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Science News for August 14, 2008


Northwestern chemists take gold, mass-produce Beijing Olympic logo

Researchers from Northwestern University have successfully mass-produced the 2008 Summer Olympics logo, 15,000 times, using a new printing technique called Polymer Pen Lithography (PPL). The PPL method allows for fast, inexpensive, and simple printing on nanometer, micrometer, and millimeter length scales.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2008

Psychologists show new ways to deal with health challenges in space

Researchers have developed a computer program that will help astronauts manage psychosocial challenges, including depression and interpersonal conflicts. The Virtual Space Station is being tested with veteran astronauts, providing private access to treatments even when they're far from Earth.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 14, 2008

Towards understanding bluetongue outbreaks

A recent study identified a bluetongue virus strain that originated in sub-Saharan Africa, rather than Europe. The discovery was made through multi-centre sequence analysis of the full genome of the virus strain and its comparison to other BTV strains.

SourceElsevier·JournalVirology·DateAug 14, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nothing stops an expert in the art of living

Researchers Dagmar Voigt and Stanislav Gorb from the Max-Planck Institute for Metals Research discovered that mirid bugs' non-stick surface disrupts the adhesive properties of Roridula gorgonias' glue. The team found that the mirid bug's greasy coating prevents the glue from adhering to its surface, allowing it to evade capture.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 14, 2008

Wake Forest Baptist is renewed as a 'pepper center'

The J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has been renewed as one of 11 nationwide Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Centers. The center will receive almost $1 million each year to support clinical research in aging and promote functional independence among older adults.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateAug 14, 2008

Study shows continued spread of 'dead zones'

The number of dead zones in coastal waters has increased by a third between 1995 and 2007, with 405 areas affected, covering an area of 95,000 square miles. Dead zones are caused by excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to oxygen depletion.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Sciences·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2008

Study finds that sleep selectively preserves emotional memories

A study found that sleep plays a key role in preserving emotional memories, strengthening the memory's emotional core while diminishing neutral background details. This process enables the brain to selectively preserve only the most salient information, leading to vivid recall of emotional events.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 14, 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.

Women and war: The toll of deployment on physical health

A University of Michigan study found that over 80% of Air Force women deployed in Iraq experienced physical health problems, including fatigue, fever, and hair loss. The study suggests that deployment-related stressors may play a critical role in developing these symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 14, 2008

Toxoplasmosis found more severe in Brazil compared to Europe

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found Brazilian children are five times more likely to develop eye lesions by four years old, with vision compromised in 87% of cases. The researchers believe infection with virulent genotypes prevalent in Brazil contribute to the severity of clinical symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 14, 2008
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.

JCI online early table of contents: Aug. 14, 2008

Researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a protein called Hsp104 that dramatically reduces alpha-synuclein aggregation and dopaminergic degeneration in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that Hsp104 could be considered as a potential st...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 14, 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.

Family-based brand identity influences customers' purchasing decisions

A study published in the Journal of Small Business Management found that promoting a company's family aspect can enhance performance and provide competitive advantage. Family businesses influence customers' purchase decisions by reminding them of the personal connection behind the business.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Small Business Management·DateAug 14, 2008

Organ donation after cardiac death

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine expert discusses organ donation after cardiac death, a controversial topic that raises ethical considerations. The

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 14, 2008

Americans spending, gambling, saving

New studies examine the link between consumer behavior and emotional well-being, finding that value seekers are happiest, while non-spenders and experiencers are also more content. Additionally, researchers discovered that moderate-income gamblers, known as 'big fish,' are at high risk of financial and psychological trouble.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 14, 2008
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.

Lessons from yeast: A possible cure for Parkinson's disease?

A study published in JCI Journals suggests that a yeast protein called Hsp104 may hold the key to treating Parkinson's disease. The protein was found to inhibit alpha-synuclein aggregation, which is thought to contribute to PD pathology.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 14, 2008
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.

Rheb's role in cancer

Researchers found Rheb overexpression is sufficient to induce low-grade prostate neoplasias and contributes to lymphoma formation. Targeted inhibition of Rheb shows promise in counteracting tumor progression in both cancers.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 14, 2008

Colon cancer linked to unequal gene activity

Researchers found that a subtle difference in gene activity is responsible for one in every 10 colon cancer cases. The study identified a specific gene, TGFBR1, which normally protects against cancer, and its abnormal expression increases the risk of colon cancer nearly nine times.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 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.

Peers versus parents in modern China

A study by UC Davis researchers found that high school students in metropolitan China prioritize good relations with peers over parents for self-esteem. High school is a challenging period for Chinese adolescents due to intense academic pressures from parents.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 14, 2008

Trees, forests and the Eiffel tower reveal theory of design in nature

A Duke University engineer and colleague have applied the constructal theory to explain how trees are designed for water flow and wind resistance. The resulting patterns and proportions match those of the Eiffel Tower, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature's flow systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateAug 14, 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.

Teens underestimate risk, overestimate vehicle, highway safety in motor vehicle accidents

Research reveals teens' flawed attitudes towards trauma-related injuries, prioritizing fate over choice. Program participation improved risk perception, but knowledge decayed over time. Emotional connections with injured peers and reflection components played a crucial role in sustaining long-term changes.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 14, 2008

Studying volcanoes with balloons

Researchers from Michigan Technological University used meteorological balloons to measure temperature, composition and water content of volcanic gases. They detected sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and water vapor emissions with implications for remote sensing studies and neighboring residents.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateAug 14, 2008

TOP AIAA awards to be presented at space 2008 conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will present five awards for key contributions to space science and technology during the AIAA SPACE 2008 Conference & Exposition. Notable recipients include Elon Musk, Michael A'Hearn, and the TacSat-2 Spacecraft Team.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateAug 14, 2008
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.

Model for Angelman syndrome developed by University of Texas at Austin biologists

Researchers at UT Austin create fruit fly model to study Angelman syndrome genetics, revealing behavioral dysfunctions similar to human cases. The UBE3A protein's role in degradation is linked to disease symptoms, with mutant flies displaying circadian rhythm irregularities and memory impairments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2008