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Science News for November 24, 2009


Involving family in medical rounds benefits both family and medical team

A new Indiana University School of Medicine study found that involving family members in medical rounds improves care and communication. Families reported increased feelings of inclusion, respect, and a better understanding of their child's care. Participation is voluntary, and family members can ask questions and offer input.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateNov 24, 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.

Opposites attract: Monkeys choose mating partners with different genes

A new study found that female mandrills reproduce with males whose genes complement theirs, increasing the chances of their offspring resisting disease. The researchers believe this may be due to smell or selective fertilization, and the discovery supports the idea humans may also choose genetically compatible mates.

SourceDurham University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 24, 2009

Atomic-level snapshot catches protein motor in action

Researchers have uncovered the critical action shapshot of an enzyme known as the Rho transcription termination factor, a remarkable class of ring-shaped protein motors. The study reveals a rotary engine-like mechanism that enables the motor to selectively terminate transcription at discrete points along the genome.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell·DateNov 24, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Strategic management theory offers fresh take on the economic crisis

Research published in Strategic Organization highlights micro-level underpinnings of macroeconomic events, arguing that traditional theories are inadequate. The authors propose a new approach based on heterogeneous resources and capabilities, which can help resolve the current crisis.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalStrategic Organization·DateNov 24, 2009

Chronic pain found to increase risk of falls in older adults

A new study reveals that chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults significantly increases their risk of falls. The research found that participants with chronic pain in two or more joints had a 50% greater risk of falling compared to those with no pain.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateNov 24, 2009

Unacculturated Hispanics in US at higher risk for HIV

Researchers found that unacculturated Hispanics had fewer HIV tests and were more likely to test positive. Interventions must address cultural differences to reduce the growing rate of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateNov 24, 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 study finds MRSA on the rise in hospital outpatients

A new study reveals a seven-fold increase in community-associated MRSA strains in hospital outpatients between 1999 and 2006. This poses a significant threat to patient safety as these strains can spread rapidly into hospitals.

SourceBurness·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 24, 2009

Reduced skin infections in Northern Australian Aboriginal children

A three-year study in remote communities found a significant reduction in skin sores among Aboriginal children, with over 6000 assessments conducted on nearly 2500 children. The program's success highlights the importance of local education and treatment, but ongoing efforts are needed to address underlying causes such as poor housing ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 24, 2009

Rocket science leads to new whale discovery

Researchers use X-ray scanners and advanced computing to create detailed replicas of a whale's hearing anatomy. The study suggests mid-frequency sonar sounds are largely filtered, while higher frequencies used by whales for hunting are amplified.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 24, 2009

Carnegie Mellon's Jay Whitacre receives funding from energy department

Carnegie Mellon University's Jay Whitacre has received a $5 million award from the US Department of Energy to develop a new room-temperature sodium-ion battery technology. The goal is to improve grid reliability and efficiency, enabling the expansion of renewable energy sources. This project aims to reduce electricity use by 4% in 2030...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateNov 24, 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.

New tool for helping pediatric heart surgery

Researchers at UCSD and Stanford University developed a computational tool to simulate blood flow on computers, optimizing surgical designs for the Fontan surgery. This tool allows doctors to test plans and evaluate blood flow patterns before operating, potentially reducing risks associated with the procedure.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2009

CO2 emissions continue significant climb

Global CO2 emissions increased by 29% since 2000, with a tripling of annual growth rate compared to the 1990s. The report attributes the rise to increasing production and trade of manufactured products, shifting from oil to coal.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 24, 2009

Got a pain? -- Have a cup of Brazilian mint

Researchers at Newcastle University have scientifically proven the pain-relieving properties of Hyptis crenata, a traditional South American herb. The study showed that the herbal tea was as effective as Indometacin in relieving pain, with results comparable to synthetic aspirin-style drugs.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalActa Horticulturae·DateNov 24, 2009

Lupus Research Institute announces 2009 novel research grants

The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $3.6 million in grants to support innovative research on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The grants will fund studies on novel genes associated with African-American lupus, non-invasive assessment of lupus nephritis, and the role of nervous system networks in inflammation.

SourceLupus Research Alliance·DateNov 24, 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.

LSU gets to the bottom of things -- in Antarctica

A team of researchers from nine institutions, including LSU, will drill through the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to directly access a subglacial lake and study its physical, chemical, and geobiological interactions. The project aims to investigate novel microbial species and ecosystems in this extreme environment.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateNov 24, 2009

Molecule discovered that makes obese people develop diabetes

A new study by a European research team has found that obese people have high levels of the molecule CXCL5, produced by fatty tissue cells. This discovery could lead to an experimental treatment aimed at inhibiting the action of CXCL5 to protect against type 2 diabetes.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 24, 2009
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.

