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Science News Archive October 2008


Page 18 of 24

Pickleweed tolerates irrigation with seawater and high levels of boron

Researchers found that Pickleweed can thrive in saline conditions and tolerate high concentrations of boron, allowing for substantial reduction in drainage water volumes. The study suggests a potential solution for growers on California's Westside to reduce environmental impacts and costs associated with disposal.

Learning how not to be afraid

Mice conditioned for safety display reduced anxiety in stressful situations, comparable to antidepressant medications. The study reveals learned safety influences brain development, including increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dopamine neurotransmitters.

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.

Waterborne disease risk upped in Great Lakes

A new study suggests that increased climate-related extreme rainfall events in the Great Lakes region will aggravate the risk for outbreaks of waterborne disease. The researchers found a potential 10 to 40% increase in extremely heavy precipitation events, leading to greater potential for flooding and sewage overflow into Lake Michigan.

Proteins in sperm unlock understanding of male infertility says new study

A recent study published in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics has identified key proteins in sperm cells that are associated with male infertility. The research suggests that these protein biomarkers could be used to develop sensitive diagnostic tools and effective therapies, ultimately helping couples have a baby.

A new material could act as a nanofridge for microchips

Researchers at UAB and CSIC developed a new material with improved thermoelectric properties, reducing thermal conductivity and increasing power efficiency for microchips. The unique structure of the material, composed of silicon and germanium quantum dots, enables efficient cooling and heating of micro-sized circuits.

Study: Tropical wetlands hold more carbon than temperate marshes

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that tropical wetlands can store up to 80% more carbon than temperate wetlands, with the former sequestering around 300 tons of carbon per year. This finding has significant implications for climate change mitigation and highlights the importance of preserving these ecosystems.

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.

Genome of a monkey-human malaria parasite

The genome of Plasmodium knowlesi, a mosquito-human malaria parasite, has been decoded, revealing unique genetic features that enable it to evade host immune systems. The study found that the parasite's genes are scattered throughout its genome, unlike other malaria parasites, and that it uses molecular mimicry to survive and propagate.

Research center to free chemistry from Earth's bonds

Scientists will explore chemical reactions in extreme space conditions using a new research center combining laboratory experiments, theoretical studies, and radio-telescope observations. The Center for Chemistry of the Universe aims to expand our understanding of molecule formation that may seed young planets with life.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research led by NYU Langone decodes genome for species of malaria

Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center have successfully decoded the genome of Plasmodium vivax, a species responsible for up to 40% of annual malaria infections worldwide. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments and vaccines against this deadly disease.

Breast stem cell fate is regulated by 'notch'

The Notch pathway plays a crucial role in regulating breast stem cell fate, controlling both stem cell number and the production of luminal cells. Errant activation of Notch leads to uncontrolled growth of luminal precursors, resulting in breast tumour formation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Apollo heat shield uncrated after 35 years, helps new crew vehicle design

NASA scientists uncrated an Apollo-era heat shield to analyze its design and thermal response, providing valuable insights for the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle's Thermal Protection System. The study aims to improve the vehicle's heat protection capabilities, enabling it to safely carry crews to the moon and beyond.

Turf wars: Sand and corals don't mix

Researchers find that when fish can't eat seaweed due to sediment, algae mats form, preventing corals from re-establishing themselves. Climate change and sea level rise further threaten coral reefs' survival.

Guidelines urge physical activity during pregnancy

The new guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy, with benefits including reduced risk of complications and improved long-term child health. Regular postpartum physical activity also supports a woman's overall health and weight management.

Biological alternatives to chemical pesticides

A new UK study suggests that biological products, also known as biopesticides, have the potential to play a significant role in a more sustainable food chain. Biopesticides can help reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which pose risks to workers' health and contaminate groundwater.

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.

'Fantastic 4' of breast procedures leave women extremely satisfied

A study presented at the ASPS annual meeting found that breast lift and combination lift/augmentation procedures have high levels of patient satisfaction, rivaling breast augmentation and reduction. 99% of patients would undergo their procedure again, citing improved self-esteem and quality of life.

Pollution from livestock farming affects infant health

A new study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics explores the effects of livestock facility pollution on infant health. The research found a strong positive relationship between livestock production and infant mortality, with an estimated 7.4% increase in infant deaths for every 100% increase in livestock production.

