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Science News Archive February 2008


Page 7 of 19

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.

Unique Martian formation reproduced, reveals brief bursts of water

Researchers have reproduced Mars fan formations in a laboratory setting, suggesting brief releases of water from the planet's interior. The findings indicate that stepped fans on Mars were formed by rapid water release, rather than long-term erosion, and would require significant amounts of water.

Grant to study if early BPA exposure leads to late prostate cancer

A five-year grant aims to uncover the genetic mechanism behind increased sensitivity to estrogen due to low-dose BPA exposure, which may predispose men to prostate cancer later in life. The study will use human prostate-like structures and animal models to characterize dose-response and gene modifications.

The downside of a good idea

Research by Goldstone and colleagues found that groups with limited information sharing performed better on difficult problems, suggesting a balance between exploration and dissemination of innovations.

A fresh look inside Mount St. Helens

A new seismic model reveals that earthquakes at Mount St. Helens are caused by a resonating fluid-filled crack filled with steam, driving a small explosive eruption if the pattern is disturbed. This finding challenges the previous stick-slip model and provides a more detailed understanding of the volcano's behavior.

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.

Optical 'frequency comb' can detect the breath of disease

Researchers developed an optical technique using 'frequency combs' to detect biomarkers for diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The method simultaneously identifies tiny amounts of molecules in the breath with high precision.

Purdue lab works to improve conditions at indoor swimming pools

Researchers at Purdue University have determined how airborne contaminants are created when chlorine reacts with sweat and urine in indoor swimming pools. By analyzing swimming pool water, they identified the presence of organic volatile disinfection byproducts, which pose health concerns.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Buck research focuses on risk factor for Parkinson's disease

A new study by Buck Institute researchers finds that high levels of MAO-B enzyme in mice lead to Parkinson-like symptoms. The findings suggest that humans with high MAO-B levels may be at risk for the disease and could benefit from preventive treatment.

Do animals think like autistic savants?

Researchers argue that autistic savants' exceptional skills come at a cost in other aspects of processing, while animals process sensory inputs according to rules. This shared processing method is thought to be a specialized feature of the left hemisphere, common to both humans and nonhuman animals.

Human stem cells aid stroke recovery in rats

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used human embryonic stem cells to generate neural cells that helped repair damage in the brains of rats and improved their physical abilities. The study showed promising results, with the transplanted cells forming only three families of neural cells and not forming tumors.

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.

Strengthening fluids with nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have been shown to enhance the performance and stability of liquids when exposed to electric fields, leading to potential applications in miniature camera lenses, cell phone displays, and other microscale fluidic devices. The findings could enable new types of heat transfer systems that don't require a pump.

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.

Rice computer chip makes Technology Review's top 10

PCMOS chips compute differently by assigning voltage on a sliding scale, prioritizing values of user-defined importance, and reducing power consumption. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries and fields of research.

Chemists measure copper levels in zinc oxide nanowires

Researchers have detected significant amounts of copper in zinc oxide nanowires, a discovery that could help understand and manipulate the nanowires' optical and electrical properties. The study found that the copper increases visible light output but decreases ultraviolet emission.

USDA invites industry to partner with MyPyramid

The USDA is partnering with companies to promote healthier eating through MyPyramid, providing science-based nutrition plans. Companies can support families by distributing nutrition information or developing new products that encourage physical activity.

Listening to music improves stroke patients' recovery

Researchers found that listening to music improved verbal memory and focused attention in stroke patients, with a 60% improvement in verbal memory three months after the stroke. Music also reduced depression and confusion in patients, suggesting its potential as an addition to clinical practice.

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.

Advertisers, neuroscientists trace source of emotions in brain

Researchers used fMRI scans to analyze how subjects' brains responded to TV ads, while also collecting their reported impressions. They found specific locations in the brain associated with familiar emotions like pleasure and excitement. The study aims to gauge human emotions directly through brain-scanning technology.

European research project to shape next generation Internet TV

The P2P-Next project aims to create a Europe-wide 'next-generation' internet television distribution system based on P2P technology, allowing audiences to stream and interact with live content. The research project will also explore community building around favorite content via a personalized system.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Women who suffered child abuse spend more on health care

A long-term study found that middle-aged women who suffered physical or sexual abuse as children spent significantly more on healthcare costs. Women with an average age in their late 40s still suffer consequences from abuse that occurred decades ago.

