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Science News for September 26, 2007


New keys to keeping a diverse planet

A new UC Davis study explores how competition among genetically varied plants relates to species diversity, finding that diversity within a species is necessary for maintaining diversity among species. The research also highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity in plant communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2007

Sodium loses its luster: A liquid metal that's not really metallic

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory discovered a series of pressure-induced structural and electronic transitions in molten sodium, leading to a threefold drop in electrical conductivity. This unexpected behavior challenges traditional expectations of metals under extreme conditions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Nickerson leads on Stevens-Columbia NSF software grant

Researchers will develop new methods for understanding software design expertise, using diagram analysis to reveal cognitive structures of designers. The project is embedded in a course in design, allowing for real-time study of design as it happens and improved instruction.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateSep 26, 2007

Why quitting may be good for you

Research suggests that disengaging from impossible goals can lower bodily inflammation levels, a potential risk factor for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Setting new goals after giving up on an important one can also improve mental health by increasing purpose and mastery.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 26, 2007

Alcohol and cancer: is drinking the new smoking?

Researchers at CAMH found that quitting alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of esophageal and oral cavity cancers, with risks decreasing rapidly after longer periods of abstention. However, stopping drinking did not immediately decrease the risk of head and neck cancer, with benefits seen only after 10 years of cessation.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 26, 2007

Study shows autism symptoms can improve into adulthood

Researchers found that symptoms can improve with age, particularly in individuals who are not classified as having mental retardation. The study, which followed over 400 adolescents and adults with autism for five years, revealed significant improvements in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateSep 26, 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.

Plants can be used to study how and why people respond differently to drugs

A team of researchers discovered a key protein in plants that creates drug resistance and is similar to proteins found in humans. This finding could help uncover new factors contributing to variable drug responses in humans and advance the understanding of drug sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 26, 2007

Using catalysts to stamp nanopatterns without ink

Researchers at Duke University have developed an inkless microcontact printing technique using enzymes from E. coli bacteria, achieving features as small as 1 nanometer in precision. The method eliminates the need for ink and improves resolution limits by hundreds of times.

SourceDuke University·DateSep 26, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover forests of endangered tropical kelp

A research team has discovered forests of endangered tropical kelp in deep waters near the Galapagos Islands. The find suggests that marine ecosystems may be more resilient to climate change than initially thought, with kelp forests potentially harboring unique biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2007

Doctor-aided suicide: no slippery slope

A University of Utah-led study rebuts critics by showing that legalizing physician-assisted suicide did not result in disproportionate deaths among the elderly, poor, women, minorities, or chronically ill. In fact, patients with psychiatric illness were not more likely to die via assisted suicide.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateSep 26, 2007
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.

Helping older people use technology can save lives

A Queensland University of Technology research team has received $280,000 in funding to investigate how to make technology easier for older people to use. The study aims to improve the design of complex interactive devices, such as healthcare products, to reduce errors and save lives.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateSep 26, 2007

Mixing large doses of both acetaminophen painkiller and caffeine may increase risk of liver damage

A preliminary laboratory study suggests that consuming large amounts of caffeine with acetaminophen can lead to toxic interactions and liver damage. The researchers recommend limiting caffeine intake while taking acetaminophen, particularly for vulnerable groups such as those taking certain medications or excessive alcohol.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateSep 26, 2007

Grub's passion for plastic causes water loss

Research by NSW DPI has identified the Whitefringed weevil larvae as the culprit behind small holes in leaky irrigation pipes. The larvae can chew through plastic piping using their dark brown pincers, leading to significant yield loss and water waste for lucerne growers.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·DateSep 26, 2007

Yale scientists make 2 giant steps in advancement of quantum computing

Researchers at Yale have made two major breakthroughs in advancing quantum computing, enabling the transfer of information between distant qubits and paving the way for more complex quantum computers. By developing a superconducting communication 'bus,' they can now store and transfer information efficiently between qubits on a chip.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cave records provide clues to climate change

Researchers analyzed stalagmites from Borneo caves to reconstruct the tropical Pacific's climate history. Their findings suggest a more active role for the tropical Pacific in abrupt climate changes than previously thought, providing new insights into past climate trends.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007

Impact of Arctic heat wave stuns climate change researchers

A recent Arctic heat wave has led to a significant revision of climate change forecasts and research findings. The extreme temperatures on Melville Island have caused widespread erosion, changed sediment loads, and impacted water quality, highlighting the urgent need for improved models predicting future climate change in the High Arctic.

SourceQueen's University·DateSep 26, 2007
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.

Doping technique brings nanomechanical devices into the semiconductor world

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers successfully blended modern semiconductor tech and nanomachines, opening doors to new tiny mechanical devices. The new work enables sensors capable of measuring single biological molecules and has implications for solar energy cells, battery technology, and highly sensitive light-emitting diodes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 26, 2007

Does the victim affect snake venom composition?

Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology shows that a snake's intended prey affects the type and evolution of toxins in their venom. The study found that sea snakes have less diverse toxins due to their shared feeding behavior and diet.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 26, 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.

Digital cable goes quantum

Scientists at NIST have developed a new component for potential ultra-powerful quantum computers using a microfabricated aluminum cable with superconducting circuits. This 'quantum bus' can transport data between two or more qubits, enabling faster calculations and potentially solving complex mathematical problems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007

Team demos safety of RNA therapy

Researchers from MIT and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals have shown that siRNA does not interfere with the microRNA pathway, achieving 80% silencing of target genes in mice and hamster liver cells. This approach could lead to treatments for a wide range of diseases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007

No evidence physician-assisted death leads to 'slippery slope'

Legalized physician-assisted dying in Oregon and the Netherlands shows only a few people choose this option, with most having cancer or severe illness. Vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities or mental illnesses are not overrepresented in deaths facilitated by doctors.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateSep 26, 2007

Got stress? It could impact breast cancer recurrence

Women with metastatic breast cancer who have endured previous traumatic or stressful events see their cancer recur nearly twice as fast as others, according to a study. The median disease-free interval was 2.5 years for those with traumatic experiences, compared to 5 years for those without.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Research·DateSep 26, 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.

