Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 19, 2010


Day care dilemma: When 'sick' children are unnecessarily sent home

A new study found that child care directors in metropolitan Milwaukee would unnecessarily exclude 57% of children with mild illnesses from care. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have established guidelines to address this issue, but their implementation remains inconsistent.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 19, 2010

Are doctors missing depression medication side effects?

A study found that patients report 20 times more side effects from depression medication than psychiatrists record in charts. The researchers suggest using a self-administered patient questionnaire to improve recognition of side effects.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateApr 19, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that healthy older adults taking rosuvastatin had fewer heart problems and strokes than those not taking the medication. A high false-positive rate was associated with low-dose CT lung cancer screening, highlighting its potential harms. U.S. News rankings are criticized for relying too heavily on subjective data.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 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.

Airway obstructions uncommon but deadly in children

Foreign body airway obstructions are rare but lethal in young children. The study found that nearly 2.5 million US children experience these incidents annually, with up to 2,000 deaths reported.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Breast cancer risk tied to grandmother's diet

Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a high-fat diet during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk not only in daughters but also in their female and male offspring's daughters. The study suggests that pregnant mothers should eat well-balanced diets to potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer in...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateApr 19, 2010

Breathe easy with the protein LPCAT1

Researchers identified LPCAT1 as a key protein in lung surfactant production, essential for air breathing transition in mice. Decreased LPCAT1 expression may underlie fatal respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Probiotic without effect against Salmonella

A new thesis at the University of Gothenburg reveals that a probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum, has no effect on Salmonella bacteria. Researchers found that the probiotic did not reduce diarrhoea or shorten the duration of infection in patients with Salmonella.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Clinical Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

Anemia following surgery for morbid obesity

A study found that 10.2% of patients developed anemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, primarily due to iron deficiency. Patients at increased risk included menstruating females and those with marginal ulcers on endoscopy.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010

New technology will mean shift for Internet advertising

A new technology developed at the University of Toronto enables ads to be resized automatically to conform to any web space, maximizing usable website spaces. This innovation could significantly increase revenues for publishers and create new opportunities for advertisers, given the online advertising market's billions-of-dollars worth.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateApr 19, 2010

'10 most wanted' plants inspected for clues to climate change

Volunteers in Project BudBurst are tracking plant blooms across the US, providing a baseline for studying climate change impacts. Key findings include some plants blooming earlier than usual, which could be related to rising temperatures.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateApr 19, 2010

US needs new national strategy for era of cyber aggression, new paper concludes

A new research paper concludes that deterrence can no longer be the primary national cybersecurity strategy due to the unique characteristics of cyberspace. Experts propose a three-tiered approach to guide US strategy in responding to cyber threats, emphasizing war-fighting and offense-defense frameworks to contain damage and reduce harm.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateApr 19, 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.

New molecular therapy candidates for pancreatic cancer

A research team from Japan has discovered that inhibiting IGF-IR activity decreases proliferation and motility of pancreatic cancer cell lines. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating pancreatic cancer.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010

Block by block: A campaign to combat diabetes

The Block by Block project aims to educate residents about diabetes, increase early diagnosis and provide resources to improve medical care and self-management for 13,000 adults. The four-year project includes household screenings, educational programs, and a case management program to help residents with diabetes organize their care.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateApr 19, 2010

Promoting recovery from effects of severe allergic reaction

Researchers have identified SphK1 and SphK2 as crucial proteins involved in generating the molecule S1P, which affects blood vessels and the immune system. Mice lacking these proteins showed improved recovery from anaphylaxis, while those lacking only SphK1 recovered poorly.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

Patients with acne may get electronic follow-up care

A study found that patients with mild to moderate acne who underwent remote online visits had a similar decrease in inflammatory acne lesions as those who visited their dermatologist's office. Both groups reported high levels of satisfaction with their care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 19, 2010

Genetic basis for health benefits of the 'Mediterranean diet'

Researchers found that a Mediterranean diet high in phenols represses pro-inflammatory genes, which could contribute to reduced cardiovascular disease risk. The study also suggests that this diet can alter the activity of immune system cells, leading to a less deleterious inflammatory profile.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateApr 19, 2010

Researchers identify new gene involved in the development of liver cancer

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers identified a new tumor-promoting gene called LSF, which is significantly higher in more than 90% of patients with liver cancer compared to healthy individuals. Inhibiting LSF may reverse the aggressive properties of human liver cancer cells.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 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.

