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Science News Archive April 2007


Page 4 of 17

Carnegie Mellon unveils Internet-controlled robots anyone can build

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed the TeRK robot kit, allowing users to build sophisticated internet-connected robots using off-the-shelf parts. The kits feature a Qwerk controller and recipes that enable customization and extension, making highly capable robots accessible to a wide range of users.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How is the digitization of information impacting across the health service?

A survey of 200 patients and healthcare professionals found that digitization can empower users and improve efficiency, but also undermines worker pride if not designed with established practices in mind. The study highlights the need for attention to areas such as technology design, user trust, and preserving workers' knowledge.

Water flows like molasses on the nanoscale

A Georgia Tech research team discovered that water exhibits layered properties when confined to channels less than two nanometers wide. The study found that the viscosity of water increases dramatically as it approaches one nanometer in thickness, potentially making it a more suitable lubricant for applications.

Physician ties to drug industry stronger than ever

A study found that virtually all practicing physicians in the US have relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often through food or prescription samples. The extent and nature of these relationships vary by practice type, specialty, and patient mix.

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.

Research group gets $7 million to pursue new antibiotic agents

A research team from the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin aims to discover, engineer and produce promising phosphonate-based antibiotics. The project seeks alternatives to standard antibiotics due to growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

Morphine makes lasting -- and surprising -- change in the brain

New research reveals morphine makes lasting changes in the brain by blocking a key mechanism for memory making, suggesting addiction is a disease of learning and memory. The findings may help explain how addictive drugs affect the brain and support a new theory of addiction.

MicroRNAs can be tumor suppressors

Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered microRNAs can suppress HMGA2 overexpression, a key feature of many tumors. This finding suggests microRNAs may have a role in preventing or curing diet-induced obesity-related diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists unravel clue in cortisol production

Researchers found that cortisol production is cyclic in nature, involving rhythmic binding and unbinding of a protein essential to its production. This process starts with a signal from the hypothalamus, causing adrenal cells to increase cAMP production.

Towards rational vaccine design

A study published in Immunology Letters describes new ways of inducing immune responses through selective B cell priming, suggesting a potential approach to rational vaccine design. This discovery could have significant practical implications for vaccination development.

Corn, oats, cherries and red wine's high melatonin content can help delay aging

A study by the Spanish Ageing Research Network found that melatonin, naturally present in food sources like corn, oats, and cherries, delays oxidative damage and inflammatory processes typical of old age. Daily melatonin intake could prevent or delay illnesses related to aging, such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.

Moonlighting enzyme linked to neurodegenerative disease

Researchers identify mutations in moonlighting enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) that contribute to the reduction of frataxin production, leading to increased severity of Friedreich's ataxia. The study suggests DLD as a potential target for therapies of this condition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

You don't have to be smart to be rich, study finds

A nationwide study by Ohio State University's Jay Zagorsky found that people with below-average intelligence are just as wealthy as those with higher IQ scores. However, high-IQ individuals tend to earn higher incomes but struggle with financial difficulties such as maxed-out credit cards and missed bill payments.

Sea snails break the law

Scientists have found that a group of sea snails can regain the lost larval stage, breaking Dollo's Law. This discovery suggests that animals may carry the potential for evolutionary change around with them.

Stretching DNA to the limit

A Duke University team develops a method to measure DNA mechanical properties upon irradiation, revealing unraveling of the double helix and crosslinking of bases. This work establishes a relationship between DNA nanomechanics and damage, paving the way for DNA diagnostics.

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.

Ultrasound upgrade produces images that work like 3-D movies

Researchers at Duke University have developed an ultrasound imaging software that enables the display of real-time stereo image pairs, improving early diagnosis of birth defects and surgeons' depth perception during medical procedures. The technology has potential to be upgraded in existing 3D scanners with minor software changes.

Revamped experiment could detect elusive particle, physicists say

Physicists at the University of Florida propose a redesign to improve the detection of axions, a candidate for dark matter. The new design uses Fabry-Perot cavities to produce more photons, increasing the experiment's sensitivity by a factor of 10 compared to solar-based experiments.

U of M professor awarded the Gold Medal Award 2007

Eli Coleman, a University of Minnesota professor and director of the Program in Human Sexuality, received the Gold Medal Award 2007 from the World Association for Sexual Health. He has published extensively on topics like sexual orientation and compulsive sexual behavior.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

High insulin levels impair intestinal metabolic function

Researchers at the University of Alberta found a connection between high insulin levels and impaired intestinal lipid metabolism in an animal model, supporting the role of intestinal metabolic dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Excessive insulin slows chylomicron removal from the bloodstream, leading to blockages and heart problems.

FDA causes unnecessary scare about common painkillers

The FDA has added 'black box' warnings to all prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, despite evidence showing naproxen is safe. This decision ignores the risk differences between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with Voltaren carrying the highest risk of heart attack.

Turtles are loyal in feeding as well as in breeding

Marine turtles migrate hundreds of miles to foraging sites, equally loyal as nesting sites, according to University of Exeter research. The study tracked twenty green and loggerhead turtles, finding they return to same feeding grounds up to five years later.

Richard Lifton awarded at WCN 2007

Richard Lifton was honored with the prestigious Alfred Newton Richards Award at the WCN 2007, recognized for his outstanding basic research in nephrology. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of renal and cardiovascular disease.

