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Science News Archive June 2008


Page 20 of 21

Men fighting over women? It's nothing new, suggests research

A mass grave of skeletons in prehistoric Germany reveals that neighboring tribes were prepared to kill their male rivals to secure their women. The researchers found that the local group of skeletons had only men and children, indicating that the adult females were spared execution and captured instead.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Toad research could leapfrog to new muscle model

Researchers are rethinking how muscles work by studying toads' rapid feeding actions. They've discovered that muscles behave like springs, allowing for efficient energy storage and release. This new model could lead to innovations in prosthetics, electric motors, and treatments for Parkinson's disease.

Drinking juice not associated with being overweight in children

A study of 3628 children aged 2-11 found that those who drank 100-percent juice had significantly higher intakes of essential nutrients like vitamins C and B6. In contrast, there was no link between juice consumption and weight status or the likelihood of being overweight.

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.

Complex dynamics underlie bark beetle eruptions

Researchers find that bark beetles' complex dynamics are influenced by tree spacing, local climate, and nearby conditions, leading to devastating forest outbreaks. Human activities like climate change can amplify these eruptions, causing significant economic losses and reducing forests' carbon absorption capabilities.

MIT confirms link between inflammation, cancer

Researchers at MIT have confirmed the long-suspected link between chronic inflammation and increased cancer risk. Chronic stomach inflammation damages DNA, which can lead to mutations that cause cancer. Individuals with poor DNA repair systems may be more susceptible to developing cancer associated with chronic inflammation.

LIGO observations probe the dynamics of the crab pulsar

The study reveals that no more than 4% of energy loss is caused by gravitational waves, disproving a key hypothesis. The analysis provides valuable information about the pulsar and its structure, shedding light on the role of gravitational waves in its dynamics.

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.

New kidney protein speeds/improves the diagnosis of failing kidneys

Researchers have discovered a new kidney protein, NGAL, that can diagnose sudden kidney failure days sooner than current tests. A simple urine test for NGAL can help emergency department physicians accurately diagnose kidney failure and make evidence-based treatment decisions.

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.

People more likely to overestimate their credit quality

A study by Vanessa Gail Perry found that those who overestimated their credit ratings had lower incomes, less formal education, and were less likely to own their homes. People more likely to overestimate their credit quality tend to be minority consumers with less financial experience.

Kinship care more beneficial than foster care

A new study found that kinship care provides protective value in terms of well-being and stability for children in out-of-home care. Three years after placement, nearly two-thirds of children in kinship care were in long-lasting settings with family, compared to only a third in foster care.

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.

Study examines risk factors for development of eating disorders

A study analyzing data from 6,916 girls and 5,618 boys found that risk factors for binge eating and purging vary between sexes and age groups. Frequent dieting and media pressure were key predictors of binge eating in females, while negative weight comments from fathers were linked to starting to binge eat in males.

Weizmann Institute scientists find new 'quasiparticles'

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have created 'quasiparticles' with a fraction of an electron's charge, which could enable powerful yet stable quantum computers. The discovery was made using an extremely precise setup and unique material properties.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for June 3, 2008

A database review of 101,832 critically ill patients found that ICU patients managed by critical care specialists had higher mortality rates. In contrast, a review of 66 trials on salmeterol added to inhaled corticosteroids for asthma did not alter the risk for asthma-related hospitalizations or deaths.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

USC researchers identify gene that regulates glucose levels

Researchers at USC identified a gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels, providing new insights into blood sugar regulation. The study found that genetic variation in the G6PC2 gene may be responsible for reducing insulin secretion and increasing glucose concentrations.

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.

Friends by chance?

Researchers found that sitting in neighboring seats due to random seat assignments led to higher friendship intensity ratings one year later. This counterintuitive finding suggests that friendships may not be as deliberate as thought.

BP funds energy scholarships for K20 scholars

The University of Oklahoma's K20 Scholars program receives a $135,000 contribution from BP to support high school graduates pursuing energy-related degrees. The program offers four-year scholarships, service-learning projects, and research experiences, aiming to increase the number of students in science and engineering fields.

Unravelling the mystery of the kitty litter parasite in marine mammals

A study by California Polytechnic State University researchers has linked Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite typically associated with cats, to marine mammal deaths worldwide. The team discovered that northern anchovies may be spreading the parasite through the ocean's filter-feeding mechanism, posing a potential transmission risk to mammals.

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.

