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Science News for September 4, 2009


MicroRNAs circulating in blood show promise as biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified four microRNAs that can accurately detect pancreatic cancer and pre-invasive lesions. The study found that these microRNAs are overexpressed in precursor lesions leading to full-blown pancreatic cancer, offering a promising approach for early detection.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateSep 4, 2009

Chimpanzees develop specialized tool kits to catch army ants

Researchers found chimpanzees using multiple tool sets to forage for army ants, with a focus on two types of tools: ant-dipping probes and nest perforating tools. The study suggests that these tool kits may be the first direct evidence of sustainable food harvesting in this context.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateSep 4, 2009

Biophysical Society names 2010 award recipients

The Biophysical Society has named eight award recipients for their groundbreaking work in biophysics. The winners include Tom Rapoport, James Hamilton, and S. Walter Englander, who will receive prestigious awards for their contributions to fields such as protein transport, lipid biology, and single molecule biology.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateSep 4, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers identify key contributor to pre-eclampsia

A new study reveals that the absence of angiotensin II receptors in the uteri of pregnant women with preeclampsia contributes to the disease's progression. This finding brings researchers closer to understanding the condition and may lead to new treatments.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 4, 2009

The war against wildlife comes to an end in Southern Europe

A study analyzing bird persecution in Spain over 14 years reveals a significant decline in direct attacks on wildlife. The drop in hunting activities and increased awareness among urban populations have led to an end in the 'war' against wildlife in southern Europe.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateSep 4, 2009

Anticancer compound found in American mayapple

American mayapple, a common weed in US, contains high podophyllotoxin levels, offering potential for commercial production of anti-cancer compound. Researchers identify eastern US colonies with high podophyllotoxin content, paving the way for development of high-value crop.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 4, 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.

No frontiers: Ushering in a new era of conferencing technology

The Together Anywhere project aims to simplify group communication via the Internet, creating a sense of presence among distant participants. The Fraunhofer Institute's Audio Communication Engine enhances video and telephone conference call quality with low-delay hi-fi audio.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 4, 2009

Ultra-flat loudspeakers with powerful sound reproduction

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT created ultra-flat loudspeakers with resonant properties, enabling improved sound quality. The new design allows for integration into surroundings without sacrificing audio quality.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 4, 2009

Queen's University physicist unlocking the mysteries of neighboring galaxies

Astronomers, including Queen's University physicist Larry Widrow, have discovered a nearby cosmic encounter between the Andromeda and Triangulum galaxies, which collided about two to three billion years ago. The collision caused millions of stars to be ripped from the Triangulum disk, forming a faint stream visible in the PAndAS data.

SourceQueen's University·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 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.

Lipid involved with gene regulation uncovered

Scientists at VCU School of Medicine have identified a new lipid mediator that regulates genes, a discovery that could lead to the development of drugs to fight cancer and inflammatory diseases. The study found that S1P acts like a histone deacetylase inhibitor, regulating gene expression in the cell nucleus.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2009

Bringing harmony to electronic waste disposal

The global e-waste problem requires harmonization of disposal and recycling standards across national borders to effectively address the issue. The use of outdated electronic devices poses significant risks to human health and the environment, with 20-50 million tonnes of e-waste generated annually.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Engineering·DateSep 4, 2009

Perennial vegetation, an indicator of desertification in Spain

A study found that perennial vegetation cover can indicate desertification processes in semi-arid esparto fields, with a positive correlation between total vegetation cover and soil fertility. This early warning system has potential for management and restoration measures before ecosystem degradation becomes irreversible.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEcology·DateSep 4, 2009

Find local rideshares quickly via mobile phone

The OpenRide mobile ridesharing service uses intelligent route matching to connect drivers with passengers in real-time, providing a convenient solution for last-minute journeys. The system's use of open interfaces enables integration with additional partners, expanding its potential market reach.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 4, 2009

U of T researchers identify protein

Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a protein called nSR100 that controls alternative splicing events in genes critical to nervous system formation. This discovery could provide new insights into brain complexity and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCell·DateSep 4, 2009
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Discovery leads to rapid mouse 'personalized trials' in breast cancer

Duke University researchers create a mouse model to study tumor diversity, enabling rapid trial studies and more effective cancer treatment. The study examines genetic pathways and sensitivity to drugs, shedding light on the importance of matching therapies with individual patient characteristics.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 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.

