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Science News Archive 2006


Page 174 of 178

The secret life of algae

Researchers found that algae need vitamin B12 from bacteria due to an alternative metabolic process. This discovery highlights the importance of symbiotic relationships in maintaining ecosystem balance, with implications for global health and biodiversity.

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.

The giant protein titin helps build muscles

Scientists at EMBL and King's College discovered a unique connection between titin proteins that may help assemble muscle tissue. The study used advanced microscope techniques to watch molecules link together in live cells, revealing a new mechanism for sarcomere formation.

Protein finding could lead to treatment for inflammatory diseases

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a protein, MC160, that inhibits inflammatory responses by degrading a subunit of the immune system's IKK complex. This finding offers hope for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineers create mathematical method to design better robots, structures

A mechanical engineer at Purdue University and a civil engineer at Tel Aviv University have created new theorems that improve structure and machine design by combining kinematics and statics. This knowledge enables engineers to create safer structures and machines with better stability, potentially at lower cost.

The forgotten methane source

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics found that living plants emit significantly more methane than dead plant material, and this process is not hindered by oxygen. The discovery suggests that about 10-30% of global annual methane production comes from plants, with tropical regions being the largest contributors.

How elasticity affects the market for illegal goods

The elasticity of demand is key to understanding the effects of punishment on suppliers, who pass costs to consumers, leading to lower consumption when demand is elastic. In contrast, excise taxes and persuasive techniques are more effective in reducing illegal drug spending.

'Darwinian debt' may explain why fish stocks don't recover

Researchers propose 'Darwinian debt' as a key factor in fish stock depletion, suggesting that species' inability to adapt to changing environmental conditions leads to population decline. This concept challenges traditional views on conservation and management strategies for marine ecosystems.

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.

MRIs better at diagnosing needs for 'bionic ear' implants

Researchers at UT Southwestern found that MRI offers more detailed views and specific information on cochlear implants than CT scans. This enables surgeons to determine the best surgical technique, electrode arrays, and ear placement for each patient.

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.

PNNL unveils GridWise(TM) initiative to test new electric grid technologies

The GridWise Demonstration project tests new electric grid technologies that enable consumers to make informed decisions about their energy use. Researchers will analyze how customers react to real-time pricing information and smart appliances, aiming to reduce power demand during peak hours and prevent widespread outages.

First demonstration of 'teaching' in non-human animals

Researchers at University of Bristol observed ants using 'tandem running' to teach each other routes, a behavior that meets the criteria for formal teaching. This discovery suggests that information value rather than brain size may drive the evolution of teaching in animals.

Why the brain has 'gray matter'

Researchers propose that brain regions like cerebral cortex and spinal cord are designed with low conduction delays in mind, allowing for efficient signal transmission. The study provides a mathematical framework for understanding the segregation of gray and white matter in the brain.

APS Physics Tip Sheet #59

Researchers have successfully detected neutrons with energies typical of fusion reactions in a sonofusion experiment, eliminating earlier concerns about data accuracy. Meanwhile, water molecules have been found to form long, squirming filaments through electronic bonds, providing a clearer picture of their interactions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New insights into neural tube defects

A study published in Nature reveals that a molecular mechanism directs cells to migrate to the correct location within the developing neural tube of vertebrates. The research, conducted by Mount Sinai School of Medicine, identifies specific molecules involved in restoring polarity and guiding cell migration.

Memory design breakthrough can lead to faster computers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new type of magnetic memory cell that can store large amounts of information in a densely packed area. The cells, made up of tiny cobalt or nickel rings, are immune to stray magnetic fields and can be controlled on-demand.

Climate change drives widespread amphibian extinctions

A recent study published in Nature reveals that climate-driven fungal disease is a major contributor to the decline of amphibian populations worldwide. The research found that warmer temperatures favor the growth and reproduction of a deadly skin fungus, which kills frogs mostly in cool highlands or during winter.

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.

UCLA scientists uncover mechanism of response to targeted therapy

Researchers found that human kidney cancer cells lacking the tumor suppressor gene Von Hippel Lindau were more sensitive to CCI-779 due to high levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). The study identified a test to predict which patients will benefit from receiving CCI-779, potentially helping 20,000 kidney cancer patients annually.

Common enzyme is a key player in DNA repair

DinB DNA polymerase is specialized for proficiently replicating damaged G nucleotides, allowing cells to tolerate DNA damage and preventing cancer. The enzyme's unique ability is essential for survival, as mutations can render it inactive.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Report highlights DOE Joint Genome Institute achievements

The DOE Joint Genome Institute has made groundbreaking discoveries in genomics, including the sequencing of poplar trees, diatoms, and sulfate-reducing bacteria. These findings have far-reaching implications for clean energy, environmental remediation, and carbon management.

