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Science News for February 26, 2010


The pig and its pancreas

A team of LMU researchers has created a genetically modified strain of pigs that consistently develop the essential symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The pigs' physiology is similar to humans', making them an ideal model system for studying the disease, testing new treatments and diagnostic methods.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 26, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Offering hope for tissue regeneration

Scientists at Rhode Island Hospital have discovered a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell communication using microvesicles, which can reprogram stem cells to behave like healthy cells. This finding offers hope for tissue regeneration and potential treatments for diseases such as cancer.

SourceLifespan·JournalExperimental Hematology·DateFeb 26, 2010

Increasing neurogenesis might prevent drug addiction and relapse

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that blocking new growth of specific brain nerve cells increases vulnerability for cocaine addiction and relapse. Increasing adult neurogenesis may prevent addiction before it starts, potentially improving the length and quality of life for millions of drug abusers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateFeb 26, 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.

Tackling the challenges of survival in a changing world

Leading researchers discuss challenges of identifying and protecting vulnerable species amidst unprecedented climate change, covering topics such as vegetation distributions, bird, insect, and marine populations. The collection provides insights into the responses of corals, amphibians, and other organisms to environmental changes.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 26, 2010

The most frequent error in medicine

A new study found that nearly a third of patients age 65 and older referred to a specialist do not receive treatment due to failed referrals. The study revealed that only 50% of those referred had the opportunity to receive treatment, highlighting the need for improved health information technology to address this issue.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateFeb 26, 2010

UW-Madison physicists build basic quantum computing circuit

Physicists at UW-Madison created an atomic circuit that may help quantum computing become a reality by exerting control over two atoms for a short period. The achievement uses neutral atoms to create a controlled-NOT gate, a basic type of circuit essential for any quantum computer.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 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.

Scanning for skin cancer: Infrared system looks for deadly melanoma

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a noninvasive infrared scanning system to help doctors determine whether pigmented skin growths are benign moles or deadly melanoma. The system works by looking for tiny temperature differences between healthy tissue and growing tumors.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateFeb 26, 2010

New genetic test for cause of intellectual disability to be launched

A new genetic test has been developed by CAMH scientists Dr. John Vincent and Dr. Muhammad Ayub to analyze CC2D2A gene mutations causing about 10% of intellectual disability cases. The test aims to provide more accurate diagnosis and offer appropriate genetic counseling for affected families.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateFeb 26, 2010

CeBIT 2010: Intelligent energy management for the home

Researchers develop software that adjusts energy consumption based on anticipated price trends, allowing consumers to pre-cool appliances when prices are expected to rise. A mobile phone application also displays energy consumption per room and appliance, helping residents save money.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 26, 2010

New 'alien' invaders found in the Milky Way: Queen's University astronomer

A study led by Queen's University astronomer Terry Bridges reveals that up to a quarter of the Milky Way's star clusters are foreign, originating from other galaxies. The research suggests six additional dwarf galaxies may exist within the galaxy beyond the two previously confirmed.

SourceQueen's University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 26, 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.

MSU scientists unlock key enzyme using newly created 'cool' method

Researchers at Michigan State University used a new cooling method to study the reaction of iron and oxygen atoms in enzyme TauD, discovering never seen before steps that overturn conventional thought. This breakthrough has implications for understanding how enzymes function and designing inhibitors to prevent diseases.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2010

CeBIT 2010: Live 3-D TV

The PRIME consortium is developing business models and techniques for cinema, television, and gaming. Experts are exploring ways to reduce costs and improve tools for post-production.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 26, 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.

Twice as many women to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes

A new study by Northwestern University recommends raising pregnancy blood sugar levels to nearly double the risk of complications for mothers and babies. The revised guidelines suggest that a fasting blood sugar level of 92 or higher poses serious risks to both mother and baby.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 26, 2010

Hiding the honeypots

Researchers reveal that honeypot traps are susceptible to detection by advanced Botnet malware, allowing attackers to disable or ignore them. This vulnerability highlights the need for secure honeypot deployment and research into covert honeypot building techniques.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Information and Computer Security·DateFeb 26, 2010

Cells of aggressive leukemia hijack normal protein to grow

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) cancer cells rely on a normal version of an associated protein to stay alive. Deleting this gene from leukemia cells blocks uncontrolled growth triggered by a fusion protein, suggesting that it is essential for MLL proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 26, 2010

Breast cancer screening: No added value through mammography

A recent multicenter cohort study reveals that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is substantially more accurate for early diagnosis of breast cancer than digital mammography or breast ultrasound. For young women at elevated risk, annual MRI is considered necessary and sufficient for screening.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 26, 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.

The new ID card

The new ID card features an RFID chip, cryptography, and a six-digit PIN for secure access to personal data. It enables citizens to validate their identity online and use the eID function for various services like banking and shopping, promoting confidence in digital transactions.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 26, 2010

How can accidental captures of loggerhead turtles be reduced?

Researchers propose limiting longline fishing in summer months and areas over 35 nautical miles from land to drastically reduce accidental loggerhead turtle captures. Using fish as bait may also help, but could affect swordfish catches.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Ichthyology·DateFeb 26, 2010

News brief: Poorer breast cancer survival associated with micrometastases in axillary lymph nodes

A systematic review of literature found that micrometastases in axillary lymph nodes are associated with reduced disease-free and overall survival in breast cancer patients. The study's findings suggest that even small metastatic lesions can have a significant impact on patient outcomes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 26, 2010