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Science News for October 28, 2009


Pumpkin skin may scare away germs

A new study reveals that pumpkin skin contains a powerful antifungal protein that can inhibit the growth of disease-causing microbes, including Candida albicans. The protein could be developed into a natural medicine to fight yeast infections in humans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2009

How do we fund plant breeding?

The symposium will explore various funding sources, including public-private partnerships, commercialization strategies, and foundations. Presenters will share their experiences with targeted support for cultivar development and national/global programs to build capacity and provide public support.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateOct 28, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stanford scientists turn stem cells into precursors for sperm, eggs

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully turned human embryonic stem cells into precursors for sperm and eggs in the laboratory. This breakthrough could help unlock the mysteries of infertility, particularly in cases where an inability to produce eggs or sperm is the cause.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2009

Adolescents think school bullying 'will keep on happening' and resign themselves to it

A recent study found that adolescents think school bullying is a natural part of life and will continue happening, leading to a negative and pessimistic attitude towards it. The researchers suggest that more comprehensive educational programs are needed to prove to children that bullying can be stopped.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalRevista Iberoamericana de Diagnóstico y Evaluación - e Avaliação Psicológica·DateOct 28, 2009

Recovery Act funds expand studies of stem cell biology

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is accelerating basic studies of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) using $5.4 million in Recovery Act funding. Scientists at 16 institutions will investigate iPS cell properties and derivatives for therapeutic applications.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateOct 28, 2009

Travel of a mis-swallowed long spoon to the jejunum

A 33-year-old woman accidentally swallowed a 15 cm long spoon while attempting to remove a fish bone from her pharynx. The spoon was found in the lower mid-abdomen on an urgent plain abdominal radiograph and successfully removed during exploratory laparotomy, revealing it had passed into the jejunum after 200 cm of the ligament of Treitz.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 28, 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.

NIH-funded researchers transform embryonic stem cells into human germ cells

Researchers have successfully transformed human embryonic stem cells into germ cells, a breakthrough that could help identify causes of unexplained infertility and birth defects. The discovery opens new avenues for research and may lead to the development of diagnostic tools to pinpoint genetic changes underlying infertility.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2009

Experts unveil new CVD guidelines and position papers

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has released new guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease, cardiovascular risk evaluation tools, and simplified target levels. The guidelines aim to provide evidence-based medicine for clinicians and improve heart health in Canadians.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 28, 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.

Not a healthy state for all Latinos in the US

A recent study found that undocumented foreign-born Latinos have lower levels of usual source of care, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screenings compared to US-born Latinos. Perceived quality of care is also significantly impacted by immigration status.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2009

Pain thresholds linked to inflammation and sleep problems in arthritis patients

Research found inflammation is associated with increased pain sensitivity at joint sites, while sleep problems are linked to increased pain sensitivity at both joint and non-joint sites. This study highlights the importance of considering inflammatory and non-inflammatory factors when evaluating pain in RA patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateOct 28, 2009

Study targets stroke prevention in children with sickle cell anemia

A new study aims to prevent brain complications in children with sickle cell disease by comparing two treatments: standard therapy of monthly blood transfusions and chelation vs. a daily dose of hydroxyurea and monthly phlebotomy. The goal is to reduce the risk of first strokes in high-risk patients with sickle cell anemia.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·DateOct 28, 2009

Multicultural education focus of new UOG publication

The article explores the importance of understanding cultural value systems in the classroom and how educators can adapt their teaching methods to accommodate diverse learners. By recognizing the unique features of multicultural groups, educators can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity in the learning process.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalActa Horticulturae·DateOct 28, 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.

Remotely operated vehicles and satellite tags aid turtle studies

Two juvenile loggerhead turtles have been tracked with satellite-linked data loggers since August, providing insights into their behavior and habitat. The researchers are now working to develop new ways to avoid catching turtles in fishing gear, using the data to improve conservation efforts.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·DateOct 28, 2009

A new explanation of 'Asian paradox'

Researchers investigated gastric mucosal changes prior to gastric cancer in Indonesian and Japanese patients with H. pylori infection. They found significant differences in the grade and activity of mucosal changes, suggesting a different host response between the two populations.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 28, 2009

Clemson research receives grant to study breast cancer reconstruction

Clemson University researchers have received a $195,000 grant to study breast cancer reconstruction using engineered tissue with anti-cancer properties. The project aims to improve reconstructive surgery performed on breast tissue following a lumpectomy by combining healthy cells with a degradable biomaterial.

SourceClemson University·DateOct 28, 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.

