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Science News for September 15, 2009


Gut ecology in transplant patients

Researchers found that gut bacteria of transplant patients with an ileostomy opening were dominated by facultative anaerobes, while those without an ileostomy had strictly anaerobic populations. The study suggests the gut can have two stable bacterial ecosystems, one tolerant to oxygen and another not.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers find phone assessment effective for evaluating cognition in the elderly

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that cognitive testing by telephone is as effective as in-person testing in evaluating cognition in elderly individuals. The study used well-established neuropsychological tests and involved 54 healthy women with an average age of 79.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateSep 15, 2009

New X-ray technique illuminates reactivity of environmental contaminants

Researchers have developed a new analytical method to quantify environmental contaminant reactions in real-time, enabling predictions of risks and transport. This breakthrough advances understanding of geochemical processes and has significant applications in environmental science, particularly for contaminants like arsenic.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2009

Comprehensive cardiac CT scan may give clearer picture of significant heart disease

A new computed-tomography-based protocol can identify coronary artery narrowing and myocardial ischemia simultaneously, improving diagnostic accuracy for clinically significant coronary artery disease. The study's results compare favorably to SPECT stress imaging and cardiac catheterization, with lower radiation doses.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2009

Acne really is a nightmare for some teens

A Norwegian study found associations between acne, high chocolate and chip intake, and low vegetable consumption in both males and females. Mental health problems were also strongly linked to acne, even when diet was introduced into the statistical model.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateSep 15, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Possible genetic factor for male infertility identified

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered a gene involved in sperm production that may contribute to male infertility. The study found that mice lacking the MEIG1 protein were sterile due to impaired spermiogenesis, a process crucial for sperm development.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 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.

Study predicts an uncertain future for forests

A recent study at the University of Illinois used computer models PnET-II and LANDIS-II to simulate possible forest landscape scenarios up to 200-400 years in the future. The study found that temperature and photosynthetic active radiation are the most important variables predicting forest landscapes, with uncertainties increasing afte...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 15, 2009

Reactive oxygen's role in metastasis

Researchers discovered that reactive oxygen species are necessary for invadopodia formation, allowing cancer cells to become metastatic. Inhibiting reactive oxygen reduces invadopodia formation and limits cancer cell invasion.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 15, 2009

Black patients have lower rate of survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest

A study published in JAMA Network found that black patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrest are less likely to survive, with racial disparities largely attributed to the hospital's quality of care. The researchers discovered that black patients were more likely to receive treatment at hospitals with poorer outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 15, 2009

Treatment for severe respiratory failure from conditions like swine flu is better when ECMO is part of the treatment than with conventional ventilation

A study found that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) significantly improves survival rates and reduces disability in adults with severe acute respiratory failure. The treatment, which uses heart-lung bypass technology, was shown to be cost-effective compared to conventional ventilation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 15, 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.

Supplementing babies' formula with DHA boosts cognitive development

A new study found that supplementing babies' formula with DHA boosts their cognitive development. The research, published in Child Development, showed that babies who received formula supplemented with high concentrations of DHA performed better on a problem-solving test and displayed more intentional behaviors.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 2009

Brookhaven Lab patents new method for mercury remediation

Brookhaven scientists have developed a cost-effective method to remove mercury contamination from soil and industrial waste using In Situ Mercury Stabilization (ISMS). The technology involves treating mercury-contaminated materials with sulfur-based reagents, reducing environmental impact and making remediation more affordable.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateSep 15, 2009

The role of genetic factors in adult ADHD

A study by IMpACT, an international collaboration of researchers, suggests that adult ADHD has a high genetic component. The findings indicate that multiple gene defects contribute to the disorder, with heritability estimates ranging from 60󈟆%. This research aims to identify risk genes for ADHD and develop effective treatments.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 15, 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.

Treating bone loss in breast cancer survivors

A Loyola University Health System study found that breast cancer patients can prevent bone loss by correcting secondary causes, such as vitamin D deficiency, and using bisphosphonate osteoporosis drugs. After one year, patients with secondary causes showed stable bone mineral density.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateSep 15, 2009

Copenhagen climate change conference is vital for our future as a species

The authors emphasize the need for radical reductions in CO2 emissions to prevent catastrophic climate change, highlighting its impact on global health and human well-being. They advocate for a low-carbon diet, clean power, and sustainable agriculture to achieve a healthier and more equal society.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 15, 2009

James Webb Space Telescope begins to take shape at Goddard

The James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) has arrived at NASA Goddard for testing, featuring four scientific instruments and a critical cryogenic structure. The ISIM will undergo rigorous qualification testing to ensure its ability to survive space and extreme cold.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2009
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.