Substance in breast milk kills cancer cells

Researchers at Lund University and the University of Gothenburg have discovered a breast milk component, HAMLET, that selectively kills cancer cells without harming healthy ones. Laboratory experiments have shown HAMLET to be effective against various types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 19, 2010

Why do grotesque fashion ads lure consumers?

A study found that grotesque juxtapositions in fashion ads are more effective at grabbing attention than traditionally attractive images. Women who regularly read fashion magazines approached such ads as a type of fiction, immersing themselves in the narrative and exploring its creative elements.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

Cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease treated successfully with infliximab

A recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology reports successful treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and Crohn's disease using infliximab. The therapy improved colonic lesions and overall condition without compromising lung function, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect on both colon and lung.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 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.

Sensor gives valuable data for neurological diseases and treatments

A new biosensor can measure real-time glutamate flux of neural cells in a living organism, providing valuable data for neurological diseases and treatments. The sensor's versatility would be valuable for understanding the effects of therapies for various conditions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateApr 19, 2010

Graphene: What projections and humps can be good for

Researchers investigated how defects in graphene affect its electronic properties. They found that surface quality plays a crucial role in controlling plasmons, which could be harnessed for future technical applications.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 19, 2010

Therapy can help even very distressed married couples, largest study finds

The study found that about two-thirds of couples showed significant clinical improvement after therapy, and the integrative therapy approach was more effective than traditional therapy. Couples who started therapy committed to improving their relationship and were willing to work on themselves

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 19, 2010

Researchers seeking better use of aircraft, personnel and fuel

Researchers are developing tools to tackle complex problems in logistics planning, resource allocation and circuit design. By combining techniques from mathematics, statistics and computer science, they aim to create more efficient delivery systems for the Air Force.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateApr 19, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A good mimic promotes nerve cell survival

Researchers developed a two-step screening strategy to identify small molecules that bind to TrkB but not other related proteins. These compounds have shown promising therapeutic potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions by activating TrkB signaling and preventing neuronal degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Cell transplants may benefit children with cerebral palsy

Researchers have found that olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) transplanted into children and adolescents with cerebral palsy can improve neurological function without causing significant side effects. The study suggests OEC transplantation may be a promising treatment for this incurable disorder.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateApr 19, 2010

PNNL's Posakony honored with AAES 2009 John Fritz Medal

Jerry Posakony, scientist at PNNL, received the AAES John Fritz Medal for his groundbreaking work in ultrasonics and medical diagnostics. His research enabled physicians to visualize internal body structures, significantly advancing medical diagnosis.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateApr 19, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ischemic preconditioning alters hepatic blood supply

Researchers found that ischemic preconditioning increases arterial blood flow while portal vein flow remains unaffected, suggesting a new strategy to reduce I/R injury. The study also suggests temporary occlusion of the portal vein may help avoid complications during liver surgery.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 19, 2010

Researchers have identified small molecules that bind to TrkB, a protein involved in nerve cell survival, and demonstrated their potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, a new compound has been found to prevent anaphylactic shock by targeting the SphK1-S1P pathway, which may lead to the development of new thera...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Consumers: Why do you like what I like, but I don't like what you like?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that different psychological processes drive consumer preferences, with 'projection' (predicting others' likes) and 'introjection' (considering others' preferences before one's own) underlying distinct motivations. Consumers who value uniqueness are more likely to like products ot...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

Biomarkers help predict prostate cancer progression

Researchers have evaluated a blood test that identifies patients with low-grade, low-stage prostate cancer who are at risk of needing treatment. The study found that a biomarker called Prostate Health Index was significant in predicting unfavorable biopsy conversion.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 19, 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.

