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Science News Archive 2006


Page 127 of 178

US-Taiwan constellation of satellites launched

The US has launched a constellation of six low-orbiting satellites called COSMIC to provide real-time atmospheric data over thousands of points on Earth. The system will measure the bending of radio signals from GPS to track hurricanes, typhoons and climate change.

Research updates 65-year-old genetic discovery

Researchers confirm that both humans and chimpanzees possess gene variants related to bitter taste, but the reasons behind these variations differ. The new findings challenge a 65-year-old genetic discovery made by Sir Ronald Aylmer Fisher, instead attributing the phenomenon to convergent evolution.

Pacific Northwest tectonic plates are moving

Researchers suggest that the subduction of the northern portion of the Juan de Fuca plate beneath the North American plate may be slowing and eventually cease, potentially altering the seismic hazard profile of the region. The discovery was made using advanced technology and data from formerly classified U.S. Navy hydrophones.

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.

Self-employed: Long hours and low wages, but high job satisfaction

A study by Professor Simon Parker and Olufunmilola Ajaji-obe found that self-employed people in the UK work long hours but report higher job satisfaction compared to employees. The researchers also discovered that younger entrepreneurs are more sensitive to new information than older ones, which can impact their retirement decisions.

Researchers trawl the origins of sea fishing in Northern Europe

A new three-year project is investigating the earliest development of sea fisheries in Northern Europe, with a focus on the critical period between 950AD and 1050AD. Researchers are analyzing fish bones from archaeological sites across the region to understand the impact of intensive sea fishing on medieval trading patterns.

Higher carbon dioxide, lack of nitrogen limit plant growth

A six-year study found that higher carbon dioxide levels and limited nitrogen in soils hinder plant growth, potentially leading to reduced ecosystem carbon storage. The research suggests that as atmospheric carbon dioxide increases, soils will struggle to support plant life, exacerbating the issue.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell surface profiling technique could yield cancer blood test

A new cell surface profiling technique developed by Carolyn Bertozzi and her team could lead to the creation of a simple blood test for cancer diagnosis. The method involves tagging glycoproteins with a metabolic label and monitoring changes in O-linked protein glycosylation.

Lunar rocks suggest meteorite shower

A recent study published in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta suggests a massive meteorite shower occurred on the Moon 3.8-4 billion years ago, potentially impacting Earth as well. The lunar rocks analyzed produced ages close to 3.9 billion years and exhibited different chemical fingerprints, indicating repeated bombardment by meteorites.

Diabetes and cancer: Alpha connection

Researchers discovered that p110 alpha controls insulin signals, frequently mutated in cancer, but mice with a single mutation showed no signs of developing diabetes. The findings have immediate implications for testing p110 alpha-specific inhibitors for human therapies.

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.

Historic plant type specimens to go digital

The Academy of Natural Sciences is digitizing historic plant type specimens, featuring over 30,000 samples from the 18th century. This project provides a valuable resource for researchers worldwide, particularly those in developing countries with limited access to research libraries and herbaria.

Statewide study reveals new data on risks and consequences of seatbelt non-use

A statewide study in Wisconsin found that unbelted crash occupants represented 68% of patients dying in emergency departments. Unbelted survivors were more than twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital and suffer moderate to severe injuries. The study also linked seatbelt non-use to higher ED bills and economic costs.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Bridgewater State College students win national chemistry contest

The Bridgewater team created an interactive toy called 'The Green Machine' that teaches principles of green chemistry and reduces waste. The winning entry earned a $2,000 prize for purchasing a computer system and aims to interest young children in science and renewable energy.

Protein's role in hemoglobin gene silencing identified

The study found that the protein MBD2 mediates DNA methylation to silence specific genes. This could lead to more targeted approaches to reactivate genes and treat diseases such as sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, with less risk of unintended side effects.

Marketing products as remedies can promote risky behavior

A study found that marketing products as remedies can actually increase risky behavior among those who are most at risk. The authors argue that remedy messages can have a boomerang effect on the people they intend to help, creating a serious problem for individuals and society.

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.

Consumers don't always want bigger, better, more

Researchers find that regulatory focus influences consumer responses to brand comparisons. Promotion-focused individuals are more interested in brands advertised with maximal comparisons, while those focused on prevention prefer minimal comparisons. This study challenges the assumption that maximal comparisons are always more persuasiv...

