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Science News for May 15, 2009


ChloroFilms announces video contest winners

The American Society of Plant Biologists supports ChloroFilms' video contest, promoting plant life awareness through innovative videos. The first competition awarded grand and first prize winners for their creative and informative content.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateMay 15, 2009

Identification of a key molecular pathway required for brain neural circuit formation

Researchers have identified a crucial molecular pathway required for the formation of brain neural circuits. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding how axons reach their targets, paving the way for new therapies to treat spinal cord injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalNeuron·DateMay 15, 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.

AIBS recognizes diversity in the biological sciences

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Danielle N. Lee as a Diversity Scholar for her research on individual differences and behavioral syndromes in prairie voles. Lee plans to pursue an academic career emphasizing science outreach and participation of under-served audiences.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateMay 15, 2009

World's observatories watching 'cool' star

Scientists are synchronizing lenses of the Whole Earth Telescope network to monitor a white dwarf, shedding light on its composition and applying knowledge to Earth's weather. The star, WDJ1524-0030, is losing brightness as it cools, with astronomers studying its pulses to understand internal movements.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMay 15, 2009

2 new studies on circadian rhythms

Researchers have made new inroads into understanding the regulatory circuitry of the biological clock that synchronizes daily activities. Two studies published in Cell and Molecular Cell provide a complete view of the regulation of circadian clocks across a day, revealing the role of phosphorylation and temperature compensation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCell·DateMay 15, 2009

Genetic marker may predict early onset of prostate cancer

Researchers have identified a genetic marker associated with an earlier onset of prostate cancer in high-risk men. The Met160Val SNP is linked to a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing prostate cancer, and carriers are more likely to develop the disease earlier.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateMay 15, 2009

Researchers closer to the ultimate green 'fridge magnet'

Scientists have made a breakthrough in developing environmentally-friendly 'magnetic' refrigeration technology, which could provide a greener alternative to traditional gas-compression fridges and air conditioners. The new materials exhibit dramatic heating and cooling when a magnetic field is applied and removed.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 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.

Women with chest pain less likely then men to get proper treatment from paramedics

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that women with chest pain are less likely to receive recommended treatments, such as aspirin and nitroglycerin, from paramedics. This disparity in care may be due to differences in symptom interpretation or patient communication, emphasizing the importance of direc...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2009
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Prevention program helps teens override a gene linked to risky behavior

A family-based prevention program was found to be especially effective in reducing substance use and risk behaviors among young teens with a genetic risk factor. The study showed that the program helped adolescents with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR overcome their predisposition to engage in risky behaviors.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalChild Development·DateMay 15, 2009

Study compares formulations of 3 aspirin types

A new study comparing three different types of aspirin has found that chewable aspirin consistently shows greater and more rapid absorption, potentially leading to improvements in heart attack care. Researchers measured blood levels of aspirin after administering regular and chewed aspirin to volunteers.

SourceWiley·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMay 15, 2009
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Vitamin D expert receives Linus Pauling Prize for Health Research

Dr. Michael Holick, a leading vitamin D expert, has been awarded the $50,000 Linus Pauling Institute Prize for his pioneering work in disease prevention and public health. His research has shown a significant link between vitamin D deficiency and various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 15, 2009

Study makes first connection between heart disorder and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center discovered a strong relationship between atrial fibrillation and the development of Alzheimer's disease in a study of over 37,000 patients. Patients with atrial fibrillation were 44% more likely to develop dementia than those without, with younger patients facing higher risks.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·DateMay 15, 2009

Veterinarians at high risk for viral, bacterial infections from animals

Veterinarians are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with various pathogens, including swine influenza and avian influenza viruses. A review of medical literature found that veterinarians often fail to use recommended personal protective equipment due to discomfort or lack of availability.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateMay 15, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Center-based care and insensitive parenting may have lasting effects

A large longitudinal study found that early child care and insensitive parenting may have independent and lasting effects on children's development. Children who experienced high levels of stress during early childhood had lower cortisol levels at age 15.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 15, 2009

Transplant patients have worse cancer outcomes, analysis shows

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati analyzed lung, colon, breast, prostate, bladder, kidney and skin cancer data in transplant recipients compared to the general population, finding worse disease-specific survival rates for each type of cancer. Immunosuppressive therapies may play a role in the poorer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalTransplantation·DateMay 15, 2009

3-D kidney atlas created for researchers and physicians

A 3D kidney atlas has been created to help diagnose and treat renal diseases more effectively. The atlas, part of the European Renal Genome Project, will aid in understanding genes that play a key role in renal diseases and other data on anatomy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateMay 15, 2009

Glutamine supplements show promise in treating stomach ulcers

Researchers found that glutamine supplementation can lower inflammation in stomach tissue infected with H. pylori bacteria, a primary cause of stomach cancer. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for stomach ulcers and gastric cancers.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 15, 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.

Fathers respond to teens' risky sexual behavior with increased supervision

A new longitudinal study reveals that fathers respond to their children's risky sexual behavior by increasing supervision and monitoring. Teens who engage in risky sexual activity are more likely to have involved fathers, who show a greater interest in their children's lives.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 15, 2009

AIBS honors outstanding contributions to biology

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Joseph Felsenstein, Robert T. Pennock, Bruce Alberts, Michael Pollan, Rita Colwell, and Chip Rowe for their significant positive contributions to the field of biology. The awards are presented to individuals who have made substantial scientific or educational impact.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateMay 15, 2009

Europium discovery

Researchers discovered europium becomes superconducting under high pressure, expanding the list of elemental superconductors. This breakthrough adds data to theoretical models of superconductivity, potentially leading to room-temperature superconductors.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 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.

Early childhood health interventions could save billions in health costs later in life

Research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that early childhood health interventions can significantly reduce future healthcare costs, estimated at $50,000 per child. Interventions targeting tobacco exposure, unintentional injury, obesity, and mental health can lead to cost savings of up to $65 billion.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMay 15, 2009

Family-based program helps youth avoid risky behavior -- even those who may be genetically prone to it

A new study demonstrates that a family-based prevention program can protect youth from engaging in risky behaviors, even if they have a genetic risk factor. The program, called 'Strong African American Families', taught parents and children skills to promote positive goals, emotional support, and racial pride.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 15, 2009

Inexpensive plastic used in CDs could improve aircraft, computer electronics

University of Houston researchers have developed highly conductive nanocomposites using polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes, improving the integrity of electronics in aircraft, computers, and iPhones. The findings could lead to antistatic coatings and electromagnetic interference shields, increasing device lifespan and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 15, 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.