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Science News Archive 2008


Page 144 of 240

Human Genomics and Proteomics

Human Genomics and Proteomics is an open-access journal publishing original and review articles on human genomics and proteomics. The journal's affiliation with the FINDbase database provides a platform for discussing research on personalized medicine, systems biology, and genetic disorders across various populations worldwide.

Astronomers weigh the coldest brown dwarfs with astronomy's sharpest eyes

Researchers have determined the masses of the coldest class of brown dwarfs for the first time outside the solar system. The team used ultrasharp images from the Keck Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to measure the sizes and durations of binary systems, revealing two new brown dwarf binaries with masses as low as 6% of the sun's mass.

Hayfever hope

A daily dose of probiotic can modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever. This change was observed in a pilot study with small numbers of patients, but it may not have an immediate effect on symptoms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Weizmann Institute scientists show quantum systems could flout physics law

Researchers found that frequent temperature measurements can alter the behavior of quantum systems, allowing them to heat up when hotter than the bath and cool down when colder. This effect is due to decoupling from the heat bath during measurement, introducing energy into the system and altering its temperature.

Salmonella in garden birds responsive to antibiotics

Researchers found that only two strains of Salmonella are common in garden birds, which are sensitive to antibiotics. This contrasts with the more resistant strains found in livestock and humans, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to infection control.

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.

Scientists edge closer to unlocking secrets of mysterious Crab Pulsar

Researchers with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory Scientific Collaboration have ruled out emission of gravitational waves as a cause for the Crab Pulsar's spin braking. The study found that no more than 4% of the pulsar's energy loss is attributed to gravitational wave emission.

Is tap water safe for expectant mothers?

A study published in Environmental Health found that drinking tap water disinfected by chlorine while pregnant may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Exposure to high levels of chlorination by-products was associated with a significant increased risk of ventricular septal defects, cleft palate, and anencephalus.

Genes may determine which smoking cessation treatment works best

Researchers identified genetic variants that influence treatment outcome for smoking cessation treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion. These variants may help tailor treatment to individual smokers, increasing the likelihood of success.

Bunk beds pose dangers to kids and adults

A nationwide study found an estimated 572,580 bunk bed-related injuries during a 16-year period, resulting in nearly 36,000 cases annually. The majority of injuries occurred among males and children younger than 6 years old, with fractures being the third most common injury.

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.

Study finds healthy intestinal bacteria within chicken eggs

Researchers discovered a diverse community of beneficial bacteria within chicken embryos, suggesting that birds acquire these microbes from their egg environment. This finding could lead to improved poultry production and reduced risk of foodborne illness by administering probiotics in ovo.

New treatment combination safe for pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers at UPMC Cancer Institute have developed a new treatment combination that combines chemotherapy, biotherapy, and radiotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. The study found that this regimen is safe and may be beneficial for patients, with significant tumor shrinkage before surgery.

Evolution of an imprinted domain in mammals

A new study investigates the evolution of genomic imprinting in mammals, finding that different regions became imprinted at different times during mammalian evolution. This suggests that changes were in response to selection pressures and are adaptive.

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.

Microrobots dance on something smaller than a pin's head

Researchers at Duke University have successfully assembled five micro-robots into a self-organized structure using global control and slight variations in device dimensions. The microrobots, measuring just 100 times smaller than previous designs, can move, turn, and circle together with precision.

Synergy between biology and physics drives cell-imaging technology

Advances in super-resolution imaging technologies, such as STED, STORM, PALM, and structured illumination microscopy, have broken the diffraction limit of light, enabling the imaging of cellular structures as small as 50 nanometres. These techniques are driven by both biological and physical needs, inspiring new questions and discoveries.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Reshaping pharmaceutical quality

The Product Quality Lifecycle Implementation (PQLI) initiative aims to address pharmaceutical development, quality risk management, and pharmaceutical quality systems. The journal publishes high-quality papers on innovative research and applied technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.

Mouse ovaries and testes age in unique ways

Researchers found that mouse ovaries undergo significant gene expression changes as they age, unlike the limited changes seen in testes. A calorie-restricted diet reversed some of these aging effects, particularly in females.

JCI online early table of contents: June 2, 2008

A team of researchers at The Scripps Research Institute identified molecular changes in the cerebrospinal fluid of monkeys infected with SIV, which can cause CNS damage. This approach may provide new information about other neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

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.

Fatal mine collapse covered 50 acres

A fatal mine collapse in Utah's Crandall Canyon coal mine was actually a massive cave-in that covered an area of approximately 50 acres. New calculations reveal the disaster began near where miners were excavating and quickly grew to four times its initially estimated size.

How advanced prostate cancer becomes resistant to androgen-deprivation therapy

Researchers found that metastatic prostate tumors produce significant levels of testosterone, fueling cancer growth despite low circulating androgen levels. This discovery suggests targeting the tumor itself, rather than systemic hormone suppression, to develop more effective treatments for all stages of prostate cancer.

