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Science News Archive September 2009


Page 6 of 24

Personality traits influencing weight loss

A study published in BioPsychoSocial Medicine reveals that patients with high levels of optimism and self-orientation may be less likely to lose weight. However, counseling and nutrition programs can help improve self-awareness and reduce psychological stress, leading to successful weight loss.

Study reveals 2/3 of prostate cancer patients do not need treatment

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that 60% of prostate cancer cases lack aggressive protein Hsp-27, allowing for careful monitoring instead of treatment. The research could lead to a blood test to distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

UK's £30M center for cyber security opens at Queen's

The £30 million Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) will create 80 new positions and become the UK's principal centre for counteracting malicious cyber-attacks. Leading edge research will help keep crime off the internet, combat anti-social behaviour, and safeguard electronic information.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New cancer drug test promises safer and more effective clinical trials

A new preclinical drug test platform developed by researchers in Hamburg enables analysis of tumour tissue for individual patient drug responses on the molecular level. This allows for more accurate extrapolation of response from preclinical cell models to patients, reducing the risk of toxicity and improving clinical trial efficiency.

Depression and anxiety disorders of adolescents are not the same thing

A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that adolescent depression and anxiety disorders are not the same thing. The research, led by Dr. William W. Hale III, found that these two conditions have different symptoms and characteristics, contrary to current classification in the DSM-V.

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.

Increased risk of birth defects after PCE exposure

Research published in Environmental Health found an increased risk of oral clefts and neural tube defects among children born to mothers exposed to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) during pregnancy. The study, conducted in Cape Cod towns between 1969-1983, suggests a link between PCE exposure and birth defects.

MIT retinal implant could help restore some vision

Researchers at MIT have designed a retinal implant that can help restore some vision in individuals who have lost their sight due to these conditions. The chip stimulates nerve cells in the retina to bypass damaged layers and transmit signals to the brain.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ratchet-like genetic mutations make evolution irreversible

Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that evolution can only go forward, as genetic mutations block paths to ancestral genes. The team resurrected ancient proteins and manipulated them to study reverse evolution, discovering that restrictive mutations act like an evolutionary ratchet, preventing reversal.

NYU's Courant part of team to resolve ancient mathematics problem

Researchers from North America and Europe have solved the first trillion cases of an ancient mathematics problem on congruent numbers, discovering over 3148 billion new solutions. The breakthrough was achieved through a complex technique for multiplying large numbers.

SPIRIT IV trial shows everolimus stent sets new standard for event-free survival

The SPIRIT IV trial demonstrates enhanced safety and efficacy of everolimus-eluting stents compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents, resulting in a 38% reduction in target lesion failure (TLF) rate at one year. The study also found significant reductions in ischemia-driven TLR and stent thrombosis rates with the everolimus stent.

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.

Rice awarded $5M for light-based crystal simulator

A Rice University-led team will build a simulator capable of tackling high-temperature superconductivity using ultracold atoms and lasers. The goal is to study complex materials like cuprate superconductors, which are still not fully understood.

ALMA telescope reaches new heights

The ALMA telescope has successfully transported its first antenna to a high-altitude site in Chile, marking the start of the next phase of the project. The move allows for improved astronomical observations using millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, key to exploring cosmic origins.

Smart memory foam made smarter

Researchers at Northwestern University and Boise State University have developed a less expensive shape-shifting memory foam using a nickel-manganese-gallium alloy. The new material exhibits 'magnetic shape-memory' properties, allowing it to retain its new shape when exposed to a magnetic field.

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.

Rising above the din

Studies at the Salk Institute found that attention reduces background activity, increasing neural signal fidelity by a factor of up to four times. This reduction in noise accounts for approximately 80% of the improvement in perceptual discrimination when focusing on sensory stimuli.

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.

UA awarded $4.35 million to study Earth's critical zone

The University of Arizona has been awarded a $4.35 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a Critical Zone Observatory in the Southwest. The observatory will study the ecological, geological and hydrological components of the critical zone, which is the area between the treetops and the groundwater table. By com...

