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Science News Archive March 2009 - Page 20


Page 20 of 26

Spinning carbon nanotubes spawns new wireless applications

Scientists at the University of Cincinnati have discovered new uses for spun carbon nanotube fibers, which exhibit high tensile strength and conductivity. The team found that these fibers can be used to create lightweight and efficient antennas for wireless communication, with potential applications in aerospace industries.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 9, 2009

Lobster traps going high tech

Lobster traps equipped with temperature sensors provide valuable data on ocean circulation and processes in the Gulf of Maine. The eMOLT program, a collaboration between NOAA, lobstermen, and marine science students, aims to improve our understanding of ocean currents, pollution dispersal, and marine life distribution.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateMar 9, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Feeling down and out could break your heart, literally

Research suggests that depression can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death and fatal coronary heart disease in women. Women with more severe depressive symptoms or those who reported taking antidepressants were at higher risk for these events.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 9, 2009

Worries about the future cited as a top reason for patients requesting physician-assisted suicide

A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that patients requesting physician-assisted death cite concerns about future suffering as a leading motivator. The study surveyed 56 patients and ranked factors influencing their requests, highlighting the importance of symptom control and patient sense of control.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2009

Gene therapy shows early promise for treating obesity

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center have discovered a gene, BDNF, that can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fat mass, and lead to weight loss when active in the hypothalamus. The study involves injecting the gene into mice and shows promising results for treating obesity.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 9, 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.

Oh, my aching back: Give me a shot of ozone

Researchers found that ozone treatment can relieve herniated disk pain by reducing disk volume, resulting in improved pain and function outcomes. The treatment's complication rate is less than 0.1 percent and recovery time is significantly shorter compared to surgery.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 9, 2009

American carnivores evolved to avoid each other, new study suggests

A large-scale analysis of over 80 terrestrial carnivore species in the Americas shows that avoidance strategies have driven their evolution. The study found that some species use coloration to warn predators, while others occupy different habitats or are active at different times.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 9, 2009

A new view of oceanic phytoplankton

Phytoplankton in tropical and subtropical seas use non-phosphorus containing 'substitute lipids' that utilize sulfur instead of phosphorus, allowing them to continue growing under phosphorus stress conditions. This unique strategy has implications for the future structure and biodiversity of Hawaiian marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Freezing prostate cancer does a man's body good

Focal cryoablation, a minimally invasive treatment, is as effective as surgery in destroying diseased tumors and can be considered a first-line treatment for patients of all risk levels. The use of 3-D transperineal mapping biopsy heavily impacted how patients' disease was managed in 70 percent of cases.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 9, 2009

Aphids borrowed bacterial genes to play host

Research published in BMC Biology reveals that aphids acquired symbiotic genes from another species of bacteria via lateral gene transfer. The association between aphids and Buchnera is over 100 million years old and has evolved so that neither the bacteria nor the host can reproduce without the other.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 9, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study: Many terminally ill patients feel abandoned by their doctors

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that many terminally ill patients feel abandoned by their doctors due to a lack of continuity and closure. The study identified two themes: before death, concerns about loss of communication, and at the time of death or after, feelings of abandonment from a lack of closur...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2009

Study prompts new mandate for N.C. high schools

A new statewide program requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in N.C. high schools to address inadequate emergency planning and increase use of life-saving devices. The study found that most schools lacked concise action plans, needed more AEDs, and struggled with coordinating EMS responses.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNorth Carolina Medical Journal·DateMar 9, 2009

High prevalence of child marriage in India fuels fertility risks

A new study led by Anita Raj found that nearly half of adult Indian women, aged 20 to 24, were married before the legal age of 18. Child marriage is significantly associated with poor fertility outcomes, including unwanted pregnancies and sterilization rates.

SourceBoston University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 9, 2009

Getting into hot water

A solar water-heating system has a payback period of just two years and effectively pays for itself five times over within its twenty-year lifespan. Researchers found that solar heating is 57% of the internal rate of return compared to electrical energy approaches.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateMar 9, 2009
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.

Feeling down and out could break your heart, literally

Research found that relatively healthy women with severe depression are at increased risk of cardiac events, including SCD and fatal CHD. Antidepressant use was strongly associated with this risk, particularly Sudden Cardiac Death.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 9, 2009
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 insights on heart's 'fight or flight' response to stress

Researchers at University of Iowa discovered that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) activation can increase heart rates, contrary to traditional beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation understanding. This finding suggests inhibiting CaM kinase II function could help control heart rate problems in people with a...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2009

What drove the cow mad? Lessons from a tiny fish

Researchers from the University of Konstanz found that normal protein PrP helps cells communicate during embryonic development. Without it, physiological abnormalities occur, and cell-to-cell contact is disrupted. This discovery may aid in understanding prion diseases and developing effective treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 9, 2009

Transport behavior of E. coli varies depending on manure source

A study of E. coli transport behavior reveals significant variability among strains from different host species and sources, affecting cell properties like surface charge and hydrophobicity. Cell width is the only property correlated with transport behavior in this research.

SourceCrop Science Society of America·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 9, 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.

Depression leads to higher health care costs for women cardiovascular patients, national study shows

A national study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that women with suspected coronary artery disease who suffer from depression have significantly higher health care costs. Depression was associated with a 15-53% increase in cardiovascular costs over five years, translating to $1,550-$3,300 higher annual costs.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 9, 2009

Caltech biologists find optimistic worms are ready for rapid recovery

Researchers at Caltech found that Caenorhabditis elegans worms respond rapidly to better conditions and develop optimistic genetic strategies. The worms' quick response is controlled by a vital cellular protein called RNA Polymerase II, which accumulates on genes involved in growth and energy metabolism.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 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.

