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Science News Archive May 2009


Page 4 of 22

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Activated stem cells in damaged lungs could be first step toward cancer

Researchers have discovered that activated stem cells in damaged lungs may lead to rapidly dividing cells that can develop into lung cancer. This finding is significant because it highlights the role of stem cell activation in lung cancer susceptibility, particularly among cigarette smokers.

Spring agricultural fires have large impact on melting Arctic

Scientists from the POLARCAT campaign found that agricultural fires in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and other countries are releasing large amounts of soot into the atmosphere, accelerating melting of snow and ice. This report highlights the importance of controlling these emissions as a supplemental strategy to reduce carbon dioxide.

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.

What is the function of lymph nodes?

A new study found that lymph nodes are not necessary for the immune system to respond to infections. Instead, the liver can serve as a surrogate structure for T-cell activation. This discovery suggests an alternative role for the liver and may explain why patients receiving a liver transplant sometimes inherit the donor's allergies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shellfish face an uncertain future in a high CO2 world

Scientists have discovered that high CO2 levels are causing ocean acidification, leading to reduced shell growth and calcification in shellfish. Eastern oysters are particularly susceptible, with a 16% decrease in shell area and 42% reduction in calcium content.

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.

New therapy substitutes missing protein in those with muscular dystrophy

Researchers have discovered a new therapy that substitutes the missing protein dystrophin to repair weakened muscle tissue in mouse models with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The TAT-utrophin-based protein approach addresses the cause of the disease without gene replacement or stem cell issues, offering a potential treatment option.

Intervention helps reduce pain and depression

A combined pharmacological and behavioral intervention improved depression and pain in patients with musculoskeletal pain and co-existing depression. The intervention significantly reduced symptoms of both conditions at 12 months.

Scientists reaching consensus on how brain processes speech

Scientists have confirmed a unified theory about how the brain processes speech and language, suggesting that two parallel pathways process complex auditory signals. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, provide insight into disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, and may lead to better treatment options.

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.

JAMA study: Effectively managing pain with depression

Researchers developed a strategy to improve both depression and pain management by closely monitoring antidepressant therapy and providing pain self-management training. The study found that this approach led to substantial improvements in both conditions, with benefits lasting six months after treatment was completed.

John P. Cogswell, Ph.D., receives 2009 Alzheimer Award

John P. Cogswell, PhD, has been awarded the 2009 Alzheimer Award for his work on identifying microRNA changes in Alzheimer's disease brain and CSF, which yields putative biomarkers and insights into disease pathways. His research highlights the potential of microRNAs to aid clinical diagnosis.

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.

Toward cheap underwater sensor nets

Researchers at UC San Diego are building low-cost, low-power modems for short-range underwater networking, enabling higher sampling rates and more frequent data collection. The project aims to create a network of underwater sensors that can provide real-time environmental data, revolutionizing the way we understand our natural world.

Scientists find city rats are loyal to their 'hoods

A study found that rats in Baltimore form distinct neighborhoods, with each community spanning little more than an average alley. Rats rarely migrate, but neighborhood eradication efforts may backfire by encouraging rodents to repopulate other areas and spread disease.

Predicting higher risk for prostate cancer diagnosis

Research reveals that HGPIN carries a high predictive value for future diagnosis of prostate cancer, with a 41.8% risk identified in patients. The study recommends delaying first repeat biopsies at low PSA ranges but shorter intervals for intermediate and higher PSA ranges.

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.

JCI table of contents: May 26, 2009

Researchers have identified the protein ILK as promoting growth of aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma cells and suppressing ERMS cell growth. A therapy targeting ILK may provide a tailored approach for treating the lethal form of RMS, ARMS.

NASA uses satellite to unearth innovation in crop forecasting

By leveraging the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS sensor on NASA's Aqua satellite, researchers can estimate soil moisture levels with improved accuracy, leading to more precise crop forecasts. This innovation addresses the pressing issue of global food scarcity and its impact on millions of poor people.

In a rare disorder, a familiar protein disrupts gene function

A recent study in PLoS Biology has identified the crucial role of cohesin proteins in human gene expression, shedding light on Cornelia de Lange syndrome. The research found that dysregulation of cohesin affects hundreds of genes, leading to unique gene expression profiles.

