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Science News for March 26, 2009


Evolutionary origin of bacterial chromosomes revealed

Researchers discovered that second chromosomes in bacteria are formed from plasmids, challenging current understanding of genome evolution. The study provides a general model for how multichromosomal architectures evolved in the Rhizobiaceae family.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMar 26, 2009

Respiratory risk from hospital cleaning fluids

A pilot study found potentially hazardous chemicals in hospital cleaning products, including quaternary ammonium chlorides and glycol ethers. The study highlights the importance of protecting workers and others from exposure to cleaning hazards, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMar 26, 2009

Dust plays larger than expected role in determining Atlantic temperature

A new study reveals that dust storms and volcanic eruptions have a significant impact on the Atlantic Ocean's temperature. The researchers used satellite data and climate models to find that changes in African dust storm and tropical volcano activity account for about two-thirds of the upward trend in recent decades.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 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.

New way to make stem cells avoids risk of cancer

A team of scientists has developed a new method to create stem cells with embryonic-like properties without using viruses, which can trigger cancer. This approach imports necessary genes on a small DNA circle and naturally disappears from the cell population over time.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateMar 26, 2009

2009 ESCEO-IOF Alliance for Better Bone Health Young Investigator Award presented to Dr. Nick Harvey

Dr. Nick Harvey received the 2009 ESCEO-IOF Alliance for Better Bone Health Young Investigator Award for his study on indices of intrauterine growth predicting postnatal development of skeletal size and volumetric density. The award recognizes outstanding research based on fetal growth measurements made between 19 and 34 weeks gestation.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 26, 2009

Large users of zopiclone assessed as impaired

A new study found a positive link between high levels of zopiclone in the blood and impaired driving assessments. Researchers also noted that drivers with zolpidem had no such association, suggesting that these substances have varying abuse potentials.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMar 26, 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.

Team IDs genesis of mass migrations

Researchers use Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) to observe mass migrations of hundreds of millions of fish, revealing critical population density triggers synchronized movement. This breakthrough confirms theories about large groups of animals and provides valuable information for conservation of marine ecosystems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2009

UW-Madison scientists excise vector, exotic genes from induced stem cells

Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a new method to generate induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPS) without using viral vectors or exotic genes. This breakthrough removes key safety concerns and genetic artifacts that could compromise therapeutic safety or skew research results.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA repair mechanisms relocate in response to stress

Researchers at Emory University have discovered that DNA repair enzymes can relocate to specific areas of the cell in response to oxidative stress, which is linked to various human diseases. This finding could lead to the development of anti-cancer drugs that target DNA repair mechanisms.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMar 26, 2009

New MRI signaling method could picture disease metabolism in action

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new MRI signaling method that can visualize molecular changes inside the body, which may signal health problems such as cancer. This technique uses hyperpolarization to detect signals from molecules besides water, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 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.

Protein from tick saliva studied for potential myasthenia gravis treatment

Researchers have found a protein in tick saliva that works as a complement inhibitor, improving the health of rats with mild and severe models of myasthenia gravis. The protein, rEV576, may have therapeutic value in human myasthenia gravis and could offer a new treatment option with reduced side effects.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 26, 2009

Combating weight gain caused by antipsychotic treatments

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that modafinil can reduce weight gain associated with olanzapine treatment. The study showed that subjects receiving olanzapine and modafinil experienced less weight gain than those receiving only olanzapine.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 26, 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.

M. D. Anderson launches graduate program in cancer metastasis

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has launched a new graduate program focusing on understanding and attacking cancer metastasis. The program, supported by a highly competitive grant from the University of Texas System, aims to improve basic understanding of cancer spread mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateMar 26, 2009

Face recognition: the eyes have it

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that the most useful information for face recognition comes from eye images, which provide the least 'noisy' result. The study analyzed over 800 male and female face images to understand why our brains prefer a coarse resolution for face recognition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 26, 2009

Study assesses impact of fish stocking on aquatic insects

Removing non-native trout from mountain lakes reverses their impact on aquatic insect populations. Aquatic insect abundance increases quickly after trout removal, but suspension of stocking alone is ineffective in restoring insect numbers.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateMar 26, 2009

URI scientists reveal mechanism that regulates cancer-causing gene

Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have discovered a biochemical mechanism that explains how protein tyrosine kinases, such as Src and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor families, sense and respond to oxidative stress signals. This understanding may help in designing targeted therapies for specific cancers.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

The host makes all the difference

Braunschweig Helmholtz researchers found that host genetic factors significantly impact the progression of influenza A virus infections. The study discovered strong differences in disease outcomes among mice with genetically identical immune systems, suggesting a genetic basis for varying responses to the flu virus.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 2009

Study unravels why certain fishes went extinct 65 million years ago

A new study has found that large size and fast bite were the main reasons for the extinction of certain fish 65 million years ago. Today, these same features characterize large predatory fishes that are in decline and at risk of extinction themselves.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2009

Individualized stroke treatment available for patients, though underutilized

Researchers found that 89% of patients treated with catheter-based therapy (CBT) showed significant improvement in neurologic disability and NIHSS score. CBT may be an effective alternative for ischemic stroke patients ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, with potential benefits including earlier treatment windows.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMar 26, 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.

