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Science News Archive September 2008


Page 2 of 24

Hepatitis B exposure may increase risk for pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and reactivation of HBV during chemotherapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggests testing for HBV before administering chemotherapy to prevent liver damage.

Micro honeycomb materials enable new physics in aicraft sound reduction

Engineers at Georgia Tech Research Institute create a new approach to noise reduction using micro honeycomb structures that dissipate acoustic waves through viscous shear. The innovative material, developed from nickel-base superalloys, could also protect aircraft from impact by dispersing energy.

Is there more to prion protein than mad cow disease?

Scientists have detected changes in prion protein production and accumulation in brains of cattle with a rare neurological disorder. The study suggests an association between abnormally high levels of prion protein and the disease, but differs from BSE and CJD.

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.

Experiment demonstrates 110 years of sustainable agriculture

A 110-year-old sustainable farming experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of winter legumes in producing non-irrigated cotton yields, comparable to those using nitrogen fertilizer. The study's findings have implications for long-term soil organic matter and crop yield management.

Ethnic conflict stoked by government economic intervention, not globalization

A McGill University study suggests that government intervention in a nation's economy fuels intergroup violence and rebellion, rather than promoting social stability. The research counters the idea that liberalized economies are worse for minority groups, highlighting the role of state control in exacerbating tensions.

Simple twists of fate

A novel Brandeis University study reports on molecular gymnastics performed by a protein involved in regulating DNA transcription. The research uses state-of-the-art tools and simple methods to observe the shape and behavior of individual DNA molecules.

Entomological Society of America names 2008 award winners

The Entomological Society of America recognizes Dr. Frederick P. Baxendale for his outstanding contributions to extension entomology, and Dr. Tiffany M. Heng-Moss for her exceptional teaching, including developing a new undergraduate major in insect science. Dr. Ronald D. Oetting receives the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticul...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

October Geosphere media highlights

This October GEOSPHERE issue investigates the uplift of Southern Rocky Mountains, Himalayan kinematics, and fault geometry in the New Madrid seismic zone. The study also explores magmatic mosaics and volcanic processes in Mexico City's surroundings.

Birth size is a marker of susceptibility to breast cancer later in life

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that birth size is a significant marker of susceptibility to breast cancer later in life. The research analyzed data from over 600,000 women and discovered that a 0.5 kg increase in birth weight was associated with a 7% higher risk of breast cancer. Birth length and head circumference were a...

Doctors bone up on orthopaedics through wiki project

A new study shows that web-based academic discussions are a cost-effective and effective method of continuing medical education for orthopaedic surgeons. The interactive Orthochina.org wiki project, launched in 1998, allows professionals to share real patient cases and engage in collaborative discussions.

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.

Growing a garden of future environmental leaders

EPA's STAR fellowship program supports promising masters and doctoral candidates, such as Matthias Fripp, who are developing sustainable energy solutions for America. The program also recognizes the work of former fellows, including Toiya Goodlow and Dr. Brandon Jones, who now work at EPA.

Drinking alcohol before 15 years of age is risky for later alcohol problems

A new study found that individuals who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) in adulthood. The research, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, controlled for various individual risk factors and found that early drinking is associated with increased AUD risk.

Mental health intervention urged for heart patients

Depression is linked with increased morbidity and mortality in heart patients, and routine screening can help identify those at risk. Heart patients benefit from mental health treatment options, including behavioral therapy, physical activity, and medication.

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.

Common insecticide can decimate tadpole populations

Research found that malathion, commonly used to control mosquitoes and crop pests, can indirectly kill tadpoles by depleting their primary food source. The study suggests that even low concentrations of the insecticide can have devastating effects on amphibian populations.

Occupational therapy gets people with osteoarthritis moving

A pilot study found that occupational therapy training, combined with regular exercise, increased physical activity levels in patients with osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this approach could be an effective way to promote wellness among individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Blood thinning drug linked to increased bleeding in brain

A new study found that warfarin, commonly used to prevent blood clotting, increases the risk of brain hemorrhage and death if a hemorrhagic stroke occurs. The study showed that people taking warfarin with an INR above three had twice as much initial bleeding as those not on the drug.

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.

Using molecules to measure rate of flow

Researchers developed a method using laser beams and fluorescence to measure airflow rates in wind tunnels, satellite engines, and object wakes. This technique surpasses traditional particle methods in accuracy.

Like an arrow: Jumping insects use archery techniques

Researchers found that froghoppers store energy in a composite structure made of hard cuticle and resilin, flexing it like an archery bow before releasing the energy for a powerful jump. This technique allows them to achieve remarkable heights, over 100 times their body length.

New formula predicts how people will migrate in coming decades

Scientists at Rockefeller University have developed a predictive model of worldwide population shifts that will provide more accurate estimates of migration patterns. The model accounts for approximately 60% of the variation in annual numbers of migrants and has the potential to improve resource allocation and economic conditions.

Water table depth tied to droughts

A recent study found that groundwater storage plays a crucial role in regulating watershed response and climate feedbacks. The depth of the water table is closely tied to land surface conditions, with shallow tables amplifying temperature increases and deep tables directly influencing precipitation patterns.

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.

NIH announces funding for new epigenomics initiative

The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program aims to understand how epigenetic processes control genes and affect health and disease. The program will provide reference data for the entire scientific community to study epigenetic regulation.

