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Science News for March 18, 2009


Earth's crust melts easier than previously thought

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that rocks become better insulators and poorer conductors as they heat up, triggering crustal melting. This finding provides new insights into how magmas are formed and will lead to more accurate models of continental collision and mountain belt formation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 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.

Scientists closer to understanding how to control high blood sugar

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that protein TBC1D1 plays a crucial role in glucose transport into muscle cells after exercise. This finding could lead to new drug therapies or more effective exercise protocols for preventing Type 2 diabetes and other health problems associated with high blood sugar.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 18, 2009

Parents failing to recognize their children's risk for obesity may be contributing to epidemic

Researchers found that parents are likely to misperceive their child's weight, especially those who are overweight themselves. This disconnect can lead to delayed intervention and increased risk of pediatric obesity-related complications. The study highlights the importance of accurate parental perception in addressing childhood obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners·DateMar 18, 2009

Changing the price of foods may significantly affect Americans' weight

Research suggests that pricing interventions, such as taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for healthy options, can lead to lower body weights and reduced obesity rates. These policies are most effective in reducing weight disparities among vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and low-income individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 18, 2009

West Antarctic ice comes and goes, rapidly

Researchers modeled West Antarctic ice sheet's past movements and found it collapsed and regrew multiple times due to ocean warming. The study uses deep sea oxygen isotope ratios to deduce Antarctic temperature changes and suggests the ice sheet may collapse if ocean temperatures warm sufficiently.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2009

Particle oddball surprises CDF physicists at Fermilab

Scientists at Fermilab's CDF experiment have found evidence of a new, unusual particle called Y(4140), which challenges our understanding of quark combinations. The particle decays into J/psi and phi particles, suggesting a possible composition of charm and anticharm quarks.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 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 finds how brain remembers single events

A recent study by UC Irvine researchers found that brief experiences activate neurons and genes associated with memory as effectively as repetitive activities. This discovery can help scientists design better therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer's, which impair the ability to form memories.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateMar 18, 2009

Symposium to look at genetic basis of exercise

Researchers studying the genetics of exercise have identified about 200 genes that play a role in adapting to physical activity. These genes may hold the key to understanding muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, and could lead to new treatments for individuals with limited genetic ability to adapt.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMar 18, 2009

Study identifies human genes required for hepatitis C viral replication

A study found nearly 100 genes that support the replication of HCV and show that blocking several of them can suppress viral replication in cultured cells. Targeting these human genes could provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic HCV infection.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 18, 2009

6.5 million more patients might benefit from statins to prevent heart attacks, strokes

Researchers estimate that around 6.5 million older adults with low cholesterol and high C-reactive protein levels might benefit from statin therapy to prevent cardiovascular events. Expanding prescribing criteria to include CRP levels could potentially prevent thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths each year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

Experimental vaccine shows promise in preventing cytomegalovirus infection

A new experimental vaccine has shown promising results in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in infants, reducing the risk by 50% compared to a saline injection. The vaccine was given to 441 CMV-negative women and found to be safe with minimal side effects.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 18, 2009

Exclusive marketing contracts best when competition is fierce, Rotman study finds

A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that exclusive marketing contracts are more lucrative when firms and products have low market differentiation. By analyzing a real-world example, researchers discovered that non-exclusive contracts can be beneficial in highly competitive markets.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Journal of Marketing Research·DateMar 18, 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.

Research yields potential target for cancer, wound healing and fibrosis

Beta-1 integrin's role in regulating cell behavior and extracellular matrix assembly is crucial for understanding diseases like cancer and fibrosis. The study identifies a key protein, talin, involved in controlling fibronectin fibril formation.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalSIAM Journal on Control and Optimization·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

Spinal taps carry higher risks for infants and elderly, study shows

A new study finds that X-ray-guided spinal tap procedures fail in about 60% of young infant cases and cause bleeding in 25% of infant cases. For patients over 80, the risk of bleeding doubles, but can be reduced by inserting the needle in the middle of the lower back.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 18, 2009

Scientists cable seafloor seismometer into California's earthquake network

The newly-laid MARS cable enables the use of MOBB's broadband seismometer data in real-time with other land-based stations to determine earthquake locations and mechanisms. This improvement aims to enhance understanding of the San Andreas fault system and provide early warnings for ground shaking.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B Applied Biomaterials·DateMar 18, 2009

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.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMar 18, 2009