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Science News Archive August 2008


Page 14 of 17

TORC at UH turns to virtual world of Second Life for new study

The University of Houston's Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) is recruiting 500 participants for a study promoting healthy dietary habits and physical activity in the virtual world of Second Life. Participants will earn rewards and compete to win the International Health Challenge.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

JCI online early table of contents: August 7, 2008

Researchers explore new treatments for psoriasis, revealing a potential therapeutic option in AEB071, while cautioning further clinical trials are needed. Additionally, studies uncover the reasons behind gene therapy complications in SCID patients, shedding light on insertional oncogenesis and acquired somatic mutations.

Pre-cancerous condition linked to chronic acid reflux faces several hurdles

Researchers discuss the difficulties in diagnosing and treating Barrett's oesophagus, a pre-cancerous condition often associated with chronic acid reflux. The authors suggest improving detection and treatment by developing standardized indicators, less costly screening methods, and laboratory animal models.

Robotics research: Enhancing the lives of people with disabilities

The project utilizes physiological information to develop more sophisticated assistive aids for individuals with neuromuscular diseases and musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers aim to create robotic orthoses that can aid patients with muscular dystrophy regain significant use of their limbs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Veterinarians adapt human tests for monkeys

Researchers have adapted a human test to screen for elevated iron levels in marmosets and tamarins, enabling early identification and treatment of hemosiderosis. This diagnostic tool also helps veterinarians provide tailored care to individual animals.

Researchers halt spread of HIV with RNAi

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully used RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent the spread of HIV in mice. The study found that knocking down three specific genes in T cells protected them from the virus, preventing it from jumping between 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.

Researchers find cancer-inhibiting compound under the sea

University of Florida researchers have discovered a marine compound called largazole that inhibits cancer cell growth in laboratory tests. The compound is derived from cyanobacteria and targets histone deacetylase enzymes, which are associated with several cancers.

Attention grabbers snatch lion's share of visual memory

Researchers have shown that our visual working memory can be shared out across the whole image, with more memory allocated for objects of interest and less for background detail. This means that we don't just remember every detail, but focus on the broad gist and specific details.

Compressor-free refrigerator may loom in the future

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new way to cool using ferroelectric polymers that exhibit temperature changes under an electrical field. The technology could lead to the development of flat panel refrigerators without coils or compressors, providing a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution.

Pacific shellfish ready to invade Atlantic

Climate models predict a nearly ice-free Arctic Ocean by 2050, which will restore conditions that allowed Pacific shellfish to invade the Atlantic three million years ago. Several north Pacific species have relatives in the North Atlantic and are expected to resume their invasion when cold conditions return.

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.

Forward step in forecasting global warming

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a breakthrough in understanding the effect of brown carbon on climate change by developing a novel technique to measure its optical properties. This discovery could lead to more accurate forecasting of global warming activity, as current models often overlook this key component.

Putting microRNAs on the stem cell map

Researchers discovered how microRNAs fit into the map of embryonic stem cell circuitry, providing clues for targeting specific microRNAs to direct an embryonic stem cell into another type of cell. The study also provides a better platform for analyzing microRNA gene expression in cancer and other diseases.

Computer scientist aims for a better-networked military

Patrick Crowley, a computer architect, is designing a new network for the US Department of Defense to facilitate real-time information sharing. The goal is to enable commanders to understand the location and status of all platforms, equipment, and personnel in real-time.

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.

Individual personal ties strengthen teams' overall creativity

A new study explores how imagination, insight, and creative ideas develop and spread within teams. Team creative cognition refers to a shared repertoire of cognitive processes among team members that enables the team's ability to approach problems creatively.

HIV expert says 1 step down, 2 more to go in quest to cure AIDS

Robert Siliciano, an HIV expert, says that current antiretroviral drug combinations can suppress the ability of HIV to replicate, with some combos reducing copies to less than one in a billion. However, progress is still needed to identify and eliminate viral reservoirs that persist in the body.

LSUHSC's Lazartigues awarded $1.2 million grant

Dr. Eric Lazartigues' research aims to understand the role of ACE2 in regulating blood pressure and developing new treatments for hypertension. With a $1.2M grant, his work has the potential to improve the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which claim more lives than cancer combined.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

When it comes to abstinence teens, adults aren't speaking the same language

A new University of Washington study reveals that abstinence-only programs do not effectively prevent teenage sexual activity because they fail to speak the same language as adolescents. The research found that attitudes and intentions about sex were more powerful than those about abstinence, leading to increased instances of teen sex.

Stretchable silicon camera next step to artificial retina

Researchers at University of Illinois and Northwestern University develop high-performance hemispherical camera using stretchable optoelectronics. The camera's design is based on the human eye, with a simple lens and hemispherical detector, enabling broader field of view and improved illumination uniformity.

Hormone level may reflect mortality risk among dialysis patients

A new study suggests that monitoring fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels can provide crucial information for the treatment of kidney failure patients. Elevated FGF-23 levels have been linked to a significantly increased risk of death among dialysis patients, even when phosphate levels are normal.

