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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 23


Page 23 of 240

Yale researchers enlist a new recruit in battle of the bulge

Researchers at Yale University have identified a naturally occurring molecule called NAPEs that can help regulate appetite and reduce food intake in rats and mice. The study found that NAPEs injections led to weight loss and reduced activity of hunger neurons in the brain.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 2008

Fear of hypoglycemia a barrier to exercise for type 1 diabetics

A recent study published in Diabetes Care highlights the significant barriers faced by type 1 diabetics when it comes to engaging in physical activity. The researchers found that those with a greater fear of hypoglycemia were also more likely to have poorer diabetes control, emphasizing the need for targeted education and support.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 26, 2008

Arthritis research shows better management more important than new drugs

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that more effective use of existing arthritis treatments is crucial for achieving better patient outcomes. The research, led by Isidoro González-Alvaro, suggests that disease activity and disability have improved independently of new therapies.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 26, 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.

Caltech scientists develop 'barcode chip' for cheap, fast blood tests

The Integrated Blood-Barcode Chip (IBBC) is a revolutionary diagnostic tool that measures protein concentrations from just a pinprick of blood. The device offers a significant improvement over traditional laboratory tests, reducing costs and time by orders of magnitude.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 25, 2008

Kidney function discovery sheds light on genetic complexity of disease

Researchers discovered a greater level of genetic complexity for diseases than thought, focusing on iminoglycinuria and hyperglycinuria disorders. The study found that up to four different pumps in the kidney determine the disorder's occurrence, suggesting a need for integrated complex genetic information.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Agent-based computer models could anticipate future economic crisis

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created new agent-based models to better understand market behavior and predict potential economic catastrophes. These models use information from surveys and simulations to forecast how individual actors in a market make decisions, allowing policymakers to anticipate and avoid meltdowns.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateNov 25, 2008

Making the ultimate family sacrifice

Researchers found that genetically similar strains of Dictyostelium discoideum mix and cooperate during colony formation, contradicting earlier assumptions. The study's findings suggest specific genes produce sticky adhesives to secure partner connections.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 25, 2008
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.

Prejudice affects perception of ethnic minority faces

A recent study found that prejudice influences people's perceptions of what ethnic minority faces look like, with prejudiced individuals viewing certain faces as more criminal-looking. The research suggests that this bias may serve as a stereotype-maintaining device.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 25, 2008

New discovery may enhance MRI scans, lead to portable MRI machines

Researchers have discovered a new mathematical framework, superadiabaticity, to optimize magnetic resonance pulse sequences in MRI scans. This breakthrough could lead to sharper images, more informative scans, and potentially even portable MRI machines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 25, 2008

Lightheadedness at the dentist could prove serious

Vasovagal syncope is a common emergency situation in dental offices, characterized by loss of consciousness and muscle tone. Patients experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or pain may have an underlying cause that can lead to a life-threatening situation.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateNov 25, 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.

Also in the Nov. 25 JNCI

Researchers analyzed data from 13 prospective studies involving over half a million participants and found no link between fat, protein, or meat intake and kidney cancer. The study's findings suggest that the cause of increasing kidney cancer incidence worldwide remains unclear.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 2008

Jupiter's rocky core bigger and icier, according to new simulation

A new simulation by UC Berkeley geophysicist Burkhard Militzer predicts Jupiter's rocky core is 14-18 times Earth's mass, surrounded by layers of metals, rocks, and icy materials. The result challenges previous models and provides a more precise physical description of Jupiter's interior.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 25, 2008

Largest virtual telescope for short wavelengths opened

The Extended Submillimeter Array (eSMA) enables the study of the formation of new stars and planets using submillimetre light. Post-doc Sandrine Bottinelli used the telescope to determine the ratio of atomic to molecular carbon in an extremely distant galaxy.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 25, 2008

Tracking and feedback registry may reduce racial disparities in breast cancer care

A tracking and feedback system reduced racial disparities in adjuvant therapy among women with early-stage breast cancer, increasing consultations with medical oncologists by 14 percentage points. The study found a decrease in underuse of adjuvant treatment, particularly among black and Hispanic women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 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.

Saying 'cheese' for more effective border security

Researchers at NIST found that adjusting camera settings, using traditional cameras, and graphical overlays can significantly improve facial image quality. These steps can be easily implemented with existing facial recognition technology.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateNov 25, 2008

Bright idea illuminates LED standards

A new, economical method allows LED manufacturers to obtain accurate measurements of LED brightness and color, enabling reproducible and comparable results. The method takes into account the temperature of the semiconductor chip inside the LED.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateNov 25, 2008

How to improve email communication

Researchers found that people can cultivate effective online communication strategies by using emoticons, subject lines, and signatures to convey tone and context. Common devices used include capital letters, quotations, emoticons, and punctuation to indicate sarcasm or enthusiasm.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateNov 25, 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.

Sweet molecule could lead us to alien life

Researchers discovered glycolaldehyde, a basic sugar molecule, towards a star-forming region where habitable planets may exist. The detection suggests that the production of this key ingredient for life could be common throughout the galaxy.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 25, 2008

Neutron researchers discover widely sought property in magnetic semiconductor

Researchers have demonstrated the existence of antiferromagnetic coupling in a specially built semiconductor device, which could enable magnetic data storage and processing. This discovery raises hopes for even smaller and faster gadgets that could utilize this property.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 25, 2008

Time single working moms spend with kids surprises researchers

Researchers found that single mothers provide 83-90% of child-rearing time as married counterparts, but with quality time compromised due to limited resources. The study suggests public policy should focus on resources and educational opportunities for mothers, regardless of marital status.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateNov 25, 2008

UH Manoa researchers release results of statewide survey of snail, slug invasions in Hawai'i

A statewide survey of snail and slug invasions in Hawai'i has found 29 alien species, including five previously unreported, with most introduced to Oahu before spreading to other islands. The study highlights the need for greater awareness among nurseries and quarantine officials to prevent further environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalInternational Journal of Pest Management·DateNov 25, 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.

