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Science News for March 16, 2009


Music tuition can help children improve reading skills

A study found that children who received music tuition showed superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared to non-musically trained peers. The research suggests that music education can enhance school performance in language and literacy.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalPsychology of Music·DateMar 16, 2009

Depression twice as likely in seizure sufferers

A study published in Epilepsia finds that individuals with epilepsy are at a higher risk of depression, with racial minorities having seven times the odds of depression compared to Caucasians. The study suggests routine screening and targeted interventions for depression are needed to help serve those with epilepsy.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateMar 16, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers identify cause for severe pediatric epilepsy disorder

Severe pediatric epilepsy is generated from within the memory-forming hippocampus, according to a study by UC San Diego researchers. The discovery could pave the way for improved treatments of childhood epilepsy, which affects over two percent of children worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2009

Hormone offers promise as fertility treatment

New research suggests kisspeptin can activate release of sex hormones in women with infertility, leading to increased luteinising hormone production. The study found a 48-fold increase in LH and 16-fold increase in FSH in women treated with kisspeptin compared to controls.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateMar 16, 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.

New target for heart failure therapy identified

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified a novel signaling pathway mediating aldosterone production, which promotes heart failure. Blocking beta-arrestin-1 could lead to lower aldosterone levels and alleviate negative remodeling processes in the injured heart.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2009

MIT: As planet warms, poor nations face economic chill

A recent MIT economic analysis reveals that a 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature reduces economic growth by an average of 1.1 percentage points in poor countries, but has no measurable effect in rich countries. Higher temperatures also reduce investment and innovation in poor nations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 16, 2009

Young dinosaurs roamed together, died together

A 90-million-year-old dinosaur herd composed entirely of juveniles of the Sinornithomimus species was discovered in the Gobi Desert. The site provides a rare snapshot of social behavior, suggesting that immature individuals were left to fend for themselves when adults were preoccupied with nesting or brooding.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateMar 16, 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.

IADR Research in Prosthodontics and Implants Award presented to Lyndon Cooper

Dr. Lyndon Cooper, a professor at the University of North Carolina, received the IADR Research in Prosthodontics and Implants Award for his significant research contributions to bone formation and tissue engineering. The award recognizes his work on cell-based tissue engineering for clinical bone formation.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 16, 2009

Stem cells crucial to diabetes cure in mice

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made a significant discovery in the fight against type 1 diabetes, using adult stem cells to induce liver cells to produce insulin. The study found that a specific gene called neurogenin3 is critical for this process.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 16, 2009

Less of a stink in diabetes patients?

Studies have shown that patients with type II diabetes have lower blood levels of hydrogen sulfide, a compound that helps regulate blood pressure. Lower H2S levels may contribute to microvascular dysfunction and increased risk of vascular complications in these patients.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009

Fish consumption guidelines not environmentally sustainable

Global fisheries are in crisis due to overfishing, threatening food security in poorer countries and coastal communities. The recommendation to increase fish consumption for health benefits is not environmentally sustainable.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 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.

Risk score helps identify candidates for combined heart and kidney transplants

A new risk score identifies patients who are likely to receive a survival benefit from combined heart and kidney transplants, based on factors such as peripheral vascular disease, age, and kidney function. The study found that low-risk patients with combined kidney failure and heart failure may benefit from combined transplantation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateMar 16, 2009

NRL researchers report a forceful new method to sensitively detect proteins

NRL researchers have developed a forceful new method to detect proteins with unparalleled sensitivity and simplicity. The approach can identify as few as 35 attomolar concentrations in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for medical diagnostics, food testing, and national security.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 16, 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.

