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Science News Archive November 2008 - Page 10


Page 10 of 20

Microarray analysis improves prenatal diagnosis

A new microarray analysis technique improved prenatal diagnosis for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in 300 cases at Baylor College of Medicine. The test identified 58 copy number variations, including 15 significant findings that would have been missed otherwise.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPrenatal Diagnosis·DateNov 17, 2008
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.

Can an ant be employee of the month?

A new study published in PLoS Biology found that ants specializing in specific jobs are not more efficient than 'generalist' ants, challenging the idea that job specialization contributes to their success. The research tested individual ants performing various tasks and found that specialists put in more hours of work but did not outpe...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

How should we assess new anti-malarial drugs?

A team of researchers argues that the success of ACT in curing malaria demands a new approach to assessing new antimalarial drugs. The authors discuss the design and interpretation of clinical trials for new antimalarial drugs, emphasizing the need for improved efficacy and public health utility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 17, 2008

New gene-silencing pathway found in plants

A team led by Craig Pikaard discovered a new mechanism by which plant cells silence potentially harmful genes, involving the non-coding region of DNA and two plant-specific RNA polymerases. The research has major implications for gene therapy, where RNA-centric approaches show promise for controlling diseases such as cancer and HIV.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell·DateNov 17, 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.

Management Accounting Research article receives prestigious Management Accounting Research Award

The paper 'CEVITATM: the valuation and reporting of strategic capabilities' by Janek Ratnatunga, Norman Gray, and Kashi R. Balachandran has been awarded the Management Accounting Section (MAS) Greatest Potential Impact on Practice Award for its potential to bridge the gap between academic research and professional management accounting...

SourceElsevier·JournalManagement Accounting Research·DateNov 17, 2008

Acid soils in Slovakia tell somber tale

A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals the devastating impact of increased nitrogen deposition on Slovakian soil acidity, compromising plant fertility and surface water quality. Researchers warn that many soils are already susceptible to this process due to decades of human-influenced pollution.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 17, 2008

MIT: Safe storage of greenhouse-gas carbon dioxide

Researchers have created a new model to calculate how much CO2 can be stored safely in geological formations, with potential applications for large-scale carbon sequestration projects. The tool predicts the migration of CO2 plumes and can help policymakers make informed decisions about storage sites.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 17, 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.

Could genetic research awaken racist attitudes?

A University of Alberta researcher has developed guidelines to prevent genetic research from awakening racist attitudes. The study emphasizes the importance of proper group representation and justifying research focus on specific ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalGenome Medicine·DateNov 17, 2008

A big bunch of tomatoes?

A new study identifies a genetic pathway that determines the pattern of flower growth in tomato plants. The researchers found that manipulation of this pathway can turn a single stem into hundreds of branch-bearing shoots, increasing crop yields.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

Asthma over diagnosed in one third of Canadian adults

A longitudinal study of 540 adults found that approximately one third of Canadians with physician-diagnosed asthma do not have asthma when objectively tested. Obesity is linked to increased asthma rates in North America, but overdiagnosis may be more common than previously thought, particularly among obese adults.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 17, 2008

New clue emerges for cellular damage in Huntington's disease

Scientists have discovered a new clue for understanding how misfolded proteins cause cell death in Huntington's disease. The study found that polyQ-expanded proteins interact with and trap other proteins, leading to a breakdown in protein quality control, which may contribute to the disease's toxicity.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 16, 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.

DFMO may affect Barrett's esophagus

Researchers found that DFMO treatment reduced dysplasia progression in patients with Barrett's esophagus, while also lowering putrescine levels and KLF5 expression. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the chemopreventive effects of DFMO.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 16, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

FoxJ1 helps cilia beat a path to asymmetry

New research reveals FoxJ1 helps create left-right asymmetry by orchestrating the formation of nodal cilia, which generate fluid flow to orient tissues. The study finds that increasing FoxJ1 levels leads to the formation of ectopic cilia, challenging current theories on its role.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 16, 2008

Calls for a more flexible approach to vaccine funding

A University of New South Wales researcher calls for a more flexible approach to vaccine funding, considering quality-of-life impacts. This could lead to improved productivity, reduced sick leave for parents, and enhanced herd immunity against diseases such as chickenpox and shingles.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 16, 2008

Drug-related preference in cocaine addiction extends to images

A study found that cocaine-addicted individuals prefer drug-related images over neutral ones, challenging the assumption that pleasure drives drug choice. The tasks developed in this research can help clinicians monitor choice behavior in addicted individuals, potentially predicting treatment effectiveness and outcomes.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 16, 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.

Comet particles provide glimpse of solar system's birth spasms

Comet particles from Wild 2 provide a glimpse of the solar system's early convulsions, flinging primordial material out into the cold regions. The particles contain minerals formed at high temperatures, suggesting transport from the inner to outer solar system.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateNov 16, 2008

'Super-aged' brains reveal first secrets of sharp memory in old age

Researchers at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine discovered that super-aged brains have a lower number of fiber-like tangles, which accumulate inside brain cells and are thought to kill them. This finding suggests that individuals with fewer tangles perform better cognitively.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateNov 16, 2008

New bacteria discovered in raw milk

Scientists have identified new species of bacteria that can grow at low temperatures and spoil raw milk even when refrigerated. The discovery highlights the complex microbial population of raw milk and underscores the importance of developing tools to monitor cold-tolerant bacteria.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateNov 16, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protein compels ovarian cancer cells to cannibalize themselves

Research finds that PEA-15 protein forces ovarian cancer cells to eat themselves, leading to increased median survival time. High levels of PEA-15 are linked to improved patient outcomes and may offer a new dimension for targeting ERK in cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 15, 2008

