Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 5, 2008


RNA-associated introns guide nerve-cell channel production

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified an important molecular mechanism guiding nerve-cell electrical channels. The discovery suggests that RNA-associated introns play a critical role in regulating gene expression and controlling the number of channel proteins produced.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2008

How crystal becomes a conductor

Researchers used computational modeling to demonstrate how manganese oxide changes from an insulator to a conductor under high pressure. The study sheds light on the behavior of similar minerals deep in the Earth's crust and mantle.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2008

Supplementary approach to malaria

A vitamin A and zinc supplement reduced malaria incidence by 34% in young children, according to a randomized double-blind trial. The supplementation also increased time to onset of malarial symptoms and reduced episode frequency.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateFeb 5, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research shows a daily does of beetroot juice can beat high blood pressure

A daily dose of beetroot juice can significantly reduce blood pressure, according to a study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. The research reveals that dietary nitrate, found in beetroot juice, leads to decreased blood pressure by converting into nitrite and then nitric oxide.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateFeb 5, 2008

Carnegie Mellon gets NSF award

Assistant Professor Jeremy J. Michalek of Carnegie Mellon University has been awarded the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Award for his research on public policy and its impact on vehicle efficiency.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateFeb 5, 2008

Scientists obtain core samples from subsea fault system off Japan

A team of scientists has obtained core samples from a subsea fault system off the coast of Japan, providing new data on how earthquakes are generated. The cores contain over 5,000 samples that will help researchers understand the evolution of the subduction zone and its relationship to earthquake and tsunami activity.

SourceIntegrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International·DateFeb 5, 2008

Chemical signature of manic depression discovered by scientists

Researchers identify distinct biochemical profile in patients with bipolar disorder, suggesting a balance of neurotransmitters is disrupted. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective treatments using mood-stabilizing drugs like lithium and valproic acid.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 2008

Carnegie mellon visiting scholar identifes vulnerable areas

A new international study identifies vulnerable areas at risk for abrupt climate change, including the Arctic sea ice and Greenland ice sheet. The researchers warn that these 'tipping elements' may be pushed over a threshold to a radically different climate state, with catastrophic consequences.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2008
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.

Less invasive methods may provide accurate means to determine lung cancer stage

A study suggests that endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and its combination with endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) can accurately determine lung cancer stage. These minimally invasive methods show high sensitivity rates, potentially replacing traditional surgical procedures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 5, 2008

New devices to boost nematode research on neurons and drugs

Researchers have developed two nanotech-driven tools using soft lithography to study brain-behavior connections and screen new pharmaceuticals for parasitic infections in humans. The devices provide a near-natural environment for nematode movement, enabling the monitoring of individual fluorescent-injected neurons in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateFeb 5, 2008

Whole grain diets lower risk of chronic disease

A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming whole grains can lead to significant weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study showed that the whole grain group experienced a lower body weight, lower blood pressure, and increased intake of fiber and magnesium compared to the refined grain group.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 5, 2008

Dr. Andrew Constable awarded 2008 Pew Fellowship in marine conservation

Dr. Constable will create an ecosystem-based management plan to safeguard baleen whales and other marine life in the Southern Ocean's rapidly-growing krill fisheries. His project aims to promote environmentally sustainable growth of the industry and address concerns over climate change and overfishing.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateFeb 5, 2008

'Weight training' muscles reduce fat, improve metabolism in mice

Researchers at Boston University found that increasing type II muscle mass reduces body fat and improves metabolic parameters in genetically engineered mice. This study suggests that strength training may be beneficial for overweight individuals and could lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes.

SourceBoston University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 2008
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.

DNA 'barcode' identified for plants

A unique DNA gene, matK, has been identified as a potential 'barcode' for plants, allowing for easy identification and cataloging of different species. This discovery could lead to new methods for identifying plant ingredients in traditional medicines and monitoring endangered species.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2008

Older women more susceptible to depression than older men

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that older women are more prone to depression and less likely to die from it compared to older men. The study, which evaluated 754 individuals aged 70+, found that women were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and remain depressed over time.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 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.

What are the long-term causes and consequences for the young homeless?

