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Science News Archive March 2008


Page 5 of 19

Partners can help or hinder attempts at changing diet

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that significant others generally play a positive and supportive role in diet changes, with some facilitating the change through their own dietary habits or providing motivation. However, these positive roles varied widely in terms of impact on changers' experie...

The beetle's genome sequenced for the first time

The genome of Tribolium castaneum, a major agricultural pest, has been fully sequenced. This achievement will enable the development of new methods to protect food plants against beetles. The sequencing also provides valuable insights into the biology of other beetle species.

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.

Hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer recurrence

A new study has found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women who have survived breast cancer. The HABITS trial, which followed over 200 breast cancer survivors for four years, found that HRT significantly increased the risk of disease recurrence.

Giant ocean eddy shadows Sydney

A new 300km diameter giant ocean eddy has emerged off the NSW coast, with scientists tracing its birth to last August. The cold water at the new eddy's centre has welled up about 500m from the ocean depths, providing valuable insights into ocean forecasting systems.

Youth's social problems contribute to anxiety and depression

New research suggests that social problems are more likely to contribute to anxiety and depression than the reverse. Children with internalizing problems (anxiety, depressed mood) were more likely to have symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood, while socially competent youth maintained their relationships.

Sewer-gas-induced suspended animation is rapid and reversible

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that low doses of hydrogen sulfide can safely depress metabolism and cardiovascular function in mice, producing a suspended-animation-like state. The effects are reversible and do not depend on reduced body temperature.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Artificial photosynthesis moves a step closer

Researchers at Jülich and Emory University have synthesized a stable inorganic metal oxide cluster that enables the fast and effective oxidation of water to oxygen. This breakthrough could contribute to solving energy and climate problems by producing hydrogen from renewable sources using artificial photosynthesis.

Epilepsy marked by neural 'hub' network

A study from UC Irvine suggests that epilepsy is associated with an abundance of neuron 'hubs' in the brain, which can lead to seizures. These hub networks promote the onset of seizure activity by amplifying brain signals.

Satellites help map soil carbon flux

Scientists integrated remote sensing products with soil science data to quantify soil carbon changes over large regions. The study results in a spatially-explicit carbon accounting framework that can predict future land use and inform enhanced land management data sets.

MRI findings help forecast prostate cancer prognosis

A new study published in Radiology found that MRI detection of extracapsular extension is an important factor in determining outcome for men scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. Patients with substantial extracapsular spread are more likely to experience recurrence and spread of their cancers.

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.

Scientists launch human oral microbiome database

The Human Oral Microbiome Database provides detailed information on the 600 most common mouth bacteria, their role in oral health and general well-being. The database links genetic data to scientific literature and allows for analysis of microbe genomes.

Bilateral agreement to commercialize cargo screening technology

The joint venture aims to develop a new scanner incorporating CSIRO's neutron technology and Nuctech's x-ray systems to detect a wide range of threat items in air freight containers. The scanning technology is designed to be non-intrusive, taking less than one minute to scan an air freight container.

Biosensing nanodevice to revolutionize health screenings

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a biosensing nanodevice that can detect diseases at the single molecule level. The device uses a biological engine to emit a signal when it detects a target DNA, resulting in high sensitivity and portability.

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.

The conflict of reward in depression

A new study using fMRI found that people with depression show increased activation in the anterior cingulate region when anticipating reward, indicating a conflict between processing rewards and punishments. This finding suggests that depression may not be solely the absence of pleasure, but rather an experience of emotional pain or fr...

Radiologists use special MRI to identify brain cancer early

Researchers used perfusion MRI to track changes in blood volume in patients with low-grade gliomas, finding that increased rCBV is an indicator of future malignant transformation. The study suggests that significant changes in rCBV represent an early warning sign of impending malignant transformation.

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.

New approach to measuring carbon in forests

Researchers are developing a new method for measuring forest carbon stores on a large scale using the ECHIDNA instrument. The technique combines ground-based LiDAR data with airborne and spaceborne sensors to provide accurate estimates of forest biomass.

Preterm birth linked to lifelong health issues

A long-term study of over 1 million men and women found that preterm birth contributes to lower educational achievement and higher rates of infertility. The study also found a link between preterm birth and an increased risk of complications in future offspring, with the earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk.

Boeing's Phantom Works arrives in Australia

CSIRO welcomes Boeing's establishment of Phantom Works, a branch of its advanced research organization, to foster innovation and growth. The partnership aims to develop breakthrough technologies in aerospace solutions, including lightweight composite materials and intelligent vehicle health monitoring.

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.

Corn's roots dig deeper into South America

Researchers have discovered evidence of maize consumption in tropical Ecuador dating back over 5,000 years. The findings suggest that corn was a vital food crop for villages in the region, contradicting previous theories that it was only used for ritual purposes.