Scientists a step closer to producing fuel from bacteria

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have created a computer model that maps the metabolism of Nostoc bacteria, revealing a previously unknown link between energy production and nitrogen fixation. This breakthrough could lead to improved hydrogen production and further investigation into synthetic biology.

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.

Post-partum suicide attempt risks studied

Researchers found that women with a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse were more likely to attempt suicide postpartum. The study suggests screening for past diagnoses during prenatal care may identify high-risk women.

Hot peppers really do bring the heat

Capsaicin from hot peppers directly induces thermogenesis by altering muscle protein SERCA, leading to increased heat production. This process could be used to design more potent compounds for treating hypothermia.

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.

The shape of things to come

Researchers have developed a sensor array that can conform to irregular surfaces, enabling the creation of an eye-shaped camera with improved image quality. The technology has promise for applications such as advanced health monitors and prosthetic devices.

Improved reaction data heat up the biofuels harvest

Researchers at NIST have detailed fundamental processes involved in extracting sugars from biomass, a crucial step in producing ethanol by fermentation. The study provides theoretical limits of reactions and energy needed to break down cellulose and hemicellulose, helping engineers design more efficient process designs.

Caltech neurobiologists discover individuals who 'hear' movement

Researchers identify a type of synesthesia in which individuals hear sounds when they see things move or flash, suggesting an enhanced form of visual processing. The four synesthetes outperformed nonsynesthetes on a test involving rhythmic patterns of flashes and beats.

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.

Treatment outcomes highlight dangers of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis

A study of 174 tuberculosis patients found that extensively drug-resistant TB patients were almost eight times as likely to die as those with multi-drug resistant TB. The study emphasizes the critical importance of optimal management of multi-drug resistant cases to prevent progression to XDR-TB and associated poorer outcomes.

Quantum chaos unveiled?

A University of Utah study demonstrates fundamental new property – chaotic behavior in a quantum system – in frozen xenon nuclei, challenging conventional understanding. The findings provide new insights into the relationship between chaos theory and quantum mechanics.

Study finds connections between genetics, brain activity and preference

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital linked genetics to brain reward circuitry and preference, revealing a connection between gene variants and brain activity. The study used brain imaging, genetics, and experimental psychology techniques to identify a correlation between the CREB1 gene variant and brain structure activity.

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.

AGU journal highlights -- August 6, 2008

Researchers study drought patterns in northwestern Africa, finding a recent drought is consistent with climate model projections. Hail precipitation in China decreases by nearly half since the 1980s, likely due to rising freezing levels. New data reveals variable wind speeds on Venus, including strong vertical shear at low latitudes.

Jeers of peers may affect adolescent adjustment

Research suggests that obese adolescents who experience peer victimization are more likely to struggle with depression and negative feelings about their physical appearance. Non-obese adolescents who face peer victimization also report decreased self-esteem and increased negative body image over time.

Medicinal marijuana effective for neuropathic pain in HIV

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conducted a double-blind clinical trial to assess the impact of smoked medical cannabis on neuropathic pain in HIV patients. The study showed that reported pain relief was greater with cannabis than with a placebo.

Students with food allergies often not prepared

Despite having food allergies, many college students are not taking necessary precautions, such as carrying emergency medication and having a plan in place. Researchers found that only 50% of students with food allergies always avoid their allergenic foods, and 43% do not have an EpiPen on hand.

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.

Aphids are sentinels of climate change

Researchers found aphids are appearing significantly earlier in the year and in higher numbers due to mild winters. This leads to more aphids flying in spring and early summer when crops are vulnerable.

Yale researchers uncover West Nile's targets

A team of Yale researchers has identified 305 individual proteins that can alter viral infection, including those involved in West Nile and Dengue fever. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for a variety of viral infections.

Jupiter and Saturn full of liquid metal helium

Researchers at UC Berkeley and University College London discovered that metallic helium is produced under extreme conditions found at the centers of Jupiter and Saturn, mixing with metal hydrogen to form a liquid metal alloy. This finding challenges previous theories about the energy source powering these planets.

Researchers unveil vital key to cancer

Scientists have uncovered the 3D structure of Mps1, a protein that regulates chromosome number during cell division and prevents cancer. The discovery will help design safer and more effective therapies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Black girls who abuse alcohol less likely to use condoms

A study by Emory University researchers found that black girls who abused alcohol had low condom usage rates, even after participating in HIV interventions. The study suggests that addressing alcohol use is crucial to developing effective HIV interventions for this demographic.

New technology could lead to camera based on human eye

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new camera technology that uses a curved surface to capture images, similar to the human eye. The technology, which has been published in Nature, has shown promising results in producing clearer and more detailed images than traditional cameras.

The Schiavo case

A study analyzing media coverage of the Schiavo case found that most articles contained medical inaccuracies and false hopes about her recovery. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurate information in end-of-life decision-making, which was challenged by relatives and public opinion during this high-profile controversy.

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.

GIANT-Coli: A novel method to quicken discovery of gene function

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a novel method called GIANT-Coli to study genetic interactions in E. coli, allowing rapid and large-scale studies of the bacterium's genes. This method has great potential to quicken the discovery of new gene functions, with potential applications in medicine.