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Science News Archive July 2008 - Page 8


Page 8 of 20

Closing the hydrogen economic loop

Ovshinsky explains that we have the means to produce hydrogen from renewable resources in a sustainable way and store it effectively. This technology enables the entire loop of hydrogen generation, storage, and use to be carried out now.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nuclear Hydrogen Production and Applications·DateJul 21, 2008

WikiPathways gives the people the power to curate

The new resource allows users to view, store, and edit biological pathway information, leveraging collective expertise to facilitate content collection and curation. WikiPathways provides a wealth of annotated information, maximizing the value of biological data and supporting future hypotheses and discoveries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 21, 2008
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.

Epilepsy drug may increase risk of birth defects

A study found that taking topiramate alone or with other epilepsy drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, particularly cleft palates and genital birth defects. The study suggests monitoring pregnancies of women exposed to topiramate.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 21, 2008

Outdoor enthusiasts scaring off native carnivores in parks

A new study by conservation biologists from the University of California, Berkeley found that parks with public access have significantly lower populations of native carnivores such as coyotes and bobcats. The researchers believe that human disturbance may be driving these animals away from heavily visited areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalConservation Letters·DateJul 21, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Viral recombination another way HIV fools the immune system

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that HIV can escape the immune system by exchanging genetic information with other strains, leading to more potent strains. This mechanism, known as superinfection, can cause rapid increases in viral levels and poses a challenge for vaccine design.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2008

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing may reduce wrinkles over long term

A study published in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery found that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing can improve facial wrinkles over the long-term, with a 45% improvement rate. However, some patients experienced complications such as hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJul 21, 2008

Researchers find key to saving the world's lakes

A 37-year experiment on Lake 227 found that controlling nitrogen levels does not correct polluted lakes and may exacerbate the issue. The study's results contradict EU practices and previous research, highlighting the severity of cultural eutrophication globally.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Ultrasonic frogs can tune their ears to different frequencies

Researchers discovered an unusual frog species that can actively select sound frequencies, tuning in to specific sounds like a radio. The 'Odorrana tormota' frog's eardrums respond differently depending on the Eustachian tubes' opening state, allowing it to filter out background noise and focus on ultrasonic calls.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008
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.

Microbes beneath sea floor genetically distinct

Researchers discovered that microbes beneath the sea floor are genetically distinct and dominate life's biomass, with a unique metabolism and slow growth rate. The study found that these microbes could survive major Earth impacts and potentially be a reservoir of novel genetic material.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Plants make vaccine for treating type of cancer in Stanford study

Researchers developed an injectable vaccine grown in genetically engineered plants to treat follicular B-cell lymphoma, a chronic and incurable disease. The plant-grown vaccines lack side effects and could allow earlier, more aggressive management of the cancer.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Montreal researchers prove that insulin-producing cells can give rise to stem-like cells in-vitro

Montreal researchers have shown that insulin-producing β-cells can dedifferentiate into stem-like cells, a key finding with implications for regenerative therapies and the development of innovative treatments. The study's results validate the potential of a peptide called INGAP to induce new islet formation in the pancreas.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateJul 21, 2008
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.

Discovery of a mechanism that regulates cell movement

A study reveals a mechanism that controls cell adhesion and movement in tissues, which may be defective in diseases like cancer. The research found that the amount of adhesive protein E-Cadherin is controlled by its trafficking inside cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 20, 2008

The genetics of the white horse unraveled

A study by Uppsala University has identified the genetic mutation responsible for white horses' coats and found a link to an increased risk of melanoma. The dominant Greying with age mutation is shared among Grey horses, suggesting a common ancestor lived thousands of years ago.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 2008
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.

Class of antibiotics can enhance gene-silencing tool

Emory University researchers have discovered that fluoroquinolone antibiotics can enhance the effectiveness of RNA interference, a gene-silencing technique, in laboratory settings. The most powerful enhancer was enoxacin, which has been used to treat bacterial infections.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 20, 2008

Stem cell chicken and egg debate moves to unlikely arena: the testes

A team of scientists at the Salk Institute found that specialized testis niche cells in fruit flies originate from adult stem cells. This breakthrough has implications for regenerative medicine, aging research, and cancer therapeutics. The study suggests that once a fly becomes an adult, some stem cells can replace their supporting nic...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2008
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.

Saharan dust storms sustain life in Atlantic Ocean

Researchers found that Saharan dust storms provide essential iron minerals, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-poor regions. This discovery sheds light on how the Atlantic Ocean supports plant growth despite being referred to as an 'ocean desert',

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 18, 2008

Sorry, Charlie, you and Nemo aren't the only fish that talk

A new study maps brain cells in midshipman fish larvae to reveal the neural network behind sound production in vertebrates. This research sheds light on the evolutionary origins of human verbal communication and social behavior, linking it to ancient fish species.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2008

Latest large grant announcement

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded four large grants to researchers addressing significant social and economic challenges. The grants will support investigations into business taxation, health inequalities, time use, and emotional regulation.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 18, 2008

Studies refute common stereotypes about obese workers

New research from Michigan State University found that overweight and obese adults are not significantly less conscientious, emotionally stable, or socially agreeable than their normal-weight colleagues. Employers are urged to prevent weight-based stereotypes in hiring and employment decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGroup & Organization Management·DateJul 18, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Coffee and cigarette consumption are high among AA attendees

A study found that AA attendees drink more coffee than the general population and smoke to reduce depression, anxiety, and irritability. Coffee consumption may also have health benefits, including reducing the risk of death from suicide and certain cancers.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJul 18, 2008

Researchers grow human blood vessels in mice from adult progenitor cells

Researchers successfully grew functional human blood vessels in mice using adult human donor cells, creating a new model for tissue engineering. The study used a combination of two types of progenitor cells to form a small ball of healthy blood vessels, with the ability to rapidly grow two-layered vessels without embryonic stem cells.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 18, 2008
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.

