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Science News Archive May 2009 - Page 7


Page 7 of 22

CT scan to help scientists diagnose role of clouds in climate

Researchers are using a novel 'cloud tomography' approach to reconstruct three-dimensional cloud structure. The team will use a network of sensors to probe clouds' thermal emission and measure other characteristics, providing insights into the role of clouds in regulating Earth's radiation energy budget.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMay 21, 2009

First of its kind study identifies risk factors for LRTIs in Inuit children

Researchers found that Inuit infants are four times more likely to be admitted for LRTI than mixed or non-Inuit infants, with risk factors including smoking during pregnancy, overcrowded living conditions, and not being breastfed. Immunizing rural Inuit infants with the Palivisumab vaccine could save up to $8,000 per admission avoided.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMay 21, 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.

Jungle yeast

Scientists have identified a new species of yeast, Candida carvajalis sp. nov, with potential applications in sustainable biofuel production and the food industry. The discovery was made in the Amazon jungle and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalFEMS Yeast Research·DateMay 21, 2009

Genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer risk may be greatly underutilized

A new study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that few women with family histories of hereditary breast or ovarian cancer are discussing genetic testing with their physicians. Most high-risk women are unaware of the available test or have not discussed it with their clinician.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 21, 2009

'Missing link': Revealing fast-spinning pulsar mysteries

Astronomers have discovered a unique double-star system that represents a 'missing link' stage in the birth process of millisecond pulsars. The system, J1023, shows evidence for an accretion disk surrounding the neutron star before it disappeared and the pulsar emerged.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breast cancer etiology may vary by subtype

Research suggests different invasive breast cancer subtypes have distinct etiologic pathways and prognoses. Patients with specific subtypes exhibit varying demographics, lifestyle traits, and risk factors, highlighting the need for refined tumor subtyping to elucidate development patterns.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMay 21, 2009

Regulating the sugar factory in diabetes

Researchers have identified a gene that controls abnormal sugar production in the liver, a major problem for people with diabetes. The study found that ARNT is decreased in both insulin-producing cells and liver cells of people with Type 2 diabetes.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 21, 2009

Women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a substantial and persistently elevated risk of type 2 diabetes post birth

A recent study found that women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are seven-and-a-half times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes post-birth. This increased risk remains for several years, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and intervention. Early identification and treatment of related factors, such as lip...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 21, 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.

Thieving whale caught on video gives rare clues about hunting strategy, sound production

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography describe a direct comparison between sperm whale clicking sounds and its physical features, including size and internal organ structure. The study provides a glimpse into a possible new approach for investigating the biology behind marine mammal sounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 21, 2009

Wings that waggle could cut aircraft emissions by 20 percent

Research funded by EPSRC and Airbus in the UK suggests a 20% reduction in fuel bills by using tiny air-powered jets to redirect air over wings, reducing mid-flight drag. The novel approach harnesses the Helmholtz resonance principle to create an oscillation that increases pressure and reduces environmental impact.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMay 21, 2009

Viral epidemics poised to go mobile

Researchers analyzed calling and mobility data from over six million mobile phone users to understand the threat of mobile phone viruses. A highly fragmented market share has hindered outbreaks so far, but predicting that viruses will become a significant threat once a single operating system's market share grows sufficiently large.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2009

LSUHSC research describes function of key protein in cancer spread

LSUHSC researchers discovered that excessive IQGAP1 production weakens cell-to-cell contacts, promoting cell migration and invasion. The study provides insights into the prolonged activated state of Cdc42, a key protein involved in cancer spread.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 21, 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.

New stem cell research unlocks unknown therapies

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are making rapid progress in stem cell therapy, with a first-in-human study initiated for Parkinson's disease. The study uses the drug product sNN0031, which has shown long-lasting recovery and new cell formation in animal models. Additionally, a treatment for ALS entered clinical trials last year.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateMay 21, 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.

Windy, wet and wild: Victoria Crater unveils more of Mars' geologic past

The rover Opportunity has revealed new insights into Mars' geologic history, including the presence of hematite spheres, sulfate-rich sandstone, and minerals commonly found in meteorites. The data supports previous findings that water once flowed on Mars' surface, with a likely underground source.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2009

Bacteria with a built-in thermometer

Bacteria of the Yersinia genus possess a protein thermometer called RovA, which measures temperature and metabolic activity to control infection. RovA activates genes for the infection process in suitable environments, while adapting to life within the host.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 20, 2009

Revealing the long-awaited atomic structure of a well-known enzyme

A Boston University-led team has identified the structural basis of acetoacetate decarboxylase (AADase), a key enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism. The discovery corrects previous assumptions about enzyme structure and provides new insights into predicting enzyme functions, enabling the development of novel biofuels.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 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.

Why do people with Down syndrome have less cancer?

Research in mice and human stem cells identified specific new therapeutic targets for treating cancer, including a gene called Dscr1 that suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth. The study suggests that people with Down syndrome may benefit from an extra dose of one or more cancer-protective genes.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2009

Physicians can lead health care reform through payment and delivery system reforms

Physicians can play a leading role in achieving comprehensive health care reform by working towards payment and delivery system reforms that achieve 1.5% annual savings, covering all Americans. Reforms include integrated systems of care, innovative payment models and performance measures to promote care coordination.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 20, 2009

Side discrepancy errors in radiology reports rare but often clinically significant

A study of over 1 million radiology reports found that side discrepancy errors, incorrectly noting the side of a lesion, were clinically important and occurred more frequently in female patients. Radiologists should verify these errors, while physicians and patients must also collaborate to ensure accurate clinical management.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 20, 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.

