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Science News Archive 2008


Page 93 of 240

Brain surgery is getting easier on patients

Dr. Edward Duckworth is using less-invasive techniques to remove tumors, repair life-threatening aneurysms, and reduce seizures in epilepsy patients. The procedure involves reaching the brain through smaller openings, resulting in decreased pain and shorter hospital stays.

New research suggests diabetes transmitted from parents to children

A new study found that exposing fetal mice to high saturated fats can cause them and their offspring to develop type 2 diabetes. This unusual form of inheritance, known as metabolic programming, has implications for human health, particularly for children born to malnourished mothers.

Joslin study identifies protein that produces 'good' fat

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a protein called BMP-7 that induces the formation and function of brown fat cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for obesity and its associated diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New test to diagnose osteoarthritis early

A new medical imaging technology could provide a long-awaited test for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, allowing doctors to prevent or reduce permanent damage. The method uses modified MRI to determine the concentration of glycosaminoglycan, a biomarker for OA and cartilage disorders.

New 'nano-positioners' may have atomic-scale precision

Researchers at Purdue University developed a new monolithic comb drive device that can precisely move or sense movement at an atomic scale. The device has twice the dexterity of similar devices and could improve probe-based sensors for detecting viruses and biological molecules.

A better way to make hydrogen from biofuels

Researchers at Ohio State University have created a catalyst that converts ethanol into hydrogen with a 90% yield, using inexpensive ingredients. The new catalyst is less expensive than others being developed worldwide, making it more practical for widespread use in hydrogen-powered cars.

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.

Addiction treatment proves successful in animal weight loss study

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that vigabatrin induced satiety in obese animals, leading to significant weight loss and reduced food consumption. The study suggests that vigabatrin could potentially treat severe obesity, including binge eating patterns similar to those seen in cocaine dependency.

Oetzi the Iceman dressed like a herdsman

A new study analyzing Oetzi's hair samples reveals his clothes were made from sheep and cattle fur, supporting the idea that he was a herdsman. The technique used could be faster and more reliable for checking animal hair products and aiding manufacturers in adhering to EU laws.

Severe, acute maternal stress linked to the development of schizophrenia

A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that pregnant women experiencing severe stress during the second month of pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop schizophrenia. Women born in Jerusalem during the Arab-Israeli war had a higher risk of schizophrenia, particularly females.

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.

Study suggests sports stadiums serve alcohol to minors and intoxicated fans

Researchers found that sales rates to pseudo-underage buyers were 18% and to pseudo-intoxicated buyers were 74%. The study suggests sports stadiums serve alcohol to minors and intoxicated fans, highlighting the need for responsible service and law enforcement monitoring. Sales were more likely in stadium stands than concession booths.

Biochemists manipulate fruit flavor enzymes

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have successfully manipulated flavor enzymes in plants, opening up possibilities for fine-tuning fruit flavors. The breakthrough could also lead to novel pest control methods using green leaf volatiles and jasmonates.

Researchers discover how rheumatoid arthritis causes bone loss

Researchers have identified Smurf1 as a signaling partner that damages bone in rheumatoid arthritis, guiding the development of new drugs to reverse bone loss. The study also suggests potential applications against osteoporosis by targeting Smurf1 with specific drugs.

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.

Dartmouth workshop sets research agenda for environmental mercury

A group of experts has developed a roadmap for improving our understanding of how mercury moves through the marine ecosystem and into the fish we eat. The report prioritizes integrated monitoring across habitats, considering links between marine sources, biotransfer processes, and bioaccumulation mechanisms.

Numerical simulations of nutrient transport changes in Honghu Lake Basin

Numerical simulations of nutrient transport changes in Honghu Lake Basin revealed that human activities increased rapidly and became a dominant factor in changes of the nutrient transportation. The study found variations in nutrient production and concentration, with increasing rates of eutrophication over time.

Fast quantum computer building block created

Scientists at University of Michigan and U.S. Naval Research Laboratory demonstrate a solid-state qubit that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, enabling faster quantum computing and improved computer security. The breakthrough enables the creation of a code that would be impossible to crack with conventional computers.

Codeine not safe for all breastfeeding moms and their babies

Research suggests that codeine may be unsuitable for all breastfed infants due to rapid metabolism into morphine, which can cause central nervous system depression. Fortunately, removal of exposure leads to dramatic improvement and no long-term adverse effects.

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.

Biologists find diatom to reduce red tide's toxicity

Scientists have discovered a diatom that can reduce the toxicity of red tide algae to both animals and other algae, potentially mitigating economic damage to the seafood and tourism industries. The research suggests that the diatom may degrade or neutralize the toxins produced by the red tide, offering new hope for reducing its impact.

