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Science News Archive August 2007


Page 1 of 17

The 5 Ws of corn production

A study funded by Cargill Crop Nutrition found that varying nitrogen application rates can increase corn yield with similar or higher nitrogen rates, but may not improve grain quality. Researchers also discovered that one hybrid performed better than the other under both uniform and varied nitrogen applications.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 31, 2007

Children stressed 6 months before starting school

Research reveals that children's cortisol levels are already high several months before the start of school term, suggesting an early anticipation of stress. Children with more extroverted personalities tend to experience higher stress levels and may benefit from support for parents' anxiety about school transition.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 31, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Digital dandelions

Computer scientists at UC San Diego create a new algorithm to generate annotated Internet router graphs, mimicking key features of the Internet. The technique allows researchers to experiment with different network topologies and test the sensitivity of various techniques.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 31, 2007

Population movements and money remittances spur forest regrowth

A recent study documents significant increases in El Salvador's wooded areas since the 1990s, driven by population movements and remittances. The research found that households receiving foreign funds felt less need to maintain existing fields, resulting in reduced land clearing and forest regrowth.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateAug 31, 2007
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.

Girls who begin dieting twice as likely to start smoking

A University of Florida study found that teenage girls who start dieting are twice as likely to begin smoking. Researchers analyzed the dieting and smoking practices of 8,000 adolescents and discovered that consistent dieters were more likely to smoke.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateAug 31, 2007

SMART-1: Europe on the Moon, 1 year on

SMART-1 has mapped the polar regions, surveyed lunar resources, and investigated potential landing sites. The mission has provided clues on the dynamics of ejecta after impact and laboratory experiments have modeled impacts.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·DateAug 31, 2007

Poor indoor air quality means poorer health for patients with COPD

Researchers found that indoor concentrations of particulate pollution frequently exceeded standards for outdoor air, with high levels recorded in homes of patients with COPD. The study highlights the need for further research into the impact of indoor air quality on adults with COPD.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 31, 2007

New technique detects specific chromosomal damage, may indicate lung cancer risk

Researchers developed a new technique that can detect specific chromosomal damage associated with lung cancer, which may indicate an increased risk. The study found significant differences in chromosomal abnormalities between never-smokers and high-risk smokers and patients with lung cancer.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 31, 2007
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.

Accuracy of us cancer surveillance under threat

A report reveals a significant decline in US Veteran Affairs (VA) reporting of new cancer cases to California registries, starting from 2004. This omission could introduce 'uncorrectable bias' in epidemiological studies and hamper efforts to identify quality-of-care issues for VA patients with cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 31, 2007

One-fourth of HIV patients believe their doctors stigmatize them

A new UCLA study found that up to one-fourth of HIV-positive patients in Los Angeles reported feeling stigmatized by their healthcare providers, leading to low access to care and delayed treatment. The perception of stigma was linked to higher odds of reporting low access to care, with significant consequences for patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateAug 31, 2007

Obesity and the central nervous system -- the state of the art

Recent symposium discussions highlighted the brain's role in initiating and regulating obesity, as well as its response to nutrient abundance. Research suggests impaired brain function may contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, fueling obesity and type 2 diabetes development.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateAug 31, 2007

Red wine compound shown to prevent prostate cancer

Researchers at UAB found that resveratrol, a compound in red wine, reduces prostate cancer risk by 87% in male mice. The study also showed that resveratrol slows tumor growth in less-serious forms of prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateAug 31, 2007

Underage drinking starts before adolescence

A new study by the Society for Prevention Research reveals that many children are starting to drink alcohol as early as 4th grade. The survey data shows a concerning trend among 4th, 5th, and 6th graders who have already begun drinking.

SourceSociety for Prevention Research·JournalPrevention Science·DateAug 31, 2007
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.

