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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 134


Page 134 of 240

Researchers witness assembly of molecules critical to protein function

A Virginia Tech research group has isolated proteins responsible for iron-sulfur cluster assembly and witnessed their interactions within a cell. This breakthrough provides insight into the sequential steps of the process, helping to explain how molecules are synthesized and distributed in cells.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

Aquatic insect 'family trees' provide clues about sensitivity to pollution

A North Carolina State University study found that examining an insect's 'family tree' can help predict a cousin insect's level of tolerance to pollutants. The research used 21 species of insects from different families to test their sensitivity to cadmium, a toxic metal.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

Heightened sense of taste can promote weight loss

Researchers found that overweight individuals who used calorie-free tastants to flavor their food lost an average of 30.5 pounds over six months, compared to just 2 pounds for those who didn't use the tastants. This suggests that enhancing one's sense of taste can lead to weight loss by reducing hunger.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 16, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery will assist treatment and research into fatal brain disorder

Research using Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology has confirmed Huntington's disease before symptoms appear, allowing for early treatment. The study identified extensive white matter degeneration, a hallmark of the disease, which can help explain its complex motor and cognitive problems.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalBrain Research Reviews·DateJun 16, 2008

Mini subs to probe odd structures in BC lake

Researchers are using single-person submersibles to collect samples from a lake in BC that may hold vital clues to the history of life on Earth. The dives aim to develop a baseline understanding of life on our planet, with potential applications for future Mars missions.

SourceMcMaster University·DateJun 16, 2008

New study: Hearing impairment is common among adults with diabetes

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that hearing impairment is common among adults with diabetes, affecting up to 54.1% of those with the condition. The study suggests that high blood sugar levels may damage the inner ear and nerves, leading to hearing loss.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2008

Children learn smart behaviors without knowing what they know

Researchers at Ohio State University found that children can learn flexible behavior and make correct choices without realizing why, challenging traditional theories. The study used a computer game to test children's ability to choose objects based on shape or color in different contexts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild Development·DateJun 16, 2008
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.

Novel compound may treat acute diarrhea

Scientists have discovered a novel compound that targets acute secretory diarrhea caused by E. coli and other enterotoxigenic strains of bacteria, reducing fluid secretion without apparent toxicity. The compound could be an inexpensive, easy-to-take treatment for debilitating illnesses leading to child deaths in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

A single VSOP can do a 'proton' magic!

A single VSOP protein can carry protons, regulating pH conditions during pathogen removal, and may aid in designing new medications for innate immunity enhancement.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

Drink and drugs fuel Scottish suicide and homicide rates

Research published by The University of Manchester's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness reveals a significant link between alcohol and drug misuse and Scottish suicide and homicide rates. The study found that Scots are almost twice as likely to kill or take their own lives compared to ...

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJun 16, 2008
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.

Study examines normal hair loss in men without evidence of baldness

Researchers found that performing a standardized 60-second hair count is a reliable method for assessing hair shedding in healthy men. The study found consistent results across age groups, with an average loss of 10 hairs per minute, and demonstrated low intrapatient variability.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJun 16, 2008

Medicines derived from cannabis: a review of adverse events

Researchers found an 86% increase in non-serious adverse events among patients treated with cannabinoids, mainly affecting the nervous system. Cannabinoids are used to treat chronic pain and stimulate appetite, but physicians must weigh benefits against possible side effects.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 16, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fair trade

Researchers have found a way to effectively recycle toxic chlorinated compounds using a lanthanum chloride catalyst. The new reaction enables the exchange of chlorine atoms for hydrogen atoms, producing desired products without byproducts.

SourceWiley·DateJun 16, 2008

Low testosterone may cause health problems that lead to erectile dysfunction

A new study by The Endocrine Society reveals that low testosterone may cause health problems leading to erectile dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that 18.3% of men with erectile dysfunction had undetected testosterone deficiency.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2008
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.

Overweight does not decrease sperm production

A new study by The Endocrine Society found that overweight men are not more likely to be infertile, contradicting previous research on obese women. Greater body weight was linked to lower testosterone levels in some participants, but impaired sperm production remains the primary cause of infertility in men.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2008

Stem cell researchers give old muscle new pep

Researchers identified two key pathways controlling adult stem cells' repair and replacement abilities. By tweaking these pathways, they revived the ability of old mice's muscle tissue to repair itself nearly as well as younger counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2008

Study is key for approval of first drug for female sexual dysfunction

A new multicenter study is being conducted to assess the safety of testosterone gel (LibiGel) for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire. The study aims to enroll 2,400 to 3,100 women aged 50-80 with hypoactive sexual desire disorder and follow them for at least a year.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2008

UQ research finds aging is satisfying

Researchers found that older adults are just as socially satisfied as younger counterparts, contrary to conventional wisdom. The study suggests that older adults' perception of their experiences brings them more satisfaction, enabling them to find uplift in everyday life.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJun 15, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Current screening test for prediabetes in children misses the diagnosis too often

A new Canadian study found that the standard screening test for high blood sugar in children with risk factors misses nearly 3 times fewer cases of prediabetes than a longer test. The glucose stress test identified more cases of both prediabetes and metabolic syndrome. Early detection is crucial, as it can prevent or delay diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2008

