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Science News for July 11, 2008


'Cross fire' from the brain makes patients tremble

Jülich scientists have discovered the mechanism behind Parkinsonian tremor and developed a new deep brain pacemaker to disrupt it. The device influences disturbed neurons in the core region of the brain, causing irregular rhythms that break down diseased modes.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJul 11, 2008

Sounding out heart problems automatically

Researchers have developed an analytical method using Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) to classify a wider range of heart sounds than skilled physicians can. The EMD system, trained with AI algorithms, outperforms conventional methods in identifying murmurs and other anomalies.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateJul 11, 2008

Psychologist poses new hand-eye relationship

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that humans inspect objects more thoroughly when their hands are near them, indicating a new insight into brain wiring that could impact rehabilitative therapy techniques and prosthetic design.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCognition·DateJul 11, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists discover key patterns in the packaging of genes

Researchers identified 39 histone modifications and a core set of 17 associated with active genes. These combinations, known as 'backbone sets,' were found to be present in more than a quarter of promoter regions, suggesting specific meanings for specific patterns of modification.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 11, 2008

Children are naturally prone to be empathic and moral

Researchers used fMRI scans to study children's responses to pain and found that their brains showed similar activation patterns to adults. The study also discovered additional brain regions activated when children saw someone intentionally hurt by another individual.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateJul 11, 2008

Magnolia compound hits elusive target in cancer cells

Researchers have discovered that a natural compound from magnolia cones can block a previously 'undruggable' pathway for cancer growth. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments by making tumors more sensitive to traditional chemotherapy drugs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 11, 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.

Non-parental care of infants tied to unfavorable feeding practices

A new study by University of Illinois and Harvard University researchers found that non-parental care of infants is associated with higher rates of overweight and unfavorable feeding practices. Infants in child-care settings were more likely to be overfed or underfed, leading to weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 11, 2008

Researchers: Program discourages HIV transmission in Russia

A study published in the journal Addiction found that sexual behavior counseling during drug addiction treatment can decrease risky sexual behavior and HIV transmission in Russian substance-dependent individuals. The PREVENT program, a behavioral intervention, was effective in increasing safe sex among participants.

SourceBoston University·JournalAddiction·DateJul 11, 2008

Binge drinking tied to conditions in the college environment

A landmark study found that college environments with easy access to alcohol, weak control policies, and lax enforcement contribute to binge drinking. Colleges with restrictive policies and substance-free housing options have lower binge drinking levels.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJul 11, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Fuel for thought' on transport sector challenges

The CSIRO report 'Fuel for thought' explores the challenges and opportunities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. It suggests that Australia's fuel mix will include expanded use of diesel, gaseous fuels and hybrid electric vehicles to address economic risks associated with rising oil prices and climate change.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 11, 2008

Lead shot and sinkers: Weighty implications for fish and wildlife health

Numerous studies have documented adverse effects of lead on wildlife, particularly waterbirds and scavenging species, due to ingested lead shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers. The use of lead ammunition remains common despite bans on waterfowl hunting, with upland game and scavenging birds continuing to be exposed.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateJul 11, 2008