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Science News Archive March 2009


Page 2 of 26

As good as it gets: Octogenarian muscles don't get stronger with exercise

Despite exercising for three months, octogenarian women failed to increase muscle mass, but showed improved efficiency in activating and synchronizing their muscles. The study suggests that it's essential to build as much muscle mass as possible earlier in life to ensure more strength in later years.

Control, treatment of bed bugs challenging

A recent review of published articles suggests bed bug bites are unlikely to transmit disease, but may cause skin reactions. Effective treatments for symptomatic bed bug bites have not been established, and eradication is complicated by insecticide resistance.

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Magnetic nano-'shepherds' organize cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed an approach using magnetism to manipulate human cells, forming chains that can promote the growth of blood vessels. The iron-containing nanoparticles used by the researchers are suspended within a liquid known as a ferrofluid, allowing them to readily manipulate the chain formation.

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.

Optical illusions: Variety makes us perceive smaller quantities

A study by Joseph P. Redden and Stephen J. Hoch found that variety in optical illusions leads to underestimation of quantity, causing individuals to pour more when faced with a mix of items. This perception affects food portions and may contribute to overeating.

New insights into how brain responds to viral infection

Astrocytes, supportive brain cells, produce inflammatory mediators in response to viral infection. The study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of inflammation and has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment of brain infections.

Coronary angiography may improve outcomes for cardiac arrest patients

A study published in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine found that patients who received coronary angiography after cardiac arrest were twice as likely to survive without significant brain damage. Coronary angiography, an imaging procedure that shows blood flow through the heart, was independently associated with good neurologic outcomes.

Study details strategy for boosting ranks of black HIV/AIDS researchers

African Americans are disproportionately affected by AIDS, yet few are pursuing HIV/AIDS research due to historical, social, and other factors. Recommendations from UCLA researchers aim to reverse the trend by supporting partnerships, retraining, mentorship, and culturally congruent research.

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.

Housing for homeless alcoholics can reduce costs to taxpayers

A Seattle-based study published in JAMA found that providing stable housing to homeless alcoholics can reduce their drinking and cost taxpayers $4 million over the first year. The Housing First program resulted in an average cost-savings of 53% compared to a wait-list control group.

Rigorous visual training teaches the brain to see again after stroke

Researchers successfully trained patients with severe visual impairments after a stroke to regain some vision through intensive computer exercises. By building on existing 'blindsight,' the brain's healthy regions were stimulated to take on tasks normally handled by damaged areas.

Bad mix of bacterial remnants and genetics leads to arthritis

A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that bacterial remnants and genetics contribute to arthritis. The NOD2 gene is activated by muramyl dipeptide, leading to inflammation and disease progression. Researchers hope to find treatments that can either eliminate or mask this inflammatory signal.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Aussie meat ants may be invasive cane toad's Achilles' heel

Researchers found that meat ants are more effective at killing and eating cane toads than native frogs, providing a potential solution to controlling the spread of this alien species in tropical Australia. Cane toads' poor escape abilities make them vulnerable to meat ants' attacks.

IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research 2008 Cover of the Year

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has awarded C. E. Semino with the JDR Cover of the Year Award for his paper on self-assembling peptides and their potential in bone regeneration. The award recognizes aesthetically pleasing and scientifically novel images that enhance research impact.

Genetic basis for migration

Scientists have identified a set of genes involved in orienting Eastern North American monarch butterflies' internal 'sun compass' and driving their 4000km migration to Mexico. The research reveals seasonal changes in genomic function help define the migratory state, independent of juvenile hormone activity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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New images of marine microbe illuminate carbon and nitrogen fixation

A new study published in PNAS reveals that Trichodesmium separates its carbon and nitrogen fixation processes by time, with the process switching between the two every day. The stunning images obtained using advanced imaging technology show where the fixed nitrogen is stored within a cell and how it changes over time.

Study examines effect of heart surgery on employment

A new study compares careers and long-term occupational success of individuals with congenital heart disease to the general population. Men are less likely to be employed full-time than part-time, while female patients show fewer differences in employment patterns.

New, more effective nisin antibiotics combat superbugs and food diseases

Researchers have developed a new generation of natural antibiotics using bioengineering, targeting harmful micro-organisms like MRSA and Listeria monocytogenes. These enhanced nisin variants possess greater activities against clinical pathogens and could become acceptable alternatives to current antimicrobials.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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New theory on largest known mass extinction in the history of the Earth

A new theory suggests that massive emissions of halogenated gases from giant salt lakes at the end of the Permian Age contributed to the world's largest mass extinction. The researchers calculated that these emissions could have caused catastrophic effects on vegetation, leading to irreparable damage.

Colon cancer and the microbes in your gut

A healthy diet is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer due to the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. The composition of diet directly influences the diversity of microbes in the gut, with complex carbohydrates supporting good bacterial populations.

