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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 9


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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 2009

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%.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2009

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 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.

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 18, 2009

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 18, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateNov 18, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 18, 2009

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 2009

Is type 2 diabetes mellitus a risk factor for gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic cancer?

A large cohort study found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a threefold increased risk of pancreatic cancer and a twofold increased risk of gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary cancers compared to non-diabetic controls. This is the first comprehensive assessment of the risk for these cancers in type 2 DM patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 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.

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.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalOryx·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalSensors·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 17, 2009

Talking to ourselves: How consumers navigate choices and inner conflict

A study by Shalini Bahl and George R. Milne found that consumers engage in an inner dialogue with multiple perspectives, including a 'desirable self' that promotes positive consumption behaviors. However, this self can also lead to overstretching and burnout when allowed free reign.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 17, 2009
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.

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceRice University·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 17, 2009

Emulating Western lifestyles: Consumption and carbon footprints in less industrialized countries

A new study examines the consumption attitudes of upper-middle-class women in Turkey, finding two distinct class fractions with different consumption strategies based on childhood socialization. The more educated group focuses on Western lifestyle emulation, while the less-educated group prioritizes Turkish status symbols.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceWiley·JournalBioEssays·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 17, 2009
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.

Night beat, overtime and a disrupted sleep pattern can harm officers' health

A new study finds that night shift workers and those with frequent overtime have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also reveals younger officers working at night are more likely to develop this condition.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalArchives of Environmental & Occupational Health·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateNov 17, 2009

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.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateNov 17, 2009

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...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateNov 17, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 17, 2009