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Science News Archive October 2009


Page 2 of 27

NIH launches multicenter clinical trial to test blood pressure strategy

The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) aims to determine whether maintaining blood pressure levels below current recommendations reduces cardiovascular and kidney disease risk. The nine-year trial will enroll over 7,500 participants aged 55+ with high systolic blood pressure.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Earlier not necessarily better when receiving a kidney transplant

Researchers found that patients with higher kidney function at the time of transplant did not have a significant advantage in terms of long-term health. However, they did require less dialysis and were less likely to experience kidney rejection after transplantation.

The National Institutes of Health awards $75 million

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $75 million to establish a medical research consortium at Charles Drew University and three other historically black institutions. The grant will support clinical and translational research focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, aiming to develop innovative solutions fo...

High fructose corn syrup: A recipe for hypertension

A diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies found that consuming more than 74 grams per day of fructose led to a higher risk of hypertension, with significant associations seen across various blood pressure levels.

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.

Cell phones become handheld tools for global development

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed Open Data Kit, a versatile platform for collecting, storing, and analyzing mobile data. Organizations worldwide are using it to gather information on global health, environment, and human rights issues, enabling evidence-based decision-making.

Biofield therapies: Helpful or full of hype?

A review of 66 clinical studies on biofield therapies like Reiki and therapeutic touch found moderate to strong evidence for reducing pain and agitated behaviors in patients, but inconclusive effects on fatigue and quality of life.

Soil moisture and ocean salinity satellite ready for launch

The launch of SMOS will improve understanding of water transportation around the Earth, leading to more accurate weather forecasts and climate simulations. Global measurements of salinity and soil moisture will also inform predictions of floods, droughts, and future climate changes.

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.

New celestial map gives directions for GPS

A new celestial map, ICRF2, provides precise location of the Earth's orientation for GPS navigation. The map uses observations of approximately 3,000 quasars and a network of radio telescopes to achieve high accuracy, with uncertainties as small as 40 microarcseconds.

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 heat sensor for body-clock synchronization

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have identified a gene called nocte that interferes with the fly's ability to synchronize its body clock using temperature signals. Disabling this gene prevents both synchronization to light-dark cycles and temperature changes.

Researchers find brain cell transplants help repair neural damage

A study by the Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence found that autologous brain cell transplants can provide brain protection and repair neural damage in donor primates. The cells survived at an impressive 50% rate for four months post-implantation, offering a promising new approach to treating neurological disorders.

PTSD less common than depression and alcohol misuse amongst UK troops

A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that depression and alcohol misuse are more common mental health disorders among UK Service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also reveals that reservists are at a greater risk of psychiatric injury than regular personnel.

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.

Talking increases kidney donation

Group education of patients' relatives and friends can improve their willingness to consider kidney donation. The study found that group discussions increased the number of potential donors among participants.

Pinning down superconductivity to a single layer

Using precision techniques, researchers pinpointed a single copper-oxide layer as the key to superconductivity in a material. The discovery could lead to precision engineering of ultrathin films with tunable superconductivity for higher-efficiency electronic devices.

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.

A new wrinkle in ancient ocean chemistry

A UC Riverside-led study found oxygen production via photosynthesis occurred in Earth's oceans at least 100 million years before the GOE, affecting ocean chemistry and potentially stimulating eukaryote evolution. The research suggests that even low concentrations of oxygen can have profound effects on ocean chemistry.

'Moonlighting' molecules discovered

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified over 300 proteins that control genes, a newly discovered function for previously known proteins. These 'moonlighting' molecules may play a key role in human complexity, with potential implications for understanding gene regulation and cellular behavior.

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.

Th17 cells summon an immune system strike against cancer

Researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that Th17 cells can awaken the immune system to fight cancer. In preclinical studies, mice with normal levels of Th17 showed suppressed tumor growth in lung metastatic melanoma tumors, while those without Th17 experienced aggressive cancer growth.

New technology may cool the laptop, Texas A&M prof says

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new spin-based device that can process information more efficiently and cool laptops. The device uses electrons' spin direction to record and transmit information, achieving operational temperatures of room temperature.

Lessons from flu seasons past

A comprehensive review of flu seasons past reveals that pregnant women are at significant risk for serious flu-related illnesses and complications, which far surpass the risks associated with injectable vaccines. The study confirms existing CDC recommendations for prioritizing pregnant women in flu vaccination.

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.

