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Science News Archive November 2009


Page 1 of 24

Naked mole rats may hold clues to surviving stroke

Researchers found that naked mole rat brain tissue can survive for over half an hour without oxygen, which could lead to new treatment options for brain injuries caused by heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. This adaptation may also provide insights into how to prevent permanent human brain damage after temporary loss of oxygen.

Big freeze plunged Europe into ice age in months

Researchers found that the Big Freeze was triggered by a sudden freshwater pulse from Lake Agassiz in North America, which diluted the North Atlantic conveyor belt and led to rapid temperature drops. The climate took centuries to recover.

Patients say 'no thanks' to risky medical treatments

A recent study found that increasing patient responsibility for medical decisions decreases their willingness to accept risky treatments. Patients who were presented with choices reported higher worry about risks and lower uptake of treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA captures Typhoon Nida's clouds from 2 angles

Typhoon Nida's maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph, with tropical storm force winds extending 150 miles from the center. NASA's CloudSat satellite captured a side look across Nida on Nov. 28, showing clouds over 15 kilometers high and heavy rainfall areas.

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.

Financial restructuring in fresh-start Chapter 11 reorganizations

A recent study published in Financial Management argues that Chapter 11 reorganizations fail to offer a clean slate for firms to establish new capital structures. Despite substantial reductions in debt burden, firms still end up with higher debt ratios than industry norms.

Quantitative approach to forensic fingerprint comparison studied

Researchers aim to establish a standard for 'sufficiency' of information in friction ridge patterns, addressing the lack of quantifiable standards in the field. The goal is to improve accuracy and contribute to advancing science in forensic pattern recognition and comparison.

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.

Mean old levee

The Portable Lightweight Ubiquitous Gasket (PLUG) system, developed by Wil Laska, passed its second test in November 2009, demonstrating the ability to fill with water, float on flood currents, and adhere to breach sites. Four technologies were tested, including a large balloon or tube that worked as hypothesized.

The therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond

Research documents the value of the human-animal bond in improving child development, elderly care, and rehabilitation outcomes. A growing body of evidence highlights the healing power of companion animals in reducing stress, providing affection, and fostering a sense of security.

Innovation puts next-generation solar cells on the horizon

Researchers at Monash University have developed a new way to increase the output of next-generation solar cells, achieving a three-fold increase in energy conversion efficiency. The breakthrough uses a new, more efficient type of dye that enables the operation of inverse dye-sensitised solar cells.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists gain new understanding of disease-causing bacteria

Researchers use cryo-electron tomography to elucidate molecular architecture of Treponema pallidum, shedding light on cellular structure and movement. The study provides new understanding of how the bacterium attaches to human cells and moves with its flagella.

Tuberculosis: On the path to prevention

Scientists at MUHC and international colleagues discovered a chromosomal site controlling natural resistance to TB infection, found in 20% of individuals from high-exposure areas. The findings hold promise for preventing TB infection in the general population by stimulating resistance mechanisms.

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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new self-assessment score has been developed to predict diabetes risk, showing promise as a simple and effective tool. Additionally, researchers are considering alternative bacteria, Fusobacterium necrophorum, for sore throat treatment due to its association with a rare but life-threatening complication, Lemierre syndrome. Furthermor...

Now you see it, now you know you see it

Researchers found that the conscious mind kicks in about 300-400 milliseconds after exposure to a stimulus, with complexity affecting timing. The study aims to map unconscious perception and its role in understanding consciousness.

First Step To Success steps up in Albuquerque schools

The First Step To Success program has shown robust improvements among at-risk elementary students in the Albuquerque, N.M., school district. The four-year study found significant impact on behavioral symptoms and social functioning among participating students, with effect sizes ranging from .54 to .87.

Elastography reduces unnecessary breast biopsies

Elastography improves ultrasound's specificity by measuring a lesion's compressibility and mechanical properties, accurately identifying cancerous lesions. The technique reduced unnecessary biopsies, correctly identifying 98% of malignant lesions and 82% of benign ones, according to the study.

GOES-14 (O) moving into on-orbit storage around the Earth

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite GOES-14 has completed its post-launch test phase and is now in on-orbit storage to await duty. The satellite will remain in this mode until needed to replace a failed spacecraft, reducing launch delay from one year to less than a week.

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.

Brain scan study shows cocaine abusers can control cravings

A brain scan study found that active cocaine abusers can suppress activity in brain regions linked to drug craving when asked to inhibit their response. This suggests that clinical interventions designed to strengthen inhibitory responses could help prevent relapse and improve treatment outcomes.

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.

Availability of vaccine no guarantee public will want it

A new study found that a moderate level of acceptability for an HIV vaccine exists, but high-risk communities may not automatically accept it. The key factors influencing acceptance are efficacy, side effects, and cost. Education is also crucial to ensure the public trusts the vaccine.

