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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 4


Page 4 of 24

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

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

Amid the flu epidemic, don't forget RSV in young children

A study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significantly more acute respiratory illnesses, ED visits, and hospitalizations among young children compared to seasonal flu. RSV-related illnesses lead to increased missed workdays for parents.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 23, 2009

Children unaffected by smoking ban consequences

A study of 3500 Welsh children found they were exposed to similar amounts of secondhand smoke before and after the smoking ban. Despite concerns about displacement, the home remained the main source of children's exposure.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 23, 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.

Moderate-to-heavy exercise may reduce risk of stroke for men

Men who engage in moderate-to-heavy intensity exercise have a lower risk of stroke compared to those with no physical activity. The study found that men who participated in such activities were 63% less likely to experience a stroke. However, the results did not show a similar benefit for women.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 23, 2009

The cause behind the characteristic shape of a long leaf revealed

Researchers at Harvard University used an analog model and mathematical simulations to understand how a long leaf is formed. They found that elastic strain resulting from differential growth leads to the elegant arc and serrated surface of leaves like the plantain lily.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Multiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive

Research highlights vitamin D's critical role in immune function, inflammation, and heart health, with evidence suggesting it may boost innate immunity and prevent infections. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem worldwide, affecting nearly one billion people, and experts are considering increasing recommended daily intake.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFuture Microbiology·DateNov 23, 2009

5-day delivery no sure cure for postal woes, economist says

A University of Illinois economist suggests reducing mail delivery to five days a week could help the USPS recover from financial losses. However, this move might also lead to a loss of lucrative business customers who rely on frequent deliveries for advertisements and promotions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Econometrics·DateNov 23, 2009

Vioxx trial data shows early cardiovascular risk

A team of investigators analyzed 30 randomized trials of Vioxx and found a strong concern for cardiovascular events or death as early as December 2000. The analysis showed a 35-43% increased risk of cardiovascular events or death, highlighting the need for informed treatment decisions and public health efforts.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

We're off then: The evolution of bat migration

Researchers found that bat migration evolved independently within the Vespertilionidae family, with most species migrating for better hibernating conditions. The study discovered a correlation between migration and roost use, with tree-roosting bats more likely to migrate.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 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.

Switchgrass produces biomass efficiently

A USDOE and USDA study found switchgrass to produce more dry biomass per dollar cost than the other three species, making it the optimal choice for a field. The study recommends fertilizing with 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year and harvesting once per year after senescence.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 23, 2009

Insomnia prevalent among cancer patients who receive chemotherapy

A University of Rochester study found that three quarters of cancer patients with chemotherapy suffer from insomnia or sleep disorders, affecting their ability to fully recover. Younger patients and those with lung and breast cancers were particularly affected.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 23, 2009

Study highlights from November issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

A recent study published in the November issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that six percent of asymptomatic women underwent endoscopic screening and were diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. Additionally, researchers demonstrated the accuracy of EUS-FNA in diagnosing pancreatic endocrine tumors, predicting five-year survival rat...

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateNov 23, 2009

Medical 'pay for performance' programs help improve care -- but not always, study finds

A new study found that certain types of financial incentives for improving patient care have a positive effect on patient experiences. However, placing too much emphasis on physician productivity can actually harm patient satisfaction. Researchers analyzed data from 124,021 patients and found improvements in areas like communication an...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

Direct-to-consumer ads associated with higher Medicaid costs

A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising for clopidogrel led to a 12% increase in cost per unit, resulting in $40.58 added pharmacy costs per 1,000 Medicaid enrollees per quarter. Overall, this increased total pharmacy expenditures by $207 million.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 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.

Road rage

A new study found that rats exposed to fuel vapor from both leaded and unleaded gasoline exhibited increased aggressive behavior. Exposure to either type of fuel vapor led to significant changes in brain chemistry, including fluctuations in neurotransmitters.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateNov 23, 2009

Computational microscope peers into the working ribosome

The studies used molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) to examine the interaction of the ribosome with EF-Tu and SecY, respectively. The researchers found structural evidence that when the ribosome recognizes the correct tRNA, it induces a change in the shape of EF-Tu, allowing chemical interactions to lead to protein assembly.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalStructure·DateNov 23, 2009

A mechanical model of vocalization

A mechanical model of vocalization has been developed to study the phonation process and combat voice disorders. The model, which mimics the airflow and vibrations within the vocal folds, aims to improve surgical assessments for patients undergoing vocal tract surgery.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 23, 2009

Insect resistance to Bt crops can be predicted, monitored and managed

A new study analyzes data from five continents to conclude that existing strategies can be used to predict, monitor and manage insect resistance. By understanding what accelerates and delays resistance, farmers can more effectively thwart pest resistance using tactics like refuge strategy and pyramided crops.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateNov 23, 2009