Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 28, 2007


Calcium is spark of life, kiss of death for nerve cells

OHSU research reveals calcium ions modulate auditory nerve cells' recharging after bursting signals. High levels of calcium can be toxic, but regulating sodium pump activity conserves energy and prevents cell death.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 28, 2007

Manchester physicists pioneer new super-thin technology

Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed a new type of technology using the world's thinnest material, which can be used to sieve gases and make ultra-fast electronic switches. The discovery has significant implications for the development of medical drugs, as it will potentially allow the rapid analysis of atomic str...

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 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.

New graphene transistor promises life after death of silicon chip

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new type of transistor made from graphene, which is only one atom thick and less than 50 atoms wide. This innovation could lead to the development of faster computer chips by allowing for the rapid miniaturization of electronics.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2007

Software patch makes car more fuel-efficient

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a software patch to increase fuel efficiency in cars, reducing energy waste and emissions. The patch enables the car to achieve optimal engine performance more frequently, resulting in savings of up to 2.6% on fuel consumption.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·DateFeb 28, 2007

USC study shows states can succeed in insuring kids

A USC study found that Healthy Kids coalitions in 28 California counties linked 85,000 kids with health insurance coverage. The success of these coalitions was attributed to diverse stakeholder groups and strong leadership.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 28, 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.

New insight into brain disorders

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered how controlling glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) activity can improve neuronal connections and prevent memory erasure in brain disorders. This breakthrough sheds light on the role of GSK3 in normal neuronal function and may lead to the development of drugs to inhibit its activity.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 28, 2007

Yellowstone's quiet power

A new study reveals that Yellowstone's volcanic hotspot is much more active than previously believed, exerting powerful forces on the surrounding terrain even between eruptions. The hotspot's effects are evident in the deformation of Earth's crust, with the Yellowstone caldera rising at an unprecedented rate.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateFeb 28, 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.

NASA's robotic sub readies for dive into Earth's deepest sinkhole

Carnegie Mellon University researchers developed the software that guided NASA's DEPTHX craft to safely operate in a complicated, unexplored three-dimensional space. The mission aims to explore the world's deepest sinkhole, La Pilita, and develop technologies for future ocean exploration.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateFeb 28, 2007

Pharmacist-driven outreach lowers metabolic syndrome rates

Researchers found that adult participants who met with pharmacists during a community outreach project showed significant reductions in metabolic syndrome risk factors and heart disease risk after four months. The study suggests that pharmacist-driven education and lifestyle recommendations can help combat metabolic syndrome.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2007

Appearance concerns related to depression in patients with rheumatic disease

A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that patients with rheumatic diseases experience increased psychological distress and depression, particularly due to appearance concerns. The results suggest that targeting appearance concerns can improve mood and reduce the impact of the disease on mental health.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 28, 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.

Schools help hold the line against childhood obesity, study says

A nationwide study found that obese children benefited from attending school, with their rate of BMI gain reduced the most. Schools seem to help limit the spread of obesity due to their structured environment, restricting access to food and promoting healthier choices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 28, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rensselaer Professor Daniel Gall receives NSF Career Award

Professor Daniel Gall will receive a $400,000 grant to develop fundamental understanding of material vapors condensing on surfaces and assembling into nanostructures. The research aims to create specialized nanostructured materials with broad applications in various industries.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 28, 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.

MU researcher to assist US Army in fight against infections

A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is assisting the US Army in fighting multi-drug resistant infections among wounded troops, often caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The study aims to identify effective antibiotics and treatment durations to reduce infection rates and amputations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateFeb 28, 2007

Deconstructing brain wiring, one neuron at a time

Scientists at Salk Institute develop tool to identify all neurons connected to a single neuron, shedding light on brain wiring and neural circuits. The modified rabies virus is used to create a wiring diagram of the brain, revealing connections between neurons and correlating them with brain functions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 28, 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.

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

The American Chemical Society journal ACS Chemical Biology explores the latest research in cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives. Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for cancer by linking proteins to activate the immune system. Additionally, scientists have found that certain bacteria can in...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateFeb 28, 2007

University of Nevada scientists gauge earthquake hazards through study of precariously balance rocks

Researchers at the University of Nevada used precariously balanced rocks to test seismic hazard predictions, measuring forces and angles to determine when an earthquake has not occurred for a long time. The study provides important information on seismic hazards in areas throughout the West, including data on ground-motion probability ...

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalAmerican Scientist·DateFeb 28, 2007

Transportation study receives outstanding paper award

A transportation study published by researchers at the University of Oregon has found that pedestrians typically walk half a mile to access light rail stations, contradicting common assumptions. The study highlights the importance of proximity to destinations and lack of major walking barriers over pedestrian-friendly environments.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateFeb 28, 2007

Researchers run their fingers through wool looking for solutions

A study at Montana State University investigates a chemical that kills lice on cattle, aiming to determine its effectiveness on sheep. The research seeks to address the financial losses caused by African blue lice infestations, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and reduced wool quality.

SourceMontana State University·DateFeb 28, 2007
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.

Glaucoma patients at significantly higher risk for falls, motor vehicle accidents

Researchers at Dalhousie University found that glaucoma patients are over three times more likely to experience falls and six times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. Impaired useful field of view is the strongest risk factor for these accidents.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateFeb 28, 2007

Internet source of behavioral health information, not counseling

A national survey of commercial health plans found that most private plans provide online provider directories and educational information about mental health and substance abuse. However, only two percent offered online counseling services, highlighting the need for increased investment in behavioral health resources.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateFeb 28, 2007

Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft gets boost from Jupiter

New Horizons successfully completed a flyby of Jupiter, using the planet's gravity to accelerate the spacecraft towards its destination in the Kuiper Belt region. The mission is gaining nearly 9,000 miles per hour and will provide scientists with stunning science results at Jupiter.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateFeb 28, 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.

Iron in Northwest rivers fuels phytoplankton, fish populations

A study by Oregon State University scientists found that iron-rich winter runoff from Pacific Northwest streams and rivers fertilizes the nearshore Pacific Ocean, leading to robust phytoplankton production and fisheries. The researchers discovered that the iron is trapped on the continental shelf in the winter, but released during summ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 28, 2007

SIAM/ACM Prize in Computational Science and Engineering Award

The 2007 prize recognizes Dr. Shu's development of TVD temporal discretizations, ENO and WENO finite difference schemes, discontinuous Galerkin methods, and spectral methods. Dr. Shu is a professor of Applied Mathematics at Brown University and has made significant contributions to scientific computing.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateFeb 28, 2007

Heart attacks can give couples a new lease of life, says study

A study of 24 couples found that nine reported positive changes in their lives after the experience, including increased closeness and practical adjustments. Meanwhile, ten couples felt fearful and threatened by the uncertainty of their partner's health, while five others failed to make meaningful changes.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateFeb 28, 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.

New evidence that global warming fuels stronger Atlantic hurricanes

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that warmer temperatures contribute to increased hurricane intensity in the Atlantic Ocean. However, this trend does not hold up in other oceans, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 28, 2007