Tree species composition influences nitrogen loss from forests

A study in the Catskill Mountains reveals that certain tree species retain more nitrogen in their soils, reducing leaching losses. The research found that sugar maple trees are particularly susceptible to nitrogen leaching, while forests dominated by red oak and hemlock retain more nitrogen.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 16, 2009

Waking up dormant HIV

Researchers find suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) activates latent HIV in cells and blood samples, potentially improving upon HAART treatment. This breakthrough offers new hope for eradicating the virus.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2009

Search for blood pressure secrets reveals a surprising new syndrome

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a previously undescribed syndrome associated with seizures, developmental delay, and hearing loss. The syndrome, named SeSAME, is caused by mutations in the KCNJ10 gene, which affects potassium channels in the brain, inner ear, and kidney.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 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.

NRL researchers explore magnetic properties of iron-based superconductors

Researchers at NRL propose a new paradigm for high-temperature superconductivity in iron-based materials, where string magnetism plays a crucial role. Theoretical models suggest that Fe ions are always magnetic but the observable moment is strongly reduced due to antiferromagnetic domains.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 16, 2009

Dancing 'adatoms' help chemists understand how water molecules split

Chemists have visualized a chemical reaction that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen, improving our understanding of processes like hydrogen production and pollution cleanup. The discovery reveals that water can act as a catalyst, enabling the movement of adatoms on a metal oxide slab.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2009

IADR and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announce winners of 2009 Innovation in Oral Care Awards

Three researchers have been awarded $75,000 grants to develop novel treatments for periodontal diseases, including a peptide-based hydrogel for dentin-pulp complex regeneration and an optical coherence tomography device for non-invasive diagnosis. The awards aim to improve oral health worldwide through innovative technologies.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 16, 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.

Stun guns may cause seizures

A new case report suggests stun guns can cause seizures, particularly when shots are fired at the head. The study analyzed an incident where a police officer was mistakenly hit by a taser and experienced severe symptoms, including mild traumatic brain injury.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2009

Penn Medicine pathologists pioneer biomarker test to diagnose or rule out Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a biomarker test that can confirm or rule out Alzheimer's disease by measuring cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of amyloid beta42 peptide and tau protein. The test accurately predicted the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in 81.8% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 16, 2009

No consistent advantage for planting soybean early

A study analyzing 28 soybean experiments found no significant yield advantage for early plantings, regardless of region or variety. However, delaying plantings beyond the critical date in late May or early June led to a substantial loss of yields, suggesting producers should prioritize timely planting.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 16, 2009

Canberra parents lack allergy awareness: Study

A new study found that nearly four percent of ACT kindergarten children have a peanut allergy, while some parents take inappropriate action when dealing with their child's allergy. Parents should administer oral antihistamines and seek medical attention in case of severe allergic reactions.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateMar 16, 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.

Obese women play cancer roulette

Research finds that obese women, especially white ones, are less likely to have undergone a recent mammography compared to normal weight women. The study highlights poor self-esteem, body image issues, and racial disparities in obesity-related body image as reasons for the disparity.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009

Guitarists' brains swing together

Research using EEG shows that guitarists' brains become more synchronized when playing together, with the frontal and central regions showing strong synchronization patterns. This finding has implications for how our brains interact during coordinated actions, such as music performance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateMar 16, 2009

Flies may spread drug-resistant bacteria from poultry operations

Researchers found evidence that houseflies collected near broiler poultry operations can contribute to the dispersion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study suggests that flies in intensive production areas could efficiently spread resistant organisms over large distances.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 16, 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.

Carnegie Mellon scientist confirms liquid-liquid phase transition in silicon

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have established evidence of a liquid-liquid phase transition in supercooled silicon, revealing two distinct forms of liquid silicon with unique properties. This breakthrough uses rigorous computer calculations and quantum mechanics to gain a better understanding of materials behavior.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2009

Spreading high-speed Internet to rural areas

A new device using a Raman amplifier has successfully transmitted data over 37 miles of single-mode fiber, error-free, at a speed of 2.5 Gb/s. This technology could provide high-speed Internet to 99% of Australians living in Victoria, closing the digital divide.