UNC program in translational medicine awarded $700,000 HHMI grant

The University of North Carolina's Graduate Training Program in Translational Medicine has received a $700,000 HHMI grant to integrate medical knowledge into its Ph.D. programs. This program aims to train researchers to translate basic science discoveries into improved treatments for patients.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Safe streets in Delhi key to preventing climate change say scientists

A new study suggests that safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is key to preventing climate change in Indian cities. By prioritizing non-motorized transport, cities like Delhi can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save lives from road traffic injuries, and promote physical activity.

A reductionist approach to HIV research

A team of researchers has created a mouse model with key features of HIV infection, shedding light on the disease's mechanisms. The mouse exhibits symptoms similar to those of immunodeficiency virus infection, but with notable differences that highlight its limitations as a model for human disease.

Beverage can stay-tabs pose swallowing risk

A recent study found that despite the switch from pull-tabs to stay-tabs 30 years ago, beverage can stay-tabs still pose a potential danger to children and adolescents. The study identified 19 cases of inadvertent stay-tab ingestion at a single hospital over 16 years.

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.

It takes 2 to infect

Structural biologists reveal how internalin B dimer activates human receptor Met, allowing Listeria to infect cells. The discovery may lead to therapeutics for improved wound healing and treatment of listeriosis.

First live targeting of tumors with RNA-based technology

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have devised a way to deliver the right therapy directly to tumors using special molecules called aptamers. A tumor-targeting RNA aptamer was found to specifically bind to RNA helicase p68 in colorectal tumors, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment and therapy delivery.

Smart phones allow quick diagnosis of acute appendicitis

A study found that using smartphones with special software to view CT scans allowed radiologists to accurately diagnose acute appendicitis. The technique, which uses encrypted wireless networks and OsiriX Mobile software, showed promising results in a small sample of patients.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study shows antibiotic unsuccessful in preventing preterm labor

A recent study conducted in Southern Malawi found that azithromycin antibiotic had no significant impact on reducing the risk of preterm labour. The research suggests that infection may not be the primary cause of preterm birth and highlights the need for further investigation into other factors contributing to this issue.

Stroke and heart disease trigger revealed in new research

Researchers at Imperial College London have identified TLR-2 as the trigger that leads to inflammation and damage in atherosclerosis, a condition causing heart attacks and strokes. Blocking this molecule could potentially treat atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of these diseases.

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.

First metallic nanoparticles resistant to extreme heat

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed metallic nanoparticles that can withstand temperatures of over 850 degrees Celsius. By sacrificing weaker components as temperatures rise, these particles maintain their structure and continue to catalyze reactions efficiently.

Educational home visits can improve asthma in children, study suggests

A study published in Pediatrics found that educational home visits can significantly improve asthma control in children, leading to fewer hospitalizations and reduced symptoms. The research suggests that providing regular asthma education and support can go a long way in managing the condition.

NRL's Ion Tiger sets 26-hour flight endurance record

The Naval Research Laboratory's Ion Tiger has achieved a 26-hour flight duration, exceeding its previous record of 23 hours and 17 minutes. The fuel cell system provides reliable, quiet operation and extremely high efficiency, paving the way for tactical flights and extended flight times.

New stem cell technology developed at Hebrew University

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a novel stem cell technology, immuno-isolation, to treat complicated bone fractures. The technology has been successfully used to treat seven patients with a combination of their own MSCs and blood products, offering a promising alternative to standard treatment methods.

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.

Research sheds new light on epilepsy

Scientists have recorded spontaneous epileptic activity in human brain tissue for the first time, revealing that electrical connections between nerve cells cause the disease. This discovery offers real hope for finding new treatments for epilepsy, which affects 45 million people worldwide.

Too much physical activity may lead to arthritis

A study found that middle-aged men and women who engage in high levels of physical activity are at greater risk for developing knee abnormalities and osteoarthritis. High-impact activities like running and jumping carry a greater risk, while low-impact activities like swimming and cycling may protect against disease.

Climate change in Kuwait Bay

Researchers found Kuwait Bay's sea surface temperature rose at an average rate of 0.62°C per decade, three times the global average. This increase is attributed to 50% due to local drivers such as wind and river flow, while 13% is caused by human activity.

Pancreatic tumors are marked for immunotherapy

A study at Washington University School of Medicine identified mesothelin as a marker for pancreatic tumors, suggesting its potential use in immune therapy against the disease. Mesothelin levels in the blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to healthy individuals.

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.

Scientists demonstrate multibeam, multi-functional lasers

Researchers from Harvard University and their international team have developed compact, multibeam lasers that can emit multiple wavelengths in the infrared spectrum. This adaptable technology has potential use in applications such as remote chemical sensing, optical wireless, and interferometry.

Chicken capsules good for aching joints

Researchers found that chicken type II collagen (CCII) capsules improved joint function in RA patients with fewer side effects compared to the established antirheumatic drug methotrexate. Oral tolerance induction via dietary exposure is believed to contribute to this finding.