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Science News Archive February 2008


Page 3 of 19

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Polluted prey causes wild birds to change their tune

A new study found that male European starlings exposed to environmental pollutants develop more complex songs, which are preferred by females, and show reduced immune function. The researchers also discovered an enlargement of the brain area controlling song complexity due to estrogen exposure.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

From detainee facility to health advocacy center: A new role for Guantanamo?

A new article suggests that the United States government should convert Guantanamo Bay into a biomedical research institute dedicated to combating diseases of poverty. The facility could conduct research on developing new drugs and vaccines, promote clinical research, and serve as a training ground for physicians and scientists.

Killer military robots pose latest threat to humanity

The development of autonomous robot weapons is a growing concern, with the US DoD planning to spend an estimated $24 billion on unmanned systems technology. Professor Noel Sharkey warns that these robots could become a standard terrorist weapon, replacing suicide bombers.

Brain stress system presents possible treatment target for alcohol dependence

Researchers have identified a brain molecule, neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), that plays a central role in stress-related drinking and may be a potential therapeutic target for alcohol dependence. The study found that blocking NK1R reduced alcohol craving and improved overall wellbeing among individuals with anxiety.

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.

Facial asymmetry persists despite surgery to correct congenital deformity

A recent study led by Hasbro Children's Hospital surgeon Albert Oh found that adults with unilateral coronal synostosis, a type of craniosynostosis, still exhibit facial asymmetry years after corrective surgery. The research used three-dimensional photo technology to measure the faces of patients and found consistent rotation of the no...

New method ranks quality of scientific journals by field

A Northwestern University team developed a mathematical method to rank scientific journals according to quality. The rankings will help scientists identify high-impact research papers and facilitate evaluations of researchers' work. The study analyzed citation data from nearly 23 million papers across 200 academic fields.

Supercomputer unleashes virtual 9.0 megaquake in Pacific Northwest

A team of researchers used a supercomputer-powered virtual earthquake program to calculate realistic simulations of megathrust quakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The simulation found that ground motion could be up to twice as large and duration shaking could last up to five minutes, posing major damage to metropolitan areas like S...

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 U of C research examines commonly used toxin

A new study by the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology found that Botulinium type-A toxin (BTX-A) can easily spread to surrounding muscles after injection. This challenges the widely-held belief that BTX-A remains localized to the targeted muscle site.

LSU researchers study coastal community bounce back

LSU researchers are developing an index of coastal community resilience, incorporating economic and environmental factors to educate policymakers on ways to increase resilience in weaker areas. The study aims to provide baseline information for decision-making, using data from 1970-2000.

NASA's Swift satellite images a galaxy ablaze with starbirth

The Triangulum Galaxy, located 2.9 million light-years from Earth, is ablaze with starbirth, according to a new image taken by NASA's Swift satellite. The image showcases the galaxy's high spatial resolution, revealing young, hot stars and star-forming gas clouds in unprecedented detail.

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.

Drug for anemic cancer patients raises risk of death

A Northwestern University study found that cancer patients taking erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have a 10% increased risk of death compared to those who did not take the drugs. The study's findings suggest that ESAs may stimulate the growth of cancer cells, leading to shorter survival rates.

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.

Penn researchers engineer first system of human nerve-cell tissue

Researchers at Penn have engineered living human nerve cells into a network that can be transplanted to repair damaged nerves. The three-dimensional neural network, created through the stretch growth technique, maintained its geometry and function after transplantation.

Brain activity linked to the parental instinct

Research published in PLOS ONE found that the medial orbitofrontal cortex is highly specifically active within a seventh of a second in response to infant faces but not to adult faces. This finding has potentially important clinical application in relation to postnatal depression.

Spread of bird flu strains slowed at some borders

Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of influenza A H5N1 virus to understand its migration patterns. The study showed that certain provinces in southern China and neighboring countries shared evolutionary history with the virus.

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.

Centuries-old Maya Blue mystery finally solved

Researchers from Wheaton College and The Field Museum discovered how the ancient Maya created the renowned blue pigment Maya Blue. They found that the pigment was produced through a ritual combination of indigo, palygorskite, and copal incense, which was then used in sacrificial ceremonies.

Combination vaccine protects monkeys from ebola and Marburg viruses

A combination vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs) provides complete protection against Ebola and Marburg viruses in monkeys. This innovative approach has the potential to offer broad-based immunity and is considered a leading candidate for use as a filovirus vaccine in humans.

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.

Other highlights in the Feb. 26 JNCI

A large randomized trial of personalized interventions found that two behavioral interventions did not significantly increase regular mammograms in female veterans. The study's findings support the generalizability to the US female population, which has seen a decline in mammography rates. Meanwhile, another study suggests that viral D...

Bacterial 'battle for survival' leads to new antibiotic

Scientists at MIT have discovered a new type of antibiotic produced by Rhodococcus bacteria in response to a competing strain. The antibiotic, rhodostreptomycin, shows promise in treating Helicobacter pylori-caused stomach ulcers.