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Science News Archive October 2009


Page 5 of 27

Adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin improves lipid control

A study found that adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin significantly boosts attainment of lipid targets in elderly patients, producing superior results than increasing the dose of atorvastatin alone. The combination improved LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced cholesterol absorption from the gut.

Older patients with dementia at increased risk for flu mortality

A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older patients with dementia are diagnosed with flu less frequently, have shorter hospital stays, but a higher rate of death. The study highlights the need for refined guidelines on flu immunization and treatment in this vulnerable population.

LMU Munich researchers highly endowed with EU funding

Two LMU Munich researchers, Jens Michaelis and David Vöhringer, have received EU Starting Grants to study DNA rearrangement in the cell nucleus and immune factors essential to allergic sensitization. Their projects aim to understand complex cellular processes using cutting-edge microscopic techniques.

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.

Global warming cycles threaten endangered primate species

Researchers analyzed global warming's impact on four New World monkey species, finding a significant drop in their populations during climate fluctuations. The team used statistical models to investigate how food resources and tree responses related to temperature and rainfall patterns.

The skeleton: Size matters

European consortium identifies Hox genes as key regulators of vertebral development, controlling both type and number. Cdx genes also play a crucial role in embryo growth, with Hox activation compensating for Cdx deficiency.

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.

French male bears in immediate need of more females

A recent study published in PLoS ONE found that French brown bears are at risk of extinction due to a lack of females. The researchers suggest that relocating new bears could not only boost the population size but also reverse some of the causes of the decline by introducing more females.

The true North -- Strong when salt free

A Canadian study reveals that the adoption of Western diets led to an increase in diastolic and systolic blood pressures among Inuit populations, with a significant drop in consumption of traditional nutrient-rich foods. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing sodium intake through dietary changes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stanford's Precourt Energy Efficiency Center awards new round of research grants

The center has awarded its third round of competitive research grants to six projects focused on energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and behavior. The projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption through innovative approaches such as design optimization, policy analysis, and behavioral interventions.

Ant fight!

Researchers isolated and synthesized scent molecules from Argentine ant colonies, which induced aggression in worker ants when applied. The findings suggest that these chemical cues play a crucial role in defining colony membership, shedding light on the complex social systems of ants.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mayo Clinic physician receives first PASSOR Legacy Award

Dr. Jay Smith, a Mayo Clinic physician, has received the first-ever PASSOR Legacy Award and Lectureship for his groundbreaking contributions to musculoskeletal physiatry. The award recognizes Dr. Smith's innovative approaches to patient care, education, and research in this field.

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.

Scientists are first to observe the global motions of an enzyme copying DNA

Researchers at Ohio State University observed real-time behavior of an enzyme called Dpo4, a model Y-family enzyme. They defined critical steps in the process and identified unexpected movement that could lead to DNA mistakes. The findings set the stage for studies on DNA copying errors and potential cancer and disease causes.

Plastic Surgery 2009 news briefs

Key findings from the ASPS Plastic Surgery 2009 conference include advancements in face and hand transplantation, with a focus on improving donor availability and patient selection. Additionally, plastic surgeons will discuss innovative technologies and techniques for repairing traumatic battlefield injuries and restoring function.

Puberty a gateway to heart disease for Canada's teens

A study of over 20,000 Canadian grade 9 students found that most already have at least one major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity in teens were alarmingly high and increasing over time.

UT leads collaborative initiative for innovative cancer research

A consortium led by UT Health Science Center at Houston is establishing a center to conduct innovative cancer research, focusing on transport oncophysics and targeting liver cancers. Researchers aim to develop new approaches to studying cancer processes and exploiting its weaknesses to mount decisive attacks against metastatic disease.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Nepal expands critical tiger habitat

The Government of Nepal has expanded Bardia National Park in the Terai Arc Landscape to increase critical tiger habitat. WWF welcomes the move and aims to help the country double its number of endangered tigers through innovative conservation strategies.

Magnetic mixing creates quite a stir

Researchers have developed a new method of mixing tiny liquid volumes using magnetic particles suspended in a fluid, creating 'vortex field' stirring effects. The technique shows promise for mixing fluids in complex spaces and could lead to improved sensor sensitivity.

TBI-vision loss impacts vets; low-vision patients may have hallucinations

A recent study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with TBI vision loss have significantly poorer quality of life than comparable civilians. Low-vision patients may also experience vivid visual hallucinations due to Charles Bonnet syndrome, which can be treated by ignoring the images or medication.

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.

Consumer electronics can help improve patient health

Research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that consumer electronics can aid in improving clinical outcomes like smoking cessation. Consumer health informatics applications provide personalized information to help patients better manage their health.

Families suffer from problem gambling

A study published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy reveals that problem gambling has a profound impact on families, affecting their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. The authors emphasize the need for family-based therapy solutions to address this growing issue.

