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Science News Archive November 2009


Page 21 of 24

Study sheds light on evolution of human complexity

Researchers found a mechanism that enables proteins to become more specialized over time, contributing to human biological complexity. Random genetic mutations in duplicate genes can lead to dosage imbalances, which can be alleviated through paralogization, allowing humans to maintain complex tissues.

Daily dose of color may boost immunity this flu season

A new study found that eight in 10 Americans are missing out on the health benefits of a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies, resulting in a phytonutrient gap. Consuming a variety of colorful foods can support immune function and overall health.

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.

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.

Colon cancer screening more effective earlier in day, UCLA study finds

A new UCLA study found that early-morning colonoscopies yielded more polyps per patient than later screenings, while the amount of polyps discovered decreased hour by hour as the day progressed. This suggests a need for broader system changes to improve outcomes for colonoscopy procedures.

Specialists in hearing, HIV come together to study AIDS patients

Experts are conducting a large-scale study to measure the hearing of people with HIV/AIDS and compare it to those without, aiming to uncover the relationship between the disease and hearing loss. The research, supported by a $1.9 million grant, will also explore potential factors contributing to age-related hearing loss in these patients.

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.

New infectious disease research presented at CHEST 2009

Flocked swabs are found to be more effective than nasopharyngeal aspiration in detecting viruses, with a lower cost. Social media played a key role in disseminating news about the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, with 2.3 million searches for 'H1N1 flu' and 13.4 million for 'swine flu'

2 genes cooperate to cause aggressive leukemia

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that two genes, one causing cancer on its own and the other reducing RAS activity, together lead to aggressive leukemia. This unexpected finding opens new avenues for treating blood cancer cells with NF1 mutations.

A 'spoonful of sugar' makes the worms' life span go down

Scientists discovered that adding glucose to worms' diet reduces their life span by 20%, suggesting a possible link between sugar and human aging. The study highlights the importance of insulin signaling pathways in regulating life-extending molecular players.

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.

Global challenges and opportunities in fighting HIV/AIDS and neglected diseases

The article highlights the looming financial pressures in the world's response to HIV/AIDS and neglected tropical diseases. Experts propose various strategies to combat these challenges, including investing in high-impact prevention and efficient treatment efforts, and shifting from emergency responses to evidence-based initiatives. By...

New pediatric lung health research presented at CHEST 2009

Reducing daily steroid doses for children with status asthmaticus shows no effect on hospital stay length. High-dose inhaled albuterol is linked to metabolic acidosis risk. Tonsil size may predict obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in kids

Shorter radiation course stops cancer growth in high-risk prostate cancer patients

A study presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) found that hypofractionated radiation treatment is more effective in stopping cancer from growing in high-risk prostate cancer patients compared to standard radiation therapy. The new treatment also had no increased risk of negative side effects, making it a valua...

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Pecan trees benefit from thinning technique

Mechanical fruit thinning improves pecan yield and nut quality, leading to increased profit potential. The study found that thinned trees had a higher return crop value in the off-year, offsetting any loss in yield, resulting in overall increased profitability for 'Cape Fear' and 'Sumner' pecan varieties.

Reflective film can boost profits for apple growers

Applying reflective films to orchard floors increases fruit size and color, leading to increased profits for apple growers. The use of these films can result in a 26% increase in fruit picked at first harvest, meeting European Union grade standards.

Portable 3-D laser technology preserves Texas dinosaur's rare footprint

Researchers used portable 3D laser scanners to capture and preserve a 110-million-year-old fossilized dinosaur footprint, providing valuable data for scientific research and education. The preserved track will be made available for download, allowing others to study and analyze the specimen.

Low cholesterol may shrink risk for high-grade prostate cancer

Researchers found that men with lower cholesterol levels had a 59% lower risk of developing high-grade prostate cancers, which tend to grow and spread rapidly. The study suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism may be one route to treating and preventing the disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIST quantifies low levels of 'heart attack risk' protein

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to quantify extremely low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a molecule that indicates cardiovascular disease risk. The new certified reference material will improve the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests for CRP, enabling more precise detection of individuals at high risk of heart attack.

New asthma research presented at CHEST 2009

Researchers present findings on zinc deficiency's role in allergic asthma, air pollution's significant health risk for patients with chronic lung diseases, and electrical stimulation as a potential bronchodilation treatment. Studies also explore the reduction of daily steroids in children with asthma and the association between high-do...

Monash study suggests rainwater is safe to drink

A Monash University study found that rates of gastroenteritis were similar between households with treated and untreated rainwater. The results confirm there is a low risk of illness from drinking rainwater, making it safe for activities like showering and bathing.

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.

Mapping nutrient distributions over the Atlantic Ocean

Researchers have mapped the large-scale distributions of dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus over the Atlantic Ocean, finding that these nutrients dominate surface waters and play a crucial role in export production. The study suggests that nutrient-poor regions, like subtropical gyres, rely on these nutrients to sustain life.

ADA releases updated position paper on breastfeeding

The American Dietetic Association supports exclusive breastfeeding for optimal nutrition and health protection during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding also offers numerous benefits for mothers, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved bone density.