Statins show dramatic drug and cell dependent effects in the brain

A recent study found that statins can have profoundly different effects on brain cells, including benefits in reducing cholesterol transporter expression but potential risks in increasing Alzheimer's disease-related proteins. The findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment approaches for individuals taking statin therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 28, 2009

Grant to fund exploration of fossil plants in Patagonia

A team of researchers is exploring the fossil record of ancient plants in Patagonia, Argentina, which could provide insights into plant evolution, distribution, and ecology. The study aims to determine if a major plant extinction occurred when dinosaurs went extinct and how long it took for recovery.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 28, 2009

Stem cell therapy may offer hope for acute lung injury

Adult stem cells from bone marrow have shown promise in preventing and treating acute lung injury by repairing damaged endothelial cells. Researchers found that these progenitor stem cells, named Flk-1 and CD34, can repair lung damage and improve survival when administered to mice with ALI.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalStem Cells·DateOct 28, 2009

Researchers find room design can enhance patient care

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that consultation room design can enhance patient care by improving collaboration between clinicians and patients. The study, which included 63 pairs of patients and doctors, showed that experimental rooms with side-by-side seating increased clinician-patient information sharing and patient satisfaction.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateOct 28, 2009

Is short-term Celecoxib intervention a effective method for preventing gastric carcinogenesis?

A new study found that short-term Celecoxib intervention can effectively prevent gastric carcinogenesis in Mongolian gerbils. The research team suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be used as chemoprevention for people older than 40 years old, especially those with refractory H. pylori infections at high risk of gastric cancer.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 28, 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.

Toward bold new anti-cancer medicines

Researchers are developing innovative treatments to starve cancer cells of glucose, a strategy that has shown promising results in breast and colon cancer cases. RNA interference is also being explored as a gene therapy approach to block genes involved in cancer growth, with significant progress made in administering these medicines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 28, 2009

Why fish oils help and how they could help even more

Researchers discovered how fish oils convert to Resolvin D2, a chemical that reduces inflammation and may treat conditions like arthritis, sepsis, and stroke. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with inflammation.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2009

Musical sensibility can help shape teaching, research education

A University of Illinois professor proposes that the similarities between music, teaching, and research can improve educational outcomes. The article highlights how knowing an audience and being adaptable are essential for effective communication and making meaning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBritish Journal of Music Education·DateOct 28, 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.

Regeneration can be achieved after chronic spinal cord injury

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that regeneration of central nervous system axons can be achieved in rats even when treatment is delayed by more than a year after the original spinal cord injury. The team used a combination of treatments to coax chronically injured axons to regenerate and...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateOct 28, 2009

Blast from the past gives clues about early universe

Astronomers use VLA to study GRB 090423, a stellar explosion 13 billion light-years away, and discover it was more energetic than typical GRBs. The team also finds that the blast expanded into a uniform gaseous medium surrounding the star, providing unique insights into the early universe.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 28, 2009

Dendritic cells spark smoldering inflammation in smokers' lungs

Researchers discovered that dendritic cells in the lung provoke destructive T-cells that attack elastin, causing lung tissue death and emphysema. The study found a link between systemic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases associated with smoking.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 28, 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.

Maize research reduces poverty in West and Central Africa

A three-and-a-half-decade analysis of maize research in African farming communities reveals significant benefits, including the adoption of new maize varieties that increase productivity and reduce poverty. The study found that over 1 million people per year have escaped poverty through the adoption of modern maize varieties.

SourceWiley·JournalAgricultural Economics·DateOct 28, 2009

Knocking nanoparticles off the socks

A Swiss study found most silver nanoparticles released during washing come out of fabrics in the first wash, posing a risk to aquatic life. The release varied from 1.3% to 35% of total nanosilver in fabric, highlighting the need for manufacturers and consumers to minimize nanoparticle distribution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 28, 2009

MicroRNA-mediated metastasis suppression

Researchers identified microRNA-mediated suppression of tumor metastasis in breast cancer, highlighting three key miR-31 targets. These targets regulate metastatic colonization, a critical step in the metastasis process.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 28, 2009
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.

Trees facilitate wildfires as a way to protect their habitat

Researchers found that some trees promote fires to limit competition from better tree species, stabilizing savanna ecosystems. Savanna trees like longleaf pine shed needles, providing fuel for frequent low-intensity fires.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateOct 28, 2009

Physicist makes new high-res panorama of Milky Way

A new high-resolution panorama of the Milky Way has been created by physicist Axel Mellinger, showcasing stars 1000 times fainter than human eyes can see. The image, taken over 22 months and covering 26,000 miles, accounts for distortions and varying background light to produce a seamless fit.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateOct 28, 2009

Mortality rates reduced among children whose mothers received iron-folic acid supplements

Researchers found that iron-folic acid supplementation significantly reduced childhood mortality and low birth weight, but other supplement combinations did not provide the same benefit. The study suggests that antenatal iron-folic acid supplementation is a critical intervention for maternal and child health in developing countries.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 28, 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.

