Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 14, 2008


Earliest known human TB found in 9,000-year-old skeletons

The discovery of ancient DNA in 9,000-year-old bones found off the coast of Israel reveals that human tuberculosis is 3,000 years older than previously thought. The study confirms that the human strain of TB evolved before bovine TB and sheds light on its evolution over time.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 14, 2008

World's largest household longitudinal study launches

The UK's Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) has launched the world's largest household longitudinal study, Understanding Society. The ambitious project will collect data from 100,000 individuals across 40,000 households to explore the long-term effects of social and economic change on the well-being of the UK population.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 14, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

3 JHU researchers elected to Institute of Medicine

The Institute of Medicine has elected three Johns Hopkins University researchers - Harry C. Dietz, Lisa A. Cooper, and Nancy Kass - for their exceptional contributions to medical science and public health. They have conducted pioneering research on cardiovascular disease, racial disparities in medical care, and bioethics, among other a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 14, 2008

Study finds high mortality of endangered loggerhead sea turtles in Baja California

A study has found nearly 3,000 sea turtles dead along a 27-mile stretch of coast in Baja California, highlighting the impact of bycatch on loggerhead sea turtle populations. Conservation efforts, including awareness-raising and sustainable fishing practices, are being implemented to mitigate this threat.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateOct 14, 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.

Herbicide-resistant grape could revitalize Midwest wine industry

Researchers have developed a new grape called Improved Chancellor that is resistant to the popular herbicide 2,4-D. The discovery of the gene that makes this grape resistant came about by accident, and it has the potential to help salvage the wine and grape industry in the Midwest.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateOct 14, 2008

Steroids aid recovery from pneumonia, UT Southwestern researchers say

Researchers at UT Southwestern found that adding corticosteroids to traditional antimicrobial therapy can help people with pneumonia recover faster and have less inflammation in their lungs. The study also suggests a potentially more effective therapy for asthma attacks triggered by bacterial pneumonia.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 14, 2008

Penn State receives new NASA astrobiology grant

The new five-year grant from NASA's Astrobiology Institute will focus on developing indicators of life, including analyzing cells, metals, and DNA. The team will search for microbial life in extreme locations on Earth and study ancient rocks for signs of past life.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 14, 2008

Researchers continue to find genes for type 1 diabetes

Researchers have identified two novel gene locations associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Diabetes, provides a promising lead for the development of more accurate diagnostic tests and potential preventive therapies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalDiabetes·DateOct 14, 2008

Tribendimidine shows promise against intestinal worms

A safety and efficacy study found tribendimidine to be effective against hookworm, large roundworm, whipworm, threadworm, and tapeworm infections. The new drug cured up to 92% of soil-transmitted helminth infections in a highly endemic setting in China.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 14, 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.

Milestone influenza publication by Elsevier journal Vaccine

The Elsevier journal Vaccine released a comprehensive supplement dedicated to influenza vaccines, supported by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. Key findings include discussions on pandemic influenza vaccine challenges and the importance of robust global surveillance systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalVaccine·DateOct 14, 2008

Biologists, educators recognize excellence in evolution education

Dr. Randy Moore, a professor at the University of Minnesota, is receiving the 2008 Evolution Education Award for his innovative classroom teaching and community education efforts to promote evolutionary biology. His approach incorporates evolution as a unifying element of modern biology, helping students understand and appreciate nature.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateOct 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.

Did termites help Katrina destroy New Orleans floodwalls?

A new article in American Entomologist reveals that Formosan subterranean termites played a significant role in the destruction of New Orleans' floodwall system. The termite species, originating from China, was found to have caused major breaks in the levees by digging networks of tunnels and undermining the structure.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateOct 14, 2008

Capacity building in business research and engagement

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has launched four Capacity Building Clusters to develop closer dialogue between social science and the business sector. The clusters focus on key priorities, including driving innovation, adapting to new technologies, and improving leadership and management.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 14, 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.

Extreme nature helps scientists design nano materials

Researchers have identified a stable, modifiable virus capable of withstanding harsh conditions and can be used as a nanobuilding block. The virus particles are ideal for producing materials on the nanometre scale and can be modified spatially controlled.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 14, 2008

UCLA study finds that searching the Internet increases brain function

Researchers found that web search activity stimulates key centers in the brain, controlling decision-making and complex reasoning. This triggers a greater extent of neural circuitry, indicating potential benefits for cognitive function in older adults.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Vitamin B does not slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's

A clinical trial by UC San Diego found that high-dose vitamin B supplements did not impact cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, despite lowering homocysteine levels. Symptoms of depression were more common in the high-dose group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 14, 2008

Why do women get more cavities than men?

