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Science News Archive April 2008 - Page 9


Page 9 of 22

Fuzzy logic water quality

Researchers develop data mining approach using Fuzzy Inference System to analyze river water quality, revealing high pollution levels despite individual parameter analysis. The method combines disparate parameters for a broader understanding of overall quality, potentially improving the lives of people relying on freshwater sources.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateApr 17, 2008

UC San Diego study finds mice can sense oxygen through skin

Biologists at UC San Diego have found that mouse skin responds to low oxygen levels by regulating EPO production, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell creation. This discovery could revolutionize treatment for anemia and improve endurance athlete performance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateApr 17, 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.

Rutgers-led team pursues innovative healing for war wounded

A Rutgers-led team has been awarded $42.5 million to create an Institute of Regenerative Medicine, focusing on regenerative medicine and biomaterials science to treat severe blast trauma. The institute aims to develop new therapies for the repair of battlefield injuries and serve civilian trauma patients.

SourceRutgers University·DateApr 17, 2008

What happens when you pop a quantum balloon?

Theoretical physicists discovered that measuring quantum particles causes interference, leading to a 'relaxed' state analogous to classical chaotic scattering. This finding has implications for quantum computing and information theory.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2008

Scientists discover new arenavirus associated with hemorrhagic fever

A newly discovered arenavirus, Chapare virus, has been identified in a fatal hemorrhagic fever case in rural Bolivia. The virus produces clinical hemorrhagic symptoms similar to those associated with other New World arenaviruses, but genetically it is distinct from Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, and Sabia viruses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 17, 2008

Classical medical terminology can endanger patients

Classical medical terminology is confusing and has the potential to cause serious consequences for patients. The use of dead languages in medical terminology can lead to misunderstandings, especially in time-pressured situations with unfamiliarity or linguistic idiosyncrasies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 17, 2008

Inaugural Kirkham Gold Medal presented to expert on soil physics

Donald R. Nielsen, University of California-Davis professor, is recognized for his groundbreaking work in linking theory with field measurements and spatial variability of agricultural soils. He has guided 37 students through graduate degrees and authored over 300 scientific publications.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·DateApr 17, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mature B cells reprogrammed to stem-cell-like state

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed fully mature, differentiated B cells into an embryonic-stem-cell-like state without using eggs. This breakthrough enables the creation of powerful mouse models for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateApr 17, 2008

Ovarian cancer stem cells identified, characterized

Researchers have identified and cloned ovarian cancer stem cells, which may be the source of recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. These stem cells can replicate indefinitely and are highly resistant to conventional treatment.

SourceYale University·DateApr 17, 2008

Growth hormone is used to treat twice as many short boys than girls in the US and Asia

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that in the US and Asia, boys are twice as likely to receive growth hormone treatment for short stature compared to girls. The gender disparity is smaller in Europe and Australia, suggesting cultural biases towards male height in some countries.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 17, 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.

Duke scientists deconstruct process of bacterial division

Researchers at Duke University have made a major advance in understanding how bacteria divide, paving the way for new antibiotic treatments. They created an artificial system that demonstrates the importance of FtsZ protein in bacterial cell division.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2008

Researchers evaluating food allergy treatment

A new trial aims to develop a preventive treatment for food allergies using immunotherapy. Researchers will administer increasing doses of peanut or egg protein to desensitize participants' immune systems. The goal is to achieve long-term results and offer relief from the daily fear of food.

SourceNational Jewish Health·DateApr 17, 2008

Tip sheet for International Seismology Research Conference

Researchers at the SSA meeting will discuss the Rio Grande Rift, a region prone to earthquakes, and its potential connection to ancient volcanic activity. The study also explores seismic hazard estimates for areas like New Madrid and Charleston, which may be underreported.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 17, 2008

Dam removal increases property values

Two studies found that removing dams in Maine increased property values by reducing a penalty for being near the dam site. The penalty has shrunk since dam removal, and it now affects properties further away from the dam more than those closer to the dam.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateApr 17, 2008
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.

