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Science News for September 25, 2008


Crime definition and control are central to the transnational condition

The article explores the concept of transnational crime and its relationship with global governance. Critical criminology provides valuable insights into the role of crime definition and control in shaping the transnational condition, highlighting the need for democratization and the dangers of increased policing powers.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Political Sociology·DateSep 25, 2008

Study reveals homeowner perceptions in fire-prone areas

A US Forest Service study reveals that most homeowners in fire-prone areas have taken steps to protect their homes, but barriers such as financial constraints and physical limitations persist. The study also found that residents are concerned about fires and think they know how to reduce the threat.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateSep 25, 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.

October 2008 GEOLOGY and GSA TODAY media highlights

Researchers discover single mode of fossilization for soft tissues preserved in Burgess Shale-type deposits, using carbon isotope analysis. Hydrothermal circulation models reveal variations along slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges affect site distribution.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 25, 2008

Galloping and breathing at high speed

A team of researchers has developed a pacemaker to stimulate the muscles that control breathing in horses. This technology may also benefit humans with laryngeal paralysis or those who undergo laryngeal transplants. The study's findings provide insights into the coordination of movement and breathing in equines.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateSep 25, 2008

Community-based behavior change management cuts neonatal mortality in half

A community-based program that reinforces basic childbirth and newborn care practices reduced neonatal mortality by 54% in rural India. The program, which included culturally relevant messages and skin-to-skin care, was found to significantly reduce infant deaths within the first month of life.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 25, 2008

Women do not recover their muscle strength as fast as men

Researchers found that women's muscle strength was 30% lower when compared to before casting, while men regained 99% of their strength within a week. The study suggests that hormonal differences may contribute to slower recovery times in women.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateSep 25, 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.

Hospital patients are discharged earlier on busier days

A new study in the RAND Journal of Economics examined how hospital admission and discharge behavior is affected by fluctuations in demand. The results show that patients are discharged earlier when hospitals face high demand, a finding that suggests hospitals may be influenced by capacity constraints to make admission decisions.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateSep 25, 2008

Published ENT surgical innovations fall drastically

A recent study has found that the number of cases of surgical innovation published in otolaryngic medical journals has decreased significantly since the late 1980s. The researchers attribute this decline to increased barriers in obtaining research approval and possible shifts towards basic research.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 25, 2008

Social class dictates cancer risk

A study analyzing English cancer patients found that cervical and lung cancer rates are higher among poor people, while breast and melanoma rates are higher in wealthier groups. Smoking is strongly associated with socioeconomic status and contributes to the higher incidence of lung cancer in deprived groups.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateSep 25, 2008

Deactivating a cancer growth promoter

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered three phosphatases that deactivate cancer-promoting molecule SRC-3. This finding provides a new target for cancer treatment and may lead to more effective drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 25, 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.

Reducing work commutes not easy in some cities, study suggests

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that some US cities make it harder to reduce commuting miles than others. Cities with sprawling suburbs like Las Vegas and Miami showed promise, while cities with compact geography, such as the Northeast Rust Belt, faced more challenges.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateSep 25, 2008

Pigs bred with cystic fibrosis provide model to mimic human disease

Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully produced pigs born with cystic fibrosis, mirroring the exact symptoms of humans with the disease. The pigs, carrying only one copy of the mutated gene, are being studied to potentially develop treatments for the fatal lung disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2008

Women recover muscle strength more slowly than men

A recent study by Ohio University researchers found that women's muscles require longer and more intensive rehabilitation after bed rest and cast immobilization. Women lose around 30% less muscle strength within one week of cast removal compared to men, suggesting different rates of muscular strength-building may be the cause.

