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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 11


Page 11 of 24

Study shows link between influenza virus and fever

A study by University of Bonn researchers has found a link between the influenza virus and fever, revealing that the immune system's RIG-I protein plays a key role in triggering high temperatures. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating severe viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 16, 2009

Text message reminders can encourage healthy action

A new study led by UC Davis Health System dermatologist April Armstrong found that daily text messages reminding people to apply sunscreen increased its use by nearly twice as much as those who did not receive such messages. The study aimed to explore the potential of text messaging to encourage healthy habits in patients, and its find...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 16, 2009

Surgical errors remain a challenge in and out of the operating room

An analysis of surgical adverse events at Veterans Health Administration Medical Centers found that communication problems are the leading cause of errors, often occurring early in procedures. The study highlights the need for earlier communication based on crew resource management to prevent surgical adverse events.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Don't be happy, be worried: Sports fans need dose of negative

Researchers found that fans who experienced negative emotions during the game thought it was more thrilling and suspenseful. The study suggests that both positive and negative emotions contribute to entertainment and enjoyment, with negative emotions acting independently and together.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateNov 16, 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.

Acute heart attack patients receiving high ionizing radiation dose

A large study found acute heart attack patients received an average of 14.5 millisieverts of ionizing radiation, equivalent to 725 chest X-rays, during their hospital stay. Physicians may be unaware of cumulative dose accumulation from tests and should consider radiation exposure when diagnosing and treating heart attacks.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 16, 2009

Finding a protective mechanism for retinal cells could save sight

Researchers at Yale University have identified a novel protective mechanism in photoreceptors that could help preserve vision in people with eye diseases. The study found that the activation of CREB1/ATF1 is part of this pathway, which was triggered by stress and can be activated by certain drugs.

SourceYale University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 16, 2009

UT Southwestern scientist begins to unravel what makes pandemic H1N1 tick

The study found major genetic differences between pandemic H1N1 and seasonal flu strains, potentially explaining why children are more susceptible. This difference in molecular makeup may contribute to the lower incidence of H1N1 in older adults due to pre-existing immunity.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against routine breast cancer screening for women under 50 due to insufficient evidence. However, women between 40-49 at high risk should discuss biennial mammography with their doctor. The task force also suggests changing the screening interval from one year to two until age 74.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 16, 2009

Study links genetic variation to individual empathy, stress levels

A genetic variation in oxytocin's receptor has been linked to both empathetic ability and stress reactivity in a study of college students. Those with the GG allele showed lower heart rate responses to stress tests and performed better on a test measuring empathy.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 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.

UTMB researchers find inflammation critical in aortic dissection

Researchers found that inflammation is critical in aortic dissection and interleukin-6 plays key role. Studies using mice and human samples validate findings, providing new insights into underlying mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2009

Pilot study relates phthalate exposure to less-masculine play by boys

A pilot study of 145 preschool children found that higher phthalate exposure was associated with less male-typical play, such as trucks and rough-and-tumble play. The study suggests that fetal exposure to anti-androgens like phthalates may alter masculine brain development.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Andrology·DateNov 16, 2009

First near-total face and upper-jaw transplant appears successful

A groundbreaking face and upper-jaw transplant has successfully integrated donor tissue with no long-term rejection, enabling the recipient to regain senses of smell and taste. The procedure, performed on a patient with extensive damage from postoperative scarring and blood vessel depletion, demonstrates the feasibility of facial trans...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Are sterile mosquitoes the answer to malaria elimination?

A new supplement reviews the history and application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in eliminating malaria. SIT involves releasing sterile male mosquitoes to wipe out a pest population, which can be effective against Anopheles mosquitoes that spread malaria.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateNov 16, 2009
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.

Ancient high-altitude trees grow faster as temperatures rise

A recent study found that ancient high-altitude bristlecone pines in the western US are experiencing unprecedented growth rates due to rising temperatures. Trees growing near treeline, typically at elevations above 11,000 feet, showed wider annual growth rings from 1951 to 2000 compared to previous centuries.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

New study links vitamin D deficiency to cardiovascular disease and death

A recent study by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. The study followed 27,686 patients over a year and found that those with very low levels of vitamin D were 77% more likely to die.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·DateNov 16, 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.