UT Southwestern researchers find clue to safer obesity drugs

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a brain circuit that suppresses appetite and induces weight loss. The study found that blocking serotonin receptors in specific neurons can normalize abnormal metabolism and prevent obesity-related disorders.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateNov 25, 2008

December 2008 Geology and GSA Today media highlights

The article discusses recent geological findings, including rapid exhumation of ice-covered rocks in Southeast Alaska, a 9-degree warming in Greenland 14,700 years ago, and the onset of biomineralization in skeletal metazoans. It also presents a newly recognized eastern extension of the Nile deep-sea fan.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateNov 25, 2008

Meteorite hits on Earth: There may be a recount

A researcher has discovered a tool that can reveal hundreds of hidden meteorite craters using aerial forest surveys. The technology was tested on a crater near Whitecourt, Alberta, and shows great potential for finding more undiscovered sites globally.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalGeology·DateNov 25, 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.

Tiny protein provokes healthy bonding between cells

A team of researchers found that a tiny protein called alpha-catenin is essential for forming strong bonds between cells. Cancer cells with dysfunctional alpha-catenin can break free and spread the disease, but scientists may be able to develop therapies to repair or replace this protein and prevent cancer's progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Physicists receive patent for improved cancer therapy device

The new device would deliver more precise and less costly proton radiation to cancerous tumors with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The Brookhaven scientists are seeking industrial partners to license and commercialize the technology.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 25, 2008

Disclosure of medication can save a patient's life

A study published in the Academy of General Dentistry reveals that stopping antiplatelet medications before dental procedures increases the risk of permanent disability or death. Dentists can help patients by discussing treatment risks and benefits with their physicians.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateNov 25, 2008

Inhaled corticosteroids raise pneumonia risk for lung disease sufferers

Researchers found that inhaled corticosteroid drugs increase the risk of pneumonia by a full third in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study suggests that the treatment may be more harmful and pose a greater risk to some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 25, 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.

Major teaching and learning research program draws conclusions

The Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP) has drawn conclusions after nine years of investigations across all sectors of education. Key findings include the importance of genuine engagement, developing skills to become autonomous learners, and the positive impact of group work on pupil performance.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 25, 2008

Life is a highway: Study confirms cars have personality

Researchers found that people see human facial features in car front ends and attribute personality traits to them, similar to how humans perceive facial expressions. The study also linked perception of cars to their physical structure, enabling the creation of a car with specific characteristics.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalHuman Nature·DateNov 25, 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.

Heart pumps: High cost, high mortality in an emerging technology

A study at Duke University Medical Center found that ventricular assist devices (VADs) have high hospital costs and high early death rates among Medicare recipients. The study analyzed data on nearly 3,000 patients who received a VAD between 2000 and 2006, finding that only half were alive one year later.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateNov 25, 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.

Researchers recreate SARS virus, open door for potential defenses against future strains

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University Medical Center successfully recreated the bat variant of the SARS coronavirus, a major step forward in developing effective vaccines and treatments. The research could help prevent future outbreaks by identifying key pathways in virus emergence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Drink brewed tea to avoid tooth erosion

A study published in the Academy of General Dentistry journal found that brewed tea has a lower erosive effect on teeth compared to soft drinks and acidic juices. The study suggests that drinking brewed tea can help prevent tooth erosion, which can wear away the enamel and lead to irreversible damage.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateNov 25, 2008
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.

Are there careers in mathematics outside of academia?

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has published a brochure on applied mathematics and computational science careers outside of academia. The brochure answers questions about career opportunities and features profiles of professionals at top companies like Google, IBM, and NSA. It aims to increase interest in mat...

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateNov 25, 2008

Research-based undergraduate course expands beyond Washington University

The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) has expanded its research-based undergraduate course beyond Washington University, reaching students at historically black and Hispanic-serving institutions. Students work with in silico tools to analyze DNA sequence data, improving their understanding of genomics and its applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2008

NIST 'stress tests' probe nanoscale strains in materials

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a way to measure low levels of stress in semiconductor devices as small as 10 nanometers across. By combining two techniques - electron back scattered diffraction and confocal Raman microscopy - they resolved the long-standing disagreement between two widely used methods of stress measurement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 25, 2008

Synthetic virus supports a bat origin for SARS

Researchers have generated a synthetic SARS-like bat coronavirus that is infectious in cultured cells and mice, identifying pathways by which a bat coronavirus may have adapted to infect humans. The findings provide a model approach for rapid identification, analysis, and public health responses to future natural or intentional virus e...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008
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.

Improvement seen regarding disparities for liver transplantation

A recent study found that racial disparities in liver transplantation have decreased since the introduction of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score system. In contrast, sex-based disparities persist, with women being less likely to receive a liver transplant within three years of listing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 25, 2008

Do you know you're having a stroke?

A Mayo Clinic study found that most stroke patients do not identify their symptoms correctly, leading to delayed medical attention. The delay can result in further damage and reduced recovery outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateNov 25, 2008