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Science News Archive August 2008


Page 7 of 17

Researchers discover scent of skin cancer

Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center have discovered a unique scent associated with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. By analyzing volatile organic compounds in the air above skin lesions, they found distinct profiles that could potentially be used to screen for and diagnose skin cancers at early stages.

Hubble sees magnetic monster in erupting galaxy

The Hubble Space Telescope has resolved individual threads of gas in the filaments of galaxy NGC 1275, revealing a magnetic structure that sustains them for over 100 million years. The discovery provides crucial clues about how giant black holes affect their surroundings.

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.

Making 'good' fat from muscle and vice versa

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a molecular switch that can convert muscle precursor cells into brown fat cells, which burn calories and release energy. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for obesity by activating the calorie-burning process in the body.

Candy-coating keeps proteins sweet

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to evaluate the stability of protein-based drugs at room temperature using a fluorescent probe. This new method can measure the lifetime of hydrogen bonding networks that stabilize proteins, reducing the time and expense associated with traditional methods.

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.

Arsenic exposure could increase diabetes risk

A study of 788 US adults found that those with diabetes had higher levels of arsenic in their urine compared to those without diabetes. Inorganic arsenic from contaminated drinking water may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Measuring calcium in serpentine soils

Researchers found that multiple measurement techniques are needed to accurately measure calcium content in serpentine soils. A combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and elemental analysis is necessary to identify and quantify calcium.

Tracking a crop disease could save millions of lives

Researchers have identified how maize streak virus (MSV) became a serious pest in Africa's most important food crop, potentially saving millions of lives. By comparing MSV genomes to its less harmful relatives, scientists discovered that recombination led to the emergence of a more severe disease strain.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low level cadmium exposure linked to lung disease

A University of Michigan study found that cadmium exposure is a critical ingredient in smoking-related emphysema, increasing the risk by up to double. Even low-level exposure through second-hand smoke or other means can also increase lung disease risk.

Getting to the root of the matter

New research reveals that root systems can be observed using advanced imaging technologies like MRI, allowing for better understanding of water uptake patterns. Roots also play a significant role in soil carbon cycling and the global carbon balance.

Stem cell indicator for bowel cancer should lead to better survival rates

Researchers have developed a more accurate way to identify aggressive bowel cancer forms, suggesting patients with the Lamin A marker should receive chemotherapy in addition to surgery for improved recovery and survival. The study aims to develop a robust prognostic tool for widespread use in bowel cancer treatment.

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.

Stroke and SIDS in Alaska topics of neuroscience conference

Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks are presenting their findings on stroke and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at a conference in New York. The studies aim to understand the underlying causes of these conditions and explore potential new treatments for brain damage.

Arsenic exposure may be associated with type 2 diabetes

A study of 788 US adults found that those with higher arsenic levels in their urine were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that the presence of certain organic arsenic compounds did not increase diabetes risk.

Bacterial pneumonia caused most deaths in 1918 influenza pandemic

The majority of deaths during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic were not caused by the flu virus alone, but rather bacterial pneumonia that developed after the virus destroyed the cells lining the bronchial tubes. Comprehensive pandemic preparations should include provisions to stockpile antibiotics and bacterial vaccines.

Study examines testing model to predict and diagnose new cases of dementia

A study examining testing models to predict and diagnose new cases of dementia found that within-person variability on neuropsychological tests is linked to the development of dementia. The research, published in JAMA, suggests that this variability may be an independent predictor of dementia development.

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.

Chronic lead poisoning from urban soils

A study by Indiana University researchers suggests treating contaminated urban soils with water can prevent chronic lead poisoning in children. The study reveals that older cities like Indianapolis have a high lead burden resulting in a lead poisoning epidemic among their youngest citizens.

Study examines testing model to predict and diagnose new cases of dementia

Researchers found that intra-individual variability in cognitive function improves dementia prediction beyond individual test scores. The Einstein Aging Study evaluated 897 individuals, identifying 61 cases of dementia, and showed that within-person variability across multiple tests predicts future dementia.

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.

New and improved test for West Nile virus in horses

A new test for West Nile virus in horses has been developed, which could be modified for use on humans and wildlife. The test is highly effective at diagnosing infections and provides accurate results, making it useful for tracking the ecology and epidemiology of the disease.