The first DNA barcodes of commonly traded bushmeat are published

Researchers have published genetic sequences, known as 'DNA barcodes,' to identify species of origin from leather products and meat in international trade. The study, led by the American Museum of Natural History, identifies 25 commonly traded mammals and reptiles, including duikers, Nile crocodiles, and alligators.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalConservation Genetics·DateSep 4, 2009

Insomnia is bad for the heart

Chronic insomnia increases nighttime blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular risks and heart damage. Researchers found heightened blood pressure in insomniacs, particularly those with overt cardiac disease.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 4, 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.

She's going back to school but can she read?

A Canadian report reveals that nearly a million students will fail to graduate high school due to poor reading skills. The study highlights the importance of literacy education and calls for increased support in junior and senior high schools.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateSep 4, 2009

Biophysical Society Announces 2010 society fellows

The Biophysical Society has recognized ten new fellows for their exceptional contributions to the field of biophysics. These researchers have made significant advances in understanding the structure and function of biological macromolecules, membrane proteins, and biomembranes through innovative approaches and pioneering techniques.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateSep 4, 2009

Smoke no longer found in European hospitals

A study found average PM2.5 micro particle levels in European hospitals to be 3.0μg/m3, with half being between 2.0 and 7.0μg/m3. This suggests exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is 'low' across the continent.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateSep 4, 2009

Organic apple orchard floor maintenance techniques

Researchers analyzed three methods of organic apple orchard floor maintenance: alfalfa hay mulch treatment, flame burning technique, and Swiss sandwich system. The Swiss sandwich system emerged as the most suitable combination, particularly with the M.9 RN 29 rootstock, for increasing production under organic protocols.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 4, 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.

Environmental effects of cold-climate strawberry farming

Researchers evaluated three growing methods, finding that advanced matted-row system and cold-climate plasticulture systems have less negative effects on natural resources than conventional matted row system. The AMR and CCP systems also showed lower pesticide levels and nutrient runoff compared to CMR.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 4, 2009

Pesticides -- easier detection of pollution and impact in rivers

Researchers have developed a tool to estimate the harmful effect of pesticides on rivers and water quality, using biomonitoring data. The SPEAR calculator uses species- and family-level information to provide immediate assessments of pollution levels.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateSep 4, 2009

Einstein scientists move closer to a safer anthrax vaccine

Einstein scientists have identified two small protein fragments that could be developed into an anthrax vaccine, potentially causing fewer side effects than the current vaccine. The research focuses on the protein toxin used in the current vaccine, looking for peptides that can trigger protective antibodies when injected into animals.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 4, 2009

Monkey brains signal the desire to explore

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in understanding how monkeys weigh costs and benefits when deciding whether to explore new options or stick with what they know. By analyzing neural signals in the posterior cingulate cortex, the team was able to predict which strategy the monkey would employ.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 4, 2009
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Watermelon's hidden killer

A new and emerging disease, Watermelon Vine Decline (WVD), has caused devastating economic losses for watermelon producers in Florida. The disease, caused by the whitefly-transmitted squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), can lead to rapid vine collapse and marketable fruit loss.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 4, 2009

For peat's sake: Alternative growing media

Researchers have evaluated five materials as partial peat substitutes, finding that coconut fibers and pine bark are the most suitable options. These alternatives performed as well or better than standard Sphagnum peat in terms of plant growth and ornamental quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 4, 2009