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Science News for December 12, 2008


Climate-change set-back for acidified rivers

A new study by Cardiff University found that climate change is hindering the long-term recovery of rivers from the effects of acid rain. The research, which took place over a 25-year period, showed that up to 40% of improvements made in reducing acid rain have been canceled out due to climatic effects.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 12, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain enzyme may play key role in controlling appetite and weight gain

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that a brain enzyme, p70 S6 Kinase 1, plays a key role in regulating feeding behavior and metabolism. Increasing the enzyme's activity reduces food intake and body weight, while lowering it has the opposite effect.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 12, 2008

Molecules in the spotlight

Researchers developed a novel x-ray technique to observe molecular motion in real time, allowing better understanding of structural evolution during chemical reactions. This discovery has promising prospects for applications in magnetic data storage, solar energy, and biology.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2008

How my country influences my behavior

The EUROCORES HumVIB program investigates the impact of country-specific factors on individual values, attitudes, and behavior across Europe. The program aims to understand how cultural, social, political, and economic contexts shape human behavior, with potential implications for policy-making and bridging the gender gap.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateDec 12, 2008

Malaria Journal supplement evaluates steps toward elimination

A supplement published in Malaria Journal reviews aspects of research agenda for global malaria elimination. Despite hurdles, progress has been made in developing malaria vaccines intended to kill all parasites in the community, reducing transmission.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateDec 12, 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.

Cost of hatchling turtles' dash for freedom

Researchers measured oxygen consumption rates of hatchlings swimming to safety, finding a rapid decline in energy expenditure over time. The findings suggest that young turtles can survive up to 14 days without food in the open ocean.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 12, 2008

On the trail of polar lows

A team of scientists has analyzed global atmospheric data for the past 60 years to determine the frequency of polar lows. They found that there is no long-term trend in the frequency of these storms, contradicting previous assumptions about their connection to climate change.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 12, 2008

Argonne Leadership Computing Facility makes it easy to be 'green'

The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility's Blue Gene/P computer uses about a third as much electricity as comparable machines, making it the second-most energy-efficient supercomputer worldwide. This efficiency saves taxpayers over $1 million annually and reduces the laboratory's environmental footprint.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateDec 12, 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.

Ocean fish farming harms wild fish, study says

Farming of fish in ocean cages promotes infection and lowers fitness of wild fish, leading to higher death rates. Sea lice are a major example of disease transfer in ocean fish farming, causing widespread decline of wild fish populations.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalConservation Biology·DateDec 12, 2008

Researchers identify new region of the magnetosphere

A team of scientists has discovered a new region of the magnetosphere known as the warm plasma cloak, which affects Earth's space environment. This invisible shield is fed by low-energy charged particles and can impact our daily lives, causing power surges, disrupting radio transmissions, and damaging satellites.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateDec 12, 2008

Dwarf crocodiles split into three species

Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History have identified three distinct species of African dwarf crocodiles through genetic analysis. The study reveals that these animals are diagnostically distinct and have been on their own evolutionary trajectory for a long time.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateDec 12, 2008
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Discovery could improve the lives of premature babies

UK researchers have identified a potential new avenue for improving lung development in premature babies, which could help alleviate respiratory problems. The study suggests that altering the function of a molecule called CaR could mature the lungs of very premature babies.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateDec 12, 2008

Whispering bats are 100 times louder than previously thought

Researchers Annemarie Surlykke and Elizabeth Kalko measured the volume of two 'whispering' bat species' calls, discovering they were actually shrieking at levels up to 110 decibels. The findings suggest that these bats use high-volume calls for echolocation in complex forest environments.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 12, 2008

USGS Science Picks

The USGS discusses prehistoric climate changes providing clues to future shifts and large deposits of gas hydrates on Alaska's North Slope. Holiday lights reveal the mineral composition behind their glow.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateDec 12, 2008

Mid-season flu immunization rates are too low

A new survey of 4,000 American adults reveals that fewer than one-third have been vaccinated against the flu, citing misperceptions and lack of time as main reasons. The CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Week aims to encourage greater use of influenza vaccines through December.

SourceCohn & Wolfe·DateDec 12, 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.

American Cancer Society recognizes international tobacco control leaders

The American Cancer Society announced the winners of the 2009 Luther L. Terry Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in tobacco control worldwide. The awards were presented to six individuals and organizations for their contributions to tobacco control, including researchers, policymakers, and advocates.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateDec 12, 2008
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.

Adelaide to be world photonics leader thanks to $28 million funding

The University of Adelaide is set to become a global leader in photonics and advanced sensing technologies thanks to a $28.8 million government investment. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art facilities to develop breakthroughs in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateDec 12, 2008

Patient management: Quality of life and beyond

Studies show hormone supplements, such as estrogen-progestin and letrozole, can reduce breast cancer mortality risk by up to 63% and improve overall survival. Meanwhile, tamoxifen is found to be superior for quality of life measures, with patients paying a price in quality of life when switching from anastrozole.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 12, 2008

Biomarkers: What can they tell us

Researchers discover new biomarkers that can predict breast cancer risk, respond to tamoxifen treatment, and identify patients who may benefit from anthracycline chemotherapy. A genetic model also improves diagnostic accuracy in high-risk populations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 12, 2008

Study reveals clues to how we forget over short-term

Researchers investigated two theories of forgetfulness and found that temporal confusability, not decay, is the main cause of forgetting over the short term. The study reveals that making information distinct can alleviate and even reverse the classic pattern of forgetting.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 12, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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