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Science News for September 29, 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.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 29, 2008

Parental warning: second-hand smoke may trigger nicotine dependence symptoms in kids

A new Canadian study found that second-hand smoke exposure in children aged 10-12 can lead to symptoms of nicotine dependence, including depressed mood, trouble sleeping, and irritability. The research suggests that public health interventions promoting non-smoking around children are necessary to prevent long-term nicotine dependence.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateSep 29, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 29, 2008
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 29, 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.

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 29, 2008

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...

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateSep 29, 2008
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.

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...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceU.S. Environmental Protection Agency·DateSep 29, 2008
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.

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.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceYale University·DateSep 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEcological Applications·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 29, 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.

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.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 29, 2008

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.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateSep 29, 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.