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Science News for February 2, 2007


Researchers build lasers for NASA climate studies

The researchers will build a two-color light-detection and ranging system (LIDAR) to measure aerosol concentrations up to several miles high. This device will help understand complex relations between aerosols, greenhouse gases, and global warming.

SourceMontana State University·DateFeb 2, 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.

Lipid plays big role in embryonic development

Researchers discovered that ceramide helps stem cells organize into primitive ectoderm, which further differentiates into embryo tissues. The lipid's presence is essential for cell polarity and differentiation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 2, 2007

UK-India success for University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has been awarded a £300,000 grant to collaborate with Indian researchers on a four-year project exploring mixture toxicity in living organisms. The project aims to develop a mathematical model predicting how organisms respond to chemical pollution.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateFeb 2, 2007

Lessons learned from liver retransplantation

A 15-year study on liver retransplantation found positive trends in indications for surgery, fewer rejections and complications, and improved intensive care management. Therapeutic measures such as immunosuppressant dosage reduction and early blood transfusions contributed to better patient survival rates.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateFeb 2, 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.

Go team -- 2 kinds of teamwork improves care for chronic heart failure

Researchers from Indiana University found that active patient involvement during treatment of chronic heart failure, coupled with collaboration between healthcare teams, significantly improves quality of care. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, reducing salt intake, and managing stress are also crucial for longer survival rates.

SourceIndiana University·JournalMedical Care·DateFeb 2, 2007

Brain's reward circuit activity ebbs and flows with a woman's hormonal cycle

A study at NIMH found that brain reward circuit activity ebbs and flows with a woman's hormonal cycle. Women exhibited more active circuitry during the pre-ovulation phase dominated by estrogen compared to the post-ovulatory phase, suggesting links between hormone fluctuations and mood disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2007

Tiny 'gas-flow' sensor has industrial, environmental applications

Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of tiny sensors that can measure gas flow on the scale of micrometers and nanometers. These sensors could be used in environmental protection to measure the leakage of hydrocarbon fumes from fuel tanks and in pharmaceutical preservation to test packages for gas leaks.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateFeb 2, 2007

Physicists find way to 'see' extra dimensions

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison devise approach to 'see' extra dimensions by deciphering cosmic energy released in the universe's violent birth. The method provides evidence for testing string theory's existence and predicts specific shapes for the six hidden dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 2, 2007
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.

Common blood pressure drug reduces progressive muscle degeneration in mice

Researchers found that losartan improves muscle regeneration and repair in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a devastating disease characterized by rapid progression of muscle degeneration. The study also showed that losartan can attenuate the entire disease when treated over time.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2007

Energy institute will put Illinois at forefront of farm bioenergy production

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will be a key partner in the new Energy Biosciences Institute, which aims to explore the potential benefits of using corn crop residues and other herbaceous perennials as fuel sources. Researchers hope to create a sustainable and efficient process for producing high-quality plant biomass.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 2, 2007

Folded sediment unusual in Sumatran tsunami area

The study reveals that sediment folding may have contributed to the massive 2004 Sumatra tsunami. The unusual shape of the upper plate boundary, resembling a suspension bridge, created an area with multiple peaks and valleys that amplified water displacement when the plate snapped back.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeology·DateFeb 2, 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.