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Science News Archive September 2009


Page 4 of 24

Considering usual medical care in clinical trial design

A study published in PLoS Medicine discusses the challenges of designing clinical trials when there is no consensus on usual medical care. The authors recommend specific criteria for assessing proposed study designs and highlight the importance of comparing management of conditions to standard care.

U of T researchers create microchip that can detect type and severity of cancer

Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a microchip that can detect the type and severity of cancer in just 30 minutes, revolutionizing molecular diagnostics. The device uses nanomaterials to sense biomarkers indicative of cancer, providing speed, sensitivity, and accuracy not available with current technology.

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.

NIH funds 4 Centers of Excellence in genomic science

The NIH has awarded $45 million to four new Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science, including two new centers and two existing ones. The new centers will focus on psychiatric disorders and gene regulation, while the existing centers will continue to advance genomic research. Researchers at the University of North Carolina, University...

McMaster researchers discover a new antibacterial lead

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a novel chemical compound that targets drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat resistant infections. The discovery provides a new approach to tackle antibiotic resistance by blocking a specific step in the development of bacterial cell surfaces.

Discovery brings new type of fast computers closer to reality

Scientists at UCSD have successfully built an integrated circuit that operates at 125 degrees Kelvin, a temperature easily attainable commercially with liquid nitrogen. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient computation and communication devices.

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.

Yale engineers track bacteria's kayak paddle-like motion for first time

Researchers at Yale University have observed and tracked E. coli bacteria moving in a liquid medium with a motion similar to a kayak paddle. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, provides new insights into bacterial movement and may lead to breakthroughs in preventing bacterial migration and sickness.

Public must be involved in nanotech policy debate demands groundbreaking

A new report argues that current governance activities on nanotechnology are limiting public debate and may repeat mistakes made in managing GMOs. The report recommends innovative ways to involve the public in decision-making, such as treating their views with respect and using them to inform science policy.

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.

High-tech nuke detectors check Puget Sound small vessels for WMD

The pilot demonstration evaluated radiation detection sensors and protocols for small vessel maritime environment. Small vessels, including recreational boats and commercial vessels, are screened for radiological materials using portable hand-held sensors and boat-mounted systems.

Mechanism for potential Friedreich's ataxia drug uncovered

A Scripps Research team has identified histone deacetylase 3 as the key enzyme target for a potential Friedreich's ataxia drug. The findings could lead to treatments for related conditions like Huntington's disease and improve understanding of the disease.

Infant pain, adult repercussions

Researchers at Georgia State University discovered that infant pain can lead to altered brain processing of pain in adulthood. Infants who spent time in the NICU show increased opioid levels and decreased mu and delta opioid receptors, affecting pain medication efficacy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How would Einstein use e-mail?

A Northwestern University study reveals that Albert Einstein and other famous writers followed a similar pattern of correspondence, writing in cycles and adhering to a circadian cycle. The research, published in Science, demonstrates the universality of human behavior patterns across different activities.

Social background weighs heavily on teenage diet

A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council reveals that teenagers' attitudes towards diet and weight are shaped by their social class. Middle-class families expect their children to develop a good body shape for adult life, while working-class families prioritize everyday concerns over future health. The findings hi...

Insulin boost restores muscle growth in elderly

Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have found that increasing insulin levels can restore impaired muscle-building processes in elderly individuals. This breakthrough suggests a novel approach to addressing age-related muscle loss and has implications for developing new treatments.

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.

Great Tits eat bats in times of need

Researchers observed Great Tits eating hibernating Common Pipistrelle bats in a Hungarian cave during harsh winters. The birds used the sounds made by the bats to locate them, and could capture and eat them in as little as 15 minutes.

NIH fellowship recipient to study disease ecology

Camille Harris is studying the ecological impacts of forest disturbance on LaCrosse Virus dynamics using experimentally logged forest plots. Her research aims to understand how logging influences mosquito vector distributions and resulting disease dynamics.

Prototype developed to detect dark matter

A team of researchers has developed a scintillating bolometer, a device that detects light and heat produced by dark matter particles. The device was tested at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory in Spain and performed excellently, proving its viability as a detector for dark matter.

NSF funds state's first imaging system for UAB microscale research lab

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded $431,200 to acquire a highly-specialized X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy System with micro-scale-imaging capabilities. This will enable researchers to visualize surface chemical composition and bonding capabilities of newly designed materials.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Young adults visit doctors least at an age when risky behavior peaks

A recent study found that young adults are less likely to use ambulatory or preventive care, even though their mortality rate is more than twice that of adolescents. Young adults, especially black and Hispanic males, underuse ambulatory medical care and infrequently receive preventive care.