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.

Can we afford the cancer care of the future?

Cancer care's high costs are impacting patients' welfare and society as a whole. The economic burden is too great to ignore, with rising costs threatening personalized medicine's promise.

Zebrafish provide a model for cancerous melanoma in humans

Scientists use zebrafish to investigate the role of RAS mutations in melanoma formation and progression. The research found that altering signaling pathways can reduce the effects of RAS mutations, providing a potential therapeutic approach.

Sahlgrenska Academy to lead major European project on obesity

The NeuroFAST project will investigate the neural mechanisms underlying food intake and addiction, with a focus on the hypothalamus. The research team, led by Professor Suzanne Dickson at Sahlgrenska Academy, aims to create a comprehensive picture of obesity and its causes.

Strict maternal feeding practices not linked to child weight gain

A new study found that controlling maternal feeding practices are not directly linked to future child weight gain. Instead, they may be a response to concerns over the child's increasing weight. The researchers suggest that some degree of control may actually help certain children maintain their weight.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study compares NFL players' health to that of other healthy young men

A study comparing NFL players' health to that of other healthy young men found lower incidence of impaired fasting glucose and similar prevalence of abnormal cholesterol levels. However, NFL players had a significantly higher prevalence of high blood pressure and prehypertension compared to the general population.

Jeepers creepers: Climate change threatens endangered honeycreepers

Honeycreepers' high-altitude refuges are vulnerable to disease invasion and habitat loss as temperatures rise, putting species at risk of extinction. The USGS predicts that climate change will displace these refuge areas, forcing birds to migrate into higher disease transmission zones.

In rare disease, a familiar protein disrupts gene function

Scientists discovered that a protein complex called cohesin plays an important role in regulating genes in humans, particularly in the rare genetic disease Cornelia de Lange syndrome. The study identified hundreds of genes that were dysregulated compared to controls, and also detected gene expression profiles unique to CdLS.

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.

Pediatrician creates easier way to identify kids' high BP

A simplified chart created by a pediatrician can help identify children with high blood pressure, improving diagnosis rates. The revised chart uses age and gender to determine abnormal readings, reducing the need for height percentile verification.

National study finds youth baseball-related injuries down 25 percent

A nationwide study found a significant decrease in baseball-related injuries among children and adolescents, with emergency department treatments dropping by 25%. The most common injuries were soft tissue injuries, followed by facial and upper extremity injuries, highlighting the importance of injury prevention efforts.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Carbohydrate restriction may slow prostate tumor growth

A recent study found that carbohydrate restriction without weight loss can slow prostate tumor growth by lowering serum insulin levels. The researchers believe that this mechanism is key to fighting prostate cancer growth and potentially improving patient outcomes.

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.

Researchers gain ground in efforts to fight parasite infection

UT Southwestern researchers accelerate efforts to eradicate worm infections by targeting a biochemical system that controls development and reproduction in parasitic nematodes. The compound dafachronic acid sends signals for the worms to mature from infective to feeding stages, making hosts sick.

JNCI May 26 issue tip sheet

Researchers discovered that CIP2A expression is associated with reduced overall survival in gastric cancer patients, as well as increased proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Meanwhile, a RasGAP-derived peptide has been shown to improve responses to chemotherapy in mouse models of colon cancer.

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.

Viruses are sneakier than we thought

Researchers found that Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus uses polyadenylation to block normal gene expression in cells. The virus' SOX protein aberrantly lengthens mRNA poly(A) tails, sending a signal to the cell that its messages are wrong and holding them back.

Did the North Atlantic fisheries collapse due to fisheries-induced evolution?

Scientists at the University of Iceland and Marine Research Institute report a significant difference in Darwinian fitness between shallow-water and deep-water adapted cod. The study found that intense habitat-specific fishing pressure led to rapid elimination of shallow-water fish, drastic effects on populations and fisheries.

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.

Lifelong cancer risk for patients treated for childhood cancer

A new study found that childhood cancer survivors have a significantly increased risk of developing second primary cancers throughout their lives. The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from 47,697 people diagnosed with cancer before age 20 and found a higher incidence rate of new primary...

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.