Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2008 - Page 8


Page 8 of 240

Call Stephen Michnick a gene grammarian

Researchers identified genes that code for proteins controlling gene reading, revealing 'gene grammarians' linked to DNA structure. This discovery provides new insights into epigenetic control and environmental effects on the human genome.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 2008

Study links ecosystem changes in temperate lakes to climate warming

Researchers at Queen's University found striking ecosystem changes in temperate lakes due to climate warming. Changes were observed decades later than in Arctic lakes, with relationships between lake algae and air temperature, ice-out records, and long-term changes.

SourceQueen's University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 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.

UIC researchers hunting drugs for devastating parasitic disease

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered compounds that show high antiparasitic activity against Leishmania parasite, which could potentially be modified to treat the disease. The new compounds are less toxic than miltefosine and can kill the parasite inside blood cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 16, 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.

Aging brains allow negative memories to fade

Researchers found that older adults remember fewer negative events than younger counterparts due to differences in brain activity. The study suggests that seniors' brains use thinking rather than feeling processes to store emotional memories, which may improve understanding of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 16, 2008

Abused women seek more infant health care, MU study finds

Women experiencing intimate partner violence are more likely to prioritize their infant's health, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to screen for IPV. The study found that 60% of abused women sought health consultations for their infants, compared to 54% of non-abused women.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateDec 16, 2008

Scientists fool bacteria into killing themselves to survive

Researchers at the University of Illinois and Massachusetts have found a way to target a bacteria's evolutionary machinery, programming its own death. The synthetic antimicrobial depends on phosphoethanolamine lipids in bacterial membranes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2008
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.

UIC receives $16 million to study impact of environment on kids' health

The University of Illinois Chicago's ImpacTeen project will study policy and environmental factors influencing youth behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, obesity, and tobacco use. Researchers will assess state policies, school wellness programs, and community environments to inform effective policy and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateDec 16, 2008

The year of the Alaska volcano: Eruptions keep observatory busy

Three Alaska volcanoes erupted in midsummer 2008, with Cleveland, Okmok, and Kasatochi volcanoes making significant changes to the landscape. Researchers from the Alaska Volcano Observatory shared their findings on recent eruptions at the American Geophysical Union's fall meeting.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateDec 16, 2008

Cookie cutter in the sky

Researchers found that all active galactic nuclei have a similar physical structure, independent of the black hole's size. The observation constrains current ideas on how glow around black holes is produced, allowing for further study of these enigmatic objects.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 16, 2008

Seeing the unseen with 'super-resolution' fluorescence microscopy

Scientists have successfully resolved features of cells as small as 20-30 nanometers using Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM), a new 'super-resolution' fluorescence microscopy technique. This breakthrough allows for the visualization of cellular structures at the level where they work.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 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.

Low-income men more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer

A UCLA study found that low-income men are more likely to present with advanced prostate cancers, highlighting the need for increased access to screening services. The study also revealed that diagnosis rates for lower-risk cancers did not increase over time among IMPACT patients, unlike in more affluent populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 16, 2008

Catch the wave

MIT researchers, led by Chiang Mei, have developed a numerical simulation model that predicts wave forces on devices and motion of the device. The research aims to optimize energy capture and provide data for efficient conversion to electrical energy. The pilot-scale device will be integrated into a new breakwater in Portugal.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 16, 2008

Both theories about human cellular aging supported by new research

Research presented at the American Society for Cell Biology conference reveals a modular longevity network linking diet and metabolic genes to human cellular aging. Novel anti-aging small molecules have been identified, which can be used as research tools or potential pharmaceutical agents for age-related disorders.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 16, 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.

Gut instinct: Salmonella bacteria's molecular tactics to cause illness

Researchers at Arizona State University discovered a key survival circuit that allows Salmonella bacteria to overcome the body's defense mechanisms. The bacteria use a complex system of regulatory proteins and genes to adapt to changing environments, including nutrient starvation and antimicrobial peptides.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2008

Genes involved in antibiotic resistance vary within a species

A study found that variations within Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria can affect its response to antibiotics, highlighting the need for targeted therapy in infectious disease. The analysis of six genomes revealed unique sets of genes among isolates, with some genes shared but others specific to different subsets.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateDec 16, 2008

The virtue of variety: More options can lead to healthier choices

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people are more likely to choose healthy options when faced with a large variety of menu items. This is because choosing from larger assortments is often more difficult, leading people to select easier-to-justify options.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 15, 2008

Filling in the gaps: Personality types lead people to choose certain brands

A new study found that individuals with anxious attachment styles prefer brands with sincere personalities, such as Gap, while those with avoidant styles opt for exciting brands like Abercrombie. This research highlights the moderating role of attachment styles on consumer-brand connections.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 15, 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.

Scientists find link between inflamed gums and heart disease

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that infected gums may be a source of inflammation leading to heart disease. Proper dental hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart disease independently.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 15, 2008

Hopkins-led team solves failed vaccine mystery

Researchers discovered that a 1966 RSV vaccine's defective antibodies failed to bind to the real virus, leading to severe disease. New findings could lead to the development of safer and more effective vaccines for RSV and other respiratory viruses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 15, 2008

Turning over a new leaf for future energy supplies

German scientists suggest biomass as a major source of energy, meeting global demand sustainably and economically. Afforestation on degraded land can produce enough biomass to replace fossil fuels, reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateDec 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.

