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Science News for August 15, 2008


Ames laboratory physicist develops 'electrifying' theory

Physicist John R. Clem developed a theory that reduces AC losses in bifilar fault-current limiters, enabling more efficient and cost-effective power grid protection. The research supports the development of commercial products by Siemens and American Superconductor.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 15, 2008

Hope for patients with COPD

The Toward a Revolution in COPD Health (TORCH) study found that combined salmeterol and fluticasone propionate reduced the rate of decline in lung function by 39ml/year, compared to 55ml/year in the placebo group.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2008

MSU to create genomic clearinghouse for biofuel crops

Michigan State University scientists are creating a genomic database to improve biofuel crops, with a focus on cellulosic ethanol. The database will centralize information on various crops and provide data-mining tools, making it easier for researchers to access and compare genetic data.

SourceMichigan State University·DateAug 15, 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.

Cancer signatures uncovered

A new study identifies three groups of cancers distinguished by early developmental signatures, shedding light on their gene expression patterns. This research provides a reference framework for interpreting smaller-scale functional studies and has implications for understanding human disease from a 'macrobiological' approach.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 15, 2008

Study shows that surgical weight loss does not eliminate obstructive sleep apnea

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that bariatric surgery can improve obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms, but only a few patients experienced complete resolution. Most patients continued to have moderate to severe OSA despite significant weight loss.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateAug 15, 2008

Experiments could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have found that shutting down gastrin-releasing peptide receptors can dramatically suppress neuroblastoma tumor formation and slow its spread. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapies for this devastating disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 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.

Potatoes may hold key to Alzheimer's treatment

A virus that infects potatoes has been used to develop antibodies that can bind to the amyloid beta protein, a key contributor to Alzheimer's disease. Studies in mice have shown promising results, with the development of strong antibodies that can slow disease progression and improve cognitive function.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2008

Researchers to study lyme-like illness in Texas

Researchers Tao Lin and Steven J. Norris will investigate conflicting reports on the infectious nature of Southern-Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI) in Texas. They aim to identify the causative agent using innovative approaches such as DNA amplification and high-throughput sequencing.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateAug 15, 2008

True properties of carbon nanotubes measured

Carbon nanotubes' true mechanical properties have been measured by Northwestern University researchers using a novel nanoscale material testing system. The results match quantum mechanics predictions and reveal that irradiation can strengthen the structure by forming bonds between shells of the tube.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 15, 2008

Parents' expectations, styles can harm college students' self-esteem

A University of Central Florida study found that college students' anxieties often stem from exaggerated perceptions of parental expectations. Students who perceive a supportive parenting style tend to adjust better to college life. Schools may benefit from teaching assertive communication skills to parents and students.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateAug 15, 2008
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.

A therapy for baby boomers to sleep on

Circadin, a new drug developed at Tel Aviv University, replenishes the hormone melatonin, which declines with age, to improve sleep quality and morning alertness in people over 55. This therapy has also been shown to normalize blood pressure and blood sugar levels at night.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateAug 15, 2008

New mushroom study shows the power of energy density

A new study by Dr. Lawrence Cheskin suggests that increasing mushroom intake can help prevent or treat obesity by consuming low-energy-density foods in place of high-energy-density foods like lean ground beef. Mushroom meals were found to be as palatable and appealing as meat meals, with no difference in appetite or satiety.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateAug 15, 2008

Measures to assess potential lung injury during ventilation inadequate

A new study suggests that ventilator-induced lung injury still occurs even with lower breath volumes, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments of lung stress and strain. The researchers recommend routine assessment of esophageal pressure and lung volumes to improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Light receptors in eye play key role in setting biological clock, study shows

Biologists at the University of Virginia discovered a switching mechanism in the eye that regulates sleep/wake cycles in mammals. The finding demonstrates that light receptor cells play a key role in setting the brain's primary timekeeper, leading to potential new treatments for sleep disorders and visual impairments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2008

Prediction markets strong at forecasting US presidential elections, says new management insights

A study by Yale researchers found that prediction markets are a strong tool for forecasting US presidential elections. The authors analyzed the 2004 election market and found that traders quickly assimilated new information as it unfolded over the campaign, indicating their ability to accurately predict outcomes.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 15, 2008

Prototype test for predicting clinical outcome for melanoma patients

Researchers have developed a prototype test that can predict clinical outcome for melanoma patients, distinguishing between rapid and slow progression to Stage IV cancer. The test uses gene signature analysis and shows promise in identifying patient subtypes, which could improve treatment decisions and reduce clinical trial sizes.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 15, 2008

Smithsonian scientists discover new bird species

Scientists at the Smithsonian Institution have discovered a new species of olive-backed forest robin in Gabon, Africa. The bird was found to be a separate and distinct species through DNA analysis, bringing the country's total known bird species to 753.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalZootaxa·DateAug 15, 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.

Caltech engineers build mini drug-producing biofactories in yeast

Researchers at Caltech developed a novel way to produce large quantities of drugs, including antiplaque toothpaste additives and antibiotics, using genetically modified yeast. The yeast produces reticuline, a precursor for benzylisoquinoline alkaloid molecules with various pharmacological activities.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 15, 2008

'Virtual archaeologist' reconnects fragments of an ancient civilization

A team of Princeton University researchers has developed an automated system that can reconstruct wall paintings from fragments, reducing the time needed from years to months. The 'Griphos' system employs a combination of computer algorithms and mirrors traditional archaeological procedures, enabling archaeologists to use it as a tool.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 15, 2008

Asthma in boys may be just a phase, but for girls it may be there to stay

Girls are more likely to experience persistent asthma, whereas boys tend to outgrow the condition. After nine years of monitoring, researchers found that girls' airway reactivity did not change significantly over time, while boys became increasingly tolerant to larger doses of methacholine.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2008
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.