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Science News Archive September 2009 - Page 4


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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 28, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 27, 2009

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...

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateSep 27, 2009

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 27, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Autoimmune condition, especially combined with smoking and oral contraceptive use, massively increases risk of stroke and heart attack in young women

A study of young women with antiphospholipid syndrome reveals a significantly increased risk of stroke and heart attack, particularly when combined with smoking and oral contraceptive use. The findings emphasize the need for screening and warning young women about these cardiovascular risks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 27, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 27, 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.

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.

SourceYale University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 25, 2009
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.

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 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.

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...

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 25, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalOptical Materials·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 25, 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.

Certain cancers more common among HIV patients than non-HIV patients

HIV-infected patients are at higher risk for certain non-AIDS-defining malignancies such as anal, lung, Hodgkin's, melanoma and liver cancer. Researchers found a 60% increase in the incidence of these cancers among HIV-positive patients compared to those without HIV.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 25, 2009

Body's immune system response to dental plaque varies by gender and race

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that dental plaque accumulation led to increased neutrophil activity in black males, but not in other groups. This response may indicate a higher risk for infections and heart disease in these individuals.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateSep 25, 2009
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.

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.

SourceWake Forest University·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 25, 2009

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalPopulation Health Metrics·DateSep 24, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2009

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.

SourceMcMaster University·DateSep 24, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateSep 24, 2009

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.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 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.

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.

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.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateSep 24, 2009

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...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateSep 24, 2009

Lifestyle interventions in the prevention and treatment of cancer

Recent research on five common cancers shows lifestyle interventions can prevent cancers, reduce risk factors, and counsel patients for lower cancer risk. Changes in diet, exercise, smoking habits, and UV radiation exposure can decrease cancer incidence.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateSep 24, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateSep 24, 2009

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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCirculation Research·DateSep 24, 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.

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.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 24, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2009

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateSep 24, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2009