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Science News Archive October 2009 - Page 22


Page 22 of 27

UA scientists discover quantum fingerprints of chaos

Researchers at the University of Arizona have performed experiments that show classical chaos exists in the quantum world, revealing new signatures of chaos and entanglement. The team manipulated individual laser-cooled cesium atoms to mimic a textbook example of chaos, demonstrating dynamic stability and erratic behavior.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2009

Los Angeles fast-food restaurant ban unlikely to cut obesity, study finds

A new study by RAND Corporation finds that restricting fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles may not address the main reasons for high obesity rates. The region's dense small food stores and high-calorie snack availability contribute more to residents' diets than fast-food establishments.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 6, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Continuing racial differences in HIV prevalence in US

Research found racial differences in individual behaviors do not fully explain marked disparities in HIV infection prevalence. Social factors such as exposure to the virus through racially segregated mixing patterns and poverty contribute to these differences. The US response to the epidemic has failed to control the spread of HIV amon...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 6, 2009

Genetic mutation a strong indicator of age-related hearing loss risk

Researchers found a strong correlation between a genetic mutation of anti-oxidant enzymes and age-related hearing loss, with patients exhibiting the mutation being three times more likely to develop ARHL. The study also revealed no association between the NAT2 gene and ARHL.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 6, 2009

Eating liquorice in pregnancy may affect a child's IQ and behavior

A study of 8-year-old children whose mothers ate large amounts of liquorice when pregnant found they performed worse in cognitive tests and had poor attention spans. The researchers linked this to the glycyrrhizin in liquorice, which may impair the placenta and allow stress hormones to cross to the baby.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 6, 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.

NIDCR launches the FaceBase Consortium

The NIDCR launched the FaceBase Consortium to systematically compile biological instructions for constructing the middle region of the human face and define genetics underlying developmental disorders. A comprehensive database will be created to enable scientists to mine information and accelerate research.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·DateOct 6, 2009

Novel polymer delivers genetic medicine, allows tracking

A new polymer has been developed that can deliver genetic cargo into cells and track its movement using luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging. This breakthrough could lead to more specific and targeted treatments for diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2009

New computer security guide can help safeguard your small business

The NIST Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals guide provides 10 necessary steps for small business security, including installing firewalls and backing up business data. By following these steps, small businesses can reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats and protect sensitive information.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 6, 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.

BUSM researchers identify better laser for treating facial spider veins

Researchers from BUSM found that the 940nm wavelength laser is more effective in treating facial telangiectasias due to its superior penetration of the dermis and slower heating of vessels. This results in less pain and side effects compared to the 532nm wavelength.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateOct 6, 2009

Fewer hikers means less support for conservation, study says

A recent study by researchers found that only people who engage in vigorous outdoor sports, like hiking and backpacking, tend to become supporters of mainline conservation groups. The typical backpacker gave $200 to $300 per year after a dozen-year lag. In contrast, casual woodland tourists do not support these causes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 2009

$10.5 million in funding creates center to study OCD

A new research center exploring deep brain stimulation for OCD has been established at the University of Rochester Medical Center, thanks to a $10.5 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health. The center will link over 50 researchers studying how DBS affects people with OCD.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateOct 6, 2009

Trackway analysis shows how dinosaurs coped with slippery slopes

Researchers analyzed a fossilized tracksite in southern Africa, discovering how early dinosaurs adjusted their movements to cope with slippery and sloping terrain. The study provides insight into the later evolution of the group, highlighting differences in walking styles between ornithischians and theropods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 2009
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.

Oropharyngeal cancer patients experience post-surgery sleep apnea

Nearly all oropharyngeal cancer patients develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after primary surgery and radiation/chemotherapy. The study found that 93% of patients with free flap reconstruction had OSA, while only one-third of those treated with radiation/chemotherapy had moderate or severe OSA.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 6, 2009

MSU program aims to boost interest in technical careers

A new MSU program aims to increase interest in STEM courses by providing mentorship, course counseling, and college preparation resources. The three-year initiative also includes a research component to improve understanding of educational requirements for various career paths.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 6, 2009

Keeping DNA 'all in the family'

A Tel Aviv University researcher recommends new guidelines for accessing biobanked children's DNA, emphasizing the need for safeguards against privacy risks and potential future discrimination. The approach aims to balance societal benefits with individual privacy rights.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2009

Exercise programs recommended as standard for rheumatoid arthritis

A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that dynamic exercise programs improve aerobic capacity and muscle strength in RA patients. The study recommends routine practice of aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training as a standard treatment for RA.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 6, 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.

New chemo cocktail blocks breast cancer like a strong fence

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a potent new chemotherapy cocktail that inhibits breast cancer cell invasion by half. The mix of dasatinib and doxorubicin targets the Src kinase enzyme, believed to play a key role in breast cancer metastasis.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateOct 6, 2009

New coastland map could help strengthen sea defenses

A new coastland map produced by Durham University scientists charts the post Ice-Age tilt of the UK and Ireland, revealing areas at high risk of sea-level rises. The map helps local authorities target resources to areas where sea level rises will be greatest, saving money on defenses.

SourceDurham University·JournalGSA Today·DateOct 6, 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.