Ability to 'tell the difference' declines as infants age

As infants grow, their visual and auditory systems fine-tune to relevant distinctions, but also lose the ability to discriminate irrelevant stimuli. Environmental input helps refine these neural connections, enabling infants to better perceive salient inputs.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 31, 2007

Coming together: tDNAs, RNA pol III and chromatid cohesion

Researchers found that tDNA genes and components of RNA pol III are required for establishing silent chromatin cohesion at the HMR locus. This discovery provides new insights into chromosome architecture and may have implications for understanding genetic regulation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 31, 2007

Chemical culprit in 'popcorn worker's lung' identified

A study by Dutch researchers identified four cases of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) among workers at a chemical plant producing diacetyl, a key component of butter flavoring. The findings support the conclusion that an agent in the diacetyl production process has caused BOS.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 31, 2007

When bivalves ruled the world

A recent study by UWM paleoecologist Margaret Fraiser suggests that elevated CO2 levels contributed to the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, with bivalves emerging as the only survivors. The research provides valuable insights into the impact of CO2 on marine ecosystems and could help scientists predict future oceanic changes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalPaleobiology·DateAug 31, 2007

Federal agency rejects enhanced oversight of genetic tests

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has rejected a petition calling for strengthened standards for genetic testing laboratories, citing cost concerns. The decision prioritizes affordability over patient safety, despite reports of laboratory errors and inadequate proficiency testing.

SourceGenetics & Public Policy Center, Johns Hopkins University·DateAug 31, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New Jersey contributes funds to commercialize Stevens technologies

Stevens Institute of Technology has received $164,000 to accelerate the commercialization of two technologies: an intelligent multi-network router/radio and a surveillance camera capable of detecting chemical and biological agents. The funding supports job creation and establishment of New Jersey as a model for homeland security.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateAug 31, 2007

Inside the brain of a crayfish

Researchers studied crayfish brain function, discovering integration of sensory inputs from antennae, legs, and antennules for environmental awareness and hunting success. Crayfish use distinct senses to detect food, predators, and mates in their aquatic environment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalBiological Bulletin·DateAug 31, 2007

Genetic information makes it safer to prescribe common blood thinner

Researchers developed an improved dosing formula for warfarin that takes into account genetic variations in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes. This approach enables faster and more accurate estimation of the optimal warfarin dose, cutting dosage changes and potentially increasing patient safety.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBlood·DateAug 31, 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.

How much will you pay to live near people like you?

A new study examining household preferences for school quality finds that college-educated households are willing to pay $58 more per month than those without a college degree to live in an area with 10% more college-educated neighbors. Additionally, blacks are willing to pay $98 more per month to live in a neighborhood with 10% more b...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateAug 30, 2007

Studies examine triage guidelines for emergency heart patients

Two studies examine triage guidelines for emergency heart patients and find that those who followed the guidelines had similar outcomes to those who did not. However, low-risk patients who were discharged after receiving standard treatment had a small risk of developing acute coronary syndrome in the long term.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 30, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Eco-tilling detects herbicide resistance early

A new molecular tool, eco-tilling, helps detect early signs of herbicide resistance in weeds, reducing the need for chemical use. This technique uses reverse genetics to identify mutations at a fraction of the cost of alternative methods.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·JournalPesticide Biochemistry and Physiology·DateAug 30, 2007

Passive smoking could cause 1.9 million excess deaths from COPD in China

A study published in The Lancet found that exposure to passive smoking increases the risk of developing COPD by 48% among never smokers in China. With over 60% of adults being never smokers, high levels of passive smoking are expected to result in approximately 1.9 million excess deaths from COPD.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 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.

Pill box organizers increase HIV patients' adherence and improve viral suppression

A new study found that pill box organizers significantly improved HIV patients' adherence to medication, leading to better viral suppression and reduced risk of disease progression. The inexpensive tool was associated with a 4% improvement in adherence and an estimated 11% reduction in the risk of clinical AIDS.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 30, 2007

How drones find queens: Odorant receptor for queen pheromone identified

A team of scientists has identified an odorant receptor that allows male honey bee drones to detect the presence of a queen up to 60 meters away. The receptor, which can detect the specific pheromone '9-ODA', is expressed in the antennae of male drones and plays a crucial role in their mating rituals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2007

COPD not just a disease of the lungs

The Lancet proposes adding chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome to COPD diagnosis to address frequent comorbidities and improve patient care. Patients with COPD often die from non-respiratory disorders such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 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.

One species' entire genome discovered inside another's

Researchers found a copy of the entire Wolbachia genome within the genome of its host, Drosophila ananassae, suggesting frequent gene transfer between bacteria and multicellular organisms. The discovery raises implications for evolution and genome sequencing projects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2007

Scientists find elusive waves in sun's corona

Researchers have observed elusive oscillations in the Sun's corona, known as Alfvén waves, that transport energy outward from the surface of the Sun. These discoveries can help unlock secrets of the corona's heat and solar storms, and improve our understanding of how the Sun affects Earth.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2007

The emergence of a sense of orientation

Scientists from Berlin developed a theoretical model that shows how an orientation map develops in the brain, allowing for the emergence of place cells and head direction cells. The model analyzes realistic image data to extract information relevant to orientation, leading to the formation of cognitive maps.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 30, 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.

