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Science News Archive 2008


Page 122 of 240

Woman aquires new accent after stroke

A woman in southern Ontario acquired a unique Maritime Canadian accent after a stroke, according to a study by McMaster University researchers. Despite intensive speech therapy, the new accent persists, even two years later.

New drugs for Crohn's disease

Researchers are developing new treatments targeting Crohn's disease by blocking autoimmune responses and strengthening the intestinal lining. The goal is to provide more effective options for patients who have lost response to current treatments.

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.

Mimic molecules to protect against plague

Researchers have developed molecules that can mimic Yersinia pestis, a type of plague bacteria, to stimulate the innate immune response and protect against pneumonic plague. These synthetic modified lipid A compounds have been shown to be effective in treating infected animals, with up to 93% survival rate.

Visualizing atomic-scale acoustic wavesin nanostructures

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new technique to visualize high-frequency acoustic waves in nanostructures, such as LED lights. By combining molecular dynamics simulations with terahertz (THz) radiation, they can detect these waves and gain insights into the dynamics of crystals under ultra-high s...

AGU Journal Highlights -- July 3, 2008

Scientists studied carbon export in the deep Arctic Ocean, finding that most particulate organic carbon enters from surrounding continental margins. Meanwhile, research on Venus's magnetic field reveals new structures and turbulence patterns within its induced magnetosphere. Additionally, Antarctic sea ice forms unique, organism-rich l...

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.

Infant formula blocks HIV transmission via breastfeeding

A team of researchers has developed a new infant formula that captures the HIV virus, preventing its transmission through breastfeeding. The formula contains a special strain of probiotic lactobacilli that can survive in hot climates and provides long-lasting protection.

Geologists push back date basins formed, supporting frozen Earth theory

A team of geologists from the University of Florida has found evidence that six major basins in India were formed over a billion years ago, removing an obstacle to the Snowball Earth theory. The discovery also suggests that complex life may have originated hundreds of millions of years earlier than previously thought.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Statins have unexpected effect on pool of powerful brain cells

Researchers discovered that statins increase the development of oligodendrocytes from glial progenitor cells, a crucial reservoir for brain cell customization. The findings suggest potential benefits and risks associated with statin use in brain health and dementia prevention.

Organizing an Earth Systems Science Agency

The article proposes merging NOAA and USGS to create an independent Earth Systems Science Agency (ESSA) to address climate change, freshwater availability, and biodiversity loss. The new agency would have a comprehensive perspective on both environmental and resource systems.

Gender is an issue in kidney transplantation

A retrospective cohort study found complex gender interactions in kidney transplantation outcomes, with female donors having a higher rate of graft loss and female recipients experiencing a lower rate of graft failure. The study suggests considering sex in future studies and decisions on organ allocation to optimize transplant success.

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.

Glaucoma surgery studied in Medicare patients, new hope for people

A large-scale Medicare study evaluated the outcomes of incisional surgeries used to reduce eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. The study found that while surgeries were effective for most patients, rates of severe outcomes and progression to low vision or blindness were higher for those who received implantation of a glaucoma drain...

Weight Watchers vs. fitness centers

A University of Missouri study found that Weight Watchers participants lost an average of 5% body weight, but mostly lean tissue. Fitness center members, despite little weight loss, improved health by reducing intraabdominal fat. Group support is crucial for success in both programs.

The body's own 'cannabis (marijuana)' is good for the skin

Researchers discovered that the body produces substances similar to THC found in marijuana, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. The findings suggest these endocannabinoids may lead to new treatments for skin disorders like acne and dry skin.

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.

Are men or women more likely to have memory problems in very old age?

Research found that women over age 90 are nearly twice as likely to have dementia as men of the same age group. The study also showed that the likelihood of having dementia doubled every five years for women, but not for men. Additionally, women with higher education were found to be 45% less likely to develop dementia.

Healthy or diseased?

Researchers used metabolomics to identify groups of relevant biomarkers of disease in healthy and diabetic mice. The study found that the ratios between certain metabolite concentrations were more informative than their absolute concentrations.

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.

Controlling bone disease improves survival of hemodialysis patients

Researchers found that consistently controlling parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorous levels can prolong the lives of hemodialysis patients. Meeting multiple targets simultaneously was associated with improved survival rates, with a 51% higher risk of death for those who failed to meet any targets.

New antibiotic beats superbugs at their own game

Researchers at Rockefeller University tested Ceftobiprole against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, achieving a 100% kill rate. The new antibiotic successfully targeted the gene that confers resistance, offering hope in combating staphylococcal infections worldwide.

Atomic tug of war

Researchers found that under certain conditions, a molecule can jump forward instead of backward when collided with another atom. This 'tug-of-war' behavior is crucial for understanding chemical reactions and their mechanics.

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.

Discovery explains how cold sore virus hides during inactive phase

Duke University scientists discovered how the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) hides during its inactive phase, using molecular understanding to provide a framework for studying latent viruses. The findings also offer hope for a potential cure by activating and killing the dormant virus with a new drug.

