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Science News for November 23, 2008


Scripps research team defines new painkilling chemical pathway

Scripps researchers develop first definitive study of 2-AG's activity after discovering MAGL-specific inhibitor JZL184, reducing pain in mice and inducing effects associated with cannabinoid receptors. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for chronic pain, obesity, anxiety, and depression.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 23, 2008

'Wiring' in the brain influences personality

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that the brain's 'wiring' plays a significant role in shaping personality traits and behavior. Individuals with well-developed neural connections between the ventral striatum and hippocampus tend to be more open to new experiences and seek out challenges.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 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.

Melatonin may save eyesight in inflammatory disease

Research suggests melatonin therapy may prevent ocular inflammation in uveitis, reducing symptoms and protecting the blood-ocular barrier. Melatonin treatment has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting patients with chronic uveitis.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateNov 23, 2008

The physics of golf balls

Researchers use supercomputers to model air flow around golf balls, optimizing dimple size and pattern for lower drag. The study reveals the physics of a flying golf ball with unprecedented detail, paving the way for future improvements in ball design.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 23, 2008

Plants grow bigger and more vigorously through changes in their internal clocks

Hybrid plants exhibit increased growth and biomass due to the increased expression of genes involved in photosynthesis and starch metabolism during the day. This connection between circadian clock regulators and growth vigor could lead to new methods for increasing biomass crops for biofuels and improving food yields.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2008

Teaching the teachers

Researchers propose a new model to improve existing standards by capturing the multi-dimensional experience of new teachers, highlighting the importance of emotional and relational aspects in their development. The study found that support from colleagues and availability of teaching materials are key factors in job satisfaction.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 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.

Spinning into the future of data storage

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have improved their understanding of how magnetic information is lost in devices similar to hard drive read-heads. The findings, published in Nature Materials, could lead to the development of more efficient and powerful data storage technologies.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 23, 2008