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Science News Archive April 2008


Page 18 of 22

Sydney harbors deadly diet for sea creatures

A new study by the University of New South Wales reveals that contaminated seaweeds in Sydney Harbour are killing up to 75% of small crustacean offspring. The harbour's seaweeds have been found to contain high levels of copper, lead and zinc, posing a threat to marine life.

As nanotech goes mainstream, 'toxic socks' raise concerns

Researchers warn of unforeseen environmental and health consequences of nanosilver in consumer products, as simple experiments show nanoparticle silver can leach into waterways. Improved product labeling is proposed to increase public awareness.

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.

Meteorites delivered the 'seeds' of Earth's left-hand life

Scientists suggest that meteorite impacts may have delivered the chemical seeds of life on Earth, resulting in a predominance of left-handed amino acids. This theory is supported by evidence found on meteorites and simulations of prebiotic conditions, which show that cosmic amino acids can transfer their chirality to simple amino acids.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A boost for bamboo-based blouses and blankets

Researchers have developed solutions to improve bamboo fabrics' durability and hygiene, making them more suitable for consumer products. The new treatments significantly reduce bacterial growth and increase UV protection, opening doors for eco-friendly clothing options.

Rare genetic mutations protect against hypertension

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute identified functional mutations in three genes that contribute to blood pressure variation in the general population. These mutations, present in approximately 2% of the population, are associated with a 60% reduction in the risk of hypertension.

Nuclear scientists eye future landfall on a second 'island of stability'

Researchers are now exploring the fringes of the Periodic Table in pursuit of another 'island of stability', similar to the one discovered in superheavy chemical elements. The next island could lie around atomic number 164, requiring more sophisticated technology and a deeper understanding of element formation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Yale study shows how rare genes have big impact on blood pressure

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that rare genetic variants can be associated with a significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure. The study found that individuals carrying one defective copy of a gene had a 60% lower risk of developing hypertension by age 60 compared to the general population.

Environmental enrichment can reduce cocaine use, researchers find

Researchers at Wake Forest University found that environmental enrichment and increased social stress can reduce cocaine self-administration in monkeys. The study showed that subordinate animals, who experience more stress, consume more cocaine than dominant animals with improved living conditions.

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.

Subordinate monkeys more likely to choose cocaine over food

A study found that subordinate monkeys showed pronounced decreased brain activity in areas involved with stress, anxiety, reward, and emotion when faced with a stressful situation. In contrast, dominant monkeys were less likely to choose cocaine after the same encounter.

Reconstructing mandibular defects with bioengineered tooth and bone

Researchers have successfully developed bioengineered dental tissues resembling naturally formed teeth, including dentin, enamel, pulp, and periodontal ligament. The novel mineralized tissue interface formation demonstrates the therapeutic potential for regenerating tooth and bone from autologous stem cells.

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.

NYU dental professor discovers biological clock

A newly discovered biological clock controls many metabolic functions and determines life span, operating on shorter time intervals for small mammals like rats and longer ones for larger animals like chimpanzees. The discovery was made by NYU dental professor Dr. Timothy Bromage while observing incremental growth lines in tooth enamel.

Supplements are not nutritious

A recent study suggests that selenium supplements may not be necessary for most people due to a reduced reliance on the trace element in mammals. This discovery raises questions about the need for supplements and highlights the importance of considering individual factors such as age, sex, and medical needs.

HPV, periodontitis work in tandem to increase risk of tongue cancer

Researchers at University at Buffalo have found that people with periodontitis who are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) are at increased risk of developing tongue cancer. The study showed that 63% of patients with tongue cancer also had periodontitis, and 90% of those without HPV also did not have periodontitis.

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.

Story ideas from Molecular and Cellular Proteomics

Recent advances in mass spectrometry have expanded knowledge of protein networks inside cells and their regulation. Researchers successfully identified over 5,000 proteins in embryonic stem cells using mass spectrometry, creating the largest quantified protein map to date.

Crowning glory

Researchers found that Bonelike-coated dental implants promoted extensive new bone formation and attachment, improving incorporation into the jaw. One implant was removed due to poor positioning, allowing for detailed analysis of the coating's effects.

Russian-American research team examines origins of whaling culture

A Russian-American research team has made significant discoveries about the origins of whaling culture in the Arctic region. The findings suggest that prehistoric cultures were hunting whales at least 3,000 years ago, with evidence found at the Un'en'en site on the Chukotka Peninsula.

