Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2008 - Page 16


Page 16 of 24

Does it matter if black plus white equals black or multiracial?

A recent Northwestern University study reveals that the immediate response of non-black participants is to categorize racially ambiguous people as black when they know one parent is black and the other is white. However, upon more thoughtful reflection, they are more likely to consider the same faces multiracial.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 10, 2008

Boston Medical Center receives $5.8m grant

Boston Medical Center has received a $5.8 million grant to develop drugs targeting muscle proteins for older adults, improving mobility and preventing age-related ailments. The grant will support interdisciplinary research collaborations to address osteoporosis, hip fractures, and type one diabetes.

SourceBoston University·DateOct 10, 2008

Statins may prevent miscarriages

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that statins can prevent white blood cell activation and protect pregnancies in women with APS. The study suggests that statins may be used as a treatment for women with APS-induced pregnancy complications.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 10, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What is the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux and reflux esophagitis?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found a significant association between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and reflux esophagitis. The research identified age, hoarseness, and hiatus hernia as factors significantly associated with LPR. Further study is needed to elucidate the importance of hiatus hernia in LPR.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 10, 2008

A link between mitochondria and tumor formation in stem cells

Research reveals a connection between mitochondrial activity and stem cell differentiation, with high-metabolism cells more prone to forming tumors. Administering a mitochondrial inhibitor reduced teratoma capacity in these cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 10, 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.

PhysTEC addressing physics teacher shortage

PhysTEC's new teacher training program boosts the number of physics teachers graduating from programs by a factor of 10. The initiative provides critical mentoring support and transforms content courses to help future physics teachers teach in an interactive way.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 10, 2008

The risk factors of abdominal venous thrombosis

Research found that inherited and acquired risk factors play a significant role in abdominal venous thrombosis. Acquired risk factors were more common in patients with Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVT), while hereditary risk factors were similar in both BCS and SVT groups.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 10, 2008

Can genetic information be controlled by light?

DNA's photostability is influenced by its base sequences, with different combinations exhibiting varying fluorescence lifetimes. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic methods and potentially repair gene mutations using laser radiation.

SourceKiel University·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2008

US culture derails girl math whizzes

A study finds that many girls with exceptional math talent exist but are rarely identified due to a lack of respect for math and role models. The US pipeline for nurturing top math talent is badly broken, with 80% of female faculty hired at top research universities born in other countries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateOct 10, 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.

Landmark study unlocks stem cell, DNA secrets to speed therapies

Researchers at Florida State University discovered dramatic changes in DNA replication order during embryonic stem cell differentiation. The findings bridge a critical knowledge gap, enabling scientists to better understand the complex process of DNA reorganization during cell specialization.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 10, 2008

Study finds stroke-prevention surgery safe in growing 80-plus population

A retrospective study of 103 carotid endarterectomies in 95 patients aged 80-94 found a low incidence of neurologic complications. The combined stroke and death rate was 2.91 percent, indicating that age alone should not disqualify patients from this surgery.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 10, 2008

Making waves

Soundararajan and Roman Holowinsky prove a significant version of the quantum unique ergodicity (QUE) conjecture using different techniques from number theory. Their work shows that for certain shapes associated with number theory, waves always spread out evenly, eliminating whispering galleries.

SourceAmerican Institute of Mathematics·DateOct 10, 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.

Sensitive nanowire disease detectors made by Yale scientists

Researchers at Yale University have created nanowire sensors that can detect specific antigens and identify diseases with high sensitivity and specificity. The system uses immune cell activation to generate a current in the nanowires, allowing it to detect as few as 200 activated cells.

SourceYale University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 10, 2008

U-M to house leading drug database

The University of Michigan is developing the Community Structure-Activity Resource (CSAR) database, a centralized repository of experimental data on drug-making compounds. This resource will improve computer programs that predict drug effectiveness and significantly impact the drug development process.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateOct 10, 2008

On the trail of a targeted therapy for blood cancers

The cullin family of proteins is involved in regulating the degradation of proteins that control blood cell development. A study published in Blood found that targeting this protein may lead to improved therapies for leukemia and other blood cancers.

