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Science News for October 23, 2009


Caltech scientists first to trap light and sound vibrations together in nanocrystal

Researchers at Caltech have created a nanoscale crystal device that confines both light and sound vibrations in the same tiny space. This enables the manipulation of sound and light waves with frequencies as high as tens of gigahertz, opening up potential applications in lightwave communication systems, biosensors, and more.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2009

Trembling hands and molecular handshakes

Researchers determine the three-dimensional structure of Pur-alpha protein, essential for normal neural function, and gain insights into its molecular function. The findings provide a possible basis for developing an effective therapy for Fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 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.

Adolescents' gambling a part of a cluster of problem behaviors

A recent study by the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found that adolescents with conduct disorder symptoms are more likely to exhibit problem gambling behaviors. The study of 2,274 youth between 14-21 years old showed a strong correlation between increasing conduct disorder symptoms and problem gambling symptoms.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 23, 2009

Important new novel 2009 H1N1 flu advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation

The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation issues an advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation programs to address novel 2009 H1N1 influenza. The advisory provides guidelines for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of H1N1 flu in transplant recipients and donors.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateOct 23, 2009

Concurrent imaging of metabolic and electric signals in the heart

Concurrent imaging of metabolic and electric signals in the heart reveals a dynamic relationship between multiple cardiac variables. The new dual-camera system allows for rapid setup, dichroic image separation, and high spatial resolution, enabling correlative multimodal cardiac imaging.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateOct 23, 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.

Plastic Surgery 2009 news briefs

Cleavage rejuvenation, DIY cosmetic therapies, and Botox breast lifts are making headlines, with plastic surgeons raising concerns over their safety. The ASPS conference features discussions on the latest information on cosmetic gynecology, laser liposuction, and new fillers like Selphyl.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·DateOct 23, 2009

'Difficult-to-treat asthma' may be due to difficult-to-treat patients

Researchers found that non-adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy is a significant issue in difficult-to-treat asthma patients. Women and those with lower quality of life scores were more likely to be non-adherent. Developing better objective tests for non-adherence is crucial, according to Dr. Liam Heaney.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 23, 2009

Buffalo neurologists investigate possible new underlying cause of MS

Neurologists at the University at Buffalo are conducting a research study to test the possibility that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is the underlying cause of multiple sclerosis. The study aims to evaluate the velocity of blood flow through brain vessels and extracranial veins using Doppler ultrasound.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateOct 23, 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.

March of Dimes establishes 2 new perinatal bioethics awards

The March of Dimes has established two new awards to honor established scholars in perinatal ethics and encourage young researchers to enter the field. These awards will focus on moral issues before, during, and after pregnancy, including reproductive technologies and neonatal care.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateOct 23, 2009

Iberian wolves prefer wild roe deer to domestic animals

A Spanish researcher analyzed wolf feces and found that 62.8% of prey was roe deer, while domestic sheep and goats only made up 7.7% and 2.9%, respectively. The study suggests that wolves do not prioritize easily available prey like domestic animals.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalWildlife Biology·DateOct 23, 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.

New insight in the fight against the Leishmania parasite

A team of scientists has gained a better understanding of how Leishmania donovani parasites evade the human immune system, leading to chronic infection. This breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for visceral leishmaniasis, a fatal disease affecting millions worldwide.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 23, 2009

Sex-based prenatal brain differences found

A new study by Uppsala University researchers Elena Jazin and Björn Reinius found that genetic expression in cerebral cortices exhibits sex-based differences, which are thought to be associated with later divergences in brain development. The study suggests that genes on the Y chromosome play a crucial role in these differences.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 23, 2009

Despite risk, older African-Americans more likely than others to avoid flu vaccine

Despite high risk, older African Americans are less likely to get the flu vaccine due to lack of accurate information and lingering distrust from the infamous Tuskegee syphilis studies. This results in lower vaccination rates among this age group, with only 48% vaccinated compared to 65% for non-Hispanic white seniors.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalHealth Communication·DateOct 23, 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.

Why antidepressants don't work for so many

Researchers found that depression-related genes and stress-related genes have almost no overlap, indicating that chronic stress does not cause the same molecular changes as depression. This finding challenges the long-held belief that stressful life events are a major cause of depression.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 23, 2009

Workshop tackles challenges in biomarker and drug development

A workshop conducted by the National Cancer Institute and FDA identified critical decision points in cancer biomarker and drug development. The points emphasize the importance of understanding the biology of the target and its interaction with drugs, as well as rigorous sample collection and quality control.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 23, 2009

Patients in US 5 times more likely to spend last days in ICU than patients in England

A new study from Columbia University found that US patients are almost five times more likely to spend their last hospital days in the ICU than patients in England. The research also revealed that ICU usage among terminal patients is eight times higher in the US than in England, particularly among those over 85.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 23, 2009

Seeing previously invisible molecules for the first time

A team of Harvard chemists has developed a new microscopic technique that allows researchers to identify previously unseen molecules in living organisms. The room-temperature technique uses stimulated emission to generate images of non-fluorescent molecules, offering broad applications in biomedical imaging and research.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 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.

Grant brings real-world science to Boston classrooms

The Great Diseases curriculum, funded by a $1.35 million NIH grant, introduces current global health threats through laboratory learning, multimedia, and case-based studies to 11th and 12th graders in three Boston high schools. The program aims to teach students how to think like scientists and generate interest in biotechnology careers.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateOct 23, 2009

Arctic sediments show that 20th century warming is unlike natural variation

A PNAS paper reveals that dramatic changes in the Arctic began after the midpoint of the 20th century and are unprecedented. The unique sediment cores contain rare paleoclimate information about the past 200,000 years, providing a longer record than most other sediments.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2009

A long night falls over Saturn's rings

During Saturn's equinox, light hits the ring particles at low angles, giving a three-dimensional view of the rings. The CIRS instrument on board the Cassini spacecraft observed record-low temperatures of 382 degrees below zero Fahrenheit in the A-ring.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 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.

UC Davis leads attack on deadly new diseases

UC Davis launches PREDICT initiative to detect disease-causing organisms in wildlife before they spill over into people. The team aims to minimize pandemic impact by being ready for early detection and rapid response.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 23, 2009

Canadian Cardiovascular Society recognizes trailblazing work by U of Alberta heart researcher

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recognizes Dr. Gavin Y. Oudit's groundbreaking research on a new class of drugs for treating heart failure, with the potential to also treat kidney and lung diseases. Oudit's innovative program has yielded major discoveries and established him as a world leader in this exciting area of research.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateOct 23, 2009