Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 15, 2009


ResearchToolkit.org provides 1-stop Web resource for health researchers

ResearchToolkit.org provides a comprehensive platform for health researchers to create and sustain successful multisite collaborations. The site offers tools and resources for developing research networks, launching projects, and sharing study results, aiming to ease logistical difficulties and enhance efficiency.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·DateOct 15, 2009

Heart test found safe for pre-transplant kidney patients

A study has found that coronary angiography does not harm kidney function in advanced chronic kidney disease patients, enabling better transplant decisions. The test detected coronary artery disease in some patients, making them unsuitable for transplantation until their heart complications were addressed.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 15, 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.

The food-energy cellular connection revealed

The study reveals a conserved phosphorylation site in CRY1 that allows nutrients to directly alter the rhythm of peripheral clocks. Genetic inactivation of AMPK blocks these effects, confirming that cryptochromes act as energy sensors for circadian clocks.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2009

News in red and blue: Messages about social factors and health can backfire

A University of Michigan study shows that news reports emphasizing social factors behind health issues can polarize public opinion, with Republicans becoming less supportive after reading such articles. Increasing awareness of social factors may not uniformly increase public support for action.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 15, 2009

IBEX satellite finds ribbon-like structure at edge of heliosphere

The IBEX mission reveals a 'noodle soup' of solar material at the outer fringes of the heliosphere bubble, with an arc-shaped ribbon of high-pressure material. The discovery challenges model predictions and provides key information about the properties of the interstellar cloud.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Caltech researchers reveal unexpected sources of nitrogen fixation

Researchers at Caltech have discovered that methane-consuming archaea are actively fixing nitrogen and sharing it with their bacterial neighbors. This finding may help explain the discrepancy between known sources and sinks of fixed nitrogen in the global nitrogen cycle.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2009

Stem cells offer new hope for kidney disease patients

Researchers have tested various cell-based therapies in mice with Alport syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. Stem cell treatments may repair kidney defects associated with the disease, offering promise for patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 15, 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.

How the Moon produces its own water

The Moon absorbs electrically charged particles to produce water, confirming a key process on the lunar surface. The discovery enables scientists to create images of the Moon and other airless bodies using hydrogen atoms as tracers.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateOct 15, 2009

Stretching the Golgi: a link between form and function

Researchers at UC San Diego discover that a protein interaction generates force that shapes the Golgi apparatus, revealing a link between form and function. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of the Golgi apparatus, a processing center for protein export.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 2009

Loss of tumor-suppressor and DNA-maintenance proteins causes tissue demise

Research supports potential for new anti-cancer agent as loss of p53 and ATR severely disrupts tissue maintenance in mice, leading to rapid deterioration and fatal outcomes. Cells without ATR persisting in tissues cause blockage of regeneration, while absence of p53 worsens tissue degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 15, 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.

Quantum computer chips now 1 step closer to reality

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a method to fabricate quantum devices using conventional chip-making techniques, enabling the creation of ultra-low-power computer chips and high-resolution cameras. The development could lead to significant advancements in fields such as medical imaging, security, and public safety.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateOct 15, 2009

Giant impact near India -- not Mexico -- may have doomed dinosaurs

A massive impact crater off the coast of India is being studied as a potential cause of the mass extinction event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs. The Shiva basin, located in western India, is believed to have been created by an object at least 40 kilometers in diameter.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 15, 2009

Scientists discover protein receptor for carbonation taste

Researchers identified a protein receptor, called carbonic anhydrase 4, that initiates the sensation of carbonation. The enzyme is expressed on sour-sensing cells and helps detect acid stimuli from carbon dioxide, explaining why we perceive fizz as a familiar sensation.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 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.

UNH space scientists help catch the interstellar wind

UNH's Space Science Center played a crucial role in the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, which has provided groundbreaking maps of the boundary between our solar system and the interstellar medium. The mission's data reveals new insights into the interactions between the solar wind and interstellar gas, including the form...

