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Science News for February 21, 2008


Ohio State researchers win important global prize

Thompson and Mosley-Thompson's work on ice cores provides comprehensive records of climate change over centuries, vital for forecasting future changes. Their efforts have garnered over 200 academic publications and led more than 60 expeditions to remote sites across five continents.

SourceOhio State University·DateFeb 21, 2008

Genetic mutation found in peripheral artery disease

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a genetic mutation linked to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which affects blood flow in the legs. The study found that one strain of mice with surgically-induced PAD-like injury showed greater tissue loss and poor recovery, while another strain recovered well.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 21, 2008
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.

Moderate level of aerobic fitness may lower stroke risk

A large study found that moderate aerobic fitness can significantly reduce stroke risk for men and women. The study analyzed data from over 60,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness had a lower risk of stroke, regardless of other risk factors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 21, 2008

Biochemists reveal details of mysterious bacterial microcompartments

Researchers have identified the proteins forming the structure of carboxysome microcompartments, a key step in understanding their role in bacterial protection. The discovery may lead to new strategies for targeting these structures, potentially rendering bacteria harmless.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2008

An-arrgh-chy!

The article explores how pirates established a stable form of self government, with quartermasters playing key roles in governance. The

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateFeb 21, 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.

Paving the way for green roads

The University of New Hampshire's Recycled Materials Resource Management Center is developing criteria for green roads, which could lead to sweeping reforms in the construction industry. The center's research focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of road-building, such as carbon footprint and stormwater runoff generation.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateFeb 21, 2008

Children who do not get enough sleep sustain more injuries

A study of nearly 300 preschool children found that those who don't get adequate sleep are twice as likely to suffer injuries. The study suggests that ensuring sufficient sleep can help reduce the risk of childhood injuries.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateFeb 21, 2008

Space tourism to rocket in this century, researchers predict

Researchers predict space tourism will become a significant development in the tourism industry, with suborbital flights expected to be available by 2010-2015. Lunar hotels are also planned, with companies such as Galactic Suites promising luxurious stays in space for high prices.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalHospitality & Tourism Educator·DateFeb 21, 2008
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.

Salamanders, headwater streams critical in food chain

A recent MU study found that black-bellied salamanders play a crucial role in the productivity of headwater streams, contributing significantly to the food chain. The research suggests these salamanders are a key link in the ecosystem, consuming aquatic insects and supporting other species.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateFeb 21, 2008

Jekyll-Hyde neutron star discovered by researchers

Researchers have discovered a neutron star that undergoes a dramatic transformation from a pulsar to a magnetar, providing insight into the evolutionary connection between these two types of ultradense objects. The discovery was made using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer and Chandra X-ray Observatory satellites.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2008

Modified electron microscope identifies atoms

The new STEM allows for color pictures of individual atoms, revealing bonding between them and material properties. It also increases imaging speed by a hundredfold, enabling scientists to analyze structures at the atomic scale.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2008

Safer and more effective way to treat Crohn's disease

Researchers found that a new 'top-down' therapy approach significantly improved disease remission rates and reduced steroid use in Crohn's patients. The two-year study showed 60% of top-down subjects were symptom-free by week 26, compared to 36% on traditional step-up treatment.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 21, 2008

Atherosclerosis solution is likely many years away

Researchers say a solution for atherosclerosis is many years away due to the complex disease process, which involves genetics, metabolism, and inflammation. Huge investments of time and money are needed to develop effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Daytime dozing linked to increased stroke risk in elderly

Researchers found that daytime dozing significantly increases the risk of stroke in older adults. Moderate dozing doubled the risk, while significant dozing quadrupled it. The study suggests that sleep problems may be an important and novel stroke risk factor.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 21, 2008

Immune deficiency and balance disorder result from single gene defect

A genetic defect in the p22phox protein causes a severe immune deficiency in humans, similar to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The study found that mice without this protein also develop a severe balance disorder due to the loss of gravity-sensing crystals in the inner ear.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2008

Powerful explosions suggest neutron star missing link

Astronomers have found a clue to the evolutionary relationship between pulsars and magnetars by examining archival RXTE data of a young neutron star. The study reveals that a regular pulsar can produce powerful bursts similar to those from magnetars, challenging current understanding of their life cycles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2008

Empty nest syndrome may not be bad after all, study finds

A new study by University of Missouri professor Christine Proulx found that mothers and fathers reported similar positive changes in the parent-child relationship as their children transitioned to young adulthood. Parents reported increased adult-like interactions, mentorship, and continued emotional support.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateFeb 21, 2008

Premature births linked to physical abuse

A large-scale study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found a strong link between physical abuse during pregnancy and premature births. Researchers surveyed 2660 Caucasian women and discovered that 24% of mothers of preterm newborns had experienced physical abuse, compared to 8% of those with term births.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 21, 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.