Friction force differences could offer a new means for sorting and assembling nanotubes

Researchers have discovered different friction forces when carbon nanotubes slide along their axis versus perpendicular to it, which could provide a new tool for assembling nanotubes into devices. The findings also offer insight into fundamental friction issues and potentially be used to sort nanotubes according to their chirality.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 15, 2009

Quality of early child care plays role in later reading, math achievement

A new study found that high-quality early child care improves reading and math scores, particularly for low-income children. The research used data from over 1,300 children and suggests a link between early childhood care quality and later achievement in middle childhood.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 2009

Researchers help couples, kids experience benefits of healthy relationships

The Connecting For Baby program, developed by researchers at the University of Missouri, aims to help low-income, unmarried couples build healthy families. The program provides resources and relationship skills to help couples work together and stay together, with a focus on reducing stress and improving mental health.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateSep 15, 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.

Teacher support is key to self-esteem for Chinese and US youth

A cross-cultural study finds that teacher support is essential to students' self-esteem in both China and the US. Students who feel supported by their teachers tend to have higher self-esteem, while those who don't face increased depression risk.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 2009

Rome was built in a day, with hundreds of thousands of digital photos

A new computer algorithm at the University of Washington reconstructs an entire city, including landmarks like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica, from 150,000 tourist photos in about a day. The tool uses a faster code that works over 100 times faster than previous versions, making it possible to tackle more ambitious projects.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 15, 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.

Brain's response to seeing food may be linked to weight loss maintenance

Researchers found that successful weight losers respond differently to food cues in the brain, with stronger signals in areas associated with behavioral control and visual attention. This response may lead to preventive or corrective behaviors promoting long-term weight control.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 15, 2009

In study of low-income toddlers, spanking found to have negative effects

A longitudinal study of low-income parents and their 1-year-old children found that spanking leads to more aggressive behaviors and less sophisticated cognitive development. Verbal punishment, however, is not associated with such negative effects when accompanied by emotional support from mothers.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 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.

UT scientists discover link between protein and lung disease

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have linked osteopontin to COPD, a potentially novel approach to treatment. Elevated levels of osteopontin were found in people with COPD, suggesting it could serve as both an indicator and therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 15, 2009

Sheep that shed light on personality differences

A recent study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that male bighorn sheep have distinct personalities, influencing their survival and reproductive success. Younger, more aggressive rams often reproduce but die younger, while older, more docile peers survive longer.

SourceUniversité du Québec à Montréal·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 15, 2009

Acute kidney injury patients more likely to need dialysis within 5 years

A new study from St. Michael's Hospital reveals that patients with acute kidney injury requiring in-hospital dialysis are three times more likely to need long-term dialysis later in life. Early medical surveillance and intervention may prevent progression to irreversible end-stage kidney disease.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateSep 15, 2009

Scary music is scarier with your eyes shut

Researchers found that closing eyes during emotional stimulation increases brain activity in the amygdala, a region responsible for emotions. This could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 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.

Reading Kafka improves learning, suggests UCSB psychology study

Research suggests that reading surreal literature like Kafka's 'The Country Doctor' can enhance implicit pattern learning and accuracy. Participants who read the nonsensical story performed better on an artificial-grammar task than those who read a rewritten version with a logical plot.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 15, 2009

Egg-shaped legacy of Britain's mobile ice-sheet

A new model of Britain's Ice Sheet reveals it reversed its flow back up valleys, creating unique 'drumlins' along the A66 road through Eden Valley and Lake District lowlands. The ice sheet flowed downhill initially but complex flow directions switched significantly over short timescales.

SourceDurham University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateSep 15, 2009
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.

Dartmouth researchers get personal with genetics

Two studies by Dartmouth researchers analyzed how personal genetic testing companies use genome data to judge customer health, finding the knowledge base is still in its infancy. The authors also used genetic data to reveal ancestry information, discovering six subgroups of people with distinct genetic backgrounds.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 15, 2009

Northwestern United States could face more tamarisk invasion by century's end

A new study predicts that tamarisk's range will expand in the Northwest US by century's end due to climate change. The invasive plant can displace native species and increase wildfire risk, with suitable habitat covering 20% of the region east of the Cascade Mountains.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateSep 15, 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.

Genes may explain why children who live without dads have earlier sex

A new study suggests that genetic factors, rather than environmental theories, contribute to the association between fathers' absence and early sex. The researchers found that traits such as impulsivity, substance use, and argumentativeness can increase the likelihood of earlier sexual behavior in children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 15, 2009

Under pressure: The impact of stress on decision making

A new study finds that cognitive stress can significantly impact decision making, leading participants to overlook information predicting negative outcomes. Under pressure, individuals may rely on past rewards rather than rational considerations, resulting in irrational biases.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 15, 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.

Direct evidence of role of sleep in memory formation is uncovered

A Rutgers University research team has identified the mechanism that causes learning and memory formation during sleep. Short transient brain events called sharp wave ripples are responsible for consolidating memory and transferring learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex, where long-term memories are stored.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 15, 2009