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Science News Archive September 2009


Page 23 of 24

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 1, 2009

Researchers have identified a new mechanism underlying sex-specific gene expression in mice, with PPAR-alpha repressing genes involved in immunity and steroid production. The study also found that this repression is mediated by sumoylation, a process only occurring in female mice, and suggests potential new approaches to prevent estrog...

Internet complicates doctor-patient relationships

A Spanish study reveals that 31% of doctors believe the Internet complicates their relationship with patients, while 96% have been questioned by patients about online information. Doctors recommend websites to almost a third of their patients, but many see the Internet as undermining patient independence and credibility.

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.

GERD negatively impacts sleep quality, results in considerable economic burden

Researchers found that acid refluxing at night results in sleep arousal 89 percent of the time in participants with and without GERD. GERD patients experience longer acid reflux events, leading to increased risk for complicated disease and esophageal cancer. This association suggests a bi-directional link between sleep problems and GERD.

Breast cancer: Risk increases for smokers and overweight women

A recent study by Universite de Montreal researchers found that weight gain after age 20 increases breast cancer risk, with gains of over 15.5 kilos seen in a 68% increase in risk. Regular physical activity was also shown to decrease cancer risks by 52 percent for pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Study in NEJM: New therapy prevents heart failure

A landmark study published in NEJM found that a new therapy combining CRT-D reduces the risk of death or heart failure by 34%, with a significant reduction in heart failure hospitalizations. This trial demonstrates the effectiveness of CRT-D therapy for patients with mild cardiac disease, improving both survival and quality of life.

Computational process zeroes in on top genetic cancer suspects

A new computational method called CHASM sorts through hundreds of genetic mutations to highlight those most likely to promote cancer. The tool enables researchers to focus on the mutations with the highest risk of triggering tumors, speeding up efforts to identify genetic cancer risk factors.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Satellites and submarines give the skinny on sea ice thickness

Scientists Ron Kwok and Drew Rothrock extend Arctic sea ice record by combining ICESat satellite data with U.S. Navy submarine records, revealing a 53% decline in sea ice thickness since 1980. The study provides insights into the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and global climate.

PreSCD II registry

The PreSCD II registry found that patients protected by an implantable cardioverter defibrillator after a heart attack showed a non-significant lower mortality rate. In those with severely reduced heart function, mortality was reduced by 47% in patients with ICD implantation one month or more after MI.

Biotransformed blueberry juice fights fat and diabetes

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that biotransformed blueberry juice has strong anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. The juice was tested on mice prone to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertension, and showed a significant reduction in food intake and body weight.

The protein modifier SUMO helps set apart females and males

Researchers discovered that PPAR-alpha's sumoylation process regulates gender-specific gene expression and protects female mice from estrogen-induced liver disease. This finding suggests potential new approaches to prevent this condition by targeting PPAR-alpha agonists.

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.

Circulating tumor cells a must watch

Researchers developed a simple biological imaging system to visualize live tumor cells in peripheral blood. The technology reflects the tumor burden, decreasing upon primary tumor removal, holding promise for clinical benefit.

University of Guam receives Sea Grant Extension Program grant

The University of Guam received a $370K Sea Grant Extension Program grant to focus on youth outreach and environmental stewardship. The program aims to improve K-12 science curricula, promote environmental awareness, and support sustainable practices in coastal resource management.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cradle and birthday of dog identified

Researchers at KTH in Stockholm have made new discoveries about the history of the dog, pinpointing its birthplace to Asia south of the Yangtze River in China 16,000 years ago. The findings suggest that the dog descended from a large number of tamed wolves, with several hundred animals involved in its origins.

New design keeps buildings standing and habitable after major earthquakes

A new earthquake-resistant structural system has been successfully tested in Japan, demonstrating its ability to make buildings far more damage resistant and easier to repair. The system dissipates energy through steel frames that rock off their foundation under large earthquakes, confining damage to replaceable parts.

