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Science News for May 5, 2009


GEN highlights emerging biotechnology clusters

Newly emerging biotechnology clusters globally showcase life science expertise across various disciplines. China's Shanghai and Beijing are home to the largest groupings of biotech companies, while Brazil has strong centers in Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateMay 5, 2009

Flu pandemic in prison

A conference on prison pandemic preparedness in Georgia demonstrates effective training methods, including interactive approaches and experiential learning. The event fosters partnerships between correctional health and public health officials to enhance pandemic response capabilities.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateMay 5, 2009
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.

Study reveals 'sobering' decline of Caribbean's big fish, fisheries

A study by Florida State University researcher Chris Stallings reveals a 'sobering' decline of large predatory fishes in the Caribbean, mainly caused by overfishing. The research documents patterns across a greater geographic scale than previous studies, highlighting the impact on marine food webs and coral reefs.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2009

Genetic make-up influences biased economic decision-making, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that a person's susceptibility to biased economic decision-making is influenced by their genetic make-up. The research found that variation in the serotonin transporter gene affects how individuals respond to framing effects, with those carrying the 'short' variant being more...

SourceWellcome Trust·DateMay 5, 2009

Arrythmia associated with heart attacks linked to higher risk of death

Researchers found that heart attack patients who develop serious arrhythmia during procedures face a significantly higher risk of death for several months after the procedure. The study suggests that these episodes complicate outcomes and affect a patient's chance of a successful outcome.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMay 5, 2009

Mealtime interaction encourages hospitalized seniors to eat more

A Universite de Montreal study reveals that sharing meals with others increases food consumption among elderly patients in hospital geriatric re-adaptation units. Nutritional deficiencies often occur when patients eat alone, highlighting the importance of social interaction during mealtimes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMay 5, 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.

Examining TLR4 influences of B cell response

Researchers found that people with periodontal disease have a higher percentage of TLR4-expressing B cells, which alter the immune response during inflammation. These cells activate monocytes but inactivate B cells, highlighting a new strategy for regulating systemic inflammation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateMay 5, 2009
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.

Study finds link between hot flashes and lower bone density in women

A study published in Menopause found a significant link between hot flashes and lower bone mineral density in women. Postmenopausal and premenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms exhibited lower lumbar and total hip bone mineral density compared to those without VMS.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMenopause·DateMay 5, 2009

Vanderbilt University receives $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations Grant

Vanderbilt University has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to target the thermal receptors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, disrupting their ability to find prey and potentially eradicating malaria. The project aims to identify small molecules that can block or over-stimulate these thermal detectors.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateMay 5, 2009

Novel antibody prevents infection by hepatitis C virus

A human monoclonal antibody developed by Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) neutralizes the Hepatitis C virus and prevents infection in a pre-clinical animal model. The antibody could be used as a therapy shortly before and after transplant surgery to prevent re-infection.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·DateMay 5, 2009

MedImmune presents new data showing burden of RSV disease

A recent study found that even mild prematurity increases risk of medically attended RSV infection, with highest risks among babies born between 33-36 weeks gestational age. This research contributes to growing evidence that late-preterm infants face greater morbidity and healthcare costs.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateMay 5, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study indicates cancer preventive effect for statins

Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with diabetes. Additionally, statins appear to reduce the risk of cholecystectomy, surgical removal of the gallbladder, in women.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 5, 2009

Still irritating after all these years: Study of adult children and parents

A new study reveals that adult children and parents generally experience tension and irritation, with parents generally reporting more intense tensions than children. The study found that parental perceptions of tension increase with the adult child's age, particularly about personality differences.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateMay 5, 2009

New editorial in the FASEB Journal raises concerns over dietary supplements

A new editorial in the FASEB Journal examines the risks of dietary supplements, highlighting regulatory loopholes that enable toxic substances to enter the market. Gerald Weissmann argues that these supplements represent unregulated drugs with tangible personal and professional consequences.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 5, 2009

Erosion of the Yucca Mountain crest

Researchers predict Yucca Mountain crest erosion due to local geology, potentially affecting repository stability. The study used a numerical landscape evolution model to explore the rate of erosional decay.

