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Science News Archive July 2008


Page 15 of 20

Scientists learn how food affects the brain

A UCLA professor's analysis of over 160 studies reveals that a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can enhance cognitive abilities, protect the brain from damage, and counteract aging. Omega-3s have been shown to improve learning and memory, fight depression and mood disorders, and even support synaptic plasticity.

Big brains arose twice in higher primates

The study found that early fossil members of both the New World and Old World anthropoid lineages had small brain sizes, leading to independent brain size increase in isolated groups. The research provides new insights into the genetic controls on encephalization and its effects on skull growth and shape.

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.

Can microorganisms be a solution to the world's energy problems?

Recent advancements in genome technologies and molecular-biology techniques offer new hope for microbial bioenergy applications. Microbes can convert biomass into useful energy forms, such as methane, hydrogen, or electricity, and capture sunlight to produce liquid fuels.

Pre-earthquake changes detected in the crust

Researchers measured seismic wave speed changes before two small earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault, finding anomalies that occurred hours before the events. The findings suggest a 'stress meter' could provide an indication of imminent earthquakes.

NOAA takes first broad look at soot from ships

Commercial shipping releases 130,000 metric tons of soot annually, with tugboats emitting nearly a gram per kilogram of fuel burned. The high levels are linked to low-quality fuel and poor engine maintenance, contributing to air quality issues near populous urban areas.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flu-infected fly cells reveal dependencies of the virus

Scientists have identified over 100 host genes required by the flu virus for successful infection using a modified flu virus in fly cells. The study reveals a powerful new way to search for antiviral pressure points, which could lead to the development of new drugs.

Discovery of key malaria proteins could mean sticky end for parasite

Researchers have identified eight new proteins that transport the Plasmodium falciparum parasite's 'glue' to the surface of infected red blood cells. Removing one of these proteins prevents infected red blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, suggesting a potential target for new anti-malarial treatments.

Kidney disease linked to lower medication use after heart attack

A study found that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were less likely to use recommended medications after a heart attack, but 1-year adherence rates were similar for both groups. Rates of medication use varied significantly among different types of drugs.

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.

Hepatitis C virus may need enzyme's help to cause liver disease

Researchers discovered that hepatitis C infection causes fatty liver by elevating an enzyme called fatty acid synthase (FAS) in human liver cells. Elevated FAS levels may help determine which patients are at risk of developing life-threatening diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Researchers find new mode of gene regulation in mammals

Researchers at UCSC have identified a novel type of gene regulation in mammals involving hammerhead ribozymes, which control the activity of important immune response and bone metabolism genes. The discovery challenges previous views on gene expression and suggests a more versatile role for RNA molecules.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A short and sweet diagnosis for cancer?

A team of scientists has developed a system to detect potential 'biomarkers' of early forms of cancer by analyzing sugar molecules attached to proteins. The system aims to provide more accurate early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression.

MED-EL's new MAESTRO

MED-EL's new MAESTRO system demonstrates remarkable improvements in music enjoyment, with 91% of clinical investigation subjects reporting that music sounds pleasant with their cochlear implant. The FineHearing technology also provides statistically significant improvements in hearing in noisy environments.

Verbally aggressive mothers direct their children's behavior

Verbally aggressive mothers tend to control their child's behavior during play activities, often using physical negative touch to enforce their will. Children of low-aggressive mothers exhibit less resistance and follow their mother's lead more easily.

10 people killed by new CJD-like disease

Researchers have identified a new form of fatal dementia in 16 Americans, with 10 victims already deceased, characterized by brain damage caused by misfolded protein accumulation, differing from known CJD, prompting genetic and environmental investigation

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.

Flatfish fossils fill in evolutionary missing link

Recent discoveries of flatfish fossils have revealed a gradual evolution of asymmetrical skulls, contradicting Charles Darwin's explanations for the species' unique anatomy. The fossils, dated to the Eocene epoch, show intermediate stages between modern flatfish and their primitive ancestors.

Scripps research scientists reveal key structure from ebola virus

Researchers describe the shape of the Ebola virus spike protein bound to an immune system antibody, providing a major step forward in understanding how the deadly virus works. The structure reveals vulnerable sites that can be exploited to develop potential Ebola virus vaccines or treatments.

Frequent dialysis may benefit but at what cost?

A study suggests that more frequent hemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may improve their quality of life and cut down on hospitalizations. However, the increased costs of delivering hemodialysis may outweigh the benefits unless significant cost reductions are achieved.

A stress meter for fault zones

Researchers measured changes in rock stress affecting seismic wave speed at depths where earthquakes occur, detecting 'preseismic' changes before two earthquakes. The findings could lead to a better understanding of fault-zone stress and improve earthquake prediction.

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.

UC San Diego researchers enhance lithography light sources

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed laser-produced light sources for next generation Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL), which could make the process more efficient, simpler, and cheaper. This breakthrough may lead to advancements in flash memory chips, enabling denser and faster storage.

Male kidneys for men only?