Top awards to be presented at AIAA Space 2007 Conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present five awards for key contributions to space science and technology during the AIAA SPACE 2007 Conference & Exposition. Burt Rutan will be recognized as the AIAA Engineer of the Year for his innovations in access to space.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateAug 30, 2007

UVa researchers awarded $5.2 million for infectious disease research

Researchers at the University of Virginia are developing a single test to identify more than 20 different food and waterborne pathogens, as well as a treatment that could protect against over 20 potential pathogens. The tests aim to improve public health by detecting outbreaks of E. coli and other parasites more quickly.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateAug 30, 2007

Brown study finds black legislators more active than white counterparts

A Brown University study found that black representatives put more time and resources into developing policies and advocating for legislation of interest to African Americans. Black legislators were also more actively involved on legislation of all types, not just bills benefiting African American constituents.

SourceBrown University·JournalLegislative Studies Quarterly·DateAug 30, 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.

Study finds some kids are being misdiagnosed with asthma

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 12 out of 17 adolescents were misdiagnosed with asthma due to vocal cord dysfunction, which can cause breathing difficulties. The use of spirometry tests in emergency departments may help differentiate VCD from asthma attacks and reduce misdiagnosis.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateAug 30, 2007

UIC researchers find promising new targets for antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified new sites on bacterial protein-making machinery where antibiotics can be delivered to treat infections. The study found that targeting specific regions of the ribosome, a crucial cellular component, may provide a novel approach to developing effective antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2007

MIT unraveling secrets of red tide

Researchers at MIT have developed an elegant method to synthesize the lethal components of red tides, shedding light on how algae generate these toxins. The breakthrough could help scientists prevent red tide outbreaks and accelerate the development of cystic fibrosis treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2007

Microfluidic chambers advance the science of growing neurons

Researchers developed a method for culturing mammalian neurons in small chambers, extending their lifespan to up to 11 days at low density. The technique, described in the journal Lab on a Chip, uses miniaturization and perfusion methods to increase purity and analyze cellular secretions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 30, 2007
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Iowa State researcher studies the sustainability of the bioeconomy

Researchers explore potential for enhanced nutrient cycling through coupling of agricultural and bioenergy systems to improve sustainability of biomass production. The study reports that up to 78% of nitrogen fertilizer could be recovered from an integrated biological and thermochemical process.

SourceIowa State University·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 30, 2007

New insights into common knee injuries

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that blocking two immune system proteins, IL-1 and TNF, can promote healing in damaged meniscus tissue. The study, published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, suggests a new approach to treating knee injuries and osteoarthritis.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateAug 30, 2007

Star Trek medical device uses ultrasound to seal punctured lungs

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new emergency treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound to seal punctured lungs. The technique, inspired by Star Trek technology, shows promise in replacing painful and invasive procedures for lung injuries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 30, 2007

Children with autism don't adapt as readily to unfamiliar faces

A study by researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Florence, and Western Australia found that children with autism don't update their facial perceptions as readily as typically developing children do. As a result, they struggle to recognize faces belonging to different teams or individuals, which can contribute to social problems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 30, 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.

Weird 'engine of the reef' revealed

Researchers have compiled the world's first detailed gene expression library for Symbiodinium, a microscopic algae that feeds corals and drives the reef's fate. Understanding its biochemical relationship with corals is crucial for addressing coral bleaching and climate change.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPhycology·DateAug 30, 2007

Chemists get grip on slippery lipids

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how lipid binding domains interact with cell membranes to modulate functions. The study provides new targets for developing small molecules and drugs that specifically modulate signaling pathways.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2007

Treatment for COPD may need to start before birth

Researchers found that infants with poor lung function at birth continued to experience reduced lung function up to age 22. The study suggests that early prenatal intervention may be necessary to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2007

Failing protection of Africa's national parks

Despite being bastions of biodiversity conservation, African national parks are losing species at an alarming rate. The decline is attributed primarily to anthropogenic causes such as poaching and human encroachment, leading to the loss of large mammal populations.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAfrican Journal of Ecology·DateAug 30, 2007