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Science News Archive October 2009 - Page 13


Page 13 of 27

Mangosteen juice could protect health in the obese

A randomized, double-blind trial found that mangosteen juice lowered C-reactive protein levels by 1.33mg/L in obese participants. The natural treatment was safe at all dosages tested and showed promise as a potential therapeutic option for reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateOct 19, 2009

EPA fellow studies effect of mercury in toads

Christine Bergeron, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, receives an EPA fellowship to study the impact of mercury on American toads' reproductive success. The research reveals that female toads transfer mercury to their eggs, affecting offspring viability and potentially long-term population health.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateOct 19, 2009

MU research team establishes family tree for cattle, other ruminants

Researchers developed a genetic family tree for cows and ruminants, spanning 29 million years, using a new technique that also applies to humans. The study provides insights into cattle domestication, breed formation, and evolutionary connections to humans.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Herbal tonic for radiotherapy

A study published in International Journal of Low Radiation found that extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves can protect human white blood cells from gamma radiation-induced apoptosis. The results suggest that the antioxidant compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract can neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Low Radiation·DateOct 19, 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.

Resident physicians seldom trained in skin cancer examination

A survey of resident physicians found that many are not trained in skin cancer examinations, with only a small percentage reporting skill levels in performing the procedure. The study highlights the need for comprehensive training programs to teach this essential skill.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateOct 19, 2009

What's the clonality status and allelotype of focal nodular hyperplasia?

Researchers analyzed 12 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) lesions and found polyclonal nature with no loss of heterozygosity in most cases, contrasting with 40% monoclonality in altered hepatocytes. This study provides an approach for differential diagnosis and may lead to further understanding of early human hepatocarcinogenesis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 18, 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.

Metals could forge new cancer drug

A new class of compounds containing Ruthenium and Osmium has been found to be highly effective in killing ovarian and colon cancer cells, even those resistant to Cisplatin. The discovery is a significant step forward in the field of medicinal chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateOct 18, 2009

What caused implantable venous access device failure in cancer patients?

A study found increasing age, male gender, open-ended catheter, and hematogenous malignancy as significant risk factors for TIVAD failure. Close-ended catheters had lower thrombosis rates, while solid malignancies had lower infection rates compared to hematogenous malignancies.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 18, 2009

Exercise can aid recovery after brain radiation

Researchers found that exercise after whole-brain radiation treatment improved erasable memory in mice, comparable to humans' experience. Exercise also reduced depressive-like behaviors in irradiated mice, suggesting a protective effect against memory loss and depression.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateOct 18, 2009

Migraine sufferers more prone to hangover headache

Researchers found that rats with migraine-like headaches reacted to alcohol-induced pain, whereas those without migraines did not. The study suggests dehydration or impurities in alcohol are not responsible for hangovers.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateOct 18, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Time in a bottle: Scientists watch evolution unfold

A Michigan State University experiment has watched the emergence of natural selection over 40,000 generations, providing insights into genome evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for biotechnology and cancer research, revealing complex relationships between genetic mutations and environmental pressures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2009

Performance reviews are raising council standards, say researchers

A study by Cardiff University researchers found that performance reviews under the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) led to improved council standards. Poorly performing councils were more likely to see a change in political leadership and management, resulting in better outcomes.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 18, 2009

Geologists point to outer space as source of the Earth's mineral riches

A new study suggests that some minerals beneath the Earth's surface could be of extraterrestrial origin. Researchers propose that a 'rain' of comets and meteorites may have deposited precious metals such as platinum and rhodium in the rock portion of the Earth, challenging internal geological processes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 18, 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.

A major step in making better stem cells from adult tissue

Scripps Research scientists have made a breakthrough in creating stem cells from adult human tissue using three small drug-like chemicals. The new technique is 200 times more efficient and twice as fast than conventional methods, solving two major challenges in the development of stem-cell-based medicine.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 18, 2009

Major advance in organic solar cells

A new synthetic method creates longer polymer chains, increasing current density in plastic solar cells. The reduced reaction time cuts production time by nearly 50%, making it easier to optimize chemical structure and reduce manufacturing costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 18, 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.

Small mechanical forces have big impact on embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem cells exhibit sensitivity to localized cyclic forces due to their softness, affecting gene expression and differentiation. The study suggests that applying controlled mechanical forces could be a new method for directing cell behavior, with implications for therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 18, 2009

Fine-tuning treatments for depression

Researchers have found elevated levels of gamma-synuclein in depressed animals and humans, highlighting its role in regulating neurotransmitters. The study may provide new therapeutic targets for treating depression, which currently has limited effective treatments.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 18, 2009

Fracture zones endanger tombs in Valley of Kings

Researchers used photography and detailed geological mapping to identify 30 tombs on fracture traces, which can lead to flooding and damage. The team plans to use this information to stop flooding by diverting water away from tombs.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 18, 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.

