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Science News Archive July 2008


Page 18 of 20

Geologists study China earthquake for glimpse into future

Researchers used a model to study stress changes on faults after the May 12 China earthquake and found heightened rupture likelihood for some faults. The study suggests that potential for failure exists on some faults, but does not predict when or if an earthquake will occur.

Study shows rise in Cornwall's dolphin, whale and porpoise deaths

A study by the University of Exeter reveals a disturbing rise in cetacean strandings off Cornwall's coast, with most incidents attributed to bycatch in marine fisheries. The researchers are calling for increased conservation efforts and regulations to safeguard the future of Cornish cetaceans.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A green solution to biofuel production

A new approach to biofuel production uses plants to make enzymes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The technology, developed by Texas A&M University researchers, can produce multiple products from a single crop, making it a more economically viable option.

Cancer therapies from the ocean?

Scientists have identified marine species that produce compounds interfering with NF-kB, a protein linked to cancer and other diseases. These compounds may allow normal cell death in cancerous cells, while also improving drug delivery to tumors and other targeted areas.

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.

Surrogacy still stigmatized, though attitudes changing among younger women

Research among 187 women from the general population found that younger women are more willing to become surrogate mothers. Women who value families and parenthood are also more likely to be willing to help others become parents. The study aims to overcome stigma by linking surrogacy to positive family values.

Herbal remedy reduces obesity and heart disease?

Researchers have discovered that Tabebuia extract can delay dietary fat absorption in animal models, reducing triglyceride levels. The extract's potential use in treating obesity and associated diseases like type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease is being explored.

Slow exercise (not fast) is better for menopausal women

A new study led by Dr Alexandra Sänger found that slower exercise methods, such as SuperSlow, increase muscle mass and reduce connective tissue, benefiting menopausal women. The results suggest that these exercises may contribute to a better quality of life in old age.

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.

Special horseshoes measure acceleration in horses

Researchers at Wageningen University used special horseshoes to measure accelerations of horses undergoing aquatraining and walking normally, revealing lower impact forces during 'aquatic walking'. However, rising trot may not be as advantageous as previously thought, with similar back extension in both sitting and rising trot.

Topical oral syrup prevents early childhood caries

A recent clinical trial found that xylitol syrup administered daily to toddlers from 6-15 months old significantly reduced tooth decay. The study showed nearly 76% of children in the xylitol group were caries-free, compared to 48% in the control group.

Want to fly? Don't copy the birds and the bees

Researchers find that wing shape and flapping motion are crucial for efficient flight, contradicting the assumption that nature is always efficient. Dr. Jim Usherwood's study suggests that mimicking nature's designs can lead to flawed results, highlighting the importance of understanding aerodynamics in biomimetics.

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.

Novel hydrogel systems for dentin regeneration

Researchers have developed a novel hydrogel system using multidomain peptides as a biomimetic scaffold, enabling the directed differentiation and function of dental stem cells for targeted dentin-pulp complex regeneration. The material provides high control over nanofiber architecture and better chemical functionality.

New therapeutic options for diabetes-related tissue injury

Research reveals that resolvins and protectins, derived from omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, counter-regulate pro-inflammatory signals and promote tissue healing in diabetes. These mediators reverse inflammatory responses in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages, offering potential for new therapeutic options.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanostructures improve bone response to titanium implants

Researchers discovered that nanostructures enhance bone formation on titanium implants as early as 4 weeks after placement. Modifying the size and distribution of nanostructures at the implant surface may lead to faster and more predictable results.

Unique stellar system gives Einstein a thumbs-up

Researchers used a rare double-star system to test Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity, finding that the famed physicist's 93-year-old theory has passed yet another test. The study confirmed that the strong gravity of the neutron stars causes one to wobble or precess.

Funding boost in fight against leukaemia

University of Manchester researchers have received £1.6 million in funding to study a group of genes identified as playing a key role in leukaemia. The grant will help analyze the common mechanisms of action for patient benefit, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.

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.

Microsoft and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev announce agreement

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Microsoft's R&D Center, enabling joint research projects and internships for outstanding students. The partnership aims to create a talented group of programmers and develop next-generation technology innovations.

Mercury's surface dominated by volcanism and iron-deficiency

MESSENGER data reveals widespread volcanism on Mercury's surface, with lava plains and iron-deficient rock units mapped. The spacecraft has identified three major rock units and confirmed an apparent planet-wide iron deficiency in Mercury's surface rocks.

Acidifying oceans add urgency to CO2 cuts

The oceans have absorbed 40% of human-caused carbon dioxide, causing a 0.1-unit drop in surface pH; acidification may harm corals and plankton by mid-century if emissions aren't reduced. Carbon dioxide levels could reach 0.35 units by the mid-21st century if cuts aren't made immediately.

Volcanic activity shaped Mercury after all

Researchers from Brown University have discovered evidence of past volcanic activity on Mercury, suggesting that the planet underwent intense changes to its landscape around 3-4 billion years ago. The findings were made possible by detailed images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft and provide new insights into Mercury's geologic history.

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.

Simian foamy virus found to be widespread among chimpanzees

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from 25 chimpanzee communities and found a range of SFV infection rates from 44% to 100%. The study highlights the importance of understanding cross-species infections in primates and their potential impact on human health.

