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Science News Archive June 2008


Page 17 of 21

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.

Sour comes after a lemon has gone

A Japanese research group identified the PKD1L3-PKD2L1 channel complex as a key player in the sour taste sensation. This 'off-response' mechanism allows humans to detect sour flavors even after the removal of acidic stimuli.

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.

New technology enhances therapeutic potential of cord blood stem cells

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center present pre-clinical data on a CD26 Inhibitor that increases the efficiency and responsiveness of umbilical cord blood for bone marrow transplants. The technology may improve treatment outcomes for blood cancer patients who require stem cell transplantation.

New guidelines for treating resistant hypertension

The American Heart Association recommends modifying lifestyle factors such as reducing salt intake, losing weight, and drinking less alcohol to treat resistant hypertension. Effective treatment also requires better diagnosis of secondary causes and effective use of multiple-drug treatments, including long-acting diuretics and mineraloc...

Weight gain may be healthy when it comes to type 1 diabetes

Researchers found that patients who gained weight over time had lower mortality rates, suggesting that a reasonable amount of weight gain may be a sign of adequate insulin control. The study also found no significant difference in mortality between those with an overweight or normal BMI and those with an underweight BMI.

Adult stem cell findings offer new hope for Parkinson's cure

Researchers have found that adult stem cells from Parkinson's patients' noses can differentiate into dopamine-producing brain cells when transplanted into the brain of a rat. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Circadian math: 1 plus 1 doesn't always equal 2

A new study reveals that short-wavelength light, like natural blue sky light, is highly effective at stimulating the human circadian system. Exposure to multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously can result in less total stimulation compared to viewing individual colors separately, a phenomenon known as spectral opponency.

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.

Crystal clear savings for drug giants

A new technology developed by University of Leeds engineers can monitor crystals as they form in drug manufacture, providing a method to ensure production of desired drug compounds. This can lead to huge delays and costly challenges for drug companies, but the technology has enormous commercial potential.

Militant jihadists are inspired by night dreams, suggests research

A study by Dr. Iain Edgar at Durham University found that militant jihadists often legitimize their actions based on night dreams and connect to a mythical past through these dreams. The research also highlights the significance of understanding night dreams as a tool to assess one's worldview and implicit motivations.

Forum to focus on math and mechanics behind life processes

Scientists gather to present research on using mechanics to study and explain biology, highlighting the role of faint pushes and pulls in cellular signaling. The symposium aims to develop fundamental math and mechanics to understand biological processes like embryo development and growth.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brazil's biotech firms: From imitators to innovators in health-related products

Brazil is transitioning from imitator to innovator in health-related products, with several small and medium-sized enterprises succeeding in developing innovative products. Despite facing challenges such as regulatory barriers and limited access to private equity, Brazil's biotech industry has the scientific capacity to become a major ...

Brain stem cells can be awakened, say Schepens scientists

Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have identified specific molecules that awaken dormant brain stem cells, which can transform into neurons and repair damaged brain tissue. The findings suggest that tapping the brain's regenerative potential may be a promising approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Caltech scientists decipher the neurological basis of timely movement

Researchers have discovered that the brain uses a forward model to generate predictions about future movements, allowing for rapid and accurate control. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of neural prosthetic devices and could one day enable people with paralysis to control their limbs through thought.

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.

Serotonin may affect our sense of fairness, scientists report

A recent study suggests that serotonin levels affect our sense of fairness, leading to increased impulsivity and aggression when unfair offers are made. The findings may help explain social difficulties associated with disorders like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Higher co-payments reduce use of antidepressants

New research from Brandeis University finds that multi-tiered formularies requiring higher copayments for non-preferred medications reduce the use of antidepressants. The study, which analyzed data from a large nonprofit managed care organization, found that out-of-pocket spending increased while health plan spending per user decreased.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

ACCORD clinical trial publishes results

Researchers found that intensively lowering blood sugar to near-normal levels did not significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, but increased the risk of death. The intensive strategy group had a 22% higher risk of death compared to the standard group.

Mystery of infamous 'New England Dark Day' solved by tree rings

Researchers at University of Missouri use tree rings to determine that massive wildfires in Canada caused the infamous 'New England Dark Day' in 1780. The study combines written accounts and fire scar evidence to provide a scientific explanation for this mysterious event.

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.

U of I study shows how to lose weight without losing bone

A new University of Illinois study found that a higher-protein diet with lean meats and low-fat dairy can lead to significant weight loss without compromising bone health. The research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, showed that participants who followed this type of diet experienced stable or even increased bone density.

Duke chemist has new way to tell right from left

A Duke University chemist has created a method to produce synthetic ketone molecules in only one shape, using a faster and more efficient process than previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs with fewer side effects and increased patient safety.

How cell's master transcribing machine achieves near perfection

Pol II selects correct NTPs to add to mRNA chains with exquisite precision, using a kinetic selection mechanism that involves the trigger loop. The study reveals how Pol II discriminates against incorrect NTPs and sheds light on the mechanisms of fidelity in cellular genetic copying machines.