A University of Oregon anthropologist found that women experience poorer dental health than men due to dramatic changes in female-specific hormones, reduced saliva production, and increased food cravings during pregnancy. The study suggests that these factors contribute to a higher risk of cavities in women as they age.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateOct 14, 2008

New insight into Bloom's syndrome

Researchers have identified RMI2, a novel protein essential for genome stability and DNA repair in Bloom's syndrome. The study sheds new light on the disease's underlying mechanisms.

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

Landmark study links sleep, memory problems in elderly African-Americans

A landmark study by NC State University researchers found that African-American seniors with sleep trouble have poorer memory performance. The study of 174 subjects aged 65-90 suggests that identifying and treating sleep difficulties may help preserve cognitive functioning.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalResearch on Aging·DateOct 14, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Resveratrol prevents fat accumulation in livers of 'alcoholic' mice

A study by the University of South Florida Health Sciences Center found that resveratrol reduces fat production and increases breakdown in the liver of mice fed alcohol. This prevents accumulation of fat and suggests resveratrol as a promising agent for preventing or treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateOct 14, 2008

Brown scientist finds coastal dead zones may benefit some species

A Brown scientist found that quahog clams increase in number in hypoxic zones, as they can withstand oxygen-depleted waters and their predators cannot survive there. This suggests that certain species may benefit from dead zones, contradicting the conventional wisdom on these areas.

SourceBrown University·JournalEcology·DateOct 14, 2008

Biomarkers for identifying infant infections

Scientists have identified potential biomarkers in plasma samples from premature infants to detect infection and type of microbe. Eight proteins associated with immune responses were found to be consistently over-expressed in infected neonates.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 14, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Being altruistic may make you attractive

Researchers found that women place significant importance on altruistic traits when choosing a partner. Altruistic behavior was correlated with stronger preference for such traits in both men and women.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateOct 14, 2008

Single-pixel camera has multiple futures

Researchers developed a single-sensor system using compressed sensing and randomized images, enabling real-time terahertz imaging. This technology could lead to inexpensive security cameras and breakthroughs in medicine, signal processing, and telecom.

SourceRice University·DateOct 14, 2008
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.

12-month ATLANTA trial data show sustained benefit of Catania Stent

The 12-month ATLANTA Trial data showed zero percent stent thrombosis in patients discontinuing dual anti-platelet therapy after 30 days. The CATANIA stent's Polyzene-F surface treatment promoted healthy endothelial cell growth and reduced platelet activation, leading to improved safety and economic benefits.

SourceJitsu Public Relations·DateOct 14, 2008

Black patients with chronic pain less likely to have obesity assessed

Researchers found black patients with chronic pain were less likely to have their weight or BMI recorded, despite being at higher risk for obesity. Obesity contributes to greater disability and poorer functioning over and above the impact of pain level.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pain·DateOct 14, 2008

More flexible method floated to produce biofuels, electricity

Researchers at Purdue University propose a flexible approach to producing alternative fuels, hydrogen, and electricity from waste materials. The new process could supply up to 20% of transportation fuels in the US annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%.

SourcePurdue University·DateOct 14, 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.

Free treatment still too costly for Buruli ulcer patients

A study by PASS International found that transportation costs and lost earnings significantly contribute to abandonment of treatment. The researchers propose decentralizing treatment to reduce economic burdens on families. Decentralized approaches may improve access to efficient treatment in low-income settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 14, 2008

Lunar prospecting robot to be field tested on Hawaii's Mauna Kea

Scarab, a robotic system designed for lunar prospecting, will simulate a lunar mission to extract water, hydrogen, and oxygen from Hawaii's Mauna Kea. The robot will use a Canadian-built drill to obtain geologic cores, which will be chemically analyzed on-board instruments developed by NASA.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 14, 2008

Research says singling out sheep will save 1.3 million from lameness

New research identifies key factor in treatment delay: flock management philosophy. Early identification and individualized treatment of footrot can reduce lameness incidence by up to 80%. The study suggests farmers have the skills to follow best practices but may need resources to implement them.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateOct 14, 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.