When should children infected with HIV start medication

The article discusses the controversy surrounding when to initiate antiretroviral treatment in children with HIV. Dr. Steven Welch argues for deferred treatment to avoid poor adherence habits and drug resistance, while Professor Di Gibb advocates for early initiation to prevent disease progression and promote healthy growth.

Toward the ethical treatment of whole genome research participants

A consensus statement provides guidance for whole-genome research participants regarding informed consent, withdrawal, results return, and data public release. The authors emphasize the need for robust governance and oversight mechanisms to protect participants' privacy and autonomy.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New SAI grant aims to shorten testing time of photovoltaic modules

PTL will test concentrator PV systems and work with manufacturers to certify products, develop warranty information, and measure up against industry standards. The goal is to fill a need for reliability tests, subjecting modules to extreme conditions to simulate operational lifetimes.

UH report shows college students making the grade online, in class

A University of Houston report found that students in a 'hybrid class' incorporating instructional technology scored higher on average, with minimal interaction between instructor and professor. Students preferred the self-paced nature of the hybrid class, which also reduced space management issues for large campuses.

'Superdense' coding gets denser

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully transmitted two bits of information using a single photon, overcoming a fundamental limit in classical coding. The breakthrough uses hyper-entangled photons to encode and decode messages, paving the way for more efficient quantum communication.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Too much information? Study shows how ignorance can be influential

Researchers Isabelle Brocas and Juan D. Carrillo present a situation where one party controls public opinion despite having access to the same information as others. This phenomenon, known as 'influence through ignorance,' occurs when power comes from controlling the flow of public information rather than possessing private information.

Social contacts and mixing patterns

A study of 7,290 participants in eight European countries identified patterns of person-to-person contact relevant to controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Statins impair antitumor effects of rituximab and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against B cell lymphoma cells.

MRI: A window to genetic properties of brain tumors

Researchers have shown that MRI can non-invasively characterize brain tumors and determine which are responsive to specific treatments based on their molecular properties. The study identified five distinct MRI features linked with particular gene expression patterns, including those associated with tumor proliferation and growth.

Baby boys are more likely to die than baby girls

A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania reveals that male infants in developed nations are more likely to die than female infants. The disparity has narrowed in recent decades due to medical advancements such as C-sections and intensive care units.

A fly's tiny brain may hold huge human benefits

A University of Missouri researcher found a way to isolate and test genes related to memory by manipulating compounds associated with the fly brain. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease and depression.

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.

Free drug samples may burden patients' pockets

A recent study published in Medical Care found that patients who receive free drug samples have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs than those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 5,700 patients and found that patients receiving samples spent an estimated $244 for a six-month period.

JAMA editor-in-chief comments on Pfizer lawsuit

A recent court ruling supported JAMA and Archives of Internal Medicine in their opposition to Pfizer's subpoena for confidential information regarding COX-2 inhibitors. The subpoenas sought documents related to the decision-making process, but the court ruled that this information was irrelevant to the pending claims.

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.

Birth of an enzyme

Researchers designed an enzyme for a specific reaction using computational design, but the synthetic enzyme was less efficient than naturally occurring ones. However, by allowing the enzyme to undergo 'evolution in a test tube,' they were able to improve its efficiency 200-fold and increase reaction rates by a million-fold.

K-State researchers boost beef jerky safety

Researchers at Kansas State University have validated a new method to destroy pathogens in beef jerky production, making it safer for consumers. The process involves additional drying time at 68 degrees Celsius to ensure both E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella are eliminated.

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.

Insects take a bigger bite out of plants in a higher CO2 world

Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels in soybeans attracted more adult Japanese beetles, Western corn rootworms, and Asian soybean aphids. The study suggests that global environmental change is multifaceted, with increased insect damage due to impaired plant defenses.

Strengthening the tumor-fighting ability of T cells

Activating OX40 protein in mice eliminates existing tumors and prevents new ones from forming, suggesting its potential as an anti-cancer therapy. The approach may mitigate the risk of autoimmune disease, as the mice showed no signs of autoimmunity.

Yang receives AFOSR grant for nanoelectronics research

Yang's project aims to create ultra-high-speed single electron memory devices based on CNTs, which could replace silicon transistors in future electronics. The team will investigate novel in-plane CNT structures for high-speed and low-power applications.

Model offers new understanding of cell signaling

A new mathematical model could revolutionize how scientists study cellular signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective treatments for cancer and other diseases. The model takes advantage of today's computing power to provide a superior tool for understanding the complex interactions between cell signals.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Finely tuned WspRs help bacteria beat body by building biofilm

Researchers have identified a finely tuned control system in Pseudomonas bacteria that enables them to form biofilms, which contribute to chronic infections. The WspR enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, and its regulation helps balance the production of c-di-GMP.