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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 9


Page 9 of 24

Topography of mountains could complicate rates of global warming

A new study finds that complex mountainous terrain can significantly change the effects of global warming over small distances. Researchers used Oregon's H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest data to predict variations in temperature caused by steep hills and valleys.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateApr 21, 2010

CCTA: Cost-effective, noninvasive alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of significant CAD

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 21, 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.

Researchers find ethnicity key to accurate obesity measurements

The current BMI standards misclassify many reproductive-age women as 'not obese', particularly whites and Hispanics. The study recommends ethnic-specific BMI cutoff values to produce proper diagnosis of obesity, especially for Hispanic women.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 21, 2010

Sports stars are no role models, say scientists

Research from the University of Manchester and Western Sydney found that sports stars' behavior has little impact on young people's drinking habits. Young people tend to overestimate their friends' drinking, with actual drinking levels influenced more by sport-specific cultural habits.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateApr 21, 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.

Ovarian cancer study offers vital clues for new therapies

Researchers have found that patients with hereditary ovarian cancer are more likely to experience secondary tumours in their liver and spleen, despite better overall prognosis. A new approach suggests testing these patients for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to ensure tailored treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 21, 2010

Long-distance journeys are out of fashion

Research on blackcap birds found that strong directional selection for lower migratory activity leads to the evolution of partial migratory populations and finally, to non-migratory birds. This reduction in migration distance saves energy and time, allowing birds to occupy better breeding territories and produce multiple broods.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2010

Chloride channels render nerve cells more excitable

Scientists confirm chloride channel ClC-2's role in regulating nerve cell excitability. A lack of ClC-2 channels increases the excitability of inhibitory cells, which balance the system's sensitivity. The discovery opens new possibilities for brain research and understanding nerve cell communication.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateApr 21, 2010

Student research team sequences genome of bacterium discovered in Virginia Tech garden

A team of Virginia Tech students sequenced the genome of a previously unknown bacterium isolated from the university's garden. The nonpathogenic strain belongs to Pseudomonas syringae and has similarities to closely related pathogens, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential for controlling devastating diseases like snap...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateApr 21, 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.

Discovery of a primate more than 11 million years old

Catalan researchers have found a new species of primate, Pliopithecus canmatensis, in the Vallès-Penedès basin. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and dispersal of this extinct family of primitive Catarrhini primates from Africa to Eurasia.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 21, 2010

Mercury is higher in some tuna species, according to DNA barcoding

New research using DNA barcoding identifies specific tuna species with high mercury levels, which can pose a health risk to frequent fish eaters. The study suggests that consumers can minimize their mercury intake by choosing lower-mercury tuna options like yellowfin, and calls for clearer labeling of tuna species.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 21, 2010

Children who lose a parent to suicide more likely to die the same way

A study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to commit suicide than those with living parents. The researchers also found that these children are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for depression and have an increased risk of committing violent crimes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 21, 2010

Cane toad accelerometry and more

This study uses accelerometry to measure the energy expenditure of cane toads, revealing a higher metabolic rate than previously thought. The research provides valuable data for predictive models to optimize control efficiency in invasive species management.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 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 evidence that green tea may help fight glaucoma and other eye diseases

Research confirms green tea catechins penetrate eye tissues, potentially protecting against glaucoma and other eye diseases. The study, published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that these antioxidants absorbed by the eyes reduced oxidative stress for up to 20 hours.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 21, 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.

Do pressures to publish increase scientists' bias?

A new study analyzes over 1300 papers and finds that researchers based in more productive US states are more likely to report positive results, suggesting a bias towards 'publishable' findings. The results raise concerns about the impact of academic competition on scientific quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2010

Ontogenesis is regulated by moving microRNA molecules

Researchers discovered that microRNAs can move between cells, conveying information and regulating tissue development in plants and animals. This finding has implications for understanding developmental disorders and potential applications in medicine.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 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.

1 big problem with many possible solutions

Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center are studying multiple ways to address treatment-resistant breast cancers. A third approach involves triggering vulnerable cells to respond to existing treatments, while another study focuses on targeting orphan nuclear receptors to prevent resistance.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateApr 21, 2010

Age dramatically delays recovery of the sense of taste

Researchers found that older rats take twice as long to recover their sense of taste compared to younger counterparts. A balanced response between neutrophils and macrophages enhances recovery, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 21, 2010

University of Nevada School of Medicine physiology professor earns $1.2 million grant over four years to study motility of internal anal sphincter muscle

Professor Kathleen Keef is awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of Health to investigate the control of motility in the internal anal sphincter. This research has significant implications for fecal incontinence, affecting millions of Americans and leading to various quality-of-life issues.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateApr 21, 2010

How red wine may shield brain from stroke damage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that resveratrol increases levels of an enzyme shielding nerve cells in the brain from damage, protecting against ischemic stroke. The study suggests that moderate wine consumption may have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateApr 21, 2010

Patient-physician compatibility increases odds of following doctor's orders

A new study by University of Iowa researchers suggests that patient-physician compatibility affects adherence to doctor's orders and even a patient's health status. When doctors and patients share similar attitudes on control, patients do better in managing their conditions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 21, 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 solar concentrator design

Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 21, 2010

Knowledge is power in Penn State blood pressure study

A study led by Penn State researchers found that an educational intervention, combined with home blood pressure monitoring, significantly improved patient knowledge and has the potential to lower blood pressure. The project aims to empower patients with high blood pressure to take control of their health.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 21, 2010

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans interpreted for practical use

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend daily physical activity to prevent chronic diseases, with specific guidelines for youth, adults, and older adults. The guidelines emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity in clinical and public health practice.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateApr 21, 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.

