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Science News Archive March 2008


Page 7 of 19

SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences launches

The SIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences (SIIMS) focuses on conceptually new ideas in imaging science, combining mathematics and applications. The journal aims to shape the future of this exciting area by reporting fundamental advances.

'Jumping gene' may contribute to a premature aging syndrome

Researchers have discovered a fusion protein that may contribute to Cockayne syndrome, a debilitating disorder marked by premature aging and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that the CSB gene's continued expression of CSB-related proteins or protein fragments plays a crucial role in the disease's development.

Counselors should target discrimination and be advocates for transgender clients

A new study by University of Oregon doctoral students calls on psychologists and vocational counselors to not only treat but also act as advocates for their transgender clients. The research highlights the need for social advocacy work, improving antidiscrimination policies, and providing resources to address workplace difficulties.

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.

Nanoscience will change the way we think about the world

The review article reveals that nanominerals exhibit a range of physical and chemical properties depending on size and shape, influencing earth systems in complex ways. This shift in understanding has significant implications for fields like environmental science and geology.

Motor neuron disease and toxic substances: Possible link?

A team of University of Michigan scientists has identified a possible link between genetic mutations and toxic substance exposure in the development of motor neuron disease. The study found that abnormal protein changes caused by organophosphate exposure may contribute to the disease, offering new leads for diagnosis and treatment.

A stronger heart with flavonoids

A study by Catholic University - Campobasso confirms flavonoids' beneficial effects on human health, particularly on the heart. The research found that rats fed an anthocyanin-rich diet were more resistant to myocardial infarction.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plant gene clusters for natural products

Researchers have identified a plant gene cluster that produces a triterpene compound, previously unknown in plants. The study reveals how plants can assemble beneficial gene clusters to produce valuable natural products.

Mantis shrimp vision reveals new way that animals can see

Researchers have discovered that mantis shrimp can perceive circular polarized light, a previously unknown visual system. This ability is thought to be used for sex-specific communication and may provide a private channel of communication unavailable to predators and competitors.

Eye test peers into heat-related multiple sclerosis symptoms

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new tool to study the mysterious link between body temperature and multiple sclerosis symptoms. By tracking eye movements, they found that as body temperature rises, eye movement disorders worsen in people with MS.

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.

'Designer enzymes' created by chemists at UCLA, U. of Washington

The research successfully created designer enzymes for a chemical reaction known as the Kemp elimination, a non-natural chemical transformation in which hydrogen is pulled off a carbon atom. The researchers also designed an active site for the aldol reaction, involving at least six chemical transformations.

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.

Tug of war in the cells

In a tug-of-war-like mechanism, opposing motor teams determine the direction of cargo transport in cells. The winning team transports cargo quickly, while losing motors are removed from the microtubule.

Asthma medicines often not prescribed as national guidelines recommend

Despite national guidelines for asthma treatment issued in 1997, many patients still do not receive prescription inhalers for the safest and most effective long-term control of the disease. Researchers found that elderly and minority patients were less likely to be prescribed long-acting controller medications.

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.

Ancient lemur's little finger poses mystery

Analysis of ancient Hadropithecus stenognathus hand bones reveals a novel joint configuration on the little finger, differing from other primates. The discovery highlights the diversity of lemurs that existed over 2,000 years ago.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stopping a deadly killer

The University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research has received a $11.4 million grant to study tuberculosis using new imaging technologies. The goal is to develop more effective treatments that can be tailored to individual patients, potentially improving survival rates and curtailing the global TB epidemic.

Coming soon: Cell therapies for diabetes, cancer?

Researchers are exploring stem cell transplants to provide insulin cells for a bioartificial pancreas, addressing the shortage of human pancreatic islet tissue. They also aim to target and destroy cancer stem cells to improve therapies and develop reversible immortalized cell lines.

Hispanics with clogged arteries at greatest risk of stroke, heart attack

A study published in Neurology found that Hispanics with even small amounts of plaque build-up in the carotid artery are up to four times more likely to suffer or die from a stroke or heart attack. The study also highlights the importance of measuring plaque thickness by ultrasound as a simple tool for guiding stroke prevention therapies.

Spotting the next GM-like controversy before it happens

UK scientists identify 25 new biodiversity threats and opportunities until 2050, prioritizing research to mitigate surprise issues like GM crops. Horizon scanning aims to inform policy decisions, cutting the need for last-minute fixes on foreseeable problems.

Stanford researchers developing 3-D camera with 12,616 lenses

Stanford researchers are developing a 3D camera with 12,616 tiny lenses to produce detailed depth maps, enabling applications such as facial recognition, biological imaging, and 3D printing. The technology has the potential to improve spatial vision for robots and enable new tasks beyond human capabilities.

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.

Less can be more, for plant breeders too

Researchers have developed a tool to rapidly silence specific genes in rice, enabling faster breeding and improved crop performance. This breakthrough uses artificial miRNAs to target and disable genes of interest, with potential applications in hybrid seed production and enhanced resistance to pathogens and insects.

Scientists see Norwalk virus' Achilles heel

Researchers at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron have determined the structure of the enzyme responsible for the Norwalk virus's genetic replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs that can effectively treat outbreaks of this highly contagious and untreatable bug.