Crushing cigarettes in a virtual reality environment reduces tobacco addiction

A study published in CyberPsychology and Behavior found that smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence compared to those who grasped virtual balls. The treatment group stayed in the program longer, with higher rates of smo...

Common weed could provide clues on aging and cancer

Researchers from Texas A&M University and the University of Cincinnati have discovered a new set of essential telomere proteins in Arabidopsis, a plant found worldwide. The team identified human counterparts to these proteins, which could help understand human cancers and cellular aging.

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.

Simple measures can yield big greenhouse gas cuts, scientists say

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that everyday actions such as home weatherization and vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research estimated that these measures could cut total US carbon emissions by 5% over five years and 7.4% in 10 years.

UB study explores how women make decisions about breast cancer surgery

A new University at Buffalo study investigates how women with early-stage breast cancer decide on their surgical treatment. The research reveals that women value control over their choices and rely on the support of their healthcare team to make informed decisions. Key findings include the importance of receiving options, managing info...

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Weekly and biweekly vitamin D2 prevents vitamin D deficiency

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that weekly and biweekly vitamin D2 doses effectively treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency. The study shows significant increases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels after treatment, with no reported toxicity risks.

Losing while cruising to the store

A study found that living near a variety of restaurants and supermarkets lowers the risk of obesity. In contrast, residents who live far from any food outlets are more likely to be overweight. The researchers also found that access to healthy grocery options in low-income neighborhoods significantly reduces obesity rates.

NSF grant supports Rutgers-Camden program for science majors

The university has established a new Q-STEP program, which provides support and resources to increase the graduation rate of students in science and math fields. The five-year grant aims to improve retention and success in these disciplines, with goals including increased group study opportunities and assigned academic advisors.

Diagnoses of fatigue in primary care patients

A Dutch study found that only 8.2% of fatigue patients received a diagnosis of severe illness, with musculoskeletal problems and psychological issues being the most common diagnoses. The study highlights the complexity of fatigue as a symptom of underlying specific disease.

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.

Faulty 'wiring' in the brain triggers onset of schizophrenia

Researchers at King's College London discovered abnormalities in white matter that trigger the onset of schizophrenia, particularly in posterior regions. The study suggests that faulty 'wiring' in key brain areas contributes to the development of full-blown symptoms.

For big athletes: Possible future risk

A new study reveals professional football players, particularly those in the larger weight classes, exhibit increased fasting glucose levels, body mass index, waist circumference, and other risk factors for cardiometabolic syndrome. This finding highlights the potential future health risks associated with large-scale exercise routines.

FASTSAT instruments shipped to NASA Marshall for tests and launch preparation

The FASTSAT mission will analyze the Earth's outer atmosphere with three NASA-built instruments: Thermosphere Temperature Imager (TTI), Mini-ME neutral atom imager, and Plasma and Impedence Spectrum Analyzer (PISA). The instruments will provide critical data for global space weather prediction, improving communication and navigation.

Researchers evaluate new bowel prep approaches

New studies suggest that adequate bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy can impact follow-up timetables. Researchers found that inadequate bowel preparation resulted in a recommended follow-up colonoscopy 17.1 months earlier than average.

Scientists discover, patent, sell waste-water tech

Researchers developed a revolutionary packaged wastewater treatment system using naturally occurring bacteria, leaving no toxic by-products and requiring minimal energy. The system has been deployed in Afghanistan and offers scalable solutions for large-scale and small-scale applications.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ocean acidification may contribute to global shellfish decline

Researchers at Stony Brook University found that high levels of carbon dioxide in seawater hinder the growth and survival of bivalve larvae, leading to a significant decline in shellfish populations. The study suggests ocean acidification poses an equally serious risk to ocean resources.

A nervous system drug-by-design

Researchers have developed a new drug, L803-MTS, that targets the GSK3 protein to prevent CNS diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The compound slows down disease progression without exhibiting toxic side effects, offering a potential therapeutic approach for these devastating conditions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Whales are polite conversationalists

Researchers have developed a tool to analyze marine mammal calls, finding that whales adjust click intervals to prevent cluttering echoes. This strategy enables groups of whales to explore more efficiently, suggesting a 'polite listener' behavior.

The pain of torture can make the innocent seem guilty

A study by Harvard researchers found that torture can lead to the perception of guilt in innocent individuals. Participants who witnessed torture and saw the victim's pain rated them as more guilty, while those who were distant from the torture sympathized with the suffering and saw them as less guilty.

Slipper-shaped blood cells

Red blood cells can deform into an asymmetrical slipper shape when flowing through arteries, a phenomenon that affects blood flow. Simulations suggest this deformation helps the cells catch up with fluid, leading to more efficient blood flow.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.