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Science News for April 29, 2010


Migratory behavior affects the size of brains in birds

Researchers found that migratory birds have smaller brains than resident birds, contrary to the protective brain theory. The study suggests that migrating reduces energetic and cognitive costs, making brain size an adaptation for survival.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2010

Fluorescent compounds make tumors glow

Researchers have developed fluorescent compounds that can light up tumors as they begin to form, signaling their transition to aggressive cancers. These compounds, called fluorocoxibs, could be used for early tumor detection, monitoring cancer progression, and defining tumor margins during surgery.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 29, 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.

Cancer risk for kidney transplant

A significant study found that no single immunosuppressive drug regimen increases the risk of cancer among kidney transplant patients. However, factors such as age and smoking history contribute to increased cancer risk.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 29, 2010

Embryonic stem cells reveal oncogene's secret growth formula

A new study in embryonic stem cells uncovered a transcription control mechanism that regulates expression of 80% of mammalian genes. The cancer-causing gene c-Myc plays a significant role in releasing transcriptional pausing, leading to hyper-proliferation characteristic of cancer cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

China's busy blogosphere no harbinger of political freedom, open speech

A study by researchers at the University at Buffalo confirms that China's cyberculture is not conducive to political freedom and open speech. The growth of the Chinese blogosphere has actually facilitated the government's surveillance of its citizens, as it provides a vast amount of information on human behavior and preferences.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalTelematics and Informatics·DateApr 29, 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.

New method reveals how individual nerve cells process visual input

Researchers have developed a novel microscopy method that allows for the observation of individual synapses and nerve contact sites in living mammalian brains. The study found that individual neurons integrate inputs from multiple synapses to produce a single output signal, making decisions by a single nerve cell.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2010

Survey reports latest honey bee losses

A recent survey found that managed honey bee colonies nationwide experienced a 33.8% loss rate from October 2009 to April 2010, with starvation, poor weather, and weak colonies being the top reasons for mortality. The continued high losses pose an economic challenge for commercial beekeepers.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Apicultural Research·DateApr 29, 2010

British Academy Wiley prize in psychology

Dr Essi Viding, a UK-based developmental psychologist, has been named the winner of the 2010 British Academy Wiley Prize. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, specifically her research on the causes of violent antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents.

SourceWiley·DateApr 29, 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.

New HIV model suggests killer T cell for vaccine

A new HIV modeling system developed by Chinese researchers suggests that CD8+ T cells could be useful in developing an AIDS vaccine. The model incorporates random patterns in the virus' mutation and immune response, mirroring real-life clinical behavior.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 29, 2010

Protein loss in the urine harmful for people with high blood pressure

Patients with hypertension who excrete slightly increased amounts of protein in the urine, known as microalbuminuria, have an elevated risk of developing heart and kidney problems. Microalbuminuria is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in non-diabetic patients with hypertension.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 29, 2010

How important is geographical isolation in speciation?

A genetic study of island lizards reveals they freely exchange genes, contradicting the prediction that geographical isolation would lead to separate species. The findings suggest ecological speciation due to differences in environmental conditions may play a crucial role in speciation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 29, 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.

Genome sequence marks big leap forward for frog researchers

The Xenopus tropicalis genome has been nearly completely sequenced, providing a powerful model to study gene organization, regulation and function. The findings hold significant promise for improving human health by shedding light on the basic mechanisms of genetics.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2010

Refined tools help pinpoint disease-causing genes

A new approach detects rare but powerful causal gene variants, accounting for significant proportions of the 'missing heritability' problem in common diseases. The technique may identify individual patients with specific mutations, enabling more meaningful diagnostic results and potential treatments.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 29, 2010

CXCR4: A new drug target in lung cancer

Researchers found that lung cancer patients whose tumors over-express the cell surface molecule CXCR4 have significantly worse clinical outcomes and shorter overall survival times. This suggests that CXCR4 could be a promising new target for personalized cancer therapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 29, 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.