Loud music can make you drink more, in less time, in a bar

A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that loud music in bars increases drinking behavior. The research, conducted by Nicolas Guéguen and his colleagues, discovered that high sound levels led to increased drinking within a shorter time frame.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJul 18, 2008

Averting postsurgical infections in kids: Give antibiotics within hour before first incision

A Johns Hopkins study found that giving children preventive antibiotics within one hour of spinal surgery significantly reduces the risk of serious infections. The study, published in Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, suggests that timely prophylaxis is crucial in preventing complications and reducing hospital stays.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateJul 18, 2008

CSHL scientists correlate enzyme expression levels with chemotherapy drug response

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified Top2A and Top1 enzymes as significant contributors to chemotherapy drug resistance. The team developed a novel screening technique to investigate the genetic basis of cancer therapy response, which could be applied widely to explore genetic mechanisms underlying drug resistance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2008

ASBMB taps 8 scientists for top awards

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has selected eight scientists for its annual awards competition, recognizing their contributions to science. The award winners include David Davies, John Kuriyan, Sarah Spiegel, Susan Lindquist, Douglas Rees, Phillip Zamore, Sandra Schmid, and Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2008
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

iTunes allows radiologists to save, sort and search personal learning files

Researchers found iTunes can efficiently manage PDF files for radiologists, providing richer information than conventional textbooks. The study's lead author, Li Jun Qian, MD, discovered that drag-and-drop functionality allows users to easily search, rate, and organize articles.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 18, 2008

Molecular hula hoop

Japanese researchers successfully observed individual molecular rotors caught in motion using a novel microscopy technique. The study focused on rotaxanes, two-part molecular systems that rotate around an axis, revealing rapid rotational and vibrational motion when wet.

SourceWiley·DateJul 18, 2008

HIV conquers immune system faster than previously realized

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that HIV-1 cripples the immune system earlier than previously believed, with significant cell death occurring within five to seven days after infection. The study suggests a new approach to vaccine design, requiring multiple arms of the immune system to be activated and targeted.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 18, 2008
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Standards in stem cell research

New research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council explores standards in stem cell research, balancing scientist autonomy with data comparability. The study suggests that standardizing practices could lead to automation technologies, but also raises concerns about exclusivity and robustness.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 18, 2008

Elderly falls cut by 11 percent with education and intervention

Researchers at Yale University found that fall prevention educational campaigns and interventions can reduce elderly falls by 11%, resulting in fewer hip fractures and head injuries. The study suggests that embedding fall risk assessment and management into clinical practice can lead to significant cost savings.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 17, 2008

$10.9M NCI grant for studies of virus cancer models

A team of researchers at Ohio State University received a $10.9M NCI grant to investigate how retroviruses cause cancer in white blood cells. The five-year project aims to define critical biological events that control lymphocyte alteration and identify therapeutic targets.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateJul 17, 2008

Iceberg scour affects biodiversity

A new study suggests that iceberg scouring in Antarctic waters is increasing, posing a significant threat to marine life. The duration of winter sea ice has dramatically declined over the past few decades, leading to more frequent iceberg disturbances on the seabed.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2008
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.

Bullying-suicide link explored in new study by researchers at Yale

A new review of studies from 13 countries found connections between bullying and suicidal thoughts among children, with victims two to nine times more likely to report suicidal thoughts. Perpetrators also face increased risk for suicidal behaviors.

SourceYale University·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·DateJul 17, 2008

Scientists demonstrate the sharpest measurement of ice crystals in clouds

Researchers have created an instrument designed to determine the shapes and sizes of tiny ice crystals in high-altitude clouds down to the micron level. This data is expected to help improve computer models used to predict climate change by better understanding the influence of clouds on global warming or cooling.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 17, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Heart attack not a death sentence

A study published in Critical Care journal found that patients who survive cardiac arrest without severe neurological disabilities can expect fair long-term survival and good quality of life. The allocation of resources to treat heart attack patients is equally justified as other intensive care patient groups, according to the research.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJul 17, 2008

Reclaimed wastewater benefits Florida's citrus orchards

Using reclaimed wastewater for irrigation shows few detrimental effects on citrus trees, with improved appearance and fruit crop ratings. This sustainable practice reduces the need for groundwater withdrawal and minimizes environmental pollution.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 17, 2008

Super-resolution X-ray microscopy

The novel microscope combines high penetration power with spatial resolution, allowing for the detailed composition of semiconductor devices and cellular structures to be analyzed. This breakthrough technique has far-reaching implications for improving semiconductor production and life science microscopy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2008
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.