SourceOptica·DateMar 16, 2009

University of Florida professor receives IADR Research in Dental Caries Award

Dr. Robert Burne, a renowned oral microbiologist, has received the prestigious IADR Research in Dental Caries Award for his groundbreaking studies on Streptococcus mutans and the formation of oral biofilms. The award recognizes his extensive contributions to understanding caries etiology and prevention.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 16, 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.

Catching the common cold virus genome

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers reveals how and where the rhinovirus genome evolves to evade the human immune system and drugs. The findings provide valuable insights for developing effective vaccines against this common cold virus.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 16, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends taking aspirin in at-risk patients to prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, the quality of care in nursing homes remains suboptimal, and creating a specialized physician training program may help address this issue.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009

Microscope reveals how bacteria 'breathe' toxic metals

Researchers have discovered how Shewanella bacteria 'breathe' toxic metals, converting them into non-toxic forms. This process could potentially clean up contaminated nuclear waste sites by utilizing the bacteria's ability to extract energy from metal oxides.

SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 16, 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.

Defibrillators may have little benefit for older people with comorbidities

A study published in CMAJ found that implanted defibrillators offer limited survival benefits for older patients with comorbidities. However, younger patients and those without kidney disease may see a benefit from implantable defibrillators to prevent sudden death. The study analyzed over 14,000 patients with heart failure.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2009

France-Israel scientific cooperation agreement

The renewal of the European Associated Laboratory Agreement establishes a France-Israel laboratory of neuroscience, fostering joint research projects and collaborative publications. The new agreement aims to promote brain research opportunities in Europe amidst calls for boycotting Israeli academia.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateMar 16, 2009

First sister study results reinforce the importance of healthy living

A new study reinforces the importance of healthy living by finding that women with a healthy weight and lower perceived stress may have slower telomere shortening, potentially reducing breast cancer risk. The study suggests that duration of obesity and levels of perceived stress can impact telomere length, accelerating aging.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMar 16, 2009

Combination therapy restores T cell numbers in HIV-infected individuals

A new study found that intermittent IL-7 therapy, combined with conventional antiretroviral therapy (c-ART), boosts the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HIV-infected patients with low T cell counts. This effect was observed for 48 weeks, suggesting a potential treatment option for these individuals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 16, 2009

Nanoscopic probes can track down and attack cancer cells

Researchers have developed nanoscale probes that can pinpoint tumors and deliver drugs directly to cancer cells using antibodies and magnetic particles. These probes offer a promising approach for more precise cancer treatment, expanding the possibilities of MRI-based tracking and optical luminescence.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 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.

Odds are, seedings don't matter after Sweet 16, University of Illinois professor says

According to Sheldon H. Jacobson, a University of Illinois professor, a team's seeding is statistically insignificant in predicting their chances of winning in the later rounds of the tournament. Ignoring a team's seeding can lead to more accurate predictions, especially after the Sweet Sixteen round.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Gambling Business and Economics·DateMar 16, 2009

Mini dinosaurs prowled North America

Researchers have discovered a new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Hesperonychus elizabethae, in North America. The miniature predator, weighing around two kilograms and standing 50 centimeters tall, was likely to hunt insects and small mammals.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 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.

Dendritic cells ensure immune tolerance

Research suggests that dendritic cells are essential for generating and maintaining immunological tolerance. Without these cells, the immune system fails to distinguish between self and foreign substances, leading to autoimmune responses. This study highlights the critical role of dendritic cells in protecting against autoimmune diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: March 16, 2009

Researchers identify LIPG gene mutations that result in elevated HDL-C levels, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, a new study suggests intermittent IL-7 therapy may boost CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 16, 2009

Shifting sound to light may lead to better computer chips

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new technique that converts high-frequency sound waves into light, allowing for more accurate characterization of semiconductor devices. This method has the potential to improve the manufacturing process for computer chips, LEDs, and transistors.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 16, 2009

Where does consciousness come from?

