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Science News Archive May 2009 - Page 21


Page 21 of 22

Meditate your way to better bladder health

A study published in the Journal of Urology found that cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for urge incontinence, with patients experiencing a substantial improvement in symptoms. Cognitive therapy employs deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises to train the brain to control the bladder without medication or surgery.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 4, 2009

Drug prevents seizure progression in model of epilepsy

Researchers identified a new anticonvulsant compound that eliminates seizures in a model of epilepsy by inhibiting ion channels associated with the disease. The study found that blocking these channels can prevent subsequent seizures, offering a promising treatment for epilepsy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEpilepsia·DateMay 4, 2009

Electronic prescribing systems boost efficiency, may lead to improved quality of care

A new study found that electronic prescribing systems can significantly reduce order implementation and entry times, leading to lower personnel requirements and costs. While medication errors were not statistically significantly reduced, the system's efficiency gains translate to long-term cost savings.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 4, 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.

New gene may provide breast cancer diagnostic marker

A new gene called DEAR1 has been found to be genetically altered in breast tumors and may provide a new prognostic marker for breast cancer patients, particularly those with early-onset cancer. The research suggests that DEAR1-negative staining could help identify young women at high risk of cancer recurrence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 4, 2009

University of Cincinnati researchers develop 'lab on a tube' monitoring device

The University of Cincinnati has developed a novel 'lab on a tube' monitoring device capable of continuously monitoring multiple physiological parameters in neurotrauma patients. The device, which can drain excess cerebrospinal fluid and deliver medications, aims to revolutionize patient care by enabling real-time monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMay 4, 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.

Crop models help increase yield per unit of water used

A series of symposium papers explore AquaCrop and other agronomic models that estimate water use efficiency under varying conditions. The models were shown to adequately simulate WUE under well-watered conditions but tend to overestimate or underestimate WUE under water stress, limiting their usefulness for deficit irrigation scenarios.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 4, 2009

Study: Furniture tip-over injuries rising

A recent study found that an average of nearly 15,000 children younger than 18 years old visited emergency departments annually for furniture tip-over injuries from 1990-2007. The majority of injuries occurred among children younger than 7 years of age and resulted from televisions tipping over.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2009

Calorie restriction causes temporal changes in liver metabolism

Researchers found that short-term calorie restriction with a low-carbohydrate diet caused greater changes in liver fat content and metabolic function compared to a high-carbohydrate diet. Long-term calorie restriction improved skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, while cellular insulin signaling increased.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 4, 2009
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.

Vaccine records of internationally adopted children may not reflect protection against disease

A study found that vaccine records of internationally adopted children may not guarantee immunity against diseases such as polio, measles, and hepatitis B. The predictive value of immunization records is limited and associated with birth country, due to reasons like falsification, inaccurate entries, and lack of vaccine potency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 4, 2009

Stopgap DNA repair needs a second step

A recent study by Prof. Zvi Livneh reveals the two-step mechanism of stopgap DNA repair, a major source of mutations in cells. Understanding this process can lead to enhanced treatment options for individuals with deficient natural DNA repair, as well as improved chemotherapy effectiveness against cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 4, 2009

Delirium may cause rapid cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

Research published in Neurology shows that Alzheimer's patients who develop delirium experience rapid cognitive decline, with a rate three times faster than those without. The study suggests that preventing delirium may improve or delay memory problems.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 4, 2009
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New light shed on the enigma of salt intake and hypertension

Scientists find novel salt storage site in the skin and a gene regulator controlling blood pressure regulation. A high-salt diet leads to increased lymphatic vessels, but the process behind this storage and its relevance to human disease are not yet fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 4, 2009

Psyched out by stereotypes: IU research suggests thinking about the positive

A study by Indiana University researchers found that women who are aware of both a negative and positive stereotype related to performance identify more closely with the positive stereotype, improving their performance. The study demonstrated how the negative stereotype can encroach on working memory, but the positive stereotype had no...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 4, 2009

Unprecedented use of DDT concerns experts

A panel of experts reviewed studies on the link between DDT and human health, expressing concern over high levels of exposure in regions where malaria is endemic. They called for increased efforts to reduce exposure and develop alternatives to using DDT.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 4, 2009

