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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 29


Page 29 of 203

Measurements link magma melting rate to tectonic plate subduction rate

Geologists at the University of Illinois report a direct relationship between magma production and tectonic plate convergence rates in a Caribbean submarine volcano. Analyzing rock samples from Kick'em Jenny, they found a higher protactinium-to-uranium ratio indicative of slower melting rates due to slow subduction rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeology·DateNov 8, 2007

New insight into the link between genetics and obesity

Researchers have discovered that the FTO gene influences weight gain by modifying DNA, suggesting a role in controlling hunger and satiety. The study found that the FTO variant is common and associated with increased risk of obesity and diabetes, paving the way for potential therapeutic manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateNov 8, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sex, sugar and metabolic disease

A study reveals that excess sugar consumption decreases SHGB production in the liver, a protein regulating sex steroid entry into tissues. This reduction is associated with increased fat palmitate levels and inhibited by inhibiting palmitate generation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2007

Smile, protons, you're on camera

A team of scientists, led by Marek Pfutzner, has successfully peered closely at the radioactive decay of a rare iron isotope, shedding light on an exotic form of radioactivity. The technique used a novel combination of advanced physics equipment and digital camera technology to capture ghostly images of trajectories of emitted protons.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2007

Researchers discover natural herbicide released by grass

Cornell researchers identified a natural amino acid called meta-tyrosine in fescue lawn grass that inhibits weed growth and suppresses plant development. The discovery may lead to the development of new varieties of fescue grasses with improved weed-suppressing properties.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2007

Transient increase in cervical cancer risk in oral contraceptive users

Current oral contraceptive users have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, but this risk returns to normal after 10 years of not using the contraceptives. The study also found that women who test positive for high-risk human papillomavirus are more likely to develop in-situ or invasive cervical cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2007
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.

New HIV vaccine target could solve mutation problem

Researchers have identified a potential new way of fighting against HIV infection by targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERV). A vaccine containing HERV antigens could stimulate T-cells that target cells expressing HERV, potentially protecting people from becoming infected or limiting damage caused by HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 8, 2007

What do teens remember on Remembrance Day?

A study involving grade 12 students found that most teens associate Remembrance Day with World War I and II, but don't consider its relevance to contemporary events. However, the majority believe the day plays a significant role in shaping national identity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateNov 8, 2007

A new mathematical formula for cancer progression

Researchers at Harvard and Johns Hopkins Universities developed a new paradigm in calculating tumor development, finding that it's driven by mutations in hundreds of genes. The study suggests that individual tumors can be driven by up to 20 mutated genes, leading to better understanding and potential new treatments for cancer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 8, 2007
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.

Multifaceted approach helps mothers with postnatal depression in low-income settings

Researchers found that a multifaceted approach including psychoeducational groups and treatment adherence support led to significant clinical improvements in low-income mothers with postnatal depression. The study suggests that this intervention could be effectively implemented in developing countries, reducing the adverse effects of p...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2007

Mitochondria send death signal to cardiac cells, study shows

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that the mitochondria send a death signal to cardiac cells when blood flow is restored, leading to cell damage and weakening heart function. The study identifies a specific enzyme, mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase, as a potential therapeutic target to stop this process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateNov 8, 2007

Deep drilling for 'black smoker' clues

Researchers are exploring land-based 'black smoker' sites to gain insights into harnessing geothermal energy. The project, led by UC Davis, uses a deep drilling approach to study the interaction between hot rocks and fluids.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 7, 2007

Finding may eventually help tailor treatment for depression

A new genetic study from the University of Iowa found that women are more likely than men to have altered serotonin processes related to depression. The study, which analyzed data from 192 individuals, suggests that genetic variations may play a role in tailoring antidepressant treatment for individual responders.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateNov 7, 2007

Cocaine abuse blunts sensitivity to monetary reward

Researchers found that cocaine-addicted individuals have compromised sensitivity to monetary rewards, which may explain why they struggle to change their drug-taking behavior. The study suggests that this altered sensitivity to reward could be a key factor in the difficulty of modifying drug-taking behavior.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 7, 2007
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Mexico's expanded health insurance improves hypertension treatment

