Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 9, 2005


Volcanoes inner workings disclosed when the Earth moved

Researchers studied tiltmeter data from the Soufriere Hills Volcano to understand its behavior and inner workings. They found that pressure is centered around a half mile below the dome or nearly 2.5 miles above the magma chamber, suggesting a more extensive region involved in pressurization.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 9, 2005
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.

On the horizon: A 'rinse' for washing machines that dries clothes

Engineers at the University of Florida have developed a water-shedding compound that reduces water retention in fabrics by up to 20%, resulting in faster drying times for clothes. This innovation has the potential to save consumers $266 million annually and reduce residential electricity consumption by 5%.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 9, 2005

NIGMS funds new stem cell centers

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) has funded three new Exploratory Centers for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The centers will establish core facilities to support scientists and advance fundamental knowledge of human embryonic stem cell properties and functions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateAug 9, 2005

Cocoa is the new red wine

Research shows that cocoa's flavinoids can inhibit platelet function, potentially preventing coronary heart disease. In contrast, people with non-O blood types are at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly those carrying the Factor V Leiden variant protein.

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 9, 2005

Rethinking anti-oxidants

Researchers have discovered a novel probucol-analog that effectively protects against atherosclerosis without the same side effects as its predecessor. This breakthrough compound induces an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory pathway in blood vessel walls, offering new hope for treating people with or at risk of heart disease.

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 9, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Genetics may affect how older adults respond to exercise

A new study suggests that a specific gene affecting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels may influence physical function in older adults. Older exercisers with lower ACE production were found to be 45% more likely to experience mobility difficulties compared to those with higher ACE production.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA·DateAug 9, 2005

How the brain understands pictures

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals the brain's subconscious process of organizing images into a 'whole' even when focusing on only one part. The research, based on nerve cell recordings in macaque monkeys, suggests that the brain continuously organizes scenes, even when attending to small parts.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 9, 2005

Nutrition scientists take a look at cataract prevention

Researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University have found that long-term vitamin E supplementation may delay cataract development. Additionally, higher intakes of riboflavin and thiamin were associated with reduced cataract progression in women. However, the study's findings on dietary fat intake...

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 9, 2005
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.

A 'smart' bio-nanotube

Scientists have developed a novel structure made from cell components that can assemble into nanotubes with controllable open or closed states. This innovation has the potential to deliver drugs or genes where they would be most effective, using the natural properties of cells similar to skin and bone.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2005

Penn physician urges revision of HIV-testing policies

A Penn physician argues that explicit consent is not necessary for HIV testing in critically ill patients, as it can lead to earlier application of life-saving therapies and reduce costs. Alternative methods, such as surrogate consent or court-ordered testing, may be more effective but also pose challenges.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateAug 9, 2005
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Brain's opioid receptors—or endorphin system—may hold key to treatment possibilities for bulimia

Researchers found lower mu-opioid receptor binding in the left insular cortex of women with bulimia, inversely correlated with fasting behavior. This study suggests that medications targeting brain opioid receptors may help treat bulimia, a serious eating disorder marked by destructive patterns of dieting and vomiting.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 9, 2005

India's smoking gun: Dino-killing eruptions

Researchers have found that the Deccan Traps, a massive lava flow in India, may have released climate-changing gases quickly enough to cause a deadly global climate shift. The team's study suggests that the eruptions could have contributed to the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2005

Two new lemur species discovered

German and Malagasy primatologists have discovered two new lemur species, Mirza zaza and Microcebus lehilahytsara, highlighting biodiversity patterns among humans' closest relatives. The discoveries shed light on human origins and evolution, with lemurs being crucial to understanding ancient primate lineages.

SourceField Museum·DateAug 9, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reclaimed wastewater

Wastewater can be safely reused for irrigation if pretreated, monitored, and using correct crops, say researchers. The study found that viruses in wastewater could linger in soil for up to a month, but were not detected on spinach leaves.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateAug 9, 2005

New discovery blurs distinction between human cells and those of bacteria

Scientists have discovered microcompartments in bacteria that challenge the long-held assumption of their simplicity, revealing a more complex organization than previously thought. The study provides the first structures of these protein shells and sheds light on their function, sparking potential biotechnology applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2005

Gene therapy to treat haemophilia

Researchers have achieved a cure for haemophilia in dogs using gene transfer strategies. The study identified key problems to overcome before applying this approach in humans, including mode of delivery.

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 9, 2005
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.

Plants discriminate between self and non self

Researchers found that plants grow more and longer secondary roots on the non-self side, suggesting a mechanism based on physiological coordination. This coordination might involve internal pulsing of hormonal or electrical signals that desynchronize when plants are separated.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 9, 2005

Skin cancers growing in young people – A case for prevention

A Mayo Clinic study found that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors are increasing in younger adults, with a significant surge in women over 30. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnoses also rose sharply, especially among men and women in their late 30s. Long-term sun exposure and tanning bed use are major contributors to this trend.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateAug 9, 2005
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Bon Appétit Management Company

Bon Appétit is recognized for its 'Circle of Responsibility' program, incorporating environmentally responsible and sustainable practices such as farm-to-fork sourcing, organic food options, and fair trade choices. The company's commitment to sustainability promotes the health of people and the environment.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2005

Getting to the TOPP of Houston's air pollution

Rice University's TOPP project uses balloons to measure atmospheric ozone levels in Houston, extending beyond previous surface measurements. The study aims to better understand the full magnitude of Houston's ozone problem and inform effective policy solutions.

SourceRice University·DateAug 9, 2005

New advance in prostate cancer management

A new technique called the Checkerboard Tissue Microarray (TMA) Method has been developed to accurately predict prostate cancer aggressiveness. This method can help identify markers of aggressive tumors, potentially preventing thousands of men from undergoing unnecessary radical surgery and its severe side effects.

SourceThe Institute of Cancer Research·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateAug 9, 2005

Aspirin treatment failure warning

Research reveals that aspirin resistance is a significant concern for certain patient groups, particularly those with coronary heart disease or high cholesterol levels. An alternative treatment option, Clopidogrel, has shown promise in reducing blood clotting and inflammation in these patients.

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 9, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New window into ancient ozone holes

Researchers have discovered that since the 1960s, spores from living land plants show a three-fold increase in UV-B absorbing pigments to protect themselves against declining stratospheric ozone. By studying ancient plant fossils, scientists aim to measure past UV-B levels and better understand Earth's climate history.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2005

Incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer on the rise among young adults

The study found a significant increase in nonmelanoma skin cancer incidence among young adults, with rates rising by 13.4% for women and 22.9% for men between 1976-1979. Squamous cell carcinoma incidence also increased significantly over the study period, emphasizing the need to focus on prevention.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 9, 2005

Restoring the 'Garden of Eden'

Researchers discuss challenges and potential solutions for restoring Iraq's depleted wetlands, including hydrology, soil quality, and species preservation. Iraqi ecologists present first comprehensive data set on the marshes' current state.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2005
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.

AGU Journal highlights - 9 August 2005

Scientists discovered a consistent relationship between lightning strikes and ice content in clouds, supporting previous physics assumptions. In contrast, dense solar winds sometimes weaken auroral electrojets by compressing the magnetosphere.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 9, 2005