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Science News for October 17, 2008


When under attack, plants can signal microbial friends for help

Researchers have discovered that plants can send out an S.O.S. to their roots when attacked by pathogens, triggering a response from beneficial bacteria that brings relief. The study sheds light on the remarkable signaling system in plants, which rivals human and animal nervous systems.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateOct 17, 2008

Physical decline caused by slow decay of brain's myelin

Researchers found a correlation between motor task performance and myelin integrity, peaking in middle age before declining. Myelin breakdown may underlie cognitive decline and physical skills erosion, but therapeutic interventions could slow the process.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateOct 17, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Singapore opens Fusionopolis, its second major R&D hub in 5 years

Fusionopolis is Singapore's second major R&D hub, featuring world-class research institutes and corporate labs. The development aims to break down barriers and foster multidisciplinary collaboration, driving breakthroughs in complex societal challenges.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·DateOct 17, 2008

Scripps research team sheds light on immune system suppression

Researchers discovered how a virus suppresses the immune system in mice, allowing it to persist and cause disease. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for immunosuppressive diseases like HIV and measles by targeting the interferon response.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 17, 2008

Scientists discover bacteria that can cause bone infections

Scientists have identified a new species of bacteria that can cause bone infections, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment. The discovery relates to Mycobacterium species, which also cause tuberculosis and leprosy, and may lead to the development of new drugs to combat resistance.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateOct 17, 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.

Involving men in family planning/partner communication about sex

Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Health present studies on involving men in family planning and partner communication about sex. Their work aims to improve reproductive health outcomes by providing men with simple and effective natural options.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 17, 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.

Mothers launch national petition for preemies

The March of Dimes has launched a national petition to reduce the rate of premature birth, which affects over 530,000 babies each year. The four-point petition calls for hospitals to review cesarean-section births and inductions before 39 weeks gestation to prevent early deliveries.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateOct 17, 2008

Where Hispanics live in the US may change over time

A study finds that White and Black Hispanics in the US are more likely to integrate with non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans, while Mexicans show consistent generational assimilation. This trend suggests a decrease in racial segregation and an increase in integration over time.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 17, 2008

GEN reports on novel tools for deciphering biological networks

Researchers are developing methods to model pathways, interpret data, and derive therapeutic targets from biological networks. Biological systems are governed by vast networks of interacting molecules, and scientists are investigating signaling pathways for receptor tyrosine kinases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateOct 17, 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.

PNNL researcher receives international fuel cell award

Subhash Singhal, PNNL's fuel cell director, received the 2008 Grove Medal for his sustained contributions to fuel cell technology. The award honors achievements in fuel cell science & technology, recognizing Singhal's leadership and research.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateOct 17, 2008

Clients, not practitioners, make therapy work

A new research review concludes that the most important factor in successful therapy is a motivated and engaged client who can use therapy to build on their strengths. A strong relationship between therapist and client is also a key indicator of a positive therapeutic outcome.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·DateOct 17, 2008

New antibiotic candidates from Braunschweig

Researchers from HZI and Rutgers University discover new mode of action against pathogenic bacteria, inhibiting RNA polymerase. The natural substances also kill bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics, making them promising candidates for development as novel medicines.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2008