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Science News Archive 2008


Page 89 of 240

HIV patients at greater risk for bone fractures

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that HIV-infected patients have a higher prevalence of fractures compared to non-HIV infected patients. The study analyzed data from over 8,500 HIV-infected patients and more than 2 million non-HIV infected patients, revealing a significant increase in fr...

Crystals improve understanding of volcanic eruption triggers

Researchers have discovered that studying crystal formation in volcanoes can reveal the timing between magma movement and eruptions. This technique allows scientists to better understand individual volcano behavior, helping inform civil defense decisions.

New beta-blocker to offer hope to heart and lung sufferers

A new drug development project aims to create a modified beta-blocker that targets the heart without affecting lungs, benefiting hundreds of thousands of heart patients with respiratory conditions. The treatment has the potential to become the general medicine of choice for all heart patients due to its reduced side effects.

Rapid changes in key Alzheimer's protein described in humans

A study found that recovery from brain injury increases amyloid beta levels in patients, with better neurological status correlating to higher levels. The findings suggest a new understanding of the connection between brain injury and Alzheimer's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chronic stress alters our genetic immune response

Researchers found that chronic stress alters the genetic immune response by changing the pattern of gene expression in monocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. This altered response can lead to increased inflammation and contribute to the risk for illnesses like depression, heart disease, and diabetes.

Ancient mother spawns new insight on reptile reproduction

Scientists discovered a 75-million-year-old pregnant turtle fossil with a nest of 26 eggs in the badlands of Alberta, Canada, shedding light on ancient reptile reproduction. The fossilized eggs are found to have extremely thick and hard shells that may have evolved to protect them from desiccation or predators.

Cocaine-induced brain plasticity may protect the addicted brain

A recent study found that cocaine-induced brain plasticity may actually defend the brain during excessive drug use, potentially limiting maladaptive behavioral responses. The research identifies MEF2 as a key regulator of structural synapse plasticity and suggests that increasing spine density in the NAc may be a compensatory mechanism.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Not all fat is created equal

A recent study published in the journal Diabetes found that fat tissue in obese patients has impaired cellular function, leading to increased risk of insulin resistance and related conditions. The researchers discovered significant differences in the cellular structure and function of fat cells between lean and obese individuals.

UCI scientists discover minimum mass for galaxies

Researchers analyzed light from small galaxies to determine their masses, finding all dwarf galaxies had the same mass - 10 million times the mass of the sun. This discovery reveals a fundamental property of dark matter, a key component of the universe.

Genetic predisposition may play a role in anxiety disorders

Researchers identified genes that show statistical association with specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social phobias. The study found that environmental factors can trigger an anxiety disorder more easily in people with a genetic predisposition.

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.

Newly-defined factors may prevent postpartum smoking relapse

A University of North Carolina study finds that strong social support, internal belief systems, and concrete strategies for dealing with temptations are crucial for women to remain smoke-free postpartum. In contrast, easy access to cigarettes, reliance on cigarettes to cope with stress, and low self-esteem can lead to relapse.

Study examines use of opioids

A recent study found that over 10 million Americans use opioids, with 4 million using them regularly, reflecting a need to strike a balance between opioid misuse and chronic pain control. Opioid regular use increased with age, decreased with education level, and was more common in females and non-Hispanic whites.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NSF approves $1.3M for OSU and OU microbes hunt

Researchers will study four groups of bacteria at a sulfur spring in southwestern Oklahoma to understand their metabolic capabilities and ecological role. The grant also funds an educational outreach component to engage high school students in the project.

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.

Potential new targets for antidepressant medications

A new study suggests that blocking the corticotrophin releasing factor-1 (CRF1) receptor and the vasopressin-1B (V1B) receptor may retain their efficacy in treating depression, even when neurogenesis is disrupted. The researchers found that restoration of the stress axis may be key to how these new antidepressant approaches work.

New role for natural killers!

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a new role for Natural Killer cells, which can make diseases worse in certain cases. The research suggests that these cells produce chemicals that inhibit immune responses, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating chronic infections and cancer.

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.

ASTRO selects pediatric oncologist as 2008 honorary member

Dr. Evans, a pioneering figure in pediatric oncology, has been recognized by ASTRO for her groundbreaking work on neuroblastoma staging and patient care. She has also co-founded the Ronald McDonald House and received numerous awards for her dedication to cancer research.

Young type-2 diabetic men suffer low testosterone levels, study shows

A study published in Diabetes Care found that young men with type-2 diabetes have significantly lower levels of testosterone, which can impact fertility, muscle development, and increase the risk of heart disease. The study also highlights the potential clinical implications of low testosterone in these individuals.