A new paper suggests that four specific processes occur only in conscious perception tasks, offering a unique insight into the neural correlates of consciousness. By studying brain activity of patients with epilepsy, researchers isolated four converging electrophysiological markers characterizing conscious access after word perception.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 16, 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.

First treatment for muscular dystrophy in sight: Scientists successfully harness exon-skipping

Researchers at Children's National Medical Center and colleagues in Tokyo have achieved the first successful application of exon-skipping to curb Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs. The treatment uses synthetic DNA-like molecules called morpholinos to skip over mutated gene parts, showing promise for humans with this genetic disorder.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 16, 2009

Paper electrified by copper particles

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have successfully produced nano-sized metallic copper particles that can form electricity-conducting layers and patterns on paper. The particles, protected by polymeric compounds, exhibit good electrical conductivity and make them promising materials for electronics printed on paper.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 16, 2009

Stress may cause the brain to become disconnected

New study finds stress-related changes in brain structure may lead to depression-like behavior and PTSD. Researchers propose that restoring hippocampal synapses could provide immediate relief from depressive symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 16, 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.

Hospital infection control strategies for antibiotic-resistant organisms

Effective measures to prevent and control hospital infections from antibiotic-resistant organisms include proper hand hygiene, a clean environment, and early patient identification. Hospital-acquired infections are more common in patients with certain risk factors such as older age, severe disease, or prolonged antibiotic use.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2009

New human genetic link to high levels of 'good' cholesterol

A new study identifies a human genetic link to high levels of 'good' cholesterol, highlighting the role of endothelial lipase enzyme mutations in HDL-C levels. Researchers discovered rare mutated forms of the LIPG gene that significantly increase plasma HDL-C levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 16, 2009

Acitretin therapy may help reduce nail psoriasis

Low-dose acitretin therapy shows promise in reducing nail psoriasis symptoms, with 25-33% of patients experiencing complete or near-complete clearing. The treatment also demonstrates safety and effectiveness in improving quality of life for patients suffering from severe nail psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMar 16, 2009

UH sociologist has different perspective on obesity 'epidemic'

Assistant professor Samantha Kwan argues that the concept of obesity has been overstated and is influenced by cultural beauty messages and health discourses. She claims that women are more closely tied to weight and appearance, and that conforming to norms can bring benefits beyond being healthier.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSociological Inquiry·DateMar 16, 2009

UV lights decrease infectious TB in hospital room air

Researchers used guinea pigs to test air disinfection methods, finding that UV lights and negative ionizers reduced TB transmission. The study showed a significant decrease in TB infection rates when UV lights and fans were used to ventilate patient room air.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 16, 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.

UV light cuts spread of TB

Researchers found that installing UV C lights can reduce TB transmission, including drug-resistant strains. The study showed a 35-45% reduction in infection rates when UVC lights were used.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009

Historical increase in corn yield -- it's in the roots

A new study published in Crop Science found that the root structure of corn crops plays a key role in the historical yield increases in the US Corn Belt. The research revealed that changes in root systems allow for more efficient water capture and sustain biomass accumulation.

SourceCrop Science Society of America·JournalCrop Science·DateMar 16, 2009

'Thinking like a trader' may diminish emotional reaction and aversion to loss

The study found that individuals who focus on individual choices are more loss-averse, while those considering portfolio strategies exhibit less emotional response to losses. This shift in perspective reduces physiological arousal, such as increased sweating, associated with financial losses.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2009
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Glass tables: An overlooked safety threat

A study by Children's Hospital Boston found that half of glass-table injuries could have been prevented or less severe with safety glass. Tempered glass can significantly reduce these types of injuries, which often result in severe lacerations and disfiguring scars.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPediatric Emergency Care·DateMar 16, 2009

Researchers develop DNA 'patch' for canine form of muscular dystrophy

Scientists have developed a successful treatment for dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy using 'exon skipping' technology, which covers up genetic errors. The treatment involves injecting tailor-made DNA patches into the bloodstream, improving muscle functioning and reducing deterioration in skeletal muscles.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 16, 2009