Expressing feelings after trauma not necessary, research shows

Researchers found that individuals who chose not to express thoughts and emotions about traumatic events reported fewer diagnosed physical and mental disorders over time. The study suggests that a universal approach to trauma counseling may be unwarranted and could result in misappropriation of resources.

Long-term cannabis users may have structural brain abnormalities

Research found that long-term cannabis users may have structural brain abnormalities, with the hippocampus and amygdala being affected. The study suggests heavy daily use of cannabis might be toxic to human brain tissue, highlighting the need for further research.

Study finds circumcision safe in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men

A new study published in PLOS Medicine has found that circumcision is safe for both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men, with a low risk of moderate or severe surgical complications. The study also highlights the importance of refraining from intercourse after circumcision to prevent transmission of HIV to women partners.

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.

A genetic marker for nearsightedness? Update on vitamins and AMD

A new study found strong evidence for a genetic marker on chromosome 5 linked to nearsightedness, which explains 80% of axial length variations. The research also highlights the importance of using vitamins and minerals correctly to prevent AMD vision loss in patients.

Waiting room gadget may prove to be a life-saver

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a computerized behavioral screening system called Health eTouch, which found that adolescents who received immediate results were more likely to be identified as having problems by their pediatrician, with 68% vs. 52% for delayed results

More than sunblock required to protect kids while mowing lawns

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, along with medical societies, warns that children should be at least 12 years old to operate lawn mowers and wear protective gear. Serious injuries from lawn mower accidents can lead to devastating consequences, including reconstructive surgeries.

New barn swallow study reveals image makes the bird

A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that artificially coloring the breast feathers of male barn swallows increased their testosterone levels, challenging the traditional view that internal processes determine external features. The study suggests a dynamic system where physical appearance affects physiology.

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.

Researchers identify proteins making up mechanosensitive ion channels

Scientists have identified two proteins, MSL9 and MSL10, responsible for mechanosensitive ion channel activities in plant roots. These proteins govern the flow of ions into and out of the cell in response to mechanical forces like gravity or pressure. The discovery sheds light on how plants respond to physical forces.

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.

Human Genomics and Proteomics

Human Genomics and Proteomics is an open-access journal publishing original and review articles on human genomics and proteomics. The journal's affiliation with the FINDbase database provides a platform for discussing research on personalized medicine, systems biology, and genetic disorders across various populations worldwide.

Astronomers weigh the coldest brown dwarfs with astronomy's sharpest eyes

Researchers have determined the masses of the coldest class of brown dwarfs for the first time outside the solar system. The team used ultrasharp images from the Keck Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to measure the sizes and durations of binary systems, revealing two new brown dwarf binaries with masses as low as 6% of the sun's mass.

Hayfever hope

A daily dose of probiotic can modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever. This change was observed in a pilot study with small numbers of patients, but it may not have an immediate effect on symptoms.

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.

Weizmann Institute scientists show quantum systems could flout physics law

Researchers found that frequent temperature measurements can alter the behavior of quantum systems, allowing them to heat up when hotter than the bath and cool down when colder. This effect is due to decoupling from the heat bath during measurement, introducing energy into the system and altering its temperature.

Salmonella in garden birds responsive to antibiotics

Researchers found that only two strains of Salmonella are common in garden birds, which are sensitive to antibiotics. This contrasts with the more resistant strains found in livestock and humans, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to infection control.

Scientists edge closer to unlocking secrets of mysterious Crab Pulsar

Researchers with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory Scientific Collaboration have ruled out emission of gravitational waves as a cause for the Crab Pulsar's spin braking. The study found that no more than 4% of the pulsar's energy loss is attributed to gravitational wave emission.

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.

Is tap water safe for expectant mothers?

A study published in Environmental Health found that drinking tap water disinfected by chlorine while pregnant may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Exposure to high levels of chlorination by-products was associated with a significant increased risk of ventricular septal defects, cleft palate, and anencephalus.

Genes may determine which smoking cessation treatment works best

Researchers identified genetic variants that influence treatment outcome for smoking cessation treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion. These variants may help tailor treatment to individual smokers, increasing the likelihood of success.

Bunk beds pose dangers to kids and adults

A nationwide study found an estimated 572,580 bunk bed-related injuries during a 16-year period, resulting in nearly 36,000 cases annually. The majority of injuries occurred among males and children younger than 6 years old, with fractures being the third most common injury.

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.