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Science News for May 22, 2009


Online educational empowerment

Research suggests that online educational empowerment enables learners to acquire knowledge efficiently through social networks. However, individual self-governance is key to success in these communities. The study explores how personal factors like goals, communication skills, and IT skills affect learning outcomes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Web Based Communities·DateMay 22, 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.

UC Riverside chemist recognized for excellence in teaching and research

Yadong Yin, an assistant professor of chemistry at UC Riverside, has been awarded the Cottrell Scholar distinction for his outstanding teaching and research in materials science. He will use a portion of his $100,000 award to support his research and attend the annual Cottrell Scholar Conference.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 22, 2009

New model suggests role of low vitamin D in cancer development

Researchers propose a new model of cancer development based on the loss of cellular communication due to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D adequacy may halt the first stage of cancer by re-establishing intercellular junctions, potentially preventing cancer development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateMay 22, 2009

TB -- hiding in plain sight

Researchers found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades the immune response by promoting regulatory T cells, which suppress the host response. This compartmentalization leads to chronic disease rather than complete eradication of the infection.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 22, 2009
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.

Cole Foundation injects $2.5 million to bolster leukemia research

The Cole Foundation has pledged $2.5 million to support up-and-coming researchers in pediatric leukemia research at the University of Montreal, McGill University, and the Institut Armand-Frappier. This investment will create new grants, awards, a cell bank, and fellowships to accelerate the fight against pediatric leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateMay 22, 2009

'Extreme' college drinking and a sensation-seeking disposition lead to injury

A recent study found that frequent extreme heavy drinkers, particularly those with a sensation-seeking disposition, face a heightened risk of alcohol-related injuries. The study analyzed data from over 12,900 college students and discovered a significant correlation between excessive drinking patterns and increased injury rates.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateMay 22, 2009

Multiferroics -- making a switch the electric way

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made a breakthrough in controlling the electric and magnetic properties of a multiferroic material by applying electric fields. The study uses calcium-doped bismuth ferrite film, creating p–n junctions that can be created, erased, and inverted with ease.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 22, 2009

Results of phase I trial of novel herbal therapy for men at high risk of prostate cancer

A phase I clinical trial of Zyflamend, a novel herbal therapy, demonstrates its safety and tolerability in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), a precursor to prostate cancer. The study confirms that Zyflamend is well-tolerated when administered orally for up to 18 months.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Society for Integrative Oncology·DateMay 22, 2009
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.

Waxy plant substance key for absorption of water, nutrients

Scientists have discovered a mutant form of Arabidopsis with twice the amount of suberin, allowing them to test the theory that suberin blocks water and nutrient absorption. By adjusting suberin levels, plants can be engineered to absorb beneficial nutrients more efficiently.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 22, 2009

African-American women with advanced breast cancer often forego vital treatment

A new study reveals that nearly one in four African American women with late-stage breast cancer refuse chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The authors emphasize the need for improved healthcare access and education to encourage treatment adherence. Further research is necessary to understand the factors contributing to this disparity.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateMay 22, 2009

Scientists announce top 10 new species, issue SOS

The International Institute for Species Exploration announced the top 10 new species discovered in 2008, including a pea-sized seahorse, caffeine-free coffee, and bacteria that live in hairspray. The list also includes the world's longest insect, the world's smallest snake, and a ghost slug from Wales.

SourceArizona State University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateMay 22, 2009

An efficient approach to monitor gastrointestinal microflora changes

The study developed a molecular marker for Pi-deficiency in rats and evaluated the efficacy of Chinese materia medicas and probiotics. It found that middle doses of these recipes showed pronounced recovery activities, while higher doses did not.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 22, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is there any association between COX2 and colon cancer?

A study examining COX2 and UGT1A6 genetic polymorphisms in colon cancer risk found no significant association. The protective effect of NSAIDs on colon cancer risk was not modified by these genetic variations.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 22, 2009

Investigating the development of mechanosensitivity

Scientists have directly elucidated the emergence of mechanosensitivity in mice, finding it arises during specific developmental phases with the growth of neuronal pathways. The study suggests a genetic program drives this process, which is distinct from pain sensitivity development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 22, 2009

Canadian men reluctant to consult mental health services

A recent study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research found that Canadian men are reluctant to seek mental health services, with avoidance rates ranging from 20-70%. The primary cause cited is prejudice, which affects how men perceive their symptoms and social roles, leading to a reluctance to utilize services.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research·DateMay 22, 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.

Recovery funds will support evaluation of suicide prevention training

The National Institute of Mental Health is using Recovery Act funds to evaluate the effectiveness of a new training program for telephone crisis counselors. The training, which began in 2008, aims to assess the benefits of the training and shape telephone-based suicide prevention services across the country.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·DateMay 22, 2009

A potential drug for liver carcinoma

Researchers discovered a novel compound, ADFMChR, with potent anti-tumor activity against human liver carcinoma cells. The compound induces apoptosis and modulates key proteins, providing new insights into its potential as a cancer-preventive agent.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 22, 2009

Low levels of vitamin D linked to common vaginal infection in pregnant women

A study found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels were three times more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis than white women. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the production and function of antimicrobial molecules, which can help prevent bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 22, 2009

A novel marker of colorectal carcinoma

A novel marker of TSPAN1 has been identified as a significant prognostic indicator for patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. The protein's expression was found to correlate with histological grade, cell proliferation, lymph nodal metastasis, and TNM staging, leading to a shorter survival period in those with overexpression.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 22, 2009

Why the thumb of the right hand is on the left hand side

The concentration of Hedgehog determines whether the right hand thumb grows on the left hand side, a mechanism controlled by different concentrations of the molecule. The study found that cells use various molecular mechanisms to interpret different Hedgehog concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 22, 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.

A first choice of renal function tests in hepatectomy patients

The study found that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations, particularly eGFR5 and eGFR3, are reliable preoperative renal function tests for patients undergoing hepatectomy. These equations were compared to creatinine clearance (Ccr), with significant differences in postoperative serum creatinine levels

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 22, 2009

Alzheimer's discovery could bring early diagnosis, treatment closer

Researchers at McGill University have identified a principal cause of Alzheimer's disease as the addition of a single phosphate to an amino acid in a key brain protein, tau. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially block the onset of the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 22, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Two studies in the American Journal of Pathology demonstrate stromal caveolin-1 as a prognostic marker for breast cancer progression, correlating with reduced metastasis levels. Additionally, researchers have identified novel biomarkers for chronic kidney disease progression, predicting progressive renal fibrosis and glomerular filtrat...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 22, 2009

Biodiversity beyond the habitat's borders

Researchers found that connecting habitat patches with corridors increases plant biodiversity in protected areas and surrounding non-target habitats. This spillover effect can elevate biodiversity by up to 160%.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 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.

New 3-D structural model of critical H1N1 protein developed

Researchers at the Bioinformatics Institute in Singapore have created a 3D structural model of the neuraminidase protein, which is critical to the H1N1 influenza A virus. This breakthrough analysis revealed extensive surface mutations compared to closely related strains, making previous flu vaccinations less effective. The study also f...

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalBiology Direct·DateMay 22, 2009