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Science News Archive July 2008 - Page 15


Page 15 of 20

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.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 9, 2008

Pressured proteins: A little pressure in proteomics squeezes 4-hour step into a minute

Researchers found that adding pressure early in their protocol dramatically speeds up proteomic analysis, reducing the time-consuming first step from four hours to just one minute. This breakthrough increases the number of samples that can be analyzed, with the pressure method generating about 10% more unique peptides.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 9, 2008

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.

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

SourceNew Scientist·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 9, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 9, 2008

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.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 9, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2008

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.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 8, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 8, 2008

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News reports on novel hit-to-lead drug discovery

Researchers are developing novel hit-to-lead drug discovery strategies utilizing a combination of high-throughput screening, miniaturization, and advanced data analysis. This approach enables the identification of promising compounds with increased efficiency, leading to faster and more effective disease treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateJul 8, 2008

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 8, 2008

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalBiotechnology Letters·DateJul 8, 2008