Saliva can help diagnose heart attack, study shows

Researchers developed a nano-bio-chip device that analyzes saliva to detect proteins associated with heart attack, offering a non-invasive and rapid diagnostic tool. The test can identify current heart attacks and predict future risk, potentially saving lives and preventing damage from cardiac disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateApr 16, 2008

Aging: how growing older affects cancer risk and outcomes

Researchers found that lung cancer patients over 80 fare equally well after surgery as their younger counterparts, while elevated interleukin-12 levels are associated with poorer survival rates in melanoma patients. DNA methylation decreases with age, potentially contributing to cancer development.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 16, 2008

Sudden Oak Death pathogen is evolving, says new study that reconstructs the epidemic

A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers reconstructs the Sudden Oak Death epidemic in California, tracing the pathogen's spread from its introduction to its current evolution. The study finds that nurseries played a key role in spreading the disease and that climate and environmental conditions contribute to the pathogen's mortality.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 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.

Biogas production is all in the mixing

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have determined the importance of mixing in anaerobic digesters, which can produce biogas with manure waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater contamination. The study suggests that increasing mixing intensity is crucial for successful operations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateApr 16, 2008

Older people are nation's happiest

A recent study by the University of Chicago found that happiness in America increases with age, with older adults reporting higher levels of contentment. The research also discovered that baby boomers are less happy than other generations, while economic fluctuations can impact national happiness levels.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 16, 2008

IOF calls for concerted support for second EU osteoporosis audit

The International Osteoporosis Foundation is urging EU countries to continue seeking government recognition and action to address the growing burden of osteoporosis. Despite progress in management, important care gaps remain, including limited access to bone mineral density machines and evidence-based treatments.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 16, 2008

Study finds increased fragmentation of TV news audiences along party lines

Research shows that TV news audiences are increasingly divided by party affiliation, with significant consequences for democracy and political discourse. Individuals who don't identify strongly with either party are watching less news, while those who do are exposed to tailored content that reinforces their views.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateApr 16, 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.

Hormone therapy: Does timing matter?

Researchers found that hormone therapy started around menopause onset may have similar benefits as those without risk factors for heart disease. The study suggests that current guidelines may need to be revised for younger women taking hormone therapy.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 16, 2008

High cholesterol in your 40s increases risk of Alzheimer's disease

Research found people with high cholesterol levels between 249-500mg are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with low cholesterol levels under 198mg. High mid-life cholesterol also increased the risk of vascular dementia regardless of other factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 16, 2008

Security from chaos

A new security system, ARMOR, uses randomization to analyze data on vehicle checkpoints and canine searches, providing a model for police operations. This system aims to enhance safety by minimizing the predictability of potential terrorist attacks.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateApr 16, 2008

World-first discovery could help treat life-threatening tumors

Western Australian researchers have made a world-first discovery that could help treat life-threatening tumours by reversing angiogenesis. The team found that the gene RGS5 can normalise blood vessels in tumours, allowing for improved immune cell entry and increased survival rates in laboratory tests.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 2008
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.

Is there anybody out there?

A mathematical model suggests that intelligent life emerging on other planets is low due to the short life span of Earth. The model, developed by Prof Andrew Watson, estimates the probability of each critical step occurring as 10% or less over four billion years.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAstrobiology·DateApr 16, 2008

Gestational age not only factor in outcome of severely premature healthy babies

A study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that female sex, antenatal corticosteroid treatment, singleton birth, and higher birth weight are equally important as gestational age in determining the care needs of these infants. The research involved nearly 4,500 infants born between 22-25 weeks gestation.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 16, 2008

Bloodless worm sheds light on human blood, iron deficiency

Using C. elegans, researchers identified previously unknown proteins key to transporting heme in human blood and discovered genes involved in heme transport, which could lead to new treatments for iron deficiency. The findings suggest that understanding heme absorption is crucial for effective iron delivery in humans.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 2008

Methane sources over the last 30,000 years

Researchers identify tropical wetlands as primary methane emitters during glacial times, while forest fires remained constant. The study provides essential information on natural changes in atmospheric methane concentrations prior to human impact.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

I'm listening -- conversations with computers

A computer system called SEMAINE is being developed to recognize human emotions through facial expressions, gaze, and voice, enabling it to adapt its performance and engage in conversation. This project aims to bridge the gap between humans and technology, paving the way for more natural interactions.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateApr 16, 2008