Research explores the growing impact of homelessness on families, particularly children and youth, highlighting the need for adequate and affordable shelter. The issue examines the consequences of homelessness on young people's lives, underscoring the urgency of addressing this critical issue.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·DateFeb 5, 2008

2008 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation awarded to Dr. Ussif Rashid Sumaila

Dr. Sumaila will create comprehensive databases on the cost and ecological impact of commercial fishing globally, providing evidence for smarter policymaking concerning fisheries management worldwide. He aims to gather extensive information on social and economic drivers of overfishing and its impact on marine conservation.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateFeb 5, 2008

Don't blame the trees: Social factors, not forests, dictate disease patterns

A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that social marginalization is a stronger predictor of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) incidence than deforestation. The research showed that socially marginalized human populations are more vulnerable to infection, even in highly deforested counties.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 5, 2008

Heavy marijuana use linked to gum disease

A recent study has found that heavy marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. The study, which tracked over 900 individuals, found that frequent cannabis use since age 18 was linked to more than one-third of new cases of gum disease between ages 26 and 32.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateFeb 5, 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.

Plan expedites alternatives to animal testing

The new plan aims to reduce, refine and replace animal use in research and regulatory testing through partnerships with industry and stakeholders. It emphasizes the development of predictive systems using new technologies to minimize animal use.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateFeb 5, 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.

Half of patients undergoing cerebrovascular stent placement respond poorly to clopidogrel

A study by Rush University Medical Center found that half of patients receiving cerebrovascular stents did not adequately respond to clopidogrel. The researchers identified a significant association between older age and diabetes with platelet activity, suggesting these patients may require alternative approaches.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateFeb 5, 2008

Drug fights cystic fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that PTC124 restored normal function in up to 29 percent of abnormal cystic-fibrosis protein cases. The drug works by rescuing faulty proteins that lead to illnesses, including cystic fibrosis and over 2,400 genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2008

Why do earthquakes stop?

Researchers understand that a smooth decrease in stress at the end of a primary fault reduces the likelihood of an earthquake jumping to another fault. This study highlights the importance of slip gradient and rupture front acceleration in determining fault jump probability.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 5, 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.

Obesity may be wired in the brain, rat study suggests

Researchers found that obese rats have abnormalities in brain regions critical for appetite control, including reduced responsiveness to the hunger-suppressing hormone leptin. This suggests that obesity may be wired into the brain from early life, making it challenging to reverse with exercise and diet alone.

SourceCell Press·DateFeb 5, 2008

Feed the birds: Winter feeding makes for better breeding

Research by the University of Exeter and Queen's University Belfast shows that providing extra food to garden birds in winter makes for a more successful breeding season in the spring. Birds that receive extra food, such as peanuts, lay eggs earlier and produce more fledglings.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 5, 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.

Researchers find less invasive, highly accurate methods

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new technique using two small flexible tubes to stage lung cancer, achieving a 93% accuracy rate in finding malignant lymph nodes. This method is less invasive and more precise than traditional surgical methods, allowing patients to recover the same day.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 5, 2008

Chronic pain harms the brain

A study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that chronic pain disrupts the equilibrium of the brain's regions, leading to permanent damage. This constant firing of neurons can alter connections and even cause death.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 5, 2008

Hand-held computers prod older adults to exercise more, Stanford study shows

A Stanford study found that specially programmed PDAs can prod middle-aged and older Americans into increasing their physical activity levels by approximately five hours each week. The devices provided reminders and feedback to help participants set goals and track progress, leading to a significant increase in exercise frequency.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2008

Avian origins: new analysis confirms ancient beginnings

A new study using molecular genetic data confirms that modern birds originated more than 100 million years ago, contradicting earlier fossil-based estimates of around 60 million years ago. The analysis suggests that both the fossil record and molecular clock methods have limitations in dating biological events.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 5, 2008

'T-ray' breakthrough signals next generation of security sensors

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new type of sensor that uses T-rays to detect explosives and poisons. The technology guides the radiation along a specially designed surface, increasing detection sensitivity and potentially revolutionizing security screening.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 5, 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.

Argonne breakthrough may revolutionize ethylene production

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed an environmentally friendly technology to produce ethylene from ethane streams by removing pure hydrogen, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new membrane reactor enables the reaction to feed itself, making it a clean and energy-efficient way of producing ethylene.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateFeb 5, 2008
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.

Pew Institute for Ocean Science awards 5 fellowships in support of global marine conservation

The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation supports innovative three-year projects addressing coral reef health, unsustainable commercial fishing, and marine protected areas. The 2008 recipients aim to protect global ocean environments through groundbreaking techniques, fishery management models, and economic analysis.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateFeb 5, 2008