Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2008


Page 5 of 19

Honey bee invaders exploit the genetic resources of their predecessors

A study found that honey bees invading new areas benefit from the genetic endowment of their predecessors, with functional genes from European bees providing an advantage. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanism behind the expansion of honey bees into temperate regions and their ability to thrive in harsh winter condit...

Butterfly fish 'may face extinction'

Scientists warn that butterflyfish, such as the Chevroned Butterflyfish, are at risk of extinction due to their specialized feeding habits. The coral reefs' decline is threatening these fish's survival as they can only eat one type of coral, leading to a high risk of extinction.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineers demonstrate a new type of optical tweezer

Engineers at Harvard University have developed a novel optical tweezer that can perform calibrated force measurements with high precision. The device, consisting of a Fresnel Zone Plate fabricated on a glass slide, has the potential to revolutionize biological and microfluidic applications.

Getting to the roots of hair loss

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a gene responsible for Hypotrichosis simplex, a rare hereditary form of hair loss. The study's findings offer new hope for developing targeted therapies for various forms of hair loss.

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.

Notch controls bone formation and strength

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that Notch stimulates early proliferation of osteoblastic cells responsible for bone formation. However, when Notch function is abolished in these cells, osteoporosis occurs due to an imbalance between bone formation and resorption.

Protein shines light on cancer response

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a small protein that specifically recognizes tumors responding to chemotherapy, allowing for rapid visualization of cancer response in mice. This breakthrough could enable more efficient treatment customization and accelerate the development of new cancer drugs.

What farmers think about GM crops

Farmers perceive genetically modified (GM) crops as a means to reconcile high-quality food production with environmentally sensitive farming. They are more interested in the practical applications and potential benefits of GM crops rather than any moral or ethical concerns.

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.

Study: highly involved patients don't always see better health outcomes

A new study found that patients who prefer a highly active role in their treatment do not necessarily have better luck managing chronic health conditions. Those who preferred an active role had higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels over a 12-month period compared to those with a less active approach.

A novel hMSH2 gene mutation in colorectal cancer patients?

A novel hMSH2 gene mutation was found in a Chinese HNPCC kindred, associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in four successive generations. The mutation resulted in Asp 603 Gly of hMSH2 and was present in four out of ten family members.

Study finds spine surgery yields greater benefits over nonsurgical treatments

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who underwent surgery for spinal stenosis showed significant improvement compared to those treated nonsurgically. After two years, 63% of surgical patients experienced a major improvement, while 29% of non-surgical patients reported similar results.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Stroke more prevalent in United States than in Europe

A study found that US adults have a higher prevalence of stroke than Europeans, mainly due to higher rates of stroke risk factors in the US. The gap is more pronounced among poor Americans, who are more likely to have a stroke.

The structure of resistance

Researchers have solved the structure of two proteins that enable bacteria to develop resistance to various types of antibiotics, providing insights into their evolution and design strategies for new drugs. This discovery could aid in developing effective treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Do patients with inflammatory bowel disease receive optimal care?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in China often receive suboptimal care, including inadequate dosing of aminosalicylates and underuse of immunomodulatory drugs. This is partly due to limited understanding of the disease among Chinese healthcare providers.

'Fluorescent' cells give early warning for eye disease

Researchers at Michigan Medicine created a device that measures metabolic stress, detecting eye disease before symptoms appear. The instrument provides accurate results in detecting vision loss and characterizing disease progression.

Novel method to reveal drug targets

Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have developed a novel method to identify weak and transient protein interactions. By analyzing over 6000 experiments in mammalian cells, they discovered 17 new pairs of interactions that could lead to novel therapeutic opportunities for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and growth.

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.

A strange case of upper obstructive syndrome

A rare case of ADF was reported, where the prosthesis was detached from the duodenal wall and a pediculated fragment of the greater omentum was placed to relieve mechanical bowel obstruction. The clinical suspicion for ADF is essential, with esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy and CT scans being the most commonly used diagnostic techniques.

New theory sheds light on space enigma

Scientists have shed light on Enceladus' space enigma by explaining the dynamics of its erupting plume. The new theory suggests that dust particles and water vapor form below the moon's surface, with temperature and pressure conditions allowing for rapid water vapor eruption and slower dust particle ejection.

Electron filmed for first time ever

Scientists at Lund University have successfully filmed an electron for the first time, capturing its motion on a light wave after being pulled away from an atom. The research uses attosecond pulses to study electron collisions with atoms, providing new opportunities to monitor and understand electron behavior.

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.

Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Embryonic livers store glycogen by overproducing the enzyme hexokinase (HK), which can produce glycogen independently of blood-glucose levels. This adaptation safeguards energy storage for newborns. Meanwhile, a protein called NCKX5 plays a key role in skin color production, exchanging sodium for calcium across cell membranes.

Childhood obesity leads to higher rate of problems during surgery

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that obese children are more likely to experience difficulties with airway obstruction and other breathing-related functions during surgery. The study also reveals a higher incidence of illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes among obese children.

Special coating greatly improves solar cell performance

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new anode coating strategy that significantly enhances the efficiency of solar energy power conversion. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper, more manufacturable, and easily implemented solar cells, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions.

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.

Stroke risk factors may signal faster cognitive decline in elderly

Researchers found that older Americans with high stroke risk, but without a history of stroke, experience accelerated cognitive decline. The study, conducted by the American Heart Association, analyzed data from over 17,000 participants and found that those at high risk declined twice as fast as those considered low-risk.

Who found some new mechanisms of HBV virulence?

Researchers have discovered new mechanisms of HBV virulence by studying the effects of X protein on liver cells in transgenic mice. The study found that X protein inhibits liver cell proliferation and affects gene transcription and cholesterol metabolism.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study finds recidivism no higher among deportable immigrants

A RAND Corporation study found that deportable immigrants released from the Los Angeles County jail system had a similar recidivism rate as non-deportable immigrants, with 43% being rearrested within a year compared to 35%. The study controlled for factors such as age and criminal history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An-arrgh-chy!

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

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.

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.

Astronomy missions involving CU-Boulder selected for further study by NASA

NASA awards CU-Boulder $1 million to lead the study of a space observatory that will find Earth-like planets and detect biomarkers like methane, oxygen, and water. The project plans to launch a 4-meter telescope into an orbit roughly 1 million miles from Earth, with a giant starshade to block starlight.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.