when physicians recruit their own patients, highlighting a gap in guidance.

Longer bouts of exercise help prevent childhood obesity

A new study by Queen's University researchers found that children who engage in longer periods of sustained physical activity are less likely to become obese. The study analyzed data from over 2,400 youth aged eight to 17 and confirmed the benefits of sustained, rather than sporadic, exercise.

Cancer: Another step towards medication

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have discovered that BASP1 inhibits uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation caused by the Myc gene, which is a key factor in tumor development.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

It's for the birds

Citizen scientists transcribe historical bird records into scientific database for better understanding of climate change effects on bird populations. The USGS North American Bird Phenology Program aims to unravel the impact of global warming on bird behavior and migration patterns.

PSA screening cuts deaths by 20 percent

The study found that PSA screening can reduce prostate cancer deaths by 20%, saving one life for every 1,408 men screened. The European Association of Urology's largest prostate cancer screening study provides robust evidence for the effectiveness of screening on prostate cancer mortality.

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.

Factors associated with decline in child kidney function identified

A study found that proteinuria levels are higher in children with low glomerular filtration rates and non-Caucasian race, suggesting genetic or environmental factors. The study also found that patients taking renin-angiotensin system antagonizing drugs had lower levels of proteinuria compared to those not on these medications.

Zinc oxide gives green shine to new photoconductors

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a high-performing photoconducting material using zinc oxide, offering environmentally benign chemistry, low-cost production, and high detectivity. The material's novel architecture enables efficient electron transport, comparable to amorphous silicon.

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.

Charter school students more likely to graduate, attend college

A new study by Michigan State University found that charter school students are 7-15% more likely to graduate from high school and attend college compared to their traditional public school counterparts. This positive trend suggests improvements in graduation rates for charter schools, but mixed results for test scores and other outcomes.

ONR and GM partner to test advanced fuel cell vehicles of the future

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has partnered with General Motors to test advanced fuel cell vehicles at Camp Pendleton, which may offer benefits such as reduced air pollution and increased power potential. The partnership aims to advance technology that can also address energy challenges for the public.

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.

Tobacco makes medicine

Scientists successfully produced biologically-active interleukin-10 in genetically modified tobacco plants, offering a potential new treatment for autoimmune diseases. The transgenic plants can produce the active cytokine at high levels without lengthy extraction and purification processes.

Depressed people have trouble learning 'good things in life'

Researchers found depressed individuals correctly identified more negative beans than non-depressed peers, but struggled with positive beans. The study suggests depressed people may have a bias against learning good information, which could impact treatment.

Liking sweets makes sense for kids

Research from the University of Washington and Monell Center found that children's high growth rate is linked to their heightened liking for sweetness. Children prefer higher levels of sweetness as their physical growth increases, but this preference declines as growth slows down.

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.

Shellfish and inkjet printers may hold key to faster healing from surgeries

Researchers have developed new medical adhesives using marine mussel glue and inkjet technology that are non-toxic, biodegradable and precise, promising improved wound repair and reduced scarring in surgeries. The adhesives could replace traditional sutures, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.

Atomic fountain clocks are becoming still more stable

A new method developed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) improves the stability of caesium fountain clocks by reducing measurement times and increasing accuracy. This is achieved through the use of a microwave oscillator stabilized with lasers, allowing for more precise frequency measurements.

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.

Big and small dents

The GOCE satellite will study global ocean currents, ocean topography, and the structure of the Earth's crust with unprecedented precision. The satellite's high-resolution gravity mapping will enhance our understanding of climate change.

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.

Frankincense oil -- a wise man's remedy for bladder cancer

Researchers found frankincense oil to discriminate between normal and cancerous bladder cells, kill cancer cells, and suppress growth by arresting cell cycle progression. The oil may represent an inexpensive alternative therapy for patients with bladder cancer.

Grand prizes might help induce sports 'hot streaks'

A forthcoming study by North Carolina State University economists found that players who perform well early in the season have an incentive to maintain their high level of performance into the middle part of the season. This is because they are competing for a top-30 finish and a spot in the Tour Championship, which guarantees them mon...