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Science News for May 7, 2009


Timing is everything for northern shrimp populations in the north Atlantic

Researchers found a surprising tendency for Northern shrimp eggs to hatch and larvae to appear near spring phytoplankton blooms, which are triggered by temperature and sunlight. This timing is strongly dependent on local bottom water temperatures, suggesting that the species has evolved to maximize larval survival.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2009

Expression of infrared fluorescence engineered in mammals

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new class of infrared-fluorescent proteins (IFPs) that can be expressed in mammalian cells. These proteins are suitable for whole-body imaging in small animals and may provide a prototype for future studies in animal models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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.

Honeybees are on the rise but demand grows faster

A recent study reveals that honeybee populations are increasing worldwide, contrary to concerns of a 'pollination crisis'. However, the demand for crops relying on insect pollination has more than tripled over the last half century.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2009

Disappearing act of world's second largest fish explained

Basking sharks, the world's second-largest fish, migrate through tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean during winter, defying previous notions of their habitat. This discovery highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts to protect this threatened species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 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.

Undiagnosed diabetes takes economic toll

A recent study reveals that approximately 6.3 million adults in the US with undiagnosed diabetes account for an estimated $18 billion in health care costs each year. The economic toll of undiagnosed diabetes is significantly higher than previously thought, rising to over $192 billion annually.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMay 7, 2009

Study: US-Canadian shale could neutralize Russian energy threat to Europeans

A new study by the Baker Institute at Rice University suggests that US and Canadian shale gas production, along with alternative natural gas supplies from Iraq and other sources, can counterbalance Russia's energy influence over Europe. The research recommends enhanced energy security measures, including natural gas storage capacity an...

SourceRice University·DateMay 7, 2009

Study in pregnant women suggests probiotics may help ward off obesity

A new study found that taking probiotics during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of obesity in women, particularly central obesity and body fat percentage. The study involved 256 pregnant women who received either dietary counselling alone or with daily capsules of probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 7, 2009

4-in-1

Researchers have developed a four-in-one agent that can detect, target, and disable tumor cells while also making them visible through MRI and microscopic imaging. The agent uses siRNAs to suppress specific genes in cancer cells, providing a new approach to targeted gene suppression in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 7, 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.

UIC receives $1M HUD grant to study green healthy housing

Researchers will evaluate health and monetary benefits of green, affordable housing for low-income residents, comparing data before and after moving. They expect significant improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateMay 7, 2009

New technique may help detect potential breast cancer spread

A new molecular biology-based technique has been shown to detect potential breast cancer spread with high accuracy, speed, and specificity. The Lymphoseek molecule binds to lymph node white blood cells, allowing for targeted detection of nearby 'sentinel nodes' that are most likely to contain cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 7, 2009

Too much of a good thing

Researchers at Temple University discovered that women who perceive their bodies as ideal, even if they are obese or overweight, can still experience health issues. The study found that African-American and Hispanic women underestimated their current body size more often than white women.

SourceTemple University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 7, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Up to 1 in 6 older people living at home face malnutrition risk

A study of older people living at home found that up to 1 in 6 were under-nourished and at risk of malnutrition, with women facing a higher risk than men. Depression was also identified as a significant factor increasing the risk of malnutrition, particularly among men.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateMay 7, 2009

Bioelectricity promises more 'miles per acre' than ethanol

Researchers found that bioelectricity produces 80% more transportation miles and double greenhouse gas offsets than ethanol, making it a more efficient alternative. The study also found that bioelectricity can help mitigate climate change by preventing or offsetting up to 10 tons of CO2 per acre

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2009

NASA's THEMIS: 'singing' electrons help create and destroy 'killer' electrons

Scientists using NASA's THEMIS spacecraft have discovered the connection between 'singing' chorus waves and the generation of hiss, which helps clear killer electrons from Earth's radiation belts. The new research confirms that chorus waves can be refracted into the inner portion of the radiation belts by dense plasma near Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2009