Cascading effect of even minor early problems may explain serious teen violence

Children with social and academic problems in elementary school are more likely to engage in serious violent behavior later, due to parents withdrawing supervision and friends with deviant behavior. Successful early intervention can redirect paths of antisocial development to prevent violent behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

Researchers identify toehold for HIV's assault on brain

Scientists discovered a key step in HIV's attack on brain cells and were able to reverse its effects by blocking the receptor. The discovery opens up a new avenue for researchers to explore in preventing or treating HIV's neurological effects, which have no currently approved treatment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2008

Gruber prize celebrates 'place cell' pioneer

John O'Keefe received the Gruber Foundation Neuroscience Prize for his groundbreaking 'place cell' research, which enabled animals to map and remember locations. His work has influenced recent studies on memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRobin Leedy & Associates, Inc.·DateNov 14, 2008

Discovery questions intelligence of human ancestor

A recent discovery in Ethiopia's Gona region has challenged previous estimates of Homo erectus infant head size, indicating a possible increase in brain capacity. The findings, published in Science, suggest that the ancient human ancestor may have been born with brains comparable to those of modern humans.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2008
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Lessons from the past can clarify banking crisis

Researchers point to historical events like the collapse of the City of Glasgow Bank in 1878 as a guide for addressing current banking crises. The UK's Financial Services Authority is recruiting more staff and considering stricter regulation, with experts emphasizing the need for effective policing of new regulations.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 14, 2008

LSUHSC research identifies key contributor to Alzheimer's disease process

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified microRNA-146a as a crucial regulator of inflammation and disease-related neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that miRNA-146a targets the messenger RNA of an anti-inflammatory regulator, promoting brain cell inflammation.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 14, 2008
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.

Families, friends, schools and neighborhoods contribute to adolescent alcohol misuse

A longitudinal study found that characteristics in four social environments—families, peers, schools, and neighborhoods—contribute to adolescent alcohol misuse. The study highlights the importance of examining connections between all social environments and suggests a more inclusive view of adolescent social worlds.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

UI researchers help to improve carbon measurements in global climate studies

Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a method to estimate photosynthetic uptake by plants over large regions, improving accuracy of global warming and land cover change estimates. By analyzing carbonyl sulfide levels, scientists can quantify human-generated CO2 emissions and develop better management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2008

Sonography in space

Astronauts on the International Space Station successfully performed remotely-guided sonograms using a ground-to-space communication system. The study's findings demonstrate the feasibility of sonography in microgravity environments and could lead to new applications in space medicine.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography·DateNov 14, 2008

Children distressed by family fighting have higher stress hormones

A new study found that children distressed by family fighting have higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone. This increase in cortisol may explain why children experiencing high levels of distress during parental conflicts are more likely to develop psychological problems.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008
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.

In child care, relationships with caregivers key to children's stress levels

A new study found that children's stress hormone cortisol levels increase from morning to afternoon in full-day child care, depending on the quality of their relationship with caregivers. Children with more clingy or conflicted relationships with teachers showed greater rises in cortisol.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

2008 Berrie Awards go to expert on metabolic pathways of obesity and a CUMC research scientist

Columbia University Irving Medical Center honors Dr. Bruce Spiegelman with the Naomi Berrie Award for his groundbreaking work on metabolic pathways of obesity and diabetes research. Dr. Spiegelman's discoveries have identified key molecules critical in fat cell differentiation, insulin resistance, and energy expenditure. Meanwhile, jun...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateNov 14, 2008

Putting a new spin on current research

Physicists at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology have made a significant discovery in quantum computing, extending the quantum lifetime of electrons by over 5,000%. This achievement brings researchers closer to building a usable quantum computer. The study used a powerful magnetic field to align electron spins, providing a cr...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 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.

Arbor Vita presents new data on cancer diagnostic at EUrogin

Arbor Vita Corporation presented new data on its rapid, point-of-care prototype HPV test with a high positive predictive value for cervical cancer and pre-cancer detection. The test detects the E6 oncoprotein produced by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a diagnostic marker of high positive predictive value.

SourceArbor Vita Corporation·DateNov 14, 2008

Unhappy people watch TV, happy people read/socialize, says study

A new study by University of Maryland sociologists finds that unhappy people watch significantly more TV than very happy individuals, who prefer reading and socializing. The study analyzed 30 years of national data and found that TV viewing can provide short-term pleasure but has less positive effects in the long run.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateNov 14, 2008
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.

New program teaches preschoolers reading skills, getting along with others

A new program, REDI Head Start, combines pre-reading skills with social-emotional learning to foster preschoolers' academic and social success. Children in the REDI program outperformed those in traditional programs on tests of emotional development, impulsivity, aggression, and reading skills.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 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.

Supportive teachers, peers can ease negative effects of frequent moves in elementary school

A longitudinal study found that frequent moves during 2nd to 5th grade can lead to declines in academic performance and classroom participation. However, having a supportive teacher who encourages peer acceptance can help children make a smooth transition. The study suggests that teachers play a critical role in mitigating the negative...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008

Genetics of aging and cancer resistance

Researchers identified two genes that sensitize lymphoid progenitor cells to the effects of aging and confer resistance to leukemogenesis. These genes regulate cell cycle progression and mediate senescence and tumor suppression in aged cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 2008

Research-based program found to enhance impact of Head Start on school readiness

A research-based program, REDI, was found to improve both academic and social-emotional areas in children participating in Head Start. The study, published in Child Development, showed that REDI's dual-focus approach effectively promoted gains in vocabulary, pre-reading skills, emotional understanding, and social competence.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2008