Hunger hormone increases during stress, may have antidepressant effect

Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that ghrelin levels rise with chronic stress, decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety, but also increasing food intake and body weight. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between hunger hormones and mood regulation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 15, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Estrogen therapy helps or hurts the brain depending on reproductive status

A new animal study suggests that estrogen treatment is not toxic per se, but its effects on the brain depend on an individual's reproductive age. In rats, estrogen therapy reduced brain damage when given before menopause, but increased it after, highlighting a narrow window of time for neuroprotective benefits.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2008

Ebb and flow of the sea drives world's big extinction events

A new study suggests that changes in ocean environments related to sea level exert a driving influence on rates of extinction, leading to the loss of up to 75-95% of species. The research links mass extinctions over time, establishing a common link and providing insight into who survives and who doesn't across these boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2008

Some patients may not need insulin for long-term control of type 2 diabetes

A new study found that some patients with type 2 diabetes can maintain good blood sugar control for years using non-insulin oral diabetic medications. The study of 191 veterans showed that 55% of patients remained on oral drugs and achieved improved hemoglobin A1c levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2008

Novel model of osteosarcoma

Researchers have developed a high-fidelity animal model of osteosarcoma by genetically modifying mice to lack the p53 and Rb tumor suppressor genes. This model closely recapitulates human osteosarcomagenesis, providing valuable insights into the disease's genetic contributions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2008

New molecular insight into amboebic dysentery

EhROM1 enzyme plays a crucial role in E. histolytica's immune evasion and surface protein shedding. The discovery paves the way for developing rhomboid inhibitors as a novel anti-parasitic strategy.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2008
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.

How Montezuma gets his revenge

Researchers found a new enzyme, EhROM1, that helps the dysentery-causing amoeba evade the immune system. The enzyme is part of an ancient group of enzymes used by malaria parasites to enter host cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2008

Wealth of genomic hotspots discovered in embryonic stem cells

Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have identified over 3,000 genomic hotspots critical for maintaining embryonic stem cell state. These findings may lead to the development of an inexhaustible source of clinically useful cells for regenerative medicine.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell·DateJun 13, 2008

Specific mutations in the IL2RA gene associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

A study found that certain single nucleotide polymorphisms within the IL2RA gene region are associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Three specific SNPs were investigated and one was significantly associated with UK cases of JIA, especially in female patients and those positive for antinuclear antibodies.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 13, 2008

Same-day pregnancy test provides valuable guidance to pre-surgery patients

A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that same-day pregnancy testing reduces the risk of miscarriage during surgery, allowing patients to weigh the risks and benefits. The protocol also eliminates financial losses due to cancelled surgeries, making it a cost-effective measure for hospitals.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJun 13, 2008
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.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Studies find RA patients have a double risk of CVD events compared to the general population. The risk is comparable to that of people with type 2 diabetes. Healthcare professionals should advise patients on healthy lifestyle and early symptoms.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 13, 2008

Montana State University grad students earn prestigious NASA fellowships

Two Montana State University graduate students, David Hoffman and Amin Nehrir, have been awarded prestigious $30,000 NASA fellowships for their research on lidar technology. They will work with top scientists at NASA's Langley Research Center, developing instruments to study the climate and atmospheric science.

SourceMontana State University·DateJun 13, 2008
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.

Serum sodium predicts mortality 10 times higher in PAH patients

Research from the University of Pennsylvania reveals that hyponatremia is associated with worse right heart function and poorer patient outcomes in PAH patients. The study found that low serum sodium levels are linked to higher mortality rates, hospitalization rates, and severity of right heart failure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 13, 2008

Salmonella: Trickier than we imagined

Scientists have discovered a molecular trick used by Salmonella to evade the immune system, giving it crucial time to establish itself in the host before symptoms appear. The AvrA protein helps reduce inflammation, allowing the bacteria to avoid detection and spread more easily.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2008
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Microchip sets low-power record with extreme sleep mode

The Phoenix Processor achieves a groundbreaking low-power design by focusing on its extreme sleep mode, which consumes just 30 picowatts. This innovation enables smaller battery sizes and overall system reductions, opening up new sensor applications.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJun 13, 2008

Lizards pull a wheelie

A team of scientists found that lizards running on two legs is due to their acceleration, which creates a turning force acting on the lizard's torso, lifting it off the ground. The researchers suggest that 'pulling a wheelie' is the most likely explanation for the lizards' bipedalism.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 13, 2008
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.

Eastern independence, Western conformity?

Researchers used a study on pen choice to investigate Japanese and American cultural differences. Contrary to previous stereotypes, the findings suggest that cultural differences are not due to inherent preferences, but rather how individuals interpret ambiguous situations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 13, 2008

Emory study of syphilis bacteria yields valuable diagnostic tool

Researchers identified sequence variations in the ARP gene that allow differentiating venereal syphilis from non-venereal Treponema pallidum subspecies. The findings have significant clinical, epidemiological and evolutionary implications.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalFEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology·DateJun 13, 2008

Ancient mineral shows early Earth climate tough on continents

Scientists analyzed ancient zircons to find evidence of heavy weathering by an acidic climate 4.3 billion years ago, suggesting the destruction of early rocks and possibly habitats for life. This discovery provides new insights into the Earth's habitability, contradicting previous theories on the formation and evolution of continents.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 13, 2008
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.