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Science News for March 9, 2007


Climate shifts -- probability of randomness

Researchers calculated the probability of periodicity in climate shifts, finding that they hit a beat 70% of the time. Simulations showed that if climate shifts were truly random, the actual regularity would likely be lower, making them unpredictable.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate of the Past·DateMar 9, 2007

Personalized diets may offer relief to advanced cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Alberta found that advanced cancer patients experience unique and persistent taste and smell abnormalities, leading to malnutrition and poor quality of life. A personalized diet tailored to an individual's needs may improve their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateMar 9, 2007

When your brain talks, your muscles don't always listen

As people age, their neurons must speak more loudly to muscles to achieve precise control, leading to poorer physical responses and increased falls. Exercise, such as weight training, can increase firing rates and preserve motor capacity in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMar 9, 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.

Bacterial walls come tumbling down

Scientists have detailed images of a bacterial cell wall target that could aid in designing new antibiotics to treat deadly infections. The images, published in the journal Science, show an antibiotic called moenomycin binding to the enzyme, providing a new understanding of its structure and function.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2007

APL-built microscopic instrument aboard Air Force Academy satellite

The Flat Plasma Spectrometer (FlaPS) is a tiny analyzer developed by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to study plasma depletions in the ionosphere. The spectrometer's small size and low power consumption make it ideal for large-scale missions, enabling dozens of instruments to be carried on microsatellites.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 9, 2007

Gold nanorods assemble themselves into rings

Gold nanorods spontaneously form rings due to condensation of water droplets on their surface, changing optical and electromagnetic properties. The discovery could lead to development of novel nanodevices such as highly sensitive sensors and invisible objects.

SourceRice University·DateMar 9, 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.

UCL scientist receives Max Planck Research Award 2007

Professor Ray Dolan of UCL Institute of Neurology received the prestigious Max Planck Research Award 2007 for his groundbreaking research on neuromodulation and behaviour. The award will support his investigation into neurochemical mechanisms underlying emotional learning and decision-making in humans.

SourceUniversity College London·DateMar 9, 2007

Diabetes, depression together increase risk for heart patients

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that having both type 2 diabetes and depression significantly increases the risk of death for heart patients. This is because individuals with diabetes who also experience depression may be less motivated to follow their self-care regimen, thereby putting them at a higher risk.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMar 9, 2007

Super small nanoelectrodes can probe microscale environments

Researchers have developed nanoelectrodes that can be used for electrochemical and biochemical sensing within living cells. The probes, which are 100 nanometers in diameter, can be controlled precisely where they penetrate a cell or pinpoint smaller structures like the nucleus or mitochondrion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 9, 2007
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.

UCF research to make spyplanes smarter, keep troops safe

The UCF research aims to make small unmanned spyplanes smarter by allowing them to communicate with each other, follow targets and hand off tracking. The project enables real-time data transmission of 3D images, providing valuable intelligence to troops on battlefields.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMar 9, 2007

Stealth camouflage at night

Researchers have confirmed that cuttlefish employ night camouflage to adapt quickly to microhabitats on temperate rock reefs. The ability is key to their nighttime predator/prey interactions and fine-tuned visual system, allowing them to dominate the dark environment.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·DateMar 9, 2007

Gene variations contribute to aggression and anger in women

Researchers found genetic markers associated with lower scores in tests measuring anger, hostility, and aggression in women. The study identified two alterations in the serotonin receptor 2C gene promoter region linked to increased risk of hypertension, glucose metabolism, and heart diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMar 9, 2007