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Science News for May 29, 2009


AGU journal highlights -- May 29, 2009

Scientists have discovered new ways to measure thundercloud electrostatic fields, study the link between tropical cyclones and global warming, and understand the adhesive properties of lunar dust. Researchers also explored the role of clouds in global electricity and found significant water storage and runoff patterns in the Amazon basin.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 29, 2009

Environmental pollution increases the risk of liver disease

A study presented at DDW 2009 found that over one-third of US adults have liver disease, with some cases potentially attributed to environmental pollution. Researchers used the NHANES dataset to examine the association between low-level exposure to 111 common pollutants and unexplained liver disease in adults.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 29, 2009

Omega fatty acid balance can alter immunity and gene expression

A controlled diet study with human volunteers found that a 2:1 w6/w3 ratio mimics early human diets can reduce inflammatory signaling genes. This study provides the first evidence of large changes in gene expression as a mechanism for omega fatty acids' clinical effects

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 29, 2009

Sweden to host 1.3 billion Euro research center

The European Spallation Source will be built in Lund, Sweden, with a budget of €1.3 billion. The facility will enable scientists to study the atomic and molecular arrangement of a range of materials at unprecedented detail.

SourceCampuspr Midlands Ltd.·DateMay 29, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Slicing chromosomes leads to new insights into cell division

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new understanding of how chromosomes separate during mitosis, a crucial process in cell division. By manipulating chromosome size and observing its effect on movement, they validated the theory that polar ejection forces play a central role in guiding chromosome movements.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 29, 2009

AGA Institute presents cutting-edge research during DDW

The AGA Institute will present exciting data on treatments for Clostridium difficile infection, hepatitis C, and Crohn's disease. The late-breaking session includes studies on optimized therapies and new technologies, which may become the standard of care in the near future.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 29, 2009

Theorists reveal path to true muonium

Theoretical work by SLAC researchers reveals two methods for detecting true muonium's formation and decay in electron-positron accelerators. These methods use relativistic effects to create a stable signature, making observation of the exotic atom feasible. The discovery has the potential to reveal new forms of matter.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 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.

Study suggests obese women should not gain weight

A study suggests that obese women should not aim to gain excessive weight during pregnancy, challenging previous guidelines. Instead, a well-balanced and nutritionally monitored program can provide better health outcomes for both mother and baby.

SourceNew York Medical College·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateMay 29, 2009

Lasers are making solar cells competitive

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology are developing laser technologies to improve the manufacturing of solar cells, increasing their performance and reducing costs. The goal is to achieve grid parity within a few years, making solar energy competitive without subsidies.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMay 29, 2009

Chemotherapy combination outcomes differ for aged, younger colon cancer patients

A new study reveals that combining chemotherapy agents with 5FU increases disease-free survival for patients under 70, but does not provide similar benefits for those aged 70 and older. The research found that the aggressive treatment strategy is better tolerated by younger patients, while older patients may experience more side effects.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateMay 29, 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.

Marijuana rivals mainstream drugs for HIV/AIDS symptoms

A new study published in Clinical Nursing Research found that marijuana use is common among HIV/AIDS patients in the US to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and nausea. The study suggests that therapeutic marijuana use merits further consideration among policy makers, despite potential risks associated with its use.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalClinical Nursing Research·DateMay 29, 2009

Height of large waves changes according to month

Researchers developed a statistical model to measure extreme wave heights, revealing seasonal variations in different locations. The study's findings have vital importance for coastal management, marine construction, and understanding biological processes.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalCoastal Engineering·DateMay 29, 2009

Author says challenging simple concepts can save planet

Frances Moore Lappé argues that five key assumptions about the world's functioning are holding back sustainable progress. She proposes challenging these ideas by adopting renewable energy sources, promoting efficient growth models, and prioritizing individual empowerment over authoritarian control.

SourceCanadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences·DateMay 29, 2009

Policy gurus advocate community-based approaches to senior housing

The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report explores community-based approaches to senior housing, including home modification and aging-friendly communities. The report also examines the limitations of aging in place and critiques upscale age-restricted communities.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateMay 29, 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.

Researchers develop light-treatment device to improve sleep quality in the elderly

A team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a wearable device that delivers blue light directly to the eyes to improve sleep quality in older adults. The study found that exposure to blue light levels of 50 lux and 10 lux for 90 minutes suppressed nocturnal melatonin levels, indicating stimulation of the circadian system.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalChronobiology International·DateMay 29, 2009

DOE JGI releases expanded version of Phytozome.net

The DOE JGI has released an enhanced version of Phytozome.net, a web portal providing access to over fourteen plant genomes, including eight sequenced at the JGI. This expansion bolsters comparative plant genomics data for biofuel and agriculture research.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateMay 29, 2009

New study indicates that parents' influence on children's eating habits is small

A new study published in Social Science & Medicine suggests that parents' dietary choices have a limited impact on their children's eating habits. The research found weak to moderate resemblance between children's and their parents' diets, with factors like community and peer influence playing a bigger role.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMay 29, 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.

Continuous glucose monitoring technology -- special issue of Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics

A special supplement of Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics reviews the latest research findings and critical analysis of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. CGM devices have been shown to improve glucose control, but limitations and drawbacks include finicky technology and limited physician knowledge.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 29, 2009

Sugarcoating fruit fly development

Researchers found that adding a sugar tag to nuclear proteins is vital for normal development in fruit flies, revealing a critical link between Ogt and Polycomb protein function.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 29, 2009

Task Force on American Innovation to honor US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

The Task Force on American Innovation presents its "Legislator of the Year" Award to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in recognition of her commitment to increasing federal funding of basic research in physical sciences. The award is a testament to her vision and leadership in promoting scientific innovation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMay 29, 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.