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Science News Archive August 2007


Page 8 of 17

Girls prefer pink, or at least a redder shade of blue

Researchers discovered a clear preference for pink or reddish hues among women, shifting their color preference towards red and away from blue. The study suggests that this difference may be driven by biological factors, potentially related to evolution and the importance of ripe fruit in hunter-gatherer societies.

Study: How Air Force women are handling the stress

A University of Michigan survey found that nearly half of Air Force women experience little to no impact from family separation on their work, but those with higher family-work conflict rates are more likely to suffer symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study aims to identify areas where interventions can reduce this source of stress.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain cells work differently than previously thought

Researchers found that axon stimulation can increase signal transmission to the cortex, suggesting a new mechanism for brain processing. This discovery may lead to treatments for psychiatric disorders where brain cells communicate incorrectly.

Thermochemical process converts poultry litter into bio-oil

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a transportable pyrolysis unit to convert poultry litter into three value-added byproducts: bio-oil, producer gas, and fertilizer. The process reduces waste disposal concerns and biosecurity risks, while producing high-quality bio-oils with potential economic benefits.

Truly sick or simply scared?

Scientists at PNNL have developed a portable biosensor that can distinguish between individuals exposed to nerve agents and those who are simply scared. The sensor uses nano-based technology to amplify biomarker signals, enabling precise readings and faster detection.

Finding that 1-in-a-billion that could lead to disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that the UDG enzyme searches for genetic damage by trying on DNA building blocks like a puzzle, holding onto mistakes and leaving correct ones in line. The discovery may help address how diseases like cancer arise in the genome.

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.

Compounds that color fruits and veggies may protect against colon cancer

Researchers found that anthocyanins from purple corn, chokeberries, and bilberries can slow the growth of colon cancer cells. The compounds were tested on human colon cancer cells and rats with colon cancer, showing promising results. Further studies are needed to understand how these compounds interact with other food components.

What, oh, what are those actinides doing?

Researchers are using combined experimental and computational methods to understand the structural and bonding parameters of uranyl, a common oxidation state of uranium. The insights gained will contribute to predicting the chemical and physical properties of heavy transition metal and actinide complexes.

Computers help chemists fight emerging infections

Researchers used computer analysis to identify potential new antibiotics, such as lovastatin and gentisic acid, which show promise against emerging bacterial threats. The approach could save time and lives during outbreaks or bioterrorism attacks.

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.

You don't have to hate other groups to love your own, researcher says

A researcher at Ohio State University suggests that ingroup bias doesn't require conflict with other groups, but rather a desire for trust and security within one's own group. This is contrary to the common misconception that people join groups to boost their self-esteem or to assert dominance over others.

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.

Fat on chest and upper back increases risk of insulin resistance

A study found that fat on the chest and upper back is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that each type of fat contributes independently to insulin resistance, regardless of its presence.

NASA eyes warm sea surface temperatures for hurricanes

Sea surface temperatures are crucial for tropical cyclone formation, and recent data shows warming in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and eastern Atlantic. This warming contributed to Hurricane Dean and Tropical Storm Erin, with forecasters warning that the upcoming hurricane season will be a mixed bag.

Call for network to monitor Southern Ocean current

A call has been made for a Southern Hemisphere network of deep ocean moorings to monitor changes in the Southern Ocean circulation, which could influence global climate. The North Atlantic moored network provides measurements of the Gulf Stream, a significant feature in moderating European and North American climate.

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.

Loneliness is bad for your health

A study by Louise Hawkley and John Cacioppo found that loneliness accumulates over time and contributes to increased stress, chronic inflammation, and poorer sleep quality in older adults. The researchers also discovered that lonely individuals exhibit a heightened state of arousal and are less likely to seek help when stressed.

Health care incentive model offers collaborative approach

A collaborative healthcare model in Maine tied risk and reward to improve quality and efficiency. The program involved hospitals and employers sharing incentive funds based on performance standards, resulting in modest but meaningful financial rewards for top-performing facilities.

PFOS and PFOA exposure associated with lower birth weight and size

Exposure to PFOS and PFOA in utero is statistically associated with lower head circumference and body weight at birth, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analysis of nearly 300 umbilical cord blood samples. The study found no associations between these compounds and length or gestational age.

Congestion charge potentially unsafe for motorcyclists, claim researchers

A study by Imperial College London and Loughborough University found a significant increase in motorcycling casualties in inner London during the congestion charging period. The research suggests that the incentive to use motorcycles may be driving the rise, while cyclists in outer London also experienced an increase in casualties.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Many parents at-risk for cancer disclose genetic test results to children

A new study reveals that more than half of parents with a BRCA mutation share their genetic test results with children under 25. Many children experience initial negative reactions and struggle to understand the significance of this information. Further research is needed to address the emotional impact on these families.

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.

New clues to mechanism for 'colossal resistance' effects

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered a new mechanism underlying colossal magnetoresistance, a phenomenon that enables dramatic changes in electrical resistance. The findings have the potential to improve data storage devices with higher density and reduced power requirements.

