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Science News Archive November 2007


Page 1 of 19

Between water and rock -- a new science

Scientists are discovering that aquatic nanoparticles influence natural and engineered water chemistry differently than similar materials of a larger size. The review considers nanoparticles formed by natural processes in water and as unintended consequences of human activity, such as mining or water treatment.

Aging improves parent, child relationships, research shows

Research by Purdue University associate professor Karen Fingerman found that a majority of parents and children reported positive changes in their relationship as parents transitioned to old age. Despite declining health, many parents felt appreciated and nurtured, while children expressed gratitude for increased help from their parents.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Helium isotopes point to the best sources of geothermal energy

Research by Arizona State University scientists reveals that helium-3/helium-4 ratios can be used to identify areas with high geothermal resource potential. Analyzing samples from over 60 hot springs and shallow wells in the Basin and Range province, they discovered a correlation between helium ratios and deformation rates.

NASA'S Glast satellite arrives at Naval Research Lab for testing

The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) spacecraft has successfully completed two environmental tests and is now undergoing thermal and vacuum testing at the Naval Research Laboratory. The satellite will study extreme universe phenomena, including black holes and gamma-ray bursts.

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.

Further development of Water Framework Directive necessary

Experts warn that the European Water Framework Directive lacks a comprehensive approach to monitoring and addressing chemical pollution in rivers. The current priority list of substances is deemed inadequate, and researchers advocate for prioritizing effects rather than just chemicals.

Dark energy -- 10 years on

Three quarters of the universe is dark energy, a mysterious substance that repels gravity. New space missions and improved observation methods will help uncover its secrets.

World AIDS Day: HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment

Research published in PLoS Medicine highlights the high risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in developing countries. Targeting HIV prevention programs to reach these men is crucial to curb transmission and reduce global burden.

More on HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment

A recent study reveals that CMV retinitis is causing blindness in young people with HIV in the developing world, often leading to fatal outcomes. Successful management of the disease requires decentralizing diagnostic capacity and making valganciclovir medication affordable.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New system for classifying infant lung disease developed

A new system has been developed to classify rare lung diseases in infants, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The system groups various lung diseases into distinct categories, allowing pathologists to diagnose children's lung disease more accurately.

String of fullerene pearls

Researchers have produced molecular chimeras by binding fullerene receptors to a fullerene molecule, forming short chains of linked nanopearls. These aggregates exhibit special binding interactions between electrons, making them promising for efficient optoelectronic components.

Using fMRI to study brain development

Researchers at MIT used fMRI to monitor brain development in rats, correcting for changes that occur during early life. The study found a key player in the changing relationship between neural activity and blood response: carbonic anhydrase.

Levels of prion protein in brain may not be reliable marker for disease

Researchers found that abnormally folded prion protein in brain tissue does not reliably predict disease infectivity; some highly infectious samples had nearly undetectable levels of abnormal PrP. This suggests alternative mechanisms or specific conformation of abnormal PrP may be responsible for prion diseases.

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.

Purdue researchers obtain a snapshot clarifying how materials enter cells

A Purdue University research team captured an image of the protein gate complex that allows materials to enter cells, providing insights into disease mechanisms. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis by inhibiting or activating this mechanism.

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.

Out-of-hours doctors reluctant to do home visits, say patients

Patients report feeling uncertain about out-of-hours primary care services, with concerns over appropriateness and responsiveness. Staffing issues and slow handling times are also cited as key problems, highlighting the need for better patient experience monitoring.

Mountain summits in the Alps becoming increasingly similar

Researchers from the University of Bayreuth and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that Alpine summit vegetation is becoming increasingly homogenized due to climate change. This has led to an increase in species diversity within individual areas, but a decline in regional biodiversity across ecosystems.

Women with AIDS face cervical cancer threat

A study by Dr. Groesbeck Parham found that 90% of HIV-infected women presenting for antiretroviral therapy harbor cervical cell abnormalities, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Access to screening and treatment is crucial to prevent this life-threatening condition in women living with AIDS.

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.

Alcohol may amplify chronic rejection in lung transplants

A recent study found that chronic alcohol consumption by lung donors promotes scarring and airway injury after transplantation. The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, raises questions about human lung donors with a history of alcohol abuse.

Liang receives NIH grant for biofilm research

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing functional polymers modified surfaces that can prevent bacterial adhesion and sensitize formed biofilms for antibiotic treatment. This project aims to combat the fourth leading cause of death in the US, hospital-acquired infections and diseases.

Nano-sized voltmeter measures electric fields deep within cells

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan has developed a nano-scale voltmeter that can measure electric fields deep within cells. The device, which is 1,000-fold smaller than existing voltmeters, reveals surprisingly high electric field strengths in cytosol, challenging conventional wisdom about cellular processes.