Coral reefs may start dissolving when atmospheric CO2 doubles

Atmospheric carbon dioxide could lead to coral reef dissolution as acidification and rising temperatures threaten global coral health. Research models predict that if CO2 levels double, most coral reefs will experience significant calcification rate reductions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 9, 2009

How increased UV exposure impacts plants

A recent experiment studying the effects of ultraviolet radiation on liverwort asexual propagules found that students successfully formulated and tested hypotheses about UV impact. The study aims to understand how bryophytes develop protection mechanisms against UVR, which can inform crop resilience.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateMar 9, 2009

Anger and hostility harmful to the heart, especially among men

A study found that anger and hostility are associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy individuals and poorer outcomes in patients with existing CHD. Management of psychological stressors may be an important strategy for prevention and treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 9, 2009

The curious chromosomes of a curious fruit

Incipient sex chromosomes have been found in New Zealand's eponymous export, the kiwifruit. The genetic linkage map of the kiwifruit reveals that a subtelomeric region bears hallmarks of an early sex-determining locus.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateMar 9, 2009
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.

UT Southwestern researchers probe mechanisms of infection

UT Southwestern researchers have identified a new receptor in E coli that senses stress cues from its host, triggering the release of toxins and causing disease. The discovery provides insight into how bacteria respond to stress and could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sepsis.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2009

Carnegie Mellon's Manuela Veloso wins Autonomous Agents Research Award

Manuela Veloso, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has won the Autonomous Agents Research Award for her influential research in artificial intelligence and robotics. Her work on robot soccer has emerged as an important tool for studying autonomous agent cooperation in complex environments.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 9, 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.

Patients being discharged against medical advice

Research shows that patients discharged against medical advice are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality, with some groups facing four-times-higher risks of readmission within 30 days. Identifying these high-risk patients is crucial, and providing informed consent can help manage the issue.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 9, 2009

Montana State team finds Yellowstone alga that detoxifies arsenic

A Yellowstone alga has been found to detoxify arsenic through a process of oxidation, reduction, and conversion, rendering it less toxic. The discovery could have significant implications for bioremediation efforts and the potential for life to exist on other planets or moons.

SourceMontana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: March 9, 2009

Two studies found that SOX9 renders melanomas sensitive to retinoic acid, stopping tumor growth and offering new hope for effective treatment. Additionally, researchers identified two enzymes crucial for ureter-bladder connection during development, which may hold key to treating congenital anomalies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2009

Which research will help to reduce deaths from childhood diarrhea?

Childhood diarrhoea claims almost 2 million lives annually; researchers prioritize improving acceptability and effectiveness of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and designing locally adapted training programs for health workers. The top research priorities aim to optimize use of available interventions and programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 9, 2009

UCF study: Hyperactivity enables children with ADHD to stay alert

A new University of Central Florida study may explain why children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) move around a lot. The research found that children with ADHD become significantly more active when required to remember and manipulate computer-generated letters, numbers, and shapes for a short time.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateMar 9, 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.

Genetically distinct carriers of Chagas disease-causing parasite live together

Researchers have discovered a cryptic species of kissing bugs that co-exist with known carrier species of the Chagas disease-causing parasite, despite being genetically distinct. The study's findings suggest that understanding what keeps these species separated is crucial to developing effective control measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 9, 2009

DNA differences may influence risk of Hodgkin disease

A study found that genetic variations in DNA repair genes can affect a person's risk of developing Hodgkin disease. Research suggests that differences in these genes could modify the risk of HD, with some individuals being up to four times more likely to develop the disease.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateMar 9, 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.

Study links inflammation and calcium signaling in heart attack

Researchers found a link between CaM kinase II inhibition and reduced inflammatory gene expression in heart muscle cells. Inhibition of CaM kinase II protected mice from heart damage, highlighting a potential new treatment target.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2009

Novel electric signals in plants

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have discovered a new electrical signal transmission system in plants called 'system potential', which is induced by wounding and can carry different information. This novel system allows plants to rapidly respond to insect herbivory and activate their defense mechanisms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMar 9, 2009

Ka-Boom!!!

The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate conducted an experiment where a retired public bus was rigged with explosives and cameras were detonated to assess their durability. Fourteen out of 16 memory chips survived the blast, demonstrating potential for these cameras in mass transit security.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateMar 9, 2009

Metastatic bone disease patients can walk in Lazarus' footsteps

Osteoplasty provides immediate and substantial pain relief for metastatic bone disease patients, often referred to as the 'Lazarus effect'. The procedure involves injecting bone cement into weakened bones, improving quality of life and allowing patients to resume daily activities.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 9, 2009
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.

Regular family meals result in better eating habits for adolescents

Researchers found that adolescents with regular family meals had better diet quality, with increased intakes of vegetables, calcium-rich foods, and several nutrients. However, overall dietary adequacy was not achieved for the entire study sample.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 9, 2009

Scientists identify the neural circuitry of first impressions

Researchers have identified two key brain regions responsible for forming first impressions, including the amygdala and posterior cingulate cortex. These regions process emotional and value-based information to form a quick and lasting impression of others.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2009

Addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy continues to increase survival in patients with brain tumors for up to 5 years

The EORTC-NCIC trial found that adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy significantly increases survival in glioblastoma patients, with improved outcomes seen across all clinical prognostic subgroups. The study suggests testing tumour MGMT gene methylation status to identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 8, 2009

Pitt researchers describe molecular '2-step' leading to protein clumps of Huntington's disease

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a molecular '2-step' process that may lead to protein clumping in Huntington's disease. The study found that a slight lengthening of the polyglutamine sequence disrupts neighboring regions, initiating aggregation behavior. This discovery could provide new targets...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 8, 2009
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.