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that adults insured through Mexico's Seguro Popular program are more likely to receive antihypertensive treatment and have their blood pressure controlled than those without health insurance. Insured individuals had a 50% higher odds of receiving antihypertensive treatment, ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateNov 7, 2007

Comparative analyses of 12 fly genomes reveals new insights on genome evolution and regulation

The study of 12 Drosophila genomes provides novel insights into microRNA (miRNA) regulation, identifying 59 new miRNAs and revealing greater diversity in their role in gene expression. The analysis also reveals emergent gene function and post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, with potential applications in human disease research.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 7, 2007

Pollution from marine vessels linked to heart and lung disease

A study reveals that marine vessel pollution causes approximately 60,000 premature cardiopulmonary and lung cancer deaths worldwide each year. The report estimates that the number of annual deaths from ship emissions could increase by 40 percent by 2012, with coastal regions in Asia and Europe being the most affected.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 7, 2007

NIH awards Mayo Clinic $11M for kidney disease research

Mayo Clinic researchers will study renal vascular disease caused by atherosclerosis to find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition. The study aims to develop novel imaging tools to predict, detect, and evaluate the disease, with the goal of preventing renal deterioration.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

Cough medicine fights dyskinesias in Parkinson's

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered that a cough suppressant, dextromethorphan, reduces dyskinesias in rats. Additionally, a drug tested as a schizophrenia therapy, BMY-14802, has been shown to effectively curb the involuntary movements more so than dextromethorphan.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateNov 7, 2007

Scientists complete DNA sequencing and analysis of multiple fruit fly genomes

A large-scale comparative analysis of twelve fruit fly species reveals insights on gene evolution, functional elements, and a powerful approach to deciphering other genomes. The study identifies thousands of novel genes, evolutionary signatures, and systematically defines the functional parts of the fly genome.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007

Health toll of climate change seen as ethical crisis

A new study suggests that climate change will primarily impact the world's poor, who are least responsible for the problem, highlighting an ethical crisis. The research, led by Jonathan Patz, quantifies the relationship between carbon emissions and disease burden, revealing stark contrasts between developed and developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEcoHealth·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

New standard for environmentally friendly carpet

The new standard assesses environmental-friendliness of carpet through five categories: public health and environment, energy and energy efficiency, bio-based or recycled materials, manufacturing, and reclamation. It aims to encourage manufacturers to develop environmentally preferable processes, practices, power sources, and materials.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateNov 7, 2007

How the brain sends eyeballs bouncing

Researchers Robert Schafer and Tirin Moore studied how the frontal eye field generates saccades, finding that attentional circuitry governs motor circuitry. The study used eyetracking and microstimulation to analyze saccade patterns, revealing a mechanism for attention to modulate saccade motor commands.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

'Tweens' double use of diabetes drugs

Between 2002 and 2005, the number of children taking type-2 diabetes medications increased by 166% among girls aged 10-14. Obesity is a likely cause of this trend. Additionally, changes in prescribing behaviors and increased office visits are also possible explanations.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateNov 7, 2007

Massive project reveals shortcomings of modern genome analysis

The Drosophila 12 Genomes Consortium's massive collaboration has revealed considerable flaws in the way human genome biologists identify genes, showcasing the importance of comparing closely-related species. The study found over 1,193 new protein-coding genes and hundreds of new functional elements across 12 fruit fly genomes.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007

Exceptions prove rule of tropical importance in biodiversity

Scientists confirm tropical regions as key to global biodiversity, with a group of shellfish defying conventional patterns. Contrary to expectations, the Anomalodesmata group shows peak diversity in mid-latitudes, contradicting standard patterns.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

OHSU research suggests America may over-vaccinate

Researchers found that antibody responses to viruses like measles and mumps remain protective for several decades, even for life. This means people may not need booster shots as frequently as previously thought, potentially reducing unnecessary vaccinations.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2007

Obesity research boosted by watching hunger in the brain

A new imaging technique has enabled scientists to measure mouse satiety and hunger levels in the brain, offering a more objective understanding of why people become obese. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to observe neuronal activity in the hypothalamus area, revealing that certain neurons 'light up' when mice are hungry or full.

