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Science News for February 16, 2010


Cancer publishes study confirming disparity in breast cancer treatment

A recent study published in Cancer journal by HealthCore confirms disparities in breast cancer treatment between African-American and white women. White women were more likely to receive anti-estrogen therapy compared to African-American women, despite both groups having similar cancer stages. The study highlights the need for improved...

SourceHealthCore·JournalCancer·DateFeb 16, 2010

Lack of morning light keeping teenagers up at night

A field study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center found that teenagers who missed morning light exposure experienced a 30-minute delay in sleep onset. The researchers believe that schools can be designed to provide adequate daylight to stimulate the body's natural sleep/wake cycle.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 16, 2010

Prevalence of childhood chronic health conditions has increased

The prevalence of any chronic condition among US children has significantly increased over two decades, with obesity being one of the most prevalent conditions. The study found that having a chronic condition was dynamic over time, and different groups had varying rates of new cases and remission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 16, 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.

The putative skull of St. Bridget can be questioned

A new study conducted at Uppsala University reveals that the two skulls believed to be from Saint Bridget and her daughter Catherine are not from maternally related individuals. The findings suggest that the skulls may not be authentic, contradicting centuries-old historical records.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2010

Legislating to promote healthy eating and physical activity

A Canadian Medical Association Journal article calls for legislative measures to address the growing epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The authors propose taxes on high-calorie foods, physical activity incentives, and advertising restrictions to encourage healthier habits among children.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 16, 2010

Researchers find biomarkers in saliva for detection of early stage pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified four mRNA biomarkers in saliva that differentiate pancreatic cancer patients from non-cancer subjects with high sensitivity and specificity. The findings suggest a potential role for salivary diagnostics in early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer, a leading cause of cancer death.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 16, 2010

Researchers identify mechanism for Frank-Ter Haar syndrome

A team of researchers has discovered the mechanism behind Frank-Ter Haar syndrome, a rare fatal disorder that affects children's skeletal, cardiovascular, and eye health. The study identified TKS4 as a critical protein involved in the condition.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 16, 2010

A primer on migraine headaches

Physicians need to educate patients about migraine triggers and lifestyle factors, such as stress, sleep schedule, and diet. Preventative therapy is often ineffective, with only 50% or more of patients experiencing a reduction in headache frequency.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 16, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Keys and obstacles to e-health in low income countries

Developing local human capacity is key to implementing e-health tools in low-income countries, but a chicken-and-egg problem exists. Dr. Tierney's East African Center of Excellence in Health Informatics has built upon decades-long collaborations to train individuals and implement health information technology tools.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 16, 2010

Neuroscientists reveal new links that regulate brain electrical activity

Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a groundbreaking discovery linking ion channels to regulate brain electrical activity. The study found that specific ion channels work in tandem with each other to control nerve impulse timing, redefining how neuronal activity is controlled.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 16, 2010

Bilingual babies: The roots of bilingualism in newborns

Infants born to bilingual mothers show different language preferences than monolingual infants. Bilingual babies exhibit equal interest in both languages, suggesting prenatal bilingual exposure prepares them for multilingualism. Discrimination between languages helps prevent confusion, enabling young bilinguals to navigate two languages.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 16, 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.

A mission statement for science educators

A renowned science educator, Marvin Druger, reflects on his mission to inspire students to enjoy the adventure of learning. His new book, Practical Perspectives on Science Education, offers practical tips, personal reflections, and a passion for making science education meaningful and motivational.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateFeb 16, 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.

Presence of snails points to forest recovery

Researchers found that land gastropod fauna are a good indicator of forest recovery following fires, with some species surviving in closed refuges. The study's findings suggest that post-fire forestry operations must consider the impact on these sensitive species to ensure their survival and habitat diversity.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateFeb 16, 2010

The carbon cycle before humans

Researchers studied organic carbon-rich sediments from an ancient seabed to learn about a devastating event when oxygen levels in the oceans dropped so low that one-third of marine life died. The studies found that volcanic activity triggered a biogeochemical cascade, leading to a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 16, 2010

Reading to kids a crucial tool in English language development

A recent study published in Learning and Instruction found that home literacy environments and motivation play a significant role in predicting children's initial literacy skills, which ultimately affect their future reading ability. Reading to kids regularly is essential for English-speaking children to acquire language skills.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateFeb 16, 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.

Fluorescent probes light up cancerous tumors

Researchers developed biological probes that can stick to and light up tumors in mice, allowing for more accurate tumor removal and improved survival rates. The probes enabled surgeons to visualize areas of tumors they wouldn't ordinarily see, reducing cancer cells by 90% on average.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2010

Facing the corn nematode problem in Illinois

Corn nematode populations are widespread in Illinois, with over 90% of fields sampled having lesion nematodes that can cause significant yield reductions. Experts recommend taking soil samples and using specific management strategies to mitigate the issue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 16, 2010

Split-course palliative radiotherapy confirmed as effective treatment for advanced NSCLC

Research found that split-course palliative radiotherapy reduced patients' symptoms by 52-84% and provided long-lasting relief in 58% of cases. Cancer survival rates were not adversely affected by a two-week break in treatment, demonstrating the regimen's potential as an optimal option for symptom management.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2010

Butterfly vision, wing colors linked, UCI study finds

Researchers found that butterflies with a duplicate gene can see ultraviolet colors and have UV-yellow pigment on their wings, facilitating mate searching and reproduction. This link between vision and wing colors may be an adaptive advantage for these butterfly species.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 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.