Hops helps reduce ammonia produced by cattle

Agricultural Research Service scientist Michael Flythe has found that hops can inhibit hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria, a key contributor to ammonia production in cattle. This reduction in ammonia production can lead to improved ruminant nutrition and reduced reliance on expensive high-protein supplements.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateApr 20, 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.

NASA's Terra satellite keeps eye on Eyjafjallajökull's ash plume

The MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of the ash plume from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, drifting south and east over the Northern Atlantic Ocean. The ash plume appeared lighter in color than previous days, indicating a potential decrease in volcanic activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 20, 2010

Study cautions: Psychotropic medications overprescribed to children

A new study warns of the dramatic rise in psychotropic medications for children, with up to eight million children taking one or more drugs. The authors caution that there is little evidence available to warrant the widespread use of these medications for children.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateApr 20, 2010

Vitamin D status not predicted by surrogate markers, UB researchers find

Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that vitamin D supplements, diet, geographic location, demographic information, and lifestyle cannot accurately predict vitamin D concentrations in blood. This means that relying on proxy measures like food intake or latitude of residence to assess cancer risk is not reliable.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 20, 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.

Singapore scientists make breakthrough findings on early embryonic development

Singapore scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding early embryonic development using single cell gene expression analysis. The study resolves debates on cellular differentiation events and highlights the importance of fibroblast growth factor signalling in cell fate decisions.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 20, 2010

Alternative turfgrasses show potential for use on golf course fairways

Researchers identified four alternative turfgrass species—bentgrasses and fescues—as promising for use on low-input fairways. These cool-season grasses can survive under conditions of little or no supplemental irrigation, high traffic, and reduced fertility.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 20, 2010

Association of fiber and colorectal cancer risk differs depending on dietary assessment method

Researchers found a significant association between high fiber intake and reduced colorectal cancer risk when using food diaries, but no association was found with food frequency questionnaires. The study suggests that accurate measurement of dietary components remains a challenge in studies of diet and cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 20, 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.

Carbon nanotubes boost cancer-fighting cells

Researchers at Yale University found that carbon nanotubes cause T cell antigens to cluster in high concentrations, stimulating the body's natural immune response. This breakthrough could improve current adoptive immunotherapy for cancer treatment by increasing T cell proliferation.

SourceYale University·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 20, 2010

Low-tech cool: Shade trees for subtropical streets

Researchers from National Taiwan University evaluated the cooling effect of trees and bamboo in Taipei, finding that foliage density is key to reducing temperature. The study identified top species like Chinese elm and Rose wood for their high cooling effects, while others were less effective.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 20, 2010

Who is at risk for MRSA?

Long-term elder care residents, HIV-infected and hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of carrying MRSA in their noses. The study found varying quantities of MRSA, with some individuals having as few as 3 colonies and others up to 15 million.

SourceLifespan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 20, 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.

HSP-90 and vasoregulation in portal hypertension

Researchers investigated the role of Heat Shock Protein-90 (HSP-90) in neural vasoregulation and portal hypertension. They found that HSP-90 is essential for nNOS-mediated vasodilation, a significant finding with potential implications for clinical trials targeting portal hypertension.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 20, 2010

Cover crop mulches tested for no-till organic onions

Researchers found that cowpea produced comparable onion yields to bare ground, while foxtail millet was less effective as a mulch due to its thickness. Soybean meal showed potential as an effective source of nitrogen for organic onion production.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 20, 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.

A little less force: Making atomic force microscopy work for cells

Researchers have created nanoscale cantilevers that can image individual proteins as they function on cell surfaces without causing damage. The new detection mechanism enables high-resolution imaging in a liquid environment, paving the way for studying biological systems and complex nanostructures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 20, 2010

New data on the regulation of a protein that is altered in all cancers

Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover that microRNAs regulate Myc protein levels through the molecule Mei-P26, providing new insights into cancer development. The study found that miRNAs affect Myc expression in Drosophila, suggesting a finely tuned mechanism to maintain optimal levels of both.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 20, 2010

An artificial eye on your driving

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed advanced algorithms to enhance camera systems in cars, enabling faster detection of pedestrians and other moving objects. The system can recognize people from other vehicles and create a model that reacts almost instantly, potentially doubling down as a tool for autonomous vehicles.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateApr 20, 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.