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Science News Archive April 2008


Page 19 of 22

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.

A place in the sun

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a key enzyme involved in auxin synthesis, which allows plants to stretch towards sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields by manipulating the plant's response to shade avoidance syndrome.

Proximity to a flood zone lowers property values

A recent study found that properties located within a floodplain have significantly lower sales prices compared to those outside the flood zone. The estimated price reduction is 7.3% on average, with a total loss of $11,600.

Climate change -- research suggests it is not a swindle

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters finds no correlation between cosmic rays and cloud cover, contradicting a 2007 TV program that suggested global warming is caused by a decrease in cosmic rays. The researchers from Lancaster and Durham Universities analyzed data and found no reliable connection between the two.

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.

Mitosis gets harder thanks to new gene discovery

Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that RASSF7 is crucial for building microtubules during mitosis, a process that allows cells to divide in two. Without this protein, cell division is halted, highlighting its potential as a future cancer treatment target.

NC State researchers identify genes key to hormone production in plants

Researchers at NC State University have identified a small group of genes responsible for regulating hormone production in plants. The study found that the TAA1 gene is essential for auxin synthesis and that its disruption can lead to reduced auxin levels, affecting plant growth and development.

AGU Journalism Awards won by Margaret Munro and Dr. Richard Smith

Margaret Munro won the David Perlman Award for her article on the collapse of a Canadian ice shelf, while Dr. Richard Smith received the Walter Sullivan Award for his documentary film 'Crude'. The awards recognize outstanding science journalism with deadline pressure and lead time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cultural biases may influence parenting studies, scientist finds

Researchers conducted a study on Chinese and American parenting behaviors to understand cultural differences. They found that cultural biases can affect the analysis of behaviors, leading to inaccurate conclusions about parenting styles across cultures. The authors recommend using a combination of researchers from both cultures to mini...

Hatchery fish outnumber wild chinook salmon in troubled fall run

A study by University of California - Santa Cruz researchers found that 90% of California's fall-run Chinook salmon population comes from hatcheries. The findings are troubling given the decline in natural populations, which may force commercial and recreational fishing to close.

Food for thought

A meta-analysis of over 50 studies found that bird feeding can lead to immediate positive outcomes, such as increased chick survival, but also creates ecological traps and disrupts natural selection. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the impact of bird feeding on ecosystems.

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.

Hybrid computer materials may lead to faster, cheaper technology

A University of Missouri researcher is part of a multi-university team developing hybrid materials that combine magnetic and semiconductor functions. This innovation aims to create devices that operate at higher speeds and use less power than current electronic devices.

Are animals stuck in time?

A recent study by William Roberts and his team found that rats can keep track of how much time has passed since a discovery, but not when it occurred. The researchers used an experiment with varying cues to test the rats' ability to remember episodic-like memories.

The Lancet introduces 2 new partnerships in global health

The Lancet launches a new partnership with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to monitor global health trends. The journal also establishes a joint Commission with University College London to study and report on managing the health effects of climate change.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stem cell breakthrough offers diabetes hope

Scientists have discovered a way to genetically manipulate embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic tissue, potentially treating type-1 and type-2 diabetes. The team found that the transcription factor PAX4 encouraged high numbers of stem cells to become beta cells with insulin-producing capabilities.

Harmful algae taking advantage of global warming

Cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more frequent and widespread due to global warming, posing a threat to human health and water ecosystems. The algae can cause digestive, neurological, and skin diseases in humans, and deplete oxygen in water reservoirs.

A little anxiety pays sometimes, study shows

Researchers found that higher levels of brain activation in the anterior insula region can help individuals learn to avoid losses and financial risks, but excessive activity may be problematic. A healthy amount of anxiety grants survival value, but too much can lead to excessive worry and clinical conditions.

Unlocking mysteries of brain cancer, stroke

Researchers at the University of Adelaide will study links between brain chemistry and fatal outcomes from brain tumors and strokes. They aim to find out why these conditions become deadly, with a focus on swelling caused by tumors and cancer cells entering the central nervous system.

Clinical trial will test new HIV/AIDS vaccine

A new HIV/AIDS vaccine is being tested in a phase 1 clinical trial at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The vaccine uses a replication-incompetent adenovirus vector encoding an HIV-1 envelope gene, aiming to overcome the problem of preexisting immunity to common vaccine vectors.

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.

LSU spotlights strong African American marriages

Research by Louisiana State University sheds light on positive, long-lasting African American marriages, challenging the 'deficit perspective' that emphasizes problems. The study reveals four key themes: overcoming external challenges, resolving intramarital conflict, and maintaining unity through shared values.

Pregnant mothers' diet linked to baby's obesity

Research published in Lipids in Health and Disease found that pregnant and lactating rats fed a diet rich in hydrogenated fats had babies with increased fat content. The study also showed that the gene expression of adipokines was affected, leading to changes in insulin production.