Emphasizing the 'precision' in precision agriculture

Researchers developed a simplified protocol to teach growers how to convert complex yield and soil data into pertinent information, enabling site-specific management decisions. By using this protocol, Australian growers improved their field management, including implementing site-specific nutrient and pest management treatments.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 26, 2007

Study probes the legalities of cyber-bullying

A three-year QUT study will guide schools on policies and practices to protect victims, educate students and families, and prevent liability. The research team will work with focus groups of students, teachers, principals, and parents to explore the incidence and consequences of cyber bullying.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateSep 26, 2007
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.

Mice teeth explain the troubles with human wisdom teeth

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that a weak inhibitory cascade in mouse molars may cause the last molar to develop in humans. They developed a mathematical model predicting tooth proportions and numbers across various species, including humans.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007

Study on joint attention has implications for understanding autism

A recent study on joint attention reveals its crucial role in understanding autism, suggesting impaired social skills and communication difficulties. The 'attention-systems model' proposes that joint attention is the result of two basic forms of attention interacting throughout development.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateSep 26, 2007

'Jumping genes' could make for safer gene delivery system

New nonviral gene delivery systems utilizing transposons provide a safer alternative to viruses, with potential benefits for treating fatal conditions such as cancer. The technology has shown promise in achieving stable expression of genes in animal cells and minimizing insertional mutagenesis risk.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalApplied Biosafety·DateSep 26, 2007

Possible safer target for anti-clotting drugs found

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified calpain-1 as a key enzyme in blood clot formation, which could lead to safer anti-clotting treatments. The study also found elevated protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B levels in mice lacking calpain-1, potentially providing insights into diabetes and obesity research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateSep 26, 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.

North America's northernmost lake affected by global warming

Researchers found that aquatic life in Ward Hunt Lake has undergone significant transformations over the last two centuries, with abrupt changes in algae population and diatom presence. The lake's conditions have become more favorable for algae growth, raising concerns about climate change's impact on Arctic ecosystems.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 26, 2007

Enzyme's second messenger contributes to cell overgrowth

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered a novel PLC-epsilon enzyme subtype that activates a second signaling pathway for cell proliferation. This finding may enable targeting the enzyme's second function to prevent pathological responses while preserving its critical physiological roles.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2007

Stevens wins Excellence in Technology Education Award

Stevens Institute of Technology has been recognized for its consistent success in technology education, with a focus on innovation and collaboration. The university's four schools are working together to address major thrust areas in the 21st century, including systems management, security, and multi-scale engineering.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateSep 26, 2007

Life-giving rocks from a depth of 250 km

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that majorite minerals act as oxygen reservoirs, releasing stored oxygen to form water and sustain life on Earth. This mechanism helps prevent the Earth from becoming as dry and inhospitable as Mars.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007

Thriving hybrid salamanders contradict common wisdom

Researchers found that hybrid young salamanders survived more in the wild than pure native or introduced species, challenging prevailing scientific thought. The study raises questions about managing endangered populations and considers hybrids as threats to native salamanders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2007
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.

Safety measures for Grand Prix racing drivers haven't worked

Researchers found that safety measures introduced over the past decade have failed to reduce death rates and speed in Grand Prix motor racing. Experts recommend strengthening barriers, protective clothing for drivers, and improving cornering speeds to prioritize driver safety.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 26, 2007

New approach to improving diarrhea in infants with probiotics

Researchers found that combining Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic strain with lower doses of hyperimmune bovine colostrum (HBC) provides protection against rotavirus infection, effective as high-dose HBC alone. This combination therapy could help relieve the immense disease burden posed by rotavirus in developing countries.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateSep 26, 2007

Black Caribbeans do better in America than in England

A comparative study of Black Caribbeans living in America found better health, higher incomes, and less discrimination than both black Americans and English Caribbeans. The research attributed these differences to economic inequalities and migration patterns.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·DateSep 26, 2007

Discovery supports theory of Alzheimer's disease as form of diabetes

Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that a toxic protein in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's removes insulin receptors from nerve cells, rendering those neurons insulin resistant. This finding sheds light on the emerging idea of Alzheimer's being a type 3 diabetes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 26, 2007
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.

New type of drug shows promise in attacking melanoma in an innovative way

The experimental drug STA-4783 has been shown to delay cancer progression and prolong patient lives by inducing oxidative stress in cancer cells. In a randomized trial, patients treated with the combination of STA-4783 and chemotherapy lived up to 12 months after diagnosis, compared to 7.8 months for those receiving only chemotherapy.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 26, 2007

MicroRNA convicted of triggering metastasis

A recent study shows that overabundance of a single microRNA, microRNA-10b, can cause tumors to spread to distant tissues in mice. Researchers found that this microRNA disrupts the normal migration process of cancer cells by targeting the HoxD10 gene.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2007

Experimental drug shows promise in advanced kidney cancer

A study presented at the European Cancer Conference found that axitinib shrank tumours and delayed disease progression in patients with advanced kidney cancer. The drug, which is also being tested in other types of cancer, showed promising results in a group of heavily pre-treated patients.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 26, 2007

Glycemic index values are variable, report researchers

Researchers at Tufts University found that glycemic index values can vary significantly among individuals and even within the same person, with individual values ranging from 44 to 132. The study's findings highlight the need for more precise understanding of how glycemic index relates to chronic disease risk in diverse populations.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 26, 2007