Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 17


Page 17 of 24

NASA's GOES Project offers real-time hurricane alley movies

The NASA GOES Project provides real-time satellite animations of the eastern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering a panoramic view of hurricanes in HDTV wide-screen format. The animations display several weather regimes simultaneously, including easterly winds, daily thunderstorms, and prevailing westerly winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 9, 2009

Elsevier sponsors 2009 Semantic Web Challenge

The 2009 Semantic Web Challenge recognized four outstanding applications that demonstrated practical applicability to real-world issues. The winners were awarded cash prizes sponsored by Elsevier, promoting the dissemination of knowledge from academia to society.

SourceElsevier·DateNov 9, 2009

CSHL study shows that some malignant tumors can be shut down after all

A new study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has found that certain types of aggressive tumors lacking p53 protein can be stopped in their tracks when TAp63, a sister protein, steps in. Researchers were able to shut off tumor growth by increasing TAp63 levels, which induced senescence and prevented cancer cell division.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 9, 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.

Well-traveled wasps provide hope for vanishing species

Scientists tracked the movement of pollen between African fig trees using genetic tests and field work. The research found that trees pollinated by similar insects can survive if isolated through deforestation due to their increased resistance to forest fragmentation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2009

NASA satellites see Ida spreading out before landfall

Tropical Storm Ida is expected to make its official landfall during the early morning hours on Tuesday, November 10. The storm has weakened, with cold thunderstorm cloud tops not as cold as they were when Ida was a hurricane.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 9, 2009

Breast density associated with increased risk of cancer recurrence

A new study by American Cancer Society researchers reveals that women with high breast density are at increased risk of cancer recurrence, up to 40% higher in those without radiation. Women with low breast density may not need additional therapies following surgery.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateNov 9, 2009

Darwin meets Facebook

Natural historians can now share and manage their data using the Scratchpads platform, which serves over 1100 users across 100 sites. The system allows users to create virtual workbenches to study aspects of organisms, promoting biodiversity informatics approaches.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateNov 9, 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.

Sniffing out memories

Researchers found that the first association between a smell and an experience leaves a lasting impression in the brain. After one week, they could predict which associations would be remembered based on brain activity alone.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 9, 2009

UCSD discovery allows scientists for the first time to experimentally annotate genomes

Researchers at UCSD have made a breakthrough discovery that enables the experimental annotation of genomes. By combining multiple genome-scale measurements, they can identify the location and use of genomic elements with precision. This innovation has significant implications for metabolic engineering, disease research, and drug design.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 9, 2009

Improving university-community research partnerships

A study at Tufts University found that training local leaders in research practices, especially human subjects protections, improves university-community relationships. Community-based participatory research partnerships strengthened the ability of local organizations to seek additional funding and conduct independent research.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 9, 2009

Yoga boosts heart health

A study published in International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics found that yoga practitioners exhibit higher heart rate variability compared to non-practitioners. This suggests a strengthening of parasympathetic control, indicative of better autonomic function and a healthier heart.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateNov 9, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Computerized support keeps prominence of name brand drugs at bay

A study found that computerized alerts can reduce the prescription of heavily marketed sleep medications by 23.3% compared to generic equivalents. The alerts provided additional information on co-payments and patient education, leading to a change in clinician behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2009

Study: Credit crisis, debt load a double whammy for investment

A University of Illinois study found that firms with heavy long-term debt that came due during the recent credit crisis slashed investment more than three times as much as companies whose paybacks dodged the meltdown. This can have a ripple effect on the overall economy, leading to reduced employment and profits in the future.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateNov 9, 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.

Amyloid beta protein gets bum rap

Researchers found that low doses of amyloid beta protein improved learning and memory in healthy mice, while blocking the protein caused learning impairment. The study suggests that the optimal amount of amyloid beta is crucial for maintaining cognitive function.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateNov 9, 2009

FDA-approved drugs eliminate, prevent cervical cancer in mice

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison used two FDA-approved drugs to eliminate and prevent cervical cancer in mice. The drugs, which block estrogen's ability to bind to cells, cleared precancerous growths and prevented cancer onset in mice with HPV-positive lesions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2009

Teenage obesity linked to increased risk of MS

A study published in Neurology found that teenage women who are obese may be more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as adult women compared to female teens who are not obese. Weight during adolescence, rather than childhood or adulthood, is critical in determining the risk of MS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 9, 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.

Researchers complete draft genome sequence for cassava

A team of researchers completed the first draft of the cassava genome, which contains an estimated 95% of cassava genes. The availability of this sequence enables the development of a genome variation database to aid farmers in improving cassava resistance to CBSD.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateNov 9, 2009

New transparent insulating film could enable energy-efficient displays

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new use for a chemical compound that can be transformed into a thin film insulator, blocking electricity flow but inducing large electric currents. The material, called solution-deposited beta-alumina, has important applications in transistor technology and e-book readers.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 9, 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.

Findings show nanomedicine promising for treating spinal cord injuries

Purdue researchers have discovered a new approach for repairing damaged nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries using copolymer micelles, which not only deliver drugs but also directly repair axons. The treatment boosts axon recovery from 18% to 60%, showing promising results for treating spinal cord injuries.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 8, 2009

Scientists visualize how bacteria talk to one another

Researchers developed a tool to visualize bacterial communication, revealing that chemical signals function simultaneously in interspecies interactions. This approach may aid in understanding microbial interactions with human cells, leading to novel immune system modulators and anti-infectives.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 8, 2009

Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion

Researchers found a gene deletion in chromosome 15 associated with significant learning and behavioral problems, including developmental delay, mental retardation, and epilepsy. The study suggests that the nicotinic receptor plays a crucial role in these conditions.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 8, 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.