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.

Bone and cartilage growth to blame for heart valve disease

A recent study by Northwestern researcher Nalini Rajamannan reveals that bone growth, rather than wear and tear, is the primary cause of heart valve disease. This active process can be treated with medications similar to those used for coronary artery disease, offering new options for prevention and treatment.

Building a hand-held lab-on-a-chip to simplify blood tests

A team of researchers has created a miniaturized blood-counting machine that can analyze blood samples using minute amounts, reducing the need for bulky equipment and large blood draws. The device will enable astronauts to perform simple blood tests on the moon and Mars, as well as improve neonatal care with infants.

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.

Older children not smarter than their younger sibs, study finds

A new study challenges the long-held assumption that older children are generally smarter than their younger siblings. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 3,000 families and found no link between birth order and intelligence when controlling for environmental factors.

'Dead zone' summer killed billions of ocean state mussels

Researchers found that a 'dead zone' summer in Narragansett Bay led to the death of approximately 4.5 billion mussels, with filtering capacity dropping by 75 percent within weeks. The loss of such a foundation species has lasting effects on the ecosystem.

$500,000 grant launches health literacy project to benefit older adults

A new Kent State group called the Center for Health Literacy aims to improve the health literacy of adults and families. The project will evaluate all aspects of the health information-seeking process and make recommendations to help health-related institutions craft more effective health information programs and services.

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.

Absence of wedding ring connected to parental neglect

A study by Dr. Harrell found that young attractive female caretakers without rings lost sight of children 19% of the time, and young attractive males lost sight 25% of the time. The research suggests that an absence of emotional commitment to marriage or family may lead to neglect.

Targeted drug delivery now possible with 'pHLIP' peptide

The pHLIP peptide accumulates in cell membranes at low pH and translocates molecules into cells without relying on traditional entry pathways. This technology has potential applications in imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases associated with acidic environments.

Why and when we lie

A study using social comparison theory found that individuals are more likely to lie to those they know, particularly when their public image is threatened. This behavior is driven by a desire to protect one's self-image and self-worth, rather than purely strategic reasons.

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.

Winners of nationwide student chemistry competition announced

The American Chemical Society has announced the winners of its nationwide student chemistry competition. The top prizes were awarded to Marissa Hohman, Jeanette Lawrence, and Andrew Gomez for their outstanding posters in grades K-2, 3-4, and 9-12, respectively.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Yale researchers find environmental toxins disruptive to hearing in mammals

Yale researchers found that environmental toxins like TBT can alter the balance of chloride ions in outer hair cells, causing profound changes in sound amplification in the inner ear. This study confirms that whales and other marine mammals exposed to TBT have altered hearing and may contribute to beaching incidents.

Waterproof superglue may be strongest in nature

Researchers have discovered a bacterial adhesive that is 70 newtons per square millimeter strong, comparable to the downward force exerted by three cars. This finding suggests that the substance may be the strongest glue in nature, surpassing common commercial glues.

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.

AIDS research agenda proposed

AIDS researchers propose a global research agenda to study the impact of large-scale social changes, such as climate change, wars, and economic disruptions, on HIV transmission. The agenda aims to facilitate cross-disciplinary studies and address emerging issues in HIV/AIDS social research.

Global warming capable of sparking mass species extinctions

A joint study largely confirms earlier predictions that global warming will lead to mass species extinctions, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. The research assesses the potential effects of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity on a global scale, revealing catastrophic species loss across the planet.

Uncovering sex-change secrets of black sea bass

New research uncovers factors triggering sex reversal in black sea bass, a key challenge for aquaculture. By studying hormones and enzymes, scientists aim to control sex change and improve breeding outcomes.

Malaria parasite impairs key immune system cells

The malaria parasite affects antigen-presenting dendritic cells in mice, reducing their ability to activate helper T cells and produce cytokines. This impairment leads to the failure of B-cell activation and antibody production, compromising the immune system's response to infection.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

White space is a recent social construction

The study refutes existing assumptions about inherent meaning in visuals, showing that creative directors and consumers share a similar understanding of white space. The researchers connect this to the minimalist movement and corporate art, highlighting the importance of socially agreed rules of language.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.