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Science News Archive September 2009 - Page 9


Page 9 of 24

Race has little effect on people's ability to spot family resemblances

Researchers found that French and Senegalese participants could detect kinship with the same rate of success, regardless of their own racial background or exposure to other cultures. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that exposure plays a crucial role in facial recognition, particularly across different racial groups.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateSep 21, 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.

Racial disparities in diabetes prevalence linked to living conditions

A recent study found that African Americans and whites with similar incomes and living environments have similar diabetes rates, contradicting national trends. Environmental factors are thought to contribute to racial disparities in diabetes prevalence.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 21, 2009

Nationwide study examines youth access to indoor tanning

A nationwide study found that many indoor tanning facilities allow young people to tan more than the recommended amount, with some states having strict laws in place. The study, published in Archives of Dermatology, suggests that stronger regulations are needed to reduce the risk of skin cancer among youth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateSep 21, 2009

Experimental drug lets B cells live and lymphoma cells die

Researchers have discovered an experimental compound that selectively kills cancerous B lymphocytes while allowing normal B cells to survive. The study found that K252a disrupts a key signaling pathway involved in the growth of lymphoma cells, offering new hope for treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalExperimental Hematology·DateSep 21, 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.

Nanoresearchers challenge dogma in protein transportation in cells

Researchers found that the number of cracks in the membrane determines how many proteins are bound, contradicting earlier ideas about affinity. This knowledge could lead to a better understanding of cellular processes and diseases such as depression and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 21, 2009

Flu triggers heart attacks, but vaccination may offer protection

A systematic review of evidence found that flu can trigger heart attacks and cause cardiovascular death, but the influenza vaccine may reduce this risk. The review suggests that vaccination should be encouraged in people with existing cardiovascular disease, particularly during seasonal flu outbreaks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 21, 2009

MIT develops initial step toward carbon sequestration

Researchers at MIT have developed a pressurized oxy-fuel combustion system that reduces energy penalty and increases efficiency of carbon capture systems for power plants. The technology aims to make carbon sequestration more practical and affordable, helping to curb global climate change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy·DateSep 21, 2009
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.

November/December 2009 GSA Bulletin highlights

Recent studies published in the November/December 2009 GSA Bulletin reveal insights into the Cenozoic tectonics of Nicaragua and the Median Trough, as well as the stratigraphic signature of late Cenozoic Antarctic Ice Sheets. The research also explores bivergent thrust wedges surrounding oceanic island arcs in the northeastern Caribbea...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateSep 21, 2009

What are you getting? Consumer behavior in restaurants

A study by Pascale Quester and Alexandre Steyer found that consumers seek variety initially, then conform to group norms, before re-embracing individuality when a choice becomes dominant. In a restaurant setting, this pattern was observed with customers opting for alternative drinks when others chose the same option.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 21, 2009

Immune response to spinal cord injury may worsen damage

A new study by neuroscientists at Ohio State University suggests that immune responses to spinal cord injuries may actually worsen and extend the damage. Inhibiting antibody-producing B cells may promote healing and reduce long-term effects of spinal cord injury.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 21, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study of hospital relocation provides insights to aid in disaster planning

A study of hospital relocation provides insights into aid disaster planning by restricting elective surgeries and limiting incoming transfers. This approach helped one major hospital reduce its census by 36% without interrupting emergency or trauma services, a strategy that can be applied during disasters to improve surge capacity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateSep 21, 2009

New device finds early signs of eye disease in preemies

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a handheld device that uses SD OCT to create 3-D images of the retina, allowing for early detection of retinopathy of prematurity. The technology can snap pictures up to 40 times faster than previous versions and is being used to analyze data on over 20 infants.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 21, 2009

Insufficient levels of vitamin D puts elderly at increased risk of dying from heart disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that older adults with insufficient vitamin D levels are more likely to die from heart disease. The research analyzed data from over 3,400 participants and found that those with low vitamin D levels were three times more likely to die from heart disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 2009

Old red blood cells may double mortality in trauma patients

A recent study published in Critical Care found that severe trauma patients who receive old red blood cells are twice as likely to die. The study, which analyzed data from 202 patients, suggests that using fresher red blood cells may reduce mortality rates and complications.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateSep 21, 2009
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Echoes of phlogiston in stem cell biology

Stem cell biology faces challenges in defining molecular characteristics, with potency and self-renewal not exclusive to stem cells. A new perspective suggests considering 'stemness' as a system property, rather than individual cell traits, which may lead to improved understanding of cancer stem cells.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateSep 21, 2009

'The doctor can understand you now'

A new speech-to-speech translation system aims to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients who speak different languages. The system, developed by USC researchers, will use prosodic information, discourse cues, and user state information to enhance human communication capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateSep 21, 2009

Comfort food fallacy: Upheaval leads to less-familiar choices

A new study reveals that stress and upheaval actually lead people to choose less-familiar options over comfort foods. Participants in the study chose newer snacks when experiencing more change in their lives, contradicting the common assumption that people seek comfort during uncertain times.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 21, 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.

