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Science News Archive 2008


Page 125 of 240

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.

The perils of overconfidence

A researcher's study reveals overconfidence in decision-making can lead to errors, as participants underestimated uncertainty and error costs. This objective task demonstrates overconfidence is a general characteristic of human decision making.

Laka: 'Language exists in the brain'

The La Mente Bilingüe research team, led by Dr. Itziar Laka, investigates language acquisition and processing in bilingual brains. They use experimental methodologies to understand how languages are organized and processed, including analyzing word order and syntax, and exploring the effect of age on phonology, vocabulary, and grammar.

Invisible waves shape continental slope

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that internal waves can generate intense currents when traveling along continental slopes, lifting sediments and contributing to ocean mixing. These currents, called boundary flows, also play a role in larger ocean currents by bringing cold water up from the deep ocean.

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.

Fatty liver disease may raise heart disease risk in overweight, obese kids

A new study by the American Heart Association found that fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children is associated with higher levels of cardiovascular risk factors, including fasting glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. The research suggests that fat accumulation in the liver may play a more important role than obesity i...

New technology may help Olympic sailing

Researchers have developed a mobile lidar station that can measure wind fields more accurately, which could help world-class athletes compete in international competitions. The technology is being tested in conjunction with the XXIX Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Qingdao.

What works to prevent HIV among heterosexual African-Americans?

A meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials found that interventions incorporating these characteristics significantly reduced HIV risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding diversity within African American communities in developing effective interventions.

UTSA/UTHSCSA publish results on bio-threat agent

Researchers at UTSA have identified mast cells as a potential player in combating tularemia, a life-threatening respiratory pathogen. The study suggests that mast cells can interact with other cells to control bacterial replication, opening up new avenues for understanding the immune system's response to tularemia.

SIAM to present Richard C. DiPrima Prize for exemplary doctoral work

Daan Huybrechs, a postdoctoral fellow at Belgium's Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, will receive the Richard C. DiPrima Prize for his dissertation on multiscale and hybrid methods for solving oscillatory integral equations. The prize recognizes his outstanding research in applied mathematics and computational science.

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.

Limit sucrose as painkiller for newborns

Researchers found that sucrose reduces overall pain in newborns during painful medical procedures, but not for intramuscular injections or heel-lancing. The study's results will help update pain management guidelines to better reduce pain responses in newborns.

Low levels of good cholesterol linked to memory loss, dementia risk

Researchers from the American Heart Association report a link between low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and increased risk of memory loss and dementia. Studies found that participants with low HDL cholesterol showed a higher risk of memory decline compared to those with high HDL, particularly in late midlife.

Eating junk while pregnant can harm your baby

A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that rats fed a junk food diet during pregnancy and lactation had offspring with high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance. These rats also showed increased obesity and fat around the kidneys.

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.

New efficiency benchmark for dye-sensitized solar cells

Researchers have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2% in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells, paving the way for large-scale outdoor applications. The development of an electrolyte mixture made from three solid salts replaces volatile organic solvents, making it possible to produce lightweight and inexpensive flexi...

UK and US guidelines on kids' physical activity levels need rethinking

A longitudinal study found that only 42% of boys and 11% of girls meet the recommended weekly physical activity levels. While children who met the guidelines showed progressive improvement in predictive health indicators, those who did not showed deterioration. The authors suggest re-evaluating the guideline measures to better encourag...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bee disease a mystery

Scientists have found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) does not replicate in Varroa mites, highlighting the need for further investigation into its transmission. Research suggests that the virus is transmitted to bees when the mite bites and picks up infected bees' saliva or gut contents.

Complexity of Crohn's disease revealed as 'gene' count tops 30

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified over 30 genetic regions associated with Crohn's disease, revealing surprising links between the condition and other common diseases like asthma. The research also highlights the complexity of the disease, suggesting hundreds of genes may be involved.

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.

Heavy birthweight babies twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis

A large cohort study of over 87,000 women found that heavy birthweight female babies are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. The findings support the fetal origin of disease theory, suggesting that certain conditions and diseases may be programmed by factors during pregnancy.

Drought tolerance in potatoes

Researchers have identified approximately 2000 genes that contribute to the increased drought tolerance of two Andean potato clones. The study found up-regulated genes involved in osmotic adjustment, detoxification, and cell communication and signaling, as well as increased solute concentrations to induce water uptake from drying soils.

Homosexual behavior due to genetics and environmental factors

The study found that genetics accounted for around 35% of the differences in homosexual behavior among men, while non-shared environmental factors explained 64%. For women, genetic influences were more modest, accounting for 18%, with non-shared environment and shared family factors explaining 64% and 16% respectively.

Evolution of fruit size in tomato

Researchers have identified two key loci responsible for extreme fruit size in tomatoes, including the fas locus that controls cell division and the locule-number locus that affects carpel number. This study provides a significant breakthrough in understanding tomato domestication and opens up new avenues for crop improvement.

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.

Cancer 'cure' in mice to be tested in humans

Scientists are testing a new cancer treatment that uses transfused white blood cells to combat advanced forms of cancer. The treatment, called Leukocyte InFusion Therapy (LIFT), has shown promising results in lab mice and aims to replicate those findings in human patients.

