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Science News Archive October 2008 - Page 21


Page 21 of 24

Visualizing election polls

Researchers have developed a new, animated, and interactive way to analyze opinion data using radial charts that change in real time as users ask questions. The software is designed to make it easy for news reporters and citizens to easily visualize poll results by demographic characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateOct 5, 2008

Children aware of white male monopoly on White House

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that most elementary school children are aware of racial and gender biases in the US presidency. Children attribute the lack of diversity to discrimination, with some believing it's due to prejudice or skills gaps.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAnalyses of Social Issues and Public Policy·DateOct 5, 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.

Form of Crohn's disease traced to disabled gut cells

Research finds disabled gut cells linked to Crohn's disease, with altered genetic activity leading to increased hormone production. The study suggests a potential role for autophagy and Atg16L1 in Paneth cell function, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind the inflammatory bowel disorder.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2008

A little exercise goes a long way for severely obese

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that severely obese individuals who exercised just one hour a week reported better overall-quality of life and improved ability to perform daily tasks. Even small amounts of physical activity can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, regardless of weight.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateOct 5, 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.

Mental barriers hamper obese women's efforts to get exercise

A study by Temple University researchers found that obese women face significant mental barriers to exercise, including feeling self-conscious, fearing injury, and having perceived poor health. These aversions can significantly hinder their ability to engage in physical activity and adhere to a weight loss plan.

SourceTemple University·DateOct 5, 2008

How much are you really exercising?

Temple University researchers found that obese women reported their activity levels most accurately compared to overweight and normal weight women. The accuracy of estimates increased with education and participation in physical activity over time.

SourceTemple University·DateOct 4, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Landmark discovery of 'engine' that drives cell movement

Researchers at the GSK-IMCB Group in Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cells move, revealing a complex of three proteins that regulate the myosin network within a cell. This finding has significant implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer growth and developmental biology.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell·DateOct 4, 2008

Duke researchers show reading can help obese kids lose weight

A study by Duke researchers found that obese girls aged 9-13 who read an age-appropriate novel experienced a significant decrease in their BMI scores. The novel, Lake Rescue, included healthy lifestyle guidance and positive messages, leading to a -0.71% decrease in BMI compared to a control group.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateOct 4, 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.

Singing to females makes male birds' brains happy

A study found that male birds' brains are activated in 'reward' areas when they sing to attract females, similar to the brain response to addictive drugs. This suggests that social interactions, like courtship, can activate the same brain reward circuits as natural and artificial rewards.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2008

Medical student gender and self-confidence

A new study found that female medical students consistently report decreased self-confidence and increased anxiety, particularly over issues related to their competency. Female medical students appeared less confident in their interaction with patients, a finding that has important implications for medical education.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateOct 3, 2008

UT Southwestern selected as study center for National Children's Study

The National Children's Study will follow 100,000 children from birth to age 21, examining the effects of environmental and genetic factors on asthma, birth defects, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The study, authorized by Congress in 2000, is being conducted by a consortium of federal agencies, including NIH institutes and the CDC.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateOct 3, 2008
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.

Smoking and solid fuel use in homes in China projected to cause millions of deaths

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study projects that China will experience an estimated 65 million COPD deaths and 18 million lung cancer deaths between 2003 and 2033 if current smoking and biomass fuel use levels continue, highlighting the need for large-scale interventions to reduce disease burden

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 3, 2008

World's biggest computing grid launched

The Worldwide LHC Computing Grid has combined the power of over 140 computer centers from 33 countries to analyze and manage 15 million gigabytes of LHC data annually. This massive distributed computing system will enable 7,000 scientists worldwide to analyze data and uncover secrets about the physical universe.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateOct 3, 2008

New study on effects of disclosing financial interests on participation in medical research

A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that patients are more concerned about certain types of financial interests, especially when the investigator owns stock in the company financing the study. Patients expressed a moderate degree of willingness to join a clinical trial regardless of disclosure, but were less willing and made ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateOct 3, 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.

Newly identified cells make fat

Scientists have discovered an important fat precursor cell that may explain how changes in fat cells lead to obesity. The discovery could also shed light on conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2008

Obese diners choose convenience and overeating at Chinese buffets

Research published in Obesity journal reveals overweight individuals sit closer to food, use larger plates, and eat more when dining at all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurants. These subtle differences contribute to increased food consumption among obese diners.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity·DateOct 3, 2008

Study unveils structural details of enzyme vital to DNA repair

Researchers have discovered how the Mre11 protein bridges diverse molecular architectures at DNA breaks, resolving paradoxes about its function. The findings offer new strategies for targeting this enzyme in cancer therapies, particularly when combined with other inhibitors of DNA repair.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 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.

Study: Government accommodates rich and poor alike

Researchers found that people's preferences on how the federal government should spend its money are overwhelmingly similar across socioeconomic groups. The study concluded that the government acts on all income groups because it can't tell the difference or to represent public views as a whole.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPS Political Science & Politics·DateOct 3, 2008

4 Stevens professors receive top Bright Idea Awards

Four Stevens Institute of Technology professors have received the Bright Idea Award for their groundbreaking research papers, with Christine V. Bullen, Ann C. Mooney, Patricia J. Holahan, and Peerasit Patanakul recognized for their work in Information Technology, Project Management, and Conflict Resolution.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateOct 3, 2008

Oklahoma researchers support biodiversity in biofuels production

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University advocate for a science-based approach to address the environmental consequences of cellulosic ethanol production. They suggest exploring multiple species, such as native grasses and hay meadows, to create a stable and diverse biofuels industry.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2008

Professor H. Quynh Dinh awarded a Honda Initiation Grant

Stevens Institute of Technology professor H. Quynh Dinh has been awarded a $50,000 Honda Initiation Grant to develop methods for detecting patterns in vector fields. The grant aims to improve engine design and traffic management through collaborations with researchers in automotive and ocean engineering.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateOct 3, 2008

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News reports on growing role of molecular diagnostics

Molecular diagnostic products are based on cutting-edge research in genomics and proteomics, enabling early detection of cancer and optimizing drug therapy. Companies like Roche, Myriad Genetics, and Genomic Health are well-positioned for future growth with their genetic tests and companion diagnostics.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateOct 3, 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.