Campus green spaces enhance quality of life

Research found that high users of campus green spaces rated their overall quality of life higher and had better cognitive abilities. Most students (90%) were frequent users of green space.

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.

Deadly rugby virus spreads in sumo wrestlers

Researchers have studied the spread of herpes virus among sumo wrestlers in Japan and discovered a new strain that could be even more pathogenic. The study found that the BgKL strain is reactivated, spreads more efficiently and causes more severe symptoms than other strains.

A plum assignment

A recent study by Ahmad Sattar Khan and Dr. Zora Singh found that combining modified atmosphere packaging with 1-methylcyclopropene can extend the storage life of Japanese plums to up to seven weeks. This breakthrough will allow fruit producers to export plums for longer periods, reducing losses and improving market availability.

Reversible 3-D cell culture gel invented

Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have invented a thixotropic nanocomposite gel that can liquefy on demand, facilitating safe and convenient 3D cell culture. The novel material supports the extracellular matrix secretions of cells and enables controlled differentiation of stem cells.

New way to control protein activity could lead to cancer therapies

Researchers have found a new technique to quickly and reversibly fine-tune protein activity in cells and living mammals, providing a powerful tool for identifying protein functions. The technique involves pairing specially engineered proteins with the drug Shield-1, which prevents their degradation.

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.

Bring on the Pak Choi

A survey of US consumers reveals that many have limited knowledge and consumption habits around Asian vegetables. Most participants had not tried over 9 different Asian veggies, but expressed interest in learning more about them.

Kazak apple research key to preventing blue mold

Researchers studied a new apple germplasm collection from Kazakhstan to determine disease resistance to blue mold. The study found greater genetic diversity among the Kazak apples, including immune and resistant accessions that may serve as a source of resistance in breeding programs.

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.

Integrated curriculum enhances academics

A recent study by ASHS found that students participating in the National Wildlife Federation's Schoolyard Habitat Program showed significantly increased math scores compared to those using traditional curricula. The program improved academic performance, particularly among Hispanic students, but not equally across all ethnic groups.

Extending the life of fresh cranberries

A study by Charles F. Forney found that low temperatures and high relative humidity are key to extending the shelf life of fresh cranberries. Storage conditions between 0-7°C and 75-82% relative humidity resulted in up to six months of marketable fruit, offering benefits for growers and consumers.

Consumers influence christmas tree styles

Researchers are working to produce 'European-style' Christmas trees that meet public preferences for natural, open shapes with more space for ornaments. The use of advanced shearing techniques, such as the Top-Stop Nipper, shows promise for improving tree quality and marketability.

Children's gardening programs grow environmental stewards

A recent study found that hands-on gardening experiences significantly improve children's environmental attitudes and locus of control. Researchers discovered that girls and Caucasians benefited most from the gardening curriculum, highlighting the need for targeted programs to address the needs of diverse groups.

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.

'Hub' of fear memory formation identified in brain cells

Researchers found that beta-catenin plays a crucial role in solidifying fear memories in the brains of adult animals. The protein acts like a Velcro strap, fastening cells' internal skeletons to proteins on their external membranes.

Scientists identify gene that may contribute to improved rice yield

Researchers have identified a gene in rice that controls the size and weight of grains. The GIF1 gene is responsible for controlling invertase activity, which is essential for starch production. By overexpressing the GIF1 gene in transgenic lines of rice, scientists were able to increase grain size and weight.

NWO modifies the Innovational Research Incentives Scheme

The NWO has made significant changes to the Innovational Research Incentives Scheme, increasing grant sizes and reducing institutional contributions. The new scheme offers more flexibility for lecturers, allowing them to submit proposals with less paperwork, while also promoting multidisciplinary research and knowledge utilisation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA's dirty secret: Moon dust

Researchers are studying the effects of lunar dust on the respiratory system and developing technologies to clean it from space suits. The powdery grey dirt is formed by micrometeorite impacts that can wreak havoc on equipment, but its unique properties also make it susceptible to magnets.

Foam reactor is 10 times more energy efficient

The new foam reactor design has a large surface area per reactor volume, increasing production efficiency. It outperforms traditional packed bed designs by 10 times in terms of energy efficiency.

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.

$4.8M NIH grant aids interstitial cystitis research

University of Iowa researchers are investigating the roles of the pituitary gland and sympathetic nervous system in interstitial cystitis inflammation. The study aims to identify potential causes of the painful bladder condition, which affects over 1 million Americans.

Lava flows reveal clues to magnetic field reversals

Ancient lava flows from Tahiti and western Germany have provided insights into past patterns of the Earth's magnetic field. The study suggests that a second magnetic field source in the shallow core may play a role in determining how and whether the main field reverses direction.

Wetlands restoration not a panacea for Louisiana coast

A recent white paper by leading coastal scientists suggests that wetlands restoration projects may not provide long-term storm protection for the Louisiana Coast. The researchers argue that there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of such initiatives in reducing storm impacts.

Looking for water on Mars

Researchers at Decagon Devices Inc. successfully measured thermal properties of Martian regolith using a short, fat needle technique, expanding understanding and accuracy of climate models. The study's findings have potential applications in improving commercial thermal properties sensors on Earth.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

9 prestigious grants for the Netherlands

The Netherlands has secured 9 European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grants for Physical Sciences and Engineering, ranking third in the country. The winners include researchers from prominent Dutch institutions such as Radboud University Nijmegen, Leiden University, and Delft University of Technology.