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Science News for February 27, 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.

New research indicates that a common heart drug

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered that diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, disrupts the connection between dopamine and glutamate in the brain, driving cocaine cravings. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of cocaine addiction and potential strategies for developing effective treatments.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2008

Does gingko biloba affect memory?

A three-year study found that taking ginkgo biloba extract did not clearly reduce the risk of developing memory problems. However, people who reliably took the supplement had a lower risk of mild memory issues compared to those on placebo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 27, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New blood marker may predict prostate cancer spread

A new blood biomarker has been discovered that enables accurate prediction of prostate cancer metastasis. The biomarker, endoglin, measures plasma levels associated with an increased risk of cancer spread into regional lymph nodes. Adding this marker to current methods improves accuracy from 89.4% to 97.8%.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 27, 2008

Scientists look at 'syringe' assembly in plague bacteria

Researchers have found that the YscJ lipoprotein component determines the location of a key injection device in plague bacteria. This discovery sheds light on how Yersinia pestis causes the bubonic plague and could lead to new treatments.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalMicrobiology·DateFeb 27, 2008
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.

Chewing gum -- the new post-operative medicine

Researchers have discovered that chewing gum stimulates smooth muscle fibers and salivary gland secretion, aiding in bowel movement recovery after surgery. The study involved 102 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, with those who chewed gum experiencing faster recovery times.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalUrology·DateFeb 27, 2008

Guide provides insight into urban forestry benefits

The latest guide from USDA Forest Service highlights energy conservation as the most significant benefit of urban trees in temperate interior West. A mature hardwood tree can bring annual savings of $40 in electricity and $15 in heating costs, while reducing power plant emissions.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateFeb 27, 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.

U of Minn researchers find primary alcohol prevention programs are needed for 'tweens'

A University of Minnesota study suggests that adolescents who use alcohol are less receptive to prevention programs, highlighting the need for earlier intervention. The researchers recommend a prevention program prior to sixth grade with parent involvement to delay alcohol use and provide tweens with skills to refuse alcohol.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2008

Neurons use chemical 'chords' to shape signaling

Neurons can modulate nerve impulses by releasing two neurotransmitters that target the same receptor, accelerating inhibition and enhancing temporal resolution of inhibition. This finding may represent a new way the brain precisely controls nerve impulses in its circuitry.

SourceCell Press·DateFeb 27, 2008
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.

Women's greater role in nation-building

The study reveals that women's participation in nation-building leads to greater economic development, social advancements, and reduced violence. Incorporating women into the nation-building process early on can help create more democratic and stable societies.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateFeb 27, 2008

Joslin study finds restricting insulin doses increases mortality risk

A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center found that restricting insulin doses in women with type 1 diabetes is associated with a three-fold increased risk of death and higher rates of disease complications. The study also highlighted the connection between insulin restriction and eating disorder symptoms, often referred to as diabulimia.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 27, 2008

'2-faced' particles act like tiny submarines

Scientists at North Carolina State University have developed Janus particles, microscopic spheres with different material properties on either side, which can move and respond to changes in their environment. The phenomenon, called induced-charge electrophoresis, has potential applications in microactuators, sensors, and drug delivery.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 27, 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.

Inverted DNA turns quiet developmental gene into a potent driver of t-cell lymphoma

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered that a genetic misalignment can turn a normally quiet developmental gene into a potent driver of T-cell lymphoma in adult mice. The study found that the Dlx5 protein, which is not typically active in healthy adult cells, can be targeted for inhibition to slow cancer growth.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 27, 2008

UCLA researchers solve decade-old mystery

Researchers at UCLA have solved a decades-old mystery in hydrogen gas storage, enabling the creation of more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. The study found that adding titanium to sodium alanate can store high-density hydrogen at reasonable pressures and temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2008

Why juniper trees can live on less water

Junipers' adaptation to avoid 'cavitation' allows them to withstand dry conditions, while their low specific leaf area enables them to conserve water. This study reveals the key structural features behind juniper trees' exceptional drought tolerance.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateFeb 27, 2008

New drug targets for preventing cell death

Researchers have identified a new compound that blocks an early step in programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. This process is triggered by mitochondrial division and can lead to cell death during heart attacks and strokes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 27, 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.

Earlier plantings underlie yield gains in northern Corn Belt

In a study published in the Agronomy Journal, Chris Kucharik found that earlier planting dates have contributed significantly to yield gains in the northern Corn Belt states. The study suggests that this land management change has played a major role in increasing production, accounting for 20-50% of the gains since 1979.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateFeb 27, 2008

'Lost' sediments show details of polar magnetic field

UC Davis researchers analyzed sediment cores from the Antarctic Ross Sea, revealing evidence of magnetic field vortices beneath the South Pole. This discovery contrasts with earlier studies at lower latitudes and may improve our understanding of core processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 27, 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.

MIT researchers catch rats' twitchy whiskers in action

Rats use their whiskers to perceive shapes and textures, with high-speed video revealing detailed patterns of movements. The researchers found complex patterns on smooth surfaces and irregular movements on rough surfaces, shedding light on the rat's tactile environment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 27, 2008

Exeter scientists pour cold water on EU bird policy

Researchers from the University of Exeter argue that EU conservation policy has failed to protect endangered birds due to flawed data and lack of monitoring. The study's findings challenge previous claims that EU policy had a positive impact on bird conservation, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of conservation policies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateFeb 27, 2008

UT Knoxville research may lead to better flu vaccine

Researchers from UT Knoxville have made a groundbreaking discovery about memory B cells, which are crucial for fighting off influenza infections. By analyzing where these cells reside after an infection, scientists can develop more effective vaccines that target specific strains and subtypes of the flu virus.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2008

New research suggests biofuel blending is often inaccurate

A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers found that retail biofuel samples often do not contain the advertised amount of biofuel. The actual percentage of biofuel in blends like B20 ranged from 10 to 74 percent, while only 10% met US Department of Defense standards.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 27, 2008
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.

Breakthrough in plant research

Scientists at the University of Helsinki and the University of California have discovered a gene regulating carbon dioxide uptake and water evaporation in plants. This gene helps develop drought-tolerant crops, addressing climate change's impact on global food production.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2008

Overweight Hispanic children shown to have vascular inflammation

A new study found elevated markers of blood vessel inflammation in overweight Hispanic children with normal blood glucose levels, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research highlights the need for obesity prevention strategies tailored to this high-risk population.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 27, 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.

Detecting bone erosion in arthritic wrists

Researchers used CT and MRI scans to detect bone erosions in RA wrists, finding that CT was more sensitive, but with limitations. The study validates the use of Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) scores for erosion assessment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateFeb 27, 2008

Race, insurance status affect access to transplantation and kidney disease treatment

Two studies suggest that universal access to healthcare can reduce racial and ethnic barriers to treatment for kidney disease. Minority patients and those on Medicare or with less education had longer dialysis times before being wait-listed, highlighting the need for improved insurance coverage.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 27, 2008

Keystone Programs for Collaborative Discovery Launch at Fox Chase

The initiative aims to bring team-based science to bear on major cancer research questions, integrating expertise and resources to solve the most challenging problems. Twelve proposals were reviewed by an external scientific advisory panel, and four Keystone Programs were awarded $5 million in funding over five years.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateFeb 27, 2008
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.