Genetic tags reveal secrets of memories' staying power in mice

A new technique allows researchers to identify the specific neural connections and molecular tags that sustain a particular fear memory in mice. The study reveals how proteins called AMPA receptors strengthen memories by becoming part of the synapses encoding them.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2008

Purging the plantain pests in Africa

A £500,000 project will use biotechnology to develop pest-resistant plantains to combat losses of up to half of the crop due to nematode worms. The initiative will also provide a reliable source of nutritious crops for impoverished communities.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateFeb 21, 2008

Catalysis discovery takes aim at NOx emissions

Researchers at PNNL have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how barium oxide attaches to gamma-alumina, a crucial step in reducing toxic nitrogen oxide emissions. The discovery has the potential to improve the efficiency of lean burn engines, which offer up to 35% better fuel economy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateFeb 21, 2008
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.

NASA co-sponsors ocean voyage to probe climate-relevant gases

Scientists will embark on a six-week research expedition to measure turbulence, waves, and bubbles in the Southern Ocean to improve the accuracy of climate models. The goal is to understand how gases important to climate change move between the atmosphere and ocean under high winds and seas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 21, 2008

Novel link between excessive nutrient levels and insulin resistance

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a novel link between excessive nutrient levels and insulin resistance. The enzyme OGT plays a crucial role in regulating insulin signaling by slamming the brake on glucose uptake, leading to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2008

JCI table of contents: Feb. 21, 2008

A study found that genetic variations in the MBL2 protein are associated with more severe clinical symptoms of cystic fibrosis. In contrast, daily administration of growth hormone increased CD4+ T cell numbers in HIV-1 infected individuals, potentially treating conditions where CD4+ T cell function is impaired.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2008

Computers could be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's research reveals that computers can distinguish between brain scans of patients with the disease and healthy individuals or those with other forms of dementia. The accuracy rate is as high as 96%, making it a potentially game-changing tool for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalBrain·DateFeb 21, 2008

Kidney donor age linked to aortic siffening

A new study has found that kidney donor age is associated with increased aortic stiffness in recipients, which may explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that targeted interventions after kidney transplantation could improve long-term results by reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 21, 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.

National Lung Cancer partnership

The National Lung Cancer Partnership has partnered with three organizations to co-sponsor new lung cancer research grants, focusing on survivorship care and nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. This move aims to address the lack of research funding for lung cancer, a leading cancer killer in the US.

SourceNational Lung Cancer Partnership·DateFeb 21, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Wiley-Blackwell renews carbon neutral commitment

Wiley-Blackwell has renewed its commitment to neutrality, offsetting CO2 emissions from global offices and shipments. The company partners with Carbonfund.org to invest in renewable energy and reforestation projects.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·DateFeb 21, 2008

University of Denver bullying victimization study

A University of Denver study found that a bullying prevention program reduced self-reported bully victimization among students by 20%, compared to a 10% drop in the control group. The 'Youth Matters' curriculum taught social and emotional skills to help students avoid becoming bullies or victims.

SourceUniversity of Denver·JournalPrevention Science·DateFeb 21, 2008
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.

Expressive writing appears to change thoughts and feelings about cancer

A study found that a single 20-minute expressive writing session can positively impact cancer patients' thoughts and feelings about their disease. Patients who reported changes in their thoughts and feelings after writing also experienced better physical quality of life three weeks later.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Oncologist·DateFeb 21, 2008

Gladstone and UCSF scientists reactivate immune

Researchers at Gladstone and UCSF found that growth hormone therapy stimulates the production of vital T-cells, leading to increased thymic mass and improved immune function. The study suggests that this treatment could help HIV-infected patients rebuild their compromised immune systems.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2008

Researchers explore the antidepressant effects of ketamine

A new study finds that ketamine's antidepressant effects are mediated by its ability to increase AMPA receptor stimulation, suggesting drugs enhancing this function may have rapid antidepressant properties. Researchers now aim to develop AMPA-boosting drugs without ketamine's side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2008

USC awarded $3.9M for lab under the sea

A team led by Katrina Edwards is drilling into the ocean floor to study subseafloor microbes, which may affect ocean chemistry and global climate. The five-year project will use complex engineering and instrumentation to conduct long-term experiments and uncover new details about these microbes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 21, 2008

A regular dip could benefit fibromyalgia sufferers

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that patients with fibromyalgia who participated in supervised training exercises in warm water experienced reduced symptoms and improved health-related quality of life. This cost-effective approach may offer a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateFeb 21, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Poorer countries need more evidence to shape their policies to transform human resources for health

A recent Lancet study reveals that there is a lack of evidence to guide policies on human resources for health in middle- and low-income countries. The authors analyzed published literature from 1979 onwards and found that only a few studies included data from these countries, highlighting the need for more systematic reviews and resea...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 21, 2008