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Science News Archive October 2008


Page 9 of 24

Streamlining brain signals for speed and efficacy

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that the signal transmission between neurons in the brain stem, which controls balance and breathing, is linear, unlike most other signals. The study sheds light on the mechanisms controlling these vital functions and may lead to new biotherapeutic agents.

UK teen suicide rates on the decline

Suicide rates among UK teens aged 10-19 decreased by 28%, particularly among males, who experienced a 35% drop. Young males are more likely to commit suicide than females, with three times the rate of female adolescents.

Landmark genomic study of lung cancer published in Nature

A collaborative study of nearly 200 lung cancer patients has identified over 1,000 genetic alterations and pinpointed 26 frequently altered genes. The research highlights the importance of integrating multiple large-scale approaches to highlight key molecular defects in lung tumors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Large-scale genetic study sheds new light on lung cancer

A multi-institution team has identified 26 genes that are frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma, more than doubling the number of known associations with the disease. The study also detailed key pathways involved in lung cancer and described patterns of genetic mutations among different subgroups of patients.

Gene mutation in worms key to alcohol tolerance

Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring gene mutation in worms leads to reduced sensitivity to alcohol's effects, enabling the body to consume more without adverse reactions. The study suggests potential applications in identifying individuals with a predisposition to alcoholism.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Yale journal finds nanomaterials may have large environmental footprint

New research suggests that the process of manufacturing nanomaterials can offset their environmental benefits, with some studies indicating life-cycle impacts 100 times greater than traditional materials. This challenges the assumption that nanomaterials will lead to reduced energy and resource use.

Reducing CEOs' option-based compensation decreases risky investments

A University of Missouri study found that decreasing stock options for CEOs after earnings restatements leads to fewer risky investments and improved operating performance. This reduction in compensation incentives helps firms avoid excessive risk-taking and achieve better bottom lines.

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.

Google grant to researchers aims at climate-connected disease

A $900,000 Google grant will aid the International Research Institute for Climate and Society in predicting disease outbreaks in Ethiopia, a high-risk area for malaria and meningitis. The project aims to develop disease-mapping tools using climate data and improve early-warning systems.

Impacts of climate change on lakes

Research on deep Japanese caldera lakes reveals rising temperatures in southern Japan's deep water, while northern lakes remain unchanged. This can lead to changes in nutrient exchange and oxygen supplies for organisms.

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.

Building a better bee

A UC Davis researcher has crossed New World Carniolans with Old World bees to create a more productive, winter-hardy, and resistant strain. This genetic research aims to increase resistance to pests and diseases, which are major contributors to the decline of honey bee colonies.

Study documents safety problems for biological products

According to a study published in JAMA, approximately one in four approved biological medicinal products had at least one safety-related regulatory action issued 10 years after their approval. The average time to a safety-related regulatory action was 3.7 years, with 70.7% of actions occurring within five years after approval.

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.

McCain v. Obama: Whoever wins, $700B bailout means health care loses

Experts warn that both John McCain's and Barack Obama's healthcare plans will be significantly impacted by the $700 billion bailout. McCain's plan would cut federal insurance for the poor, while Obama's plan proposes expanded coverage with standard benefits. The bailout is expected to diminish prospects for health reform.

Nutrition advice best served with family in mind

Research from the University of Sheffield and Royal Holloway highlights that healthy eating policies must take into account families' differing domestic routines, relationships, and resources. The study found that food decisions are rooted in people's cultural conventions and social ties, rather than individual choice.

ADHD appears to increase level of nicotine dependence in smokers

Young people with ADHD are more likely to become dependent on nicotine and experience environmental factors that increase their risk of smoking. The study found that individuals with more ADHD-related symptoms were at greater risk of nicotine dependence than those with fewer symptoms.

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.

Hospital rankings: More than meets the eye

A study found that hospital rankings ignore patient demographics and comorbidities, penalizing hospitals that treat more vulnerable populations. The researchers suggest rethinking the ranking system to reward adherence to evidence-based treatment rather than a single score or ranking.

UM archaeologists find unique, early US relic of African worship

Researchers uncover clay bundle filled with metal objects, believed to be one of the earliest examples of African spirit practices in North America. The bundle, dated to around 1700, shows unique design and construction unlike other African-American spiritual practices.

Fertilizers -- a growing threat to sea life

A new study by Professor Grace Brush highlights the negative impact of fertilizer use on water quality and fish populations in Chesapeake Bay. The imbalanced nitrogen cycle has led to eutrophication, reducing oxygen concentrations and affecting aquatic life.