What teens don't know about OTC medications can hurt them

A University of Rochester Medical Center survey found teens lack knowledge about over-the-counter pain medications, with only 35% correctly identifying acetaminophen and Tylenol. Chronic misuse can lead to liver damage and accidental overdose

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMay 4, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social networking for terrorists

A new analytical approach can reveal latent connections and patterns in terrorist networks, potentially helping investigators gather information on associates and bring perpetrators to justice sooner. The technique uses graph theory and computational data processing to analyze networks and identify critical nodes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Services Sciences·DateMay 4, 2009

Weizmann Institute scientists show white blood cells move like millipedes

Weizmann Institute scientists have discovered that white blood cells use a unique method of movement, similar to millipedes, to crawl along the lining of blood vessels. The cells create tiny 'legs' that attach and detach in sequence, allowing them to move rapidly while keeping a good grip on the vessel's sides.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalImmunity·DateMay 4, 2009

World's largest tornado experiment heads for Great Plains

The VORTEX2 project, a collaborative international study, aims to gain a better understanding of tornado formation and damage patterns. By deploying advanced weather-sensing tools, researchers hope to identify the characteristics of severe thunderstorms that produce tornadoes, ultimately leading to more accurate tornado warnings.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateMay 4, 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.

Brain protein central to both Parkinson's, drug addiction identified

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a protein called oct3 that plays a critical role in both Parkinson's disease and addictive drugs. The protein helps toxic chemicals reach dopamine neurons, leading to cell death in patients with Parkinson's disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2009

May 2009 Geology media highlights

Chevron-shaped dunes are not indicative of mega-tsunamis, contrary to popular speculation. Microbial life extends fossil record by 1.5 billion years, while nanoscale cristobalite fibers in volcanic ash hint at adverse health effects. The largest trilobites ever found provide insight into Earth's first animals and fossil evidence.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 4, 2009

Humans, not climate, driving increased dengue risk in Australia

A new study suggests that human behavior, such as installing large domestic water tanks, may enable the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti to re-emerge in Australia and expand its range of possible infections. By 2050, the risk of dengue fever is expected to be high in all capital cities around the country.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 4, 2009

Delirium rapidly accelerates memory decline in Alzheimer's patients

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that an episode of delirium rapidly accelerates cognitive decline and memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. The study, which analyzed data from 408 patients, revealed that the average decline on cognitive tests nearly doubled to 4.9 points per year following an episode of delirium.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateMay 4, 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.

When atoms are getting close

Researchers analyze chlorotrinitromethane molecule to reveal extremely short carbon-clorine single bond of 1.69 Angstroms, breaking previous measurements. Theoretical calculations confirm electrostatic interactions between atoms contribute to this unusual bond length.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 4, 2009

Women more vulnerable to tobacco carcinogens, new results show

Researchers found women tend to be younger when developing lung cancer, despite smoking less than men, increasing the risk of tobacco carcinogens. Women's awareness of other cancers like breast cancer may also contribute to their vulnerability, with median survival after surgery being longer for women.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalLung Cancer·DateMay 3, 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.

Small molecules might block mutant protein production in Huntington's disease

Researchers created short lengths of molecules that resemble ribonucleic acid to bind to CAG repeats, preventing cells from creating abnormal proteins. These compounds were effective against Huntington's and Machado-Joseph diseases, but further tweaking is needed to minimize effects on normal proteins.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 3, 2009

Genetic study confirms the immune system's role in narcolepsy

A recent genetic study has confirmed the immune system's role in narcolepsy, revealing that autoimmunity plays a crucial part in the disorder. The study found unique variants of genes HLA-DQB1*0602 and TCRA associated with narcolepsy-cataplexy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 3, 2009

Personalized treatment for early lung cancer

Researchers discuss personalized treatment options for early-stage lung cancer, using targeted therapies and cancer vaccines. A gene signature is being used to predict which patients will benefit from an immune-boosting vaccine designed to target MAGE-A3 protein.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalLung Cancer·DateMay 3, 2009

Moving gene therapy forward with mobile DNA

Researchers at VIB develop efficient and safe gene delivery approach based on non-viral genetic elements called transposons, overcoming limitations of viral vectors. This technology may simplify gene therapy, improve safety and reduce costs, treating cancer and genetic disorders.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 3, 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.