Largest atlas of nuclear galactic rings unveiled

An international team of astrophysicists has created the most complete atlas of nuclear rings, which are enormous star-forming ring-shaped regions that circle certain galactic nuclei. The catalogue includes 113 such rings in 107 galaxies and provides insights into their properties and relationships with galaxy structure.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 29, 2010

Aphids evolved special, surprising talents

Aphids have evolved two unique traits: producing essential carotenoids and breaking genetic barriers between kingdoms. They acquired carotenoid-producing genes from fungi through a rare gene transfer process.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2010

Sign language study shows multiple brain regions wired for language

A recent study from the University of Rochester found that humans rely on several brain regions to process sentences, not a single advanced area. The researchers used American Sign Language to investigate how different grammatical structures activate distinct brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2010

Antibiotic regimen effective for reactive arthritis

Researchers found a combination of antibiotics to be an effective treatment for Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis, with significant improvements seen in patients receiving a 6-month course of combination antibiotics. The results suggest potential for eradication of the persistent infection and improvement in clinical sequelae.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 29, 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.

Spanish gene expression data promise targeting of anti-angiogenesis treatment

Analyzing Spanish gene expression data may help identify patients who will benefit most from treatment with angiogenesis-inhibitor drugs. Researchers found a correlation between high levels of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 in tumor samples and poor prognosis, suggesting these genes could be used to tailor therapy to individual patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 29, 2010

The kiss of death: Research targets lethal disease spread by insect that bites lips

Scientists aim to prevent insects from spreading deadly diseases like Chagas' by manipulating physiology to stop the transmission of the illness. Researchers have identified genes controlling diuresis in kissing bugs and hope to create a peptide agonist to prevent waste and parasites from being left on wounds.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular and Cellular Endocrinology·DateApr 29, 2010

Worldwide mortality in men and women aged 15-59 years, 1970-2010: Australia, Iceland and Cyprus among best performers, while many African and former Soviet states among worst

The study reveals that Australia and South Korea have some of the highest annual rates of decline in adult mortality. Iceland and Cyprus rank as the lowest risk countries for men and women, respectively. However, the HIV epidemic and social dysfunction in former Soviet states have contributed to high mortality rates in many countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2010

'Different forms of flowers' continues to fascinate

Researchers have discovered that Darwin's work on heterostylous flowers, a complex breeding system found in flowering plants, has significant economic implications. The study highlights the unique characteristics of heterostyly, which affects plant morphology, ecology, and evolution.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 29, 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.

Hormone mimic reduces liver damage caused by common genetic kidney disease

A randomized clinical trial found that Octreotide slowed the growth of cyst-filled livers in patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD) caused by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The treatment also improved kidney function and health perception in these patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 29, 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 associated with increased risk of fibromyalgia

Research found an association between leisure time physical exercise and a future risk of developing fibromyalgia. Women who exercised regularly had a lower risk of developing the condition compared to inactive women. High BMI is also identified as an independent risk factor for future development of FM.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 29, 2010

First case of animals making their own carotene

Researchers discovered that aphids can produce carotenoids, essential nutrients crucial for vision, skin health, and bone growth. The yellowish-green aphid strain produced carotenoids by acquiring a fungal gene through lateral transfer, challenging conventional wisdom on animal nutrient production.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2010

Tiny particles may help surgeons by marking brain tumors

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed nanoparticles that can enhance MRI scans and surgical procedures for brain tumor removal. The magnetic and fluorescent nanocomposites can help doctors visualize tumors before surgery, allowing for more precise removal.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNanotechnology·DateApr 29, 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.

Combination antibiotics effective against chlamydia-induced arthritis

A multicenter NIH trial led by the University of South Florida found combination antibiotics to be effective in treating Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis. The study showed significant improvement in patients treated with combination antibiotics, with 22% experiencing complete remission and no adverse side effects.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 29, 2010

Cancer risk the same for kidney transplant recipients, no matter the drug

A study finds that cancer risk in kidney transplant recipients is similar across different immunosuppressive medications, suggesting no single medication is to blame. Patient characteristics such as age and eye color are associated with increased cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 29, 2010

Strategy to help doctors determine when to treat retinopathy of prematurity

Researchers have identified key eye characteristics to determine which premature infants are most likely to benefit from early treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, resulting in improved vision and reduced risk of blindness. This new approach aims to improve the lives of thousands of children born prematurely each year.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateApr 29, 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.

