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Science News for May 23, 2008


Remote-control health

A remote healthcare system with three main functions could address socioeconomic problems by providing quality medical care to all citizens, regardless of location. The system uses video conferencing, vital signs data uploading, and drip infusion monitoring to support nursing staff and care managers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Web and Grid Services·DateMay 23, 2008

Hypoxia training suppresses harmful cardiac nitric oxide production during heart attack

Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia treatment reduced myocardial infarction and lethal arrhythmias following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in dogs. The treatment also suppressed cardiac activity of nitric oxide synthase, a key enzyme involved in the production of harmful compounds.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateMay 23, 2008

U-M scientists remove thousands of aspens to glimpse forest's future

University of Michigan researchers are accelerating the natural process of succession by removing mature aspen and birch trees to measure future carbon uptake in a large-scale experiment. This will help determine how much heat-trapping carbon dioxide forests of the Upper Midwest can remove from the air in coming decades.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 23, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Journal of Ultrasound In Medicine features bioeffects consensus report

The AIUM Consensus Report on Potential Bioeffects of Diagnostic Ultrasound provides in-depth analysis and recommendations for assessing the risks and benefits of diagnostic ultrasound. The report covers five bioeffect categories and builds upon a previous consensus conference held in 1998.

SourceAmerican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·JournalJournal of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateMay 23, 2008

New research forces U-turn in population migration theory

Genetic evidence reveals a significant shift in the timeline of human migration into Island Southeast Asia, forcing a reevaluation of existing theories. The research suggests that climate change and sea-level rise drove population expansions across the region, rather than agriculture-driven 'Out of Taiwan' model.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 23, 2008

Managing computer fraud

Computer fraud can result from incompetence, ignorance, negligence or deliberate misappropriation by employees, causing millions of dollars in damages. Educating managers on security issues can minimize opportunistic computer fraud, making them aware of social and technical issues that affect organizational structure.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Information Systems·DateMay 23, 2008

Novel toxin receptor discovered for ulcer-causing stomach pathogen

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a novel toxin receptor for H. pylori, allowing the bacterium to survive in the human stomach. The discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of H. pylori's survival and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 23, 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.

Male painters exposed to fertility damaging chemicals

A study published in Occupational Environmental Medicine found that men working as painters and decorators who are exposed to glycol ethers have poor semen quality. The researchers discovered that these workers have a 2.5-fold increased risk of having a low motile sperm count compared to those with low exposure.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 23, 2008

Miracle leaves that may help protect against liver damage

Researchers found that sea buckthorn leaf extract reduced liver damage in rats, with significant protection observed at higher doses. The study suggests that the leaves' anti-oxidant properties may help ward off liver disease.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMay 23, 2008

Biotechnology vs. sustainability: What do students think?

A survey of college students revealed mixed opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture, with some supporting genetically modified crops and others expressing concerns over environmental and social impacts. The study suggests that educators should provide neutral exposure to both sustainable agric...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateMay 23, 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.

Is Indy chasing a fake?

New research suggests two well-known crystal skulls, one in the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution, did not come from ancient Mexico. The British skull was made in 19th century Europe, while the American one was created shortly before it was bought in Mexico City in 1960.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateMay 23, 2008

Public schools as good as private schools in raising math scores, study says

A new University of Illinois study found that public school students made significantly greater gains in math scores by fifth grade compared to their Catholic school peers. Public schools rivaled the performance of other non-Catholic private schools, suggesting they are at least as effective in promoting student learning over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhi Delta Kappan·DateMay 23, 2008

Origin of cells for connective tissues of skull and face challenged

A new study suggests that embryonic cells giving rise to connective and skeletal tissues of the skull and facial structures do not originate from the neural crest as previously believed. Instead, they come from a distinct thin layer of epidermal epithelial cells next to the neural crest.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 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.

Failed HIV drug gets second chance with addition of gold nanoparticles

Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully reinvigorated a failed HIV drug by adding gold nanoparticles, which enhances its binding capability and prevents the virus from gaining a foothold. This innovative approach offers new hope for treating HIV infection.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 23, 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.

Video games can make us creative if spark is right

Researchers discovered that video games can boost creativity when players are highly energized and in a positive mood. Conversely, low arousal and negative emotions lead to the highest levels of creativity. The study suggests harnessing emotional elements in games to spark creative thought and problem-solving skills.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 23, 2008

UCLA researchers identify leukemia stem cells

Researchers at UCLA identified a type of leukemia stem cell and uncovered the genetic mechanisms that cause normal blood stem cells to become cancerous. This discovery may lead to new therapies targeting these stem cells, potentially curing certain cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2008