Does Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy prevent gastric cancer?

A recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated whether Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy prevents gastric cancer. The research team found that younger patients with successful eradication had significantly lower incidence rates, while no overall prevention was observed for all patients.

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.

Ants vs. worms: New computer security mimics nature

A new computer security approach, called 'swarm intelligence,' uses digital ants to search for threats in large networks, adapting to changes and attracting human operators to investigate. This method promises to transform cyber security by rapidly responding to emerging threats and improving overall defense.

US needs nearly $200 million more on climate-related health research

A recent commentary suggests that the US should spend more on researching the impact of climate change on public health due to current underfunding. The analysis highlights the need for increased funding to address heat-related deaths, diarrheal diseases, and other health issues exacerbated by global warming.

Diabetes most prevalent in southern US

Researchers estimate diabetes prevalence in US states, finding the South has the highest rates. States like Minnesota and Alabama have high levels of blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.

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.

Getting a leg up on whale and dolphin evolution

A comprehensive study sheds light on the origin of whales and dolphins by analyzing morphology, behavior, and genetics of living and fossil relatives. The findings suggest that cetacean ancestors transitioned to water before becoming carnivorous, with a 48-million-year-old semi-aquatic herbivore named Indohyus being a key discovery.

New research network at McMaster aims to build a better eye

The 20/20 Network will focus on developing new biomaterials, medical devices, and drug delivery systems for treating vision disorders. Researchers aim to improve treatment of vision loss with products like composite materials, ocular microgels, and contact lenses.

New research shows water present across the moon's surface

Scientists have found evidence of water on the moon's surface using a NASA instrument, which detects wavelengths of light reflecting off the lunar soil. The discovery suggests that water may originate from an astronomical phenomenon called the solar wind, forming trace amounts in the lunar soil.

Migrating monarch butterflies 'nose' their way to Mexico

Researchers at UMass Medical School have discovered that monarch butterflies use their antennae to navigate towards Mexico, contradicting previous assumptions that the brain played a primary role. The study found that removing or blocking the antennae impaired the butterflies' ability to orient themselves correctly.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Recovery Act funds will upgrade earthquake monitoring

The USGS is upgrading critical earthquake monitoring networks with new technology, providing emergency responders with more reliable data to save lives and reduce economic losses. The modernization project will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in regions prone to earthquakes.

UNC scientists garner new NIH awards for high risk, transformative research

Researchers at UNC are working on developing new methods to measure cellular signaling and tackle chronic pain. Dr. Joseph DeSimone is using a Pioneer Award to create new delivery methods for biological therapeutics, while Dr. Mark Zylka aims to treat pain with enzyme-based treatments. These projects have the potential to profoundly im...

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.

Duke biomedical scientists win 2 highly prized NIH Director's Awards

Two Duke University Medical Center scientists, Tannishtha Reya and Michel Bagnat, have won the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Pioneer Award and New Innovator Award respectively. The awards provide $2.5 million and $1.5 million in funding over five years to pursue their research on stem cell growth and fluid secretion.

Enzyme is key to clogged arteries

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered matrix metalloproteinase-8 plays a crucial role in clogged arteries and heart disease. The study found that MMP8 enhances the effects of existing ACE inhibitor drugs, potentially reducing deaths from heart disease.

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.

Major disasters tax surgical staff but may reduce costs for routine operations

A new study in Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that major disasters like Hurricane Katrina can significantly impact surgical services, leading to increased costs for routine operations. However, the same study revealed that hospitals can achieve cost efficiencies by having staff cover and share more duties.

Scientists see water ice in fresh meteorite craters on Mars

Researchers using NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have detected sub-surface water ice at high latitudes of Mars, with some areas showing ice purity of up to 99%. The ice is believed to be a relic of a more humid climate on Mars in the recent past and could provide insights into the planet's history.

Nanoparticle-based battlefield pain treatment moves a step closer

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a combination drug that regulates the release of morphine and its antagonist, improving pain management for patients with chronic illnesses. The nanoparticle-based system uses a pro drug to sense oxygen levels and trigger the release of Naloxone, allowing for safer treatment in combat zones.

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.

Twin Keck telescopes probe dual dust disks

The study reveals two distinct dust disks around the star 51 Ophiuchi, with the inner disk spanning 4 Astronomical Units from the star and tapering off rapidly. The outer disk extends hundreds of times farther and appears more puffed up, holding smaller particles similar in size to those in smoke.