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Science News for March 5, 2008


Rusty worms in the brain

Researchers found that transferrin protein aggregates into wormlike fibrils, releasing rust-like iron particles. These particles may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases by forming toxic free radicals and destroying nerve cells.

SourceWiley·DateMar 5, 2008

Mars and Venus are surprisingly similar

The Mars Express and Venus Express spacecraft reveal that the two planets' atmospheres are stripped away into space due to solar wind interactions. The similarity in magnetic field structure between the two planets suggests a shared ionosphere density at high altitudes.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateMar 5, 2008

Mother-daughter conflict, low serotonin level may be deadly combination

New University of Washington research suggests that negative mother-daughter relationships and low serotonin levels in adolescents may be linked to self-harming behaviors. The study found that these two factors combined account for 64% of the difference between adolescents who engage in self-harming behaviors and those who do not.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMar 5, 2008

Hibernation-like behavior in Antarctic fish -- on ice for winter

Scientists discovered an Antarctic fish species that enters a dormant state similar to hibernation to conserve energy during the long winter. The study showed that the fish reduces its metabolic rate even when seawater temperature doesn't decrease, suggesting alternative drivers for this behavior.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 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.

Nanorings

Scientists have developed a method to produce rigid DNA nanorings with a tailored gap, allowing for the incorporation of functional molecules. The rings can be equipped with desired properties, such as anchors that precisely bind them to other components.

SourceWiley·DateMar 5, 2008

Secrets of cooperation between trees and fungi revealed

The genetic code of the Laccaria bicolor fungus has been fully sequenced, revealing new insights into its symbiotic relationship with trees. The study identifies key genes that facilitate nutrient uptake and protect against parasites, while also enabling communication between the fungus and tree.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2008

Study finds bacteria may reduce risk for kidney stones

Researchers have discovered a link between the bacteria Oxalobacter formigenes and a reduced risk of recurrent kidney stones. The study found that O. formigenes can metabolize oxalate, reducing the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation by up to 70%.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 5, 2008

Sensor necklace aims to increase elderly and clinical trial participant drug compliance

Researchers have designed a sensor necklace called MagneTrace that records the exact time and date when specially-designed pills are swallowed, helping to increase drug compliance and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs. The device can notify both the patient and their doctor if prescribed dosage is not taken at the proper time.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateMar 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.

New study sheds light on excessive drinking among the elderly

A new study from Brandeis University reveals that 1 in 10 elderly adults on Medicare consume more alcohol than recommended, with 9% engaging in unhealthy drinking habits. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of this often-missed issue and consider individual factors when assessing risk.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 5, 2008

Scientists identify origin of hiss in upper atmosphere

Researchers at UCLA have solved a 40-year-old puzzle by identifying the source of intense radio waves in the Earth's upper atmosphere that control the dynamics of the Van Allen radiation belts. The chorus wave type is found to energize electrons and was initially thought unrelated to hiss.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2008

Researchers identify genetic variation to predict initial response to warfarin

Researchers identified a genetic variation in the VKORC1 gene that determines a patient's initial sensitivity to warfarin treatment. The study found that only variations of VKORC1 predict response within the first week of therapy, which could lead to better warfarin dosing and increased safety.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

Future 'quantum computers' will offer increased efficiency ... and risks

Researchers have made a unique discovery that could lead to the development of quantum computers, which would render current encryption technologies useless. The breakthrough involves controlling quantum tunneling in molecular magnets, allowing for faster and more efficient computation.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 5, 2008

New method to estimate sea ice thickness

Scientists developed a new model to estimate sea ice thickness, using historical observations and environmental data analysis. The study shows that average ice thickness and total ice volume fluctuated together during the early period, peaking in the late 1980s before declining until the mid-1990s.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMar 5, 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.

Gladstone scientists identify role of tiny RNAs in controlling stem cell fate

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified two microRNAs, miR-1 and miR-133, which play a crucial role in controlling the differentiation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells into cardiac muscle. These findings provide insight into fine-tuning cellular processes and may lead to new treatments for heart-related diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 5, 2008

Pacemaker tune-up works chemical wonders on damaged hearts in dogs

Researchers found that pacemakers not only mechanically correct irregular heartbeats but also produce chemical changes that benefit the heart muscle. Studies in dogs with congestive heart failure showed significant improvements in protein levels and activity, reducing cell death and fibrosis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateMar 5, 2008

Leukemia therapy with imatinib during pregnancy may cause infant abnormalities

A study suggests that expectant women treated with imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may be at moderate risk of developing fetal abnormalities. The majority of pregnancies resulted in normal live infants, but some were born with congenital abnormalities, including exomphalos, renal agenesis, and hemivertebrae.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateMar 5, 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.

Secondhand smoke a risk for children worldwide

A global study found that 82 percent of parents who smoked reported smoking around their children, exposing them to high levels of secondhand smoke. Hair nicotine levels were detected in 78 percent of children living with a smoker and 59 percent without, highlighting the need for improved public awareness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 5, 2008

Cellular construction methods emulated

The Dutch team used two types of self-aggregating compounds: surfactants and gelators. They formed aggregates that coexisted without interfering with each other, resulting in complex structures with separate compartments. This orthogonal self-aggregation enables the creation of versatile compartmentalized systems.