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.

Moores UCSD Cancer Center study links vitamin D, type 1 diabetes

A recent study by Moores UCSD Cancer Center researchers found that populations living near the equator have lower incidence rates of type 1 diabetes, suggesting a strong role for vitamin D in reducing disease risks. The study's findings support the concept of using vitamin D to prevent childhood type 1 diabetes.

Otters reveal their identity

Researchers have developed two new methods to better estimate the numbers of European Otters and their effects on fish farming industries. Genetic analyses of faeces can prove a promising approach in investigating otter populations. The information can be used to ensure effective nature conservation by calculating fish eaten per pond a...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Volcano taming

R.D. Schuiling suggests using dolomite or limestone to react with hot lava, cooling it down and solidifying it, potentially saving thousands of lives and homes during future eruptions. He proposes various methods for deploying these rocks, including helicopter drops and aerial cable systems.

Scientists from Granada develop a new methodology for landfill management

A novel environmental diagnostic method has been designed to quantify landfill environmental impact and adapt to different countries' laws and socioeconomic characteristics. The tool analyzes landfill dynamics and provides a set of environmental indexes to justify Conditioning Plans or Closing Plans.

RAND study finds increase in piracy and terrorism at sea

A RAND study reveals a significant increase in piracy and maritime terrorism, with piracy growing faster and more common than seaborne terrorism. The report calls for U.S. policymakers to expand maritime security measures and encourage industry use of enabling communication technologies.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Ocean life under threat from climate change

Marine ecosystems face significant threats from climate change, including warming temperatures, nutrient supply disruptions, and ocean acidification. The paper calls for increased research funding to better assess these impacts and develop adaptation options.

Niacin's role in maintaining good cholesterol

Researchers found that niacin works by reducing the presence of Beta chain on liver cells, which hinders HDL removal and maintains high plasma HDL levels. This new mechanism explains why niacin is especially beneficial for raising HDL while allowing other cholesterol types to be removed.

A supra new kind of froth

Researchers have discovered that magnetic domains in type-I superconducting lead exhibit patterns similar to everyday froths like soap foam or frothed milk. The team found that suprafroths, a new kind of froth system created by applying a magnetic field, adhere to statistical laws governing the behavior of froths.

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.

Another new wrinkle in treating skin aging

Researchers found that a natural lipid, phosphatidylserine, can prevent collagen reduction and increase MMPs in both natural and UV-induced aging. Topical application of the molecule may be a simple way to slow down skin wrinkling.

Brucella abortus S19 genome sequenced; points toward virulence genes

Researchers have discovered a group of 24 linked to virulence in Brucella abortus strain S19, which has been used as a vaccine for cattle. The study's findings may explain why other strains cause disease and trigger abortion in livestock. This understanding could aid in combating brucellosis and its potential applications in bioterrorism.

Terrorism risk determines homeland security spending

A new study published in Policy Studies Journal reveals that terrorism risk is a positive determinant of Homeland Security funding. The research analyzed DHS funding patterns from 2004 to 2006 and found no evidence of political influence on grant distribution.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How best to treat chronic pain? The jury is still out

Recent studies on pain medicine highlight the need for personalized treatment approaches. Researchers found that opioid therapy often lacks sufficient trial duration to determine its effectiveness for chronic pain sufferers.

New partnership with Petroleum Exploration and Development announced

The partnership aims to spread Chinese scientific knowledge on petroleum exploration to a wider audience, facilitating communication between Chinese and international experts. The journal's strict peer-review process and high rejection rate ensure the publication of high-quality research.

Admiring celebrities can help improve self-esteem

A study published in Personal Relationships found that people with low self-esteem can use parasocial relationships with celebrities to view themselves more positively. These relationships, which involve admiration without actual contact, offer a low-risk alternative to real relationships and can help reduce self-discrepancies.

JCI online early table of contents: June 5, 2008

Researchers have identified cells that initiate infant tumors, developing a new mouse model to identify therapeutic targets. A molecule called IRF4 has been found to control inflammation in the gut, while implanting olfactory ensheathing cells promotes neuroplasticity in stroke models.

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.

Building on pyramids of trash

A Dutch engineer suggests building pyramids from solidified waste to dispose of toxic industrial and domestic waste. This innovative system reduces the risk of toxic materials leaching into groundwater, providing a sustainable solution to waste management.

Talking to cells

Researchers at the University of Nottingham created artificial polymer vesicles that can communicate with bacterial cells using sugar groups. These vesicles transfer information to the cells in the form of dye molecules, opening possibilities for targeted drug delivery and treatment.

Motivation of small business managers affects firm growth

A new study published in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice reveals that the motivation of small business managers has a long-term effect on firm growth. The study found that motivation is a relevant predictor of firm growth, with managers' motivations varying and affecting the growth achieved.