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Science News Archive March 2009


Page 8 of 26

NYU study finds new risk factor for melanoma in younger women

A new study found that a genetic variation increases melanoma risk in pre-menopausal women, with over 40% of those under 50 carrying the mutation. This discovery could lead to more effective surveillance and prevention strategies for this deadly skin cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Recently identified genetic heart disorder often deadly for young patients

A recent study identified a rare genetic heart disorder, Danon disease, characterized by rapid clinical deterioration and early death in young patients. The study revealed that the natural course of this disease is often fatal, with significant cardiac complications and poor outcomes despite advanced treatment strategies.

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.

Researchers find the earliest evidence of domesticated maize

Researchers discovered the earliest dated evidence of domesticated maize, dating back over 8,700 years to Mexico's Central Balsas River Valley. The team found maize starch and phytoliths in grinding tools and lake sediments, confirming that maize was derived from teosinte.

Racial biases fade away toward members of your own group

A new study suggests that when individuals share an identity with a group, they automatically feel positively toward members of that group, regardless of race. This effect was observed just minutes after participants joined a mixed-race group and even without meeting fellow members personally.

Germany: Colonoscopy prevents 15,000 cancer cases

The German colonoscopy program has prevented approximately 15,000 cases of colorectal cancer between 2003 and 2010. The program's effectiveness is attributed to the early detection of cancer precursors through endoscopic examinations.

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.

Glass you can build with

Researchers have developed metallic glass alloys with improved fatigue resistance, surpassing conventional metal alloys in both strength and durability. The breakthrough involves introducing a second phase of crystalline metal within the glass, which acts as a local arrest point to prevent crack propagation.

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.

Early agriculture left traces in animal bones

The study suggests that humans were experimenting with agriculture by cultivating local grains, rather than adopting from southern rice-farming areas. The findings provide insight into the origins of agriculture in northern China.

Inflation 'felt' to be not so bad as a wage cut

A study by University of Bonn researchers found that the brain's ventro-medial prefrontal cortex is less active when faced with a low-wage scenario, despite being aware of the true purchasing power remaining the same. This confirms the existence of the money illusion and offers insights into its cerebro-physiological processes.

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.

Starve a yeast, sweeten its lifespan

Researchers found that acetylation affects yeast lifespan through the NuA4 enzyme complex, which also controls sugar production in cells. This discovery may have implications for understanding aging and human diseases, as the mechanisms identified are conserved across species.

2 'new' greenhouse gases growing

Two new greenhouse gases, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), are accumulating in the atmosphere at a rapid rate. These potent gases have significant global-warming potential and are used in industrial processes as alternatives to other harmful gases.

Telltale heat

Infrared thermography is a non-destructive testing method that allows researchers to peer several centimeters into the material of wind turbine rotor blades. This technology enables the detection of minor irregularities and delaminated areas that can cause mechanical stresses and lead to premature failure.

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.

Support for racial equality may be victim of Obama's election

Belief in future racial progress and support for policies addressing inequality decreased after the election, while beliefs about racial progress made in the US and Protestant work ethic increased.Obama's election is seen as a symbol of racial progress, distracting from ongoing issues with racial inequity.

Florida Tech research may save lives in suicide bombings

Researchers at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a virtual simulation tool that assesses the impact of crowd formation patterns on survival and injury rates during a suicide terrorist attack. The study suggests that following specific crowd formation patterns can reduce fatalities by 12% and injuries by 7%.

After the collapse

Scientists have directly observed a gigantic star blowing up, supporting the idea that massive stars end as black holes. The explosion revealed most of the star's mass collapsed into a dense core, creating an invisible black hole.

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.

Experts turn to Web to combat distressing skin disease

A new web-based therapy programme, eTIPS, is being tested to help people with psoriasis manage their condition better. The programme uses cognitive behaviour therapy to address the psychological discomfort caused by the visible nature of the condition.

Herpes: Scientists find cellular process that fights virus

Researchers have discovered a cellular process that seeks out and fights Type 1 herpes simplex virus. The study, published in Nature Immunology, found that the nuclear membrane of infected cells can unmask the virus and stimulate the immune system to disintegrate it.

Food choices evolve through information overload

Researchers from the University of Leeds used computer modeling to study animal specialization and found evidence supporting the neural limitations hypothesis. This suggests that animals adapt to eat certain foods due to information overload, leading to a loss of ability to process and choose new options.

New research highlights dramatically reduced risk of developing dementia

A new study led by the University of Leicester has found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a lower risk of progressing to dementia than previously thought. The research suggests that only 5% of people with MCI develop dementia, contradicting previous estimates of up to 15% per year.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New stem cell therapy may lead to treatment for deafness

Researchers have successfully isolated human auditory stem cells from fetal cochleae and found they can differentiate into sensory hair cells and neurons. This breakthrough has the potential to develop a new treatment for deafness, with implications for studying ear development and modeling drug screening.

