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Science News Archive 2008


Page 121 of 240

New insight to demineralization

Scientists at Virginia Tech have found a novel mechanism for demineralization of noncrystalline silicas, which can dissolve up to 100 times faster than expected. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of biomedical implants and synthetic materials with bone-like properties.

Researchers reveal types of genes necessary for brain development

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brandeis University used a full-genome RNAi screen to identify genes essential for brain development in neurons. The study revealed unexpected roles for genes involved in signaling, protein trafficking, and cytoskeletal proteins.

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.

Note to pediatricians: Taper meds in kids with stable asthma

A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that 40% of pediatricians wouldn't reduce medication doses even if a child is well-controlled. The researchers suggest that pediatricians might benefit from a step-by-step tool to apply treatment guidelines and use different disease dimensions in their practice.

From the mountains to the coast

The Alfred Wegener Institute has inherited the World Radiation Monitoring Center, providing climate research with accurate meteorological data. The archive contains baseline energy conversion of solar radiation and thermal radiation data from around the world.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newborn vitamin A reduces infant mortality

A study published in Pediatrics found that a single dose of vitamin A given to newborns shortly after birth can reduce their risk of death by 15%. This low-cost intervention has the potential to save millions of lives, particularly in developing countries where childhood mortality is highest.

HIV treatment in Africa as successful as in Europe, if started in time

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a public-health approach to HIV treatment in South Africa is equally effective as an individualized approach used in Switzerland. Treatment initiated early greatly reduces HIV levels and viral rebound, but higher mortality rates were observed in South Africa.

Lay your eggs here

Researchers found that female mosquitoes are attracted to water containers with specific fatty acids and methyl esters from bacteria, which stimulate them to lay eggs. The study aims to use this knowledge to devise lures and traps to control yellow fever mosquito populations, preventing global diseases like dengue fever.

Reading for pleasure is crucial, say leading authors at UKLA

Two leading authors stress the importance of teaching children to enjoy reading, rather than just reading, to improve literacy. They also highlight the role of teachers and parents in nurturing young readers and provide practical guidance on how to promote reading for pleasure.

Stanford researchers find molecule that kills kidney cancer cells

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecule that selectively kills kidney cancer cells without harming healthy ones. This breakthrough finding could lead to the development of a life-saving treatment that preserves patients' kidneys.

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.

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.

Geologists study China earthquake for glimpse into future

Researchers used a model to study stress changes on faults after the May 12 China earthquake and found heightened rupture likelihood for some faults. The study suggests that potential for failure exists on some faults, but does not predict when or if an earthquake will occur.

Study shows rise in Cornwall's dolphin, whale and porpoise deaths

A study by the University of Exeter reveals a disturbing rise in cetacean strandings off Cornwall's coast, with most incidents attributed to bycatch in marine fisheries. The researchers are calling for increased conservation efforts and regulations to safeguard the future of Cornish cetaceans.

A green solution to biofuel production

A new approach to biofuel production uses plants to make enzymes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The technology, developed by Texas A&M University researchers, can produce multiple products from a single crop, making it a more economically viable option.

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.

Cancer therapies from the ocean?

Scientists have identified marine species that produce compounds interfering with NF-kB, a protein linked to cancer and other diseases. These compounds may allow normal cell death in cancerous cells, while also improving drug delivery to tumors and other targeted areas.

Surrogacy still stigmatized, though attitudes changing among younger women

Research among 187 women from the general population found that younger women are more willing to become surrogate mothers. Women who value families and parenthood are also more likely to be willing to help others become parents. The study aims to overcome stigma by linking surrogacy to positive family values.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Herbal remedy reduces obesity and heart disease?

Researchers have discovered that Tabebuia extract can delay dietary fat absorption in animal models, reducing triglyceride levels. The extract's potential use in treating obesity and associated diseases like type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease is being explored.

Slow exercise (not fast) is better for menopausal women

A new study led by Dr Alexandra Sänger found that slower exercise methods, such as SuperSlow, increase muscle mass and reduce connective tissue, benefiting menopausal women. The results suggest that these exercises may contribute to a better quality of life in old age.

Special horseshoes measure acceleration in horses

Researchers at Wageningen University used special horseshoes to measure accelerations of horses undergoing aquatraining and walking normally, revealing lower impact forces during 'aquatic walking'. However, rising trot may not be as advantageous as previously thought, with similar back extension in both sitting and rising trot.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Topical oral syrup prevents early childhood caries

A recent clinical trial found that xylitol syrup administered daily to toddlers from 6-15 months old significantly reduced tooth decay. The study showed nearly 76% of children in the xylitol group were caries-free, compared to 48% in the control group.

Want to fly? Don't copy the birds and the bees

Researchers find that wing shape and flapping motion are crucial for efficient flight, contradicting the assumption that nature is always efficient. Dr. Jim Usherwood's study suggests that mimicking nature's designs can lead to flawed results, highlighting the importance of understanding aerodynamics in biomimetics.

Novel hydrogel systems for dentin regeneration

Researchers have developed a novel hydrogel system using multidomain peptides as a biomimetic scaffold, enabling the directed differentiation and function of dental stem cells for targeted dentin-pulp complex regeneration. The material provides high control over nanofiber architecture and better chemical functionality.

