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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 213


Page 213 of 240

Unveiling the underwater ways of the white shark

The study reveals that white sharks migrate to two distant destinations annually, favoring specific areas along the California coast. Genetic analysis also shows that Pacific Ocean basin populations are genetically distinct, indicating long-term isolation in the Eastern Pacific.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 18, 2008

'Internet predator' stereotypes debunked in new study

Most online sex offenders are adults who target teens, seducing victims into sexual relationships. The youth most vulnerable have histories of abuse, family problems, and risk-taking tendencies. Current educational efforts may not be effective in preventing these crimes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateFeb 18, 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.

To save or savor? It's decision time for Atlantic bluefin tuna

New research reveals two genetically distinct populations of Atlantic bluefin tuna, raising concerns about current fisheries-management practices and the impact of trans-Atlantic tourism on fish stocks. The study suggests that Mediterranean-spawned fish are flocking to the western Atlantic, potentially making it appear healthier than i...

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 18, 2008

Giant frog jumps continents

A 70-million-year-old giant frog fossil from Madagascar has been identified as a relative of living Horned toads, providing evidence for the link between Madagascar, India, and South America during the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery sheds light on the paleobiogeography of Madagascar's unique fauna.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2008

MGH study identifies enzyme that protects against intestinal bacterial toxin

A study published in PNAS identifies intestinal alkaline phosphatase as an enzyme that blocks the action of lipopolysaccharide, a molecule responsible for bacterial toxins' toxic effects. The findings suggest that feeding critically ill patients can prevent infection by stimulating IAP production.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

Scientists explore consciousness

A team of scientists has made a significant breakthrough in understanding conscious perception by showing how single neurons react to perceived and nonperceived images. The study found that neurons respond with an 'all-or-none' firing rate when pictures are recognized, enabling the prediction of recognition beyond chance.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2008

Education programs may boost teens' knowledge about acne

A study of 100 teenagers found that both written handouts and computerized presentations with audiovisual components improved their knowledge of acne. The education tools focused on common misperceptions and provided information on causes, exacerbating factors, and treatment options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateFeb 18, 2008

Focus on atrial fibrillation recognizes growing importance of common arrhythmia

A recent study found that patients taking statins were 61% less likely to develop atrial fibrillation. The American College of Cardiology also releases new performance measures for monitoring AF care, which focus on stroke prevention through medication and regular monitoring.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 18, 2008

Is transgenic cotton more profitable?

A study found that profitability in transgenic cotton was most closely associated with yields, rather than the technologies themselves. The research compared production systems using different transgenic technologies and non-transgenic cultivars, concluding that higher returns were achieved from non-transgenic options.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateFeb 18, 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.

CD36 deficiency and age-related macular degeneration

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that CD36 deficiency leads to choroidal involution, a key feature of dry age-related macular degeneration. The research also showed that COX-2 down-regulation plays a crucial role in this process.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2008

E-mail access may improve patient-surgeon communication

Providing patients with e-mail access to their surgeon appears to improve communication without affecting patient satisfaction. Most e-mails sent addressed one issue, with popular topics including general information and postoperative recovery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateFeb 18, 2008

Researchers probe a DNA repair enzyme

The researchers studied the archaeal version of Rad3, a unique helicase involved in DNA repair. The findings revealed that the integrity of an iron-sulfur cluster is crucial for proper function of the enzyme.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2008

Research uncovers the social dynamics of yellow jackets

Researchers found that male yellow jacket paternity has no impact on colony dynamics, with females exhibiting cooperative behavior despite multiple mating. The study suggests a benefit to colonies for queens having multiple partners, leading to increased success and reproductive output.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 18, 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.

Laser light may be able to detect diseases on the breath

Researchers have created a new technique using laser light to analyze breath samples, detecting biomarkers for diseases like asthma and cancer. This non-invasive method could provide rapid and reliable health screenings, addressing existing limitations in breath analysis.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 18, 2008

Into the abyss: Deep-sixing carbon

Dr. David Keith proposes a potential solution for reducing CO2 emissions by storing it in giant inflatable bags on the seabed. The concept is technically feasible with current-day technology and may offer a viable complement to other storage methods.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 18, 2008

MIT creates gecko-inspired bandage

Researchers at MIT have created a waterproof adhesive bandage inspired by geckos, which may soon be used to patch up surgical wounds or internal injuries. The bandage has a unique nanoscale landscape that allows it to stick in wet environments and is biodegradable.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2008

Cocaine's effects on brain metabolism may contribute to abuse

A recent study suggests that cocaine's impact on brain metabolism may be a key factor in its addictive nature. The research, conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory, found that the drug had significant effects on brain metabolism beyond just dopamine, even in mice lacking the gene for dopamine transporters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalSynapse·DateFeb 18, 2008
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.

Learning from cod collapse to save tuna

Scientists analyze lessons from cod collapse to advocate sustainable tuna management, including MSC certification and public awareness. Innovative research using data-logging tags can help protect bluefin tuna populations.

SourceWorld Wildlife Fund·DateFeb 18, 2008

Credit-card-sized platform for volatile compound analysis CAREER project goal

A credit-card-sized gas chromatography platform is being developed to analyze volatile compounds in seconds, enabling faster diagnosis and monitoring of diseases like diabetes and breast cancer. The new architecture, named GC Matrix, will separate complex compounds using MEMS technology, improving speed, portability, and power efficiency.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateFeb 18, 2008

New filter clears up fiber optic communications

A team of researchers from Ames Laboratory has developed a novel add-drop filter using three-dimensional photonic crystals, which enables efficient sorting and distribution of multiple wavelength channels over optical fibers. The technology promises to enhance data transmission with near 100% efficiency.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateFeb 18, 2008

Early environment may be key to determining bird migration location

Researchers discovered that young birds' first winter environment plays a crucial role in determining their lifetime breeding grounds. The study suggests that access to water in the winter habitat is a critical factor in shaping their future migrations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Oceans, coasts and your health: Reducing risks and reaping rewards

A growing awareness is being raised about the interconnectedness of ocean health and human well-being, with emerging diseases and contaminants posing significant risks. NOAA's Oceans and Human Health Initiative aims to develop early warning systems to mitigate these risks while optimizing the health benefits of sea products.

