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Science News Archive May 2008


Page 1 of 22

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.

Genetics of ALS progression

ALS researchers have identified a molecular pathway where mutated SOD1 leads to accumulation of malformed proteins in motor neurons, causing ER stress and cell death. Inactivating key factors in this pathway may mitigate neurodegeneration and prolong survival in mouse models.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UNC medical geneticist cautions against rushing into genetic testing

Geneticist James P. Evans cautions against rushing into genetic testing, citing limited evidence of improved health outcomes and potential patient harm. Despite advances in genomics, Evans believes the technology has not yet been proven to yield meaningful information for individualized health advice.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Whole milk is effective and cost-effective as oral contrast agent

A new study found that whole milk is just as effective as a diluted barium suspension in imaging the gastrointestinal tract via CT scans. The study also revealed that whole milk was less expensive, had better patient acceptance, and fewer adverse symptoms compared to the barium suspension.

MIT develops a 'paper towel' for oil spills

Researchers at MIT create a membrane that can absorb up to 20 times its weight in oil, and can be recycled for future use. The oil itself can also be recovered, making it an important tool in the cleanup of oil spills.

Caltech astrophysicist wins 1 of first Kavli Prizes

Maarten Schmidt's discovery of high redshifts in quasar 3C273 led to a new understanding of quasars as compact halos surrounding massive black holes. He shares the award with Donald Lynden-Bell for their contributions to astrophysics.

Goddard scientists receive Lindsay Award for black hole research

Dr. Joan M. Centrella and Dr. John G. Baker received the John C. Lindsay Memorial Award for their pioneering computer simulations of black hole mergers, a crucial step towards understanding cosmic evolution. The simulations have spurred rapid progress in predicting observable signatures of these events.

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.

Living fossils have long- and short-term memory

Nautilus pompilus demonstrated short-term memory lasting up to an hour before fading away, but remembering it again after 6 hours. The living fossil's memory was comparable to that of modern cephalopods, challenging the assumption that complex brains are necessary for memory.

Spontaneous mutations rife in nonfamilial schizophrenia

A study found that people with nonfamilial schizophrenia harbor eight times more spontaneous mutations than healthy controls, primarily affecting brain development pathways. This suggests that rare genetic variations contribute to the vulnerability of individuals without a family history of the illness.

New research shows overheating newborns can increase the risk of SIDS

New research reveals that overheating and thermal stress can contribute to the development of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study, led by Dr. Shabih Hasan, found that increased ambient temperatures, smoking during pregnancy, and exposure to cigarette smoke can all increase the risk of SIDS.

Researchers pinpoint gene mutations responsible for 10 percent of schizophrenia

A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center researchers has identified rare spontaneous copy number mutations in the genomes of individuals with schizophrenia, accounting for at least 10% of non-familial cases. These genetic mutations were found to be present in affected individuals but not in their biological parents.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research measures movement of nanomaterials in simple model food chain

A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigated the dietary accumulation, elimination, and toxicity of fluorescent quantum dots in a simplified food chain. The researchers found that while the nanomaterials were transferred across the food chain, they did not accumulate in higher organisms.

Rivaroxaban phase III pivotal data presented at EFORT annual meeting

A pivotal Phase III clinical trial demonstrated that rivaroxaban was superior in preventing venous blood clots in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Rivaroxaban provided a statistically significant 31% relative risk reduction in total venous thromboembolism events compared to enoxaparin.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Jefferson, Ohio State team find gene signature profile for metastasis

A team of researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and Ohio State University Medical Center has identified a specific gene signature profile associated with metastasis. This signature is composed mainly of overexpressed microRNAs and may represent a new approach for diagnosing metastatic cancer.

How about dessert?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers with highly developed emotional sensibilities are better at making product choices. The authors developed a scale to assess consumer emotional ability, which predicts overeating and other unhealthy behaviors.

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.

NYP/Columbia physician-scientists present at ASCO 44th annual meeting

Researchers presented promising results for OncoVEXGM-CSF in treating metastatic melanoma, achieving treatment success in 32% of patients. Additionally, studies on robotic prostatectomy found excellent cancer control outcomes with disease-free survival rates at 21 months. The association between obesity and microvascular invasion was a...

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.

Stretchy spider silks can be springs or rubber

Spider silk exhibits different mechanical properties based on its amino acid composition, with proline-rich silks behaving like rubber bands and low-proline silks acting as rigid springs. The presence of proline affects the silk's hydration level, causing some silks to shrink and swell more than others.

Yale researchers clear up Alzheimer's plaques in mice

Researchers at Yale University have successfully cleared up Alzheimer's plaques in mice by blocking a common immune system response, enabling treated mice to recover lost memory. The breakthrough could one day lead to the development of new dementia medications that can safely cross the blood-brain barrier.

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.

Bikini-clad women make men impatient

Research shows that watching sexy videos or handling lingerie increases desire for immediate rewards, even in financial decisions. Men who touch bras or look at pictures of beautiful women seek immediate satisfaction.

Young adults at risk: 13.7 million lack health insurance coverage

The report found that nearly 60% of employers do not insure dependent children over age 18 or 19, and two-thirds of young adults without coverage go without needed healthcare due to cost. Extending Medicaid and SCHIP eligibility beyond age 18 could cover up to 7.6 million uninsured young adults.

Self-assembled viruses

Researchers have developed artificial viruses that can transport genes and drugs into cancer cells, eliminating immune responses and potential side effects. The viruses are self-assembled using a ribbon-like protein structure, allowing for precise control over their size and shape.

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.

Golf prolongs life

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that golfers have a lower death rate than non-golfers, with a 5-year increase in life expectancy. Golfing, especially with a low handicap, has beneficial health effects.

Sophisticated soil analysis for improved land use

A team of researchers has developed a range of sophisticated mathematical approaches to quantify soil variability across multiple scales. These methods include geostatistics, fractals, and multi-fractals, which can be applied to diverse data sets such as soil pore shapes, water content, and geochemical data.

All bets are off: Office pools lead to unhappiness

A recent study suggests that betting on NCAA basketball tournament or Oscar contests reduces people's enjoyment of the events. The researchers found that participants who made predictions actually enjoyed the event no more than those who were incorrect, highlighting the negative impact of anticipated regret.

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.

Look before you leap: New study examines self-control

A novel method for measuring people's abilities to consider the consequences of their actions has been developed, with high scores associated with more consequence-related thoughts. Consumers who think about pros and cons before making decisions report improved health outcomes and better financial habits.

Smoking during pregnancy increases risk of SIDS

A new study links smoking during pregnancy to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) with the strongest causal link yet. The research found that prenatal cigarette smoke exposure can increase the likelihood of gasp-like respiration and prolong breathing time after hypoxia, placing infants at higher risk for SIDS.

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.

Warm coronal loops offer clue to mysteriously hot solar atmosphere

Researchers have discovered that the coronal heating mechanism is highly impulsive and can be explained by the acceleration of particles or direct heating. The study also suggests that energy release happens gradually close to the sun's surface, causing thermal nonequilibrium.

Did walking on 2 feet begin with a shuffle?

Researchers at University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University propose that shuffling emerged as a precursor to bipedal behavior to conserve metabolic energy. For distances less than 30 feet, shuffling would be efficient, while longer distances would favor all fours.

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.

Rewriting Greenland's immigration history

New DNA analysis reveals that the original immigrants to Greenland came from a Siberian population, contradicting previous assumptions about their origins. The study found mitochondrial DNA similarities between ancient Greenlandic hair and eastern Siberia, suggesting a migration route via Alaska and Canada.