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Science News for June 15, 2010


Major JAMA study examines cystic fibrosis survival rates and MRSA infections

A major JAMA study found that patients with cystic fibrosis who tested positive for MRSA had a significantly higher risk of death compared to those without the infection. The study, which tracked over 19,000 CF patients, showed an approximate 1.3 times greater risk of death among those with detected MRSA.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 15, 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.

Novel paclitaxel formulation encouraging for treating advanced lung cancer

Researchers found that administering nab-paclitaxel weekly resulted in a 48% response rate and less severe side effects compared to every-three-week dosing. The study showed improved anti-tumor activity and reduced nerve damage with the novel formulation.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 15, 2010

Tapping into sorghum's weed-fighting capabilities to give growers more options

Researchers at the ARS Natural Products Utilization Unit have found a way to make sorghum less toxic to certain crops, while increasing its weed-fighting abilities. This discovery may lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduced pesticide use in other crops.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 15, 2010

Lung cancer research concludes that early diagnosis is key for improving survival

Researchers analyzed surgical outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients over 30 years, finding improved survival rates with earlier stage diagnoses. The increase in patients diagnosed with early-stage adenocarcinoma is thought to contribute significantly to the favorable results.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 15, 2010

Shaken and not stirred -- but what about the clathrates?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati propose that the structure of vodkas is responsible for variation in taste. The team found that different vodkas have varying levels of a cage-like hydrogen-bonded structure, which could affect the way they are perceived by the palate.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2010

New biomarker for raw milk quality detection

Researchers at Nanjing University have identified a novel biomarker for raw milk quality detection, enabling more accurate monitoring of milk content. The discovery could lead to the development of new milk products tailored to specific groups, offering improved health benefits.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCell Research·DateJun 15, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

BRAF inhibitor shows promising preclinical activity against melanoma

RG7204, a BRAF inhibitor, has shown significant preclinical activity against melanoma by inhibiting proliferation of tumor cell lines and inducing partial or complete tumor regression. The compound also improved survival rates without associated toxicity in preclinical models.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 15, 2010

Heart attack: Could giving oxygen be doing more harm than good?

A Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that giving patients oxygen during a heart attack may increase the risk of dying. Despite widespread use, there is little evidence that oxygen therapy improves outcomes for heart patients and may even cause further damage.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJun 15, 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 combination effective against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital found a promising new treatment for pancreatic cancer combining sorafenib with sulforaphane, an anti-cancer compound in broccoli. The combination treatment inhibits resistant tumor stem cells and blocks metastasis without causing additional side effects.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 15, 2010

Treatment with naturally occurring protein prevents and reverses brain damage caused by meningitis

A recent study found that naturally occurring protein IL-10 can prevent and reverse brain damage caused by meningitis in newborns. The research suggests that IL-10 acts to clear antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant E. coli from the circulation, thereby preventing or restoring damaged brain tissue.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 15, 2010

Leaded gasoline predominant source of lead exposure in latter 20th century

A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that leaded gasoline was the predominant source of lead exposure for African-American children in Cleveland during the latter half of the 20th century. The study used dental records and other data to show that lead levels in teeth increased dramatically during this period...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 15, 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.

Protein extremes gain relevance in massive proteomic studies

The study expands protein analysis to C-terminal proteins and enables assessment of specific regions' roles in biological functions. This new approach can be applied ex-vivo or in-vivo and has implications for understanding essential protein functions.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 15, 2010

Gold nanoparticles create visible-light catalysis in nanowires

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new material that can decompose organic molecules in polluted water using visible light. By decorating silver chloride nanowires with gold nanoparticles, they have created a photocatalytic system that can break down pollutants like methylene blue.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 15, 2010

On the face of it, voting's superficial

Researchers found that voters rely heavily on nonverbal cues, such as facial appearance, to make judgments about politicians' competence. Appearance-based competence judgments reliably predict both voting decisions and election outcomes, particularly among less knowledgeable voters who watch a lot of television.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateJun 15, 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.

Mutations on 3 genes could predispose people to suicidal behaviour

A study has found that genetic mutations in three genes may predispose individuals to suicidal behavior. The research identified a model able to differentiate between people with and without a history of suicide attempts using an algorithm based on SNPs from these genes.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJun 15, 2010

Fescue toxicosis and management

Tall fescue toxicosis is a costly disorder affecting forage-livestock agriculture, with no cure but proven management techniques available. The new guidebook covers management strategies such as endophyte testing and supplement feeding to lessen the impact of toxicosis.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJun 15, 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.

Inflammatory diseases: Scientists identify antiviral defense

Researchers from the University of Montreal have identified an enzyme called NOX2 that generates highly reactive oxygen derivatives to activate defense genes and molecules against viral invasions. The study reveals how these free radicals serve a critical role in mounting an immune response to viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 15, 2010

Emory study shows babies grasp number, space and time concepts

Researchers found that 9-month-old babies can recognize 'more than' or 'less than' relations across numbers, sizes, and durations of objects. This suggests that humans may be born with a generalized system of magnitude that helps them make predictions about the world from an early age.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 15, 2010

Pediatricians can help parents recognize overweight preschoolers

A study by University of South Florida and Johns Hopkins University found that pediatricians should not hesitate to discuss a child's weight with parents. Pediatricians can help identify overweight preschoolers and prevent serious health problems like Type II diabetes and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateJun 15, 2010

2009 H1N1 vaccine protects against 1918 influenza virus

Researchers found that the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine may also protect against the lethal 1918 Spanish influenza virus, alleviating bioterrorism concerns. The study demonstrates cross-protection, showing that people vaccinated against H1N1 may also be protected against 1918.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 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.