BATTLE links potential biomarkers to drugs for lung cancer

Researchers developed a novel statistical model to guide targeted therapies based on molecular signatures in tumor biopsies, showing promising results in treating stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that four drugs targeting specific molecular pathways led to improved disease control and overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 19, 2010

From bacteria to electricity: The future of green energy

Researchers have developed a microbial fuel cell that can generate electricity from mud and wastewater using the tiny Geobacter microbe, which uses its hair-like extensions to produce power. The technology has potential applications in powering autonomous underwater vehicles and tracking ocean life.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

Magnetic fields drive drug-loaded nanoparticles to reduce blood vessel blockages in an animal study

Researchers successfully delivered paclitaxel using magnetically guided nanoparticles to treat rat arteries, achieving better results at lower doses than conventional therapy. The technique has potential for treating patients with vascular disease and offers opportunities for varying treatment doses and repetition.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2010

New species of human malaria recognized

Scientists have confirmed that ovale malaria is caused by two distinct but similar species of parasite. The discovery was made using DNA technology, revealing the parasite's unique characteristics and potential impact on global health.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

Teaching hospital status associated with death rate after colon surgery

A study published in Archives of Surgery found that patients undergoing colon surgery have increased odds of death if performed at a teaching hospital. Teaching hospitals often have lower volumes and may employ less experienced surgeons for benign procedures compared to complex cancer surgeries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Electric drive concepts for the cars of the future

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are developing wheel hub motors for electric vehicles, offering improved efficiency, reduced mechanical wear, and enhanced drive dynamics. The technology, already tested on the Frecc0 concept car, aims to support the German automotive industry's transition to electromobility.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateApr 19, 2010

MiRNA-21 linked to tumor suppressor loss, herceptin resistance

Researchers found that MiRNA-21 interferes with trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy by blocking the PTEN gene, leading to tumor suppressor loss and increased resistance to the drug. Overexpression of miRNA-21 was correlated with poor patient response to Herceptin and disease progression in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

Chinese pigs 'direct descendants' of first domesticated breeds

A new study reveals that modern-day Chinese pigs are directly descended from ancient pigs domesticated 10,000 years ago. The research found a difference between pig domestication patterns in Europe and East Asia, with no incorporation of wild boar into domestic stocks in China.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2010

Volcanic ash research shows how plumes end up in the jet stream

Researchers have discovered that the jet stream caps volcanic ash clouds at a certain atmospheric level, halting their rise. New tracking methods could provide more accurate estimates of where ash clouds will travel, helping pilots avoid them.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateApr 19, 2010

NASA's Swift catches 500th gamma-ray burst

Swift has detected over 6,000 GRBs, with a 75% share of recorded bursts, offering insights into massive star deaths and the universe's structure. The spacecraft has also monitored black holes and neutron stars for high-energy radiation and conducted long-term X-ray surveys.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 19, 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.

Obesity gene, carried by more than a third of the US population, leads to brain tissue loss

A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly half of US adults with European ancestry carry the FTO gene variant, which is associated with weight gain but also linked to brain tissue loss. The findings suggest that individuals carrying this gene allele are at risk for a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's and dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2010

Prognosis for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

A study of 145 patients with branch duct IPMN found that prognosis depends on presence of intra- or extra-pancreatic cancer. This suggests it's essential to assess for these conditions when examining IPMN patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 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.