Mate choice in plants

Tobacco plants have evolved a self-incompatibility system to reject unwanted pollen and maintain genetic diversity. Researchers have identified a new factor, Stigma Expressed Protein (NaStEP), which plays a crucial role in the rejection mechanism.

OptiNose presents data on highly effective migraine treatment

The OptiNose Phase II study demonstrated that its nasal device combination achieves rapid and efficient migraine relief without needle-stick injuries. The results show that 74.3% of patients experienced headache relief within 60 minutes and 83.8% after 120 minutes.

The 21st century tomato

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the complex metabolic networks involved in tomato fruit development. By analyzing over 1200 quantitative metabolic loci (QMLs), scientists identified associations between metabolites and genes that regulate fruit metabolism. This knowledge can be used to alter metabolic pathwa...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Prebiotic potential of almonds

Recent research suggests that almonds contain prebiotics that can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health. The study found that finely ground almonds significantly increased levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria, with this effect being attributed to the presence of almond lipids.

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.

McGill researchers overcome chemotherapy resistance in the lab

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a compound called silvestrol that can re-sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, making them susceptible to anticancer drugs. Silvestrol, derived from Malaysian folk medicine, has been shown to effectively reduce resistance to chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer.

MIT probe may help untangle cells' signaling pathways

Researchers have designed a new probe to image thousands of protein interactions inside living cells, giving them a tool to untangle signaling pathways. The probes are derived from an enzyme and its peptide substrate, allowing for easy detection of protein interactions.

To branch or not to branch

The study reveals that three RAMOSA genes (RA1-3) control maize inflorescence branching, leading to changes in grain yield. The genes regulate the architecture of maize ears through a complex network, influencing plant development and adaptation.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Passports for penguins

Scientists at the University of Bristol developed an intelligent, visual surveillance system to track African penguins' population dynamics and social behavior. The 'Penguin Recognition Project' uses unique biometric identifiers to monitor large numbers of species cheaply and automatically.

Ancient oak trees help reduce global warming

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that submerged oak trees can store carbon for up to 14,000 years, significantly longer than trees in forests. This process reveals the importance of proper tree disposal and benefits of riparian forests in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The good and the bad of a potential Alzheimer's target

Research suggests that enhancing neprilysin production can reduce plaque formation and neuron death associated with Alzheimer's disease, but at the cost of shortening lifespan. Over-activation of neprilysin also reduces CREB protein activity and increases age-dependent axon pathology.

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.

Early origins of maize in Mexico

A team of scientists has used paleobotanical evidence, genetic analysis, and microbotanical techniques to reconstruct the early history of maize agriculture. They suggest that maize may have been domesticated in Mexico around 10,000 years ago, based on findings from sediments at San Andrés, Tabasco.

USU researchers awarded $5.6 million NIH grant to fight deadly viruses

Researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences have been awarded a $5.6 million grant to develop vaccines and treatments for Nipah and Hendra viruses. The grant will support collaboration with Australian researchers to test vaccines and therapeutics, which have shown promising results in previous studies.

Genome communication

Paramutations, a process where one copy of a gene can alter the expression of another, have been found in plants and may be important for introducing changes under environmental stress. Researchers studying paramutations in maize identified genes and mechanisms involved in this epigenetic process.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A simple therapy for brain injury

Researchers found that administering a simple polymer, Polyethylene glycol, within four hours of a head injury can limit damage and improve behavioral tests in rats. The treatment is potentially feasible for victims of traumatic brain injury, especially when delivered at the scene of an accident.

MySpace looks to USC to help servers keep up with users

To keep up with the potential half-billion users, MySpace is working with a University of Southern California specialist to improve server performance. Researchers are exploring a new heuristic algorithm to maintain and replace data in DRAM, aiming to increase capacity and speed.

How to build a plant

Scientists have unraveled plant architecture at the molecular level using genomic data, shedding light on flower and grain development in maize. They characterized key gene networks and biochemical pathways, providing insights into plant construction and evolutionary conservation.

Device blocking stomach nerve signals shows promise in obesity

A new implantable device blocks stomach nerve signals, resulting in significant weight loss in obese participants. The study found that a quarter of patients lost over 25% of their excess weight and three patients lost more than 30%. A follow-up double-blinded study will be conducted to assess the device's true effectiveness.

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.

July-August Geological Society of America Bulletin media highlights

Research highlights eruptive processes in Colorado's San Juan Mountains and unique features of West Antarctica's ice record. In Colombia, climate-driven erosion rates reveal interactions between faults and mountain asymmetry. Magela Creek in northern Australia shows branching and growth patterns.

Scientists find how neural activity spurs blood flow in the brain

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a key mechanism by which neural activity increases blood flow to the brain. Astrocytes play a crucial role in this process, releasing neurotransmitters that bind to and elevate intracellular calcium levels, leading to blood vessel dilation.

In 'novel playground,' metals are formed into porous nanostructures

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new method to self-assemble metals into complex nanostructures. This allows for the creation of more efficient catalysts for fuel cells and industrial processes. Additionally, it enables the development of microstructured surfaces to enhance conductor performance.

Ancient Mexican maize varieties

Scientists are sequencing ancient maize landraces to recapture the full genetic diversity of this complex crop. The Palomero genome is about 22% smaller than B73, revealing a large pool of unexplored genetic diversity.

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.