APP -- Good, bad or both?

Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that APP plays a critical role in brain development, connection of synapses, and dendritic spine development. Overproducing APP can lead to Abeta plaques and cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of maintaining balance in APP protein expression.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 18, 2009

New chromosomal abnormality identified in leukemia associated with Down syndrome

Researchers have discovered a new chromosomal abnormality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is particularly common in children with Down syndrome. The finding has led to the development of new diagnostic tests and potential treatments, including an experimental medication targeting one of the altered genes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 18, 2009

Drug could provide first treatment for scleroderma

Researchers have identified a drug that could provide the first treatment for scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease. In a study of 30 patients with diffuse scleroderma, Gleevec improved skin scores by 23% and lung function tests by 9.6% after one year.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateOct 17, 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.

Which is promising as therapeutic targets in patients with biliary tract cancer? EGFR or HER2?

A study of 124 patients with advanced biliary tract cancer found EGFR overexpression in 39.3% of tumors, while HER2 overexpression and gene amplification were present in only 5% of cases. This suggests that targeting EGFR may be a promising therapeutic approach for BTC, while routine testing and targeting of HER2 is not recommended.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 16, 2009

NASA satellite tracking Typhoon Lupit on a march toward the northern Philippines

Typhoon Lupit strengthened quickly from a tropical depression to a typhoon in just 24 hours. The storm's cloud temperatures were colder than minus 63F (-52.78C), indicating strong thunderstorms. Forecasts predict the northern Philippines will feel the first effects of Lupit on October 20, with residents urged to make preparations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 16, 2009

Protein interaction network can respond Helicobacter pylori infection?

A study found that protein interaction networks respond to Helicobacter pylori infection by activating immune-related proteins and interacting with cancer-related proteins. The network construction reveals potential drug targets for gastric inflammation and cancer, including hub and bottleneck proteins.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 16, 2009
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Science study: Teacher participation in Columbia program improves student achievement in science

The study found that students taught by participating teachers passed Regents science exams at a rate 10.1 percentage points higher than non-participating teachers' students. The program provides hands-on laboratory experience and funds for science supplies, encouraging teachers to implement more interactive exercises in their classrooms.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2009

GOES-P satellite preparing for launch in March 2010

The NASA team has completed instrument testing on the GOES-P spacecraft, ensuring its instruments function as expected. The spacecraft is now undergoing testing of subsystems and mechanical activities before its launch in March 2010.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 16, 2009

AIAA to present awards at 28th Digital Avionics Systems Conference

The AIAA will recognize outstanding achievements in digital avionics and information systems with the presentation of two prestigious awards. John Moody and colleagues from The MITRE Corporation will receive the Dr. John C. Ruth Digital Avionics Award for their invention and implementation of the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) and ...

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateOct 16, 2009
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.

Scientists demonstrate link between genetic defect and brain changes in schizophrenia

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered a genetic lesion associated with schizophrenia disrupts brain development, altering neuron numbers and GABAergic cell placement. This finding supports the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, offering new avenues for understanding the disease's molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2009

New concept may enhance Earth-Mars communication

Researchers propose a solution to the crucial problem of ensuring reliable radio communication between Mars and Earth during solar alignments. A pair of communication relay satellites in B-orbits equipped with electric ion propulsion can 'hover' over points leading and trailing Mars' orbit, providing full-time communications.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·DateOct 16, 2009
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.

Super sticky barnacle glue cures like blood clots

Researchers discovered that barnacle adhesive polymerization is related to blood clotting, with a trypsin-like serine protease and human factor XIII proteins involved. The team found that the glue's proteins are remarkably similar to those found in human blood clots.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 16, 2009

Maternal HIV-1 treatment protects against transmission to newborns

A study found that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly reduces postnatal HIV-1 transmission in breastfeeding mothers. The protective effect was observed across all eligible women, with an 82% reduction in transmission.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 16, 2009

Internationally highly visible

The DFG Research Centre for Renewable Therapies will receive €30 million in funds over the next four years. The centre aims to develop new cellular therapies and treatment options for various diseases, including metabolism diseases, cancers, and immune system disorders.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateOct 16, 2009
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

TraDIS technique tackles typhoid

Researchers used a novel high-throughput analysis technique to study every gene in Salmonella Typhi, revealing that only 356 genes are necessary for its survival. The TraDIS method has the potential to accelerate the discovery of new targets for treatment and improve our understanding of bacterial disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 16, 2009

Trial raises doubts over alternative pain therapy for arthritis

A new randomized controlled trial found that copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are ineffective in relieving arthritis pain. The study, led by University of York researcher Stewart Richmond, suggests that any perceived benefits from these devices can be attributed to psychological placebo effects.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·DateOct 16, 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.