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Science News Archive April 2007


Page 10 of 17

Argonne helps improve air quality for 2008 Beijing Olympics

The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed emission control strategies to meet air quality goals for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The modeling study, funded by the EPA, suggests that regional pollutants and ozone build up over several days due to meteorology and topography.

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.

Diffraction and scattering -- the solution to what's in solution

X-ray scattering techniques have been successfully applied to determine how dissolved metal ions interact in solution, revealing their structures and long-range interactions. This research helps understand how metal ions behave in the environment and has implications for predicting reactions to metal contaminants.

CO2 storage in coal can be predicted better

Dutch researcher Saikat Mazumder developed a method to estimate CO2 storage in coal using CT scans, improving understanding of crack patterns and gas absorption. Coal was found suitable for filtering out carbon dioxide from waste gases and storing it.

Fertilizers help Zimbabwean farmers to increase crop yields

Zimbabwean smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions face food shortages due to limited fertilizer use. Research by Bongani Ncube found that nitrogen availability is the key factor improving cereal yields. Crop rotation also showed promise, with leguminous crops doubling sorghum yields.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reliable cup of coffee

Researchers have developed a new method for testing the reliability of tests, improving the accuracy of risk estimates and enabling better product quality control. The new approach takes into account the severity of errors, providing a more realistic measure of reliability.

New study examines effectiveness of military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy

A new study published in Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal finds that homosexuals are no more disruptive to military life than their heterosexual counterparts. The study, led by Dr. Debbie Knapp, challenges the U.S. military's reasoning behind discharging gay soldiers under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

Childhood obesity among Quebec Cree raises concerns

Up to 65% of Quebec Cree preschoolers are overweight or obese, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health. High waist circumferences and low physical fitness levels were also found among elementary school students.

New class of HIV drug attacks previously untargeted enzyme

A new class of anti-HIV drugs has proven effective in a clinical trial by inhibiting the integrase enzyme, leading to a significant drop in HIV RNA levels and an increase in CD4 cells. The study suggests that this drug could become an important component of combination treatment regimens for heavily pretreated patients.

LSU professors monkey around with the Rhesus Macaque genome

The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the rhesus macaque genome, shedding light on the evolutionary relationship between humans and chimps. The findings also reveal the significance of mobile elements in shaping genomes and their impact on diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

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.

Quantum dot lasers -- 1 dot makes all the difference

Researchers have built micrometer-sized solid-state lasers where a single quantum dot plays a dominant role in device performance. Correctly tuned, these microlasers switch on at energies in the sub-microwatt range, enabling highly efficient optical devices for telecommunications and computing.

Low education predicts lower quality of life for prostate cancer patients

Men with lower educational levels experience a significant drop in quality of life after prostate cancer treatment compared to those with more education. The study controlled for various factors, including income and healthcare access, to show that low education alone is associated with lower quality of life.

Lip-read me now, hear me better later

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that individuals who lip-read a speaker's face are better at identifying words in noisy sentences when they hear the same speaker again. This suggests that watching a person speak can create a familiar pattern of speech characteristics, making it easier to recognize and hear them later.

Rhesus macaque genome may hold clues for human health and evolution

The draft sequence of the rhesus macaque genome will enable researchers to study disease progression at the genetic level, providing insights into human health and evolution. The findings also reveal unique aspects of the macaque's immune system response and genome organization.

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.

Link found between immune system and high plasma lipid levels

The study found an unexpected link between the immune system and elevated lipids in mice, suggesting a potential new avenue for studying coronary heart disease. The researchers discovered that altering T cell expression levels significantly impacted cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Cluster sees tsunamis in space

The Cluster constellation provides new insights into 'space tsunamis' disrupting aurora displays. Substorms, three-dimensional physical phenomena, affect GPS signals and are studied using data from multiple satellites.

Soft tissue taken from Tyrannosaurus rex fossil yields original protein

A team of scientists led by Dr. Mary Schweitzer confirmed the presence of original protein fragments in soft tissue from a 68 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil. The discovery uses mass spectrometry to analyze ancient proteins, providing new insights into fossil preservation and potential medical applications.

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.

Quantum secrets of photosynthesis revealed

A study by Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley reveals that quantum mechanical effects enable nearly instantaneous energy transfer in photosynthesis. Quantum beats, coherent electronic oscillations, play a crucial role in the process.

Aggie physicists unite with Ivy League to develop anthrax detection method

Researchers create femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques via CARS (FAST-CARS) to detect anthrax spores, using ultrashort pulses to minimize background noise. The technique can identify bacterial endospores in real-time, with potential applications in monitoring glucose levels and scanning the atmosphere.

Technology reveals 'lock and key' proteins behind diseases

Researchers at University of Toronto developed a device to test for proteins involved in human health and disease, revealing potential targets for pharmaceutical applications. The study identified six new protein interactors that regulate ABC transporter function, providing insights into diseases like cystic fibrosis and drug resistance.

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.

OHSU Cancer Institute, 1 of largest in GIST study and Gleevec

Researchers found that patients who received Gleevec after surgery were significantly less likely to have cancer recurrence compared to those who didn't receive it. The study showed a 97% survival rate for patients on Gleevec, with only mild side effects reported.

Mass weddings -- NIST's new efficient 2-photon source

Physicists at NIST have devised a system to generate paired photons with great efficiency over a wide range of energy, reducing noise from extraneous photons. The new microstructured optical fiber increases light intensity, making pair production more likely.

