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Science News for March 19, 2010


Causes found for stiff skin conditions

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that a rare inherited disorder called stiff skin syndrome shares genetic similarities with the debilitating condition scleroderma, affecting about one in 5,000 people. The findings suggest a potential treatment strategy involving the protein fibrillin-1 and its role in regulating TGFbeta activity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 19, 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.

Designer nanomaterials on-demand

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to design nanocomposites with desired properties, using a mix-and-match approach to combine materials on the nanoscale. This process enables new possibilities for electronic and energy technologies, including improved battery electrodes, photovoltaics, and electronic data storage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 19, 2010

Infection prevention efforts by National Guard Health Affairs in Saudi Arabia recognized with award

The National Guard Health Affairs in Saudi Arabia has been recognized for its efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections, including an 82% reduction in central line associated BSI rates and an 80% reduction in surgical site infection rates. The organization's multidisciplinary team approach has been key to its success.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·DateMar 19, 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.

Rochester-led study leads to recommendation for use of heart failure treatment nationwide

A new therapy reduces mortality and heart failure risk in patients with mild cardiac disease, showing a 34% reduction in death or heart failure risk compared to those receiving only an ICD. The treatment has been approved for use in the US, benefiting nearly 4 million Americans with milder forms of heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2010

Acne drug prevents HIV breakout

Researchers found that minocycline effectively targets and reduces HIV replication in immune cells, providing an additional layer of defense against the virus. The antibiotic may improve current treatment regimens for HIV-infected patients when used in combination with HAART.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 19, 2010

Conventional infection control measures found effective in reducing MRSA rates

Scientists found that emphasizing non-pathogen specific infection control practices, such as hand hygiene and chlorhexidine bathing, significantly reduced MRSA rates. The study observed a 91% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections, a 62% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and a 92% reduction...

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·DateMar 19, 2010

Students discover new species of raptor dinosaur

A new species of dromaeosaurid, Linheraptor exquisitus, has been discovered in Inner Mongolia with a near complete skeleton found since 1972. The fossil reveals unique features, including an antorbital fenestra, and is closely related to Velociraptor.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 19, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Silver proves its mettle for nanotech applications

Researchers have developed a method to deterministically position silver nanoparticles onto self-assembling DNA scaffolds, paving the way for new biomedical applications and precise sensing operations. The study demonstrates the viability of using silver instead of gold nanoparticles in DNA-based architectures.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 19, 2010

Rare ATM gene mutations, plus radiation, may increase risk of a second breast cancer

Women with rare ATM gene mutations and radiation exposure may be at higher risk for a second breast cancer in the opposite breast. Researchers found a statistically significant increase in contralateral breast cancer among women with deleterious missense variants and radiation exposure.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 19, 2010

Estimating ethanol yields from CRP croplands

Agricultural Research Service scientists found that plant species diversity and composition are crucial for potential energy yield per acre from biomass harvested from CRP land. The study suggests that CRP lands in the northeastern US with a high proportion of tall native prairie grasses have the potential to produce over 600 gallons o...

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 19, 2010

GEN reports on therapeutic potential of microRNA

Scientists are studying microRNAs as potential therapeutics for a range of applications due to their role in various cellular processes. Investigations have shed light on the role of miRNAs in cancer, particularly in controlling developmental events and cell growth.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateMar 19, 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.

Perils of plastics: Risks to human health and the environment

The study reveals that plastics accumulate in garbage dumps and oceans, harming aquatic life and contaminating the food chain. Human exposure to plastic additives like BPA and phthalates is also a concern, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised health.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2010

NASA and NOAA's environmental satellite now GOES-15

The latest weather satellite, GOES-15, reached its proper orbit after a flawless launch and will undergo checkout in mid-August 2010. The satellite is expected to capture the first visible image on April 5 and provide weather observations covering over 50% of the Earth's surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 19, 2010

Study shows further benefits of noscapine for prostate cancer

Researchers have discovered that pre-treating mice with noscapine before injecting them with prostate cancer cells resulted in tumor growth rates being two-thirds smaller and lung metastasis rates being 80% less. The study suggests that noscapine may offer significant benefits in the management of prostate cancer as a preventive measure.

SourceMedInsight Research Institute·JournalAnticancer Research·DateMar 19, 2010

Mayo research: Intervention drops hospital infection rate by 1/3

The study found that daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces with a spore-killing bleach disinfectant wipe significantly reduced C. difficile infections in two high-incidence units. The team aimed to reduce hospital-acquired cases to over 20 days between infections but achieved an impressive 137-day streak without a single infection.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateMar 19, 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.

Sleep deprivation influences drug use in teens' social networks

Researchers found that poor sleep patterns influence the spread of adolescent drug use in social networks, with teens at the center of the network being more vulnerable. Healthy sleep habits can have a positive impact on reducing drug use and other behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 2010