Transmission of MRSA and Clostridium difficile through dogs

A study found that pet therapy dogs can transfer MRSA and C. difficile to patients through contact, highlighting the need for hand sanitation procedures among both handlers and animals. The transmission of these pathogens poses a new avenue for spread, potentially impacting influenza and norovirus as well.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·DateMay 7, 2009

Consumers more likely to identify healthy food using traffic light nutrition labels

Researchers found that traffic light nutrition labels are more effective than percentage daily intake labels in helping consumers identify healthier foods. The study, which tested four different approaches on 790 Australians, recommended mandatory traffic light labelling regulation to improve nutrition information and promote healthier...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 7, 2009
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.

Patients with mild to moderate OSA may benefit from exercise

A recent study suggests that exercises can improve symptoms of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by promoting remodeling of the upper airways. After three months, patients in the exercise group showed significant improvements in oxygen saturation levels, snoring symptoms, and quality of sleep scores.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 7, 2009

Study reveals current multicomponent vaccines may need reworking

Researchers discovered a new mechanism that affects the immune system's ability to respond to certain vaccine components. The study found that low-stability peptide:MHC class II complexes support initial T cell expansion, but competitive responses to immunodominant peptides stall the response.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2009

New look at Facebook and grades

Researchers from Northwestern University found no evidence that Facebook use correlates with lower academic achievement. Instead, they suggest that the impact of social networking sites on students depends on how they are used, with cultivating relationships potentially leading to positive outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFirst Monday·DateMay 7, 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.

Team of researchers achieves major step toward faster chips

A team of scientists and engineers from Stanford, University of Florida, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory created an n-type transistor out of graphene nanoribbon, opening the door to faster, smaller, and more versatile computer chips.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2009

Study finds children's activity levels not influenced by more PE time in school

A study found that children who received more physical education time in school compensated by doing less at home, while those with less PE time made up for it by being more active at home. The researchers propose a central control mechanism similar to appetite in the brain, known as activitystat, which regulates physical activity levels.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 7, 2009

Health and well-being in old age: It's still money that counts

Research reveals significant wealth-related disparities in health and life expectancy among older adults, highlighting the importance of socio-economic factors. Engaging in non-work activities like volunteering can improve mental health and well-being when individuals feel valued and rewarded.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 7, 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.

A potential anti-ulcer herb medicine: Rocket 'Eruca sativa'

Research suggests that Rocket 'Eruca sativa' has potent gastric anti-ulcer properties, inhibiting acid secretion and reducing ulceration. The herb's extract also replenishes mucous and sulfhydryl levels, while reducing oxidative stress markers.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 7, 2009

Massage after exercise myth busted by Queen's research team

A Queen's University research team challenges the common belief that massage after exercise improves circulation to the muscle and removes lactic acid. Their study reveals that massage actually impairs blood flow to the muscle after exercise, resulting in impaired removal of lactic acid.

SourceQueen's University·DateMay 7, 2009

UC Riverside receives $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant

Researchers at UC Riverside will explore the development of novel olfactory repellents to prevent mosquito-human contact and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to identify odors that inhibit mosquitoes' ability to detect human hosts, potentially leading to effective and environmentally safe insect repellents.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 7, 2009
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Kidney disease patients reap rewards of prevention

A study analyzing Medicare data found that increasing preventive care measures, such as influenza vaccines and blood glucose monitoring, correlates with lower heart disease incidence in CKD patients. These measures can slow disease progression and improve overall health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 7, 2009

Dengue fever costs billions in health care, lost productivity and absenteeism

A new study from Brandeis University estimates the economic cost of dengue fever globally at $1.8 billion annually, with a significant impact on healthcare systems and societies. The research assesses direct and indirect costs, including school absenteeism, lost productivity, and unpaid caregiver time.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 7, 2009

Report examines limits of national power grid simulations

The report assesses challenges in simulating the national power grid due to changing energy needs, intermittent renewable sources, and smart grid technologies. The study aims to devise ways to solve grid congestion issues and improve efficiency, with potential benefits for consumers and the environment.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateMay 7, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

