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Science News for November 22, 2009


New study links alcohol in pregnancy to child behavior problems

A new study from Research Australia found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of behavioral issues in children, including anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors. The study suggests that both timing and intensity of alcohol exposure affect the type of behavior problems expressed.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAddiction·DateNov 22, 2009

Surface bacteria maintain skin's healthy balance

A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego reveals that normal skin bacteria trigger a pathway preventing excessive inflammation after injury. This mechanism involves staphylococcal lipoteichoic acid and Toll-like receptor 3 activation, providing new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory skin diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 22, 2009

Measuring and modeling blood flow in malaria

Stiffer and stickier red blood cells cause anemia and joint pain in malaria patients. Researchers developed models to predict the disease's progression by analyzing temperature fluctuations and cell stiffness.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Generating electricity from air flow

A group of researchers at City College of New York is developing a new way to generate power for planes and automobiles based on piezoelectrics, which convert kinetic energy into electricity. The devices might be mounted on cars or airplanes and would produce an output voltage that could run small electronic devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2009

Aquatic creatures mix ocean water

Researchers estimate that swimming animals generate extensive 'biogenic' mixing in the ocean, which may impact climate models. The effect is primarily due to animal displacement, not turbulence, and affects even deep-sea creatures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2009

New hydrogen-storage method discovered

Researchers at Carnegie Institution create unique hydrogen-storage material by combining xenon with molecular hydrogen under pressure, offering a new family of materials to boost hydrogen technologies. The discovery reveals unusual bonding chemistry and potential applications in synthesizing energetic materials.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 22, 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.

Butterfly proboscis to sip cells

Researchers Konstantin Kornev of Clemson University have developed artificial probes inspired by the butterfly's proboscis to sample fluid inside cells. The probes use capillary action, similar to a paper towel, to draw up viscous liquid, overcoming pressure limitations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2009

Gene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants

Researchers found that a commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the risk of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation. The study analyzed 1,300 donor-recipient pairs and identified UGT2B17 as a key factor in graft-versus-host disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 22, 2009

New cancer target for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A new compound, PU-H71, has been discovered that may prove to be a powerful target for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The compound was found to suppress tumor formation in lab testing and animal models.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 22, 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.

Burned out, depressed surgeons more likely to commit more major medical errors

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that burned-out and depressed surgeons are more likely to report major medical errors. The research found a significant association between burnout, depression, and self-reported medical errors, highlighting the need for better support for surgeons struggling with mental health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateNov 22, 2009

Robotic clam digs in mudflats

Researchers at MIT have created a simple robot that can dig into mudflats at a rate of 1 cm per second, inspired by the burrowing mechanisms of Atlantic razor clams. The robotic clam is small, lightweight, and energy-efficient, making it suitable for underwater applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 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.