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Science News Archive June 2007


Page 9 of 17

Paying taxes, according to the brain, can bring satisfaction

Researchers found that two evolutionarily ancient brain regions fired when subjects saw their money go to charity, even in situations without free choice. This neural activity is associated with the pleasure center of the brain, indicating a genuine sense of satisfaction and altruism.

Clocking in and out of gene expression

Researchers discovered that genes have internal clocks regulated by coactivators, controlling protein production and preventing cancerous growth. The coactivator's clock is set off through the addition of phosphate and ubiquitin molecules, with a fixed lifespan to prevent continuous activation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacteria ferry nanoparticles into cells for early diagnosis, treatment

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to deliver nanoparticles into cells using bacteria, enabling precise positioning of sensors, drugs, or DNA. This approach overcomes hurdles in delivering cargo to cell interiors, offering potential for gene therapy and disease detection.

ENCODE map changes view of the human genome landscape

The ENCODE project has mapped functional elements in the human genome, revealing widespread transcription and novel promoters. The study also highlights regions of evolutionary constraint, which may be linked to disease.

UVa-led team uncovers important secret in gene replication

A UVa-led team has discovered that chromatin packing plays a crucial role in determining gene expression timing. By analyzing the replication of genes in different cell lines, researchers found that loosely packed chromatin allows for early gene expression, while densely packed chromatin leads to late expression.

Stanford researchers clarify protein's role in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified alphaB-crystallin as a protective protein that plays a critical role in multiple sclerosis. The protein, normally found in the lens of the eye, can reverse paralysis and suppress inflammation in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic application.

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.

Construction begins on the James Webb Space Telescope's guidance sensor and imager

The Canadian Space Agency has awarded a $39 million contract to COM DEV International Ltd. to build the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) and Tuneable Filter Imager (TFI) camera for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. These instruments will provide essential pointing capability and unique science capabilities, including infrared imaging and pl...

Does OTC diet pill Alli live up to its name?

A study by the University of Kentucky found that OTC strength orlistat (Alli) resulted in significant weight loss, with participants losing approximately 7-15 pounds over four months. The study also demonstrated a reduction in LDL-cholesterol and associated heart health benefits.

New evidence points to oceans on Mars

Researchers found changes in Mars' topography that could be explained by surface deformation from 'true polar wander', a phenomenon where a planet's spin axis shifts. The study suggests large oceans on Mars existed in the past, with evidence pointing to the presence of vast oceans and massive deformations along ancient shorelines.

Highway system drives city population declines, says Brown economist

A new study by Brown University economist Nathaniel Baum-Snow reveals that the American highway system played a significant role in causing population declines in central cities. The research, published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, suggests that one new highway passing through a city reduces its population by about 18 percent.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Imagery rehearsal therapy improves sleep in insomniacs

Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia severity in patients. IRT involves practicing relaxation techniques before sleep, with improved results in both experimental and control groups.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Penn researchers link cell's protein recycling systems

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a molecular link between two major pathways for breaking down proteins in cells. They found that increasing HDAC6 activity can rescue neurodegenerative diseases by facilitating delivery of misfolded proteins to the autophagy-lysosomal system for degradation.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Future therapies for stroke may block cell death

Researchers develop new therapy to re-activate silenced genes, potentially blocking cell death in stroke patients. The therapy targets histone deacetylase enzymes, which can modulate gene expression and produce neuroprotective proteins.

Nurtured chimps rake it in

A new study reveals that raising chimpanzees in a human cultural environment enhances their cognitive abilities, particularly in understanding how tools work. The researchers found that enculturated chimpanzees excelled in using rakes to retrieve rewards, demonstrating a deeper understanding of tool functionality.

The 5 dimensions of online gifts

Researchers explore five dimensions of online gifts: initiative, direction, incentive, identification, and limitation. These dimensions reveal how digital gifts facilitate social connections and influence community dynamics.

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.

New sepsis model may help shape patient care

A new mathematical model of sepsis can predict patient outcomes, including deaths, discharges, and disease progression. The model was developed using data from over 1,800 patients with pneumonia-related sepsis and showed high accuracy in predicting these outcomes.

Comparison study shows US low in primary care physician visits

A new study compares primary care practice in the US, Australia, and New Zealand, finding that patients receive significantly less time with their physicians. The US averages just 15-16 minutes per visit, while Australia and New Zealand average 14.9-15 minutes.

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.

New findings challenge established views on human genome

The ENCODE project reveals that most DNA in the human genome is transcribed into functional molecules and that genes are just one part of a complex interwoven network. This challenges the long-standing view that the human genome consists of a small set of discrete genes with vast amounts of non-biologically active 'junk' DNA.