Unearthing clues of catastrophic earthquakes

Researchers are joining forces to study past earthquakes in the archaeological record, which can provide valuable insights into seismic hazard estimates. A new standardized method, known as the Archeological Quality Factor (AQF), is being proposed to document the certainty of ancient earthquake records.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 16, 2008

Disturbed regulation of insulin production

A recent meta-analysis of 15 studies involving over 70,000 participants identified six new genes linked to type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Nature Genetics, confirms that insulin-producing cells play a crucial role in the disease's development.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 16, 2008

NIH study reveals factors that influence premature infant survival, disability

A new NIH study has identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant's chances for survival and disability. These factors include sex, birthweight, single birth status, and antenatal steroids, which can predict individual outcomes and help guide treatment decisions.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 16, 2008
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.

Chemical exposure may increase risk of ALS

Researchers found a significant link between ALS and formaldehyde exposure, with longer-term exposure increasing the risk. Formaldehyde is used in various household products and has not been previously linked to ALS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 16, 2008

UW to lead $6.25M project creating electronic Sherlock Holmes

The University of Washington is leading a $6.25M project to develop an electronic Sherlock Holmes system for complex data analysis in the military. The system will integrate various types of sensor data to predict behavior and make decisions, addressing the challenge of handling high degrees of complexity and uncertainty.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 16, 2008

Research collaboration seeks blood test for aggressive breast cancer

Researchers are developing a blood test to detect aggressive breast cancer using a comprehensive tissue collection and advanced proteomics technology. The project aims to identify proteins that indicate aggressive cancer and can be detected in blood, adding to the tools available to fight the disease.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateApr 16, 2008
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

IU Health & Wellness: New research findings from the Kinsey Institute

The study, which examined men's reports of sexual desire and arousal, found that factors like depression, relationships, and scent play a significant role in shaping their experiences. The Kinsey Institute's dual control model suggests that separate systems for excitation and inhibition exist within the central nervous system.

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateApr 16, 2008

Muscle mass may not fully explain higher creatinine in blacks with kidney disease

Researchers found that higher creatinine levels in black patients with kidney disease cannot be explained by differences in muscle mass. The study suggests new theories are needed to account for the racial difference, which could help explain why blacks are more affected by progressive chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 16, 2008

Gene therapy reduces cocaine use in rats

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that increasing dopamine D2 receptor levels can reduce cocaine use in rats by 75 percent. The treatment, which involves injecting a harmless virus carrying the D2 receptor gene into the brain, has potential as an addiction therapy.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalSynapse·DateApr 16, 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.

Wildlife Conservation Society releases definitive 'state of the wild'

The Wildlife Conservation Society's new book, State of the Wild, explores pressing conservation issues including wildlife disease, climate change, and conservation as diplomacy. The book features expert essays from top scientists and thought leaders, providing a comprehensive look at the current trends affecting wildlife worldwide.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateApr 16, 2008

Breaking personal health records

Researchers develop basic framework for PHR adoption, addressing concerns around privacy and security. A comprehensive PHR can help patients become their own health advocates, access healthcare workers' opinions, and make informed decisions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management·DateApr 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.

Variants of vitamin D receptor linked to increased risk of breast cancer

A study found that genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor gene are associated with an increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D has been shown to play a role in preventing cancer, but its effects on specific genetic variants and breast cancer risk were unclear until this research.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateApr 16, 2008

The BBVA Foundation awards its 2007 Biomedicine Chairs

The BBVA Foundation has awarded six Biomedicine Chairs to leading researchers, facilitating knowledge transfer and strengthening ties between Spain and international teams. The chairs will focus on basic and clinical research, with a total funding of €1.2M.

SourceFundación BBVA·DateApr 16, 2008

Experiencing virtual products

Fraunhofer researchers develop a Functional DMU framework to simulate mechatronic products, enabling the evaluation of safety issues such as power windows. The virtual product can be tested with various software packages, including SimPack, Matlab/Simulink, and Dymola.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateApr 16, 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.