How saturated fatty acids 'anger' the immune system (and how to stop them)

Researchers have discovered that saturated fatty acids can 'anger' the immune system by hijacking Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) on blood cells, leading to chronic inflammation. This interaction may be the key to understanding obesity-related metabolic consequences, and a new class of insulin sensitizers is being explored.

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.

Tropical Depression 97W passing through central Philippines

TD97W is tracking south-southwesterly through Tabaco City, Ligao, Oas, and Naga City into the Ragay Gulf, bringing rains to Kalibo, Roxas City, and San Jose de Buenavista. The storm's convection has waned, and it is dissipating due to a lack of thunderstorm formation.

Mobile microscopes illuminate the brain

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics create tiny laser-scanning microscope images brain cells in awake and moving animals, eliminating the need for electrodes. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the brain generates an internal representation of the outside world.

For African violets, 'hands off' means healthier

Research found that handling African violets with gloved hands resulted in lower damage ratings and better plant quality. In contrast, plants brushed with bare hands to which lotion had been applied showed decreased plant size and quality. The study suggests that 'hands off' is the best approach for healthier African violet care.

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.

NIST test proves 'the eyes have it' for ID verification

A new report by NIST demonstrates that iris recognition algorithms can maintain their accuracy and interoperability with compact images, affirming their potential for large-scale identity management applications. The study's results show that two compression standards, JPEG2000 and PNG format, performed well in preserving image quality.

Preschoolers challenge stereotypical gender roles

Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that preschool children actively challenge and redefine traditional gender structures. Despite teachers' biases, children often share play and learning activities, show concern for each other's well-being, and reformulate possibilities through child-led initiatives.

Ecology in organic agriculture: Combining farming, science

The book 'Organic Farming: The Ecological System' brings together farmer experience and scientific research to understand the role of organics in modern agriculture. It presents current research and development in organic farming, highlighting its potential to revitalize rural landscapes and communities.

Blood vessels might predict prostate cancer behavior

Research led by Ohio State University found that aggressive prostate cancers have small, irregular blood vessels, while slow-growing tumors have more normal-appearing vessels. This study suggests using tumor blood vessel architecture to guide therapy and potentially improve long-term survival for patients.

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.

Addressing obesity via the 'energy gap'

The 'energy gap' concept suggests that small behavior changes, such as eating 100 less calories per day, are effective in preventing further weight gain. This approach must be included in public health strategies and policies to address obesity.

New national study finds increasing number of injuries from hot tubs

A recent nationwide study found that hot tub-related injuries have more than doubled over the last 18 years, with slips and falls being the most common cause. The study also highlights the need for special attention to be given to the pediatric population due to the severity of hot tub-related injuries.

MSU researcher: Obesity significantly cuts odds of successful pregnancy

Research by Michigan State University's Barbara Luke found that obese women are 28% less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. Women who are overweight also face a 14% lower chance of a successful pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 50,000 women using assisted reproductive technology.

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: Lap band surgery effective for morbidly obese children

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) surgery improves the health of morbidly obese adolescents. The procedure led to significant weight loss and reduced the risk of developing insulin resistance, a key indicator of obesity-related illnesses.

Jefferson researchers receive $3.9 million in Challenge grants

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have received $3.9 million in Challenge grant funds to tackle specific scientific and health research challenges in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Drs. Flemming Forsberg, Laura N. Gitlin, Maurizio Pacifici, and Scott Waldman will study portal venous pressure, depression treatment, Heredit...

Sustainably grown garlic

A recent study identifies stable and variable traits in garlic cultivars, providing guidelines for farmers and new options for consumers. The research suggests that bulb size, color, and elemental composition are site-dependent and highly variable, offering promise for savvy consumers seeking locally grown garlic varieties.

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.

Study links folic acid supplements to asthma

A University of Adelaide study found a link between late pregnancy folic acid supplements and increased risk of asthma in children. The study suggests that the timing of supplementation is crucial in minimizing potential adverse effects.

New theory on fairness in economics targets CEO pay

A new theory proposes a method to determine fair CEO compensation using information theory and statistical thermodynamics. The ratio of CEO pay to the lowest employee salary has increased significantly in recent years, with US CEOs averaging around 344-to-1, raising questions about market efficiency.

Java and nighttime jobs don't mix: study

A new study found that caffeine from coffee interferes with sleep in night-shift workers and worsens its effects as people age. The study suggests that reducing coffee consumption can help improve daytime recovery sleep.

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.

Study gives clearer picture of how land-use changes affect US climate

A new study by Purdue University researchers suggests that local and regional strategies such as creating green spaces and buffer zones in urban areas could help address climate change. The study found that greener land cover contributes to cooler temperatures, while any other change leads to warmer temperatures.

Laser etching safe alternative for labeling grapefruit

A recent study found that laser etching does not facilitate decay in laser-labeled grapefruit and can even reduce water loss. The technology provides a safe alternative to adhesive sticker labeling, maintaining high fruit quality during storage.

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.

Longer toes, unique ankle structure aid sprinters

Researchers found that sprinters have significantly shorter lever arms in their ankles compared to non-sprinters. This allows muscles to produce greater force without sacrificing speed. The study suggests that a unique foot structure is essential for sprinting success, with longer toes providing an additional advantage.