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Science News for March 9, 2010


New study questions benefits of elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy

A new study suggests that elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy may not be beneficial and could even increase the risk of other health problems. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 women who underwent the procedure, finding a link between oophorectomy and increased risks of coronary artery disease and hip fractures.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology·DateMar 9, 2010

You have your MoM's ions

A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found correlations between maternal and infant cobalt and chromium levels in patients with metal-on-metal hip implants. Elevated ion levels were detected in infants, suggesting the placenta modulates metal ion transfer to the fetus.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 9, 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.

ARS study provides a better understanding of how mosquitoes find a host

Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have discovered how the yellow-fever-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito detects the specific chemical structure of octenol, a compound emitted by mammals. The study shows that mosquitoes tap into the 'handedness' of molecules to detect this compound.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 9, 2010

Obesity linked to poor colon cancer prognosis

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that obesity is a significant risk factor for poorer overall survival and death in patients with stage II or III colon cancer. Men with higher body mass indexes had a 35% increased risk of death compared to normal-weight patients.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 9, 2010

Hidden habits and movements of insect pests revealed by DNA barcoding

Researchers used DNA barcoding to study the spread and diet of insect pests in Papua New Guinea. The study found that migratory patterns and caterpillar diets are very dynamic, with species showing surprising adaptability across vast distances.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2010

NJIT prof names baseball winners

Bruce Bukiet's mathematical model predicts the top-performing teams in Major League Baseball for the 2010 season. His predictions focus on the power and relevance of math, demonstrating how it applies to baseball, and are based on a more realistic runner advancement model.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalOperations Research·DateMar 9, 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.

AIBS names emerging public policy leaders

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has selected Meredith Niles, Ryan Richards, and Leslie Smith to receive the 2010 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award. The awardees will meet with their Congressional delegations and attend a briefing on the federal budget for scientific research.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateMar 9, 2010

The alpine marmot spreads into the Catalan Pyrenees

The alpine marmot's expansion into the Catalan Pyrenees is a result of its adaptability to warmer temperatures. The species can occupy abandoned fields at lower altitudes, influencing local biodiversity and potentially threatening native species such as ptarmigan.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEthology Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 2010

From the desk lamp to the desktop?

Researchers from Germany have developed a way to encode wireless broadband signals using desk lamps, exploiting synergy between illumination and information. The system uses visible-frequency wireless with all the bandwidth one could want, achieving record speeds of up to 230 Mbit/s with commercial LEDs.

SourceOptica·DateMar 9, 2010

Vilcek prizes in biomedical science awarded

Dr. Alexander Varshavsky, a pioneer in ubiquitin research, receives the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for elucidating the process of regulated protein degradation. Dr. Harmit Malik, a young researcher, wins the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise for his innovative approach to genetic conflict and its implications for human diseases.

SourceVilcek Foundation·DateMar 9, 2010

Model may offer better understanding of embryonic development

A mathematical model predicts complex signaling patterns in fruit fly embryos, shedding light on stem cell differentiation and potential applications in tissue engineering. The study aims to better understand how to control similar cells in a laboratory setting.

SourcePurdue University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 9, 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.

Springer enters into partnership with the Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine

Springer has partnered with the Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine (KSNM) to publish the journal Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. The journal will be available in both print and electronic formats, providing a platform for high-quality research and discussion on nuclear medicine and related sciences.

SourceSpringer·JournalNuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateMar 9, 2010

Designer nano luggage to carry drugs to diseased cells

Scientists have successfully grown and loaded empty nano containers with useful chemicals from a plant virus, opening up new areas of research in targeted drug delivery. The technology has potential applications in cancer treatment, delivering drugs directly to diseased cells while sparing healthy ones.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalSmall·DateMar 9, 2010
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Study: Federal funds support health depts., but leadership is key

A study by Purdue University found that while federal funding for health departments has surged, its impact on local resources is limited. Leadership and director qualifications play a crucial role in supporting programs and activities.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateMar 9, 2010

Papaya extract thwarts growth of cancer cells in lab tests

Researchers at the University of Florida have found that papaya extract thwarts the growth of cancer cells in lab tests, boosting the production of key signaling molecules and suggesting possible therapeutic strategies. The extract did not show toxic effects on normal cells, consistent with reports from indigenous populations.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Ethnopharmacology·DateMar 9, 2010

Divine intervention? New research looks at beliefs about God's influence in everyday life

A new study from the University of Toronto found that most Americans believe God is directly involved in their personal affairs, with 82% relying on God for help and guidance. Higher education and income levels are associated with lower beliefs in divine intervention, but surprisingly, more religiously active individuals in these group...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSociology of Religion·DateMar 9, 2010

Sources of pollution in waterways

A recent study found that stormwater runoff is the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in the New York/New Jersey Harbor. The study estimated that stormwater runoff contributes about half of the total PAH load to the harbor. The researchers also identified gaps in data, particularly for stormwater runoff ...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 9, 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.