Vitamin D may halt lung function decline in asthma and COPD

Researchers found that calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, reduced growth-factor-induced airway smooth muscle proliferation in cells isolated from both asthmatic and non-asthmatic individuals. This process, called airway remodeling, leads to reduced lung function over time if left untreated.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2009

MIT robotic therapy holds promise for cerebral palsy

Researchers at MIT have developed robotic devices that help children with cerebral palsy improve their motor skills and reduce impairment. The therapy uses gentle guidance to rebuild brain connections, showing promising results in pilot studies involving 36 children.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateMay 20, 2009

Queen's scientists discover eco-friendly wood dissolution

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed an eco-friendly way to dissolve wood using ionic liquids, a process that could transform into biofuels, textiles, and paper. The new method uses mild conditions of temperature and pressure, producing low toxicity and biodegradability.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMay 20, 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.

2 studies: The first finds twins born after fertility treatment have a higher risk of problems

Researchers found that twins conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) have a higher risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and death compared to spontaneously conceived twins. ART twins also require longer hospital stays and are more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 20, 2009

Old stain in a new combination

Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered that combining methylene blue with newer malaria medications is twice as effective in curbing the spread of malaria parasites than standard therapy. This new approach has significant implications for eradicating the disease, particularly among children under five who are m...

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2009
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.

Older volunteers' perceived benefits vary with program traits

A recent study by Nancy Morrow-Howell and colleagues found that older adults' reported benefits from volunteering depend on the characteristics of the programs they participate in. Benefits included improved overall health, family well-being, and personal satisfaction.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMay 20, 2009

Scientists create custom 3-dimensional structures with 'DNA origami'

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a method to fold sheets of DNA into multilayered objects with precise control. These structures can be used as custom-made biomedical nanodevices, such as smart delivery vehicles that target specific molecular targets.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2009

Use science to convince teens a sober prom is better, AAAS says

Underage drinking can lead to memory loss, as the brain's hippocampus is still maturing. Alcohol also impairs judgment, leading to risky behaviors like unprotected sex or drunk driving. Additionally, teens who drink are more likely to engage in violent behavior and experience dehydration, headaches, and hangovers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateMay 20, 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.

Navy grant to fund probe of squid and octopus camouflage

Researchers will build an underwater virtual reality 'holodeck' to study cephalopod camouflage, measuring light fields and behavior in different environments. The goal is to understand the nature of their vision, color perception, and skin optical properties.

SourceDuke University·DateMay 20, 2009

Seeing invisible resin

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop a measuring technique to monitor resin distribution during OSB production. The new method uses special optics to record the image of the shavings mat, allowing for continuous measurements during production.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMay 20, 2009

Anti-inflammatory effect of 'rotten eggs' gas

A new molecule has been synthesized to release hydrogen sulfide gas in a slow and sustained manner, reducing inflammation and increasing levels of the body's own anti-inflammatory molecules. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of novel approaches to treating inflammatory disorders.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateMay 20, 2009
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.

Beneficial plant 'spillover' effect seen from landscape corridors

Research by NC State University biologist Dr. Nick Haddad and colleagues found that landscape corridors connecting isolated habitat patches increased plant species beyond the area itself. The study showed that corridors caused a significant spillover effect, especially among bird-dispersed plants, leading to broader conservation benefits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2009

Chlamydia that avoids diagnosis

Researchers identified a new strain of Chlamydia that spread rapidly across Sweden due to an evolutionary 'hiccup' in its genetic code, allowing it to evade most established diagnostic tests. The study provides valuable insights into the evolution of the bacterium and highlights the need for updated diagnostic tools.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalBMC Genomics·DateMay 20, 2009

ISU researcher identifies genetic pathway responsible for much of plant growth

Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a previously unknown genetic pathway regulating plant growth, controlled by brassinosteroids. The HERK1 pathway, induced by BRs, plays a significant role in plant size and growth, with potential to manipulate crop yields for biofuels.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Pregnant women with mildly abnormal blood sugar levels at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found that even mild abnormalities in glucose testing during pregnancy increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with these mild abnormalities are 2.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those with normal glucose testing.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateMay 20, 2009

Research team finds important role for junk DNA

A research team from Princeton University has found that DNA sequences previously considered 'junk' are essential for an organism's growth and development. The discovery reveals that these regions, known as transposons, perform critical functions by rearranging the genome.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 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.

Endangered right whales found where presumed extinct

A team of scientists from Oregon State University and NOAA has documented the presence of endangered North Atlantic right whales in an area off Greenland, contrary to previous belief. The discovery highlights the importance of identifying key habitats for these fragile species as shipping lanes expand.

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 20, 2009

Schizophrenia does not increase risk of violent crime

Researchers found no significant increase in violent crime among people with schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests that substance abuse co-occurring with schizophrenia is a key factor contributing to violence.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateMay 20, 2009

ASNTR comments on the NIH guidelines for human stem cells research, MSC7997

The American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) endorses the new NIH Guidelines, enabling research on human embryonic stem cells derived from IVF embryos. This move aims to facilitate the development of stem cell therapies for central nervous system diseases by reducing restrictions on cell line acquisition.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·DateMay 20, 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.