SourceWiley·DateMar 5, 2008

New technique takes a big step in examination of small structures

Researchers have achieved images of a virus in detail two times greater than previously achieved using single-particle electron cryomicroscopy. This breakthrough provides valuable information for developing disease treatments and allows for the study of tiny biological machines found throughout our bodies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2008

UCLA researchers find blood stem cells originate and are nurtured in the placenta

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the origin of blood stem cells, finding that they are generated in the placenta. The study's findings may allow for the growth of blood stem cells in cell culture, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like leukemia and aplastic anemia. By understanding how blood stem ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 5, 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.

Key component of Earth's crust formed from moving molten rock

A team of Cornell researchers has developed a computer model that explains how granulite, a fine-grained metamorphic rock, forms in the Earth's crust. The model reveals that granulite can form at various depths but at similar temperatures as melted rock migrates up through the crust.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2008

Stanford biologist awarded 2008 Sophie Prize in Norway

Gretchen Daily, a Stanford University biologist, has been recognized by the Sophie Foundation for her groundbreaking work blending economics and ecology. Her research focuses on quantifying the economic value of ecosystems and promoting conservation through practical applications.

SourceStanford University·DateMar 5, 2008

Warmer springs mean less snow, fewer flowers in the Rockies

Research by David Inouye shows that warmer springs in the Rockies are causing three common wildflowers to bloom less due to late frost damage. This can have significant impacts on ecosystem dynamics, as these plants provide food for various insects and animals, which may disappear if they vanish.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateMar 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.

Type 2 diabetes may be caused by intestinal dysfunction

A new study proposes that intestinal dysfunction, specifically in the upper small intestine, may be the source of Type 2 diabetes. Surgical bypass operations can reverse this abnormality, leading to diabetes remission.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 5, 2008

Physics breakthrough much ado about 'nothing'

Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully stored and retrieved a special type of vacuum, known as a squeezed vacuum, using rubidium atoms. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum computing and information exchange, enabling the creation of ultra-secure codes for transmitting sensitive information.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2008

University of Colorado at Boulder awarded $1 million for biofuels research

The University of Colorado at Boulder has received a $1 million grant from the USDA and DOE to develop solar-thermal biomass-to-gas conversion systems. The three-year project will use concentrated sunlight to convert biomass into synthesis gas, which can be easily converted into hydrogen or liquid fuels.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateMar 5, 2008

Awkward! New study examines our gazes during potentially offensive behavior

A new study examines how our gazes shift towards potentially offended individuals, revealing a complex interplay of social identity, possible reactions, and assessment of the situation. The researchers found that participants fixated on the Black discussant four times longer when they believed he could hear what was being said.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 5, 2008

Brown-led study rearranges some branches on animal tree of life

A Brown-led study uses genomics tools to reorganize the animal phylogenomic research project, clarifying relationships between major groups and offering surprises. Comb jellyfish diverged from other animals even before sponges, questioning the root of the animal tree.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2008
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.

A new more effective tuberculosis screening test for HIV victims

A new TB screening test based on ELISPOT test has shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting latent TB infection in HIV-infected individuals. The test was compared to the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST) and found to be more sensitive, but its effectiveness in severely immunosuppressed individuals remains unclear.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2008

New revelations in epigenetic control shed light on breast cancer

Researchers at EMBL discovered that estrogen causes rapid epigenetic changes in breast cancer cells, challenging the long-held assumption of methylation as a mechanism of long-term gene regulation. This cyclical nature of methylation may shed light on the molecular bases of cancer and development.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2008

Slow slip and slide dynamics

A UM Marine geology and geophysics student has been awarded the prestigious MARGINS Student Prize for her research on slow slip and slide dynamics in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Her study revealed a 'slow slip event', where energy is released over several weeks instead of seconds, sparing damage to the surface environment.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateMar 5, 2008

UF researchers warn parents about dangers of childhood foot burns

Pediatric foot and ankle burns are a common risk in the southeastern United States due to warm weather activities. According to UF researchers, most injuries occur when children walk on hot ashes, coals, and embers without proper footwear or parental supervision.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateMar 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.

Arthritis medications reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes

Researchers analyzed data from the QUEST-RA study, which included 4,363 patients from 48 sites in 15 countries. The study found that treating rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to 18%.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 5, 2008

Lowly Icelandic midges reveal ecosystem's tipping points

A new study reveals that the slightest environmental perturbation can tip an ecosystem's balance, with unpredictable and irreversible consequences. Icelandic midges provide a unique model to assess these dynamics, highlighting the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of understanding their responses to human-induced changes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2008

Epigenetic regulation by the MMB/dREAM complex

The MMB/dREAM complex, composed of Myb and E2F2-RB proteins, epigenetically regulates expression of the Polo kinase in Drosophila. Disruptions to this pathway are associated with human cancers and may lead to similar epigenetic changes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 5, 2008

Nanoswitches toggled by light

Researchers discovered ultrafast electron microscopy reveals switchable nanochannels in copper and TCNQ crystals. These micromaterials stretch under laser pulses, exhibiting reversible optomechanical phenomena useful for nanoelectronic applications.

SourceWiley·DateMar 5, 2008
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.