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 therapeutic options for diabetes-related tissue injury

Research reveals that resolvins and protectins, derived from omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, counter-regulate pro-inflammatory signals and promote tissue healing in diabetes. These mediators reverse inflammatory responses in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages, offering potential for new therapeutic options.

Nanostructures improve bone response to titanium implants

Researchers discovered that nanostructures enhance bone formation on titanium implants as early as 4 weeks after placement. Modifying the size and distribution of nanostructures at the implant surface may lead to faster and more predictable results.

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.

Unique stellar system gives Einstein a thumbs-up

Researchers used a rare double-star system to test Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity, finding that the famed physicist's 93-year-old theory has passed yet another test. The study confirmed that the strong gravity of the neutron stars causes one to wobble or precess.

Funding boost in fight against leukaemia

University of Manchester researchers have received £1.6 million in funding to study a group of genes identified as playing a key role in leukaemia. The grant will help analyze the common mechanisms of action for patient benefit, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.

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.

Microsoft and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev announce agreement

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Microsoft's R&D Center, enabling joint research projects and internships for outstanding students. The partnership aims to create a talented group of programmers and develop next-generation technology innovations.

Mercury's surface dominated by volcanism and iron-deficiency

MESSENGER data reveals widespread volcanism on Mercury's surface, with lava plains and iron-deficient rock units mapped. The spacecraft has identified three major rock units and confirmed an apparent planet-wide iron deficiency in Mercury's surface rocks.

Acidifying oceans add urgency to CO2 cuts

The oceans have absorbed 40% of human-caused carbon dioxide, causing a 0.1-unit drop in surface pH; acidification may harm corals and plankton by mid-century if emissions aren't reduced. Carbon dioxide levels could reach 0.35 units by the mid-21st century if cuts aren't made immediately.

Volcanic activity shaped Mercury after all

Researchers from Brown University have discovered evidence of past volcanic activity on Mercury, suggesting that the planet underwent intense changes to its landscape around 3-4 billion years ago. The findings were made possible by detailed images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft and provide new insights into Mercury's geologic history.

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.

Simian foamy virus found to be widespread among chimpanzees

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from 25 chimpanzee communities and found a range of SFV infection rates from 44% to 100%. The study highlights the importance of understanding cross-species infections in primates and their potential impact on human health.

Potential treatment for TB solves puzzle

Researchers have identified a new target for TB treatment, solving a long-standing puzzle about bacterial cell wall production. The discovery reveals molecules that could be developed into drugs to treat tuberculosis, particularly for multi-drug resistant strains.

Ancient marine invertebrate diversity less explosive than thought

Researchers found that diversity among ancient marine creatures like clams and lobsters showed only a modest rise beginning 144 million years ago. The study contradicts previous work suggesting dramatic increases in diversity, providing insight into future diversity and the impact of global warming.

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.

Brain noise is a good thing

A new study from Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care overturns the notion that brain noise decreases with maturity. Brain maturation leads to more stable and accurate behavior in memory tasks, but also correlates with increased brain signal variability.

Eclipses again prove key for Einstein

Researchers confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity using observations of a unique pulsar system. The discovery shows that one pulsar is 'wobbling' in space, a effect precisely as predicted by Einstein.

Kidney cancer patients given vaccine show no increased survival

A new vitespen vaccine was tested on post-operative kidney cancer patients, but showed no significant improvement in recurrence-free survival. In early stage disease, patients receiving the vaccine had a lower risk of recurrence, but this finding requires further validation.

'Mind's eye' influences visual perception

New research from Vanderbilt University has found that mental imagery--what we see with the "mind's eye"--directly impacts our visual perception. The study, published in Current Biology, discovered that a short-term memory trace formed by imagery can bias future perception.

Nature reserves attract humans, but at a cost to biodiversity

A new study finds that nature reserves in Africa and Latin America attract human settlement, with population growth near protected areas being nearly twice that of neighboring rural areas. The researchers attribute this to economic incentives provided through international aid and donor investment, which stimulate local economies.

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.

Long-term study of middle-aged mice shows

A long-term study shows that resveratrol improves bone health, reduces cataracts and cardiovascular dysfunction, and enhances balance and motor coordination in middle-aged mice. The study also found that resveratrol induces gene expression patterns similar to those induced by dietary restriction.

Prevalence of religious congregations affects mortality rates

Research found that communities with a large number of Catholic and Mainline Protestant churches tend to have lower mortality rates due to their emphasis on community outreach and public charity. In contrast, Conservative Protestant churches often focus on individual relationships with God and may lead to higher mortality rates.

U-M instrument shows what planet Mercury is made of

A University of Michigan instrument on the MESSENGER spacecraft has detected silicon, sodium, sulfur, and water ions around Mercury, suggesting that they were blasted from the surface or exosphere by solar wind. The findings provide a new understanding of Mercury's composition and its interaction with the sun's magnetic field.

Einstein was right, McGill astrophysicists say

Researchers at McGill University confirmed Einstein's prediction that a binary-pulsar system's spin axis should precess due to general relativity. The team observed the unique PSR J0737-3039A/B twin-pulsar system and found that one pulsar's spin axis is indeed precessing as predicted.

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.