UCLA study finds severe shortage of Latino dentists

A UCLA study found a nearly 80% decline in the number of Latino graduates from dental schools between 1982 and 1999, despite a 42.7% increase in the Latino population. This shortage will result in fewer dentists serving Spanish-speaking populations, with limited ability to bridge language gaps.

Inaugural award honors collaborative team science

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded its inaugural Team Science Award to a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital. The award recognizes their groundbreaking discovery of gene fusions in prostate cancer, which has significan...

Treasure trove of fossils found in Kendall County cave

A fossil trove discovered in a Kendall County cave may rewrite the region's geological history. The site preserves nearly-pristine plant spores, leaves, and scorpion parts, including needles from conifers dated to be the oldest ever found in North America.

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.

Learning visual prosthesis at the Hanover Fair

Researchers at Bonn University have developed a software system called the Retina Encoder, which helps the brain interpret signals from retinal implants. The system learns to translate camera signals into a language that the brain understands, allowing blind subjects to perceive contours and orientation.

Major genetic study identifies clearest link yet to obesity risk

Scientists have identified a strong association between an increase in BMI and a variation of the FTO gene, which carries a 70% higher risk of obesity. The study found that people with two copies of the FTO allele are on average 3kg heavier than those with no copies.

U of M study shows physical activity reduces risk of hypertension in young adults

A new University of Minnesota study reveals that young adults who engage in regular physical activity have a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure within 15 years. The research found that participants who exercised five times a week and expended 300 calories per session experienced a significant reduction in hypertension risk.

Bacteria control how infectious they become, study finds

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that bacteria can turn genes on or off to control their infectiousness. The proteins NusG and RfaH play a crucial role in this process, with NusG regulating nearly all gene expression in bacteria and RfaH controlling specific sequences of the genome during transcription.

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.

Macaque genome analysis will help find human disease genes

Researchers analyzed the macaque genome to identify genes that have evolved in humans compared to other primates, finding significant changes in hair and immune system genes. The study also identified genetic variations on the X chromosome, providing insights into human evolution and disease gene identification.

JRRD news tips -- Wheelchairs, lower limb prosthesis, TBI and more

Research reveals that athletes with acute lateral ankle sprains have significantly weaker balance ability when their eyes are closed. Wheelchair provision varies by demographic characteristics, with disparities found in the standard of care within the Veterans Health Administration. Near-infrared spectroscopy measures cerebral oxygenat...

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.

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.

Bovine tuberculosis could spread by human-human contact

A cluster of six cases in central England suggests that human-to-human transmission can occur through social links and shared environments. Genetic fingerprinting identified the source case, which was linked to unpasteurized milk consumption, emphasizing the importance of disease prevention measures.

School bullying affects majority of elementary students

A simple questionnaire identified bullying behaviors in most elementary students, highlighting the need for early intervention and education. The study suggests that promoting positive peer pressure and attitude change can be effective in reducing bullying.

Protein fragments sequenced in 68 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex

Researchers have successfully sequenced tiny pieces of collagen protein from a 68 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, closely matching amino acid sequences found in present-day chickens. The findings support the long-debated proposal that birds and dinosaurs are evolutionarily related.

Medical students should be taught about rape

A recent report highlights the need for medical professionals to be trained in managing rape and sexual assault cases, particularly in the UK. The editorial argues that teaching future doctors about this topic could improve victim responses and increase convictions.

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.

Chandra sees remarkable eclipse of black hole

Scientists confirm size of hot gas disk around supermassive black hole, measuring its size as seven times the distance between Earth and Sun. The disk is found to be 10 times smaller than predicted event horizon, consistent with theoretical predictions.

International Best Cases Competition returns to Vancouver

The Franz Edelman Award recognizes outstanding operations research-based projects that have transformed companies, industries, and lives. This year's competition features five finalists from major organizations, including Coca-Cola Enterprises, U.S. Coast Guard, Hewlett-Packard, Chrysler Group, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Electrons caught in the act of tunneling

Researchers have successfully observed electrons tunnelling through the binding potential of an atom nucleus under the influence of laser light. This breakthrough allows scientists to study electron movement in real-time and has implications for microelectronics and radiation therapy.

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.

Global burden of childhood deafness overlooked

A recent analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS) and subsequent Global Burden of Disease Initiative (GBDI) reveals that childhood deafness is overlooked in disease control priorities. An estimated 718,000 infants worldwide suffer from permanent bilateral hearing impairment annually.

JCI table of contents: April 12, 2007

A study found that inhibiting the protein ATM can kill cancer cells with dysfunctional DNA repair pathways, offering hope for a new treatment. Additionally, researchers discovered that inhibiting the protein CaMKII can drive leukemic cells to mature and die, providing an alternative strategy for treating acute promyleocytic leukemia.

Gene that governs toxin production in deadly mold found

Scientists have identified a key gene, LaeA, that governs the mold's ability to produce toxic compounds. The discovery opens new avenues for treating Aspergillus fumigatus infection, which has a 60-90% mortality rate in immunocompromised individuals.

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.

3-D solar cells boost efficiency while reducing size, weight and complexity

Researchers have developed unique three-dimensional solar cells that capture nearly all of the light that strikes them, increasing efficiency and reducing size, weight and mechanical complexity. The new cells could also enable improvements in photovoltaic coating materials and change the way solar cells are designed.