Guideline: Surgery may be considered for extreme face pain

A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology recommends surgery as a treatment option for people with extreme face pain due to trigeminal neuralgia. The guideline suggests that patients who don't respond well to drugs should consider surgical interventions to target the root of the trigeminal nerve.

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.

Cervical cancer prevention should focus on vaccinating adolescent girls

The study suggests that universal vaccine coverage in young adolescent girls, initial catch-up efforts for women under 21, and revised screening policies can significantly reduce cervical cancer rates. Vaccination is predicted to be economically attractive if achieved in 12-year-old girls with long-lasting protection.

Researchers discover scent of skin cancer

Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center have discovered a unique scent associated with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. By analyzing volatile organic compounds in the air above skin lesions, they found distinct profiles that could potentially be used to screen for and diagnose skin cancers at early stages.

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.

Hubble sees magnetic monster in erupting galaxy

The Hubble Space Telescope has resolved individual threads of gas in the filaments of galaxy NGC 1275, revealing a magnetic structure that sustains them for over 100 million years. The discovery provides crucial clues about how giant black holes affect their surroundings.

Making 'good' fat from muscle and vice versa

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a molecular switch that can convert muscle precursor cells into brown fat cells, which burn calories and release energy. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for obesity by activating the calorie-burning process in the body.

Candy-coating keeps proteins sweet

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to evaluate the stability of protein-based drugs at room temperature using a fluorescent probe. This new method can measure the lifetime of hydrogen bonding networks that stabilize proteins, reducing the time and expense associated with traditional methods.

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.

Arsenic exposure could increase diabetes risk

A study of 788 US adults found that those with diabetes had higher levels of arsenic in their urine compared to those without diabetes. Inorganic arsenic from contaminated drinking water may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Measuring calcium in serpentine soils

Researchers found that multiple measurement techniques are needed to accurately measure calcium content in serpentine soils. A combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and elemental analysis is necessary to identify and quantify calcium.

Tracking a crop disease could save millions of lives

Researchers have identified how maize streak virus (MSV) became a serious pest in Africa's most important food crop, potentially saving millions of lives. By comparing MSV genomes to its less harmful relatives, scientists discovered that recombination led to the emergence of a more severe disease strain.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Low level cadmium exposure linked to lung disease

A University of Michigan study found that cadmium exposure is a critical ingredient in smoking-related emphysema, increasing the risk by up to double. Even low-level exposure through second-hand smoke or other means can also increase lung disease risk.

Getting to the root of the matter

New research reveals that root systems can be observed using advanced imaging technologies like MRI, allowing for better understanding of water uptake patterns. Roots also play a significant role in soil carbon cycling and the global carbon balance.

Stem cell indicator for bowel cancer should lead to better survival rates

Researchers have developed a more accurate way to identify aggressive bowel cancer forms, suggesting patients with the Lamin A marker should receive chemotherapy in addition to surgery for improved recovery and survival. The study aims to develop a robust prognostic tool for widespread use in bowel cancer treatment.

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.

Stroke and SIDS in Alaska topics of neuroscience conference

Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks are presenting their findings on stroke and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at a conference in New York. The studies aim to understand the underlying causes of these conditions and explore potential new treatments for brain damage.

Arsenic exposure may be associated with type 2 diabetes

A study of 788 US adults found that those with higher arsenic levels in their urine were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that the presence of certain organic arsenic compounds did not increase diabetes risk.

Bacterial pneumonia caused most deaths in 1918 influenza pandemic

The majority of deaths during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic were not caused by the flu virus alone, but rather bacterial pneumonia that developed after the virus destroyed the cells lining the bronchial tubes. Comprehensive pandemic preparations should include provisions to stockpile antibiotics and bacterial vaccines.

Study examines testing model to predict and diagnose new cases of dementia

A study examining testing models to predict and diagnose new cases of dementia found that within-person variability on neuropsychological tests is linked to the development of dementia. The research, published in JAMA, suggests that this variability may be an independent predictor of dementia development.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Chronic lead poisoning from urban soils

A study by Indiana University researchers suggests treating contaminated urban soils with water can prevent chronic lead poisoning in children. The study reveals that older cities like Indianapolis have a high lead burden resulting in a lead poisoning epidemic among their youngest citizens.

Study examines testing model to predict and diagnose new cases of dementia

Researchers found that intra-individual variability in cognitive function improves dementia prediction beyond individual test scores. The Einstein Aging Study evaluated 897 individuals, identifying 61 cases of dementia, and showed that within-person variability across multiple tests predicts future dementia.

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.