Consumer remorse: Difficult choices can lead to second-guessing

A new study found that consumers who choose between equally appealing options build a positivity bubble to justify their decisions. However, this bubble is easily burst by minor negative information, leading to potential dissatisfaction in the long run.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

GEN reports on the promise of DNA vaccines

Advances in DNA vaccine technology have led to improved efficacy and effectiveness compared to traditional vaccines. New approaches in electroporation and vector design are driving growth in the field, with several promising therapeutic vaccines being developed.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateApr 19, 2010

Black or blue? Mulch color affects okra growth, yield

A new study found that dark-colored plastic mulches, particularly black and blue, increase early and total okra yields. The use of row covers also enhances plant growth, but may reduce early yields due to high air temperatures.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 19, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Taped consultations help patients understand heart surgery

Patients who receive audiotapes of their pre-surgery consultations exhibit higher knowledge scores, greater sense of control, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. The audiotaped recordings facilitate patients' recall of information and satisfaction levels, particularly among elderly patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Buyer beware: Consumers in conflict may become victims to unwanted influence

A recent study found that consumers in conflict are more likely to accept compromise alternatives and defer decisions, leading to unintended choices. The researchers identified two types of regulatory goals: those focused on gains and those focused on losses, which affect decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

A biotherapy strategy for esophageal cancer in the future

A research team investigated S1P receptor expression profiles in human esophageal cancer cells, finding that S1P5 inhibits cell proliferation and migration. This study suggests that S1P5 or its associated signaling molecules may serve as a future biotherapy strategy for esophageal cancer.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Being naughty or nice may boost willpower, physical endurance

Researchers found that both good and evil actions improve physical strength after a task, as people perceive those who do good to have more efficacy and willpower. This effect suggests that moral deeds can transform individuals into exceptional performers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 19, 2010

New bony-skulled dinosaur species discovered in Texas

Paleontologists have discovered a new bony-skulled dinosaur species, Texacephale langstoni, in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The plant-eating dinosaur lived 70-80 million years ago and had a distinctive solid bone lump on its skull.

SourceYale University·JournalCretaceous Research·DateApr 19, 2010

New immigrants have higher risk of diabetes than long-term residents

A study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found new immigrants, especially women and those of South Asian or African descent, have a higher risk of diabetes than long-term residents. Lifestyle interventions and targeted educational programs for recent immigrants are recommended to mitigate this risk.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 19, 2010

Electromobility: Fast-tracking innovation

Researchers are working on new parts, an electric demonstration model, and a networked battery system to address challenges in electromobility. The goal is to provide maximum capacity, energy efficiency, and reliability for electric vehicles.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateApr 19, 2010

Tracing Listeria monocytogenes in a commercial chicken cooking plant

A 21-month study found that incoming raw poultry is the primary source of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in commercial chicken cooking plants. The research team tracked sources of contamination, including employees, fresh air, and the surrounding environment, and found that floor drains were consistently positive for the bacteria.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateApr 19, 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.

The remarkable effects of fat loss on the immune system

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism found that modest weight loss can reverse many of the damaging changes seen in immune cells of obese people. This reversal is achieved through an 80% reduction of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells and reduced activation of other circulating immune cells.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 19, 2010

Study suggests indoor tanning may be an addictive behavior

A recent study suggests that indoor tanning facilities may be associated with addiction-like behavior, including anxiety symptoms and increased substance use. The research found that individuals who frequently tan indoors were more likely to meet criteria for tanning addiction and report symptoms of anxiety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 19, 2010

Key brain regions talk directly with each other, say Pitt scientists

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found evidence that the basal ganglia and cerebellum are linked together to form an integrated functional network. This discovery has important implications for understanding Parkinson's disease and dystonia, and may lead to new treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2010

Metformin may prevent lung cancer in smokers

Researchers found that metformin decreases insulin levels and inhibits tumor growth in mice exposed to tobacco carcinogens. Metformin reduced lung tumor burden by 40-72% in treated mice.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 19, 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.