Bee swarms follow high-speed 'streaker' bees to find a new nest

A team of researchers discovered that bee swarms are guided by high-speed streaker bees, which fly through the top half of the swarm at high speeds. The team filmed swarming bees with high-definition cameras and analyzed over 3500 frames to build a picture of the insects' flight directions.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 3, 2008
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.

Discovery of a type of aerosols from Sahara which will be useful to study climate change

Researchers have discovered a new type of atmospheric aerosol particle called iberulite, which forms in the troposphere from mineral small grains emitted from desert soils. The iberulites can provide valuable information on environmental and paleoclimatic markers, as well as change models of radioactive transference in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateOct 3, 2008

Researchers find household insecurity associated with food insecurity, poor health

A study found that households experiencing energy insecurity are more likely to face food insecurity, leading to negative health outcomes, hospitalizations, and developmental risks in infants and toddlers. Researchers also emphasized the need for healthcare providers to consider household energy security when making treatment decisions.

SourceBoston University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 3, 2008

Shift in bald eagle diet linked to sea otter decline

A new study reveals that the decline of sea otters in Alaska's Aleutian Islands has led to a shift in bald eagle diet, from fish to seabirds. This change highlights the extraordinary complexity of marine ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of population shifts in keystone species.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcology·DateOct 3, 2008

Survey confirms parents' fears, confusion over autism

A national survey reveals that nearly one in four parents believe vaccines cause autism, leading to fewer vaccinations and a growing number of measles infections. The study's findings highlight the lingering fear and confusion surrounding vaccines, despite overwhelming scientific evidence debunking the link.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateOct 3, 2008
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.

Egalitarian revolution in the Pleistocene?

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the first egalitarian societies may have appeared tens of thousands of years ago, driven by the social brain hypothesis. The research uses a complex mathematical model and large-scale numerical simulations to explore how alliances can emerge in groups, leading to a phase transition toward...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2008

Decline in Alaskan sea otters affects bald eagles' diet

Bald eagles adjust their foraging tactics in response to the decline of Alaskan sea otters. Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems, which provide food and habitat for many fish and invertebrates. As otter populations decrease, bald eagles shift their diet from kelp-forest fish to birds.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateOct 3, 2008

More research needed to make good on biofuel promise, experts say

A team of international scientists urges more comprehensive research on cellulosic biofuels to avoid environmental pitfalls. The study highlights the need to consider water use, nutrient runoff, greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation when producing these fuels.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2008
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Discovery of natural compounds that could slow blood vessel growth

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have identified over 100 human protein fragments that can slow or stop the growth of cells making up new blood vessels. These compounds, known as antiangiogenesis peptides, could lead to treatments for diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2008

UC Riverside biochemists devise method for bypassing aluminum toxicity effects in plants

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a mechanism that allows plants to bypass the negative effects of aluminum toxicity, enabling them to grow normally in soils with high levels of toxic aluminum. By manipulating a DNA surveillance system called AtATR, scientists can enhance aluminum tolerance and increase crop productivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2008

When seeing IS believing

A study by Adam Galinsky and Jennifer Whitson found that individuals seek to regain control by perceiving connections between unrelated events, leading to superstitions and conspiratorial thinking. Restoring a sense of control can normalize perceptions and behavior.

SourceManning Selvage & Lee·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 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.

Changes needed in way the United States Conducts military interventions

The RAND Corporation report suggests delegating spending authority to the field level and requiring cross-agency experience for civilians and military officers. The report also emphasizes building success through career-wide training, enhancing foreign culture knowledge, and promoting long-term relationships with local counterparts.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateOct 2, 2008

Wielding microbe against microbe, beetle defends its food source

A beetle uses a bacterium to protect its fungus from a competing mite, producing a novel antibiotic with potential for treating fungal diseases and cancer. The discovery highlights the importance of symbiotic relationships between insects and microbes in their survival.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2008

Where you live matters when you're seriously ill

A new report card shows that the Midwest leads in palliative care access, while Southern and for-profit hospitals struggle. States like Vermont, Montana, and New Hampshire earned top grades for their palliative care programs, while Oklahoma, Alabama, and Mississippi received F's.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 2, 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.

NIST/CSM sensor could help avert pipeline failures

A prototype sensor developed by NIST and CSM can detect tiny amounts of hydrogen accumulation in coated pipeline steel. The sensor's measurement sensitivity is exceptional, allowing it to identify levels below 1 ppm, significantly earlier than conventional analytical techniques.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 2, 2008

Coastlines could be protected by invisibility cloak

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a metamaterial structure that guides water through concentric corridors, reducing wave overtopping and damage to coastal defenses. The 'invisibility cloak' technology shows promise in protecting land from natural disasters such as tsunamis.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 2, 2008

Musicians use both sides of their brains more frequently than average people

Research at Vanderbilt University found that musicians exhibit greater divergent thinking and bilateral brain activity compared to non-musicians. Musicians' enhanced creativity was linked to their ability to integrate competing information from both hemispheres, facilitating innovative solutions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateOct 2, 2008