You decide: Making a good decision or avoiding a bad one?

A new study examines how consumers evaluate brand features to make choices, finding that goal-oriented individuals prefer rapid progress in decision-making, while those focused on avoiding mistakes value detailed information. This understanding has important implications for designing persuasive marketing messages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 15, 2008

Tiny MIT ecosystem may shed light on climate change

Researchers created a mini-ecosystem to study marine microorganisms' behavior and found they exhibit sophisticated foraging strategies, influencing carbon flux in the oceans. This discovery may lead to better predictions of their global-scale impact on climate.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 15, 2008

Viewing cancer cells in 'real' time

Scientists use a special glass 'window' to visualize individually-labeled tumor cells as they move through the body's microenvironments. The technique allows researchers to identify critical interactions driving intravasation and develop microenvironment-specific drugs.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 15, 2008

Goose eggs may help polar bears weather climate change

New research shows that polar bears can adapt to a changing Arctic by consuming snow goose eggs, which are rich in nutrients. As the Arctic warms, the timing of sea-ice breakup and snow goose nesting is shifting, providing an alternative source of food for subadult males.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPolar Biology·DateDec 15, 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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that colonoscopy significantly reduces deaths from colorectal cancer due to left-sided cancers. However, the risk reduction is negligible for right-sided cancer. The study suggests that physicians should advise patients of the limitations of colonoscopy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2008

Reducing the damage of a heart attack

Researchers discovered a protein that accelerates scar tissue formation after a heart attack, leading to impaired heart function. The finding offers potential for the development of new treatments to prevent this damage.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 15, 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.

Gene subnetworks predict cancer spread

Researchers identified gene subnetworks that distinguished patient groups and uncovered new genes associated with breast cancer. These findings may lead to more accurate diagnostics and prognosis for various types of cancer, including leukemia, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 15, 2008

Newly discovered esophagus stem cells grow into transplantable tissue, Penn study finds

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified stem cells in the esophagus that can grow into functional tissue. The researchers found that these stem cells can repair damaged tissue and potentially treat conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 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.

Data mining of inpatient records reveals the disease pattern of obstructive sleep apnea

A study found that OSA peaks between 0-4 years, then rises from 25-29 years to a peak at 55-59 years. Comorbid conditions most frequently appearing with OSA in adults are essential hypertension, obesity, and respiratory diseases. The data mining technique revealed the full clinical picture of comorbid conditions associated with OSA.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 15, 2008

UAF researchers to present at AGU press briefing

Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks have found a strong link between Arctic land-surface temperatures and increased tundra greenness. The study used satellite data and ground-based studies to examine trends in sea ice, land temperature, and vegetation using a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateDec 15, 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.

Building better bones and tissue in the lab

The University of Western Ontario has received $45.5 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to develop new methods for growing stronger lab-grown bones and tissue. This will help address conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and traumatic injuries, where current lab-grown materials lack sufficient strength.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateDec 15, 2008

No regrets: Avoiding bad feelings about missing a great sale

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research uncovers a strategy for releasing consumers from 'regret lock' after missing a sale. By offering alternative sales on similar products, retailers can increase purchase likelihood and market share.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 15, 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.

New tool could unpick complex cancer causes and help sociologists mine Facebook

Researchers have developed a new tool using graphical models to analyze complex systems, which can help uncover the underlying causes of cancer and enable sociologists to extract valuable insights from social media data. The 'Informative Priors' method incorporates current knowledge into mathematical analysis, providing more accurate r...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008

Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation: More freedom for COPD patients

A study by Drs. François Maltais and Jean Bourbeau found that home-based pulmonary rehabilitation is as effective as hospital-based treatment in improving symptoms and quality of life for COPD patients. The program, which involves aerobic exercises, can be performed alone and has the potential to reduce healthcare costs.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2008

Black college students get better grades with white roommate

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that African American students who live with white roommates experience a 0.30-point increase in their GPA, compared to those living with same-race roommates. This suggests that interracial roommate relationships can have a positive impact on minority students' academic success.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateDec 15, 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.

U of T scientists solve mystery of Giant's Causeway with kitchen materials

Researchers used a mixture of water and corn starch to reproduce the hexagonal columns found at popular tourist sites like Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway. They established a relationship between column size and speed of drying, finding that slower cooling processes produce larger columns.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008

Physical therapy offers evidence-based solution to musculoskeletal pain

A new study published in the Spine journal found that manual physical therapy and exercise significantly improves neck pain, reducing mechanical neck pain and disability. Physical therapists can provide a conservative solution to musculoskeletal pain without expensive surgery or medication side effects.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalSpine·DateDec 15, 2008

Gibbon feet provide model for early human walking

Scientists studied gibbon foot movements to understand the mechanisms of a 'flexible' foot. They found that gibbons hit the ground with their toes first and raised their heel to generate propulsion for walking.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 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.

Computer system fails the children it was designed to protect

A new study claims that the Integrated Children's System (ICS) is creating 'latent conditions for error' in front-line children's services, leading to potential harm to vulnerable children. The researchers argue that the system's complexity and pressure to meet deadlines are undermining good social work practice.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateDec 15, 2008