Researchers uncover new genetic links to psoriasis

A comprehensive study of the genetic basis of psoriasis has discovered seven new sites of common DNA variation that increase the risk of this skin condition. The variations were found to be strongly linked to psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, paving the way for more targeted therapies.

Keep on running

Research published in Dynamic Medicine found that low levels of physical activity and aerobic fitness in children are associated with metabolic syndrome, a precursor to heart disease. The study suggests that efforts to increase exercise from an early age can help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.

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.

Researchers uncover new genetic links to psoriasis

Scientists discovered seven new DNA variations linked to psoriasis, which also increased the risk of four autoimmune diseases. The study found a strong genetic component underlying these conditions, paving the way for targeted treatments.

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.

Pioneer of paramedic model to be honored

Dr. Criley developed the paramedic model in 1969, training firefighters to provide emergency care to heart attack victims. The program was later adopted nationwide, thanks in part to a TV show about it, and continues to save lives today.

Male partner violence severely affects women's health

A recent WHO multi-country study found that ever experiencing physical or sexual partner violence is linked to poor health overall and specific health problems. Women who experienced partner violence reported more emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or attempts than those who never experienced abuse.

1 large organic shade-grown coffee, please -- with extra bats

A recent University of Michigan study reveals that Mexican organic coffee bat populations are crucial in controlling insects that damage coffee crops. Using a new 'perch and wait' hunting technique, bats outperform birds by 84% in reducing insect density during the summer wet season.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nanosized technology has supersized effect on tumors

Researchers used nanotechnology to target tumors in rabbits, achieving a 1,000-fold reduction in chemotherapy dose while slowing tumor growth. The nanoparticles delivered a fungal toxin called fumagillin directly to growing blood vessels, inhibiting tumor expansion.

Bon MOT: Innovative atom trap catches highly magnetic atoms

A research team from NIST and University of Maryland successfully cooled erbium atoms to within two millionths of absolute zero using a novel trapping technique. This breakthrough enables the capture and manipulation of individual erbium atoms with unique optical properties.

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.

Scientists find genetic factor in stress response variability

Scientists have discovered a genetic factor linked to stress response variability, revealing why some people can better withstand stress than others. The study found that inherited variations in the neuropeptide Y gene affect the brain's anxiety-reducing mechanisms, leading to differences in emotional responses and pain tolerance.

Studies' message to women: Keep your cool

Research conducted by Yale University psychologist Victoria Brescoll reveals that women who express anger are viewed as less capable than men. In contrast, angry men are seen as more competent and deserving of higher status. Explaining one's emotions may help mitigate this bias.

Drexel School of Public Health awarded $14M NIH grant for autism research

The Drexel University School of Public Health has been awarded a $14.3 million NIH grant to study risk factors and biological indicators for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in expectant mothers and their babies. The researchers aim to follow 1,200 mothers of children with autism and document the development of newborns through 36 months.

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.

Food writer wins prestigious ACS journalism award

Harold McGee has been awarded the Grady-Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public for his work in explaining complex scientific concepts to a general audience. His writing has appeared in numerous publications and has received several professional honors, including food writer of the year and pioneer in culinology.

Promising new nanotechnology for spinal cord injury

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a nano-engineered gel that inhibits scar tissue formation and enables spinal cord fiber regeneration. This breakthrough allows mice with spinal cord injuries to walk again after six weeks, paving the way for potential human trials.

Experiments point to new treatments for PKD

Researchers identified two classes of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors that slowed cyst growth by over 80% and preserved kidney function. In mouse models, these inhibitors reduced cyst expansion and kidney enlargement.

Gypsy moth management made more efficient, cost-effective

A computer model developed by Penn State University and the University of Cambridge recommends tailored strategies to manage gypsy moths, focusing on medium-density infestations to reduce high-density ones. The model aims to save time and money for land managers while slowing the spread of invasive species across the US.

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.

Evidence lacking on health benefits of drinking lots of water

A literature review found no clear evidence of benefit or harm from increased water intake in healthy individuals. However, studies suggest that people with certain diseases and athletes may benefit from increased fluid intake. No single study indicates a need to drink the recommended '8x8' amount of water daily.

Working memory has limited 'slots'

Researchers find working memory retains only a few high-resolution images for a short period, similar to a high-resolution camera. This limited capacity is linked to intelligence and fluid thinking abilities.

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.

Software tackles production line machine 'cyclic jitters'

The NIST EtherNet/IP Performance Test Tool helps manufacturers anticipate and mitigate cyclic jitters caused by machine timing irregularities. The tool provides detailed performance data under various conditions, allowing for more efficient tuning of equipment and improved production quality.

CO2 emission reduction assumptions overly optimistic, says study

A new study warns that global CO2 emission reductions may be more challenging than thought due to underestimated technological challenges. The study suggests the IPCC is overly optimistic in assuming spontaneous technological innovations will drive emissions reductions.