Potential treatment for TB solves puzzle

Researchers have identified a new target for TB treatment, solving a long-standing puzzle about bacterial cell wall production. The discovery reveals molecules that could be developed into drugs to treat tuberculosis, particularly for multi-drug resistant strains.

Ancient marine invertebrate diversity less explosive than thought

Researchers found that diversity among ancient marine creatures like clams and lobsters showed only a modest rise beginning 144 million years ago. The study contradicts previous work suggesting dramatic increases in diversity, providing insight into future diversity and the impact of global warming.

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.

Brain noise is a good thing

A new study from Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care overturns the notion that brain noise decreases with maturity. Brain maturation leads to more stable and accurate behavior in memory tasks, but also correlates with increased brain signal variability.

Eclipses again prove key for Einstein

Researchers confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity using observations of a unique pulsar system. The discovery shows that one pulsar is 'wobbling' in space, a effect precisely as predicted by Einstein.

Kidney cancer patients given vaccine show no increased survival

A new vitespen vaccine was tested on post-operative kidney cancer patients, but showed no significant improvement in recurrence-free survival. In early stage disease, patients receiving the vaccine had a lower risk of recurrence, but this finding requires further validation.

'Mind's eye' influences visual perception

New research from Vanderbilt University has found that mental imagery--what we see with the "mind's eye"--directly impacts our visual perception. The study, published in Current Biology, discovered that a short-term memory trace formed by imagery can bias future perception.

Nature reserves attract humans, but at a cost to biodiversity

A new study finds that nature reserves in Africa and Latin America attract human settlement, with population growth near protected areas being nearly twice that of neighboring rural areas. The researchers attribute this to economic incentives provided through international aid and donor investment, which stimulate local economies.

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.

Long-term study of middle-aged mice shows

A long-term study shows that resveratrol improves bone health, reduces cataracts and cardiovascular dysfunction, and enhances balance and motor coordination in middle-aged mice. The study also found that resveratrol induces gene expression patterns similar to those induced by dietary restriction.

Prevalence of religious congregations affects mortality rates

Research found that communities with a large number of Catholic and Mainline Protestant churches tend to have lower mortality rates due to their emphasis on community outreach and public charity. In contrast, Conservative Protestant churches often focus on individual relationships with God and may lead to higher mortality rates.

U-M instrument shows what planet Mercury is made of

A University of Michigan instrument on the MESSENGER spacecraft has detected silicon, sodium, sulfur, and water ions around Mercury, suggesting that they were blasted from the surface or exosphere by solar wind. The findings provide a new understanding of Mercury's composition and its interaction with the sun's magnetic field.

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.

Einstein was right, McGill astrophysicists say

Researchers at McGill University confirmed Einstein's prediction that a binary-pulsar system's spin axis should precess due to general relativity. The team observed the unique PSR J0737-3039A/B twin-pulsar system and found that one pulsar's spin axis is indeed precessing as predicted.

Woman aquires new accent after stroke

A woman in southern Ontario acquired a unique Maritime Canadian accent after a stroke, according to a study by McMaster University researchers. Despite intensive speech therapy, the new accent persists, even two years later.

New drugs for Crohn's disease

Researchers are developing new treatments targeting Crohn's disease by blocking autoimmune responses and strengthening the intestinal lining. The goal is to provide more effective options for patients who have lost response to current treatments.

Mimic molecules to protect against plague

Researchers have developed molecules that can mimic Yersinia pestis, a type of plague bacteria, to stimulate the innate immune response and protect against pneumonic plague. These synthetic modified lipid A compounds have been shown to be effective in treating infected animals, with up to 93% survival rate.

Visualizing atomic-scale acoustic wavesin nanostructures

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new technique to visualize high-frequency acoustic waves in nanostructures, such as LED lights. By combining molecular dynamics simulations with terahertz (THz) radiation, they can detect these waves and gain insights into the dynamics of crystals under ultra-high s...

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.

AGU Journal Highlights -- July 3, 2008

Scientists studied carbon export in the deep Arctic Ocean, finding that most particulate organic carbon enters from surrounding continental margins. Meanwhile, research on Venus's magnetic field reveals new structures and turbulence patterns within its induced magnetosphere. Additionally, Antarctic sea ice forms unique, organism-rich l...

Infant formula blocks HIV transmission via breastfeeding

A team of researchers has developed a new infant formula that captures the HIV virus, preventing its transmission through breastfeeding. The formula contains a special strain of probiotic lactobacilli that can survive in hot climates and provides long-lasting protection.

Geologists push back date basins formed, supporting frozen Earth theory

A team of geologists from the University of Florida has found evidence that six major basins in India were formed over a billion years ago, removing an obstacle to the Snowball Earth theory. The discovery also suggests that complex life may have originated hundreds of millions of years earlier than previously thought.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Statins have unexpected effect on pool of powerful brain cells

Researchers discovered that statins increase the development of oligodendrocytes from glial progenitor cells, a crucial reservoir for brain cell customization. The findings suggest potential benefits and risks associated with statin use in brain health and dementia prevention.

Organizing an Earth Systems Science Agency

The article proposes merging NOAA and USGS to create an independent Earth Systems Science Agency (ESSA) to address climate change, freshwater availability, and biodiversity loss. The new agency would have a comprehensive perspective on both environmental and resource systems.