Cancer Genomics Browser gives cancer researchers a powerful new tool

The Cancer Genomics Browser is a web-based tool that enables researchers to find patterns in large-scale cancer studies, identifying genetic signatures for predicting therapy responses. By analyzing clinical and genomic data, researchers can gain insights into the complex genetic roots of cancer, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Chemists: Light-activated 'lock' can control blood clotting, drug delivery

Researchers design a lock-like molecule that controls blood clotting based on exposure to light. The biological hardware could be used to prevent the formation of tiny blood vessels that feed tumors, and also release drugs only on diseased cells or organs. This technology has potential applications in cancer treatment and drug delivery.

Study: Embrace the 'Dwight Schrutes' in your office for better performance

A new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that teams with a 'socially distinct newcomer' are more likely to solve problems successfully. The key factor is not the newcomer's skills or knowledge, but their ability to shake up the group dynamic and create discomfort among team members.

Study of cat diet leads to key nervous system repair discovery

Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats discovered a key ability of the central nervous system to repair itself. Recovery was achieved through remyelination, where previously demyelinated axons became restored with thin but functional myelin sheaths.

New breakthrough in global warming plant production

Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a single gene responsible for controlling plant growth responses to high temperatures, which could significantly impact crop production as global warming increases. The study found that mutant plants deficient in the regulatory protein PIF4 display reduced growth and biomass.

The secret to chimp strength

According to evolutionary biologist Alan Walker, human fine motor control limits strength compared to chimps. Humans use fewer muscle fibers for tasks, while chimps use more due to less motor neuron control. This allows humans to conserve energy and perform delicate tasks, but may also limit their physical endurance.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Study answers question of timing in use of eptifibatide

The study found that administering eptifibatide in the emergency room or during procedures to open blocked arteries does not significantly affect patient outcomes for those at high risk of complications after a heart attack. Researchers also noted an association between earlier use of eptifibatide and non-life-threatening bleeding.

Lice genomes: Pieces of a new puzzle

Researchers have sequenced the genome of the human body louse, revealing a fragmented mitochondrial genome consisting of 18 minichromosomes. This discovery challenges our understanding of animal DNA structure and raises questions about its evolution and potential benefits.

A missing enzyme conveys major heart protection in pre-clinical work

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a missing enzyme that can resist the normal effects of a heart attack, allowing mice to retain nearly normal heart function. The findings suggest a potential therapy for stimulating blood vessel growth and preventing future attacks.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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Yale researchers discover mechanism for

Two-year-olds with autism lack selective attention to human movements, instead focusing on physically synchronous sounds and motion. Researchers tracked eye movements of children with and without autism while watching cartoon animations, revealing a key difference in how they process social cues.

IADR announces winner of the 2009 David B. Scott Fellowship

Andreas Niklas, a University of Regensburg Medical School student, has won the prestigious fellowship for his proposal on developing an in vivo optical measurement device. The $2,500 prize is supported by an endowment created by late IADR President David B. Scott's wife.

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.

Brazil plays key role in improving access to medicines for all

A new paper by academics from Scotland and the US explores Brazil's role in changing global AIDS policy and promoting widespread access to AIDS treatment. Brazil's successful HIV/AIDS treatment program is considered a model for other developing countries.

Surveillance vehicles take flight using alternative energy

The Naval Research Laboratory has successfully demonstrated a hydrogen-powered fuel cell design for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can travel farther and carry heavier payloads than earlier battery-powered designs. The Ion Tiger UAV achieves stealthy characteristics, reducing noise, low heat signature, and zero emissions.

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.

To swim or to crawl: For the worm it's a no brainer

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered that C. elegans worms can exhibit both swimming and crawling behaviors, challenging the long-held assumption that these are distinct gaits. The study's findings suggest that a single underlying nervous system mechanism controls a range of locomotion behaviors.

Climate change fears for deadly virus outbreaks in livestock

Rising temperatures and mild winters have led to increased outbreaks of bluetongue and other insect-transmitted viruses in European livestock, with devastating consequences for ruminants. The UK successfully suppressed a major outbreak in 2008, but new virus types pose ongoing threats to the region.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Infant weight gain linked to childhood obesity

A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that infants who experience rapid weight gain in the first six months of life are at a higher risk of developing obesity by age three. The research suggests that early interventions may help prevent long-term health consequences.

Homebody queen ants help preserve family ties in large populations

Researchers investigated kinship ties in alpine wood ant colonies and found that breeding was limited to specific clusters, with individuals within clusters more related to each other. The study suggests that queens often move to breed within their cluster, while males are more mobile and contribute to male-biased gene flow.

Hundreds of natural-selection studies could be wrong, study demonstrates

A recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that several statistical methods used to detect natural selection at the molecular level are faulty. This has implications for the interpretation of hundreds of published studies on human evolution and the role of natural selection in shaping human traits.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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