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.

Eduardo Slatopolsky honored with 2007 ISN Amgen International Prize

Eduardo Slatopolsky has been recognized for his pioneering experimental research in mineral metabolism, leading to improved treatment of patients with renal failure worldwide. He was awarded the ISN Amgen International Prize for Therapeutic Advancement in Nephrology in 2007.

UD receives $1.9 million for new spintronics center

The University of Delaware has been awarded a $1.9 million grant to establish a Center for Spintronics and Biodetection, which aims to harness the magnetic properties of electrons to encode and process data. The center will focus on developing highly sensitive sensors that can detect tiny magnetic fields generated by nanoparticles.

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.

Hot flashes -- Studies explore the role of genes, obesity and alcohol

Researchers found genetic polymorphisms associated with hormone levels, including lower progesterone levels and increased testosterone, linked to hotter flashes. Obesity was also linked to higher testosterone and lower estrogen levels, while moderate alcohol consumption reduced hot flash severity in some women.

Good news for rural stroke patients -- telephone treatment works

Research found telephone-guided treatment with clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to be safe and effective for rural stroke patients. The study, the largest of its kind, showed improved outcomes compared to a large national study published in 1995.

New model describes avalanche behavior of superfluid helium

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model that explains the avalanche-like behavior of superfluid helium. The model balances interaction and disorder, revealing a high-temperature synchronous regime and a low-temperature asynchronous regime.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

HIV infection appears to increases the risk of heart attack

Researchers found HIV-infected patients had a higher incidence of heart attacks and major cardiovascular risk factors compared to noninfected patients. The study's findings indicate that HIV-infected individuals should be assessed for cardiovascular risks and that strategies to modify those risks are urgently needed.

Stem cell identity in culture may strongly depend on the cellular microenvironment

A recent study found that stem cell identity in culture is highly dependent on the surrounding environment, challenging traditional views of differentiation. Researchers suggest that this context-dependent approach could lead to more efficient stem cell culture methods and potentially even develop stem cells from differentiated cells.

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.

PFOA and PFOS detected in newborns

Researchers detected PFOA and PFOS in nearly all newborn umbilical cord blood samples, with concentrations lower than those found in adults. The study suggests a strong association between the two compounds, despite their different industrial sources.

The power of speaking ladylike

A new study by Dr. Carmelia Suleiman explores the role of gender in media interviews with politicians Bill and Hillary Clinton. Researchers found that language choices and habits in conversation were influenced more by the interviewers' perspectives than the interviewees' genders.

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.

Pharmacists' workload contributes to errors

A new study by University of Arizona College of Pharmacy researchers found that pharmacists' workloads increase the potential for medication errors. The study analyzed data from 672 pharmacies and found that each additional prescription filled per hour increased the risk of dispensing potentially harmful combinations of medications.

Key found to kill cystic fibrosis superbug

Researchers have discovered a weakness in the armour that protects B. cenocepacia from antibiotics, identifying a key sugar required for its protection. This finding may lead to novel molecules to disrupt its synthesis and develop new treatments.

Sleep strengthens your memory

Research found that sleep strengthens memory by protecting and consolidating information, leading to improved recall rates compared to wakefulness without interference. Sleep also helped individuals handle competing information more effectively.

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.

Stanford scientists make major breakthrough in regenerative medicine

Researchers identified a regenerative process in the sea squirt that could be applied to humans, allowing damaged organs to repair themselves. This breakthrough has major implications for regenerative medicine, potentially treating conditions such as missing limbs and scarred hearts.

Study of planarians offers insight into germ cell development

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has made significant discoveries about germ cell development in planarians, a tiny flatworm species. They found that planarians express a key gene, nanos, which plays a critical role in germ cell formation and maintenance, similar to mammals.

Discovery of new family of pseudo-metallic chemicals

A new discovery by a University of Missouri-Columbia research team allows scientists to manipulate molecules to give them metal-like properties, creating a new pseudo-element. This 'pseudo-metal' can be adjusted for various uses and may change the way scientists think about attacking disease or building electronics.

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.

Exercise may lower risk for Parkinson's disease

Research found that individuals with moderate to vigorous exercise levels were 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those with low activity levels. The study of over 143,000 people suggested a potential benefit of regular physical activity in reducing the risk of this debilitating condition.

Adjustable chairs reduce shoulder and neck pain in garment workers

A new study found that adjustable-height chairs with ergonomically curved seats can significantly reduce neck and shoulder pain in garment workers. The custom-designed chair, tested in a four-month trial, provided more benefit than traditional flat-seat pan chairs, particularly for thin workers and those with high hand-arm workloads.

FSU researcher's award will fund study into cardiovascular grafts

FSU researcher Feng Zhao will receive a $450,000 fellowship award to develop methods for regenerating blood vessels damaged by secondhand tobacco smoke. She aims to construct small-diameter blood vessels that mimic the elasticity of living tissue, which could help thousands of patients undergoing bypass surgery.

Obesity may be associated with disability in workers, elderly

Studies show obese workers are more likely to file workers' compensation claims for injuries on the job. Older Americans with a BMI of 25-30 have a higher risk of disability but lower risk of death compared to those within the recommended weight range.

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.