IMPAKT -- Breast cancer conference highlights

Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict which breast cancer patients will respond well to treatment with epirubicin, a widely used form of chemotherapy. This signature may help ensure fewer women are exposed to severe side effects by identifying those most likely to benefit from treatment.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMay 7, 2009

Global monsoon drives long-term carbon cycles in the ocean

A new review reveals that global monsoons have been driving the long-term cyclicity of oceanic carbon reservoirs for at least 600 million years. The study found a 400,000-year cycle related to the 'long eccentricity' of Earth's orbit, which is linked to changes in oceanic carbon reservoirs and has implications for climate prediction.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateMay 7, 2009

Computer simulation at the duodenal stump after gastric resection

Researchers used computer simulation to investigate the effects of duodenal stump geometry on gastric resection outcomes. The study found that certain geometric configurations can improve food transport and emptying, but may compromise pressure distribution.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 7, 2009

Online surveillance tools provide opportunity to support public health

Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital use online surveillance tools to track emerging infectious diseases, providing up-to-the-minute information. HealthMap.org aggregates real-time data on swine flu outbreaks, highlighting the potential of internet mining for public health support.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 7, 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.

Creating the astro-comb to locate Earth-like planets

Researchers at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics have created an 'astro-comb' to help detect lighter planets around distant stars. The technique sharpens spectroscopy, enabling more accurate pinpointing of planet locations and opening possibilities for detecting more Earth-like planets.

SourceOptica·DateMay 7, 2009

Visualizing virus replication in 3 dimensions

Researchers create first 3D model of dengue virus replication, providing insight into the process and offering new approaches for developing measures to prevent or treat dengue fever. The study provides crucial information for developing therapy against this infectious disease.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 7, 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.

Low blood sugar: A killer for kidney disease patients?

A study found that hypoglycemia may account for some portion of excess heart-related deaths in CKD patients. Patients with CKD and diabetes are at highest risk of developing hypoglycemia, which can lead to severe health complications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 7, 2009

Is dephytinization from infant cereals beneficial to the nutrition absorption?

The study found that dephytinization significantly increased mineral cell uptake efficiency, retention, and transport efficiency of iron and zinc. Calcium bioavailability also showed a significant increase after phytate removal from most samples. This research provides valuable insights for infant nutrition and mineral absorption.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 7, 2009

'Gecko vision': Key to the multifocal contact lens of the future?

Researchers have discovered a series of distinct concentric zones in gecko eyes that enable exceptional night vision, leading to potential advancements in camera technology and multifocal contact lenses. The study, published in the Journal of Vision, also introduces a new method for gathering optical data from live animals without harm.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateMay 7, 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.

More pills, less quality of life for kidney patients

A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that dialysis patients taking an average of 19 pills a day experience worsening quality of life. The high pill burden, largely due to phosphate binders, can lead to poorer physical and mental health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 7, 2009

Refined Hubble Constant narrows explanations for dark energy

The new value of the Hubble constant is 74.2 kilometers per second per megaparsec, derived from observations of Cepheid variables in seven galaxies using the Hubble Space Telescope. This refined measurement provides a more precise understanding of dark energy's nature and its role in accelerating the universe's expansion.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMay 7, 2009

Constant sunlight linked to summer suicide spike

Researchers in Greenland found a strong correlation between the country's constant sunlight and an increase in suicides during the summer months. Most suicides occurred among young men, with violent methods accounting for 95% of cases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2009

OHSU researchers study the idling brain

Researchers use MRI to identify brain regions that activate while at rest, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools for ADHD and other mental health disorders. By analyzing brain activity in typically developing subjects versus those with disorders, the team aims to pinpoint distinct functional differences.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 7, 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.

Why silkworms find mulberries attractive

A new study reveals the source of silkworms' attraction to mulberry leaves is a jasmine-scented chemical called cis-jasmone. The potent attractant triggers a highly tuned olfactory receptor in the silkworms' antennae, guiding them towards the food source.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2009