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.

Test Japanese encephalitis vaccine shown to be immunogenic and safe

A new test vaccine against Japanese encephalitis virus has shown promising results, with a high seroconversion rate and good safety profile. The vaccine is considered at least as effective as the existing licensed vaccine, making it a potential candidate for use in travelers and children in endemic areas.

New research discredits $100B global warming 'fix'

Researchers have found that less carbon is transported to deep water during natural plankton blooms than during the rest of the year, suggesting the Biological Pump leaks. This discovery challenges ocean fertilization schemes, which ignore natural processes and may not remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

World AIDS Day

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes the contributions of researchers and managers in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Since the first cases of AIDS were reported, NIH has established a comprehensive trans-NIH research effort to understand HIV biology, develop effective therapies, and prevent new infections.

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.

McGill researchers link enzyme to breast cancer malignancy

A recent study by McGill researchers found that the enzyme focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is crucial for tumour progression from a pre-malignant to a malignant state in the mammary tumour system. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments against breast cancer.

Astronomers find stellar cradle where planets form

Astronomers at the University of Illinois have discovered a stellar cradle where planets and moons are believed to form. Located 800 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus, the object is an enormous flow of shocked molecular hydrogen gas erupting from a young protostar's magnetic poles.

How our ancestors were like gorillas

Research from University College London found that some of our closest extinct relatives had more in common with gorillas than previously thought. The study discovered that males continued to grow well into adulthood, leading to a significant size difference between males and females, similar to what is seen in gorillas.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New heart test to save time, money -- and lives

A new heart test has been developed to detect mild degrees of heart injury, enabling doctors to identify patients most likely to benefit from life-saving treatments. The test, which searches for a specific protein in the blood, could lead to fewer unnecessary hospital admissions and improved diagnosis.

Blood stem cells fight invaders, study finds

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells can travel to visceral organs to perform reconnaissance missions and produce new immune cells. These cells can synthesize defense mechanisms to counter invading pathogens, indicating a more dynamic role for hematopoietic stem cells.

Having the climate cake and eating it, too

A recent paper suggests that reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) could be key to addressing climate change. By including REDD in the Kyoto Protocol, developing countries can claim compensation for sustainable forest management, potentially earning $630 million annually.

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.

Small RNA plays parallel roles in bacterial metabolism

A team from the University of Illinois identified SgrS, a 200-nucleotide-long RNA molecule, which performs two functions to regulate glucose metabolism in bacteria. The molecule binds to messenger RNA to inhibit new glucose transporter production and codes for a protein that retards existing transporter activity.

Helium isotopes point to new sources of geothermal energy

Researchers have identified potential geothermal energy resources in the northern Basin and Range province, characterized by high thermal gradients and deep permeable pathways. The discovery uses helium isotope ratios to map zones of higher than average permeability, offering a new tool for identifying geothermal energy resources.

Hotspots found for chromosome gene swapping

Researchers have found that double-strand DNA breaks occur more frequently in specific regions near telomeres and centromeres, increasing the likelihood of chromosome gene swapping. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of developmental chromosome abnormalities and birth defects.

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.

Club drugs inflict damage similar to traumatic brain injury

Research by University of Florida scientists found that using club drugs triggers a similar chemical chain reaction in the brain as a traumatic brain injury, resulting in cell death and memory loss. The study suggests that methamphetamine use can cause irreversible brain damage.

Recipe for a storm: The ingredients for more powerful Atlantic hurricanes

University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists have found that a basin-wide circulation pattern drives Atlantic hurricane activity. The study reveals that Atlantic hurricanes will be more sensitive to climate changes than storms in other ocean basins, with warmer oceans indicating ideal conditions for development. Understanding this relati...

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 developments in biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer

Researchers have made significant progress in identifying new biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer, which can aid in early detection and improve treatment outcomes. The study highlights the potential of these biomarkers as therapeutic and imaging targets.

Pennsylvania Hospital surgeon receives grant to develop molecular cardiac surgery

Dr. Bridges' group successfully demonstrates marker genes can be efficiently inserted into heart muscle cells in large animals using a novel surgical procedure and specially designed hardware. The approach has the potential to develop new treatments for various heart muscle diseases causing heart failure, with preliminary success showi...

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.

Racial and ethnic differences in the biology of breast cancer tumors

A recent study found racial discrepancies in breast cancer tumor gene profiles, suggesting inflammation plays a stronger role in development and progression in African-American women. African-American breast cancer patients tend to have a greater prevalence of an aggressive form of cancer less likely to respond to hormone therapy.

Youngest solar systems detected by U-M astronomers

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found two young stars with gaps in their protoplanetary disks, suggesting infant planets cleared debris. The study provides new insights into solar system formation and history.