'New continent' and species discovered in Atlantic study

An international research team has discovered a new species of Ostracod in the North Atlantic Ocean, while exploring the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The team used advanced technology to capture stunning images and specimens, shedding light on life in this remote deep-sea environment.

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.

Learning how to learn for exam success

A new study by the Economic and Social Research Council's Teaching and Learning Research Programme found that schools can be turned into places where students become independent learners. The project showed that teachers who receive proper professional development and support can help children take responsibility for their own learning.

UC-Irvine program that melds life sciences and computers awarded $5.6 million grant

The UC Irvine Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics has received a $5.6 million grant to expand its Biomedical Informatics Training program, which trains graduate students in the intersection of life sciences and computational technologies. The program, one of only 18 nationwide, provides specialized training in molecular biology, ...

Whiplash may produce delayed jaw pain

Researchers found that whiplash trauma increases the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, which can be painful and affect daily life. In a study of 60 patients, 34% developed TMJ pain within a year after the accident, compared to 7% in uninjured controls.

Hypertension: Uncontrolled and taking over the world

The Lancet Editorial warns that hypertension's increasing burden will largely stem from poor lifestyles, with a staggering 90% risk of developing the condition in developed countries. Effective treatments exist, yet many patients misbelieve they can 'cure' hypertension and stop medication when their blood pressure falls.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Celecoxib helps prevent restenosis and appears safe

A study published in The Lancet found that celecoxib can reduce the need for revascularisation of the target lesion by 35% after stent implantation, making it a promising adjunctive treatment for preventing restenosis. However, long-term use of celecoxib may expose patients to an increased risk of heart attack.

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.

Can cancer drugs combine forces?

Researchers suggest treating CML patients with a combination of imatinib and dasatinib to prevent BCR-ABL mutants that are resistant to both drugs. A study found that combining the two drugs can increase time before relapse or decrease chance of cancer return.

Antigen sparing strategy could boost bird flu vaccine production

Researchers developed a novel antigen-sparing adjuvant strategy to improve immunogenicity of the bird flu vaccine. The new formulation showed significant cross-clade immunity against H5N1 viruses and induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies, increasing protection against pandemic.

Key to out-of-control immune response in lung injury found

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a deadly complication of severe traumatic injury, bacterial infections, and more. A recent study found that a protein called Cblb modulates the inflammatory response in ARDS, with mice lacking the gene being less likely to survive.

'Memory molecule' stores memories in neocortex

Researchers found that PKMzeta is necessary for storing long-term memories in the neocortex, a part of the brain responsible for higher-level cognitive functions. Persistent phosphorylation by PKMzeta is crucial for storing these memories.

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.

Nanoscale blasting adjusts resistance in magnetic sensors

Researchers at NIST create a process to fine-tune the electrical resistance of individual layers in magnetic sensors, enabling faster and more efficient data storage. By using highly charged ions to create tiny pits, the team can tailor the resistance of the sensor without changing any other part of the device.

Is ultrasound as useful as we think?

The article challenges the routine use of ultrasound as a screening procedure for chromosome abnormalities, suggesting that foetal 'nuchal thickness' measurements are not supported by scientific data. This could lead to the 'loss' of normal babies in attempts to prevent Down's syndrome and trisomy 18.

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.

Scientists retrace evolution with first atomic structure of an ancient protein

Researchers used state-of-the-art techniques to recreate an ancient human protein, tracing its evolution and discovering how it acquired a crucial new function. By analyzing the protein's atomic structure, scientists identified seven key historical mutations that recaptured the protein's present-day response to cortisol.

Today's white rice is mutation spread by early farmers

Researchers found that 97.9% of white rice is derived from a single gene mutation in the Japonica subspecies, while the remaining 2.1% comes from independent mutations in other subspecies. The mutation affects grain color by activating the molecular pathway for rice seed development.

Mother's little helpers

In a study on the superb fairy-wren, researchers found that mothers who receive child-care assistance from helpers produce smaller eggs with less nutritious yolks, allowing them to live longer and breed more often. This unique adaptation suggests that helper birds may play a crucial role in the survival of some bird species.

JCI table of contents: Aug. 16, 2007

Researchers investigating chronic myeloid leukemia treatment options suggest combining drugs to combat resistance, while others explore targeting prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 for hypertension therapy. Additionally, a study reveals that Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 deficiency prevents abnormal blood vessel formation in the retina.

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.

Computing breakthrough could elevate security to unprecedented levels

University of Michigan researchers have made a significant breakthrough in accelerating quantum computers by harnessing the power of pulses of light. This innovation has the potential to foil national and personal security threats by rapidly deciphering encrypted codes and strengthening information protections.

Specific antagonism lowers blood pressure

Researchers identified EP1 as a key factor in blood pressure regulation and found that inhibiting it can reduce hypertension. Targeting this receptor subtype may be a viable approach to treating high blood pressure.