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Science News Archive October 2007


Page 17 of 21

Computing change: Researcher traces history of the personal computer

Thomas Haigh, a historian of computer technology, is tracing the history of personal computers and their impact on society. He found that despite the initial hype around computers in the 1950s, businesses and employees continued to face similar challenges, such as figuring out how to use new gadgets and processes.

KGI professor contributes new insights on 'jumping genes'

A KGI professor's research reveals a mechanism for the self-repair of DNA at jumping gene locations, challenging instability theories. The study provides insights into the evolution of moveable genetic elements and their implications for plant genetics and molecular evolution.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find evidence of warming climate in Ohio

Researchers at Ohio State University found that summer nighttime low temperatures in Ohio have risen by about 1.7 degrees Celsius (about 3 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 1960s, mainly due to increased humidity and cloud cover. This warming trend is expected to affect the state's climate, with a typical summer night being 20 degrees Fahr...

Predictors of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing among primary care physicians

A retrospective cohort study found that international medical graduates, physicians with high practice volumes, and those who were in practice longer were more likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately. This inappropriate prescribing is associated with increased risk of antibiotic resistance, adverse events, and healthcare costs.

Whites take supplemental breast cancer therapy more often than blacks

A new study found that white women are almost five times more likely to take tamoxifen and three times more likely to have adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. Women with government health insurance were less likely to receive combination breast conserving surgery and radiation.

Researchers create system to build transplant tissue

Cornell engineers develop gel scaffold that can nourish growing tissues, supplying oxygen and nutrients. The system mimics a vascular system at the cellular scale, allowing for fine-tuning of biochemical environments and desired tissue outcomes.

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.

One shot of gene therapy spreads through brain in animal study

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully delivered beneficial gene to entire mouse brain with one injection, correcting diseased areas. The technique has potential for treating rare genetic neurological disorders like Tay-Sachs disease and Sly syndrome.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

FUSE reaches the end; astronomers say farewell

After eight years of operations, NASA's FUSE space telescope will be shut down on October 18, leaving behind a legacy of over 1,200 published papers and groundbreaking science discoveries, including insights into molecular hydrogen in Mars' atmosphere and a first-ever observation of molecular nitrogen outside our solar system.

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.

Depression can foreshadow intellectual decline in older people

Researchers found that depression in older people increases the risk of subsequent mental impairment and can act as a predictor of future intellectual decline. The study, which analyzed over 700 patients, showed that depression raises the risk of executive function loss, a key indicator of cognitive decline.

Medicare modernization act did not change chemotherapy as feared

A new study found that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy did not notice restrictions in their treatment access following the enactment of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act. Despite significant reductions in government reimbursement to oncologists, patients perceived no barriers to their care.

Researchers find new gene linked to breast cancer

A new study has identified a gene, HMMR, that may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer by more than a third. The research found that HMMR interacts with the well-known breast cancer gene BRCA1, suggesting a potential new pathway for further research.

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.

Got calcium? UWM researcher finds that food labels confuse consumers

A recent study found that current food labeling leads to under-consumption of calcium, a crucial nutrient for osteoporosis prevention. Researchers discovered that consumers struggle to translate %DV to milligrams, and even doctors often make incorrect calculations. However, providing simple guidelines can help individuals better naviga...

Penn biochemist receives NIH New Innovator's Award

Biochemistry and biophysics expert Dr. James Shorter has been awarded a $1.5 million NIH New Innovator Award to develop biochemical methods for combating nerve degeneration diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's.

Scientists search for brain center responsible for tinnitus

Researchers at the University at Buffalo study brain signals and animal models to find tinnitus relief; goal is to identify neural signature of the condition. Potential therapies are being tested using radioactive tracers and unique compounds.

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.

NCCAM expands Centers of Excellence in CAM research program

NCCAM has added three new Centers of Excellence for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), focusing on the biological effects of plant-derived compounds on various health conditions. The centers will investigate mechanisms and effects of compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and grape polyphenols in preventing or tre...

Technology would help detect terrorists before they strike

Researchers at University at Buffalo develop automated system to track individuals' likelihood of committing a terrorist act based on biometrics and behavioral indicators. The system aims to identify perpetrators in real-time, providing a numerical score of malfeasance likelihood.

Genes from the father facilitate the formation of new species

Research finds that female bird species develop a sexual preference for males of their own species, driven by genes on the sex chromosome inherited from the father. This discovery sheds light on how new species are formed and may explain the existence of new species despite occasional hybridization.

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.

Nanofabrication method paves way for new optical devices

A new fabrication technique using soft lithography has enabled the mass production of plasmonic metamaterials, which exhibit exceptional optical properties due to their unique structure. The technique allows for scalable manufacturing and can produce materials with high-quality transmission behavior, focusing light in microscale patches.