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2009

New method proposed to calculate reduction in road accident deaths

A team of engineers from the University of Almería has developed a methodology to help meet the EU objective of cutting road deaths by 50% between 2000 and 2010. The researchers have calculated weighted coefficients for reducing accident rates in various geographical areas, using an inverse logarithmic formula.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateOct 15, 2009

Gene linked with human kidney aging

Researchers from Stanford University and colleagues have discovered a gene associated with human kidney aging, revealing new insights into the aging process. The study used sequential transcriptional profiling and eQTL mapping to identify genetic variants linked to kidney aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 15, 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.

Research shows treating HIV-AIDS with interleukin-2 is ineffective

A team of researchers found that interleukin-2 has no effect on the development of AIDS or patient survival. The study, involving over 5000 patients in 25 countries, suggests that IL-2 treatment provides no benefit and does not prevent AIDS-related infectious diseases.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 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.

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.

AFOSR deepens commitment to the Latin-American science community

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) has deepened its commitment to the Latin-American science community through a series of research collaborations. The program aims to generate new ideas that will have a profound impact on the Air Force and the world. AFOSR has partnered with Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecn...

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateOct 15, 2009

Grant to design neutrino detector

The neutrino detector will test matter/antimatter symmetry, potentially explaining the universe's matter dominance. Located 4,800 feet underground, the detector will block out most radiation and capture ultraviolet light from charged particles.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 15, 2009

Fruit fly pest identified in wine grapes

A new pest, the Spotted Wing Drosophila fly, has been identified in Oregon's Willamette Valley wine grapes, causing significant losses to cherry and peach crops. The fly's larvae are small and shapeless, but culture methods can confirm its identity.

SourceOregon State University·DateOct 15, 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.

Physical therapists play integral role in prevention, risk reduction, and treatment of lymphedema

Breast cancer patients can reduce their risk of lymphedema by seeking physical therapy services before, during, and after treatment. A study published in the journal Cancer found that pre-operative assessments by physical therapists enable early diagnosis and management of the condition, leading to more conservative treatment options.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateOct 15, 2009

ASTRO, Gilda's Club Chicago join to promote cancer survivorship

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Gilda's Club Chicago to promote cancer survivorship. The two organizations will participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting, highlighting programs that help patients and families cope with cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 15, 2009

Gene mutation may reveal clues for treating lung diseases

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to premature lung development and severe respiratory complications. The mutation, found in four children born with multiple abnormalities, may provide insight into potential treatments for newborn lung distress and COPD.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 15, 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.

NASA spacecraft provides first view of our place in the galaxy

The IBEX spacecraft has created a new comprehensive sky map of our solar system, showcasing its location within the Milky Way galaxy. The map highlights the region that separates our heliosphere from interstellar space, with bright emissions not previously detected by Voyager spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2009

Scientists give flies false memories

Researchers used optogenetics to stimulate 12 cells in fly brains, creating false memories of an unpleasant event. This discovery provides new insights into how simple organisms can form complex cognitive associations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 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.

Rare procedure documents how the human brain computes language

Researchers used a rare brain procedure to document how the human brain computes grammar and produces words. The study found that distinct linguistic processes are computed within small regions of Broca's area, separated in time and partially overlapping in space.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 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.

Cost effectiveness of blood pressure device evaluated

A study by University of Rochester Medical Center evaluates the cost effectiveness of an experimental blood pressure device called Rheos. The research suggests that Rheos can be a cost-effective treatment for individuals with drug-resistant hypertension, especially those with extremely high blood pressure or diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateOct 15, 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.

