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Science News Archive March 2009


Page 5 of 26

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

High prevalence of infection with three recently discovered human polyomaviruses

A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens has revealed that a majority of the global population has been infected with three recently discovered human polyomaviruses, including KIV, WU, and MCV. The study, which tested over 2,200 anonymous donor blood samples, found that infection with these viruses occurs early in childhood.

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TV shows convey mixed messages about alcohol

A new study reveals that prime-time television series portray mixed messages about alcohol, with positive messages associated with fun and partying, while negative messages are linked to crime, addiction, or job performance loss. This can undermine efforts to dissuade youth consumption through negative depictions.

Study shows brain activity associated with phantom limbs

Researchers found brain activity in a patient who experienced a supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) that could be felt, seen, and moved intentionally. The study suggests multiple areas of the brain may be involved in SPLs, potentially offering insights into how the brain constructs normal bodily awareness and the self.

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.

Therapists still offering treatments for homosexuality despite lack of evidence

A significant minority of therapists continue to offer treatments aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation, despite a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. The therapies, often rooted in moral and religious views, can be harmful and lead to increased stress for clients who are already discriminated against.

Queen's scientists find new way to battle MRSA

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed new antimicrobial agents to combat hospital-acquired infections. The agents, made of ionic liquids, kill colonies and prevent bacterial growth in biofilms, providing a promising solution for MRSA and other resistant microbes.

Bioengineered proteins: Trial confirms new way to tackle cancer

Researchers have engineered a new version of the tumour-inhibiting protein VHL that can target hypoxic areas in tumours, reducing HIF levels and causing tumours to regress. This breakthrough has implications for treating various types of cancer, particularly those resistant to conventional therapies.

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.

NIST research collaboration spies Galfenol's inner beauty mark

A NIST research collaboration has solved the internal structure of Galfenol, a compound that changes shape in response to magnetic fields. The team found that adding gallium creates clusters of distorted cells within an otherwise regular crystal lattice, leading to its enhanced magnetostrictive properties.

Asteroid monitored from outer space to ground impact

Researchers successfully identified an asteroid in space before it entered Earth's atmosphere, predicting its area of origin and arrival time. The event tested the society's response to a predicted impact, showcasing the ability to quickly evacuate danger zones and take cover.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists patent corrosion-resistant nano-coating for metals

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a method for coating metal surfaces with nanoparticles, rendering them resistant to corrosion and eliminating toxic chromium. The new coating is produced through a simple two-step process and can be applied to various metals, offering improved performance and efficiency.

Who influences purchases of native plants?

A survey of wholesale and retail nursery owners reveals that while customer interest in native plants is increasing, market demand and public education play a key role in its growth. Nursery professionals suggest providing better information sources and marketing campaigns to promote native plants.

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.

More compelling evidence on why circumcision should be routine

New data from Ugandan scientists find that adult male circumcision decreases rates of herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), two most common sexually transmitted infections. Circumcision is linked to a 25% reduction in HPV risk and a third reduction in HPV risk, according to researchers at the University of Washington.

Visual learning study challenges common belief on attention

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston conducted a visual learning study that found viewers can learn about objects in their field of vision without paying attention. This challenges the common belief that attention is necessary for learning from visual stimuli. The study's findings suggest that ignorin...

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.

New wheat disease could spread faster than expected

A new study by Oregon State University and other institutions reveals that invading diseases can accelerate their spread, posing serious concerns for human diseases and a new fungus threatening global wheat production. The research suggests that the right set of conditions could lead to significant crop losses in some parts of the world.