SourceIndiana University·JournalBlood·DateOct 10, 2008

A new alternative in treating short bowel syndrome

Researchers discovered that chlorella crude extract improves intestinal adaptation in rats with short bowel syndrome, increasing villi height and absorption rates. This finding suggests an alternative to commercial enteral products for treating SBS.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 10, 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.

Just a numbers game? Making sense of health statistics

A new report highlights the issue of statistical illiteracy in health, with misleading presentation of relative risks and lack of absolute risk information. The problem affects both doctors and patients, leading to incorrect decisions and actions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateOct 10, 2008

Recommendations for children's exercise lacking say experts

A study published in Archives of Diseases in Childhood found that only 42% of boys and 11% of girls met the recommended daily exercise level, suggesting a need for revised guidelines. Exercise improved metabolic health, but diet changes were deemed more effective at improving overall health and weight.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 10, 2008

New data resource to advance computer-aided drug design

A new Web-based resource is being developed to provide molecular data needed for computer-aided drug design. The resource aims to improve the prediction of potential drug candidates and advance biomedical research.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateOct 10, 2008

Is CT-colonoscopy a valuable tool to detect colorectal cancer?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that CT colonography is accurate for detecting colonic masses or polyps equal to or greater than 10mm. This non-invasive technique replaced double contrast barium enema (DCBE) for evaluating incomplete colonoscopies.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 10, 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.

Lost in America: Top math talent

A new study reveals that girls can excel in mathematics with proper nurturing, contrary to conventional wisdom. The study found that cultures valuing math education lead to a higher representation of female math whizzes in competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad. In contrast, US culture discourages girls from pursuing...

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateOct 10, 2008

UD chemist Svilen Bobev receives ACA Early Career Award

Svilen Bobev, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has been awarded the American Crystallographic Association's Early Career Award for his outstanding achievement in crystallographic research. The award recognizes his potential to make significant contributions to the field.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 10, 2008

Why could ethyl pyruvate attenuate severe acute pancreatitis?

This study investigates whether delayed ethyl pyruvate therapy can attenuate experimental SAP via reducing serum HMGB1 levels in rats. The results showed that ethyl pyruvate significantly reduced serum HMGB1 levels, protected against liver, renal, and lung injury, and prolonged survival time in rats.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 10, 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.

Team led by Livermore scientists helps to resolve long-standing puzzle in climate science

A team led by Livermore scientists has reconciled the differences between simulated and observed temperature trends in the tropics. They applied a modified statistical test to account for uncertainty in observational data and found no fundamental discrepancy between modeled and observed trends. This reconciliation is thanks to the use ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateOct 10, 2008

New instrument puts new spin on superconductors

Ames Laboratory researchers used a brand new instrument to study iron-arsenic compounds, which are part of the 'hottest' new find in superconducting materials research. The findings mark the first research produced with the aid of the new tool and provide insights into the role of lattice vibrations in these new superconductors.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateOct 10, 2008

Only some Web sites provide patients with reliable information before having an operation

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that unsponsored web sites have significantly higher quality information compared to commercially sponsored ones. The researchers suggest that surgeons can help patients find reliable information by providing them with technical search terms.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 10, 2008

NASA supercomputer shows how dust rings point to exo-Earths

Researchers used NASA's Thunderhead supercomputer to simulate dusty disks around sunlike stars, finding that planets as small as Mars can create detectable ring structures. The models provide a way to infer a planet's mass and orbital distance based on dust particle simulations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 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.

Where optics meets medicine

Researchers have developed an animal model to study the effect of small strokes on nearby neurons, finding that blockages can cause significant decreases in blood flow and death of neurons. A potential new tool for brain surgeons is being developed using optical measurements to detect and protect critical areas during surgery.

SourceOptica·DateOct 9, 2008

NIAID awards contracts to search for protein markers of disease

Researchers will analyze human blood samples to discover proteins that could serve as biomarkers of infectious diseases. The goal is to identify specific biomarkers present in infected individuals but absent in uninfected people, guiding diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 9, 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.

