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Science News Archive September 2008


Page 21 of 24

Social psychology can be used to understand nuclear restraint

A new study in International Studies Review uses social psychology to understand Japan's nuclear restraint, finding that persuasion, identification, and conformity are key factors. The research suggests that Japan's faith in the NPT is rooted in its desire to be seen as a successful state, rather than a deterrent.

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.

C. Erec Stebbins awarded prestigious EUREKA grant

Associate professor C. Erec Stebbins at Rockefeller University has been awarded a prestigious EUREKA grant to exploit a 'nanosyringe' technology for delivering proteins into specific cells. The grant aims to develop therapeutic applications, including restoring tumor-suppressing proteins and treating genetic diseases.

New research challenges long-held assumptions of flightless bird evolution

Researchers have found that large flightless birds of the southern continents did not share a common flightless ancestor. Instead, each species lost its ability to fly after diverging from ancestors that had the ability to fly. This challenges the long-held assumption of vicariance and suggests parallel evolution among these bird species.

1 in 2 adults at risk for painful knee arthritis

According to a landmark government study, nearly half of adults will develop painful knee osteoarthritis over their lifetime, with obesity being a major risk factor. The Arthritis Foundation recommends techniques such as weight control, exercise, and self-management programs to reduce pain and disability associated with arthritis.

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.

Probably wireless

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a Probabilistic Voting-based Filtering Scheme to protect WSNs against fabricated reports with false votes and false validation votes. This scheme can detect compromised sensors in real-time, minimizing false alarms and wasteful response efforts.

MIT probe could aid quantum computing

MIT researchers have developed a technique called amplitude spectroscopy that can characterize the properties of artificial atoms used in quantum computing. This approach enables the study of quantum entities over broad frequency ranges, which is essential for understanding and engineering atomic-scale devices.

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.

Study shows pine bark naturally reduces knee osteoarthritis

A new study confirms Pycnogenol's effectiveness in reducing knee osteoarthritis symptoms, with a 20.9% improvement rate and significant reductions in pain and joint stiffness. After treatment cessation, the joints showed no relapse, suggesting a potential lasting effect on joint health.

UT Knoxville wins $16M NSF mathematics and biology center

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has been awarded a $16 million NSF grant to create the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, or NIMBioS. Researchers from around the world will collaborate on finding creative solutions to pressing problems in fields like animal disease control and wildfire management.

NSF-funded Rice study will trace path of nanomaterials

Researchers aim to inform safety by design, safe disposal, and safe manufacturing handling for industrial-scale nanoparticles. The study tracks tagged nanoparticles in the environment to determine their bioaccumulation and transport through the food chain.

Cholesterol drugs lower risk of stroke for elderly too

A study published in Neurology found that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs after a stroke or mini-stroke lowers the risk of another stroke in both young and elderly individuals. The study involved over 4,700 participants aged 18 and older, with significant reductions in LDL 'bad' cholesterol levels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Arteries from distinct regions of the body have unique immune functions

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine discovered that human arteries play distinct roles in the immune system depending on their anatomical location. Different types of arterial samples had varying Toll-like receptor gene expressions, which may explain why certain vascular diseases affect specific parts of the body.

Putting the squeeze on nitrogen for high energy materials

Scientists at Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory study nitrogen under extreme conditions, discovering changes in its melting temperature and structure. These findings could lead to the development of new high-energy fuels with potentially higher energy content than existing materials.

New $1.1M grant: Restoring basic needs after hurricanes, disasters

The grant will allow researchers to investigate how different civil infrastructures interact with each other after a disaster, enabling better coordination and preparedness. The software will help emergency response officials formulate more effective plans by analyzing the interdependency of systems.

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.

Smoke smudges Mexico City's air, chemists identify sources

Researchers used an instrument to track daily patterns in the chemical makeup of Mexico City's smog, identifying aerosols from industrial emissions, fires, and charcoal use. The study provides insights into the sources of persistent pollutants, informing policies to improve air quality.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A little nitrogen can go a long way

Researchers found that site-specific nitrogen and seed density management strategies did not consistently increase profit, but may benefit in certain situations with high maize to nitrogen fertilizer price ratios. Fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency was high across all site-years.

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.

Substance found in fruits and vegetables reduces likelihood of the flu

A study published by the American Physiological Society found that quercetin, a naturally occurring substance in fruits and vegetables, reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu. The study also showed that stressful exercise increases susceptibility to the flu, but quercetin cancels out this negative effect.

Structure of key epigenetics component identified

Researchers have determined the 3D structure of UHRF1's Set and Ring Associated domain, crucial for ensuring accurate epigenetic code copying. This breakthrough facilitates a better understanding of epigenetics and its role in cancer development.

