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Science News Archive November 2009


Page 9 of 24

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.

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%.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Study finds link between preeclampsia and reduced thyroid function

Women with a history of preeclampsia may be at increased risk for reduced thyroid functioning, according to researchers. The study found that women who developed preeclampsia during pregnancy had higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and were more likely to have hypothyroidism later in life.

Alternative animal feed part of global fisheries crisis fix: UBC study

A UBC study suggests that finding alternative feed sources for farm animals can significantly reduce pressure on the world's dwindling fisheries, while contributing positively to climate change. The researchers propose new strategies to effect swifter and larger-scale changes in the fishing industry.

2 UNH faculty receive $1.4M in CAREER grants from NSF

Two UNH assistant professors, Vaughn Cooper and Christopher White, received NSF CAREER grants to explore beneficial mutations in bacteria and the flow dynamics of liquefied biomass. Their research has implications for understanding adaptation, evolution, and sustainable energy solutions.

World's first delivery of intra-arterial Avastin directly into brain tumor

Researchers successfully delivered high-dose chemotherapy to malignant brain tumors via intra-arterial Avastin, potentially avoiding common side effects of systemic chemotherapy. The innovative technique has shown promising results in early trials and may offer a new treatment option for patients with resistant brain tumors.

Bigger not necessarily better, when it comes to brains

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that insect brains are capable of intelligent behaviors like counting and categorizing, challenging the idea that larger brains are more intelligent. Research suggests that many size differences in brain size only exist in specific regions and may not lead to increased complexity.

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.

Comforted by carpet: How do floors and distance affect purchases?

A study by University of Chicago Press Journals found that consumers feel more comfortable standing on carpeted flooring, but their judgment of products is influenced by the distance between them and the floor. When viewed from a moderate distance, the comfort factor plays a significant role in product judgments.

Vardenafil: A potential drug to protect gastric mucosa

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that vardenafil has dose-dependent gastroprotective effects against NSAID-induced peptic ulcer. This suggests that vardenafil may be used as a potential therapeutic drug to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcer formation.

Some prescription meds can harm fetus

A Université de Montréal investigation found that over six percent of expectant mothers in Quebec use prescription drugs known to be harmful to their fetuses. The study also revealed that the abortion rate among these women is 11 percent higher than in the rest of the population.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cross-country runabouts -- immune cells on the move

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have discovered how immune cells, such as white blood cells, move on various surfaces. They found that these cells use a 'clutch and wheels' system, involving cell anchors and cytoskeleton deformation to maintain constant speed, enabling them to adapt to different substrates.

Depression as deadly as smoking, but anxiety may be good for you

A study found that depression increases mortality risk similar to smoking, but anxiety reduces it when combined with depression. Researchers suggest that help-seeking behavior may explain this pattern, and highlight the need for more attention on physical health in people with mental disorders.

Immediate, aggressive spending on HIV/AIDS could end epidemic

A recent study published in BMC Public Health suggests that immediate and aggressive spending of $60 billion on HIV/AIDS treatment could end the epidemic globally. The research, which analyzed a leading-edge mathematical model, predicts that an accelerated approach over five years is necessary to control the spread of the disease.

Small optical force can budge nanoscale objects

Researchers at Cornell University used a tiny beam of light to move a silicon structure up to 12 nanometers, switching its optical properties. This technology could have applications in MEMS and MOMS, where it might be useful for creating tunable filters or preventing silicon parts from sticking together.

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.

New funds for Rice, M.D. Anderson program

The Rice University-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center program provides incoming graduate students with early exposure to translational research and clinical practice. The HHMI funding renewal will allow the program to expand to include students from M.D. Anderson's Department of Imaging Physics.

Moa get fewer: Landmark study

A comprehensive study of over 260 sub-fossil specimens reveals that moas should be grouped into three families and six genera, reducing the number of species to nine. The study also presents a new geological model suggesting that land-dwelling animals on the North and South Island were isolated for most of the past 20-30 million years.

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.

Counterfeit euros are detected with an optical mouse

A Spanish study detects counterfeit euros using optical mouse sensors, with 79% of 2008 European coins found to be two-euro coins. The system compares images captured by the sensor with reference images from genuine coins, allowing for accurate detection.