Tumor target suggests personalized treatment for melanoma

Identification of IKKβ as a crucial signaling molecule in melanoma development may lead to new targeted therapies. The study suggests that treating patients with specific genetic profiles could enhance treatment efficacy.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2010

Study: Getting patients to take their asthma meds

Physicians play a stronger role in asthma patient adherence by monitoring medication use and reviewing electronic prescription information. However, few doctors access detailed adherence data, highlighting the need for effective ways to encourage patients to stay with their prescription regimens.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 15, 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.

New estimates of the global Plasmodium falciparum clinical malaria burden

A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that there were approximately 451 million clinical cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria worldwide in 2007. The majority of this burden was attributed to India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar. These findings highlight the need for improved diagnosis and surveillance ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 15, 2010

Climate change increases hazard risk in alpine regions says research led by University of Exeter

Research led by the University of Exeter finds that climate change is increasing hazard risks in mountainous regions, including glacier loss and rock-fall activity. The study's findings highlight the need for increased public awareness and preparedness to mitigate the impacts of climate-related hazards.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateJun 15, 2010

Findings indicate digestive disorder in infants may be genetic

A nationwide study in Denmark suggests a genetic component to pyloric stenosis in infants, with a high concordance rate in monozygotic twins and significant familial aggregation among siblings. The study found an 87% heritability estimate, supporting the notion that inherited genes play a key role in the development of this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 15, 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.

Combined BRAF-targeted and immunotherapy shows promise for melanoma treatment

A preclinical study suggests combining targeted therapy against the BRAF/MAPK pathway with immunotherapy may improve durability of responses in treating melanoma. Researchers found that inhibiting the MAPK pathway resulted in increased antigen expression, leading to improved recognition by T-cells.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 15, 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.

NIH-funded scientists find 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine protects mice from 1918 flu virus

A 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine has been found to protect mice from the 1918 Spanish flu virus. The study's results suggest that people vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 or exposed to the virus may have cross-protective antibodies against the 1918 strain, providing potential protection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2010

Experience shapes the brain's circuitry throughout adulthood

Research by scientists at Rockefeller University shows that adult brain circuits continually modify themselves in response to experience. After removing a mouse's whisker, excitatory connections rapidly sprout and inhibit networks adjust to maintain balance between excitation and inhibition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2010

Florida State researcher uncovers protein's role in cell division

A Florida State University researcher has identified the important role that CDK5RAP2 plays in maintaining centriole engagement and cohesion, thereby restricting centriole replication. This discovery could lead to a greater understanding of stem cells and their connection to human diseases such as small brain syndrome.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 15, 2010

Does bankruptcy counseling help debtors establish a fresh start?

A study by Angela Lyons and Money Management International found that debtors who completed credit counseling sessions showed improvement in their financial knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. Despite initial challenges due to medical bills or unemployment, debtors benefited from the counseling, learning essential basic fi...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJun 15, 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.

World's oldest fig wasp fossil proves that if it works, don't change it

The world's oldest known fig wasp fossil has been discovered on the Isle of Wight, revealing that this tiny insect has remained virtually unchanged for over 34 million years. The fossil is almost identical to modern species, indicating a complex relationship between figs and their pollinators developed millions of years ago.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 15, 2010

Topical treatments provide effective local pain relief

A systematic review shows that topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are more effective than placebos for treating short-term pain, reducing pain by 50% or more in over six out of ten cases. The researchers found that topical diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and piroxicam provided the best results with few side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJun 15, 2010

System 92L's chances for development are waning

Satellite imagery reveals System 92L's weakening state, with upper-level winds reducing its chances for tropical cyclone formation. Environmental conditions are expected to become less favorable in the next 48 hours, decreasing the potential for development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 15, 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.

Higher anxiety, depression among women may have basis in cell signals

Research suggests that female brains are more responsive to low levels of a key stress hormone and less able to adapt to high levels compared to male brains. This may help explain the higher incidence of depression, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders among women.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 15, 2010

Opportunities at light source and neutron facilities

New intense sources of radiation at national facilities are allowing geochemists to gather images and data on minerals in one second, revolutionizing the field. The enhanced power of x-rays and pulsed neutrons enable researchers to detect, characterize and understand mineral components and contaminants.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateJun 15, 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.

EMBL picture release: Developing zebrafish patchwork

Scientists at EMBL discovered that a molecular signal triggers cell shape change necessary for zebrafish lateral line development. This change in shape allows cells to migrate properly along the embryo's sides, forming a rosette structure.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 15, 2010

Robot submarine patrols Lake Michigan for climate-change study

Researchers are using a robotic submarine and sensors to gather data on larval fish growth and survival in Lake Michigan. They're correlating growth rates with water temperatures, wind patterns, and other environmental factors to understand how climate change may affect young fish.

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 15, 2010

Organic nanoelectronics a step closer

An international team of researchers has effectively discovered a way to order molecules in conducting polymers, opening up possibilities for miniaturized electronics. The technique involves using an inorganic material as a template to create a conducting polymer, with the potential to produce continuous sheets and electronic circuits.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 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.

Mongoose traditions shed light on evolution of human culture

A study of banded mongooses in Uganda found that these animals pass on traditions from one generation to the next, a practice previously thought to be reserved for humans and intelligent animals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how complex cultures can develop.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 15, 2010

Major magnet grant to advance state-of-the-art in chemical analysis

A new magnet system with a 21-tesla superconducting magnet will be built at Florida State University, enabling more precise analysis of complex samples and advancing the field of chemical analysis. The system is expected to yield major innovations in petroleomics, proteomics, and biofuels analysis.

SourceFlorida State University·DateJun 15, 2010