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.

Barrow researcher receives $965,000 grant to study nicotine and smoking cessation

A Barrow researcher has received a $965,000 grant to investigate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain's pleasure-reward centers. The research aims to develop novel drug treatments for nicotine dependence, building on previous findings that an anti-depressant medication, bupropion, mimics nicotine's effects at these receptors.

Astronomers shed surprising light on our galaxy's black hole

Researchers have observed that less energetic infrared flares coincide with more energetic X-ray and submillimeter flares, suggesting accelerated particles give rise to emission. The study also found that flare activity is driven by the infrared wavelength, with 40% of observations detected in this range.

Insects and mammals share common fat-building pathway, study suggests

A study found that the Hh pathway in insects determines whether adult stem cells are fated for fat or bone, with implications for treating osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity. The researchers also discovered that drugs targeting this pathway could potentially build stronger bones while reducing fat.

U of S researchers develop new vaccine candidate against hepatitis C

U.S. researchers have developed a new vaccine candidate against hepatitis C using dendritic cells, which reduced the amount of carrier virus expressing HCV protein in mice by 100,000 times compared to controls. The study's findings offer a promising approach to prevent liver disease and eliminate the virus from the body.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

ICS most effective for persistent asthma in children

A recent study found that ICS (fluticasone propionate) was more effective than LTRA (montelukast) in improving asthma control in children with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. The study showed significant improvements in asthma control days, pulmonary responses, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Brain plays key role in diabetes therapy

Researchers found that therapies targeting brain insulin receptors can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin dose requirements. Gene therapy interventions also increased the animals' response to insulin therapy about 2-fold.

MIT: Spinning black hole leaves dent in space-time

Researchers have discovered a remarkably stable indentation in the fabric of space and time, created by the spin of a black hole. The finding is based on identical patterns observed in X-ray light emitted near the black hole nine years apart, using NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer.

Obesity in middle age raises heart disease, diabetes risk in older age

A Northwestern University study found that middle-aged individuals with higher body mass indexes had significantly higher risks of hospitalizations for and deaths from heart disease and diabetes in older age. Having a normal BMI in young adulthood and middle age confers significant health benefits.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Mapping Orion's winds

Astronomers have mapped the outflow from two regions of star formation in the Orion Nebula, providing new insights into the process of star creation. The study used Hubble Space Telescope data to track shock waves and determine the duration of stellar winds, shedding light on how these winds shape the surrounding clouds.

Astronomers report mysterious giant star clusters

Researchers discovered young super nebulae around giant star clusters, containing up to a million young stars, and emitting radiant power billions of times that of the sun. The discovery raises questions about why Milky Way no longer forms similar clusters after 10 billion years.

Report shows deforestation threatens Brazil's Pantanal

The Paraguay River Basin, home to the Pantanal wetlands, faces critical threats from agriculture, cattle grazing, and coal mining. Deforestation has already destroyed almost 45% of the original vegetation, with some areas losing over 90%. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the region's biodiversity and ecosystems.

Hedgehog protein blocks fat production, produces more bone

UT Southwestern researchers found that activating hedgehog signaling pathway blocks fat formation in mammals, while inhibiting it stimulates fat cell creation. The study opens avenues for potential therapy in humans for obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.

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.

Mental stress may lead to heart disease

A new study published in Psychophysiology found that mental stress increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. The research used fMRI to correlate changes in brain activity with blood pressure during stress, providing new insights into the physiological effects of mental stress.

Oncogenic role for Bcl-3

Bcl-3 is activated by DNA damage and required for p53 control of Hdm2 gene expression. Constitutive Bcl-3 expression subverts normal p53 regulation, leading to oncogenic potential.

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.

El Nino events affect whale breeding

A study by British Antarctic Survey found a six-year time lag between sea temperature changes and whale breeding success. Sea surface temperatures in the Southern Ocean have increased by 1°C over the past 50 years, posing a threat to southern right whales' recovery.

Taking a taxi could increase your exposure to pollution

A new study by Imperial College London found that taking a taxi can expose individuals to high levels of ultrafine particles, even when sitting in the vehicle. The study used a visualisation system to measure exposure levels across different modes of transport, revealing that walking results in the lowest exposure.

Monster black holes grow after galactic mergers

Two new studies using Hubble Ultra Deep Field data show a link between galaxy assembly and supermassive black hole growth. Tadpole galaxies, with bright knots and tails caused by mergers, suggest that black holes are enshrouded in dust, making them invisible during the merging process.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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New insights into massive black hole: UCLA astronomy

A team of researchers from UCLA has discovered a group of over 30 young stars near a supermassive black hole, contradicting the idea that such an environment should prevent star formation. The stars' orbits suggest they formed in a massive star cluster and migrated towards the black hole.