Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 6, 2009


Treatment for extreme nausea, vomiting during pregnancy

A collaborative Canada-France study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that metoclopramide worked faster to quell symptoms of nausea and vomiting than droperidol. The treatment protocol improved symptoms more quickly and provided a safer option for pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·DateMay 6, 2009

Children as young as 19 months understand different dialects

Researchers found that 15-month-olds struggle to distinguish Jamaican-accented words, but 19-month-olds exhibit cross-dialect recognition. By 19 months, children demonstrate phonological constancy for both familiar and unfamiliar words in any English dialect.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 6, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Sleep apnea may not be closely linked to heart failure severity

A study published in Journal of Cardiac Failure found that obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea are prevalent in heart failure patients, with 47% experiencing moderate to severe breathing disorders. The prevalence was not decreased by beta-blockers and spironolactone treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateMay 6, 2009

NIH multicenter AIDS cohort study commemorates 25 years of discovery

The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) has significantly contributed to the scientific understanding of HIV/AIDS through its 25 years of behavioral and biological data. Key findings include identifying unique features of long-term non-progressors, managing HIV treatment, and the link between viral load and progression of HIV disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMay 6, 2009

Transatlantic alliance supports breast cancer research

The IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference is a groundbreaking collaboration between the European Society for Medical Oncology and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to accelerate breast cancer research. The conference aims to bring together world leaders in translational research to discuss cutting-edge treatments.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateMay 6, 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 of arsenic in drinking water and cancer risk

A Canadian Cancer Society-funded study will investigate the risk of bladder and kidney cancer associated with environmental exposure to arsenic in drinking water. Dr Louise Parker's three-year research project aims to help policy-makers decide whether new approaches to water testing and treatment are needed.

SourceCanadian Cancer Society·DateMay 6, 2009

Drug-eluting stents prove more effective, equally as safe as bare-metal stents

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that paclitaxel-eluting stents reduce target lesion revascularization rates and binary angiographic restenosis compared to bare-metal stents. The study also showed comparable safety profiles for both types of stents.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 6, 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.

UCLA scientists reveal how deadly pediatric disorder develops in brain

Researchers have found a connection between Sanfilippo syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that new Alzheimer's drugs may provide therapy for the currently untreatable metabolic disorder. The study identified key proteins involved in the development of the disease, which could lead to effective treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2009

Insect gene expression responds to diet

Research on cabbage looper caterpillars reveals that dietary bacteria can alter gene expression in metabolism, homeostasis, and immunity. The insects' ability to fine-tune their natural defenses through gene regulation may provide a survival advantage.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateMay 6, 2009
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Swine flu genes dissimilar to past pandemics

Researchers identified 34 genetic markers of influenza infection severity in past outbreaks but found only half of these markers in the current swine-flu strain. The study suggests that the current virus lacks many attributes making previous outbreaks deadly, but more studies are needed for firm conclusions

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateMay 6, 2009

Health-care providers should explain vaccine refusal risks

Vaccine refusal puts children at risk of infectious diseases like measles and pertussis, even if parents are vaccinated. Healthcare providers can play a critical role in explaining the benefits of immunization and addressing parental concerns.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 6, 2009

UCLA physicists create world's smallest incandescent lamp

Physicists at UCLA have created the world's smallest incandescent lamp, utilizing a single carbon nanotube filament that is only 100 atoms wide. The tiny lamp can study black-body radiation and its structure was imaged using an electron microscope with atomic resolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 6, 2009

Star crust 10 billion times stronger than steel, IU physicist finds

Research by Charles Horowitz at Indiana University reveals that the crusts of neutron stars are 10 billion times stronger than steel or other earth's strongest metal alloys. The findings have significant implications for understanding surface irregularities, star quakes, and magnetar giant flares.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 6, 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.

New research study reveals origin of volcano's carbon-based lavas

Scientists discover carbon-based lavas are sourced from the upper mantle through partial melting of typical minerals, producing extremely fluid and low-silica lavas. The study reveals a uniform reservoir of volcanic gases beneath both oceans and continents.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2009

Superior entrepreneurial performance is not driven by technical knowledge

A new study published in Strategic Management Journal reveals that entrepreneurs' success is driven by their industry experience and contextual knowledge, rather than direct technical innovations from their former parent company. This understanding helps founders identify opportunities and develop products and services that meet market...

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMay 6, 2009

Genetically engineered mice don't get obese, but do develop gallstones

Researchers found genetically engineered mice without liver fatty acid binding protein gene developed gallstones, while normal mice did not, offering clues about genetic predisposition to gallstone formation. This study may lead to better understanding of genetic susceptibility and potential intervention before serious problems arise.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMay 6, 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.

