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Science News for November 18, 2009


Scientists find molecular trigger that helps prevent aging and disease

Researchers found that a lower-calorie diet slows development of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, while a high-calorie diet accelerates oxidative stress. Dietary restriction activates transcription factor CBP, which regulates cellular function.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 18, 2009

The benefits of stress ... in plants

Researchers found that certain wild flax plants growing in poor soils can balance stress and reduce the risk of infection from a fungal pathogen. This suggests that stressful environments may be attractive to plants, providing a refuge from pathogens, but requiring adaptation to survive.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateNov 18, 2009

What relates to the short-term effectiveness of biliary drainage?

Patients with more bile duct visualization on imaging studies and fewer liver metastases had greater bile output after biliary drainage. However, daily observation of bile output and serum bilirubin reduction is crucial for determining procedure success.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Toward explaining why hepatitis B hits men harder than women

Researchers found abnormal forms of apolipoprotein A-I proteins in the livers and blood of infected male mice, but not females. These proteins may provide important markers for tracking hepatitis B progression and help explain the gender disparity in the disease's severity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateNov 18, 2009

UCLA study shows brain's ability to reorganize

A recent UCLA study found that blindness causes structural changes in the brain, leading to compensatory growth in non-visual areas. This adaptation enables individuals with visual impairments to develop enhanced skills in other senses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 18, 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.

Good news on multiple sclerosis and pregnancy

A new study published in Neurology shows pregnant women with multiple sclerosis are only slightly more likely to have cesarean deliveries and babies with poor prenatal growth rates than those without MS. Women with MS were not at increased risk for other pregnancy complications.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 18, 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.

Girls 'disengage' from high school science

High school girls are bored, disengaged and stressed in science classes compared to boys. Class discussions are the only activity to score among the top three most engaging for both boys and girls. The researchers found that classroom discussions are a crucial way to connect with all science students.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·DateNov 18, 2009

Saliva proteins change as women age

The study found that older women have almost twice as many immune-related proteins in their saliva than younger women. This discovery could lead to a simple, noninvasive test for diagnosing and treating age-related diseases in women.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateNov 18, 2009

What's eating the breadwinners?

A new study explores the experiences of American female breadwinners, revealing common themes such as control, independence, and guilt. The research highlights the challenges faced by women in this role, including societal and personal expectations, and offers practical implications for organizations and families.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateNov 18, 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.

UCLA researchers create 'fly paper' to capture circulating cancer cells

Researchers at UCLA have created a device that captures cancer cells in the blood using nano-sized features, allowing for early detection and diagnosis of metastasis. The new method may be faster and cheaper than existing technologies, capturing up to 65% of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 18, 2009

The protein Srebp2 drives cholesterol formation in prion-infected neuronal cells

Researchers discovered that Srebp2 regulates cholesterol biosynthesis in prion-infected neuronal cells, leading to increased cholesterol levels and potential disease promotion. This finding may lead to new therapy approaches for prion-dependent diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 18, 2009

New research helps explain why bird flu has not caused a pandemic

Bird flu viruses require two simultaneous genetic mutations to infect humans, making human-to-human transmission unlikely. The study suggests that H5N1's high mortality rate in humans is due to its inability to infect the right cells, increasing the odds of it being less likely to cause a pandemic.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2009

Remote therapies could help in fight against eating disorders

Researchers suggest remote therapies, such as online cognitive behavioral therapy, could improve treatment outcomes for eating disorders. The study reviews the current state of eating disorder diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to specialized care.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 18, 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.

Residential design for persons with neurological disability

This special issue of NeuroRehabilitation focuses on community-based residential designs for persons with neurodisability, highlighting the importance of holistic, functional, and individualized design modifications. The issue presents evidence-based literature, expert insights, and practical recommendations to facilitate independence ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateNov 18, 2009

Study raises concerns about outdoor second-hand smoke

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that outdoor smoking areas may be creating a new health hazard due to high levels of secondhand smoke. The research found cotinine levels up to 162% greater in non-smokers exposed to outdoor smoke, posing potential public health risks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateNov 18, 2009

When good companies do bad things

A Michigan State University study found that high-performing companies are more likely to engage in illegal behavior, such as fraud and environmental violations, due to unrealistic expectations and external pressures. The researchers argue that regulators should monitor both high- and low-performing firms to detect illicit activity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 18, 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.

Current cigarette smokers at increased risk of seizures

A recent study published in Epilepsia found that current cigarette smokers are at a significant risk of seizure. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 female nurses and found that long-term moderate caffeine or alcohol use is not associated with an increased risk of seizures or epilepsy.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateNov 18, 2009

Women at risk from vitamin A deficiency

A new study reveals that nearly half of UK women have a genetic variation reducing their ability to produce sufficient vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in immune system strengthening and preventing infections. The study found that younger women are at particular risk, highlighting the importance of adequate diet for this nutrient.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 18, 2009

Superconductivity leader receives $2.8M grant from US Air Force Office

Professor Paul Ching-Wu Chu, a world leader in superconductivity research, has received a $2.8 million grant to explore novel materials that can operate at higher temperatures and have greater current carrying capacity. This funding will enable the development of more compact and lighter power devices with higher energy densities.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 18, 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.