PROTECT study

The PROTECT trial found that rolofylline had no significant effect on primary or secondary end-points in patients with acute heart failure, including dyspnea improvement and persistent renal impairment. The study did show an increased risk of neurological events in rolofylline-treated patients.

Progress made in traumatic brain injury treatment and diagnosis

Studies show that prototype helmets can improve blunt-impact protection for ground troops without compromising ballistic protection. A survey also reveals high incidence of driving-related anxieties among post-deployment soldiers, highlighting the need for better tools for diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in the civili...

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.

Over time, an invasive plant loses its toxic edge

A new study finds that garlic mustard's fungus-killing toxin levels decrease over time, undermining its invasive advantage. This decline enables native plants to return and outcompete the invasive species.

Promise of nanodiamonds for safer gene therapy

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel gene delivery technology using nanodiamonds, achieving 70 times greater delivery efficiency than conventional methods. The surface-modified particles successfully delivered DNA into mammalian cells while preserving biocompatibility.

How alcohol blunts the ability of hamsters to 'rise and shine'

A study with hamsters shows that chronic alcohol consumption blunts the biological clock's ability to synchronize daily activities to light. The research suggests that this disruption can have long-lasting effects on the body's internal clock, even after withdrawal from alcohol.

PET/CT scans may help detect recurring prostate cancer earlier

A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine shows that PET/CT scans with the imaging agent choline can detect recurring prostate cancer sooner than conventional imaging technologies. Researchers found a strong association between PET/CT detection and PSA levels, and suggest using specific criteria to reduce unnecessary scans.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Results from the European CRT survey

The survey enrolled 2438 patients with a mean age of 68 years, showing characteristic differences between those receiving CRT-P and CRT-D devices. Demographic and economic factors play a significant role in device selection, with younger patients, men, and those with ischaemic aetiology more likely to receive a CRT-D device.

Results from the Kyoto heart study

The KYOTO HEART Study found that valsartan significantly reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events, including angina pectoris and stroke/TIA, in Japanese hypertensive patients. The study showed a lower rate of primary endpoints in the valsartan arm compared to non-ARB conventional therapies.

A new molecule to combat diabetes and obesity

A new molecule has been discovered that can treat type 2 diabetes and reduce weight gain by activating the protein TGR5. The study found that INT-777, a selective TGR5 activator, increases GLP-1 secretion and energy expenditure, leading to improved blood sugar control and weight loss.

New study compares after-hours and daytime surgery success rates

A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that patients undergoing after-hour orthopedic surgeries experience slightly higher rates of necessary follow-up surgeries compared to daytime surgeries. The data also suggests that nighttime surgery patients have similar healing times, recovery periods, and major compli...

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.

Human Tissue Act may have helped research, says study

A new study from the University of Leicester suggests that the Human Tissue Act 2004 may have facilitated medical research by giving Research Ethics Committees clearer guidance. The study analyzed letters written by ethics committees before and after the Act's implementation, concluding that committees were less likely to raise concern...

Trauma 411: Prolonged surgery should be avoided in certain cases

Prolonged surgery can weaken the immune system, leading to a higher likelihood of complications. Limiting surgical time to less than three hours improves patient outcomes. External fixators are often used to stabilize orthopaedic injuries and allow for staggered surgeries over several days.

Workplace bullying is associated with sleep disturbances

A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that workplace bullying is associated with increased sleep disturbances in both men and women. The study, which analyzed data from a large-scale cross-sectional survey in France, found that exposure to bullying was significantly linked to self-reported sleep disturbances.

Irbesartan reduces heart failure in patients with quivering heart

Researchers found that irbesartan reduced the risk of heart failure complications and a combination of stroke and other events by 13-14% in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study also showed significant reductions in hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons and days spent in hospital.

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.

Researchers link inflammatory diseases to increased cardiovascular risk

Patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, autoimmune disorders causing muscle inflammation, are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study found that immunosuppressive therapies may have a preventive effect against heart attacks, providing hope for patients hesitant to undergo treatment.

