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Science News Archive September 2008


Page 1 of 24

Canada's shores saved animals from devastating climate change

Researchers solved part of the mystery of where marine organisms recovered after the Permian-Triassic extinction event. The shorelines of ancient Alberta and British Columbia provided a refuge for these organisms, indicating locally well-oxygenated conditions in an ocean otherwise characterized by widespread anoxia.

Gender is a relative term in politics, MU study finds

A University of Missouri study found that female and male candidates adapt to each other's traditional communication styles when debating head-to-head. Female candidates were more likely to use 'masculine' traits and issue personal attacks, while males adopted 'feminine' strategies and addressed women's issues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

An accurate picture of ice loss in Greenland

Researchers from TU Delft and CSR have developed a method to create an accurate picture of Greenland's ice loss, revealing a half-millimeter-rise in global sea levels per year. The study also shows that the ice loss is advancing towards the North of Greenland, particularly on the west coast.

CU-Boulder space scientists set for second spacecraft flyby of Mercury

MESSENGER spacecraft will make its second flyby of Mercury on Oct. 6, providing a region unseen before by spacecraft and revealing details about the planet's atmosphere and surface. The mission aims to gather data and images from Mercury for about 90 minutes, including observations in the far ultraviolet portion of the light spectrum.

Treatment window expanded

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients can still benefit from dissolving blood clots in the brain up to 4.5 hours after a stroke. The study, known as ECASS 3, involved 826 patients who received either the thrombolytic drug alteplase or a placebo, with better response rates and no increased mort...

Direct recording shows brain signal persists even in dreamless sleep

Researchers have discovered a persistent brain signal that never switches off, suggesting its role in supporting cognitive functions and maintaining the brain's structure. This low-frequency signal is thought to be more fundamental than previously identified gamma frequency activity.

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.

When cells go bad

Researchers found that when a single telomere is lost, it can cause many abnormalities in a cell's chromosomes, leading to cancer. A new treatment route for cancer may be possible by interfering with the process of adding new telomeres.

When particles are so small that they seep right through skin

Researchers have found that nanoparticles can pass through human skin, especially when damaged, raising concerns about their safety. The study, led by Dr. Lisa DeLouise, used mice as a model and showed that nanoparticles accumulate in skin folds and around hair follicles.

Changing dosing, administration of anthrax vaccine reduces side effects

A randomized clinical trial found that changing dosing and administration of an anthrax vaccine to intramuscular injection resulted in fewer adverse events while maintaining comparable effectiveness. The study also discovered that a reduced 3-dose schedule was noninferior to the licensed regimen.

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.

Captain Birdseye's robotic nose

Researchers from Matis-Icelandic Food Research developed a PCR-based technique to detect bacteria causing stinky fish smell in just five hours, four times faster than traditional methods. This innovation enables the fish industry to monitor contamination by spoilage bacteria more efficiently.

Study shows 3 genes associated with increased risk of gout

A study found three genes associated with an increased risk of gout, enabling the development of a genetic risk score that can predict those at highest risk. This score could facilitate early and targeted treatments, improving outcomes for individuals affected by gout.

Researchers create first model for retina receptors

Scientists have created the first genetic research model for a microscopic part of the eye that causes blindness. The new model aims to test drug compounds and therapeutic agents to prolong the life of receptor cells and delay or prevent blindness.

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.

Walking forum report shows need to expand physical activity in schools

The University of Illinois report 'We Move the Kids' recommends integrating physical activity throughout the curriculum, beyond traditional P.E. classes, to promote healthy habits and combat obesity. Experts suggest innovative strategies like pedometer tracking, rewards, and goal-setting to encourage kids to be physically active.

The green Sahara, a desert in bloom

Researchers discovered three periods of high vegetation cover in the Sahara Desert over the past 120,000 years, tied to changes in Earth's rotation axis and increased precipitation. Computer model simulations support these findings, suggesting a potential expansion of vegetation in the region under human-driven climate change.

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.

MRI spots DCIS in mice

Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect tiny breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in mice. The method has shown promising results in detecting small tumors less than 300 microns in diameter and distended milk ducts with cancer.

Don't ask, don't tell doesn't work in prenatal care

A new study found that obstetrical care providers are not comfortable discussing substance abuse with pregnant patients unless specifically asked. The researchers call for providers to learn about drug and alcohol cessation programs and ask questions to engage women in discussions about risks. This could lead to better health outcomes ...