If only the weeds would keep their genes to themselves

Researchers explored how gene flow between cultivated sorghum and its weedy relatives impacts crop yields and diversity. Farmers in northern Cameroon actively limit gene flow through practices like eradicating weeds, but some unintentional practices still favor genetic exchange.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateOct 6, 2009

Major discovery opens door to leishmania treatment

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered a key molecule, GP63 protease, that neutralizes macrophages' defences and hinders the body's innate inflammatory immune response. The study provides a promising approach to treating leishmania as well as other infectious diseases.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 6, 2009

Study shows how to lower costs, waiting times for colonoscopies

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a computer model to help colonoscopy facilities manage patient volume, physician staffing, and equipment usage. The model predicts optimal patient capacity and time spent in wait rooms, enabling efficiency gains and lower costs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateOct 6, 2009

New guidelines for incorporating spirituality in end-of-life care

The article outlines seven key areas for improving spiritual care, including Spiritual Care Models and Training/Certification. The guidelines provide practical recommendations for implementing spiritual care in palliative care settings.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 6, 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.

Chinese herbal medicines for preventing diabetes in high risk people

Researchers found that combining herbal medicines with lifestyle changes can normalize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing full-blown diabetes. The study of 16 clinical trials involving 1,391 participants showed a significant benefit in those who received herbal formulations.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 6, 2009

Dirty stars make good solar system hosts

New research suggests that dirty stars with a high abundance of elements like iron and oxygen are more likely to host planets. The study's findings support the idea that the composition of a star reflects its disk, leading to an increased number of exoplanets around such stars.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 6, 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.

Sand dunes reveal unexpected dryness during heavy monsoon

Researchers mapped sand dune activity across northern China and found unexpectedly high levels of mobility and change between 8,000 to 11,500 years ago, a time period generally thought to have a wetter climate. The result suggests that common assumptions about the effects of future climate changes may be incorrect.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGeology·DateOct 6, 2009

Heart disease: B vitamin pills have no effect

A recent Cochrane Systematic Review found no evidence that B-vitamin supplements can prevent heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The review of 24,210 people showed that these supplements have no effect on the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 6, 2009
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New NIST database on gas hydrates to aid energy and climate research

The new NIST database on gas hydrates provides a comprehensive collection of data on the properties of these naturally occurring crystalline materials, which are a potential energy resource and may affect the Earth's climate. The database contains over 12,000 individual data points for 150 compounds and 400 different chemical systems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 6, 2009

New treatment more than doubles survival for high risk childhood leukemia

A phase 2 study found that adding imatinib mesylate to regular chemotherapy increased three-year survival rates for children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) from 30-35% to 87%. The drug was well-tolerated and showed no significant side effects.

SourceChild & Family Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 6, 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.

TENS for osteoarthritis: Not enough evidence to recommend

A Cochrane review found limited benefits of TENS for osteoarthritis pain and physical disability. Only small trials with poor quality data were available, casting doubt on the effectiveness of this treatment approach.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 6, 2009

New findings about brain proteins suggest possible way to fight Alzheimer's

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that applying a second brain protein, Reelin, can prevent excess beta-amyloid from silencing nerves and potentially fighting Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a promising new tactic against the devastating illness.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2009

Electrosurgical devices, lasers cited as most common igniters of operating room fires

Research at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting found that electrosurgical units, lasers, and light cords are common igniters of operating room fires. The study, which surveyed 349 otolaryngologists, revealed that nearly 80% of fires occurred when supplemental oxygen was being used.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 6, 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.

Genome sequence published for important biofuels yeast

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have sequenced the genome of a biofuels yeast that thrives on turning sugar cane into ethanol. The findings could lead to more efficient biofuel production and aid research into converting cellulose from non-food crops like switchgrass into biofuel.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 6, 2009

Wildlife as a source for livestock infections

A study found Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) in various wildlife and domestic ruminants, suggesting transmission between species. The bacteria causes severe diarrhea in ruminants and has been linked to Crohn's disease in humans.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateOct 6, 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.

Do dust particles curb climate change?

Researchers analyzed literature to find that aerosol particles interact with clouds in a complex way, affecting precipitation patterns. They suggest focusing on specific cloud systems and rethinking aerosol research to better understand the dust particles' role in climate change.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2009

Expeditions in computing continue to break new ground

The NSF's Expeditions in Computing program supports research that promises significant advances in computing while yielding great benefit to society. The new projects focus on energy-efficient computers, customizable domain-specific computing, and robotic 'bees' for search and rescue operations.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 6, 2009

Ethnic background may be associated with diabetes risk

A new study found that South Asians are more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes due to their body composition, specifically higher total body fat and lower muscle mass. Researchers measured insulin levels in four ethnic groups and discovered a strong association between body fat distribution and diabetes risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 6, 2009

Albatross camera reveals fascinating feeding interaction with killer whale

Scientists have recorded the first observations of albatrosses feeding alongside marine mammals at sea. The miniature digital camera attached to four black-browed albatrosses shows them foraging in groups while collecting food for their chicks, and provides the first observation of an albatross feeding with a killer whale.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 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.

Bell's palsy: Study calls for rethink of cause and treatment

Antiviral medications prescribed for Bell's palsy are no more effective than placebo, while corticosteroids offer significant benefits. The review suggests further research should focus on discovering alternative causes and treatments for the condition.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 6, 2009

Models begin to unravel how single DNA strands combine

The study reveals that DNA hybridization is sensitive to sequence composition, with certain sequences binding rapidly and others through a diffusive process. Understanding this process can aid researchers in designing technologies like gene chips more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2009

A woman in space

In the early 1960s, a Harvard-educated surgeon and US Air Force General proposed testing women in space due to their lighter weight, lower heart rate, and fewer reproductive system issues. A total of 19 women were enrolled, with 68% passing the tests, earning them the nickname 'Mercury 13'. The data from these women's physiological tes...

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalAJP Advances in Physiology Education·DateOct 6, 2009