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Science News Archive September 2008 - Page 2


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.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateSep 28, 2008

Mustard seed meal suppresses weeds in container-grown ornamentals

Researchers found that mustard seed meal (MSM) effectively controls common weeds in container-grown ornamentals, reducing weed populations by up to 98%. MSM also provides essential nutrients to crops, making it a promising alternative to traditional herbicides.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 28, 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.

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.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateSep 28, 2008

Commercial aquatic plants offer cost-effective method for treating wastewater

Research found that commercially available aquatic garden plants can be used in a production/remediation system to treat wastewater. The study concluded that these plants have the potential to generate revenue for producers and are an aesthetically viable alternative to traditional wetland plants.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 28, 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.

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 28, 2008

Existing anti-obesity drugs may be effective against flu, hepatitis and HIV

Researchers discovered that existing anti-obesity drugs can inhibit viral replication by targeting fatty acid metabolism. The study found a thousand-fold reduction in HCMV replication when using drugs like TOFA and C75. This approach may provide an exciting antiviral treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 28, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateSep 28, 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.

'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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 28, 2008

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 28, 2008

MU scientists go green with gold, distribute environmentally friendly nanoparticles

A University of Missouri research team led by Kattesh Katti developed a method to create gold nanoparticles without producing synthetic chemicals, resulting in a 100-percent green process. The new procedure uses gold salts submerged in water with soybeans to generate uniform-sized nanoparticles that are stable and free from toxic waste.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSmall·DateSep 26, 2008

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.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 26, 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.

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateSep 26, 2008

Tsunami invisibility cloak, dark energy v. the void, sorting nanotubes with light, and more

Physicists have made groundbreaking discoveries in various fields of research. Researchers created an 'invisibility cloak' for ocean-based structures to withstand tsunamis. Meanwhile, a team at Oxford University proposed that dark energy may be an illusion and instead, we live in a unique void in the universe. Additionally, scientists ...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2008

Conaway Lab identifies novel mechanism for regulation of gene expression

The Conaway Lab identifies a new way in which the proteasome helps regulate gene expression through its interaction with the chromatin remodeling complex INO80. This mechanism involves the deubiquitinating enzyme Uch37, which can remove protein tags from other proteins.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 26, 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.

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.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 26, 2008

$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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateSep 26, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2008

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.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateSep 26, 2008

Penn biophysicists create new model for protein-cholesterol interactions in brain and muscle tissue

Researchers created a new model of behavior for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, showing that cholesterol is essential for its structure and function. The findings have broad implications for pharmacology and may shed light on recent data indicating low cholesterol's harmful effects on brain cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 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.

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.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·DateSep 26, 2008

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.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 26, 2008