MIT: Better way to harness waste heat

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technology that can convert waste heat into electricity with an efficiency of up to 90% of the Carnot Limit. This could lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency, such as double the talk time on cellphones and longer laptop battery life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 18, 2009

Cancers' sweet tooth may be weakness

Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute have discovered a common switch governing cancer cells' glucose usage, which could lead to new treatments.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 18, 2009

Proton's party pals may alter its internal structure

A recent experiment found that a proton's nearest neighbors in the nucleus may modify its internal structure, contradicting the mass-dependence picture. The study also revealed a possible new cause: the microscopic structure of nuclei, particularly in beryllium.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2009

How to execute dietary management in eating disorder patients

A study found that fructose-sorbitol (F-S) ingestion provoked gastrointestinal symptoms in over half of female ED patients, with a significant difference in response between underweight and normal-weight individuals. The response was specific for F-S and more common in anorexia nervosa patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 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.

Hidden threat: Elevated pollution levels near regional airports

Research reveals elevated ultrafine particle emissions at regional airports, posing significant health risks to nearby residents. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, highlights the need for increased attention to these overlooked emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 18, 2009

Beyond genomics, biologists and engineers decode the next frontier

Researchers have developed a cutting-edge approach to understand the 'histone code,' determining why genes function differently in various cells. The new method offers unprecedented insight into stem cells, cancer, and other fundamental biological processes.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateNov 18, 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.

5 exercises can reduce neck, shoulder pain of women office workers

A study by the American Physiological Society found that strength training exercises using dumbbells can improve function and reduce pain in the trapezius muscle of women suffering from trapezius myalgia. The exercises also enhance the muscle's ability to respond quickly and forcefully.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 18, 2009

Texas A&M researchers examine how viruses destroy bacteria

Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that phages, a type of virus, can destroy bacterial cell walls by producing an enzyme called endolysin. This finding may aid in the development of phage therapy to treat bacterial infections.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 18, 2009

GEN reports on enhancing the applications of qPCR

Advances in qPCR technology are expanding its applications in basic research and diagnostics, enabling more efficient detection and quantification of specific DNA sequences. Companies like Qiagen and Bio-Rad Laboratories are developing new methods to improve multiplex PCR and sample preparation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateNov 18, 2009

Can EP4 agonist alleviate gastric lesions?

A research team investigated a highly-selective EP4 agonist for treatment of gastric ulcers in mice. The EP4 agonist reduced acute hemorrhagic damage, promoted mucous epithelial regeneration, and accelerated ulcer healing. In vitro, it protected human gastric mucous cells from indomethacin-induced apoptosis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 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.

Oceans' uptake of manmade carbon may be slowing

Scientists estimate a decline in the oceans' ability to absorb manmade carbon, potentially impacting future climate. The study found that the proportion of fossil-fuel emissions absorbed by the oceans since 2000 may have declined by up to 10%.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2009

Antifibrotic effects of green tea

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that green tea extract inhibited proliferation, reduced collagen content, and downregulated collagen type 1 expression in liver fibrosis models.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 2009

NSF supports Case Western Reserve University's IDEAL

The National Science Foundation has awarded a nearly $1 million grant to support career advancement of women and underrepresented minority men in sciences and engineering. The program aims to foster environments conducive to recruiting, advancing, and retaining faculty in these fields.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 18, 2009

Georgia Tech launches experimental Green IT Initiative

The Georgia Institute of Technology has launched an experimental Green IT Initiative to tackle high-performance computing's growing power consumption problem. The effort, led by Sudhakar Yalamanchili, aims to develop sustainable power consumption methods using a 1,000-node IBM BladeCenter system.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 18, 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.

Common pain relief medication may encourage cancer growth

New studies show that morphine can boost tumor-cell proliferation and inhibit the immune response, promoting angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. Shielding lung cancer cells from opiates reduces cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in both cell-culture and mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateNov 18, 2009

Secondhand smoke exposure worse for toddlers, obese children

Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of vascular damage, with obese toddlers facing a four-fold higher risk compared to adolescents. The study found significant links between secondhand smoke exposure and markers of vascular injury in both toddler and adolescent populations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 18, 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.

Immune system activated in schizophrenia

Researchers found raised levels of interleukin-1beta in the spinal fluid of recent-onset schizophrenia patients, indicating activated brain immune defense systems. This discovery offers new potential treatments for the condition, potentially interrupting its course at an early stage.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 2009

Is type 2 diabetes mellitus a risk factor for gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic cancer?

A large cohort study found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a threefold increased risk of pancreatic cancer and a twofold increased risk of gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary cancers compared to non-diabetic controls. This is the first comprehensive assessment of the risk for these cancers in type 2 DM patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 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.