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Science News for March 12, 2010


Princeton scientists say Einstein's theory applies beyond the solar system

A team of Princeton University scientists tested Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity at cosmic scales, concluding it works as well in vast distances as in local regions. They analyzed over 70,000 galaxies and demonstrated that the universe follows Einstein's rules up to 3.5 billion light years from Earth.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2010

The new exercise HIT: do less

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that short-term high-intensity interval training (HIT) can be an effective alternative to traditional long-term exercise. By incorporating brief bursts of intense exercise, individuals can improve muscle function and burn fat without needing extensive exercise time.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 12, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Foiling an attack on general relativity

A team of researchers has analyzed over 70,000 galaxies to test two modified gravity theories that aim to explain dark matter's effects on the universe. The study found that one theory, TeVeS, can be excluded due to large uncertainty in measurements, while another theory, f(R), still allows for exclusion of dark energy with current data.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2010

A golden bullet for cancer

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed gold nanocages that selectively accumulate in tumors and convert laser light to heat, killing malignant cells. The treatment avoids warm surrounding tissue, making it a promising approach for cancer therapy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSmall·DateMar 12, 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.

Look at Mie!

A Rice University team re-examined Gustav Mie's century-old equations for electromagnetic wave interaction with spherical metal particles. The researchers found that average properties matched the predictions, but individual particles deviated significantly due to shape and orientation variations on the substrate.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 12, 2010

A sporting chance for active total knee replacement patients

Researchers evaluated outcomes of 218 patients who participated in non-recommended activities after TKA surgery and found no significant differences in implant durability or radiological results. The study showed that such activities might actually improve clinical scores, contradicting industry recommendations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 12, 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.

Securities analysts' reports new technology slow adoption, warns study in INFORMS journal

A new study in Organization Science journal suggests that securities analysts' reluctance to recommend investment in new technologies can harm veteran companies. The researchers found that analysts prefer strategies that extend existing technologies over those that directly respond to new technology, with negative implications for mana...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOrganization Science·DateMar 12, 2010

ASTRO awards 17 Advocacy Day travel grants

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded travel grants to 17 radiation oncology professionals to attend Advocacy Day. The grants aim to support the financial constraints faced by residents and nurses in advocating for their patients' interests.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateMar 12, 2010

ATS issues statement on disorder of respiratory and autonomic nervous system regulation

The American Thoracic Society has released new guidelines for CCHS, citing crucial discoveries linking the condition to mutations in the PHOX2B gene. Affected individuals require fastidious medical supervision to attain optimal quality of life, and early identification and intervention are critical.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

Tropical Storm Tomas approaching Nadi this weekend

Tropical Storm Tomas is expected to intensify over the weekend, bringing gusty winds, ocean swells, and heavy rainfall to residents of Nadi, Fiji. The storm has strengthened by 23 mph since March 11, with forecasters predicting it will weaken due to increasing wind shear from Monday or Tuesday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 12, 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 study identifies best treatment for childhood epilepsy

A new NIH-funded clinical trial has found that ethosuximide is the most effective treatment for childhood absence epilepsy, with no intolerable side effects. The study enrolled 453 children and showed that ethosuximide and valproic acid were significantly more effective than lamotrigine in controlling seizures.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 12, 2010

Some older ER patients are getting the wrong medicines, U-M study finds

A University of Michigan study found that nearly 16.8% of eligible emergency visits from 2000-2006 involved potentially inappropriate medications for patients aged 65 and older. The top five most common PIMs were promethazine, ketorolac, propoxyphene, meperidine, and diphenhydramine.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 12, 2010

New clues about the basis of muscle wasting disease

Research discovers changes in muscle cell structure affecting gene expression and actin protein mutations causing muscle damage. The study sheds light on the biochemical pathways leading to nemaline myopathy, a rare inherited muscle-wasting disease.

SourceBiochemical Journal·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateMar 12, 2010

Preventing gastric cancer with antibiotics

A large multicenter trial in Japan found that patients with early gastric cancer who received H. pylori antibiotics after surgical resection had a significantly lower risk of developing gastric cancer. Certain strains of H. pylori may carry an increased risk of developing gastric cancer, but more research is needed to fully understand ...

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000 Medicine Reports·DateMar 12, 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.

Vitamin D and calcium interplay explored

A study by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that vitamin D levels are more important than increasing calcium intake for better bone health. The study suggests that correcting low vitamin D levels is key to improving bone mineral density, especially among women with low vitamin D concentrations.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMar 12, 2010

Lost into space

Space physicists from the University of Leicester have identified a significant contributor to Mars' atmospheric escape: pressure from solar wind pulses. The team found that these pulses can drive away particles from Mars' atmosphere, causing a loss of about one third of the material lost into space.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 12, 2010

Exercising just got easier for busy people, study shows

Researchers at McMaster University found that interval training can be an effective and time-efficient way to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study involved eight to 12 one-minute bouts of exercise with rest intervals, resulting in a total of 20-25 minutes per session.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 12, 2010