Gamma-ray photon race ends in dead heat; Einstein wins this round

Two gamma-ray photons arrived at NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope with almost identical speeds, confirming Einstein's special theory of relativity. The high-energy photon was a million times more energetic than the lower-energy one, but its speed was not significantly different.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2009

Expert to discuss phosphorus' impact on Gulf 'dead zone'

Phosphorus is a crucial element in agriculture, but its excessive use leads to massive eutrophication problems in water bodies worldwide. Dr. Curtis Richardson will discuss phosphorus biogeochemistry and its role in wetland functioning, highlighting the need for realistic management techniques.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateOct 28, 2009

Greater use of in-patient diagnostic imaging improves patient outcomes without significantly impacting costs

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that hospitals using more in-patient diagnostic imaging exams had significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates without a corresponding increase in costs. The study analyzed data from over 100 hospitals and more than 1 million patient outcomes, suggesting...

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateOct 28, 2009

New tactics in Guam rhino beetle invasion

UOG scientists have employed new tactics to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) invasion, including the use of canine teams and a bio-control virus. The efforts aim to drive the population to zero, with the latest strategy targeting breeding sites using trained dogs and destroying debris.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateOct 28, 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.

Should children undergo surgery without a long period of fasting after feeding?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated whether children can tolerate surgery without fasting. The results showed that children can handle the stress of surgery when fed up to 2 hours before surgery, indicating no significant difference between short and long periods of fasting.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 28, 2009

Gene therapy repairs injured human donor lungs for the first time

Researchers successfully used gene therapy to repair injured human donor lungs, making them suitable for transplantation. The technique improves lung function and reduces inflammation, offering a promising approach to increase organ availability and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 28, 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.

INFORMS presents 11 new Fellows Awards

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has awarded 11 new Fellows, recognizing their contributions to education, practice, research, and service in operations research. The recipients include experts in fields such as nonlinear programming, healthcare, marketing science, and revenue management.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateOct 28, 2009

The IUD is the most popular long-acting contraceptive amongst Europeans

A European study found that 1,088 women (10% of the sample) use longer-lasting IUDs as their primary long-acting reversible contraceptive method. Women over 30 who do not want more children and are looking for a long-term solution are most likely to use this method.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care·DateOct 28, 2009

New technique for injectable facial fillers improves comfort, recovery

A new injection technique combines lidocaine with facial fillers to minimize pain and reduce recovery time. The procedure provides an immediate numbing effect, allowing plastic surgeons to begin injections without waiting for traditional anesthesia to take effect.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateOct 28, 2009

Study: depression can lead to inflated reports of physical symptoms

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that individuals with depression tend to overreport physical symptoms. Researchers attribute this phenomenon to depressed individuals' recall of experiences differently, tending to ruminate and exaggerate negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 28, 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.

Lifestyle changes, drug lower type 2 diabetes risk

Researchers found that intensive lifestyle changes reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk by 34 percent over 10 years. Lifestyle changes also lowered blood pressure and triglyceride levels in patients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 28, 2009

Genetic links to fungal infection risk identified

Two genetic mutations, CARD9 and Dectin-1, have been identified as increasing the risk of fungal infections in humans. These findings offer new insights into the genetic basis of fungal diseases and may pave the way for future therapeutic options for patients suffering from chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and other infections.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 28, 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.

Circadian surprise: Mechanism of temperature synchronization in drosophila

Researchers discovered that Drosophila's brain circadian clock neurons require information from peripheral tissues to synchronize with temperature cycles. Disruption of key gene nocte in peripheral cells interferes with temperature synchronization, highlighting the chordotonal organs as crucial temperature receptors.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 28, 2009

NIEHS awards Recovery Act funds to address bisphenol A research gaps

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $14 million in Recovery Act grants to study the potential health risks of bisphenol A (BPA). Researchers will investigate BPA's effects on human health, including behavior, obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancer.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateOct 28, 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.

BRC for Mental Health gets cash for CRIS

The BRC's Case Register Interactive Search (CRIS) system, a groundbreaking research tool, will be expanded with the new funding. CRIS allows researchers to search and analyze electronic medical records in an anonymized format, facilitating personalized diagnosis and treatment for mental health patients.

SourceKing's College London·DateOct 28, 2009

Gossip in the workplace: A weapon or gift, new research from IU

Researchers found that gossip in formal settings is often veiled criticism, but can be redirected by changing the subject or targeting another colleague. The study also identified subtle ways that people who are targets of gossip are negatively evaluated during meetings.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Contemporary Ethnography·DateOct 28, 2009

Bad driving may have genetic basis, UCI study finds

A study by UC Irvine neuroscientists found that people with a particular gene variant performed more than 20 percent worse on a driving test than those without it. The variant limits the availability of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which keeps memory strong.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 28, 2009

Next-generation microcapsules deliver 'chemicals on demand'

Researchers have developed phototriggerable microcapsules that burst and release chemicals upon light exposure, opening doors for targeted medical treatments and various industrial uses. The innovation uses laser light to convert nanotubes into heat, bursting the nylon capsule and releasing its contents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 28, 2009