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Science News Archive August 2008


Page 4 of 17

Scientists unmask brain's hidden potential

A long-term study found that sudden vision loss leads to rapid changes in the visual cortex, enabling it to process touch. The brain's adaptability was revealed to be greater than previously thought, with potential implications for other sensory losses and brain injuries.

GLAST Observatory renamed for Fermi, reveals entire gamma-ray sky

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has revealed its first all-sky map in gamma rays, showcasing the glowing gas of the Milky Way and pulsars in unprecedented detail. The telescope's high-energy capabilities will enable discoveries of new pulsars and reveal powerful processes near super-massive black holes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New evidence debunks 'stupid' Neanderthal myth

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution debunks a long-held assumption that Homo sapiens were more intelligent than Neanderthals. The research team recreated stone tools used by both species and found no clear advantage in terms of efficiency. This finding challenges the traditional narrative that Homo sapiens outcompet...

UCLA's Leonard Kleinrock to receive National Medal of Science

Leonard Kleinrock, UCLA professor, is recognized for his pioneering work on packet switching and data networks. He developed the mathematical theory of data networks a decade before the Internet's birth and directed the first message to pass over the Internet.

Study: DNA barcoding in danger of 'ringing up' wrong species

A new study from Brigham Young University warns that the current DNA barcoding technique may be inaccurately identifying species, leading to overestimation of species numbers. The technique relies on a universal genetic marker, but errors can occur when 'numts' (inactive genetic code) are misinterpreted as unique species.

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.

Normalizing tumor vessels to improve cancer therapy

Abnormal tumor blood vessels are 'leaky' and 'twisty', hindering chemotherapy drug delivery. Researchers identify a key factor: tumor capillary cells' inability to sense mechanical forces, leading to irregular vessel formation. Normalizing these forces may improve therapy effectiveness.

New analysis of earthquake zone raises questions

The Blanco Transform Fault Zone has experienced over 1,500 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater in the past 40 years, with many thousands of smaller quakes. The region's tectonic stress may affect the Cascadia Subduction Zone, potentially leading to a major earthquake.

Burning incense increases risk of respiratory tract cancers

A large population study found a significant association between incense use and an increased risk of upper respiratory tract cancers, including squamous cell carcinomas. The study also suggested that incense smoke may add to the cancer risk in smokers, but not in non-smokers.

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.

Anti-cancer flower power

A decade of research into Jasmonate, a synthetic compound derived from the jasmine flower, has led to the development of an anti-cancer drug. Early first-in-man studies have proven successful, with the compound showing responsiveness to both blood cancers and solid tumors.

Low cholesterol associated with cancer in diabetics

A prospective cohort study of 6107 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes found a V-shaped risk relation between LDL cholesterol and cancer. Patients with low LDL cholesterol (below 2.80 mmol/L) or high levels (above 3.90 mmol/L) had significantly elevated risks of various cancers.

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.

How to get a college roommate you can live with

Research suggests that college freshmen can make their roommate relationships better by adopting an 'eco-system' approach, focusing on genuine caring and compassion. By doing so, they can reduce loneliness and build close relationships with their roommates.

How 'secondary' sex characters can drive the origin of species

Biologists studied male copulatory organ size and horn length in Onthophagus taurus, finding substantial differences between populations. The study suggests that natural selection can drive speciation by making individuals from different populations sexually incompatible, potentially leading to the origin of new species.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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New findings explain genetic disorder's unique shift

The study found that as a child receives more resources from their father, the expression of imprinted genes is triggered, reversing the symptoms of Prader-Willi Syndrome. This discovery may help understand how social structure influences disease development.

New hope for stroke patients

Researchers at Loyola Medicine report a potential treatment for stroke patients that could restore functions and reverse damage. The technique involves anti-nogo-A immunotherapy, which has improved lab animal results and is being tested in human clinical trials.

Providing surgical services worldwide should be a global public health priority

The journal's editors emphasize the importance of universal access to basic surgical services, citing their cost-effectiveness in reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. The movement to promote surgery as a global public health tool has gained momentum, with potential benefits in addressing infectious diseases like HIV.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Listen up!

The US Medical Licensing Examination board has introduced an audio portion to its medical licensing exam, requiring students to identify heart murmurs and abnormal heart sounds. The skill level required is much higher than traditional curriculum, leading to increased dependence on expensive tests.

Cloud in a chamber

The CLOUD experiment aims to understand the role of cosmic rays in cloud formation and climate change. By simulating cosmic ray intensity, researchers plan to uncover details of aerosol and cloud formation mechanisms.

Alcohol consumption can cause too much cell death, fetal abnormalities

Researchers investigate how much alcohol exposure during fetal development can lead to facial malformations, brain damage, and other lifelong issues. Exposure to just a few glasses of wine in early pregnancy increases cell death, resulting in irreversible damage to the fetus's face and possibly its brain and spinal cord.

Stem cells stand up for themselves

Research reveals that certain adult stem cells are more active than previously thought, actively controlling their behavior through the interaction between laminin A and integrins. This interaction enables follicle stem cells to remain in place, primed for division, by laying down laminin A to build their own niche.

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.