Process controlling T cell growth and production identified

Identifying a transcription factor that regulates blood stem cells, researchers found ELF4 activates an inhibitor that stops naive T cells from proliferating. This discovery could lead to better vaccines and more effective cancer immunotherapy by controlling T cell growth and production.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 3, 2009

Nanotechnology holds promise for STD drug delivery

Researchers at Yale University have developed a novel approach to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules using biodegradable nanoparticles, achieving sustained release and effective knockdown of gene activity. This breakthrough holds promise for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly HPV and HIV.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 3, 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.

Neuroscientists discover long-term potentiation in the olfactory bulb

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a form of synaptic memory in the olfactory bulb, which could explain how we store information about specific smells. This finding provides a new perspective on the brain's processing of sensory information and has implications for understanding human memory.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 3, 2009

Narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder, Stanford researcher says

Researchers confirm that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease caused by a specific immune cell variation. A study found that nearly 90% of patients with narcolepsy carry a variant of the human leukocyte antigen gene, which is also associated with other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and juvenile diabetes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 3, 2009

Late motherhood boosts family lifespan

A new study finds that women who have babies in their 40s or 50s tend to live longer than other women, and their brothers also live longer, but not their wives. The study suggests that genes may play a significant role in prolonging lifespan and female fertility.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 3, 2009

Tree survival skills

A recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that stressors during tree handling and transport, such as root severance, water stress, and mechanical damage, can significantly impact tree health and establishment. Researchers identified key stages in the transplanting process that contribute to reduced growth a...

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 2, 2009

Photoselective film proves effective for controlling height in potted gardenia plants

A photoselective polyethylene greenhouse covering film has been proven effective in controlling the height of potted gardenia plants. The study showed that this technology can reduce the need for chemical growth retardants, decreasing production costs and environmental pollution. However, further research is needed to optimize its use.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 2, 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.

Decreasing deer damage

A recent study by researchers found that certain tree and shrub species are more or less attractive to white-tailed deer, resulting in varying levels of damage. By identifying these preferences, growers can take steps to reduce economic losses, such as harvesting products in late fall and early winter.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateMay 2, 2009

Apple enthusiasts welcome WineCrisp

A new apple cultivar called WineCrisp has been introduced after 25 years of research, offering a highly productive late-season red apple with a firm texture and dark red color. The fruit is resistant to fungal disease apple scab, reducing costs for growers and promoting environmental sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 2, 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.

NIST super-sensors to measure 'signature' of inflationary universe

The NIST super-sensors will look for subtle fingerprints in the cosmic microwave background from primordial gravitational waves, potentially detectable today. A detection would provide clear evidence for the inflation theory and insights into string theory models.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 2, 2009

Study shows texting while driving can be deadly

A new study confirms that texting while driving can be deadly, as teens using a driving simulator displayed significant slowing, weaving, and lane changes. The study highlights the risks of distracted driving for both drivers and pedestrians.

SourceEastern Virginia Medical School·DateMay 2, 2009

Protecting fresh-cut produce

Researchers from three institutions applied harpin to head lettuce prior to harvest to prevent microbial contamination. The study found that harpin improved color, reduced browning, and increased phenolic compounds, which are linked to plant chemical defenses against microbes.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMay 2, 2009

New and improved tomato analyzer

The Tomato Analyzer software provides accurate and objective measurements of fruit shape, aiding morphological research. The analysis is more efficient for large numbers of subjects and detects traits difficult to quantify manually.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMay 2, 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.

New Southern California beetle killing oaks

A rare beetle, Agrilus coxalis, has attacked 67 percent of oak trees in an area east of San Diego, threatening fire danger and wildlife habitats. The beetle's origin and spread are still unknown, but research is needed to determine its distribution, seasonal active periods, and natural enemies.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalThe Pan-Pacific Entomologist·DateMay 1, 2009

Plants could override climate change effects on wildfires

A new study finds that changes in vegetation can have a profound impact on fire occurrences, often overriding the effects of climate change. The research suggests that vegetation can alter the direct link between fuels and climate.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEcological Monographs·DateMay 1, 2009