ETH Zurich and IBM improve diagnosis of osteoporosis

The ETH Zurich and IBM team developed a breakthrough method that combines density measurements with large-scale mechanical analysis of the inner-bone microstructure. This allows clinicians to detect osteoporotic damage more precisely and adjust surgical plates accordingly.

Study shows quantum dots can penetrate skin through minor abrasions

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that quantum dots can penetrate rat skin if there is an abrasion, providing insight into potential workplace concerns. The study shows that even minor cuts or scratches could allow these nanoparticles to penetrate deep into the viable dermal layer and potentially reach the bloodstream.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UC San Diego undergraduates forge new area of bioinformatics

A team of undergraduate students from UC San Diego has developed a new area of bioinformatics called comparative proteogenomics, which analyzes multiple genomes and proteomes simultaneously. This approach improves genomic and proteomic annotations, unlocking biological mysteries and addressing difficult problems in the field.

'Multi-target' immune therapy improves outcomes of severe lupus nephritis

A new treatment combining immunosuppressant drugs targeting different immune system parts improves remission rates and reduces side effects for patients with severe lupus nephritis. The therapy shows superior results compared to traditional treatments, achieving complete remission in 65% of patients within nine months.

Being an MRSA carrier increases risk of infection and death

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that patients harboring MRSA for long periods are at increased risk of developing infections, including pneumonia and bloodstream events. The study showed that nearly a quarter of MRSA-colonized patients developed infections within a year or more after colonization was confirmed.

Gene directs stem cells to build the heart

Scientists at WashU Medicine have successfully directed mouse embryonic stem cells to build the heart using the Mesp1 gene, a crucial discovery that may lead to new therapies using human stem cells. The study found that Mesp1 regulates cardiovascular fate restriction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in differentiating ES cells.

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.

Women over 90 more likely to have dementia than men

Researchers analyzed data from the 90+ Study, finding that 45% of women over 90 had dementia, compared to 28% of men. The study highlights concerns about healthcare resources for the growing 'oldest old' population.

Footrot vaccine closer than ever

Monash University scientists have initiated a clinical trials program for a footrot vaccine using reverse vaccinology to identify potential antigens. The goal is to develop a cross-protective vaccine that could significantly reduce the financial impact of footrot on the Australian wool and livestock industry.

Worms do calculus to find meals or avoid unpleasantness

A team of Oregon researchers discovered a computational mechanism in roundworms that enables them to find food and avoid poisons. The study used imaging and molecular tools to identify two chemosensory neurons that act like on/off switches, regulating behavior.

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.

GLAST mission operations at NASA Goddard powered up

The GLAST Mission Operations Center (MOC) at NASA Goddard is responsible for several aspects of the GLAST mission, including command planning and monitoring the Large Area Telescope's health and safety. The observatory is commanded from MOC and is receiving high-quality data, enabling optimal science return.

Instances of mass die-offs in wild lions precipitated by extreme climate change

Research finds that extreme climate conditions can create conditions for diseases normally tolerated singly to converge and cause mass die-offs in wildlife. In a study on Serengeti lions, researchers linked deadly outbreaks of canine distemper virus to debilitated prey populations and heavy tick infestations after droughts and floods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

10,000 people in world-first cerebral palsy study

Researchers are gathering genetic samples from 10,000 people across Australia to investigate the possible genetic causes of cerebral palsy. The study aims to identify specific genetic mutations that may lead to the condition, with the goal of developing potential disease preventions and treatments.

The benefits of green tea in reducing an important risk factor for heart disease

A recent study found that green tea rapidly improves the function of endothelial cells lining the circulatory system. The consumption of green tea resulted in increased brachial artery dilatation, indicating improved endothelial function. This is significant as endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis.

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.

First images of solar system's invisible frontier

Researchers use twin STEREO spacecraft to detect neutral atoms and map the energized particles at the edge of the solar system. The findings clear up a discrepancy in energy dumped into space by decelerating solar wind, and provide new insights into the heliosheath and its structure.

Synthetic molecules emulate enzyme behavior for the first time

Chemists at Ohio State University have successfully created synthetic molecules that can change shape to suit a particular chemical reaction, similar to natural enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new catalysts for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Ethanol byproduct produces green results

Research finds that dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) can reduce the need for hand-weeding by suppressing weeds in container-grown ornamentals. When applied to the soil surface, DDGS was found to be effective in controlling common chickweed and annual bluegrass without causing injury to plants.

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.

Search for salt tolerant grasses aims to improve roadside plantings

A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island is working on developing a new variety of salt-tolerant grass that can thrive in roadside environments. The project focuses on identifying a salt tolerance limit for native and ornamental turf grasses, with the ultimate goal of improving highway maintenance.

Gender differences and heart disease

Researchers found that women derive less benefit from high-blood-pressure-lowering drugs than men for reducing left-ventricular hypertrophy, a marker for future heart disease. This may explain why women are at greater risk for heart disease later in life despite similar blood pressure reduction.