Study: diabetic neuropathy costs billions per year in lost work time

A recent study found that workers with diabetic neuropathic symptoms lose an average of 1.4 hours per week due to health-related lost productive time, resulting in $3.65 billion annual costs. Those with diabetes without symptoms still experience a higher likelihood of unemployment compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.

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.

The reservoir of Marburg virus identified in a species of fruit bat

Scientists have found Marburg virus in Egyptian rousette fruit bats, a non-symptom developing carrier species that likely transmits the virus to humans. The discovery reveals this bat as Africa's natural reservoir and highlights the need for public health measures to prevent future outbreaks.

BSSA tipsheet for October 2007

Researchers identify correlation between 3D basin geometry and observed shaking in previous earthquakes, leading to improved construction and seismic hazard assessments. A new tool for evaluating site conditions is also proposed, which could aid in risk assessment for earthquake-prone regions worldwide.

Story ideas from Molecular & Cellular Proteomics

Researchers identify key proteins in brain cortex associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. A new method also detects abnormal protein-sugar structures in blood plasma for cancer diagnosis. Additionally, proteins linked to improved liver cancer diagnosis have been identified.

Developing a modular, nanoparticle drug delivery system

Eva Harth's system delivers drugs to specific intracellular compartments, including the brain, and reaches tumors in the lungs, brain, and spinal cord. It also enables delivery of peptides, proteins, DNA, and smaller chemical compounds.

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.

USC biomedical team to participate in $6 million low vision project

The USC team aims to design visual displays that enhance certain parts of an image to help people with AMD digest visual information better. They will use techniques from computer vision and computational neuroscience to build visual displays that compensate for neural loss.

Human rights violations widespread in eastern Burma

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that over half of households in displaced areas experienced human rights violations, leading to high mortality rates, infectious morbidity, and malnutrition. The survey revealed a five-fold increase in death risk among children under five years old in households with multiple human rights abuses.

Fair play in chimpanzees

In a study, chimpanzees were confronted with a simplified version of the ultimatum game. Unlike humans, they accepted any nonzero offer, whether it was unfair or not. The researchers conclude that chimpanzees do not show a willingness to make fair offers and reject unfair ones.

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.

ResearchChannel partners with NSF

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is partnering with ResearchChannel to create science-themed programming for cable television, the Internet, and other media. The partnership will feature lectures from distinguished scientists, panel discussions on ongoing NSF-funded research, and institutional research series.

Simplest circadian clocks operate via orderly phosphate transfers

Researchers at Harvard University have found that a simple circadian clock can maintain an accurate 24-hour cycle through the rhythmic addition and subtraction of phosphate groups on a single protein. This discovery builds upon previous research and has implications for understanding general feedback mechanisms in organisms.

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.

How emotionally charged events leave their mark on memory

Researchers have discovered a mechanism that strengthens memory connections in response to emotional stress, which may underlie why traumatic events can be more vividly remembered than everyday ones. The study found that the stress hormone norepinephrine enhances learning and memory by increasing GluR1 receptors.

Scientists 'weigh' tiny galaxy halfway across universe

An international team of scientists has identified a tiny galaxy, about half the size and one-tenth the weight of the smallest distant galaxies typically observed. The galaxy is 100 times lighter than our own Milky Way and is 100 times closer to us than the nearest known structure, the Virgo cluster.

UGA vet school receives $1.18 million NIH grant for rabies vaccine investigations

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine has received a $1.18 million NIH grant to develop a less expensive and less invasive means of vaccinating humans and animals against rabies. The proposed vaccine will use a genetically modified form of the live virus, aiming to establish immunity with fewer doses and reduce costs.

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.

When taking a long time is seen as a good thing

A study reveals consumers misjudge situations where longer duration isn't necessarily better, such as in exercise programs or lock-picking services. Consumers tend to believe a positive correlation between duration and quality, leading them to prefer longer sessions even when they're not more effective.

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.

Giant Magellan telescope site selected

The Giant Magellan Telescope will be constructed at Cerro Las Campanas, Chile, providing unparalleled seeing quality and access to the southern skies. The telescope will help answer scientific questions on planetary systems, star formation, galaxies, black holes, dark matter, and dark energy.

Lesser of two evils: When do we prefer to get rid of things?

A new study found that when faced with two 'bad' choices, consumers tend to opt to get rid of what they already have. This is due to a stronger preference for possession loss aversion than valence loss aversion. The researchers discovered that this effect is more pronounced in situations where the options are risk-free or unattractive.

Unveiling the structure of microcrystals

Scientists have successfully determined the structure of microcrystal grains using a new set-up at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. This breakthrough allows researchers to study crystalline structures previously too small to analyze, enabling potential advances in fields like chemistry, physics, and biology.

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.

Argonne researcher studies what makes quantum dots blink

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory have developed a method to characterize quantum dot blinking on faster time scales than before. The results provide new insight into the mechanism of quantum-dot blinking and may help control and suppress this flickering behavior.