A new analysis of kidney transplant data found that male kidneys function better in men than women, who have a higher risk of rejection. The study, based on almost 200,000 cases, suggests that gender should be considered when allocating donor kidneys.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

River damming leads to dramatic decline in native fish numbers

The study found that physical changes caused by damming have a disproportionate adverse effect on native fish, which are more vulnerable due to their life history differences. The researchers suggest recreating the high-flow, sediment-rich waters of the Colorado River to reverse the decline in native species.

Moon water discovered: Dampens Moon-formation theory

A new study suggests that water on the Moon's surface came from volcanic eruptions over 3 billion years ago, rather than vaporization during its formation. Researchers used advanced techniques to detect tiny amounts of water in lunar samples, revealing a significant amount of water in glass beads.

U-M study: Herceptin targets breast cancer stem cells

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that HER2-positive breast cancers have four to five times more cancer stem cells than HER2-negative cancers. The drug Herceptin was shown to reduce cancer stem cell numbers by 80 percent, targeting and destroying these cells.

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.

Study puts solar spin on asteroid moon formation

Scientists propose that sunlight increases or decreases the spin rate of asteroids, leading to moon formation through material slung off at the equator. This process exposes fresh material at the poles and coalesces into a satellite orbiting its parent.

Room temperature superconductivity

Scientists have discovered the location of doped hole carriers that aggregate in high-temperature superconductors, advancing understanding of how they form pairs. This finding reveals the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity, suggesting that non-superconducting vortex cores may exhibit collective magnetism.

Seasonal programmed brain cell death foiled in living birds

Scientists have discovered that inhibiting an enzyme involved in programmed cell death can protect brain regions from neurodegeneration in living birds. The research has the potential to help develop clinical strategies for treating strokes and human age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia.

Biofuels and biodiversity don't mix, ecologists warn

A new study found that palm oil plantations supported few bird and butterfly species, despite efforts to increase biodiversity. Preserving natural forests was more effective in increasing species richness, but even this approach had a limited impact.

Study points to cocktail therapy for Alzheimer's

A study from MIT researchers found that a dietary cocktail combining omega-3 fatty acid, uridine, and choline improves memory and learning in gerbils. The combination is being tested in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a possible beverage-based treatment for the disease.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Crop management: How small do we go?

Researchers found that increasing sensor grid size from .5 square meters to 5.1 square meters has no significant impact on precision management outcomes. This larger grid requires fewer sensors and makes fertilizer application easier and more cost-efficient for farmers.

The first autism disease genes

Recent advances in autism research have highlighted the importance of genetics in the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Scientists have identified the first autism disease genes, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treatment interventions.

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.

Liver protein associated with type 2 diabetes in older adults

A study found that higher levels of liver protein fetuin-A are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in older adults. The researchers measured fetuin-A levels in 519 diabetes-free individuals aged 70-79 years and found a significant association between fetuin-A and the development of diabetes.

Antidepressants in suicide prevention

Despite controversy over potential side effects on suicidal behaviour, antidepressant use in western countries correlates with declining suicide mortality. Experts like Professor Erkki Isometsä argue for a balanced view of clinical and epidemiological facts to inform treatment decisions.

Self-moisturizing contact lenses, naturally

Researchers at McMaster University have developed self-moisturizing contact lenses using hyaluronic acid, a natural polymer found in the human body. This innovative approach reduces eye dryness and increases wearer comfort, offering a greener alternative to existing synthetic materials.

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.

Iowa State researchers win R&D 100 Award for ethanol project

Researchers have created a microbe-based solution to clean up leftovers from ethanol production, saving producers millions in energy costs. The technology can recycle 80% of the organic material, reducing waste and producing valuable co-products worth $400 million annually.

Improving swine waste fertilizer

Swine waste fertilizer can be improved by altering phosphorus levels in the diet, resulting in slower phosphorus accumulation in soil. This approach reduces excess nutrients that can pollute the environment.

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.

$1.85M US Army contract continues biologically-inspired system security research

A team led by Professor Richard Ford is awarded a $1.85M contract to continue researching biologically-inspired tactical security infrastructure (BITSI) for military computing and disaster relief operations. The project aims to build computers that can protect themselves when under attack, using biological systems as inspiration.

The way to a virus' 'heart' is through its enzymes

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the replication of bluetongue virus, a major economic threat to farming. The 'heart' of the virus lies in its enzymes, which are crucial for initiating and sustaining infection.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Elevated level of certain protein associated with increased risk for diabetes

Researchers discovered a strong association between elevated fetuin-A levels and the development of type 2 diabetes in older adults. The study found that higher fetuin-A levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of diabetes, with the strongest association seen in the third highest quartile of fetuin-A levels.

Can tomatoes carry the cure for Alzheimer's?

Researchers have developed a plant-derived vaccine against Alzheimer's disease using transgenic tomatoes expressing human beta-amyloid protein. The study showed a strong immune response in mice, but the potency of the vaccine needs to be increased.

Does a gene variant make women more prone to alcoholism?

A study by the University of Bonn and Karolinska Institute found that a specific gene variant in women's endorphin metabolism is altered more often in female alcoholics than in healthy women. In mice, endorphins play a crucial role in ethanol consumption, particularly among females.

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.