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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 12


Page 12 of 16

Professor Strauf's research is Nature Photonics’ cover article

Strauf's research enables high-efficiency single photon generation, paving the way for scalable quantum computation. The team developed a novel microcavity structure and electrical gates to achieve a net single photon generation rate of 100 MHz.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 6, 2007

Hinode mission delves into solar mysteries

The Hinode space mission has made groundbreaking discoveries about the Sun's surface and atmosphere, shedding light on long-standing mysteries. Researchers found evidence of Alfvén waves, which could heat the corona to extreme temperatures and accelerate the solar wind.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 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.

Economists: Reduce fish catch now for bigger net profits later

A ground-breaking study finds that allowing fish numbers to rise leads to higher profits, contradicting the assumption that maximizing fishing profits will lead to stock depletion. The study's results suggest a win-win scenario for fisheries and the global marine environment.

SourceAustralian National University, Crawford School of Economics and Government·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2007

Like humans, monkey see, monkey plan, monkey do

Cotton-top tamarins display grasps consistent with end-state comfort in experiments, suggesting sophisticated motor planning. The results challenge previous attributions of nonhuman species' cognitive abilities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 6, 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.

Research on HIV-1 resistance in Old World monkeys

Matt Stremlau's research identified the factor responsible for blocking HIV-1 infection in Old World monkey cells, providing insights into innate immunity to viruses. The protein TRIM5alpha causes the rapid disassembly of the viral capsid core, rendering the virus ineffective.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateDec 6, 2007

Anticancer drugs might be of benefit to sickle-cell patients

Researchers discover that lenalidomide and pomalidomide can increase fetal hemoglobin production in people with sickle-cell disease, potentially providing a new therapy. These findings also suggest the possibility of using these drugs to treat other beta-hemoglobinopathies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2007

Public health and cancer prevention: Success and future challenges in cancer policy

Researchers explore ways to translate cancer prevention science into public health policy, highlighting the need for effective tobacco control measures. Boosting taxes, comprehensive advertising bans, smoke-free laws, and strengthening cigarette package warnings have been found to be effective in reducing tobacco consumption, but flawe...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 6, 2007
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.

Hinode reveals new insights about the origin of solar wind

Hinode satellite data sheds light on sun's magnetic field and solar wind formation, revealing Alfvén waves play a critical role in driving the solar wind. Magnetic reconnection and convective motions also contribute to its creation.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2007

Making emergency artery repair safer

Catheters equipped with balloons, lasers, and miniature drills can treat tears in arteries, improving safety for emergency repairs. The technology has reduced the risk of life-threatening bleeding from vessel punctures during angioplasty procedures.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiology·DateDec 6, 2007

Fluoridated water for Queensland ... at last

The Queensland Government's decision will ensure 80% of residents drink fluoridated water within two years and over 90% by 2012. Fluoride introduction is expected to reduce dental decay by up to 65% compared to non-fluoridated areas.

SourceResearch Australia·DateDec 6, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Free software brings affordability, transparency to mathematics

The open-source tool Sage has won international recognition for its user-friendly tools and collaborative features, making powerful number-crunching accessible to mathematicians worldwide. With features like collaborative online worksheets, Sage is poised to replace commercial software commonly used in mathematics education and research.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 6, 2007

Patients need to know that nuclear medicine procedures can trigger radiation alarms

A study highlights the need for improved patient information and counseling on nuclear medicine procedures, which can trigger radiation alarms in public places. Healthcare professionals, especially those in outpatient facilities, require formal training and standardization of instructions to ensure patient safety.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 6, 2007

Study of African traditional medicine will begin world-first clinical trial

Researchers are studying the safety and effectiveness of African plants used by traditional healers for treating various ailments, including AIDS and respiratory infections. The study aims to uncover the medicinal properties and potential benefits of these plants, with a focus on South Africa's vast botanical diversity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateDec 6, 2007

Subliminal smells bias perception about a person's likeability

Research from Northwestern University suggests that humans can pick up infinitesimal scents that affect whether we like or dislike someone. Study participants who were unaware of barely perceptible odors showed biased judgments on face likability, while those who could detect the scent made conscious decisions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 6, 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.