Team finds subtropical waters flushing through Greenland fjord

Researchers found subtropical waters as warm as 39 degrees Fahrenheit in Sermilik Fjord, contributing to glacier melting. The study highlights the rapid communication between ocean circulation and glaciers, shedding light on a previously unknown connection not currently included in climate models.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 16, 2010

Artificial foot recycles energy for easier walking

Researchers at the University of Michigan developed an artificial foot that recycles energy wasted in between steps, reducing energy spent per step by 14% compared to conventional prosthetic feet. This innovation could significantly improve walking efficiency for individuals with lower limb amputations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2010

Promising therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that adding daclizumab to standard treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis reduced the number of new or enlarged brain lesions. The study also showed an increase in immune cells called CD56bright natural killer cells, which may help regulate the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateFeb 16, 2010

Cooling inflammation for healthier arteries

Research by USDA scientists found that oat compounds called avenanthramides decrease inflammatory molecules and inhibit proinflammatory cytokines. This suggests potential health benefits for heart disease prevention beyond lowering blood cholesterol levels.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 16, 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.

Influenza vaccines: Poor evidence for effectiveness in elderly

The Cochrane Systematic Review found that the evidence for influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 65 and over is limited, with most studies being of low quality and open to bias. The review suggests that vaccination has modest benefits at best.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateFeb 16, 2010

Further doubt cast on virus link to chronic fatigue

Researchers investigating UK samples have found no association between XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome, contradicting a previous report. The study suggests that CFS may encompass a range of diseases and that further investigations are needed to confirm or rule out an association with XMRV infection.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalRetrovirology·DateFeb 16, 2010

Cell-cell interactions adapt to the stiffness of the environment

Researchers found that softer surfaces lead to disorganized cytoskeletons, while stiffer surfaces promote larger traction forces and more developed cadherin adhesions. Inhibition of myosin II decreases traction forces and causes cadherin adhesions to disappear.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 16, 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.

Photons led astray

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have demonstrated that quantum particles can take both possible paths simultaneously in a random walk, leading to interference patterns and increased intensity at the edges. This breakthrough could provide new insights into statistical processes like photosynthesis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 16, 2010

Genomic warfare to counter malaria drug resistance

An international team of researchers has decoded the genomic blueprint of Plasmodium falciparum, a strain of malaria most resistant to drugs. The discovery may lead to advanced pharmaceuticals and help prevent drug resistance among the 250 million people infected by malaria each year.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 16, 2010

Migraine more common in women with MS

A large-scale study found that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) are 47% more likely to develop migraines than those without. The research suggests a link between the two conditions, but further investigation is needed to determine causality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 16, 2010

Safeway gives another $317,000 for TGen breast cancer research

TGen Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research Unit making significant progress in three key areas of breast cancer research: genetic events, cellular mechanics, and genomic tests. The donations raised by Safeway will help find new treatments for breast cancer patients.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateFeb 16, 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.

Economic analysis: Erlotinib marginally cost-effective

Researchers found that erlotinib is marginally cost-effective for treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $94,638 per life-year gained. The treatment's cost-effectiveness may be improved through targeted patient selection and biomarker-guided therapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 16, 2010

For nanowires, nothing sparkles quite like diamond

Researchers created a novel diamond nanowire device that can generate single photons, controlled at the atomic scale. The device leverages imperfections in the diamond crystal to act as a source of individual photons, with applications in advanced imaging and quantum communications.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 16, 2010

What the brain values may not be what it buys

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that the brain evaluates faces in two distinct ways: for quality of experience and economic value. The study used fMRI to measure brain activation while participants viewed faces and money, predicting how much they would pay to see a more attractive face.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateFeb 16, 2010

NASA's Fermi closes on source of cosmic rays

New images from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope reveal the sources of cosmic rays, which consist mainly of protons moving at nearly the speed of light. The telescope mapped billion-electron-volt gamma-rays from middle-aged and young supernova remnants, providing insights into the origins of these energetic particles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 16, 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.

Caltech researchers create highly absorbing, flexible solar cells with silicon wire arrays

A team of scientists from Caltech has created a new type of flexible solar cell that enhances the absorption of sunlight and efficiently converts its photons into electrons. The solar cell uses only a fraction of the expensive semiconductor materials required by conventional solar cells, making it potentially cheaper to produce.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 16, 2010

New material mimics bone to create better biomedical implants

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a metal foam that mimics the elasticity of bone, reducing bone rejection and improving implant strength. The new composite foam has a modulus of elasticity consistent with bone, fostering bone growth and preventing 'stress shielding'.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering A·DateFeb 16, 2010

Neonatal and infant circumcision: Safe in the right hands

A systematic review found that neonatal and infant circumcision by trained staff rarely results in problems, with relatively minor adverse events being low among infants under one year old. However, complications are more common when performed by inexperienced providers or with subpar equipment.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalBMC Urology·DateFeb 16, 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.

