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Science News for June 5, 2008


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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceCell Press·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 5, 2008
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.

Researchers observe spontaneous 'ratcheting' of single ribosome molecules

A team of researchers has observed the dynamic, ratchet-like movements of single ribosomal molecules in protein building, revealing a key mechanism for cell survival. The spontaneous back-and-forth rotation between subunits allows the ribosome to advance along messenger RNA as proteins are built.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 5, 2008

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...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalConservation Genetics·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateJun 5, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2008
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 5, 2008
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.

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceWiley·JournalPolicy Studies Journal·DateJun 5, 2008

Pass the popcorn: Blockbuster sequels -- financial boom or bust?

Researchers found that sequels generally outperform non-sequels in the box office, especially when released soon after the original film. However, the number of sequels can impact the current sequel's performance and franchise strength if quality is maintained.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalPetroleum Exploration and Development·DateJun 5, 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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateJun 5, 2008

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.

SourceWiley·DateJun 5, 2008
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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateJun 5, 2008

New research explores role of serotonin

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that low serotonin levels are associated with increased impulsivity, particularly during social interactions. The study suggests that boosting serotonin levels through diet or therapy may help alleviate symptoms of depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2008

Argonne research unveiling the secrets of nanoparticle haloing

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered the structure of nanoparticle haloing, a new method for stabilizing colloids. The discovery reveals that nanoparticles form a loosely organized layer around microspheres, suggesting a weak attraction between the two, and opens up new possibilities for producing novel materials.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalLangmuir·DateJun 5, 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.

Teenagers attending college less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior

According to a University of Washington study, teenagers attending college are significantly less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than those who do not attend college. The study found that college students were more likely to always use a condom and less likely to engage in casual sex or high-risk sex.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 5, 2008

Blindness caused by trachoma should be eliminated by 2020

Trachoma causes blindness in 84 million people worldwide, but progress has been made since 1995 with a decline from 15% to 4% of global blindness. The SAFE strategy's success is attributed to improved socioeconomic conditions and widespread implementation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 5, 2008

Mountain ranges rise much more rapidly than geologists expected

A new study suggests mountain ranges like the Andes can rise rapidly, doubling their heights in a short period. The traditional theory of plate tectonics will need to be revised to include the process of delamination, which proposes that the 'root' beneath the crust heats up and breaks free, allowing mountains to quickly rise.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2008
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.

Tufts researcher leads revision of osteoporosis guidelines

The new Clinician's Guide incorporates the World Health Organization's absolute fracture prediction algorithm (FRAX), increasing the identification of patients at risk for osteoporosis. The guide now applies to men over 50 and post-menopausal non-Caucasian women, including African-Americans, Asians, and Latinas.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJun 5, 2008

Where mathematics and astrophysics meet

Mathematicians Dmitry Khavinson and Genevra Neumann describe how their work on the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra led them to questions in astrophysics, specifically gravitational lensing. Their result resolves a conjecture of Sun Hong Rhie, establishing that the number of zeros of certain rational harmonic functions is 5n - 5.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateJun 5, 2008