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Science News for April 14, 2010


The onion, a natural alternative to artificial preservatives

Researchers found that onions' flavonoids have antimicrobial properties, increasing the life of foods and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms like Bacillus cereus. This natural alternative reduces reliance on artificial additives used in food industry, offering a stable component with beneficial health effects.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science & Technology·DateApr 14, 2010

Study finds changes in fetal epigenetics throughout pregnancy

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that epigenetic marks on human placentas change throughout pregnancy, potentially allowing for early diagnosis and prevention of complications. The study's findings suggest that genomic imprinting appears to be an ever-changing process in the placenta.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

The new T. rex: A leech with an affinity for noses

Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of leech, Tyrannobdella rex, which has ferociously large teeth and feeds on aquatic mammals, including their noses and mouths for weeks at a time. The discovery has led to revising the group of leeches that feed from body orifices of mammals.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Ginkgo herbal medicines may increase seizures in people with epilepsy

A new report concludes that Ginkgo herbal medicines can increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs. The herb's potentially toxic material, ginkgotoxin, may alter a chemical signaling pathway that triggers epileptic seizures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateApr 14, 2010

UH Energy receives $2.5 million DOE award for workforce training

The UH Energy program has received a $2.5 million Department of Energy (DOE) award to develop a smart grid workforce training program. The grant will support training programs for electric power sector employees, focusing on activities such as electricians, line workers, and system operators.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 14, 2010

Classic Maya history is embedded in commoners' homes

A study of Classic Maya homes in Belize reveals the commoners' method of recording their own history, not just family history, but also their place in the cosmos. The analysis found human remains, artifacts, and color symbolism used to signify important dates and the cyclical nature of life.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Social Archaeology·DateApr 14, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New targeted therapy effective in treating advanced prostate cancer

A new multicenter study has found that MDV3100 is safe and effective for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. The drug slowed tumor growth, reduced PSA levels, and stabilized disease progression, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2010

New class of drug kills lymphoma cells

Researchers design compound that effectively blocks BCL6's cancer-causing actions, killing off cancer cells with minimal toxicity. The discovery opens possibilities for treating other tumor types and improving survival rates for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 14, 2010

The age of Aquarius? Nope, it's the Anthropocene epoch

Scientists recognize Anthropocene epoch, a new geological time period caused by massive human impact, which may lead to the Earth's sixth-largest mass extinction event. The term has gained widespread support within the geological community and could be formalized as a new unit on the Geological Time Scale.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 14, 2010

Berkeley Lab scientists create 'molecular paper'

Researchers have created a new two-dimensional polymer crystal self-assembled in water, mirroring biological systems. The peptoid nanosheets have unique properties and can be precisely tailored for various applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 14, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New gene in hair loss identified by Columbia-led research team

A team of investigators has identified a new gene, APCDD1, which causes progressive hair loss beginning in childhood. The discovery provides insight into the process of hair follicle miniaturization, shared with male pattern baldness, and may lead to non-hormonal treatments.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010

New method for recovering pricey nanoparticles

Scientists develop a new method to recover and reuse nanoparticles, which are crucial for nanotechnology applications. The method, described in ACS' Langmuir journal, uses a special microemulsion to separate nanoparticles from other substances.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 14, 2010

Newly discovered RNA steers brain development

Scientists have identified a crucial role for RNA molecules in regulating brain development and experience-driven synaptic connections. These 'enhancer RNAs' intensify genetic activity, enabling new neural links and potentially informing therapies for disorders like autism.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010

Random, but not by chance

Researchers have developed a new, certifiably random number generator using fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. This method ensures private randomness, crucial for secure data encryption and communication, making it difficult to predict the sequence of numbers.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Primary cilia formation provides insight into genetic diseases

Researchers discovered a network of genes responsible for initiating and managing primary cilia formation. The study may lead to new therapies for ciliopathies, a group of genetic diseases caused by defects in primary cilia function or structure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010

Lab that probes genetic clues to disease is poised for major expansion

The Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository is experiencing unprecedented demand for its services, doubling every two to three years, due to the growing need for genetic clues to autism, schizophrenia, and other diseases. The new expansion will turn the repository into a robotics-driven laboratory, allowing for deeper and finer geno...

SourceRutgers University·DateApr 14, 2010

Patents block competition, slow innovation in gene testing

Exclusive licenses to gene patents hinder competition and innovation in genetic testing, according to researchers at the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy. The findings suggest that overly broad patent claims are the primary issue, rather than patents themselves.