SourceOhio University·DateSep 25, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bio-imaging mass spectrometry techniques reveal molecular details about complex systems

Researchers at Georgia Tech's Center for Bio-Imaging Mass Spectrometry have developed new bio-imaging mass spectrometry techniques to analyze complex biological samples. These techniques allow for the visualization and localization of specific molecules in tissues, enabling a better understanding of biological systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2008

Metal-organic frameworks feel the pressure of Argonne scientists

Researchers found that MOF materials compress rapidly at high pressures due to their efficient but inefficient structure design. This behavior is critical to optimize gas storage properties and pose a challenge for scaling up MOF technology beyond the lab.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 25, 2008

2008 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge winners announced

The 2008 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge recognizes artists who use visual media to promote scientific understanding. The competition features stunning visuals and innovative uses of media to showcase various scientific research topics, including the anatomy of a squid and the creation of spontaneous buckl...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2008

From 12 years onward you learn differently

Research reveals that children aged 8-9 and adults process negative feedback differently than those aged 12-13. Eight-year-olds learn primarily through positive feedback, while twelve-year-olds use it to learn from their mistakes more efficiently. Adults do the same, but with improved efficiency.

SourceLeiden University·DateSep 25, 2008

Oldest known rocks discovered

Researchers at the Carnegie Institution have discovered Canadian bedrock over four billion years old, making it 250 million years more ancient than previously discovered rocks. The findings provide crucial clues to the earliest stages of our planet's evolution and chemical composition similar to volcanic rocks in geologic settings.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 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.

Researchers develop new model for cystic fibrosis

A new pig model for cystic fibrosis has been developed, closely mirroring the disease in human infants. The study's findings suggest that this model will aid in understanding the disease and may speed up the discovery of new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2008

Sentara begins international trial -- open at only 24 US locations

Researchers are conducting a new study to investigate the safety and effectiveness of airway bypass using drug-eluting stents for patients with advanced emphysema or COPD. The trial aims to provide a minimally invasive treatment option for patients who have limited treatment options, such as lung reduction surgery and inhalers.

SourceBroncus Technologies·DateSep 25, 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.

Send your name around the Earth on NASA'S Glory mission

The NASA Glory mission aims to measure airborne particles more accurately from space, shedding light on the aerosol effect on climate change. Participants can send their names on a microchip that becomes part of the spacecraft, with a deadline for submission set for Nov. 1, 2008.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 25, 2008

Discovery offers new understanding of diabetes drug target

A team from the University of Leicester has made a significant discovery in the study of diabetes drug target PPAR gamma. The researchers found that the protein binds to eight different fatty acids, which leads to its long-term activation, opening up new possibilities for the development of novel pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 25, 2008

Brain imaging study provides new insight into why people pay too much in auctions

Researchers at New York University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study patterns of brain activation during experimental auctions. They found that participants' exaggerated response to losses in the auction game correlated with their tendency to overbid, suggesting that the fear of losing social competition may le...

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2008
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.

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust launches operations

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust aims to bring novel therapeutics addressing the underlying MECP2 pathology to clinical trials within five years. Classic Rett Syndrome affects females almost exclusively, causing severe physical disability and requiring total care.

SourceRett Syndrome Research Trust·DateSep 25, 2008

New recommendations for better corporate portfolio management

The article proposes new best practices for corporate portfolio management, including revamping organizational structure and compensation systems to prioritize investor thinking. An independent group within companies can function like a SWAT team to support objective portfolio management.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Corporate Finance·DateSep 25, 2008

Risky behaviors on TV may be modeled by inexperienced viewers

A study in the Journal of Communication found that TV portrayals of risky sexual behavior can increase expectations of future engagement among inexperienced viewers. In contrast, those with direct experience are not influenced by TV content. This research highlights the potential for media to shape attitudes and behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Communication·DateSep 25, 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.

New research finds workers more prone to lie in E-mail

New research finds that e-mail is the most deceptive form of communication in the workplace, with people feeling justified when lying online. Studies show a significant difference in lying rates between e-mail and pen-and-paper communications, with e-mailers lying over 92% of the time.

SourceLehigh University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 25, 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.