$453,000 NSF grant funds Florida Tech scientist

A $453,000 NSF grant is funding a research expedition to investigate the return of predatory crabs to Antarctica due to climate change. The team will use advanced technologies to explore the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas and understand how warming waters are promoting the invasion of these species.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateSep 21, 2009

New device could more effectively alleviate menstrual cramp pain

Researchers have developed a new vaginal device that delivers at least 10 times more medication to the uterus than existing oral medications, reducing side effects and potentially alleviating menstrual cramp pain. Phase II clinical trials will assess efficacy of the treatment in reducing pain.

SourceAmerican Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists·DateSep 21, 2009

Seasonality of mortality: Summer vacation link?

Researchers suggest a link between lower mortality rates in September and the preceding summer vacations in Mediterranean countries. The study found that extreme heat and cold are associated with increased risk of death, but also noted a physiological effect of increased vitamin D synthesis and stress-relieving benefits of time off.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 21, 2009

Radiologists find a technique to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 21, 2009

How proteins talk to each other

Scientists at Burnham Institute identified novel cleavage sites for the caspase-3 enzyme, revealing that it targets α-helices as well as unstructured loops. This discovery challenges current dogma and offers new insights into protein signaling pathways.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 21, 2009
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New species of ghostshark from California and Baja California

Researchers have named a new species of chimaera, an ancient group of fishes distantly related to sharks, from the coast of Southern California and Baja California. The Eastern Pacific black ghostshark (Hydrolagus melanophasma) is known from nine preserved museum specimens and video footage taken of it alive in deep water.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalZootaxa·DateSep 21, 2009

More babies born prematurely but survival rates up, study shows

A 25-year study found premature births increased by nearly 10 times, yet survival rates more than halved, with a 10% reduction in stillbirths associated with pre-term births. Researchers attribute the findings to better understanding and medically induced early births.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 21, 2009

'Evolutionary forecasting' for drug resistance

Rice University biochemists are developing a system of 'evolutionary forecasting' to better understand the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. By sequencing genomes and analyzing molecular changes, they hope to identify patterns and rules governing how bacteria evolve to become drug-resistant.

SourceRice University·DateSep 21, 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.

'Rosetta Stone' of supervolcanoes discovered in Italian Alps

A team led by James E. Quick discovered a fossil supervolcano in the Sesia Valley, revealing unprecedented depth of magmatic plumbing. This find advances scientific understanding of active supervolcanoes like Yellowstone and may help predict future eruptions.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalGeology·DateSep 21, 2009

MDC researchers discover molecule responsible for axonal branching

Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch have identified a protein, CNP, that triggers the splitting of sensory axon growth cones. This discovery sheds light on neuronal branching and its role in transmitting sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2009

Scientists discover key factor in regulating placenta and fetal growth

Researchers have identified SHP-2 as a crucial mediator of insulin-like growth factors' effects on stimulating placental growth. This discovery may lead to new treatments for growth restriction of babies in the womb, improving their health outcomes.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 20, 2009

Public attitudes to new technology: Lessons for regulators

A recent study found that public views on nanotechnology are overwhelmingly favorable, but many people are unfamiliar with the technology. The research highlights the importance of educating the public about nanotechnology's benefits and risks to avoid negative perceptions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 20, 2009
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.

A recipe for controlling carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a method to control the structure and function of single-walled carbon nanotubes. By varying the composition of a metal catalyst, they can produce semiconducting nanotubes with desired properties, opening up new possibilities for applications such as medicine delivery and en...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 20, 2009
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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Classroom behavior: Why it's hard to be good

A study by Manchester Metropolitan University found that children's reputations can be formed quickly in reception class, leading to difficult-to-shake labels. Once a child's reputation is established, it affects their behavior and interactions with teachers and peers.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 20, 2009

Scientists find that individuals in vegetative states can learn

Researchers found that individuals in vegetative and minimally conscious states can form associations and demonstrate partial consciousness through classical conditioning. This breakthrough has implications for assessing patient consciousness without imaging or instructions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 20, 2009

Hormone replacement therapy increases risk of death from lung cancer

A large trial found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of death from lung cancer, especially non-small-cell lung cancer. Women taking HRT were 71% more likely to die from lung cancer than those on placebo, with higher risks also seen in current and long-term past smokers.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 19, 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.

Lung cancer survival improved by maintenance therapy with pemetrexed

A randomized phase III study found that pemetrexed significantly improved progression-free survival (4.3 months vs 2.6 months) and overall survival (13.4 months vs 10.6 months) compared to placebo in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC who did not progress after initial platinum-based chemotherapy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 19, 2009

New rabies vaccine may require only a single shot ... not 6

A new rabies vaccine has shown to induce a rapid and efficient immune response in mice and non-human primates, potentially reducing the six-shot post-exposure regimen to just one inoculation. The experimental vaccine lacks a key gene called the matrix (M) gene, inhibiting the virus from completing its life cycle.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 18, 2009
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.