SourceNOAA Research·DateFeb 18, 2008

Nitrous oxide: definitely no laughing matter

The Nitrous Oxide Focus Group brings together influential organizations to address the potent greenhouse gas's significant impact on agriculture and industry. Key research findings suggest that nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, making its longevity in the atmosphere a potentially more damaging legacy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2008

Herpes virus link to complications in pregnancy

Researchers have discovered a link between viral infection, particularly from the herpes group, and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disease and pre-term birth. The study found viral nucleic acid in heel-prick blood samples of 1326 newborn babies, including over 400 with cerebral palsy.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateFeb 18, 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.

Amazon corridors far too narrow, warn scientists

Protected forest strips need to be at least 400m wide to conserve bird and mammal species in the Amazon rainforest. The current width of 60m is deemed insufficient, according to a new study by University of East Anglia researchers.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 18, 2008

New technology makes 3-D imaging quicker, easier

The FINCH technology enables the acquisition of 3D microscopic images without scanning multiple planes, making it faster and more accurate. This innovation has potential applications in medical fields such as endoscopy and ophthalmology, as well as Homeland Security screening and 3D photography.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 17, 2008

Stress hormone impacts memory, learning in diabetic rodents

A new NIH study finds that elevated stress hormones in diabetic rodents disrupt hippocampal function, leading to learning and memory deficits. Normalizing stress hormone levels reverses the negative impact and restores learning and memory.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 17, 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.

Mission critical for carbon management

Experts emphasize the need for global solutions to manage carbon emissions, considering the global energy system's shift and technological advancements. Accurate modeling of Earth's systems, capturing and storing CO2 are critical challenges.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateFeb 17, 2008

Will North Atlantic threshold response to ocean changes be enough?

Klaus Keller's research suggests that the North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC) may respond to human-made greenhouse gas emissions in a threshold response. Improved MOC observation systems could provide an early warning of an approaching collapse, enabling more effective climate policies.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 17, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solar cell directly splits water for hydrogen

Researchers at Penn State have developed a proof-of-concept device that can split water and produce recoverable hydrogen using sunlight. The system, which uses a catalyst complex to mimic natural photosynthesis, achieves an efficiency of about 0.3 percent but holds promise for future improvements.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 17, 2008

There is 'design' in nature, Brown biologist argues at AAAS

Kenneth Miller, a renowned biologist, will argue at the AAAS symposium that science is grounded in the idea of 'design', highlighting the correlation between structure and function. He suggests that embracing this concept can help reclaim the language of design and make science more appealing to those seeking meaning.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 17, 2008

Many, perhaps most, nearby sun-like stars may form rocky planets

Astronomers have discovered that many nearby sun-like stars may form rocky planets, with potential for life being more common than thought. The study suggests that at least 20 percent to 60 percent of stars similar to the sun are candidates for forming terrestrial worlds.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 17, 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.

Math model identifies key to controlling epidemic

A new mathematical model has identified minimizing antibiotic treatment duration as the optimal strategy for controlling hospital-borne antibiotic-resistant bacteria epidemics. By starting treatments early and administering drugs for shorter periods, the risk of cross-infection by resistant bacteria can be significantly reduced.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateFeb 17, 2008

Climate change has major impact on oceans

Rising greenhouse gas emissions are causing ocean warming, acidification, and altering circulation patterns, posing significant threats to coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. The panelists emphasize the need for drastic action to reduce emissions to mitigate these impacts.

SourceOregon State University·DateFeb 17, 2008

Brown expert connects resilience science and marine conservation

Heather Leslie explains how resilience science can inform conservation efforts, recognizing connections between human communities and marine ecosystems. Her work shows promise in the Chesapeake Bay restoration project, where oyster sanctuaries and eelgrass seeding increase future resilience.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 17, 2008
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.

MIT: No easy answers in evolution of human language

Researchers have speculated that the Foxp2 gene is linked to language ability, but MIT's Robert Berwick argues this connection is unlikely due to complexity and speculative chain of events. Language is likely the result of a subtle interplay among various factors, making direct genetic connections impossible.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 17, 2008
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.

2-way cell talk provides clues about neuromuscular disease

Researchers found that muscle cells play a vital role in communicating with neurons, and when this communication is disrupted, it can lead to nerve problems. The study provides new insights into the development of neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 17, 2008

Ocean's fiercest predators now vulnerable to extinction

A recent global assessment by the World Conservation Union has found that many large shark species have declined by more than half due to increased demand for shark fins and meat, as well as recreational and commercial fisheries. The scalloped hammerhead shark is among those listed as globally endangered on the IUCN Red List.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 17, 2008
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.

Major study links insurance status to advanced stage in multiple cancers

A new study found that uninsured patients are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage cancer compared to those with private insurance. The study, which analyzed over 3.5 million cancer patients, also showed that Medicaid-insured patients face similar risks, particularly for cancers with early detection methods.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 17, 2008

New research reveals shark superhighways and hotspots

Researchers have discovered critical details of shark behavior, including migration routes and gathering sites. The findings suggest that open-ocean sharks are particularly threatened from overfishing, and that some species congregate at established 'stepping stone' sites, which can help inform conservation efforts.

SourceSeaWeb·DateFeb 17, 2008