Advances in C. difficile research

A recent study highlights the importance of understanding C. difficile's toxins and virulence factors, which can cause severe hospital-acquired infections. The research also explores the bacteria's transmission, symptoms, and treatment options, including the development of a potential 'designer' probiotic.

21,000 Victorians suffer from work-related depression

A new University of Melbourne study found that nearly one in five working women and one in eight working men experience preventable depression caused by job stress. The study estimates that more than 21,000 cases of preventable depression are caused by job stress each year.

Potential treatments from cryptic genes

Scientists have discovered two novel compounds produced by soil bacteria that show promise in combating MRSA infections and cancer. The breakthroughs come after years of genome mining, which identifies pathways to produce new compounds from microbial DNA sequences.

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.

Bamboo instant houses will soon shelter Sichuan quake victims

A prototype of a sturdy bamboo house was built in under two weeks with a modular design that can be adjusted for specific family needs. The structure is made from processed bamboo veneer sheets and is fireproof, insulated for heat and sound, and sustainable.

Mom's behavior key to dad's involvement in child care

A study of 97 couples found that fathers are more involved in infant care when their wives provide active encouragement, regardless of their own beliefs or the quality of parenting. Encouragement from mothers can either foster or limit fatherly participation, with mothers acting as 'gatekeepers' to their involvement.

Genetic mutation linked to walking on all fours

A genetic mutation in the VLDLR gene is implicated in quadrupedal locomotion in four families affected by Unertan syndrome. Despite shared DNA regions across chromosomes, distinct genes are responsible for the condition in each family.

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.

Ecological globalization

Ecosystems are increasingly connected by human activities such as transportation and land use. This can lead to

It's okay to keep those feelings inside, new study suggests

A new study found that people who choose not to express their thoughts and feelings after experiencing a collective trauma, such as a school shooting or terrorist attack, may be better off than those who do talk about their feelings. The research suggests that it's okay to keep emotions inside in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.

Combination therapy packs 1-2 punch against melanoma

A pilot study at Duke University Medical Center found that disabling a protein on melanoma cells makes them more vulnerable to chemotherapy, resulting in complete responses in 8 out of 16 patients. The compound ADH-1 was tested in combination with chemotherapy and showed promising results.

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.

Genetics of ALS progression

ALS researchers have identified a molecular pathway where mutated SOD1 leads to accumulation of malformed proteins in motor neurons, causing ER stress and cell death. Inactivating key factors in this pathway may mitigate neurodegeneration and prolong survival in mouse models.

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.

UNC medical geneticist cautions against rushing into genetic testing

Geneticist James P. Evans cautions against rushing into genetic testing, citing limited evidence of improved health outcomes and potential patient harm. Despite advances in genomics, Evans believes the technology has not yet been proven to yield meaningful information for individualized health advice.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Whole milk is effective and cost-effective as oral contrast agent

A new study found that whole milk is just as effective as a diluted barium suspension in imaging the gastrointestinal tract via CT scans. The study also revealed that whole milk was less expensive, had better patient acceptance, and fewer adverse symptoms compared to the barium suspension.

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.

MIT develops a 'paper towel' for oil spills

Researchers at MIT create a membrane that can absorb up to 20 times its weight in oil, and can be recycled for future use. The oil itself can also be recovered, making it an important tool in the cleanup of oil spills.

Caltech astrophysicist wins 1 of first Kavli Prizes

Maarten Schmidt's discovery of high redshifts in quasar 3C273 led to a new understanding of quasars as compact halos surrounding massive black holes. He shares the award with Donald Lynden-Bell for their contributions to astrophysics.

Goddard scientists receive Lindsay Award for black hole research

Dr. Joan M. Centrella and Dr. John G. Baker received the John C. Lindsay Memorial Award for their pioneering computer simulations of black hole mergers, a crucial step towards understanding cosmic evolution. The simulations have spurred rapid progress in predicting observable signatures of these events.

Living fossils have long- and short-term memory

Nautilus pompilus demonstrated short-term memory lasting up to an hour before fading away, but remembering it again after 6 hours. The living fossil's memory was comparable to that of modern cephalopods, challenging the assumption that complex brains are necessary for memory.

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.

Spontaneous mutations rife in nonfamilial schizophrenia

A study found that people with nonfamilial schizophrenia harbor eight times more spontaneous mutations than healthy controls, primarily affecting brain development pathways. This suggests that rare genetic variations contribute to the vulnerability of individuals without a family history of the illness.

New research shows overheating newborns can increase the risk of SIDS

New research reveals that overheating and thermal stress can contribute to the development of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study, led by Dr. Shabih Hasan, found that increased ambient temperatures, smoking during pregnancy, and exposure to cigarette smoke can all increase the risk of SIDS.