Invisibility undone

A team of Chinese scientists has developed an 'anti-cloak' material that can partially cancel the effect of invisibility cloaks, enabling visibility in hostile environments. This breakthrough could have implications for survival and detection applications.

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.

NYU, American Museum of Natural History receive $1.6 million NSF grant

Researchers at NYU and AMNH will model two plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, using bioinformatics to gain insights into protein structure and function. The project aims to annotate the functions of unknown proteins in plant genomes, shedding light on their roles in cellular processes.

Defibrillators save lives, don't diminish quality of life

A large study found that ICDs improve longevity without significantly affecting the quality of life for heart failure patients. Researchers monitored patients' quality of life scores over 30 months and found improvements at 3-12 months, but differences diminished over time.

New study reveals higher protein breakfast may help dieters stay on track

A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that eating high-quality protein foods for breakfast leads to a greater sense of sustained fullness throughout the day. The study concluded that consuming more protein at breakfast, rather than lunch or dinner, is critical for maintaining feelings of fullness.

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.

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.

ASTRO honors Boston brain cancer survivor with Survivor Circle Award

Debra DeMella, a brain tumor survivor, received the 2008 Survivor Circle Award from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) for her dedication to helping others living with cancer. She founded Brainstormers, a brain tumor support group, and served on various boards to improve quality of life for patients.

Yerkes researchers create animal model of chronic stress

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center created an animal model to study the effects of chronic stress on behavior, physiology, and reproduction. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a key neurohormone involved in stress response, and its increased expression is linked to anxiety, depression, and infertility.

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.

Monitoring immune responses in disease

A new method allows for the detection of multiple immune parameters from individual human cells, which may aid in diagnosing diseases such as type 1 diabetes. This breakthrough enables researchers to study rare blood cells and their role in autoimmune diseases, leading to potential novel biomarkers for therapy monitoring.

Biocontrol insect exacerbates invasive weed

Scientists in Montana found that an introduced fly may worsen the effects of a widely invasive plant. The fly's larvae induce the plant to grow tissue around them, reducing its energy for seed production. Deer mice prey on the larvae, further boosting mouse population size and negatively impacting native plants.

AGU journal highlights -- Sept. 3, 2008

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the impact of dust on climate, with a new study using CALIPSO data to map global dust distribution. Another study found that a new Earth System Model can better represent global climate effects in the Amazon basin. Additionally, researchers have identified key dust sources in A...

DNA editing tool flips its target

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a crucial protein called UHRF1 that acts like a bookmark to maintain the correct pattern of DNA methylation. This process is essential for normal development and preventing cancer, as alterations in methylation patterns can lead to gene silencing at the wrong times.

Spending time in the intensive care unit can traumatize kids

Children who spend time in intensive care units may experience long-lasting psychological trauma and anxiety after discharge. A new questionnaire developed by MUHC researchers aims to help healthcare professionals identify these children and provide them with necessary support.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Halas wins prestigious nanotechnology research award

Naomi Halas, a leading researcher in nanophotonics, has been honored with the Research Excellence Award for her innovative work on nanoparticle synthesis and its applications in biotechnology. Her invention of nanoshells has shown tunable optical properties, making them suitable for various medical applications.

Fermilab physicists discover 'doubly strange' particle

Physicists at Fermilab have discovered a new particle called the Omega-sub-b baryon, composed of two strange quarks and a bottom quark, with a mass of 6.165 GeV/c2. The discovery brings scientists closer to understanding quark formation and completing the periodic table of baryons.

Natural childbirth makes mothers more responsive to own baby-cry

A new study found that mothers who delivered vaginally are more responsive to their baby's cry due to increased brain activity in regions regulating emotions and motivation. This could lead to better understanding and early detection of postpartum depression and attachment problems.

Participating in religion may make adolescents from certain races more depressed

A study found that high levels of religious participation may contribute to adolescent depression among Latino and Asian-American youth, particularly those who face cultural conflicts between their faith and mainstream American society. In contrast, white and African-American teens showed no significant increase in depressive symptoms.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Do 68 molecules hold the key to understanding disease?

A UC San Diego scientist presents the first unified vision of 'the building blocks of life', revealing that only 68 molecules construct four fundamental cell components: nucleic acids, proteins, glycans, and lipids. This framework may hold the key to unlocking the origins of many serious diseases.

What a sleep study can reveal about fibromyalgia

Researchers from Michigan Tech and U. Michigan develop innovative quantitative analysis to distinguish fibromyalgia patients from healthy controls, suggesting potential clinical relevance in sleep stage dynamics. The study's findings may lead to improved assessments and reduced costs for sleep studies.

Evolving designer ecosystem sheds light on unintended consequences

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that urbanization's impact on surface hydrology can disrupt nutrient cycling in native ecosystems. The alteration of stream flow and water availability has been linked to increased nitrogen levels, harming riparian species and coastal dead zones.