SourceElsevier·JournalGeomorphology·DateMay 5, 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.

Better water use could reduce future food crises

Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 5, 2009

New Antarctic seabed sonar images reveal clues to sea-level rise

Scientists capture the most comprehensive set of sonar images of Antarctica's seafloor around the Amundsen Sea embayment, providing new insights into past ice flow and potential future sea-level rise. The findings indicate that the controlling mechanisms of the Antarctic ice sheet are more complex than previously thought.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalGeology·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

NIH grants $122 million in Institutional Development Awards

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $122 million to fund Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) in seven states. These grants aim to expand research opportunities, increase the number of competitive investigators, and enhance biomedical research capacity.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateMay 5, 2009

'Emergent' consumers offer best new product concepts

High emergent nature individuals possess strong traits of reflectiveness, creativity, and openness to experience. They can envision and evaluate successful product concepts through a combination of intuition and logical analysis.

SourceMarketing Science Institute·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

Why parents miss their children's immunization visits

Researchers identified small steps healthcare providers can take to improve compliance with immunization appointments, such as discussing vaccine importance and having open lines of communication. A significant association was found between missed visits and under-immunization, highlighting the need for educational campaigns and online...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateMay 5, 2009

3T MRI detects 'early' breast cancer not seen on mammography and sonography

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that 3T MRI detected 66 malignant lesions, while mammography detected 54 and sonography detected 57. This suggests that 3T MRI is an important tool for early breast cancer detection and more accurate disease evaluation.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 5, 2009

Flow of potassium into cells implicated in schizophrenia

Researchers have identified a previously unknown form of potassium channel, Isoform 3.1, implicated in schizophrenia and linked to abnormal brain activity. Inhibiting this protein may correct disorganized brain activity without cardiac side effects associated with existing antipsychotic medications.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 5, 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.

Pfizer shows support for open access

Pfizer has partnered with BioMed Central to cover publication costs for its researchers, making their research results universally accessible. This move follows the lead of major funders such as the National Institutes of Health and Wellcome Trust, which have implemented policies for open access.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·DateMay 5, 2009

Computer-based phone calls raise awareness, control of blood pressure

A one-year study found that a computer-based system significantly lowered high blood pressure in participants, reducing systolic and diastolic pressures by an average of 11.9mmHg and 6.6mmHg, respectively. The system's regular feedback and automated alerts encouraged patients to take their medication as prescribed.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 5, 2009
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

How social insects recognize dead nestmates

UC Riverside entomologists discover that Argentine ants use a different mechanism to recognize dead nestmates, triggered by the dissipation of life chemicals. The researchers found that live ants produce both life and death chemicals, while dead ants only produce death chemicals, leading to their removal from the colony.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2009

Does new swine flu virus kill by causing a 'cytokine storm'?

Research suggests that the new swine flu virus may induce a cytokine storm in otherwise healthy adults, causing fatal damage to lungs. Historical evidence also supports the possibility of severe infection and poor outcomes in young, healthy individuals.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViral Immunology·DateMay 5, 2009

Little or no evidence for some swine flu interventions

The Lancet Editorial highlights the lack of evidence for some swine flu interventions, including culling pigs, restricting pork trade, and distributing facemasks. Experts emphasize the need for timely and accurate information dissemination to healthcare professionals, particularly in pandemic preparedness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 5, 2009

Theory shows mechanism behind delayed development of antibiotic resistance

A new study by Uppsala University reveals a mechanism to delay the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Inhibiting drug efflux pumps can mask the effect of mutations that reduce antibiotic binding, providing clues to delaying resistance development.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 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.

Extra support helps obese women cycle to and from work

A new study by Karolinska Institutet shows that extra support encourages more women to cycle to and from work, increasing daily physical activity levels. The intervention group achieved a larger proportion of cycling two kilometres or more per day than the control group.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMay 5, 2009