Protein from pregnancy hormone may prevent breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a protein produced during pregnancy that directly inhibits breast cancer growth. The protein, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), may serve as a potential treatment and prevention agent for breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateNov 24, 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.

Discovery leads to effective treatment of painful skin condition

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new treatment for pachyonychia congenita, a rare genetic skin condition, using siRNA. The treatment involves preventing the mutated gene from being expressed while allowing healthy keratin genes to function normally.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateNov 24, 2009

Physical therapists reduce disability and improve function in single-level microdiskectomy patients

A study published in Physical Therapy found that a progressive physical therapist-guided exercise and education program significantly improved physical function in patients after back surgery. The 12-week program reduced disability and improved walking performance, suggesting greater effectiveness than usual physical therapy.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateNov 24, 2009

A sticky solution for identifying effective probiotics

Scientists have crystallized a protein that enables beneficial bacteria to bind to the gut lining, interacting with cells and exerting their activity. The discovery opens new avenues of research into gut health and highlights the importance of molecular design in selecting probiotics.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 24, 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.

Female breadwinners bring home the bacon and tension

A study by University of Missouri researcher Rebecca Meisenbach found that female breadwinners experience both benefits and tensions in their roles. Despite challenges such as pressure and guilt, many women enjoy a sense of independence and ambition, while also valuing their partners' contributions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSex Roles·DateNov 24, 2009

Biology, training and profit sharing make best traders

A study by John Coates and Lionel Page found that experienced traders outperform the market with a high Sharpe Ratio, indicating prudent risk-taking. The researchers also discovered that profit-sharing incentives encourage traders to lower risk variance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2009

Study shows flavanol antioxidant content of US chocolate and cocoa-containing products

A recent study by The Hershey Company confirms that flavanol antioxidant content in US chocolate and cocoa products is highly associated with the amount of non-fat cocoa solids. Cocoa powders, unsweetened baking chocolate, dark chocolate, and semi-sweet chips were found to have the highest levels of flavanol antioxidants.

SourceThe Hershey Company·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 24, 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.

Feeding the clock

A study published in PNAS reveals that food intake plays a crucial role in regulating liver gene expression, rather than the body's circadian clock. The findings suggest that consistent feeding schedules can have a significant impact on metabolism and may help explain why shift workers are more prone to metabolic syndrome.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2009

Global study of salmon shows: 'Sustainable' food isn't so sustainable

The study found that the world can achieve greater environmental benefits by focusing on improvements to key aspects of salmon production and distribution. Farmed salmon feeding, wild salmon catching, and transportation methods have a significant impact on climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.

SourceEcotrust·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 24, 2009
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.

Queen's University Belfast 'powers' global wave industry

Oyster, developed by Queen's University Belfast and Aquamarine Power, is the world's only hydro-electric wave energy device producing power. It has the potential to meet up to 20% of the UK's energy demands and provide enough energy to power 9,000 homes.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateNov 24, 2009

Chemists get custom-designed microscopic particles to self-assemble in liquid crystal

Chemists have successfully designed and observed custom-shaped microparticles interacting and self-assembling in a controlled manner within a liquid crystal. The discovery opens up possibilities for the creation of larger-scale assemblies with various applications in photonics, optical communication networks, and other fields.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2009

Oceans absorbing carbon dioxide more slowly, Yale scientist finds

A Yale geophysicist has found that the world's oceans are absorbing less carbon dioxide over the past 50 years. This reduced absorption rate could lead to faster climate change due to a longer lag time between temperature fluctuations and CO2 level changes.

SourceYale University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 24, 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.

Early protein processes crucial to formation and layering of myelin membrane

Researchers from Boston College have made a significant discovery about myelin structure and stability using x-ray diffraction. They found that early protein processes are crucial to the proper formation and layering of the myelin membrane, which is critical for nerve conduction and nervous system function.

SourceBoston College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2009

Plasma levels of GGT and ALB and their genetic correlations with cardiovascular risk factors

This study found that variations in plasma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin (ALB) levels are genetically influenced and correlate with cardiovascular disease risk factors. The researchers identified chromosomal regions containing genes that affect GGT and ALB variation, which may also influence cardiovascular health.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateNov 24, 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.

Researchers establish common seasonal pattern among bacterial communities in Arctic rivers

A three-year study of six large Arctic river ecosystems reveals predictable temporal patterns among bacterial communities, suggesting they could be used to monitor climate change. The findings show that these communities shift synchronously over time, correlating with seasonal shifts in hydrology and biogeochemistry.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2009

Drug users know their stuff

A survey of UK drug users found that they rate legal substances like alcohol and tobacco as more harmful than Class A substances, suggesting a flaw in the current classification system. The study also found high correlations between user ratings and expert ratings, indicating users are well informed about drug harms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateNov 24, 2009