SourceBurness·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 14, 2010

Little melamine appears in eggs from chickens on highly contaminated feed

A study by Liying Zhang and colleagues found that eggs from chickens on highly contaminated melamine feed contained levels of the contaminant below US FDA limits. The researchers suggested that exposure levels below 100 ppm in feed would not pose potential hazards for food safety.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Inability to taste a bitter compound linked to obesity

A study by Rutgers University Professor Beverly Tepper examines the link between tasting a bitter compound and obesity risk in women. Non-tasters tend to consume more added fats, suggesting a potential connection between genetic traits and dietary habits.

SourceRutgers University·DateApr 14, 2010

Mixed-race people perceived as 'more attractive'

A random sample of 1205 black, white, and mixed-race faces showed mixed-race individuals were rated as more attractive. The study's findings suggest a biological phenomenon known as heterosis may contribute to this perception.

SourceCardiff University·DateApr 14, 2010

Childhood body size affects future breast cancer chances

Researchers discovered that larger body types at age seven were associated with a decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. The study found that leaner girls had an increased risk of breast cancer, while larger bodies were protective against estrogen receptor negative tumours.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Childhood obesity interventions must begin early, UCSF experts say

Experts recommend including interventions that reduce weight gain in mothers-to-be and increase breastfeeding time to create a comprehensive anti-obesity program. This approach has the potential to alter the course of the childhood obesity epidemic, particularly among low-income children and ethnic minorities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 14, 2010

Research discovery may lead to advances in heart disease and cancer treatment

Researchers have identified a key mechanism by which rapamycin inhibits cell migration, which could lead to new strategies for preventing tumor growth and promoting artery healing. The study's findings also have implications for the prevention of late stent thrombosis and heart attack.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2010

New data presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting showed that Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) improved both motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease

New data from the RECOVER study showed that Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) effectively improved both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including sleep quality, mood, cognition, and pain. The treatment also translated into significant improvements in quality of life for patients.

SourceCooney Waters Group, Inc.·DateApr 14, 2010

Mayo Clinic: 2-drug combo twice as effective for Crohn's disease remission

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who received combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine had a higher chance of achieving remission compared to those treated with azathioprine alone. The researchers also discovered comparable safety results ac...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

MIT cancer biologists have shown how resistance to cisplatin arises

Researchers at MIT discovered that tumor cells develop enhanced DNA repair pathways to evade cell death when treated with cisplatin. This finding offers insights into the mechanisms of resistance and may lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 14, 2010

Philosopher brings human values to environmental decisions

Sahotra Sarkar, a philosopher at the University of Texas at Austin, is working with Conservation International and energy companies to develop environmentally conscious development plans. His approach prioritizes local values and biodiversity protection, rejecting the 'fortress model' of preservation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 14, 2010

Slumber aids could improve intensive care outcomes

Researchers found that earplugs and eye masks improved sleep quality, increased REM sleep, and reduced arousals in ICU patients. The study suggests promoting routine use of these aids to potentially enhance clinical outcomes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateApr 14, 2010
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Queen's physicist awarded prestigious Killam Prize

Art McDonald, a world-renowned expert in nuclear and particle physics, has been awarded the 2010 Killam Prize for his groundbreaking work on neutrinos. His research at Queen's Sudbury Neutrino Observatory led to a deeper understanding of neutrino properties and their effects in the early universe.

SourceQueen's University·DateApr 14, 2010

ARS researching camelina as a new biofuel crop

The US Department of Agriculture's ARS is conducting long-term studies to examine growing camelina as a bioenergy crop. Camelina has high oil content, making it a promising candidate for producing biofuels.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateApr 14, 2010

Treat acne with coconut oil and nano-bombs

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego developed a smart delivery system capable of delivering lauric-acid-filled nano-scale bombs directly to skin-dwelling bacteria that cause common acne. This treatment has the potential to avoid undesirable side effects associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 14, 2010

Genetic patterns rise from huge yeast samples

Researchers have devised a method to identify genetic material responsible for complex traits in millions of yeast cells, shedding light on the missing heritability problem. By studying regions of the genome that cause specific traits in offspring, scientists can detect subtle patterns previously undetectable.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Exclusive licensing deals a tool for collaboration, study says

Researchers found that exclusive licensing deals are a tool for collaboration and risk management in product development, allowing innovators to manage risks while leveraging cooperation. The study analyzed over 200 exclusive licensing deals and suggests that granting rights to a sole partner can curb risk and incentivize cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateApr 14, 2010