Study finds young children can develop full-blown OCD

A new study by Lifespan researchers found that young children as young as four can develop full-blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and exhibit similar characteristics to older kids. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, analyzed 58 children with OCD between the ages of four and eight.

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.

Smoking increases depression in women, Australian study reveals

A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals that women who smoke are at greater risk of developing major depressive disorder. Smoking was found to more than double the likelihood of developing depression for heavy smokers compared to non-smokers.

Mass extinctions and the evolution of dinosaurs

Dinosaurs survived two mass extinctions before evolving into diverse species, taking up to 50 million years to dominate ecosystems. The research challenges the traditional view of rapid expansion and diversification.

New genes linked to gout

Researchers identified two new genes and confirmed a third's role in increased uric acid levels, associated with up to 40-fold gout risk. Genetic testing may one day identify individuals at risk before symptoms develop.

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.

Algal biomonitor

A DNA test can detect harmful algal blooms across the globe, reducing economic impact on fisheries, recreational activities, and aquaculture sites. Factors such as climate change and pollution contribute to algal bloom occurrences.

A new 10-year vision for glaucoma

The article discusses a global summit of leading glaucoma specialists who gathered to discuss key needs and opportunities in advancing therapies for patients. The summit highlighted the need to advance beyond traditional IOP-lowering therapies and explore new approaches, including innovative drug delivery systems and novel biomarkers.

Ecologists allay fears for farmland birds from wind turbines

A new study found that wind turbines do not significantly affect the distribution of seed-eating birds and corvids. However, common pheasants were the only species whose distribution was impacted by the turbines. This research is crucial for reconciling EU energy targets with biodiversity conservation efforts.

NCI renews M. D. Anderson core grant; peers bestow outstanding rating

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has received a $52.7 million Cancer Center Support Grant from the NCI for five years, supporting 19 specific research programs and 24 shared-resource services. This renewal is part of two steps toward maintaining its comprehensive cancer center designation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Most adults under 50 unlikely need colorectal screening

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that young adults without family history of bowel disease have few pre-cancerous polyps. Screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies starting at age 50, but the study suggests African Americans should consider colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy.

Glanceable dashboard takes a measure of physician communication

A new touch-screen kiosk lets patients quickly answer questions about their physician encounter, displaying a colorful measure on a monitor. The study collects data for eight weeks in primary care practice sites, aiming to determine if physicians will change their behavior to get more positive feedback from patients.

Possible cause of antisocial behavior identified

A study by the University of Cambridge found a link between lower cortisol levels and antisocial behavior in male adolescents. The research suggests that antisocial behavior may be linked to physiological symptoms, including a chemical imbalance of cortisol in the brain and body.

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.

Extra copies of EGFR gene signal poor prognosis for vulvar cancer

A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that women with vulvar carcinoma and extra copies of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are at increased risk of dying from their cancer. EGFR amplification is associated with poor survival rates, making targeted therapies a promising treatment option.

Colon cancer link to obesity uncovered

A new JAMA study reveals a genetic link between obesity and colon cancer risk, showing those with a common genetic variant of ADIPOQ carry up to 30% reduced risk. This finding may lead to improved screening and early detection for colon cancer through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

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.

Psychologists show experience may be the best teacher for infants

Researchers at the University of Washington found that 10-month-old infants who used a plastic cane to retrieve a toy were better able to understand another person's goal than those who only watched. The study suggests that active, hands-on experience is more effective for learning than observation.

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.

TB bacterium uses its sugar coat to sweeten its chances of living in lungs

TB bacteria coat themselves with mannose, making them attractive to lung cells that clean up unwanted sugar. This allows the bacteria to slip by the immune system, leading to latent infection. Two strains of TB have been found that do not use this sugar coating, suggesting specific interactions between strains and human immune systems.

Cranking up the volume

The world's oceans are becoming more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide levels, causing sounds to travel farther underwater. This change could improve communication for marine mammals but increase background noise, affecting their behavior.

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.

MIT paves way to 'artificial nose'

Researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of smell by mass-producing olfactory receptors. This advance could lead to the development of artificial noses for various settings, including medicine and industry. The innovation involves isolating and purifying protein structures using a novel method.

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.

Virtual world offers new locale for problem solving

Penn State researchers found that teams working in Second Life provided the most accurate answers despite taking longer to finish the task. Face-to-face teams felt most confident but struggled with basic tasks due to the complex keyboard strokes required for avatar movement.

Restless nights put older adults at risk for depression recurrence

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.