Looking beyond the drug receptor for clues to drug effectiveness

Duke University researchers found that antipsychotic drugs may not work as previously assumed, and that the biochemical pathways linked to the D2 receptor may function differently than expected. The study suggests that targeting the beta-arrestin pathway could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Exploring the function of sleep

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that sleep is crucial for brain function, allowing the brain to regroup after a hard day of learning. The research proposes that sleep enables the brain to consolidate new memories and 'forget' random impressions, making it essential for continued learning.

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.

Breastfeeding, other factors may affect risk of breast cancer type

A study found that reproductive and hormonal factors influence the risk of developing different subtypes of breast cancer. Breastfeeding for 6 months or longer was associated with a lower risk of luminal and triple-negative cancers, while late age at menopause and estrogen therapy were linked to increased risks.

Explaining a genetic disorder's unique shift

A new study by University of Tennessee professor Francisco Ubeda suggests that the amount of care a father gives to his child may cause a shift in the syndrome's symptoms, reversing them. The research implies that social structure and biparental care can shape disease symptoms over human evolution.

Carnegie Mellon system thwarts Internet eavesdropping

The Perspectives system uses friendly sites to authenticate Web sites, providing an extra measure of security in cases where certificate authorities are not used. The system can detect suspicious sites and warn users about potential attacks.

How does bluetongue virus survive through the winter?

Researchers found that bluetongue virus can survive the winter by surviving in the eggs of Culicoides midges, or by overwintering in livestock barns. The virus can also spread through transplacental infections from an infected pregnant animal to its fetus.

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.

Drug/radiation combo may help shrink established tumors

Researchers discovered that combining a tumor-boosting drug with radiation therapy can effectively shrink large tumors, but not small ones. The treatment works by increasing the expression of vessel proteins required for killer T cells to target the tumor.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study reveals how blood flow force prevents clogged arteries

Researchers found that steady blood flow creates frictional force and stretching force that protect blood vessels from atherosclerosis. The study identified proteins involved in this process, including PECAM-1 and Fyn, which could lead to the development of new therapies.

Animals adapt their vocal signals to social situations

Studies across various species reveal that animals adjust their vocalizations to suit different social contexts, such as altering call duration and frequency in response to competition. This adaptability enables individuals to communicate effectively and navigate noisy environments.

Scientists aim for green production of medications via cell engineering

Rice University professors Ka-Yiu San and George Bennett have developed an eco-friendly bacterial process to speed up pharmaceutical production and reduce costs. The new method uses metabolically engineered E. coli cells to continually replenish the supply of NADPH, a critical cofactor in forming chiral compounds.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Why wind turbines can mean death for bats

Researchers found that 90% of deceased bats showed internal hemorrhaging consistent with barotrauma, highlighting the vulnerability of these mammals to wind turbine hazards. The unique respiratory system of bats makes them more susceptible to air pressure drops, which can cause fatal injuries.

Tobacco control programs reduce health-care costs

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that tobacco control programs in California reduced personal health care expenditures by $86 billion between 1989 and 2004. The program's cost savings grew over time, reaching 7.3% in 2003-2004, and represented a significant return on investment for the state.

Improved satellite navigation for remote areas

CSIRO scientists have developed two new Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies to improve navigation in remote areas. The systems will support personnel safety, traffic management, collision avoidance, and haul truck operation efficiency.

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.

Gene that causes childhood cancer neuroblastoma is found

Scientists have discovered gene mutations that cause inherited neuroblastoma, the most common childhood cancer. The mutations also play a significant role in high-risk non-inherited forms of the disease, leading to new testing opportunities and potential targeted therapies.

New approach needed to tackle child abuse and neglect

A new approach is required to address the growing issue of child abuse and neglect in Australia, with a focus on preventing abuse before it occurs. The current system's emphasis on intervening after harm has been done is deemed unethical and ineffective.

Experimental investigation of 3-D propagation process from surface faults

This study investigates the 3D rupture conformations of a surface fault under biaxial compression, revealing three stages of crack growth and introducing the concept of anti-wing cracks. The results provide fundamental understanding of surface fault propagation and have significant implications for future studies on active fault movement.

Brain study could lead to new understanding of depression

A recent brain study has identified the brain regions that interact to link knowledge of socially appropriate behavior with moral sentiments like pride and guilt. The findings suggest that social behavior not conforming to an individual's values evokes feelings of anger or guilt, which may be relevant to understanding depression.

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.

Montana State University picked as home for Wind Applications Center

Montana State University will incorporate more wind-related topics into existing engineering courses, educating students about wind energy and preparing them for jobs in the industry. The university aims to support Montana's growing wind industry and provide valuable technical experience.

Health journalists face translation challenge, MU researchers find

A national survey found that the majority of health journalists lack specialized training in health reporting and struggle to communicate complex medical science developments. Journalists reported quoting experts, avoiding technical terms, and providing data as key elements to making health information understandable.

When charities ask for time, people give more money

A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that simply asking people if they're willing to volunteer their time leads to increased donations of both time and money. This effect cannot be explained by guilt or feelings of obligation, suggesting a deeper psychological connection between giving time and experiencing happiness.

The big gulp: consumers avoid extremes in soda sizes

A new study reveals that consumers tend to avoid the largest and smallest options when it comes to soft drinks. By eliminating small drink sizes and adding larger ones, retailers have seen a 15% increase in high-calorie drink consumption. Reversing this trend could curb soft drink consumption with only a slight reduction in profit.

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.