Controlling the size of nanoclusters

Scientists have developed a new instrument to create model nanocatalysts of molybdenum sulfide with atomic precision. The most reactive nanocluster had six atoms of molybdenum and eight atoms of sulfur, showing promise for improving hydrodesulfurization processes.

UH researchers win top prize for research with humanitarian applications

University of Houston researchers Yuriy Fofanov and Lennart Johnsson have developed computational tools to monitor microbial community sizes and genomic diversity. Their technology aims to better understand how human activities affect microbial communities governing human health and life on Earth.

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.

Can biofuels be sustainable?

Researchers found that a portion of corn stover can be harvested for biofuel production without reducing soil organic carbon levels in high-yielding systems. This study suggests that corn stover could supply up to 25% of the biofuel crop needed by 2030.

Shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species

A study found that shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species like Rhodactis howesii, which can overtake healthy coral and decrease diversity. Removing man-made debris could prevent further losses in species and habitat.

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.

Bowel cancer indicator should lead to better treatment

A UK-led team of scientists has developed a more accurate way of identifying aggressive forms of bowel cancer, which should lead to better treatment and survival rates. The study found that patients with a stem cell marker protein called Lamin A present in their tissue are more likely to have an aggressive form of the disease.

The price of power at work?

New research from the University of Toronto finds that workers with higher job authority report significantly higher levels of interpersonal conflict. Younger workers with power face the highest level of conflict in the workplace, while men with authority report more conflict than similarly-positioned women.

Key advance toward 'micro-spacecraft'

Researchers have developed a new temperature-regulating film that can be applied to micro-spacecraft, allowing them to withstand extreme heat and cold in space. This breakthrough technology has the potential to enable cheaper and more efficient satellite launches, opening up new applications for communications and defense.

Rice lab finds molecular clues to Wilson disease

Researchers found that a small genetic mutation alters the structure of ATP7B, a large complex protein regulating copper movement in human cells. The study sheds light on how this mutation leads to Wilson disease, which affects as many as 150,000 people worldwide.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New study shows false memories affect behavior

A new study shows that people can create false memories of their past, which can lead to lasting changes in their behavior. Participants who were told they had become ill after eating egg salad as children avoided the food and gave it lower evaluations than those who did not develop false memories.

New research on sexual function

Researchers presented innovative studies on sexual function, finding that statins can improve erectile function in men with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, new studies suggest that androgen therapy may restore sexual function faster post-prostatectomy than PDE 5 inhibitors.

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.

UCSF faculty receive $13.7M from CIRM for stem cell research

Five UCSF faculty members have received $13.7 million in funding from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to explore fundamental questions about embryonic stem cells and develop treatment strategies for conditions such as cancer and liver disease. The researchers will investigate molecular mechanisms, cell specialization...

Light touch: Controlling the behavior of quantum dots

Researchers at NIST and JQI have developed a technique to fine-tune light from quantum dots using laser pairs, potentially improving entangled photon generation for quantum information technologies. This breakthrough could accelerate advanced cryptography applications and pave the way for compact quantum dot devices.

NYU scientists identify critical protein complex in formation of cell cilia

A protein complex regulating primary cilia formation has been identified by NYU researchers. The complex involves three proteins: CEP290, CP110, and Rab8a, which work together to promote cilia formation on mature cells. This discovery may lead to new drug targets for diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, and...

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.

Ultrasound used to predict heart attack risk

Researchers used ultrasound imaging to measure carotid artery plaque density and predict cardiovascular events. Patients with reduced plaque density had a significantly increased risk of near-future adverse events, highlighting the potential for this non-invasive technique to improve cardiovascular disease management.

Face recognition: nurture not nature

Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that cultural differences influence how people look at faces, with Westerners focusing on specific features like eyes and mouths, while Easterners focus on the nose or centre of the face. This study provides insight into why non-verbal communication between people from different cultures c...

Catalysis takes center stage at chemistry conference

PNNL scientists are harnessing the power of catalysis to address real-world energy problems, including hydrogen oxidation and production for fuel cells. Researchers are also exploring alternative catalysts using inexpensive metals like nickel and cobalt to reduce costs.

Food, health get top billing at national chemistry meeting

The American Chemical Society meeting focuses on the health benefits of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables, with studies showing a significant reduction in cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. Recent research indicates that adding one serving of fruits and vegetables to diet can reduce cardiovascular diseases by up to 7 percent.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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