NASA MidSTAR-1 successful technologies may be revolutionary

Two groundbreaking technologies, a nano chemsensor unit (NCSU) and a variable emissivity film, have proven successful on NASA's MidSTAR-1 satellite. The NCSU can detect harmful chemicals and contaminants in space, while the film controls heat on spacecraft, reducing weight and power consumption.

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.

Ancient mystery solved

Geologists at the University of Leicester solved a 100-year-old mystery by analyzing the Burgess Shales rocks. They found that the rocks were instantly buried, preserving soft tissue in exquisite detail.

HIV patients still stung by stigma from health-care providers

A recent study documents various stigmatizing behaviors by health-care personnel towards HIV-positive patients, including lack of eye contact, disdainful voice tone, and providing substandard care. The study highlights the need for all health-care personnel to be mindful of their actions to prevent misunderstandings and hard feelings.

Precancerous stem cells can form tumor blood vessels

A new study shows that tumor blood vessels develop from precancerous stem cells, a type of cell that can become malignant. The findings suggest that screening anti-angiogenic drugs should include these cells to improve their effectiveness in blocking tumor growth.

Sniffing out insider threats

Researchers developed a technology to spot insider threats using data mining techniques on email interactions. Individuals with latent interests in sensitive topics or those feeling alienated within the organization are potential threats.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers create first chikungunya animal model

The researchers have developed the first animal model of the chikungunya virus infection, which allows them to study the pathophysiology of the disease. The mouse model reveals that young age and inefficient type-I interferon signaling are risk factors for severe disease.

Study: low-income women more likely to suffer from postpartum depression

A University of Iowa study shows that poor women in Iowa are more likely to experience clinically significant postpartum depression than their wealthier counterparts. 40% of Iowa mothers with a household income less than $20,000 suffered from depression, compared to 13% of those with higher incomes.

'Invisible' bacteria dupe the human immune system

Researchers at University of York characterize mechanism used by bacteria to evade the human immune system, using an 'invisibility cloak' to move about the body without risk of attack. The discovery of a novel enzyme and its role in capturing sialic acid offers hope for developing novel antimicrobials against these bacteria.

Directed self-ordering of organic molecules for electronic devices

A simple surface treatment technique induces self-assembly of molecular crystals, improving performance and providing electrical isolation. This method enables the mass production of large arrays of organic electronic transistors on polymer sheets, opening up possibilities for flexible displays, intelligent paper, and biosensor arrays.

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.

MIT to lead development of new telescopes on moon

The Lunar Array for Radio Cosmology (LARC) project aims to explore the 'Dark Ages' of the universe when stars and galaxies first formed. The new telescopes will study cosmic background radiation and test current theories about the universe's formation.

Astronomy technology brings nanoparticle probes into sharper focus

Researchers used astronomy technology to develop a system that provides more precise images of single molecules tagged with nanoprobes, allowing for detailed information about molecular binding and gene sequences. The technology enables high-speed detection and identification of individual molecules at nanometer resolution.

New aluminum-rich alloy produces hydrogen on-demand for large-scale uses

A new aluminum-rich alloy developed by Purdue University engineers can produce hydrogen on-demand for vehicles, power generation, and other applications, reducing costs and environmental impact. The technology is made possible by the controlled microscopic structure of the solid aluminum and gallium-indium-tin alloy mixture.

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.

Study finds that young children bear greatest burden of cholera

A new study found that young children in impoverished regions are disproportionately affected by cholera. The study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, reveals the African site had the highest incidence of cholera, with vaccination and improved water supply considered immediate strategies.

HSP90: New point of view on melanoma of the eye, at the MUHC

Researchers at the MUHC have identified HSP90 as a promising therapeutic target for ocular melanoma. By targeting this protein, it is possible to disrupt multiple cellular functions and block cancer cell reproduction, leading to tumour regression.

Study suggests antibiotic may prevent dreaded brain fever

Researchers suggest that minocycline can limit Japanese Encephalitis (JE) death by reducing neuronal death, microgliosis, and viral titre. The study found that treatment with minocycline provides complete protection against experimental JE, improving behavioral outcome as well.

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.

'NMR on a chip' features NIST magnetic mini-sensor

A super-sensitive mini-sensor developed at NIST can detect nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in tiny samples of fluids flowing through a novel microchip. This technology has wide application as a sensitive chemical analyzer for rapid screening to find new drugs.

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.

Huge proportion of maternal deaths worldwide are preventable

A study found that in sub-Saharan Africa, more women die from treatable infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria than from pregnancy-related complications. Effective treatment and prevention measures can greatly reduce maternal mortality rates.