AGU journal highlights -- Feb. 16, 2010

Scientists discover that tidal forces may have triggered the devastating Sumatra earthquake of 2004 and that rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are leading to ocean-basin-wide acidification. A new catalog of terrestrial gamma ray flashes has also been created, providing insights into these mysterious bursts of energy.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 2010

Autism's earliest symptoms not evident in children under 6 months

A new study has found that autism symptoms do not appear abruptly at 6 months, but rather emerge gradually and become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life. By 12 months, children with autism showed significant declines in social communication and eye contact compared to typically developing children.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2010

Focus on EU-funded research projects in trust and security

The EU's Framework Programmes have been a driving force in ICT Trust and Security research, with six ongoing FP6-IST projects submitting their papers to the Journal of Computer Security. The projects aim to convert know-how into economic advantages, while advancing security, privacy, and trust in new technologies.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Computer Security·DateFeb 16, 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.

A review of vegetated buffer efficacy

Scientists analyzed over 300 papers to establish relationships between buffer design features and pollutant removal efficacy. The study found that buffers with trees have higher nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficacy than those with grasses or mixtures of grasses and trees.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateFeb 16, 2010

Pets on planes

Canadian Medical Association Journal urges airlines to prioritize human passenger safety over accommodating small pets in airplane cabins. The Canadian Transportation Agency considers requiring airlines to safeguard passengers with pet allergies, forcing a reevaluation of airline policies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 16, 2010

Fetal surgery continues to advance

Fetal surgery continues to evolve with advancements in prenatal diagnosis and surgical techniques. Experts at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia describe innovative procedures for treating rare defects, including lung masses, sacrococcygeal teratomas, and spina bifida.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalSeminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2010

UWM researcher predicts stem cell fate with software

A software program created by Andrew Cohen analyzes time-lapse images to identify changes in cell behaviors, predicting the types of specialized cells a stem cell will produce. The software is 87% accurate in determining specific 'offspring' a stem cell will ultimately produce, and 99% accurate in predicting when self-renewal will end ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 16, 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.

High-fat ketogenic diet to control seizures is safe over long term

A recent study at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that a high-fat ketogenic diet is both effective and safe for controlling seizures in the long term. The diet, which consists of high-fat foods and very few carbohydrates, has been shown to reduce seizure frequency by nearly 80% in patients treated for a minimum of 16 months.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEpilepsia·DateFeb 16, 2010

Research validates surgery alone offers reasonable overall survival for stage I SCLC

Research published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology investigates the effectiveness of surgery as a standalone treatment for stage I small cell lung cancer. The study found three- and five-year survival rates of 58.1% and 50.3%, respectively, for patients who underwent lobectomies without radiotherapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2010

Using supercomputer and chemistry to solve global problems

The Ames Laboratory team will use the IBM Blue Gene supercomputer to model aerosol formation and simulate the bulk properties of water. The research aims to better understand how clouds form and impact global climate change, with potential applications in green chemistry and decontamination of water in developing nations.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateFeb 16, 2010

Cyclone Rene slams Tonga, moves into open waters

Tropical Cyclone Rene brought maximum sustained winds near 100mph, causing power outages and heavy rainfall to Nuku'alofa. The storm is now moving over cooler waters, leading to its expected dissipation in the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 16, 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.

All eyes on retinal degeneration

Scientists studying fruit flies have discovered a critical step in fly vision that is also linked to human retinal dystrophies, which cause visual impairments or blindness. The study's findings suggest that using flies as a model organism can lead to the development of new therapies for treating human retinal degeneration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2010

Canadian ocean science in the spotlight at AAAS 2010

Ron O'Dor will talk about the international Ocean Tracking Network's ambitious plans and how new tracking technologies can help manage sustainable fisheries. The Canadian initiative has committed $45 million to this global project.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 16, 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.

Surface science goes inorganic

Researchers at Northwestern University and Oxford University have developed a new method to understand surface layers of atoms, critical for material properties. The bond-valence-sum method has shown how to arrange atoms on surfaces, enabling predictions of material behavior.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 16, 2010

Review highlights health benefits of flexible working arrangements

A Cochrane review found that flexible working arrangements with employee control can positively impact health outcomes such as blood pressure and sleep patterns. The study also highlighted the need for further research on how different types of workers experience the effects of flexible working.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateFeb 16, 2010

Beyond the corn field: Balancing fuel, food and biodiversity

A new report by the Ecological Society of America highlights the need to address potential effects of land-use choices on ecosystems. Native perennial crops, such as switchgrass, are recommended as an inexpensive feedstock option that improves soil quality and provides habitat for native species.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateFeb 16, 2010

NASA sees 16th South Pacific cyclone form

The 16th South Pacific cyclone has formed and is strengthening, with maximum sustained winds near 52 mph and a projected path towards Port Louis and Reunion Island. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and prepare for potential impacts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 16, 2010