New study determines double flu jab needed against bird flu pandemic

A new study has found that a single low-dose booster vaccine can generate an excellent response in people who have been vaccinated up to 7 years ago. This means that proactively immunizing the public with stockpiled pre-pandemic vaccines could be used as a potential vaccination strategy against pandemic influenza.

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.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

U of T creates fake proof personality test

Psychologists at U of T create a bias-resistant personality inventory that predicts real-world performance even when respondents are trying to fake their answers. The study shows that traditional personality questionnaires fail to predict outcomes when respondents have strong incentive to distort the results.

Rong Li Lab probes mechanism of asymmetry in meiotic cell division

The Rong Li Lab discovered that chromosomes recruit formin-2 to promote actin filament formation around chromosomes, driving chromosome movement and asymmetric cell division. This process allows the oocyte to retain most of its cytoplasm while the polar body receives minimal amounts.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Herbal menopause therapy a good fit for breast cancer patients?

Researchers at University of Missouri are studying the interactions between black cohosh and tamoxifen in a unique rat model to understand its safety and effectiveness. The goal is to provide reliable information on how women can use herbal supplements to enhance their breast cancer treatment and improve quality of life.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Narcissistic people most likely to emerge as leaders

Researchers found that people with high narcissism tend to take control of leaderless groups and are viewed as leaders by others. However, once in power, narcissists do not perform any better than others, according to the study.

Why could prednisolone suppress the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury?

Prednisolone administration significantly suppressed serum AST and ALT levels, prevented cell membrane bleb formation, and inhibited calpain mu activation. The study's findings suggest that prednisolone's cytoprotective effect is closely associated with the suppression of these inflammatory markers.

An epidemiologic study of microscopic colitis in Turkey

This epidemiologic study investigates the prevalence and demography of microscopic colitis in Turkey. Lymphocytic colitis was found to be 4 times more frequent than collagenous colitis in patients with chronic non-bloody diarrhea of unexplained etiology.

UCI study shows how fatty foods curb hunger

A new study from UC Irvine researchers shows that unsaturated fatty acids stimulate production of oleoylethanolamide, which decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness. The discovery points towards new approaches to treating obesity and eating disorders.

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.

Climate change will affect public health -- a call to action

A special issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine examines the intersection of climate change and health, highlighting various impacts including heat-related illnesses, vectorborne diseases, and air quality issues. The issue emphasizes the need for a systems approach to address climate change and its effects on public health.

Arctic soil reveals climate change clues

Recently published research by University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists found a previously undocumented layer of organic matter on top of and in permafrost, which can release carbon into the atmosphere as temperatures warm

Groundbreaking, lifesaving TB vaccine a step closer

Researchers at Aberystwyth University have licensed a discovery of a protein that can 'wake up' dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, potentially leading to the development of a more effective vaccine. The Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation plans to take its recombinant BCG (AERAS-407) vaccine to clinical trial in 2009.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study provides insight on a common heart rhythm disorder

Researchers at the University of Iowa and France have discovered a gene variant that causes sinus node disease, a potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder. The study found that variants in the ANK2 gene result in dysfunction in the protein ankyrin-B, leading to variable heart rates and bradycardia.

Study: Even occasional smoking can impair arteries

A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.

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.

New light on link between snoring and cognitive deficits in children

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) experience cognitive deficits, but the severity is difficult to correlate. Researchers measured regional cerebral oxygen concentration and blood pressure during sleep to understand the comple...

Tamoxifen chemoprevention tied to early detection of breast cancer

Researchers discovered that tamoxifen can reduce the median time to diagnosis of ER-negative breast cancer by a year, improving detection rates through mammography. The study suggests an unexpected link between tamoxifen use and earlier disease identification in high-risk patients.

Burnham researchers turn cancer friend into cancer foe

Researchers at Burnham Institute have created a peptide that converts Bcl-2, a protein protecting cancer cells from programmed death, into a pro-apoptotic molecule. This breakthrough may lead to novel cancer therapies, as the peptide induces cell death in cancer cells.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Also in the Oct. 7 JNCI

Researchers propose a nested case-control study design called PRoBE to evaluate biomarker classification accuracy, minimizing bias. Regular NSAID use is associated with a 12% relative risk reduction in breast cancer risk, according to a meta-analysis of 38 studies involving 2,788,715 women.