Bold traveler's journey toward the center of the Earth

Researchers found a unique microorganism, Desulforudis audaxviator, living in complete isolation with no sunlight, oxygen, and extreme heat. The bacterium survives by harnessing energy from hydrogen and sulfate produced by radioactive decay of uranium, and has a remarkable genome with 2,157 protein-coding genes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2008

Smithsonian perspective: Biodiversity in a warmer world

A study published in Science warns that climate change may exceed life's ability to respond, threatening 53% of species with extinction. The research provides critical insights into the effects of warming on tropical ecosystems, highlighting the need for conservation measures.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2008
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.

'60s generation is heading for conventional old age

Research finds UK baby boomers have limited retirement plans, preferring to maintain current lifestyles. They demonstrate a changing attitude towards inheritance, with a focus on enjoying life rather than leaving a legacy. Baby boomers also show diverse generational views, varying in their perceptions of age, identity, and consumerism.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 9, 2008

Researchers discover how infectious bacteria can switch species

Scientists have developed a rapid new technique called Rapid Virulence Annotation (RVA) to identify toxins and virulence factors made by bacteria that allow it to infect different types of organisms. This discovery could lead to new vaccines and anti-bacterial drugs, as well as help prevent diseases caused by disease-causing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2008

Ripple effect: Water snails offer new propulsion possibilities

Researchers have discovered how water snails can drag themselves across a fluid surface using the slime they secrete. By distorting the soft surface, the snail creates waves in the mucus layer that generate propulsive forces and move.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 9, 2008
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.

Deep magma matters in volcanic eruption cycle

A team of researchers found that magma is continuously supplied from deep in the crust but a valve acts below a shallower magma chamber, releasing lava to the surface periodically. The upper reservoir is open and the lower reservoir refills at half the rate it was lost during lulls in eruption.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2008

New Systems Biology Awards enable detailed study of microbes

The new NIAID-funded programs aim to identify molecular features that distinguish bacterial and viral species, which may be targets for potential medical interventions. Researchers will use computational and experimental methods to analyze the dynamics of molecular components within microbes and their interactions with human cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 9, 2008
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.

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 9, 2008

Researchers found that SREBP-2 induces expression of type 2 taste receptors in cultured mouse intestinal cells and enhances T2R-induced secretion of cholecystokinin. This mechanism may inform the gut about food-borne toxins and initiate a response to limit their absorption.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 9, 2008

New drug class: Angina

A new drug class, ranolazine, has been approved for the treatment of chronic stable angina, providing a safe and effective alternative to existing treatments. Ranolazine has been shown to reduce anginal episodes by one attack per week and extend exercise time before an angina attack develops, with benefits seen in men more than women.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 9, 2008

Risk and reward compete in brain

A new imaging study reveals two distinct brain regions competing for control: one associated with risk aversion, the other with a desire for risk-taking. The prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in risk assessment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 9, 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.

Opening a can of worms: Serendipitous discovery reveals earthworms more diverse than first thought

A study by Cardiff University scientists has revealed that common earthworms in the UK are composed of multiple distinct species, each with unique roles in food chains and soil ecology. The discovery, published in Molecular Ecology, sheds new light on the importance of earthworms in agriculture.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 9, 2008

Brainy genes, not brawn, key to success on mussel beach

Scientists found that mussels alternate between eating and growing genes in response to changing environmental conditions. The study suggests that mussels use a survival strategy similar to circadian rhythms, allowing them to separate physiological processes and reduce damage from free radicals.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 9, 2008
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.

Clue to genetic cause of fatal birth defect

Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine discovered a novel enzyme linked to anencephaly, a rare fatal birth defect. The study suggests that a genetic test may be developed to diagnose the condition early in pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 9, 2008

Small intestine can sense and react to bitter toxins in food

Researchers discovered that the small intestine can detect bitter toxins in food, slowing digestion and producing hormones that suppress appetite. This finding has potential applications for treating ailments like cancer and diabetes, and may explain why certain populations adapt to eat local foods that are toxic to outsiders.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 9, 2008