Need for emergency airway surgery for hard-to-intubate patients reduced

A comprehensive program at Johns Hopkins has reduced the need for emergency airway surgery by 67% by providing a standardized cart with essential supplies and training staff on its use. The program's success story highlights the importance of organization and teamwork in improving patient outcomes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Are teenagers wired differently than adults?

Researchers studied amygdala development, finding that neural pathways bypassing cortex are more plastic in juvenile than adult mice. This suggests that teenagers' emotions are less precise and more irrational due to subcortical drive.

Unexplained liver hemorrhage after metastasis radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation, a local hepatic treatment for liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma, can lead to unexplained liver hemorrhage. The procedure's increasing use with few selection criteria raises concerns about minimizing complications. Early intervention is crucial in managing these complications.

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.

On your last nerve: NC State researchers advance understanding of stem cells

Researchers from NC State University have identified a gene called FoxJ1 that tells embryonic stem cells in the brain when to stop producing nerve cells. This discovery advances understanding of the nervous system and its development, with potential applications for conditions like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.

New study confirms exotic electric properties of graphene

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have successfully demonstrated the fractional quantum Hall effect in clean graphene, a two-dimensional crystalline material. This breakthrough exploits graphene's unique electrical properties to create novel devices and test theoretical models of extreme environments.

Rice ties in race for atomic-scale breakthrough

Physicists at Rice University have successfully created a Bose-Einstein condensate from strontium atoms, marking an important advancement in atomic-scale research. The achievement demonstrates the long-sought creation of a state where individual atoms lose their identity and come together to form a singular lump.

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.

To eat or not to eat? Mental budgets help control consumption

Researchers found that mental budgets alone were insufficient for controlling overconsumption; active goals and numerical recommendations are crucial. Mental budgets succeed when consumers follow specific limit guidelines, such as weight loss programs like Weight Watchers.

Your own stem cells can treat heart disease

Researchers found that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The study also showed reduced episodes of chest pain in daily life.

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.

A second skin

A Tel Aviv University-developed dressing can eradicate infection-causing bacteria after just two days, protecting wounds until they heal. The biodegradable, antibiotic-infused material mimics skin's protective properties and helps doctors administer high doses of antibiotics locally, reducing toxicity issues.

Solving the 50-year-old puzzle of thalidomide

Thalidomide's mechanism of causing limb defects has been linked to its impact on angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. This understanding paves the way for developing safer treatments for diseases like Leprosy, Crohn's Disease, and AIDS.

EIT waves and coronal magnetic field diagnosis

Researchers propose EIT wave analysis as an alternative approach to measure the solar coronal magnetic field. They demonstrated that the profile of EIT wave propagation velocity can be utilized to probe the coronal magnetic field, potentially unveiling the nature of solar flares and CMEs.

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.

JQI researchers create entangled photons from quantum dots

Physicists at the Joint Quantum Institute have developed a technique to create entangled photons from quantum dots tweaked with a laser. This method may enable more compact and convenient sources of entangled photon pairs than presently available, revolutionizing quantum information applications.

NIH awards $8.5 million for research on pharmaceuticals for children

The NIH has awarded $8.5 million to support research on pharmaceuticals for children, with a focus on determining outcome measures to facilitate future studies. The grants will support studies in pediatric cardiology, neonatology, and pediatric neurology, aiming to improve the quality of pediatric research.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

US gets a 'D' for preterm birth rate

The US received a 'D' grade on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, with over half a million newborns not receiving a healthy start. Seven states improved their preterm birth rates by reducing smoking, uninsured rates, and late preterm births.

Purdue, NASA research provides blueprint for molecular basis of global warming

Researchers at Purdue University and NASA found that compounds containing fluorine atoms are more efficient at blocking radiation, contributing to global warming. These compounds, such as chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and sulfur and nitrogen fluorides, have the potential to quickly slam the atmospheric window shut, unlike ca...

Fossil fuel CO2 emissions up by 29 percent since 2000

Global fossil fuel CO2 emissions increased by 29% between 2008 and 2000 due to growing coal use and international trade. The natural carbon sinks' efficiency has decreased, allowing more CO2 to remain in the atmosphere. This rise highlights the need for drastic reduction in global CO2 emissions.