Birds do it, bees do it; termites don't, necessarily

Researchers found female termite primary queens can produce both sexually and asexually reproducing babies, mostly growing into queen successors with no inbreeding risk. Asexual reproduction allows colonies to grow faster while maintaining genetic diversity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2009

Changes in gene may stunt lung development in children

Researchers found two common SNPs associated with poorer lung function in children, which may alter SOD3 expression levels. This study identifies a genetic target for healthy lung development during childhood, potentially leading to the development of medication to foster optimal lung growth.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPhysiological Genomics·DateMar 26, 2009

Climate change aims need to be better integrated

A new EU report emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change policies with economic and social issues to achieve effective climate action. The study assesses the degree of climate policy integration in six European countries, revealing significant potential for improvement.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateMar 26, 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.

COPD-related problems hard to swallow

Patients with moderate to severe COPD show altered breathing and swallowing coordination even during normal eating. The study found that COPD patients swallow more often at the end of exhalation, a pattern that disrupts safe swallowing.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 26, 2009

New study suggests Rx estrogen delivery through the skin may show safety benefits as opposed to oral delivery

A new study published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that transdermal estrogen delivery may not increase the risk of blood clots in postmenopausal women, unlike oral delivery. The study suggests that transdermal HT delivery may be a safer alternative for some women.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalMenopause·DateMar 26, 2009

Whitehead member Peter Reddien named HHMI Early Career Scientist

Whitehead Institute member Peter Reddien has been awarded an Early Career Scientist position by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), providing him with a six-year funded research program. He will investigate regeneration in planaria flatworms, a project that aligns with HHMI's goals to support innovative and creative science.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·DateMar 26, 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.

Transforming medical diagnosis with new scanning technology

The new technique manipulates parahydrogen to create molecules that are easier to detect in MRI scans, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses of various medical conditions. This technology has the potential to replace current imaging technologies using radioactive substances or heavy metals.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2009

Hormone-mimics in plastic water bottles -- just the tip of the iceberg?

A study by Wagner and Oehlmann analyzed mineral waters for estrogenic chemicals, detecting contamination in 60% of samples. Plastic bottle water showed higher levels than glass-bottled water, with more embryos developing in New Zealand mud snails exposed to plastic bottles.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateMar 26, 2009

Psychiatric disorders are common in adults who have had anorexia

A long-term study found that adults with a history of anorexia nervosa are more likely to experience mental health issues. The research, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry and International Journal of Eating Disorders, also showed improved reproductive outcomes for those who had recovered from anorexia.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateMar 26, 2009
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Do Americans have an identity crisis when it comes to race and ethnicity?

Researchers found that many Hispanics were misclassified in a 'some other race' category, leading to incorrect projections of racial diversity. The study suggests that Americans may struggle to accurately report their ancestry due to generational memory loss and stigma around interracial relationships.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 26, 2009

Fitter frames: Nanotubes boost structural integrity of composites

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that incorporating treated carbon nanotubes into epoxy composites can significantly improve toughness and crack resistance. The study found a five-fold reduction in crack growth rate when subjected to repetitive stress.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalSmall·DateMar 26, 2009

2 NYU scientists named Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Early Career Scientists

Two NYU School of Medicine researchers, Iannis Aifantis and Jeremy S. Dasen, have been recognized as Early Career Scientists by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for their groundbreaking research in cancer biology and neuroscience. They will receive a six-year appointment and funding to further explore their areas of research.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 26, 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.

Drop in daddy long legs is devastating bird populations

A new study reveals that climate change is drastically reducing daddy long legs populations, which in turn affects the food supply of upland birds such as golden plovers. The drop in cranefly larvae can lead to starvation and death for many chicks.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 26, 2009

Gabon establishes national ethics committee

The newly formed National Bioethics Committee for research of Gabon will review clinical trial protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of African study participants. The committee's establishment marks a significant step towards strengthening ethics review capacity in Africa.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 26, 2009

US migrant health, compensation for night-shift work, and the Pope

Three Editorials in The Lancet focus on inadequate conditions for US migrant detainees, the need for tailored disease-prevention programs, and the recent Danish decision to award compensation to breast cancer sufferers who worked night shifts. Pope Benedict XVI's comments on AIDS are also criticized for distorting scientific evidence.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 26, 2009
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.

UK astronomers observe asteroid before it crashes into Earth

UK astronomers successfully observed the asteroid 2008 TC3 using the William Herschel Telescope on La Palma, collecting data that helped predict its impact and study its rare F-class composition. The results demonstrate the importance of asteroid research in mitigating potential impacts.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalNature·DateMar 26, 2009

New nanogenerator may charge iPods and cell phones with a wave of the hand

Scientists have developed a technology that can convert mechanical energy from body movements into electric energy, which can be used to power electronic devices without batteries. The new 'nanogenerator' has potential applications in defense technology, environmental monitoring, biomedical sciences, and personal electronics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 26, 2009