A new approach to study flu drug resistance

Researchers developed a new method to assess the danger of flu drug resistance emergence, combining human infection data with a mathematical framework. The study found that immune response plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of resistant infections spreading.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 6, 2007

New software to aid early detection of infectious disease outbreaks

The new software TranStat analyzes infectious disease data to determine the probability of transmission between individuals. This information helps health officials develop effective strategies to contain outbreaks and conduct further studies in real-time.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateDec 6, 2007

Doctors failing to diagnose HIV early in UK Africans

Researchers call for GPs to be more proactive in offering HIV testing to higher-risk groups, citing low rates of early diagnosis and serious consequences. The study found that half of surveyed HIV-positive Africans were diagnosed late, despite above-average use of healthcare services.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalAIDS·DateDec 6, 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.

PET and bioluminescent imaging aid evaluation of stem cells' potential for new ways to treat disease

Researchers used PET imaging and bioluminescence to track stem cell behavior in small animal models, determining their fate and potential applications in treating heart diseases, brain disorders, and cancer. The unique combination of these imaging techniques offers a reliable method for labeling stem cells.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 6, 2007

St. Jude finds mechanism for faulty protein disposal

Researchers identify key cellular components that carry out protein disposal and shed light on how proteasome inhibitors interfere with this process. The discovery could lead to novel cancer drugs targeting the protein disposal mechanism.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 6, 2007

MIT creates new oil-repelling material

Researchers at MIT have developed a simple process to manufacture materials that strongly repel oils, which could be used in aviation, space travel, and hazardous waste cleanup. The material's unique microfiber structure allows it to cushion droplets of liquid, preventing them from wetting the surface.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2007

New, rare and threatened species discovered in Ghana

Scientists have discovered significant populations of new, rare, and threatened species in Ghana's Atewa Range Forest Reserve, underscoring the area's high biological diversity. The findings include Critically Endangered frog and butterfly species, as well as eight new species of katydids.

SourceConservation International·DateDec 6, 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.

Kids eat more fruits, vegetables when schools offer salad bar

A UCLA study found that introducing a lunch salad bar in elementary schools significantly increased low-income students' daily fruit and vegetable intake, with a notable decline in unhealthy fats. The program's success highlights the importance of accessible healthy food options in promoting healthier eating habits among children.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateDec 6, 2007

Tiny pest-eating insect fights fruit flies

A study by Jean Pierre Kapongo found that Muscidifurax raptor is an effective biocontrol agent for controlling fruit flies in vineyards. This method reduces the need for chemical pesticides, benefiting the environment and promoting agricultural sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 6, 2007

Revolutionary work in mathematics is awarded

Drs. Stefano Bianchini and Alberto Bressan's paper on nonlinear hyperbolic systems has solved a 50-year-old problem, proving the existence and uniqueness of solutions as viscosity tends to zero. Their work has far-reaching implications for various physical phenomena, including fluid dynamics and astrophysics.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateDec 6, 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.

Scientists issue Bali climate change warning

More than 200 leading climate scientists have warned the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Bali Climate Declaration calls on governments to limit global warming to below 2 degrees C by stabilising CO2 levels at well below 450ppm CO2e.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateDec 6, 2007

Caffeine cream tones thighs

A Brazilian study found that a 7 percent caffeine solution cream reduced thigh circumference by over 80% and hip measurements by nearly 68%. However, the effect on cellulite was less clear, with imaging showing little change. The researchers speculate that the trial may not have been long enough for the cream to act on cellulite.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology·DateDec 6, 2007

Diesel exhaust fumes affect people with asthma, finds study on London's Oxford Street

A new study by Imperial College London found that diesel exhaust fumes increase asthmatic symptoms, reduce lung capacity, and cause inflammation in people with mild and moderate asthma. The research measured air quality and lung function in volunteers walking along Oxford Street, where only diesel-powered vehicles are allowed.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2007

InStream Media in agreement with BIG Interactive

InStream Media, developed at Stevens Institute of Technology, has signed a distribution agreement with BIG Interactive to distribute its Steganographic Embedded Non-Invasive Advertising platform in Singapore. The platform uses advanced steganography for interactive and consumer-initiated advertising with instant feedback.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateDec 5, 2007

MIT: Missing protein may be key to autism

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory report that a missing brain protein may be one of the culprits behind autism and other brain disorders. They found that an enzyme called Cdk5 plays a critical role in recruiting key scaffolding proteins to develop synapses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateDec 5, 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.

