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Science News for March 5, 2010


Major depression more than doubles risk of dementia among adults with diabetes

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that adults with both diabetes and major depression are more than twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with diabetes alone. The study, led by Dr. Wayne Katon, suggests that major depression doubles the risk of dementia in adults with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2010

A fingerprint for genes

Researchers applied a new strategy to investigate the effects of thousands of genes on endocytosis, revealing precise definitions of what cells need when and where. This understanding could lead to preventing infections and developing treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 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.

Nondrug techniques reduce pain in hospitalized patients

A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that non-traditional therapies can significantly impact pain levels in hospitalized patients, with reductions of up to 50%. The treatments included mind-body therapies, acupuncture, and massage, among others, which were found to be effective across various patient populations.

SourceAllina Health·JournalJournal of Patient Safety·DateMar 5, 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.

American Society for Microbiology honors Maynard V. Olson

Maynard V. Olson receives the Promega Biotechnology Research Award for his development of orthogonal-field-alternation gel electrophoresis, yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) system, and sequence-tagged site (STS) mapping techniques. His work significantly contributed to the completion of the human genome map.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMar 5, 2010

Recent research on memory/learning

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals that people underconfidently assess their learning abilities but overconfidently predict their memory performance. The researchers found that individuals failed to account for improved learning outcomes following additional study and testing.

SourceWilliams College·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateMar 5, 2010

US doctors sanction transplant criteria for liver cancer patients

The US medical community has developed new transplant criteria for patients with liver cancer, aiming to ensure equitable organ allocation. The guidelines prioritize candidates based on tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MELD scores, while also considering locoregional therapy and down-staging.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 5, 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.

Low levels of vitamin D linked to muscle fat, decreased strength in young people

A recent study by Dr. Richard Kremer found that nearly 60% of healthy young women had insufficient vitamin D levels, leading to increased body fat and decreased muscle strength. The research highlights the importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and suggests a potential link between low vitamin D levels and various diseases.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 5, 2010

Improving care for low-birth-weight infants

Researchers at UC Irvine and CDU aim to improve clinical care for low-weight babies by monitoring their day-to-day health and that of their parents. The project uses mobile technology to collect and report recorded observations, enabling changes in clinical practices and alerting healthcare providers to potential problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateMar 5, 2010

Open-label continuation study supports long-term efficacy of Xenazine (tetrabenazine) for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease

Results from an open-label extension study demonstrate that subjects treated with Xenazine experienced a statistically significant reduction in chorea score after 80 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint showed a mean reduction in Total Maximal Chorea (TMC) score of 4.6 UHDRS units.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateMar 5, 2010

SEBM Distinguished Scientist Awards for 2010

The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine presents the inaugural SEBM Distinguished Scientist Award to recognize seminal research accomplishments. Past SEBM Presidents are among the honorees, including Hector F. DeLuca and Barbara A. Horwitz.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

It's who you kill that matters, according to new research

A study of 504 death penalty cases in Harris County, Texas found that defendants who kill high-status victims are more likely to be sentenced to death. The researchers argue that the concept of arbitrariness suggests that irrelevant social facts shape the outcome of capital cases.

SourceUniversity of Denver·JournalLaw & Society Review·DateMar 5, 2010

Successful treatment of periodontal disease lowered preterm birth incidences

A study published in Journal of Dental Research found that successful periodontal treatment significantly lowers the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant women with periodontal disease who received scaling and root planing had a lower rate of prematurity compared to those without periodontal disease.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 5, 2010

Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages daily linked to diabetes

Daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, with estimates suggesting 130,000 new cases of diabetes attributed to the increased consumption between 1990 and 2000. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to half of discretionary calorie allowance.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 5, 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.

Monuments monitored from a distance

A team of engineers from the University of Seville has developed a system to monitor historical monuments remotely, using sensors on the Giraldillo sculpture. The study reveals that the sculpture requires specific wind speeds and temperatures to move and position itself, with no abnormal values recorded in vibration frequencies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalStructural Health Monitoring·DateMar 5, 2010

What should goldenrod do to avoid an insect attack? Duck

Researchers found that goldenrod plants with nodding stems resist gall-inducing flies and are more resistant to egg-laying, while straightened stems offer no advantage. The 'ducking' behavior is a gradual growth response that confers resistance against insect attacks.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 5, 2010

NJIT electrical engineer Yanchao Zhang receives NSF CAREER Award

Yanchao Zhang, an assistant professor at NJIT, has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER Award to support his research project on SC-HSNs and their application in remote environments. The award will advance the state of the art in data management in wireless security networks.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateMar 5, 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.

Survey: Toyota owners maintain high overall satisfaction despite recalls

A recent survey by Rice University found that Toyota owners continue to show high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles, despite the company's numerous recalls since 2009. The study attributed this to a 'brand insulation effect,' where current customers shielded Toyota from the negative effects of recalls.

SourceRice University·DateMar 5, 2010

Gluten intolerance in Finland has doubled

The occurrence of gluten intolerance has doubled in Finland, affecting 2% of adults and 1.5% of children. A new diagnosis method is needed to treat early stages of the condition, which may be symptom-free.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 5, 2010

Teaching self-control skills to children reduces classroom problems

A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that teaching self-control skills to children significantly reduces classroom problems and improves behavior. Children in a school-based mentoring program were about half as likely to have any discipline incident over the three-month period.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateMar 5, 2010

Myths and realities of life in St. Ann's

The event aims to enrich knowledge and understanding of life in St. Ann's by sharing personal experiences and exploring key local issues such as drug use, poverty, and social division. Interactive workshops and talks will be held on topics including immigration, the war on terror, and sex trafficking.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 5, 2010

Exploring Echinacea's enigmatic origins

Researchers analyzed DNA from 40 diverse Echinacea populations to understand the plant's genetic diversity. The study found that the species likely originated in southern refuges on both sides of the Mississippi River and hybridized as they moved northward, leading to blurred genetic distinctions.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPlanta Medica·DateMar 5, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Keeping safe -- online

The Exploring Privacy: Your Privacy and the Internet event aims to raise awareness about online privacy through a multi-media presentation and audience discussion. The event is part of the Festival of Social Science, which celebrates British social science research.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 5, 2010

Saving Peak District moorlands

Researchers from Moors for the Future Partnership are using techniques like re-establishing heather plants, rebuilding paths, and gully blocking to reduce erosion. These methods aim to absorb around 400,000 tonnes of carbon a year, equivalent to 1.1 billion car miles or 84,000 family-sized cars.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 5, 2010