Double explosion heralds the death of a very massive star

Astronomers have witnessed the death of a very massive star by observing two celestial explosions at exactly the same position in the sky. The most likely explanation for the 2004 explosion was a giant outburst of the star, which was later confirmed by the final death of the same star.

'Wurst' ensures that the respiratory system works

A newly discovered transmembrane protein called 'Wurst' appears to play a decisive role in breathing, ensuring proper lung maturation and gas exchange in both insects and mammals. The protein's defect is linked to respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants, and researchers aim to develop new treatments for this condition.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Extra sleep improves athletes' performance

A study by Cheri Mah of Stanford University found that athletes who got extra sleep showed significant improvements in sprint time and shooting percentages. They also reported increased energy, improved mood, and reduced fatigue during practices and games.

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.

UIC investigates eye infections tied to contact lens use

A study by researchers at UIC found a strong association between the use of contact lens solution AMO Complete MoisturePlus and Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare severe eye infection. The study suggests that the solution's ability to kill Acanthamoeba is compromised, increasing the risk of infection.

Genetic factors are linked to fever following smallpox vaccination

A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases has identified eight gene clusters associated with altered susceptibility to fever after smallpox vaccination. These genetic variations are linked to the interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene complex and the interleukin-18 gene on chromosome 11.

Improving plants' abilities to cope with saline conditions

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a method to increase plant tolerance to salt stress, preventing stunted growth and plant death. The technique uses genetic manipulation to reduce self-induced membrane damage and has significant consequences for dealing with soil salinization.

Study supports notion that Mars once had ocean

UC Berkeley scientists discovered that Mars' shoreline variations can be explained by the movement of its spin axis, and thus its poles. The team calculated that an initial shift of 50 degrees from today's pole would disrupt the Arabia shoreline.

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.

Late weekend sleep among teens may lead to poor academic performance

A study by Brown University found that teenagers who stay up late and sleep in on weekends are more likely to have poor academic performance. To prevent this, experts recommend getting enough sleep each night and maintaining a regular schedule. By following these tips, teens can improve their sleep quality and perform better in school.

Mars -- Red Planet once blue planet

A team of Canadian and U.S. researchers have found evidence that ragged features on Mars' surface were once shorelines of massive ancient oceans. The study suggests that a shift in Mars' spin axis within the past 2-3 billion years deformed these shorelines.

Can a Mediterranean diet help prevent colon cancer?

Researchers at Michigan Medicine are studying the impact of a Mediterranean diet on colon cancer risk. The study will compare the diet with a standard healthy eating plan and investigate its effects on protein levels and antioxidant compounds in the body. Participants who complete the six-month study will receive $270.

Herpes virus hijacks DNA repair process

Researchers discovered that herpes viruses trick mouse cells into activating the DNA damage response, allowing them to replicate more efficiently. Blocking this activation significantly reduces viral replication rates, providing a promising target for antiviral therapy.

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.

Scripps/UC San Diego scientists solve genome of promising marine organism

Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome of Salinispora tropica, a bacterium discovered in Bahamian mud with potential to produce compounds showing promise in treating diseases such as cancer. The decoded genome reveals an impressive 10% of genes dedicated to producing molecules for antibiotics and anticancer agents.

More nonphysician clinicians will boost African health care workforce

A study found that non-physician clinicians (NPCs) can play a significant role in scaling up health workforces in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas. NPCs were shown to perform basic diagnosis and medical treatment, with some trained in specialty activities like caesarean sections and eye surgery.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Progress toward an antitumor vaccine

Researchers at the University of Mainz have developed a novel approach to create antitumor vaccines by attaching tumor-associated glycopeptide antigens to a carrier protein via an immunocompatible thioether linkage. This method shows promise for inducing an immune response against cancer cells without irritating the immune system.

£5.9 million award gives UK aging research a new lease on life

The UK's position in aging research is strengthened with a £5.9 million Strategic Award, aiming to understand biological mechanisms causing aging. Researchers will explore cellular and biochemical processes using animal models, including fruit flies, nematode worms, and mice.

Study suggests other causes for childhood brain aneurysms

Researchers identified a surprising trend in their study of 53 Ohio children with intracranial arterial aneurysms: most cases occurred spontaneously, without trauma or infection. This finding suggests unknown genetic factors, environmental exposures, or interaction between the two may predispose certain children to aneurysm development.

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.

New findings challenge established views about human genome

The ENCODE project reveals that most human DNA is transcribed into RNA and that transcripts extensively overlap one another. This challenges the long-standing view of a small set of discrete genes and 'junk' DNA, suggesting instead that genes are just one type of functional DNA sequence.