JCI table of contents: March 23, 2009

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have discovered that inhibiting an enzyme called 11-beta-HSD2 blocks COX-2 activity in human and mouse colorectal tumor cells, potentially providing a new approach to preventing colorectal cancer. This finding is significant because long-term inhibition of 11-beta-HSD2 did not cau...

Stroke survivors improve balance with tai chi

A study found that stroke survivors who practiced tai chi improved their balance and reduced the risk of falls. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that requires concentration and balance control, and can be taught to community centers or parks.

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.

Financial advice causes 'off-loading' in the brain

A study using fMRI found that expert advice suppresses brain regions involved in making value judgments, particularly when risk is involved. This 'off-loading' of decision-making can lead to detrimental consequences if the trusted source turns out to be incompetent or corrupt.

Astrocytes help separate man from mouse

Human astrocytes differ significantly from those in mice and rats, being bigger, faster, and more complex. This discovery has big implications for how our brains process information and suggests a higher cognitive functioning that defines humanity.

Software fits flexible components

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Chalmers and ITWM developed a software program that enables designers to virtually install flexible components in new car models. The tool simulates assembly processes, providing concrete advice on component shape changes and optimal installation paths to minimize damage to the car body.

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.

Redefining DNA: Darwin from the atom up

Researchers have developed a new type of DNA with 12 chemical letters, enabling highly parallel amplification of DNA and diagnosis of human diseases. This breakthrough may shed light on the origins of life and personalization of medicine for millions of patients with HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases.

RWJF Health and Society Scholars Program selects 2009-2011 participants

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars Program has selected 17 new scholars to work on reducing health disparities and improving the nation's healthcare system. The scholars will receive a stipend and be trained to investigate the connections between biological, genetic, behavioral, environmental, economic, and so...

Vertigo linked to osteoporosis

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience vertigo than those without. Researchers discovered a strong link between low bone density and an increased risk of inner ear disorders, which can cause dizziness.

Human adult testes cells can become embryonic-like

Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have extracted stem/progenitor cells from human testes and converted them back into pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells. These cells can morph into any cell type, offering a potential cure for diseases such as brain neurons or pancreatic tissue.

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.

Smokers may have increased risk of pancreatitis

A recent study found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis. The risk of developing the disease was higher in smokers than non-smokers, regardless of alcohol consumption or gallstone disease.

New research reveals the earliest evidence for corn in the New World

A team of scientists led by Dolores Piperno has discovered the earliest evidence of maize domestication in the New World, dating back to 8,700 years ago. The research confirms that maize originated from a wild plant called teosinte and was first domesticated in tropical southwest Mexico.

New data on cancer survival in Europe show more patients are cured

A recent study by ECCO-the European CanCer Organisation analyzed data from the EUROCARE-4 Working Group, revealing a steady rise in cancer survival rates across Europe. The proportion of patients cured of lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers increased significantly between 1988-1990 and 1997-1999.

Plastic protein protects bacteria from stomach acid's unfolding power

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a tiny protein called HdeA that protects disease-causing bacteria from stomach acid. This protein unfolds and becomes more flexible in response to acid, but unlike other proteins, it activates when unfolded, allowing it to bind and adapt to damaged proteins.

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.

Genomic variations in African-American and white populations

Researchers mapped copy number variations (CNVs) in African-American and white genomes, finding two duplications with differing frequencies between the groups. The study provides insights into CNV's role in disease and potential neurological disorders.

Tales of the 'Trojan horse drug' and the 'miracle dogs'

Researchers have developed a promising new drug treatment, NO-Cbl, which has shown significant anti-tumor efficacy with limited toxicity in dogs with cancer. The treatment uses 'biological Trojan horse technology' to target cancer cells, and could potentially be used in combination regimes to enhance its effectiveness.

Deep-sea corals may be oldest living marine organism

Researchers have determined that deep-sea corals from Hawaii are much older than previously thought, with some species estimated to be around 2,740 and 4,270 years old. The longest-lived coral is believed to be the deep-water black coral, which has been continuously growing its skeleton for millennia.

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.

Time (and PPAR-beta/delta) heals all wounds

Researchers used organotypic skin cultures to study PPAR-beta/delta's role in skin cell communication. They found that PPAR-beta/delta regulates crosstalk between skin layers, controlling proliferation rates and preventing excessive growth.

IODP-MI president accepts German Medal of Honor in geophysics

Dr. Manik Talwani, president of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International (IODP-MI), has been awarded the German Medal of Honor in geophysics. He was recognized for his work on gravity measurements, particularly on the moon, and his contributions to ocean drilling research.

Predicting mosquito outbreaks for disease control

University of Adelaide researchers developed a model predicting mosquito population peaks, aiding in disease outbreak prevention by allowing for targeted mosquito control. The study analyzed 15 years of data on Aedes vigilax populations, linking environmental factors to peak timing and magnitude.