TGen seeks emergency FDA approval of new swine flu test

A new swine flu test developed by TGen can quickly inform doctors about the strain of flu and whether it may be resistant to oseltamivir, a primary anti-viral drug. The test has been shown to be effective in detecting resistance to Tamiflu in H1N1 virus strains.

Charles Drew University awarded $9.8 million

The university's partnership with UCLA will enhance its capability to conduct high-quality cancer research, recruit more investigators, and strengthen outreach programs. The grant will also enable the university to add students and clinical fellows as future cancer researchers.

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.

Case Western Reserve to lead $14.7M NIH sprint study network in Ohio

The study aims to determine if lowering systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as slow cognitive decline. The results will be used to reevaluate optimal blood pressure levels and establish new guidelines for healthcare providers.

How will bundling impact dialysis units nationwide?

A new study suggests that the proposed bundled payment system for dialysis could have a significant impact on dialysis units nationwide. The research found that facilities in certain regions, particularly the south and east, are likely to face adverse financial consequences under the new plan.

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.

UC Riverside researchers create first synthetic cellulosome in yeast

A team of UCR researchers has successfully engineered a synthetic cellulosome in yeast, increasing its ethanol-tolerant capabilities. This breakthrough could enable efficient consolidated bioprocessing for bioethanol production from biomass, making renewable fuel production more economical.

Whooping cough immunity lasts longer than previously thought

A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that whooping cough immunity typically lasts at least 30 years and perhaps as long as 70 years after natural infection. The research suggests that repeat infections contribute relatively little to transmission and may even boost immunity in individuals with waning protection.

A look at public policies and motorcycle safety in the US

A recent study published by researchers at the University of Miami and Florida International University found that universal helmet laws are the most significant policy in reducing both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle injuries. The study also revealed that mandatory rider education programs can reduce non-fatal motorcycle injuries, whil...

World undernutrition epidemic -- no more excuses, time for food

The Lancet Editorial highlights the global undernutrition crisis, affecting over 1 billion people, particularly in Asia and Africa. The world currently produces enough food to feed everyone, yet inequitable distribution and lack of national safety nets hinder access to nutritious food.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Low vitamin D levels explains most ESRD risk in African-Americans

A nationwide study of 13,000 Americans found that nearly 60% of the elevated risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in African Americans may be attributed to low vitamin D levels. Researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes significantly to the increased risk of ESRD among African Americans compared to whites.

Scientists build first 'frequency comb' to display visible 'teeth'

Researchers at NIST and University of Konstanz create a frequency comb that can be visually observed, allowing for precise measurement of visible light frequencies. The new comb has approximately 50,000 distinct 'teeth' separated enough to be seen with the naked eye, enabling applications in astronomy, communications, and other fields.

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.

Younger doctors recommend kidney transplantations earlier

Recent medical school graduates are more likely to refer CKD patients for preemptive kidney transplantation, which can improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that educating veteran physicians about the benefits of preemptive transplantation may increase early referrals.

Similar molecular tweaks led both a shrew and a lizard to produce venom

Researchers at Harvard University found that similar molecular changes turned a harmless digestive enzyme into a toxin in two unrelated species, a shrew and a lizard. The study suggests that protein adaptation may be a highly predictable process, potentially leading to the discovery of other toxins across various species.

UT Southwestern researchers use drug-radiation combo to eradicate lung cancer

UT Southwestern researchers successfully used a combination of the investigational drug BEZ235 and low-dose radiation to eliminate non-small cell lung cancer in mice. The treatment targeted the PI3K protein pathway, which is often activated in K-RAS mutated tumors, making these cancers resistant to traditional treatments.

GKSS-Magnesium Award 2009

Dr. Mark Easton received the award for his work on grain refinement and development of new alloys for casting applications. He is recognized for leading teams in Australian and global research communities.

Dark matter sleuths to design world's largest WIMP catcher

A team led by Case Western Reserve University physicist Tom Shutt is planning the world's largest WIMP catcher, a 20-ton liquid xenon detector that could increase detection chances by 30,000 times. The experiment aims to confirm the dark matter theory and understand the universe's composition.

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.

Geneticists hunt for scleroderma triggers

Researchers have discovered a connection between gene expression and the development of lung disease in scleroderma patients. The study suggests that a specific gene profile may predict which individuals are at risk of developing lung complications, providing potential targets for new treatments.

Kidney transplant consent forms may contribute to disparities

A study found that kidney transplant consent forms are written at a 12th-grade reading level, but should be prepared at a 5th-8th grade reading level to ensure all patients can provide informed consent. This disparity may lead to unequal access to treatment and health outcomes among different patient populations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.