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Science News for September 11, 2009


Migrating birds chill to fatten up

Researchers found that smaller migrating blackcaps lose body temperature at night during stopovers to save energy, while heavier birds drop their metabolic rates less. This helps the birds accumulate more fuel and shorten their refueling stops.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 11, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Democrats seen as the 'undeserving rich' face rejection by party voters

A recent study reveals that white working-class voters in the US reject Democratic candidates despite disliking Republican policies due to an 'appropriate' attitude toward personal wealth. This framework, marked by down-to-earth qualities and a perception of moral fiber, is more important than economic interests.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSociological Forum·DateSep 11, 2009

Mandatory alcohol testing for truck and bus drivers reduces alcohol involvement in fatal crashes

A study of nearly 70,000 motor carrier drivers and over 83,000 non-motor-carrier drivers found that mandatory alcohol testing programs reduced alcohol involvement in fatal crashes by 23%. The study's findings suggest that implementation of such programs can improve safety records in the US and other countries.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 11, 2009

When proteins change partners

The study reveals that Fbox proteins alternate between attaching to and being kicked off CRL1 by competing protein CAND1. This process is stabilized by the phosphorylated substrate N8, allowing for efficient degradation of aberrant proteins. The research highlights the importance of the proline residue in Fbox protein-CRL1 interaction.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 11, 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.

The change in Arctic nature foreshadows the global environment of the future

The Arctic ecosystem is experiencing rapid changes due to global warming, impacting natural resources, food production, and climate temperature. Many original species are being displaced by migrants from southern areas, leading to concerns about the long-term survival of vulnerable species such as Arctic foxes and ivory gulls.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2009

New physics theory prize names first recipient

The Richard E. Prange Prize, established by the University of Maryland's Department of Physics and Condensed Matter Theory Center, honors the late Professor Richard Prange's distinguished career. Philip W. Anderson, a pioneering theorist and Nobel laureate, is the inaugural recipient of the prize.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateSep 11, 2009

Biologists discover 'death stench' is a universal ancient warning signal

Researchers at McMaster University found that corpses of animals emit the same death stench, produced by specific fatty acids, which repels living relatives of insects. This ancient warning signal may have evolved to avoid disease and predators, with potential applications in pest control and immunity activation.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEvolutionary Biology·DateSep 11, 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.

Inner workings of molecular thermostat point to pathways to fight diabetes, obesity

A new study reveals a molecular circuit involving heme that helps maintain proper metabolism in the body, providing insights into metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. The research identifies Rev-erbα as a key player in regulating heme levels, which is crucial for maintaining energy balance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 11, 2009

Fewer injection site reactions in patients using Avonex

A study of 499 patients with multiple sclerosis found that those using Avonex experienced significantly fewer injection site reactions, skin necrosis, and lipoatrophy than those on other interferon therapies. Additionally, more patients remained on Avonex over the one-year trial period.

SourceManning Selvage & Lee·DateSep 11, 2009

NRL artificial intelligence team win prestigious video awards

The NRL's Navy Center for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence has won two top awards at the IJCAI conference for its videos on transfer learning and gesture recognition. The winning videos showcase the lab's cutting-edge research in AI and robotics, with applications to naval missions.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·DateSep 11, 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.

ERC Starting Grant for the researcher of kidney diseases

The ERC is funding top researchers, including Sanna Lehtonen's group, to study the development of albuminuria and diabetic nephropathy. They aim to identify novel drug leads to treat insulin resistance and combat early stages of kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·DateSep 11, 2009

Muscle: 'Hard to build, easy to lose' as you age

Research by the University of Nottingham found that older people's muscles are less responsive to insulin, leading to increased muscle breakdown. Weight training has been shown to improve blood flow and potentially mitigate this effect. This blunting of muscle response may contribute to age-related muscle loss.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 11, 2009

First complete image created of Himalayan fault, subduction zone

Researchers from Oregon State University create the most complete seismic image of the Earth's crust and upper mantle beneath the Himalayas. The study reveals unusual geologic features that help explain how the region has evolved and advances research on various fronts, including strain accumulation prior to large earthquakes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 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.

After years of toil, sustaining change in education still a vexing problem

Despite extensive research, sustaining change in education remains a vexing problem. The researchers identified the difficulty of making lasting reform in various fields, such as education and business, due to human behavior like adapting practices over time. A working group will convene to grapple with these issues and explore a conce...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateSep 11, 2009

New method monitors early sign of oxidative stress in cancer

Researchers have developed a new method to detect early signs of oxidative stress in cancer, which can be used to tailor treatments. The method identifies sulfenic acid in proteins, a marker of oxidative stress, and reveals that different individuals and tumor types have unique redox profiles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2009

Half of eligible patients not getting mitral valve surgery, U-M study shows

A recent study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that only half of eligible patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation underwent surgery, despite meeting at least one indication for treatment. The study suggests that cardiologists may overestimate surgical risks and underestimate potential benefits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 11, 2009