E-mail design pays off

A study at Heidelberg University Hospital found that well-designed e-mails increase the use of Internet links and reduce spam. The researchers discovered that a simple trick, such as switching from Courier to Times font, boosted legibility and attractiveness.

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.

Does raising the terrorism alert level cause undue stress?

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no statistically significant increase in calls with periods of increased alert among New Jersey law enforcement officers. Researchers analyzed call data from a crisis hotline and did not detect a pattern of increased calls corresponding to an elevation in the alert level.

Inactive kids face 6-fold risk of heart disease by teen years, study finds

A new study found that young children who lead inactive lifestyles are five-to-six times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to heart disease and diabetes. The study tracked the same group of children over time, measuring factors such as body mass, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, to show the importance...

Poses can prevent falls

A nine-week Iyengar yoga program improved elderly females' stride speed, flexibility, and single-leg stance. Participants experienced increased confidence in walking and balance, as well as reduced pain in some cases. The study suggests that yoga can help reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and stability.

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.

Yale scientists visualize the machinery of mRNA splicing

Researchers at Yale University have visualized the crystal structure of group II introns, a type of RNA that catalyzes its own removal during gene maturation. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of mRNA splicing in humans and shares a close evolutionary heritage with ancient bacteria.

1st US study -- gymnastics lands thousands in ER

A nationwide study published in Pediatrics reveals that over 600,000 American children participate in gymnastics each year, despite the high risk of injury. The study found nearly 27,000 injuries annually, with fractures and dislocations most common among younger children.

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.

Lucky squirrels born with 'silver spoon' effect

A study of female red squirrels found that those born into favorable circumstances with abundant food, warmer spring weather, and lower population experienced increased reproductive success and longevity. In contrast, those born into harsher conditions struggled to reproduce and lived shorter lives.

High school student to present paper at national dental research meeting

Sebastian Velez, a senior at Archbishop Molloy High School, will present a paper on the dependence of translucency on thickness for various ceramic frameworks. The study investigates the translucency of zirconia as a function of its thickness and compares the results with more extensively studied dental ceramics.

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.

Enzyme complex could be key to new cancer treatments

Researchers observed a group of six enzymes forming a cluster in living cells, which are essential for cell replication and DNA production. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by disrupting purine synthesis and halting cancer cell replication.

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.

Smithsonian researchers show major role of bats in plant protection

Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that bats are more effective pest control agents than birds in a lowland tropical rainforest. In the study, plants lost 13.3% of their leaf area when only bats were excluded, compared to 7.2% with only birds excluded.

Aripiprazole has potential for treating alcohol dependence

Researchers found that aripiprazole reduced the pleasurable effects of alcohol and made drinkers sleepier, suggesting its potential as a treatment for alcohol dependence. The study's findings suggest a balance between useful and aversive effects may be achieved with aripiprazole.

Rare genetic syndrome may hold key to cure for heat stroke

A genetic disorder linked to fatal muscle contractions during anesthesia may also be connected to heat stroke, according to new research. The study found that antioxidants could protect against heat stroke in genetically prone individuals.

High-flying moths don't just go with the flow

Scientists have found that migratory moths use various strategies to control their flight direction and speed, including selecting favorable wind directions and compensating for wind drift. These findings provide the first conclusive evidence for a compass mechanism in nocturnal insect migration.

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.

Continuous oral contraceptives better at easing pain, bleeding

Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptives significantly improved pain and behavioral changes in women compared to standard 28-day birth control pills. The study also showed a significant decrease in moderate to heavy bleeding days among women who received the continuous birth control regimen.

Traders who sell short stocks are well-informed

Researchers found that short selling activity is widespread across large and small NYSE stocks, accounting for at least 12.9% of trading volume. Short sellers can identify overvalued stocks and profit by anticipating price declines, indicating they are extremely well-informed.

Preliminary DNA analysis completed on California wolverine

Preliminary results from DNA analysis of wolverine scat samples collected on the Tahoe National Forest do not match those of historic California wolverine populations. The animal is identified as a male wolverine that does not genetically match populations in Washington or Southern Sierra Nevada.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Active living in diverse and disadvantaged communities

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living Research Program highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in physical activity participation among underserved communities. The special issue identifies safety concerns related to crime as a key barrier to active living, while also pointing towards policy a...

Academy establishes Asia Center to protect the environment

The Academy's Asia Center aims to study, protect, and sustainably use environmental resources in Asia. Researchers will train faculty and students to monitor Lake Tai in China and apply knowledge to address climate change and water quality issues.