Air pollution increases infants' risk of bronchiolitis

A new study found that air pollution increases the risk of bronchiolitis in infants, with higher exposure levels associated with a significant increase in risk. The research analyzed data from nearly 12,000 infant diagnoses and found that traffic-derived air pollutants were linked to an increased risk of bronchiolitis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 6, 2009
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 statement outlines ATS positions on research, education, advocacy

The American Thoracic Society has issued a statement outlining its positions on research, training, education, patient care, and advocacy. The ATS aims to prioritize altruistic concerns for patients, improve outcome measurement, and advocate for universal access to quality care.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 6, 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.

AIBS publishes Darwin articles open access

Two peer-reviewed articles by Kevin Padian and James T. Costa explore common inaccuracies and insights into Darwin's life and work, shedding light on creative scientific thinking and the origins of his theory

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateNov 6, 2009

We spend more on products with detailed nutritional information

Researchers from Spain found that people are willing to pay more for breakfast biscuits with detailed nutritional labels compared to those with minimal information. The study analyzed 400 personal interviews and concluded that brand impact plays a significant role in influencing consumer choices.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateNov 6, 2009

Possible help in fight against muscle-wasting disease

Researchers at the University of Oregon and University of Rochester discovered a compound that reverses genetic defects in RNA leading to type 1 myotonic dystrophy. The compound, pentamidine, disrupts complexes formed by expanded repeats and protein molecules, allowing proper splicing errors to be rescued.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2009

Nitrogen loss threatens desert plant life, study shows

A new Cornell study finds that rising temperatures cause nitrogen to escape from desert soils, leading to decreased plant life and soil fertility. The researchers warn that this could exacerbate air pollution and contribute to further desertification.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 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.

A 'Blue Revolution': the key to future food security

The world will need a 'Blue Revolution' to address the massive pressure on its water resources due to population growth, changing diets, and climate change. Investments in water can reduce poverty and improve agricultural productivity by refurbishing irrigation systems and promoting rainfed agriculture.

SourceInternational Water Management Institute·DateNov 6, 2009

New finding suggests prostate biopsy is not always necessary

Researchers found that parathyroid hormone can elevate PSA levels in healthy men, leading to unnecessary biopsies and treatment. The study aims to refine the prostate cancer screening test to better differentiate between those who need a biopsy and those who may be spared.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 6, 2009

NHLBI stops enrollment in study on resuscitation methods for cardiac arrest

A large clinical trial testing two resuscitation strategies found both equally successful; no additional benefit from using an impedance threshold device during CPR. The study involved approximately 11,500 participants and stopped enrollment early based on preliminary data suggesting no significant improvement in survival rates.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·DateNov 6, 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.

Researchers find new way to attack inflammation in Graves' eye disease

A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease showed rapid improvement after treatment with rituximab, reducing inflammation and optic nerve damage. The study suggests that rituximab may offer sustained benefits as an alternative to high-dose steroids.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOphthalmology·DateNov 6, 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.

Higher carotid arterial stenting rates associated with poorer clinical outcomes

A study found that carotid arterial stenting procedures were associated with poorer clinical outcomes, including heart attack and stroke, in Medicare patients. The increased use of stenting procedures coincided with expanded Medicare coverage, leading to higher rates of mortality and adverse outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·DateNov 6, 2009

Local health investigation sheds light on gastroschisis birth defect

Researchers found a significant increase in gastroschisis births in Washoe County from April 2007 to April 2008, with case mothers more likely to report infections and recreational drug use before pregnancy. The cluster appears to have subsided, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying causes.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 6, 2009

'Dropouts' pinpoint earliest galaxies

Researchers used a custom-made filter to find 22 early galaxies and confirmed the age of one at 787 million years post-Big Bang. The findings suggest that reionization likely began during this era, with star-formation rates significantly lower than expected.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateNov 6, 2009

UWM study explores why women leave engineering careers

A new UWM study investigates the factors influencing career decisions among women with engineering degrees, focusing on self-confidence, work-life balance, and workplace climate. The POWER survey aims to design effective policies for increasing women's retention in engineering careers.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateNov 6, 2009

Babies with an accent

Researchers found that French infants produce rising crying tones and German babies cry with falling intonation, suggesting early exposure to language-specific intonation patterns. This study suggests that the sense of hearing develops before other senses and influences a child's ability to learn their mother tongue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 6, 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.

Biologists, educators recognize excellence in evolution education

Professor Leonard C. Yannielli receives 2009 Evolution Education Award for his work promoting accurate understanding of biological evolution in the classroom and community. He has developed innovative instructional materials and organized discussions on evolution, working to educate colleagues across academic disciplines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateNov 6, 2009

Psychiatric impact of torture could be amplified by head injury

A recent study found that head injuries can amplify the psychological impact of torture on survivors, with structural brain changes and more severe depression symptoms reported in those who experienced both. The research suggests that physical effects may help explain why standard therapies often don't work for torture survivors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateNov 6, 2009