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Science News for October 9, 2009


People are still the weakest link in computer and internet security, study finds

A recent study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and IT University in Copenhagen found that 94% of respondents violate computer authentication best practices, with novice users being more likely to do so. The study emphasizes the need for a better balance between human limitations and security measures.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·DateOct 9, 2009
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.

No place like home: Africa's big cats show postcode preference

A new study reveals that Africa's big cats, including leopards, tend to avoid croplands and favor specific habitats. This research provides valuable insights into the spatial distribution of carnivores in Tanzania, shedding light on the impact of habitat conversion and climate change.

SourceWiley·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateOct 9, 2009

Award recognizes 30 years of anti-smoking work

The University of Adelaide's Professor Konrad Jamrozik has spent 30 years campaigning against smoking and helping smokers quit. He has contributed significantly to tobacco control through his research, clinical trials, and advocacy.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateOct 9, 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.

Hyper-SAGE boosts remote MRI sensitivity

A new technique called Hyper-SAGE amplifies MRI signals by up to 10,000 times, allowing for the detection of low concentrations of cancers and other clinical targets. This breakthrough enhances the sensitivity of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2009

Award targets brain tumor research

The Translational Genomics Research Institute has been awarded $691,930 to develop brain tumor research using in silico simulations. The project will utilize comprehensive genomic data involving 40 brain tumor models and 20 proven types of targeted therapies.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateOct 9, 2009

Developing enzymes to clean up pollution by explosives

Researchers at the University of York have identified an enzyme called XplA that can break down royal demolition explosive (RDX) in the soil. The discovery provides significant insights into biological function and could lead to more efficient cleanup methods for RDX pollution.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 9, 2009

How RNA polymerase II gets the go-ahead for gene transcription

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have detailed the process of RNA polymerase II initiating gene transcription. The complex recognizes signals in the DNA sequence and uses TFIIB to bind to the TATA box, producing a sharp kink in the DNA.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mediterranean diet associated with reduced risk of depression

A large study found that individuals following a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, were less likely to develop depression. The diet's high intake of monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil may be protective against depressive symptoms.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 9, 2009

NIH prepares to launch 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine trial in people with asthma

The National Institutes of Health is launching a clinical trial to find the ideal dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine for individuals with severe asthma. The study aims to assess the immune response and safety of two different doses of the vaccine in participants with mild, moderate, or severe asthma.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 9, 2009

MSU research: Small classes have long-term benefit for all students

A Michigan State University researcher found that providing small classes for at least several consecutive grades starting in early elementary school improves test scores and narrows the achievement gap with high-achievers. Low-achieving students benefited the most from small classes, likely due to increased attention from teachers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateOct 9, 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.

Patients who received donated pacemakers survive without complications

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients who received refurbished pacemakers donated from Detroit area funeral homes survived without complications. The pacemakers functioned normally at six months, with no device complications reported.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 9, 2009

KEAP1 Keeps major cancer-promoting protein at bay

A recent study published in Molecular Cell reveals that the KEAP1 tumor suppressor binds to and degrades the cancer-promoting protein IKKß, which is involved in several types of cancer. The research suggests that underexpression of KEAP1 is associated with poor survival rates among breast cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 9, 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.

Implementation of acute care surgery service provides more timely patient care

A new study published in the Journal of American College of Surgeons found that establishing an acute care surgery service can provide more efficient emergency care. The service, staffed by critical care surgeons and surgical residents, reduced wait times for urgent procedures from 55.4% to 70% after implementation.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 9, 2009

Scientists obtain rocks moving into seismogenic zone

Expedition 322 collected sedimentary and basement rock samples from the Shikoku Basin, shedding light on the generation of large earthquakes. The study of petrological, geotechnical, frictional, and hydrogeological properties of these rocks is crucial for understanding rupture dynamics in the seismogenic zone.

SourceIntegrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International·DateOct 9, 2009

Receptor activated exclusively by glutamate discovered on tongue

Researchers have identified a receptor on the tongue that is specifically activated by glutamate, a non-essential amino acid found in many foods. This discovery sheds new light on the umami taste and challenges existing perceptions of MSG's safety.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 9, 2009
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.

Therapeutic Hypothermia journal announced by Mary Ann Liebert Inc.

Therapeutic hypothermia, a medical treatment lowering body temperature to reduce tissue damage, will be published in an online open-access journal starting February 2010. The journal aims to advance understanding and application of this therapy in cardiology and neurotrauma.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTherapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management·DateOct 9, 2009

New Canadian research helps doctors care for kidney patients

Researchers have developed a reliable way for doctors to filter MEDLINE for relevant kidney patient information, improving treatment and outcomes. The new tool has high performance, exceeding 97% sensitivity and specificity, making it available for all healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateOct 9, 2009

UCSD researchers pave the way for effective liver treatments

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new high-throughput cellular array technology that can identify the biological components leading to or alleviating liver disease. By controlling the environment surrounding star-shaped liver cells, they found critical proteins regulating HSC activation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateOct 9, 2009

NIH launches 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine trials in HIV-infected pregnant women

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is conducting clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in HIV-infected pregnant women and children, youth. The trials aim to determine whether higher doses of the vaccine can elicit a protective immune response in these populations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 9, 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.