NIAID describes challenges, prospects for an HIV vaccine

Researchers identify key areas of focus, including broadly neutralizing antibodies and innate immune responses, to develop an effective HIV vaccine. The authors express cautious optimism about the potential development of a vaccine, citing the need for significant scientific understanding of HIV disease.

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.

Sticks and stones: A new study on social and physical pain

A study published in Psychological Science found that socially painful experiences can be revisited through memory recall, causing increased emotional pain. In contrast, physically painful events tend to fade with time. The study's findings suggest an evolutionary aspect of human brain development, particularly in the cerebral cortex, ...

First gene associated with dry macular degeneration found

A study has identified the first gene associated with severe dry macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness. The researchers found that individuals with a specific genetic variant may be at risk if treated with an experimental therapy called RNA interference.

Black raspberries slow cancer by altering hundreds of genes

Researchers found that freeze-dried black raspberry powder restored activity to 460 genes in animals with esophageal cancer, many associated with cell proliferation and death. The study identified 53 genes important for early cancer development, which may be targeted by chemoprevention agents.

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.

Campus diversity important predictor of interracial friendships

A new study found that campus racial and ethnic diversity is a key predictor of interracial friendships. The study controlled for prior experiences and attitudes, showing that exposure to greater diversity leads to more cross-group friendships across all students.

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.

ETH Zurich-administered fund ends scientific anonymity

A new wiki links every word to its corresponding author, allowing readers to know sources and authors receive due credit. This resolves the uncertainty of authorship in first-generation wikis, enhancing collaborative publishing with reputation systems.

No-take zones offer no boost for bleached reefs

A team of scientists found that current protection zones are ineffective in preventing coral reef collapse due to climate change. New areas need to be established to focus on escaping or recovering regions, while managing the entire system is crucial for long-term survival.

Why is Greenland covered in ice?

Research suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are the primary cause of Greenland's ice formation, contrary to competing theories. The study uses computer climate and ice-sheet models to show that a decline in CO2 levels led to the long-term growth of the Greenland ice sheet.

Pre-school age exercises can prevent dyslexia

Researchers at the Academy of Finland's Centre of Excellence in Learning and Motivation Research have found that pre-school age exercises can significantly reduce reading and writing difficulties in children. The study suggests that training should focus on phonetics, mathematics, and information technology to aid learning.

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.

Teens making poor choices when it comes to riding in vehicles

A study by Meharry Medical College found that teen passengers are less likely to buckle up, with only 42% always wearing a seatbelt. The researchers recommend upgrading state laws to require all teens to wear seatbelts, and developing community-based interventions to address the issue.

Genetic link to dry macular degeneration found

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that offers protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in adults over 50. The study identifies a functional link between toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and geographic atrophy, a type of dry AMD.

Men defy stereotypes in defining masculinity

A large international study of over 27,000 men found that being seen as honorable and respected is more important to their idea of masculinity than physical attractiveness or sexual performance. Men value good health, family life, and relationships with their partner, regardless of age or nationality.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Why do eyelids sag with age? UCLA study answers mystery

A UCLA study found that fat expansion in the eye socket is the primary cause of baggy lower eyelids with age, contrary to long-held theories. The researchers suggest incorporating fat excision into treatments for patients seeking to address this common complaint.

Prominent German biologist wins EMBO Communication Award

Axel Meyer, a prominent German evolutionary biologist, has won the 2008 EMBO Award for his efforts to communicate complex scientific topics to the general public. He is recognized for his concise and opinion-strong articles on current issues like brain drain and science funding.

'Perfect pitch' in humans far more prevalent than expected

A new test for perfect pitch reveals that many non-musicians have the ability to recognize pitches without musical training. The study found a surprising number of people who unconsciously identified notes even when transposed, indicating true perfect pitch.

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.

NASA renames observatory for Fermi, reveals entire gamma-ray sky

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has revealed the entire gamma-ray sky, discovering pulsars in our galaxy and powerful processes near supermassive black holes. The telescope's first all-sky image shows glowing gas, blinking pulsars, and a flaring galaxy billions of light-years away.

Research examines variations of rare lung disease

Researchers at University of Cincinnati are studying variations of rare lung disease Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) to better understand its manifestations and develop more effective treatments. The study will compare patients with and without pulmonary hypertension to identify key differences in symptoms.

Utah steps into the heavens

The University of Utah is joining the third Sloan Digital Sky Survey to map distant galaxies, understand galaxy evolution, and discover planets with suitable environments for life. The survey will also help scientists test theories about dark energy and explore the mysteries of the universe.

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.