New insight into Parkinson's disease

Parkin and PINK1 genes play a critical role in Parkinson's disease. The study found that PINK1 is rapidly degraded under healthy conditions, but its accumulation stabilizes at low membrane potential. Parkin is recruited to mitochondria with low potential to dispose of damaged organelles.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 19, 2010

Stanford study identifies small molecules mimicking key brain growth factor

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified several small molecules that mimic the key protein BDNF, which plays a crucial role in memory and learning. The discovery could lead to new therapies for various brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and depression.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Aged female patients taking low-dose aspirin should be paid special attention

Researchers identified age greater than 70 years as a significant risk factor for peptic ulcer in female patients taking low-dose aspirin. The study suggests a future strategy for prevention of LDA-associated gastroduodenal mucosal injury. A history of peptic ulcer was also found to be the risk factor common to both sexes.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010

Research pinpoints action of protein linked to key molecular switch

Scientists have discovered that Rho GDI1 plays a crucial role in balancing the levels of other Rho proteins, which are involved in cell migration, proliferation, and death. This finding may lead to new therapies targeting the balance of these proteins to prevent cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 19, 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.

Blood test for inflammation may be sign of colon cancer

A blood test measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels may help assess colon cancer risk, according to a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study. High CRP levels were found to be associated with a 2.5-times greater risk of colon cancer in women.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateApr 19, 2010

How do older people use e-mail?

Researchers studied how older adults (64-80 years) interact with email systems, finding they primarily use it for communication within a restricted social circle. The study identified key factors influencing email design, including user independence and simplified interfaces, to improve accessibility for this demographic.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateApr 19, 2010

Campus green space more important for undergrads

Research found a significant relationship between campus green space use and quality of life in undergraduate students. In contrast, graduate students reported high perceptions of quality of life despite lower use of campus green spaces, possibly due to factors like relationships or academic achievements. The study suggests that intera...

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 19, 2010

New explanation for cardiac arrest

A new disorder linked to heart problems has been discovered, characterized by an inability to form initial sugar molecules, leading to energy crisis and cardiac arrest. The study reveals that muscle cells can adjust and find alternative ways to source energy, but a cure is not yet available.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 19, 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.

Patterns of growth changing in Inuit preschoolers

A new study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health found that Inuit preschoolers in Nunavut are heavier but just as tall as their US counterparts. The study, which surveyed 26% of three to five year olds in 16 Nunavut communities, shows a remarkable change from previous work on Inuit infants.

SourceArctic Institute of North America·JournalInternational Journal of Circumpolar Health·DateApr 19, 2010

Cardiff takes a step towards quantum computing

Researchers at Cardiff University have successfully conducted experiments with photons, showing that pairs increase oscillation frequency and agreeing with theoretical predictions. The findings have long-term implications for information technology, including the potential to build logical systems based on quantum interactions.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

Early predictors of severe acute pancreatitis

A study found that circulating lymphocyte depletion is a characteristic of human severe and necrotizing acute pancreatitis. Serum interleukin-6 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor concentrations are also key predictors of disease severity and complications.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010

'Touch the Earth' to display at Earth Day on National Mall

The new tactile learning book 'Touch the Earth' will be presented by NASA at the Earth Day Celebration on the National Mall. The book teaches middle school students about Earth's biomes using multimedia approaches, including sound, visual aids, and Braille. It aims to improve accessibility in science education.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 19, 2010

Study: Secondhand smoke linked to common nasal and sinus condition

A study by Henry Ford Health System found that secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis, a common health condition affecting over 39 million people in the US. Exposure to secondhand smoke at home, public places, and private social settings significantly increased the risk.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Secondhand smoke exposure associated with chronic sinus disease

A study of 306 non-smoking patients found that those exposed to secondhand smoke at home, work, and social functions had a higher risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis. Approximately 40% of cases were attributed to secondhand smoke exposure, highlighting the need for eliminating this public health problem.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Ethnic groups show different cardiovascular risk profiles

A new study finds that ethnic groups in Ontario have distinct cardiovascular risk profiles, with Chinese having the lowest prevalence of heart disease (3.2%) and South Asians having the highest (5.2%). Smoking and obesity are more prevalent among white populations, while diabetes and hypertension affect South Asians and black populatio...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

How do ads depicting mixed emotions persuade abstract thinkers?

People who think more abstractly respond better to mixed emotions ads, which portray conflicting feelings. The researchers found that age and culture affect people's ability to think abstractly, with elderly and Asian subjects thinking more abstractly.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010