Catching multiple sclerosis before it strikes

A breakthrough finding from Tel Aviv University may lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective intervention, and perhaps even a cure for multiple sclerosis. Researchers have uncovered new ways of detecting MS in the blood through their research at Sheba Medical Center, allowing for potential early treatment.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateApr 29, 2010

Personal genetic profiling can yield clinically relevant information

Researchers use whole-genome sequencing to identify increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers in a patient. The study also reveals genetic variants associated with good response to statins, resistance to clopidogrel, and lower maintenance dosing of warfarin.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2010

Gut bacteria offer new insights -- and hope -- for people with celiac disease

A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that manipulating intestinal microbiota with probiotics and prebiotics could improve celiac disease quality of life. The research also discovered that different types of gut bacteria influence inflammation to varying degrees.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 29, 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.

Pitt researchers discover big role for microRNA in lethal lung fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a molecular mechanism for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and usually lethal disease. The study found that microRNA changes contribute to IPF, with let-7d being significantly reduced in affected tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 29, 2010

Hand-washing, mask-wearing may limit transmission of pandemic flu

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control suggests that hand-washing, mask-wearing, and cough etiquette can limit the transmission of pandemic flu. The study found that while these measures show promise, further research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and address gaps in knowledge.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateApr 29, 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.

California funds UCI basic research on stem cells

UCI scientists Marian Waterman and Aileen Anderson receive grants totaling $2.6 million to study human stem cells for therapeutic use and biomedical innovation. The research will further understanding of how stem cells survive and remain pluripotent, potentially leading to breakthroughs in induced pluripotent stem cell therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateApr 29, 2010

Patient's whole genome reveals risk of diseases and adverse drug responses

A study by scientists at Stanford and Harvard Universities analyzed a patient's full genome to identify disease risks and unusual drug responses. The analysis revealed variants associated with diseases in the patient's family and conditions not inherited, highlighting the potential of whole-genome sequencing for personalized medicine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2010

UGA, Emory to study how exercise may prevent drug abuse relapse

A team of researchers will study the neurobiological mechanisms behind regular aerobic exercise and its potential to prevent drug abuse relapse. Exercise has been shown to exert anti-stress effects, reducing cravings associated with stress by increasing galanin levels in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateApr 29, 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.

New research about human genetic diseases and human development

A team of researchers discovered a strong sex-chromosome bias in the distribution of transposable elements, which may hold clues to genetic disease mechanisms. The study suggests Alu sequences integrate mostly in the male germline, while L1s integrate in both male and female germlines or early embryogenesis.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 29, 2010

New tool helps scientists 'see' molecular signals of eye disease before symptoms arise

Researchers developed a novel noninvasive tool using fluorescent microspheres to detect early inflammation in the eyes. This breakthrough allows for early detection of diseases such as eye disease, potentially reversing damage before it occurs. The tool may also improve therapy evaluation and extend to other areas of the body.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 29, 2010

Out of mind, out of sight: Blinking eyes indicate mind wandering

A study published in Psychological Science found that when the mind wanders, people blink more, setting up a 'tiny physical barrier' to prevent external information from entering the brain. The researchers suggest that this blinking behavior is an embodiment of mind-wandering, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body and mind.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 29, 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.

Mirror, mirror: Scientists find cause of involuntary movements

Researchers discovered a DCC gene mutation responsible for mirror movements, where individuals move one side of the body without intention. The condition affects young children and persists into adulthood, with approximately half being able to suppress their symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2010

A single protein regulates 2 immune pathways

Researchers have identified NLRC5 as a key regulator of two critical immune pathways, NF-κB and type I interferon signaling. Reducing NLRC5 levels leads to increased immune responses and antiviral immunity, highlighting its role in regulating innate immunity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 2010

Study links microRNA to shut-down of DNA-repair genes

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that microRNA-155 can silence genes protecting against DNA mutations, contributing to cancer progression. The study suggests miR-155 expression may be a key stratification factor in cancer prognosis and treatment.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2010

Scientists report first genome sequence of frog

The high-quality draft sequence of Xenopus tropicalis's genome will aid researchers studying embryo development and cell biology in both species. The genome contains genes similar to those associated with over 1,700 human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 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.

Study gives green light to plants' role in global warming

A new study published by the University of Edinburgh confirms that plant leaves account for less than 1% of global methane emissions, contradicting previous claims. The research suggests that trees can effectively offset greenhouse gas emissions through carbon storage.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateApr 29, 2010

Study reveals new genetic link to scleroderma

A new genetic link to systemic sclerosis has been identified in a study published in Nature Genetics. The research found that a region of the human genome associated with increased susceptibility to the disease was discovered, which could lead to developing interventions to block its activity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 29, 2010