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Science News for March 27, 2009


Discovery of tuberculosis bacterium enzyme paves way for new TB drugs

Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered an enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is essential for its survival, paving the way for new TB drugs. The study identified NAD+ synthetase as a key target for developing structure-based inhibitors to combat latent and active TB infections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 27, 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.

A 'sound' publication wins award

Tokuo Yamamoto, a University of Miami marine acoustics expert, won the 2008 Alan Berman Research Publication Award for his work on velocity dispersion and attenuation in New Jersey Shelf sediments. The award recognizes his research on high frequency acoustic waves interacting with silty-sand marine sediments.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateMar 27, 2009

Penn biologists demonstrate that size matters ... in snail shells

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that snail shells in the Atlantic Ocean have increased in size due to changes in local conditions, such as wave exposure and invasive species

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2009

Quails get super fit by simply eating omega-3 diet

A study found that quails fed an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet for 6 weeks showed significant increases in aerobic capacity, similar to those seen in migrating sandpipers. The birds' muscle membranes revealed even distribution of the fatty acids, suggesting a non-selective allocation.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 27, 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.

Statistical road safety

A report by Clara Fang and colleagues analyzed crash data before and after implementing traffic calming measures in Hartford. The study found that all safety features led to fewer crashes, with greater reductions on streets with higher initial crash rates.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications·DateMar 27, 2009

'Growing' solid science through diversity at University of Miami

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has awarded funding to Drs. Paquita Zuidema and Lisa Beal, who will use their grants to improve communication skills among scientists from underrepresented groups. Dr. Beal's workshop aims to foster international collaboration in the Southwest Indian Ocean community.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateMar 27, 2009

New test may predict breast cancer metastasis

Researchers identify TMEM density as key to predicting distant organ metastasis in breast cancer. The new marker could enable custom-tailored therapies and prevent over- or under-treatment.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 27, 2009

Fireflies and jellyfish help illuminate quest for cause of infertility

Genes from fireflies and jellyfish are used to light up cells expressing prolactin, a hormone linked to over 300 biological functions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The technique helps scientists track prolactin production in real-time, shedding light on its role in the body.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateMar 27, 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.

Study probes the economic impact of undiagnosed celiac disease

A recent study published in Journal of Insurance Medicine found that the economic impact of undiagnosed celiac disease is significant, resulting in cost savings for the healthcare system after diagnosis. The study suggests that increased awareness and diagnosis of celiac disease can lead to health care costs savings.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Insurance Medicine·DateMar 27, 2009

MIT: 'Alarming' use of energy in modern manufacturing methods

A new MIT study finds that modern manufacturing processes are significantly less efficient in terms of energy and materials use compared to traditional industries. The research highlights the alarming levels of energy consumption by newer processes like microchip production, which uses up orders of magnitude more energy than making man...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 27, 2009

A splice of life

A groundbreaking study at Brandeis University has shed light on a crucial step in the complex process of genetic encoding for the first time. The researchers report that they were able to crystallize a large complex of a macromolecular machine in the human cell and determine its structure, zeroing in on the process of RNA splicing.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2009

Crabs' memory of pain confirmed by Queen's academic

A recent study published in Animal Behaviour has shown that crabs suffer from pain and retain a memory of it. The research found that shocked crabs were more likely to move towards new shells, indicating they recall the experience.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 27, 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.

US and Portugal sign agreement for climate research collaboration

The US and Portugal have signed an agreement to launch a portable climate observatory on Graciosa Island in the Azores, which will measure cloud and aerosol properties for 20 months. This study aims to enhance scientific understanding of low-level marine clouds and improve climate models.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateMar 27, 2009

Team approach appears to work best for insect colonies

Scientists created a mathematical model to study cooperative groups of animals, known as superorganisms, which evolve through two scenarios: closely related individuals or policing-based control. This finding suggests that some animal groups can behave like united organisms.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 27, 2009