Biomarkers for inflammatory disease

Researchers characterized gene expression patterns in Kawasaki disease patients, identifying innate immune mechanisms and proinflammatory responses. The study supports the use of gene-expression profiles to generate biomarkers for other systemic inflammatory illnesses, improving diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 5, 2007

Herbal extract found to increase lifespan

A University of California, Irvine study found that Rhodiola rosea increases the lifespan of fruit flies by an average of 3.5 days in males and 3.2 days in females. The herb has been shown to have anti-oxidative properties and is thought to boost the body's response to stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalRejuvenation Research·DateDec 5, 2007

A pain-free window into painful neuropathies

Researchers have developed a new method to monitor peripheral neuropathy by analyzing tiny structures in the skin called Meissner corpuscles. This non-invasive technique allows doctors to detect nerve damage and track its progression, providing a valuable tool for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateDec 5, 2007

Study questions impact of hemoglobin variations on mortality in dialysis patients

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that persistently low hemoglobin levels in dialysis patients increase their risk of death, while fluctuating levels do not. The research used data from nearly 160,000 patients to analyze the effects of hemoglobin variability on mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 5, 2007
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.

How stress alleviates pain

Researchers found that stress hormone noradrenaline suppresses pain inputs from the brainstem, reducing neurotransmitter launch and triggering nerve impulses. The study provides important mechanistic clues to understanding stress-induced analgesia.

SourceCell Press·DateDec 5, 2007

Pheromones identified that trigger aggression between male mice

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Harvard University discovered a family of proteins in mouse urine that elicit aggression response in males. The protein family, comprising the major urinary protein (MUP) complex, is recognized exclusively in the vomeronasal organ and activates specific sensory receptor neurons.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2007

The closest look ever at native human tissue

Researchers from EMBL have visualized proteins responsible for cell-cell contacts for the first time, revealing the molecular organization of skin. The technique, called cryo-electron tomography, allows for the first 3D image of human skin at molecular resolution.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2007

Household chemical may affect breast development

Researchers have found that exposure to a common household chemical, butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), can cause genomic changes in the mammary gland of rats. The study suggests that this could potentially lead to breast cancer, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateDec 5, 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.

UTSA Manufacturing Center awarded $375,000

The University of Texas at San Antonio has been awarded a $375,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to build and support new research laboratories in manufacturing engineering. The center aims to work with industrial partners and provide education and training opportunities for students.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateDec 5, 2007

Odd little star has magnetic personality

A team of astronomers, led by Dr. Edo Berger, have observed a surprisingly active magnetic field on the ultracool low-mass star TVLM513-46546, challenging the theory that cooler stars are simple and quiet. The star's complex magnetic field environment may indicate unusual activity beneath its surface or possibly even an unseen companion.

SourceGemini Observatory·DateDec 5, 2007

Reviewers agree on osteoarthritis of the knee

A review of six knee osteoarthritis treatment guidelines found significant differences in recommended treatments, with a focus on acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and exercise. The study highlights the need for more detailed educational interventions to improve guideline applicability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateDec 5, 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.

The aging brain: Failure to communicate

Advanced imaging techniques reveal that normal aging degrades bundles of axons in the central nervous system, disrupting communication between different brain regions. This decline contributes to cognitive decline and affects processing speed, executive function, and memory.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNeuron·DateDec 5, 2007

Striking shift seen among newly HIV-infected men regarding partners

Researchers found that newly HIV-infected men in the US dramatically shifted their behavior to choosing only unprotected sex with other infected individuals. This change reflects a systematic shift among men, mostly gay, to protect their partners from HIV infection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateDec 5, 2007

Respiratory infections linked to increased heart attacks and strokes

A recent study found strong evidence that respiratory infections increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in winter months. The researchers discovered a doubling of risk in the week following respiratory infection, which reduced over time.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 5, 2007
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.