New MRI technique may identify cervical cancer early

Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that can identify cervical cancer in its early stages by measuring the movement of water within tissue. The technique offers better imaging of smaller tumors and may improve surgical options for fertility-sparing procedures.

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.

UC Davis chemical ecologist wins major award

Walter Leal, a UC Davis professor, received the ESA award for his groundbreaking research on mosquito repellent DEET. His lab discovered the mode of action for DEET, which doesn't mask the host's smell but rather repels mosquitoes through direct detection.

McGill physicists find a new state of matter in a 'transistor'

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a quasi-three-dimensional electron crystal in a material similar to those used in transistors, which could help the industry overcome quantum limits and continue Moore's Law. The discovery was made using ultra-low temperatures and powerful magnetic fields.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Collaboration between states, federal government key to health care reform

States can play a critical role in health care reform by creating insurance exchanges, regulating health insurance plans, and innovating through novel programs. The federal government must also take initiative to achieve sustainable and successful reform, as states alone cannot overcome the substantial barriers to change.

Chronic inflammation can help nurture skin cancer, study shows

Researchers found that chronic inflammation can nurture skin cancer by exploiting the IDO enzyme's suppressive immune response. This is analogous to chronic sun exposure and skin cancer, where UV radiation causes malignant skin cells to appear while also causing skin inflammation.

3-D doppler ultrasound helps identify breast cancer

A new study published in Radiology found that 3-D power Doppler ultrasound can accurately distinguish between malignant and benign breast masses. The technique detects higher flow velocities in malignant tumor-feeding vessels, making it a potentially useful tool for breast cancer diagnosis.

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.

X marks the spot: Sharpies get thumbs-up for marking surgery sites

Researchers found that Sharpie tips do not spread infection due to alcohol-based ink. In contrast, sterile markers with non-alcohol base ink were contaminated after 24 hours. The study suggests that reusable Sharpies can be used safely with proper cleaning and disinfection.

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.

Study shows steroid therapies following transplant can be eliminated

A new study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati shows that eliminating steroid therapy as early as seven days following a transplant surgery maintains kidney function. The study found reduction in steroid-related complications, even when prednisone was given in very low doses.

Wiens heads seismology effort in international Antarctic study

A team led by Professor Douglas Wiens is conducting a comprehensive study of Antarctica's Gamburtsev Province, using radar and seismic imaging to understand the region's geological history. The research aims to shed light on the formation of continental ice sheets and climate models.

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.

AGA releases evidence-based GERD guidelines

The AGA Institute published evidence-based guidelines for the management and treatment of suspected GERD, highlighting the need for high-quality clinical trials. The guidelines recommend various treatments, including proton pump inhibitors and antireflux surgery, to improve patient outcomes.

Assessing the quality of phase I clinical trial abstracts

A method of assessing phase I clinical trial abstract quality was developed and applied to two oncology conferences, revealing room for improvement. The study suggests that adopting guidelines for reporting phase I trials can enhance abstract quality.

Secret lives of catalysts revealed

Researchers observed catalysts restructuring themselves in response to gases, gaining insight into their behavior during reactions. This new understanding enables the development of smart catalysts tailored to optimize chemical reactions.

Depression, health care services and heart attacks -- what's the connection?

A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that depression symptoms are associated with a nine percent increase in heart-related hospitalizations and a 43 percent increase in non-heart related hospitalization visits after a heart attack. Depression caused the greatest increase in health service use in those patient...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

What we 'know' may not be so, when it comes to the uninsured and ERs

A new study challenges common perceptions about the uninsured and emergency departments, finding that people with insurance are more likely to contribute to ED overcrowding. The research reveals that caring for patients, insured and uninsured, in an ED is more expensive than treating the same complaint in a doctor's office.

A special issue on space physics

Papers in this special issue cover data analysis and investigations of the Double Star Program, as well as CMEs, Solar wind, and magnetosphere topics. The conference brought together prominent researchers, including Z.X.LIU and S.T. WU, to share their latest findings on solar and magnetospheric physics.

US suicide rate increasing

The US suicide rate has increased for the first time in a decade, with the largest annual increase seen among middle-aged white women. This trend is part of a broader shift in the epidemiology of suicide, with middle-aged whites emerging as a new high-risk group.

Study: Voters in battleground states more ambivalent about presidential candidates

A new study suggests that heavy advertising by both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates can make voters in battleground states more confused about which candidate to vote for. Ambivalence levels were higher in states with a high number of ads from both parties, while personal characteristics like education and party ident...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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