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.

Shifting baselines confound river restoration

Sharp declines in freshwater species are often overlooked, affecting watershed planning and ecosystem restoration. Historical records suggest that species abundances were much greater than today, leading to underestimated effects of European colonization and habitat destruction.

Impact of positive parenting can last for generations

A new study by Oregon State University reveals that positive parenting has a lasting impact on adolescents and parents alike. Children who experienced warm, involved, and consistent parenting were more likely to have close relationships with peers, engage in school, and develop better self-esteem.

Monkeys get a groove on, but only to monkey music

Researchers found that cotton-top tamarins responded to music with emotions such as anxiety and calmness, mirroring human responses. The study suggests that animals use musical elements to convey emotional content, similar to humans, and could have deep evolutionary roots.

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.

Atrial fibrillation: Drugs or ablation?

Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia affecting over 3 million Europeans, with high mortality rates. Treatment strategies include chronic antiarrhythmic drug therapy and catheter ablation, both effective but with varying side effects and success rates.

Men experience sexual dysfunction during hepatitis C therapy

A study published in Gastroenterology found that men with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral therapy experience common sexual dysfunction, including impairment of desire, function, and satisfaction. The average onset of sexual dysfunction was within four weeks of starting therapy.

MSU researchers use newborn blood data to study cerebral palsy

Researchers are using archived newborn blood spot data in Michigan to investigate the causes of cerebral palsy, a leading disabling motor disorder in children. The two-year study will analyze genetic signatures and potential pathways, including hormonal, inflammatory, and blood-clotting factors.

Special interest groups bipartisan in Congress, MSU scholar finds

A study by MSU scholar Matt Grossmann finds that special interest groups often join bipartisan coalitions to support legislation, contradicting the conventional view. The research also reveals that Democratic and Republican groups are more closely linked than previously thought.

Telemonitoring: A bridge to personalized medicine

Currently only 1% of European patients with implantable cardiac devices are being remotely monitored. Telemonitoring reduces physician workload while maintaining patient safety through early detection of silent arrhythmias.

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.

Map characterizes active lakes below Antarctic ice

Researchers used NASA's ICESat satellite data to create the most comprehensive inventory of Antarctic lakes that actively drain or fill under ice. The study revealed a continental plumbing system more dynamic than previously thought, with 124 active lakes identified and linked to nearby and distant locations.

Laser pulses control single electrons in complex molecules

Physicists and chemists have successfully controlled individual, negatively charged particles within a group of electrons in complex molecules. They used femtosecond laser pulses to manipulate the motion of outer electrons in carbon monoxide molecules.

Patient-doctor communication is worse for blacks than for whites, study finds

A study led by a University of North Carolina researcher found that black patients with high blood pressure experience poorer communication with their doctors compared to white patients. The results showed that black patients had shorter office visits, less biomedical and psychosocial exchange, and less rapport building with their doct...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Wrestling with bighorn sheep

A team of researchers, led by University of Alberta biologist David Coltman, have been studying the personalities of bighorn mountain sheep. They found that bold individuals tend to have shorter lifespans, while those with more submissive personalities are more likely to produce multiple offspring.

Sudden death during sport: Education to improve survival rates

A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology found that public education on cardiac arrest could significantly improve survival rates among athletes. The study analyzed 700 sudden deaths during sport activity in France and found that bystander-initiated CPR increased hospital admission rates fourfold, while electric shock deliv...

Promising new target emerges for autoimmune diseases

University of Michigan scientists have identified a fundamental mechanism regulating immune T-cell activity, with implications for conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer, and organ transplants. The discovery reveals that regulatory T cells influence aggressive immune cells through redox chemistry.

September 2009 Geology and GSA Today media highlights

Global climate change has a significant impact on deep-sea microfossil communities, with different groups responding differently to extinction events. In the Fraser River delta, anthropogenic subsidence is increasing relative sea-level rise by a factor of 2-5 times due to man-made structures.

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.