Study shows benefits of anti-clotting medications reduced by common heartburn drugs

A new study by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions found that proton pump inhibitors, commonly used to treat heartburn, can compromise the anti-clotting action of clopidogrel. This can lead to a higher risk of hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular illnesses.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 6, 2009

Babies brainier than many imagine

Researchers at Northwestern University found that infants as young as five months old can distinguish between liquids and solids based on movement cues. This suggests that babies are not blank slates but rather active learners who perceive the world in a similar way from infancy throughout life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 6, 2009

UCSF study shows asthma self-management programs improve drug adherence, disease control

A UCSF study found that personalized self-management programs for asthma patients significantly improved medication adherence and disease control. The program, which included a 30-minute session with a healthcare professional, resulted in better health outcomes and reduced emergency department visits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 6, 2009

New analysis shows 'hobbits' couldn't hustle

The study analyzes the feet of Homo floresiensis, finding they had human-like and early hominin traits, with a primitive big toe and lack of arch, suggesting inefficient gait. This evidence supports the idea that Homo floresiensis was an isolated population of early hominins.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 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.

Ocean carbon: A dent in the iron hypothesis

Researchers measured carbon particles from plankton blooms in the Southern Ocean, finding most don't reach the deep ocean. Plankton blooms stimulate carbon capture, but carbon tied up in plankton doesn't sink far or fast.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMay 6, 2009

April 2009 Lithosphere media highlights

Studies investigate the relationship between mantle cooling, crustal thickness, and sea-level rise. Researchers also explore the impact of tectonic stretching on fault formation and the behavior of Earth's plates.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMay 6, 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.

New universal breast cancer marker predicts recurrence and clinical outcome

Researchers have identified a new prognostic factor in breast cancer patients, predicting early disease recurrence, metastasis, and patient survival. The absence of caveolin-1 in the stroma is strongly associated with more aggressive disease and reduced progression-free survival.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 6, 2009

See the force: Mechanical stress leads to self-sensing in solid polymers

University of Illinois researchers create force-sensitive polymers that respond to mechanical stress by changing color, allowing for self-sensing and self-reinforcing properties. The polymers use mechanophores to trigger chemical reactions, enabling a range of applications in materials science and engineering.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2009

UCSF study shows attitudes toward tobacco industry linked to smoking behavior

A new UCSF study found that negative attitudes towards the tobacco industry are associated with lower rates of smoking among young adults. The study, which surveyed 1,528 people aged 18-25, suggests that anti-tobacco advertising campaigns can be effective in reducing smoking rates by portraying the industry in a negative light.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 6, 2009

Random picks better than complicated process in gene identification

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to identify specific genes using rarefaction, reducing the need for normalization in DNA sequencing technology. This method can help sort through thousands of genes to find those with unique functions, shedding light on biological processes associated with all forms of life.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateMay 6, 2009

Tear research focused on contact lens risks, benefit

A study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that even minor changes in eye biology can inform lens-wear prescribing and patient preference. The research, led by Lucy Kehinde, collected tears from 80 volunteers wearing different types of contact lenses to identify key cytokine markers for eye-disease prevention and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateMay 6, 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.

Minority groups pick up worst European eating habits

A recent study by Dr. Santosh Khokhar at the University of Leeds found that immigrant populations in Europe replace healthy components of their native diet with processed and fast foods, leading to higher levels of fat, salt, and sugar. Younger generations are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits, which can increase the r...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateMay 6, 2009

IPM reduces cockroaches and allergens in schools

Using integrated pest management (IPM) can significantly reduce cockroach populations and associated allergen concentrations in schools. A new study found that IPM is more effective than conventional methods in reducing asthma incidences among inner-city children.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMay 6, 2009

Camphor-containing products may cause seizures in children

A new study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that camphor-containing products can cause seizures in children, particularly those from Hispanic communities. The cases highlight the importance of proper labeling and education about the hazards of camphor usage.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 6, 2009

The rise of oxygen caused Earth's earliest ice age

A team of scientists discovered that the Great Oxygenation Event coincided with the first widespread ice age on Earth. The oxygenation of the atmosphere led to a decrease in greenhouse gases, resulting in a significant drop in surface temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalGeology·DateMay 6, 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.

MIT-led team IDs gene key to Alzheimer's-like reversal

A team led by Li-Huei Tsai has pinpointed the exact gene responsible for reversing Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice. The researchers found that drugs targeting HDAC2 reverse cognitive function and boost memory formation, offering new hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2009

AGU Journal highlights -- May 6, 2009

Recent studies analyze global warming trends, exploring decadal cooling periods and long-term climate change. Scientists also investigate recent solar radiation changes, finding complex mechanisms behind 'global dimming' and 'brightening.' Analysis of the Dust Bowl's atmospheric circulation reveals potential links to Midwest droughts.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 6, 2009

New evidence ties gene to Alzheimer's

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found a link between genetic variations in the neuroglobin gene and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Neurobiology of Aging, suggests that lower levels of neuroglobin may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMay 6, 2009