Brand attitudes improve when product is paired with favorable actor

A team of researchers found that positive feelings toward programming can be transferred to a brand, increasing attitudes towards the product. The study also highlights the benefits of product placement in programming, including increased shelf life and global distribution.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateSep 25, 2008

Simple device which uses electrical field could boost gas efficiency

A simple device that uses an electrically charged tube to create an electric field that thins fuel has been developed, leading to a 20% increase in gas mileage in highway driving and a 12-15% gain in city driving. The technology has potential applications on all types of internal combustion engines.

SourceTemple University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateSep 25, 2008

MU researcher suggests revision of food stamp application process

A University of Missouri poverty expert found that the emotional stress associated with food stamp participation is higher than previously thought, particularly during the application and transition processes. The researcher suggests modifying the program by implementing a web-based application system to alleviate negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateSep 25, 2008

Growth in the global carbon budget

The new global carbon budget shows unprecedented acceleration of CO2 emissions and atmospheric accumulation, with natural sinks growing slower than emissions. Decreasing forest cover mainly due to deforestation is responsible for a significant portion of emissions, while oceans' carbon uptake has decreased by 10 million tons.

SourceGlobal Carbon Project·DateSep 25, 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.

New graphene-based material clarifies graphite oxide chemistry

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a new graphene-based material that helps solve the structure of graphite oxide. The material, made by replacing normal carbon atoms with magnetically active carbon-13, will enable scientists to create different types of graphene and study its chemical structure.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2008

Protecting patient privacy the new fashioned way

A new computer program, Medical De-identification System (MeDS), can accurately and speedily remove patient identifiers from medical records while retaining essential data for medical research. MeDS has been successfully tested on large datasets and shows promise in resolving the complex issue of privacy vs. public good.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateSep 25, 2008

Mayo Clinic discovery may help diabetic gastric problem

Researchers have found a potential solution for diabetic gastroparesis by increasing production of a key molecule in the digestive process. The study, published in Gastroenterology, shows that a red blood cell derivative can restore normal gastric emptying and improve glucose control.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 25, 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.

McGill researchers find oldest rocks on Earth

McGill researchers have found the oldest rocks on Earth, dating back to around 4.28 billion years ago. The discovery provides new insights into the early separation of Earth's mantle and crust, shedding light on the planet's mysterious beginnings.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2008

MIT solves 100-year-old engineering problem

Researchers at MIT have developed a new theory to predict where aerodynamic separation will occur, which could impact fuel efficiency and more. The study extends existing knowledge from 1904 by addressing unsteady three-dimensional flows.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateSep 25, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Advance offers revolution in food safety testing

A new technology developed by Oregon State University can detect toxic behavior of contaminating bacteria, improving food protection while reducing costly recalls and waste. The approach uses pigment-bearing cells from Siamese fighting fish to assess toxicity in minutes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMicrobial Biotechnology·DateSep 25, 2008

Lessons from the Iditarod

Racing sled dogs have an extraordinary ability to rapidly adapt to sustained strenuous exercise and display enormous aerobic capacity. They can burn up to 12,000 kilocalories per day, fueling their runs with a high-fat diet.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateSep 25, 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.

New approach to gene therapy may shrink brain tumors, prevent their spread

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a new approach to gene therapy that uses normal brain tissue to create a 'zone of resistance' against brain tumor growth. By delivering a cancer-fighting gene to the surrounding tissue, tumors can be suppressed and eventually eliminated.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateSep 25, 2008

Army can boost mission success by better managing

A RAND Corporation study found that U.S. Army units can gain tactical and strategic advantages by better managing environmental issues during deployments, which can influence local support for the mission and overall success. The study recommends giving more weight to environmental considerations in planning and operations.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateSep 25, 2008

Zeroing in on Wi-Fi 'dead zones'

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to predict Wi-Fi coverage using basic topography and street locations, promising cheaper and easier network deployment. The technique was tested on two high-profile networks and showed promising results.

SourceRice University·DateSep 25, 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.