Lost light from the moon may be sent astray by dusty reflectors

Researchers investigating lunar reflector performance report decreased signal strength during full moon, suggesting dust may be a culprit. The issue arises from uneven heating of glass cubes left behind by Apollo astronauts, which distorts the shape of reflected laser pulses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIcarus·DateApr 14, 2010

Shelve routine use of costly silver wound dressings, says DTB

UK researchers found that many urologists fail to diagnose and treat Chlamydia in young men, despite clear guidelines. In a survey of five teaching hospitals, only 7% of cases were tested for Chlamydia, and most received inadequate treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateApr 14, 2010

Wildlife still exposed to Exxon Valdez oil 20 years after disaster

Scientists have discovered lingering oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill is still being ingested by wildlife in Prince William Sound. The study used biomarkers to reveal long-term exposure to oil in harlequin ducks, demonstrating that consequences of oil spills can last for decades.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2010

Decoding tumor genomes reveals clues to spread of deadly breast cancer

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine sequenced a patient's genome and that of her breast tumor and brain metastasis, identifying 20 genetic changes linked to the deadly spread. The study suggests that sequencing entire genomes can reveal clues to tumor progression and metastasis, paving the way for new drug targets.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Patents block competition, slow innovation in gene testing

Researchers from Duke University found that exclusive patents in gene testing slow promising new technologies and business models. The studies examined genetic risk testing for 10 clinical conditions, including breast and colon cancer.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 14, 2010

Printed origami offers new technique for complex structues

The University of Illinois team developed a novel method for creating complex three-dimensional structures using printed origami techniques. The technique allows for the rapid assembly of biocompatible devices, microscaffolding, and other microsystems, with potential applications in biomedical devices, electronics, and more.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 14, 2010

Why humans believe that better things come to those who wait

New research identifies a brain circuit that enables humans to make choices with high long-term benefits by delaying reward. The study found that vividly imagining the future reduces impulsive choice behavior, suggesting the anterior cingulate cortex plays a key role in dynamic adjustment of preference functions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 14, 2010

Pinning down a proton

Researchers have developed a new method for describing proton and neutron binding in nuclei, enabling more accurate predictions of astrophysical reactions. This breakthrough may improve our understanding of star life cycles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2010

Experiment shows brief meditative exercise helps cognition

A new study suggests that just four days of mindfulness meditation can significantly improve cognitive skills, including critical thinking and sustained attention. Participants who received the meditation training performed up to ten times better on a computer adaptive n-back task than those who listened to a book.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Hopkins researchers put proteins right where they want them

Researchers expanded a method to move proteins inside cells to specific organelles, enabling rapid manipulation of protein activities. By studying the signaling protein Ras, they gained insights into how proteins contribute to cellular responses and signal division and growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 14, 2010

Cat brain: A step toward the electronic equivalent

Researchers are developing a computer inspired by the feline brain's ability to recognize faces and learn from experience. The project aims to create a machine that can perform tasks simultaneously, like recognizing faces, while conventional computers rely on sequential processing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 14, 2010

RAM founder to receive CWRU's Inamori Ethics Prize

RAM founder Stan Brock will be recognized for his 25-year commitment to delivering free healthcare worldwide. The Inamori Ethics Prize honors exemplary ethical leadership, and Brock joins Dr. Francis S. Collins and Mary Robinson as winners.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

Stanford scientists find new marker to identify severe breast cancer cases

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a new genetic marker, called HOTAIR, that is significantly more prevalent in aggressive breast cancer cases. High levels of HOTAIR expression are associated with increased risk of metastasis and poorer survival rates for women with breast cancer.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010

BioTorrents: An OA file sharing service and more

The study presents BioTorrents, a website that allows open access sharing of scientific data via BitTorrent. It features keyword searching, category browsing, and error checking for reliable transfers. The article discusses the implications of BioTorrents on file transfer challenges.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2010

Novel artificial pancreas successfully controls blood sugar more than 24 hours

A new artificial pancreas system has been developed to mimic the body's natural glucose control mechanism, using insulin and glucagon hormones. The system was tested in a clinical trial with 11 adults with type 1 diabetes, showing that it can maintain near-normal glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 14, 2010
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.

'Communicative fathers' help reduce teenage smoking

A three-year study involving 3,500 children found that frequent communication between fathers and their teenagers reduced the risk of smoking experimentation. Fathers play a crucial role in shaping their children's choices, highlighting the need for improved parenting guidance.

SourceCardiff University·DateApr 14, 2010