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Science News for September 7, 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.

Creation of international health links center

The UK International Health Links Centre (IHLC) aims to promote effective international health links between the UK and developing countries. The centre will provide a 'one-stop-shop' for information and guidance on strengthening existing links, as well as a library of resources for international users.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateSep 7, 2009

Using insects to test for drug safety

Researchers use insects like fruit flies and moths to test new drugs, reducing animal testing by up to 90% and speeding up results. The study finds that insect immune cells are structurally and functionally similar to those in mammals, offering a promising alternative for drug development.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 7, 2009

New genomic model defines microbes by diet -- provides tool for tracking environmental change

A new genomic model defines microorganisms by their dietary habits, providing a tool for tracking environmental changes. The researchers analyzed the genomes of two bacteria with distinct lifestyles and developed a predictive model that successfully identified the habitats of dozens of bacterial samples.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009

Using microbes for the quick clean up of dirty oil

Researchers used mixed consortia of bacteria to degrade naphthenic acids, a type of toxic compound found in crude oil and tar sands. The microbes broke down the compounds in just a few days, reducing environmental pollution from these areas.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 7, 2009

Genomes reveal bacterial lifestyles: Research

Researchers discovered genetic differences between two ocean bacteria, one thriving in nutrient-rich waters and the other in poor-nutrient waters, reflecting their distinct lifestyles.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Key issues for the future of wind energy

Wind energy could account for 30% of Spain's overall energy production by 2030, according to a study. The proposal also suggests a mix of solar energy and gas turbines to achieve this goal, while reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, the sector has generated 226% more jobs in the European Union since 2003.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 7, 2009

Analysis confirms that nano-related research has strong multidisciplinary roots

Research in nanoscience and nanotechnology found to be highly interdisciplinary, drawing on multiple areas of science and technology. The study analyzed over 30,000 papers with 'nano' themes, revealing diverse contributions from fields like clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, and physics.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 7, 2009

Researchers find first evidence of virus in malignant prostate cells

A study has found that XMRV retrovirus is present in 27% of prostate cancers, associated with more aggressive tumors. The viral proteins were predominantly found in malignant prostatic cells, suggesting a direct link between XMRV infection and tumor formation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain defect implicated in early schizophrenia

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified an area of the brain involved in the earliest stages of schizophrenia. Activity in this region, known as the CA1 subfield, may help predict disease progression and provide opportunities for more targeted drug development to block the mechanism.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2009

Small molecule inhibits pathology associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a small molecule that blocks an aberrant pathway associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The new compound, Ligand 1, binds tightly to its target, preventing the MBNL protein from binding to RNA and easing symptoms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009

'Liposuction leftovers' easily converted to IPS cells, Stanford study shows

Researchers have identified versatile cells in liposuction leftovers that can be quickly converted into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine. The study shows a 20-fold improvement in efficiency compared to skin cells, which are more challenging to reprogram.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009

Designing probiotics that ambush gut pathogens

Researchers have designed probiotics that can bind toxins in the gut, preventing them from interacting with host intestinal cells. These receptor-mimic probiotics offer a promising treatment for diseases such as cholera and traveller's diarrhoea, and may also be used to prevent outbreaks following natural disasters.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 7, 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.

Stimuli for clinical research

The DFG has established five new Clinical Research Units to study highly topical medical issues such as bowel cancer metastases and hormone-related obesity. The units aim to develop individual forms of treatment for conditions like glomerulonephritis and improve diagnostic strategies,

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateSep 7, 2009

Half of the fish consumed globally is now raised on farms, study finds

A new report reveals that aquaculture accounts for 50% of global fish consumption, driven by demand for omega-3 fatty acids. This strain on marine resources can be mitigated by reducing fish oil in farmed fish diets and developing alternative feedstuffs.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009

Money won't buy happiness

Researchers found that poverty alone does not define an individual's overall well-being and that many qualities and attributes need to be considered when designing social programs. Only 24% of people classified as 'poor' reported low life satisfaction, while 18% of those not considered 'poor' also experienced low life satisfaction.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateSep 7, 2009

Rate of teen binge drinking cut more than 1/3 by prevention system

A prevention system implemented in seven states has significantly reduced rates of teen binge drinking, with a notable drop of 37% among eighth-grade students. The system also led to lower levels of alcohol and smokeless tobacco use and fewer delinquent behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateSep 7, 2009
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.

Mounting a multi-layered attack on fungal infections

Researchers have identified a three-pronged mechanism of the human immune system attacking fungal yeast cells, including recognition of specific cell wall components and glucan targets. Understanding these interactions could lead to effective immunotherapy and new treatments for patients with weakened immunity.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 7, 2009