Research on consequences: Hyperactive girls face problems as adults

A study found that hyperactive girls are more likely to experience serious adjustment problems in adulthood, including smoking, poor job performance, and abusive relationships. The research suggests that early intervention programs targeting hyperactivity in elementary school may be crucial in preventing these issues.

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.

AGU Journal Highlights -- March 19, 2008

A new study finds that higher CO2 concentrations increase phytoplankton productivity in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, promoting larger diatom chains. Additionally, research suggests that to stabilize global temperatures, future greenhouse gas emissions must be eliminated, committing the climate system to warming on centennial timescales.

Drug prevents dangerous tick diseases

A single injection of doxycycline hyclate has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis in mice, offering a promising new treatment option. Researchers are planning to test different release kinetics and delivery methods to develop a slow-release patch for broader protection.

Disgusting videos used to study coping methods

Researchers used fMRI to study two emotion regulation techniques: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Cognitive reappraisal reduced negative emotions by reinterpretating the meaning of disgusting images, while expressive suppression increased neural activity in the amygdala and insula.

Sleep deprivation used to diagnose sleepwalking

A new study found that sleep deprivation can precipitate sleepwalking in predisposed individuals and may serve as a valuable tool in diagnosing the disorder. The study showed that sleep deprivation significantly increased the proportion of sleepwalkers experiencing complex episodes, facilitating diagnosis.

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.

Does ADHD look the same in youth of different races?

A study examines childhood ADHD in underrepresented minorities, highlighting obstacles faced by families and providing recommendations for assessment and treatment. Effective treatments exist, but many minority children lack culturally sensitive assessments, potentially leading to devastating results.

Findings could improve fuel cell efficiency

Researchers at Duke University have developed a ceramic membrane that allows fuel cells to operate at low humidity and higher temperatures, potentially improving efficiency. This new membrane could address current limitations in fuel cell technology and attract investment for its commercialization.

Korean adoptees in US seek identity via peers or cultural exploration

A University of Oregon study reveals that Korean adoptees in the US often explore their ethnic identities through either social exposure with peers or cultural heritage. The research found that those who don't explore may assimilate into white culture, while those who do may develop a symbolic attachment to their international heritage.

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.

How iron gets into the North Pacific

Researchers Phoebe Lam and James Bishop found that the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands are the key sources of iron in the Western North Pacific, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding climate change and the role of iron in the ocean carbon cycle.

Rensselaer professor Fengyan Li awarded Sloan Research Fellowship

Fengyan Li, a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute assistant professor, has been recognized as a 2008 Sloan Research Fellow. Her research focuses on developing computer algorithms for solving problems in sciences and engineering, with applications in various fields such as weather forecasting, pollution control, and image processing.

The difference in eating habits between men and women

Research shows that men are more likely to eat meat and poultry products, including duck and veal, whereas women favor vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. Women also have a preference for dry foods and certain fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries.

Woodburn, Ore.: a microcosm of immigrant shifts in America

The city's transformation provides insight into the shifting dynamics of belonging and identity in small- to medium-sized U.S. cities. Woodburn's farmworker housing struggle reflects a deep resistance to Mexican immigrants, yet today there are visible changes in multicultural identity.

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.

Neuronal regulators offer potential targets for cancer

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified proteins that promote tumor growth in certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Targeting these proteins with small molecules may lead to new therapeutic options for patients.

Depressed caregivers hostile, not warm, to children

A new study found that caregivers with moderate to severe depressive symptoms exhibited lower levels of warmth and higher levels of hostility towards their low-income children with asthma. Researchers used data from a longitudinal study examining treatment adherence among these families.

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.

Molecular biology of sleep apnea could lead to new treatments

Researchers have identified a link between protein misfolding and sleep apnea, finding that cells with healthy proteins may repair themselves, while unhealthy cells self-destruct. A drug called salubrinal shows promise in preventing cell death, but its toxicity limits its potential.

Food Policy Institute primer on food imports and regulations

The US food import system is a complex network of policies and procedures that regulate the entry of foreign foods into the country. The Food Policy Institute report provides an overview of current issues, processes, and proposed changes to the system.

Punishment does not earn rewards or cooperation, study finds

A study by researchers at Harvard University found that punishing others does not increase the average payoff of a group. Instead, it leads to reduced individual payoff and a downward spiral of retaliation. The study suggests that punishment may have evolved for dominance hierarchy and ownership defense, rather than cooperation.

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.

Good luck indeed: 53 million-year-old rabbit's foot bones found

Researchers have discovered 53 million-year-old rabbit's foot bones that predates the oldest previously known rabbits by several million years. The fossils found in west-central India show advanced rabbit-like features and extend the record of rabbits on the Indian subcontinent by 35 million years.

Robot fetches objects with just a point and a click

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a robot called El-E that can find and deliver everyday items using a direct laser pointer interface. The robot uses multiple methods to localize objects and grasp them, making it particularly useful for patients with severe mobility challenges.

'At home' genomic tests for disease risk premature

Genetic tests marketed directly to consumers may be premature and lack scientific validity. Dr. Kenneth Offit warns of the risks of self-ordering these tests without guidance from healthcare professionals. He advocates for cautious introduction of new 'whole genome' testing in clinical trials.