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Science News for May 13, 2009


Engaged employees are good, but don't count on commitment

Researchers found that engaged workers are not necessarily committed to their organization. Engaged employees require resources to perform well and may leave if they don't receive necessary support. Managers must balance pressure from bosses with motivating and keeping employees engaged.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateMay 13, 2009

Immune exhaustion driven by antigen in chronic viral infection

T cells wear out during chronic infections due to limited presentation of viral antigens. Mice studies show altered MHC class I molecules on blood and immune system cells but missing from other cells, leading to exhaustion.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Would NHS staff go to work during a flu pandemic?

A recent survey of healthcare workers in the UK reveals that up to 85% may stay off work if an influenza pandemic occurs. Factors such as family and caring responsibilities, as well as concerns about training and work environment, significantly impact their willingness to work during a pandemic.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 13, 2009

Study finds surprising new pathway for North Atlantic circulation

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Duke University have discovered a new pathway for cold water to flow southward in the North Atlantic. The study used field observations and computer models to find that much of the Labrador Sea Water follows an interior path, not along the traditional deep western boundary current.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2009

Natural petroleum seeps release equivalent of eight to 80 Exxon Valdez oil spills

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of California, Santa Barbara, has quantified oil residue in seafloor sediments from natural petroleum seeps off Santa Barbara. The oil content decreases with distance from the seeps, creating an 'oil fallout shadow'.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 13, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How an enzyme tells stem cells which way to divide

Researchers at the University of Oregon have identified a key mechanism by which an enzyme (aPKC) directs the fate of daughter cells in stem cell divisions. This simpler process, rather than a long cascade of events, helps determine the fates of subsequent cells.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 13, 2009

Eye association inducts inaugural class of Fellows

Dr. Andrew Tsin, a UTSA biologist, has been inducted into the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology's inaugural class of fellows. He is recognized for his significant contributions to eye research, including studies on pigment regeneration and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMay 13, 2009

Ginseng -- nature's anti-inflammatory?

Researchers identified seven ginsenosides with immune-suppressive effects and selectively inhibited expression of the inflammatory gene CXCL-10. The study uses state-of-the-art technologies to define bioactivity and opens up a methodology for studying medicinal herbs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateMay 13, 2009

UH optometrists make custom contact lenses for long-underserved patients

Researchers at the University of Houston's College of Optometry have developed custom contact lenses to address the needs of patients with eye diseases that affect focus. The lenses correct higher-order aberrations, providing improved vision and quality of life. Early-stage patients have shown dramatic results, and the team aims to mak...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMay 13, 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.

Optimal trip and load planning

The Efficient Load project aims to harmonize capacity utilization and trip planning in a single step, significantly improving truck use and reducing energy costs. The new system is expected to reduce ton-kilometers by 15-20% and integrate seamlessly with existing software.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMay 13, 2009

Scientists develop mathematical model to predict the immune response to influenza

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict immune responses to influenza A viruses, including novel strains like H1N1. The model suggests that prolonged infection limits T cell production and antigen presentation, making antiviral therapy most effective within two days after infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 13, 2009
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.

Golden rice an effective source of vitamin A

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Tufts University found that four units of beta-carotene from Golden Rice convert to one unit of vitamin A in humans. This could help address vitamin A deficiency, a common problem worldwide where rice is a staple food, leading to vision problems or blindness.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2009

An amnesic patient with an extraordinary distorted memory

A 68-year-old man with Korsakoff's syndrome exhibited an extraordinary ability to recall false memories, surpassing the limits of time and details. This phenomenon, named 'Confabulatory Hyperamnesia', is characterized by detailed false memories that are often plausible and coherent.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMay 13, 2009

New research confirms milestone study on blood pressure meds

A new study confirms the benefits of diuretic drugs in reducing the risk of heart failure and stroke in high blood pressure patients. The research, which analyzed data from multiple clinical trials, found that diuretics work as well or better than other medications in preventing major complications of hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2009
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.

No longer afraid to be a bridesmaid or travel with the boss

A new study finds that hypnotherapy can significantly improve the quality of life for ulcerative colitis patients, with 80% reporting increased control over their disease and a 76% increase in overall well-being. The treatment also reduces flare-ups, with only two of 12 subjects experiencing relapses after one year.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMay 13, 2009

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope unfolds by animation

The James Webb Space Telescope, a massive infrared space telescope, will unfold in space once it achieves orbit. The telescope, roughly 65 feet from end to end, has a sunshield the size of a tennis court and an 18-segment mirror that looks like a honeycomb.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 13, 2009

Vaccine slows progression of skeletal muscle disorder

A potential vaccine for Alzheimer's disease has been shown to slow the weakening of muscles associated with inclusion body myositis (IBM) in mice. The study found reduced levels of beta amyloid and oligomeric beta amyloid, a more toxic form, in the skeletal muscle tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateMay 13, 2009

Cold water ocean circulation doesn't work as expected

Researchers used sophisticated floats to show that much of the cold Labrador seawater is diverted eastward by the time it reaches Massachusetts, rather than following a continuous loop with warm surface waters. This finding may affect global warming forecasters and climate signal measurement in the deep ocean.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2009

UC design innovation: New hope for the hated hospital gown

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati, in partnership with Hill-Rom Company, Inc., have developed a "Progressive Recovery Collection" of hospital gowns that cater to different patient needs. The collection features three options for patients who are seriously ill, somewhat mobile, and fully ambulatory, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMay 13, 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.

Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century

The Lancet report warns that climate change will exacerbate traditional diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as well as heat-related mortality. The authors propose three action points: emphasizing the health threat, focusing on health systems, and developing win-win solutions for mitigation and adaptation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 13, 2009

New tool can help predict risk of Alzheimer's in elderly

A new risk index has been developed to predict the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease in people aged 65 and older. The 15-point scale identifies individuals at high risk, who are more likely to develop dementia within six years, and highlights surprising factors such as being underweight or having had coronary bypass surgery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 13, 2009

APS issues new guideline for low-back pain interventions, surgery

The American Pain Society has issued a new clinical practice guideline for low back pain, recommending noninvasive treatments over interventional procedures and shared decision making. The guideline provides eight recommendations to help determine the best way to treat patients with persistent back pain.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalSpine·DateMay 13, 2009

University of Liverpool awarded $3.3 million for genomics hub

The University of Liverpool has been awarded £2.2 million to establish a high-throughput genomic analysis hub in the North of England, consolidating expertise from four partner universities to accelerate genetics research and personalized medicine. The hub will expand access to cutting-edge sequencing technology for researchers and cli...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 13, 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.

MIT's implantable device offers continuous cancer monitoring

Researchers at MIT have created an implantable device that can track tumor growth and respond to treatment in real-time. The device uses magnetic nanoparticles to detect target molecules, providing valuable insights into tumor behavior and metastasis.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMay 13, 2009

Giving early physical and occupational therapy to critically ill patients

Critically ill patients who received early physical and occupational therapy had better functional outcomes, shorter ICU delirium duration, and more ventilator-free days compared to standard care. This study highlights the benefits of whole-body rehabilitation in improving survival and recovery for critically ill patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 13, 2009

University of Arizona research on scorpion antivenom published in NEJM

A study published in NEJM reports that administering scorpion-specific antivenom to children with severe nerve poisoning from scorpion stings results in rapid symptom resolution, often within two hours. The antivenom was effective in treating all 15 children involved in the study, saving lives and reducing treatment costs.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, College of Pharmacy·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 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.

SRI International to screen drugs that fight 2009 H1N1 influenza A

SRI International will screen a library of well-characterized drugs against the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. The project aims to identify new treatments with better efficacy and potency than current antiviral drugs. SRI's expertise in drug screening and development will help expedite the development of new therapies.

SourceSRI International·DateMay 13, 2009

UCLA study shows traumatic brain injury haunts children for years

A new UCLA study reveals that traumatic brain injuries in children can lead to persistent cognitive problems, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment and prevention through helmet use and seatbelt safety. The research also found that younger children are disproportionately affected by severe TBI.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychology·DateMay 13, 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.

Study shows chemotherapy improves survival among older breast cancer patients

A recent study found that chemotherapy in addition to surgery or radiation improves survival rates among older women with early-stage breast cancer. Combination therapy showed significantly better outcomes than single-drug treatment, with a 17% higher relapse-free survival rate at three years.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2009

New study urges new thinking over government widening participation policy

A new study from the University of Leicester warns that government efforts to widen participation in UK universities may be overstating the value of higher education at the expense of other ambitions. Dr Gavin Brown found that policies focus on 'raising' aspirations, but should instead broaden young people's horizons and consider emoti...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateMay 13, 2009

Influenza pandemic planning needed to assure adequate care for pregnant women and newborns

A study highlights the need for hospitals to develop formal plans to address priority treatment for pregnant women and newborns in case of an influenza pandemic. Despite 78% having written plans, concerns remain about resource allocation, vaccination safety, and coordination with public health agencies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalEmerging Health Threats Journal·DateMay 13, 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.

Cereal and milk is the new sports supplement

Research led by Lynne Kammer found that whole grain cereal plus milk is comparable to sports drinks in replenishing glycogen after exercise. The study suggests that a quick bowl of cereal with skimmed milk can be a cost-effective recovery option for those refueling at home.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2009

Mum's the word: The secret to building children's social skills

A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that children whose mothers often talked about people's feelings, beliefs, wants, and intentions developed better social understanding than those who did not. By age 12, these children were as socially sophisticated as adults.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 13, 2009

Breakthrough in the treatment of bacterial meningitis

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have identified a key mechanism behind bacterial meningitis, offering new avenues for treatment and vaccine development. The discovery could save hundreds of children's lives and provide broad protection against this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 13, 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.

Embryo's heartbeat drives blood stem cell formation

Researchers have discovered that a beating heart and blood flow are necessary for the development of the blood system, which relies on mechanical stresses to cue its formation. Compounds that modulate blood flow had a potent impact on the expression of a master regulator of blood formation, known as Runx1.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateMay 13, 2009

MIT reels in RNA surprise with microbial ocean catch

A new method of obtaining marine microbe samples has yielded an unexpected discovery: the presence of many varieties of small RNAs, which can act as switches to regulate gene expression. This finding may allow scientists to learn on a broad scale how microbial communities respond to environmental stimuli.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2009