No need for needles: Botox sponge treats intrinsic rhinitis

Researchers have discovered that sponges soaked in Botox can effectively treat intrinsic rhinitis, a condition affecting millions of people. The minimally invasive application method resulted in improved symptoms and a long-lasting reduction of nasal hypersecretion.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalHead & Face Medicine·DateOct 15, 2009

Powerhouses in the cell dismantled

Scientists have developed a revolutionary technology to analyze protein mixtures, revealing a key enzyme that stabilizes proteins in mitochondria. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research on proteins and their roles in cell function.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 2009

Paradigm shift needed to combat drug resistance

The study emphasizes the role of population mobility in spreading drug-resistant diseases worldwide. Researchers propose a new approach that considers the 'human factor' in health policy and processes to combat this growing threat.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 15, 2009

UIC study finds girls aware of HPV vaccine's benefits

A national survey found that most girls and young women were aware of the HPV vaccine's benefits, but lacked knowledge about the HPV virus and other sexually transmitted infections. The study suggests that education on the HPV virus itself is crucial for informed decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 15, 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.

NeuroAIDS is target of federal grant to Children's Hospital

A new federal grant will investigate a novel approach in treating HIV infection, focusing on a unique class of drugs that target psychological and neurological effects. The research aims to develop therapies that can relieve depression-like symptoms and improve innate immunity in HIV-infected patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateOct 15, 2009

Deaths to local soldiers matter in shaping war opinion

A new nationwide study suggests that people are more likely to support withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq if one or more soldiers from their home state were killed there recently. This localized factor outweighs other considerations, such as national casualties, in shaping public opinion.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateOct 15, 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.

Being a standout has its benefits, study shows

Researchers found that individual wasps benefit from being recognizable, as they are less likely to be targeted in aggressive encounters. This finding suggests that diversity may promote group stability, extending beyond wasp societies to potentially influence human facial variation and social interactions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolution·DateOct 15, 2009

Plant fossils give first real picture of earliest Neotropical rainforests

Researchers have discovered a rich cache of plant fossils in Colombia, providing the first reliable evidence of how Neotropical rainforests looked 58 million years ago. The fossil record shows that many dominant plant families still exist today, indicating a relatively stable ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2009

Do 3 meals a day keep fungi away?

The study found that mammals are protected from the majority of fungal pathogens due to their elevated body temperature, which is too high for most fungi to survive. This theory could help explain why mammals rose to dominance after the dinosaur extinction event.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 15, 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.

Local farmers in Africa to benefit from school meal programs

A new project aims to provide healthy school meals using locally-sourced food, providing a reliable income for local farmers and improving rural economies. The initiative will help governments run school meal programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting millions of children facing poverty and hunger.

SourceImperial College London·DateOct 15, 2009

Insect sense of smell wins Eppendorf/Science prize

Young neurobiologist Richard Benton's research on insect odor detection has uncovered unanticipated evolutionary parallels between chemosensation, immune recognition, and synaptic transmission. His findings have significant implications for controlling disease-transmitting insects and understanding the evolution of nervous systems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 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.

Tiny test tube experiment shows reaction of melting materials at the nano scale

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have conducted a basic chemistry experiment in a world's smallest test tube, measuring thousandth of human hair diameter. The nano-scale test tube was heated and observed to melt gold at its tip, demonstrating well-known phenomena like melting, capillarity and diffusion at nanoscale.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2009

Unusual bacteria help balance the immune system in mice

Researchers have discovered a unique bacterial species that can stimulate specialized immune cells in mice, potentially providing insights into human gut-dwelling microbes. This finding could lead to new understanding of how beneficial bacteria protect against pathogenic invaders.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 2009

Magnetic leaves reveal Bellingham's most polluted byways

A new study by Western Washington University scientists found that leaves along busy bus routes are up to 10 times more magnetic than those on quieter streets, indicating higher levels of air pollution. This simple and effective method could be used to monitor particulate matter in urban environments.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 15, 2009

Study: Managers' hiring practices vary by race, ethnicity

A study found that the replacement of a black manager with a non-black manager results in a significant decline in the number of blacks employed, especially in Southern stores. Black managers tend to hire people who live close to them, while non-black managers hire from a broader network.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateOct 15, 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.