Skin color gives clues to health

The study found that rosier skin appears healthier due to increased blood flow, while golden or 'yellow-toned' skin may indicate higher antioxidant levels from a healthy diet. This discovery suggests that nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving the most desirable complexion.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateNov 16, 2009

Research highlights need to address hemophilia in developing world

Research highlights the need to address hemophilia treatment disparities in developing countries. A new study from North Carolina State University found that prevalence of hemophilia A has increased over time due to improved treatments, but access to life-saving clotting factor VIII remains severely limited.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHaemophilia·DateNov 16, 2009

K-State patents enabling technology for spread-spectrum systems

Researchers at Kansas State University developed an algorithm that enables next-generation smart adaptive radios and makes radars more effective by customizing the coding used in transmitting signals. The algorithm can be applied to various systems employing spread spectrum techniques, including cellular, satellite, and wireless networks.

SourceKansas State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications·DateNov 16, 2009
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

Uninsured more likely to die after trauma

According to a recent study published in Archives of Surgery, uninsured patients are more likely to die after trauma than those with health insurance. The study analyzed records from the National Trauma Data Bank and found that uninsured patients had a higher mortality rate even after controlling for age, sex, race, and injury severity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

New cause of osteoporosis: Mutation in a miroRNA

A new cause of osteoporosis has been identified: a mutation in the miR-2861 precursor that blocks expression of this crucial microRNA. This microRNA promotes bone formation and its absence is linked to primary osteoporosis in humans.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 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.

Volatile gas could turn Rwandan lake into a freshwater time bomb

Scientists are concerned about the buildup of carbon dioxide and methane gas in Lake Kivu, which could lead to a catastrophic explosion. The lake's unique combination of geological features and lack of circulation makes it vulnerable to disturbances, posing a threat to the approximately 2 million people living nearby.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateNov 16, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 16, 2009

Researchers have identified a microRNA (miR-2861) that regulates bone formation, and its mutation is linked to primary osteoporosis. In addition, studies on Lyme disease transmission revealed a biphasic mode of dissemination by Borrelia burgdorferi microbes within ticks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2009

New climate treaty could put species at risk

A new UN climate treaty may inadvertently increase the risk of extinction for some species as governments prioritize reducing deforestation in high-carbon forests. The REDD scheme aims to curb carbon emissions by financially rewarding tropical countries that reduce forest clearance.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 16, 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.

The future of private equity

Steve Kaplan predicts lower default rates and higher recoveries in private equity deals due to increased efficiency and operating value. The industry can prevent overpriced deals by promoting larger equity commitments from financial sponsors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Corporate Finance·DateNov 16, 2009

HIV vaccine failure probably caused by virus used, says new research

Researchers found that people who had previously built up immunity to the adenovirus used in the trial had a higher risk of infection with HIV after receiving the vaccine. The study suggests that other adenovirus-based vaccines, such as those for tuberculosis and malaria, may also be at risk due to the same immune system reaction.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Immune system of healthy adults may be better prepared than expected to fight 2009 H1N1 influenza

A new study found that healthy adults have a level of protective immune memory against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. This immunity can blunt the severity of infection and provide some protection. The findings may explain why younger children are more severely affected by the pandemic.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 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.

Analyzing structural brain changes in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a fast and accurate method to quantify subtle brain volume loss in Alzheimer's patients, outperforming existing measures. The new technique identifies changes in memory regions, particularly the entorhinal cortex, as sensitive markers for early disease stages.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Marker of oxidative stress predicts heart disease outcomes

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a substance in the blood that may predict an individual's risk for heart disease. High levels of cystine, an oxidized form of the amino acid cysteine, were found to be twice as likely to result in a heart attack or death over a few years.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Right-handed chimpanzees provide clues to the origin of human language

Research suggests that the left hemisphere's dominance in humans may stem from ancestral gestural communication, with right-handed gestures in chimpanzees indicating a similar lateralization. This study supports the idea that speech evolved from a gestural system and shares key features with human language.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateNov 16, 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.

Growth spurt in tree rings prompts questions about climate change

Recent decades saw a significant increase in bristlecone pine growth, with wider rings than at any time in the last 3,700 years. The research suggests that warmer temperatures play a key role in this surge in growth, particularly for trees near treeline.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009