SourceImperial College London·DateNov 7, 2007

Engineered weathering process could mitigate global warming

Researchers invent technology to accelerate Earth's own solution to greenhouse gas accumulation by removing CO2 from the atmosphere and transferring it to the ocean. The engineered weathering process can safely and permanently remove excess CO2 in a matter of decades, mitigating global warming.

SourceHarvard University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

Higher levels of pollutants found in fish caught near a coal-fired power plant

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found higher-than-acceptable levels of mercury and selenium in channel catfish from areas near a coal-fired power plant. Ingesting these fish can increase the risk of neurological disorders, birth defects, and developmental problems.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateNov 7, 2007

Brains of term infants with heart disease resemble those of preemies

A study found that the brains of term infants with congenital heart disease are more similar to those of premature newborns than normal term infants, indicating impaired brain development before birth. The research suggests abnormal fetal circulation and lower oxygen levels may contribute to these impairments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2007

Exercise helps repair muscle damage in heart failure patients

Two studies found that exercise training increases the growth of new muscle cells and blood vessels in weakened muscles of people with heart failure. The studies showed significant improvements in muscle cell regeneration and vasculogenesis, leading to better health status and increased exercise capacity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 7, 2007

New research to help fight widespread potato disease

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that inactivating a specific gene in Erwinia carotovora bacteria severely impedes its ability to cause blackleg and soft rot in potatoes. This finding has significant implications for developing new anti-rot agents and pesticides.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

Scientists enhance Mother Nature's carbon handling mechanism

Researchers developed a method to accelerate removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in oceans for centuries, mimicking nature's natural weathering process. This new technology may counteract acidification of oceans threatening coral reefs and provide a feasible solution for reducing global warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

Progress toward new therapies for coronary artery disease

Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research have discovered that stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for coronary vasculature formation. The study provides a new avenue for developing therapies for coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of mortality in Western countries.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2007

Indiana University research at Neuroscience 2007

Researchers at Indiana University found that women's brains respond differently to male faces depending on the menstrual cycle stage. During ovulation, their brains show more activity in areas related to rewards and less activity in areas associated with inhibition. Additionally, training has been shown to improve balance in older adul...

SourceIndiana University·DateNov 7, 2007

The release of new data from the HVTN 502 HIV vaccine study

The new analyses revealed that the vaccine showed no measurable efficacy, and among individuals with background immunity to the adenovirus vector, there were more HIV infections in the vaccinees as compared to those in the placebo group. The STEP data will continue to be analyzed to better understand these results.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateNov 7, 2007

Brown biologists assemble fly mtDNA for landmark genome project

The study provides unprecedented insights into the genetic diversity of fruit flies, enabling scientists to compare related species and track ancestry. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA sequences from 12 species, researchers have discovered highly conserved genes and rapid-evolving genes, shedding light on evolutionary adaptations.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007
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.

When to have a child? A new approach to the decision

Researchers developed a logical decision model to help women weigh the benefits of motherhood against its effects on career and social interests. The model suggests that having a child at a younger age may be better for women in their early careers, as taking a maternity leave has less impact on future career prospects.

SourceDuke University·JournalDecision Analysis·DateNov 7, 2007

'Hot spots' the key to controlling European carp in Australia

Researchers have identified 20 major European carp breeding hot spots in Australia's Murray Darling Basin, which could be targeted for control measures to reduce carp numbers in regional waterways. The study found that heavy rain and floods enable the carp to disperse their larvae, supporting the larval drift theory.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·DateNov 7, 2007

Energy from hot rocks

Researchers from UC Davis and international partners aim to unlock geothermal energy potential in Iceland and the US. By studying high-pressure conditions and heat transfer processes, they hope to develop more efficient methods for extracting heat from rocks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 7, 2007
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Scientists compare 12 fruit fly genomes

A global research consortium sequenced 12 closely related fruit fly species, revealing thousands of novel genes and functional elements. The study highlights how evolution has shaped the fruit fly genomes, shedding light on fundamental biological processes.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007

University of Iowa team discovers first moisture-sensing genes

The University of Iowa team identified two key genes involved in moisture sensing, allowing fruit flies to detect subtle changes in humidity. This discovery provides crucial insights into the mechanisms of hygrosensation and its potential applications in understanding sensory processes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2007