Brown scientists announce finding of water on the moon

Scientists at Brown University have found evidence of water molecules on the moon's surface, with up to 1,000 parts-per-million in lunar soil. This discovery could provide a mechanism for water to reach permanently shadowed craters, opening new avenues for lunar research.

SAGE partners with ICRS to launch Cartilage

The new journal will publish full-length original manuscripts on all types of cartilage, including articular, tracheal/bronchial, and intervertebral disc fibrocartilage. It aims to bridge a gap in the literature by focusing on both clinical and basic science perspectives of cartilage research and repair.

Study looks at using the immune system to reduce prostate cancer risk

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that genetic risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by rescuing critical immune system cells. In mice with a gene called lymphotoxin alpha, these cells come back and delay tumor formation, potentially slowing cancer growth and spread.

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.

Novel 'on-off switch' mechanism stops cancer in its tracks

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel mechanism that stops cancer cells from growing and dividing. The 'on-off switch' mechanism involves a tiny bit of genetic material that regulates the function of tumor-suppressor proteins, preventing cancer cells from proliferating.

'Green' roofs may help put lid on global warming

Green roofs can capture more than 55,000 tons of carbon per urban area of one million people, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. The study found that green roofs not only absorb CO2 but also reduce heating costs and retain stormwater.

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.

Research team finds first evolutionary branching for bilateral animals

A research team has found the first evolutionary branching for bilateral animals, resolving a long-standing debate about a group of ancient flatworms called Acoelomorpha. The study reveals that Acoelomorpha is a sister clade to other bilateral animals, providing key insights into the most recent common ancestor.

Yale aging expert and evolutionary biologist receive 'genius' grants

Mary Tinetti, a Yale aging expert, will use her grant to further fall prevention research for older adults, while Richard Prum, an evolutionary biologist, aims to explore the physics of structural color in nature. Both researchers were awarded $500,000 'genius' grants by the MacArthur Foundation.

Lotus-plant-inspired dust-busting shield to protect space gear

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is developing a transparent coating that mimics the self-cleaning properties of the lotus plant to prevent dirt from sticking to space gear and bacteria from growing inside astronaut living quarters. The coating, made primarily from silica, zinc oxide, and other oxides, offers great potential for use ...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

International scientists set boundaries for survival

Researchers propose nine planetary boundaries, including climate change and biodiversity loss, which have already been crossed or are at risk of being transgressed. The study aims to provide an important element for sustainable development by identifying critical thresholds that humanity must respect.

Discovery could improve hepatitis C treatment

Researchers discovered a genetic variation near the interferon gene IL28B associated with people's response to treatment. This finding could lead to the development of a diagnostic test and more effective treatments for hepatitis C, reducing adverse effects and improving outcomes.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New stove dramatically improves lung health in Mexican women

A recent study found that using a vented stove instead of traditional indoor open fires significantly improves respiratory health in Mexican women. The study showed that women who used the Patsari stove had improved lung function and reduced symptoms compared to those who used open wood fires.

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.

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.

Scientists call for humanity to 'set safe boundaries to the damage'

Researchers propose setting upper limits on CO2 levels, species extinction rates, freshwater use, and other environmental factors to avoid irreversible changes. The proposed thresholds aim to ensure a stable future for humanity, with exceeding these boundaries potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.

Paper battery may power electronics in clothing and packaging material

A new battery made of cellulose shows promise for powering flexible electronics, such as clothing and packaging. The battery's performance is improved by coating a conductive polymer on individual cellulose fibers, creating a nano-thin coating that enables efficient electricity storage.

Lasers from space show thinning of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets

Satellite lasers have created a comprehensive picture of rapidly thinning glaciers along the coastline of both Antarctica and Greenland. The most profound ice loss is attributed to glaciers accelerating as they flow into the sea, with this phenomenon now reaching all latitudes in Greenland and intensifying on key Antarctic coastlines.

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.

Denver to Barcelona: Global cities and greenhouse gas emissions

A new study documents how climate, population density and factors affect GHG emissions in global cities, with Denver releasing the largest amount of gases and Barcelona the smallest. The study identifies strategies for reducing emissions, including carbon reduction and efficient transportation systems.