Decoding the long calls of the orangutan

Researchers decoded Orangutan long calls, discovering they convey individual identity and context. Females can distinguish between spontaneous and aroused calls, reacting differently to each. Long calls may serve to repel rivals or predators, a key finding that sheds light on Orangutan communication.

SourceWiley·JournalEthology·DateMar 9, 2010

Life is shorter for men, but sexually active life expectancy is longer

A study published by University of Chicago researchers found that men can expect another 15 years of sexual activity at age 55, while women expect less than 11 years. The study also introduced a new health measure, 'sexually active life expectancy,' which was lower for both men and women.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMar 9, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Skin transplant offers new hope to vitiligo patients

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital conducted a study showing that skin transplant surgery is safe and effective in treating vitiligo. The treated area regained an average of 52% of its natural skin color, with some patients experiencing up to 74% regrowth.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateMar 9, 2010

NYU Courant professor wins NSF's Waterman Award

Subhash Khot, a NYU Courant professor, has received the NSF's Waterman Award for his work on computational complexity and its significance in computer security. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on the Unique Games Problem, which sheds light on computationally intractable problems with far-reaching consequences.

SourceNew York University·DateMar 9, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physician calls for more rigorous standards for drugs up for FDA approval

A hospitalist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Dr. Alec B. O'Connor, is calling for more rigorous standards for drugs up for FDA approval. He argues that current guidelines do not require studies comparing a new drug's effectiveness and safety to an established first-line drug.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMar 9, 2010

Intentional variation increases result validity in mouse testing

A study published in Nature Methods found that introducing as few as two controlled environmental variables to preclinical mice tests can significantly reduce costly false positives and the number of animals needed for testing. This approach challenges traditional standardization efforts in animal testing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 9, 2010

Reovirus may be a novel approach to prostate cancer treatment

Researchers have detected a novel oncolytic viral therapy against prostate cancer using the reovirus, showing safety and efficacy in early-stage patients. The study found that the virus induced cancer cell death without replicating in normal tissues, with minimal toxicity reported.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 9, 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.

Genetic variant greatly increases lung cancer risk for light smokers

A genetic variant identified by researchers at the University of Cincinnati significantly increases lung cancer risk for individuals who smoke lightly, even if they are not heavy smokers. Family members with this genetic variant should be monitored for early detection, regardless of their smoking habits.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 9, 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.

Smelling the scenery in stereo

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that desert ants can locate odour sources in a map-like manner and use this information for navigation. The ants need both antennae to smell the scenery in stereo, enabling precise location of their nests after foraging for food.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 9, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Starting treatment early doubles chance of success for people with diabetes

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that starting metformin treatment within three months of diabetes diagnosis significantly increases its effectiveness. This is the first real-world comparison of metformin failure rates and has important implications for newly diagnosed patients worldwide.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 9, 2010

Surprising findings about hepatitis C and insulin resistance

Researchers have discovered that hepatitis C causes high insulin resistance primarily in muscles, not livers. This finding may lead to better management and prevention of diabetes among those with Hepatitis C, particularly for those at genetic risk.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 9, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

After a fight with a partner, brain activity predicts emotional resiliency

A study from Harvard University suggests that brain activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex is a better indicator of how someone will feel in the days following a fight with their partner. Individuals who show more neural activity in this region are less likely to be upset and may display improved day-to-day mood.

SourceHarvard University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 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.

HHMI's Gilliam Fellowships aim to increase diversity in the sciences

The HHMI's Gilliam Fellowships program aims to increase diversity in the sciences by supporting students from underrepresented groups. The five new fellows will receive $44,000 in graduate school support annually for up to five years, with a focus on promoting research and teaching careers.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·DateMar 9, 2010

Tropical cyclone formation likely near Madagascar

Forecasters believe a low-pressure area off Madagascar's east coast has conditions ripe for development into a tropical storm. The system is being monitored due to its warm waters and improved banding of thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 9, 2010
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Iowa Congressman Tom Latham receives Champion of Agronomy Award

Congressman Tom Latham received the 2010 Champion of Agronomy Award from the American Society of Agronomy for his strong support of agriculture and conservation. The award recognizes his commitment to advancing agricultural research and development, essential for America's farmers and ranchers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateMar 9, 2010

Grandfathered drug for high potassium has no proven benefit

A review by the American Society of Nephrology suggests that ion exchange resins used to treat hyperkalemia may not be effective and could be harmful. The authors recommend further studies on these products and urge doctors to explore alternative treatments first.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 9, 2010