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Science News Archive 2009


Page 162 of 277

Insomniac flies resemble sleep-deprived humans

Fruit flies resembling insomniac humans have been created to study the causes of insomnia. The flies exhibit similar behavioral patterns to humans with insomnia, including increased sensitivity to stimuli and difficulty falling asleep. Researchers believe this model can help develop new treatments for insomnia.

The first goal is the deepest

Researchers Jack Brimberg and Bill Hurley develop a mathematical model to assess the importance of scoring the first goal in soccer and hockey. Their Poisson distribution-based formula takes into account factors like league position and time remaining, providing a probability of winning for each team.

Study: Lack of capital not a 'death sentence' for start-ups

A new study from North Carolina State University shows that undercapitalized start-ups can still be successful by minimizing cash outflows and adapting management strategies. A great technology product, not a top-notch management team, is often more important in securing investment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Weill Cornell receives $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant

Weill Cornell Medical College has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to study the dormant state of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The project aims to understand how it protects itself from the body's natural defenses and develop a drug target to break through its protective shield.

Texas A&M researchers examine 'invading' bacteria in DNA

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that certain types of bacteria integrate invading DNA into their genetic makeup to increase their chances of survival. This process allows the bacteria to produce diverse progeny, which is essential for dispersal and adaptation to new environments.

Study: Benefit to women not enough to sway men to get HPV vaccine

A recent Florida State University study found that informing men about the HPV vaccine's benefit for their female partners did not increase their interest in getting the vaccine. The researchers suggest that men may need more direct information on the vaccine's benefits for their own health to consider vaccination.

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.

UF study finds ancient mammals shifted diets as climate changed

Researchers found that interglacial warming resulted in dramatic changes to the diets of animal groups, with some becoming mixed feeders that grazed on grasses. The study highlights the importance of the fossil record in understanding long-term ecological responses to climate change.

Cruel and inhuman treatment causes more mental damage than physical torture

New research published by King's College London reveals that experiencing 'cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment' (CIDT) is associated with higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than physical torture. Survivors reported an average of 21 stressor events during detention or captivity, highlighting the severity of CIDT.

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.

UF study finds that ancient mammals shifted diets as climate changed

Researchers analyzed fossil teeth from two sites in Florida representing different climates and found dramatic changes in mammalian diets during interglacial periods. The study suggests that climate-driven environmental changes can lead to shifts in animal groups' dietary niches, complicating future modeling of mammal distributions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Tulane receives grant to study limb regeneration

Researchers aim to identify genetic signals for regeneration in salamanders, a model for human limb growth, with the goal of developing therapies to enhance regenerative response. The team hopes to create a comprehensive database of genes involved in regeneration to inform how to coordinate complex structures in humans.

Surgery in patients with RA is often 'too little, too late'

A new study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that surgical intervention is beneficial for RA patients with severe hand deformities. Researchers found positive self-reported outcomes and statistically significant improvement in both early and late-stage patients after reconstruction.

The Aerospace Corp. nanosatellite tests the latest generation of solar cells

The Aerospace Corporation successfully tested the latest generation of high-efficiency solar cells on a 6.4kg nanosatellite, transmitting 17MB of data during its 110-day mission. The satellite's performance was characterized as successful, with improved communication links and valuable insights into solar cell degradation.

Magnetic tornadoes could liberate Mercury's tenuous atmosphere

Scientists have discovered magnetic tornadoes on Mercury that could be replenishing its extremely thin atmosphere. These 'tornadoes' form when magnetic fields carried by the solar wind connect to Mercury's magnetic field, twisting into vortex-like structures.

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.

Researchers engineer metabolic pathway in mice to prevent diet-induced obesity

Scientists successfully constructed a non-native pathway in mice that increased fatty acid metabolism and resulted in resistance to diet-induced obesity. The glyoxylate shunt, unique to plants and bacteria, was introduced into the mitochondria of liver cells to create an additional pathway for converting fatty acid into carbon dioxide.

Advances being made in the treatment of hepatitis

Two new studies present promising findings for hepatitis treatments, including a switch to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) for patients with persistent viral replication. The study also explores the long-term effects of Interferon Based Therapy on Hepatic Histology in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus, showing improved histol...

Exercise more, not less, to ease aching back

A University of Alberta study found that exercising four days a week provides the greatest amount of pain relief and quality of life for individuals with chronic lower-back pain. Regular exercise reduces pain by 28% and disability by 36%, while less frequent exercise has minimal impact.

Skin lesion leads to more cancer types than once believed

Researchers found actinic keratoses can lead to squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, with two-thirds of patients tracing their cancers back to the lesions. The study also showed that actinic keratoses come and go, making prevention crucial.

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.

NOTES advances suggest promising future for scarless surgery

Researchers present latest advances in Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), eliminating incisions and reducing recovery time. Studies show promising results for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and gastrectomy with fewer complications.

While you were sleeping

Research from University of New South Wales found that snoring associated with sleep apnoea can impair brain function similar to a severe stroke or death. The study analyzed brain biochemistry in real-time, revealing significant effects on the brain's bioenergetic status during oxygen desaturation.

Women may not be so picky after all about choosing a mate

New research finds that women are not more choosy than men when it comes to selecting a romantic partner. In fact, the study suggests that physical actions like approaching a potential date can increase desire and interest in that person. The researchers believe that confidence plays a role in this effect.

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.

Could standard treatment for traumatic brain injury be wrong?

Researchers at UCLA's Brain Injury Research Center are re-examining the standard treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), suggesting that fueling the brain with glucose may not be the best approach. Instead, they propose using alternative compounds like pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate to optimize recovery.

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.

Ethanol production could jeopardize soil productivity

Crop residues are crucial for sustaining soil organic matter, but extensive removal for ethanol production can impact soil productivity. Research suggests that straw removal rates should be limited to less than 66% and no more than 40% of aboveground residues removed.

Vision impairment costs billions lost in productivity

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that nearly 158 million people globally suffer from vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error. This results in approximately $269 billion in productivity loss each year, with the Western Pacific region being the most affected.

Scientists map penguins from space

Scientists have successfully mapped emperor penguin breeding colonies in Antarctica using satellite images, providing a reliable indication of their location through visible guano stains. The study identified 38 colonies, with 10 new discoveries, and will enable researchers to monitor population changes over time.

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.

Semen quality depends upon antioxidants

A new study by researchers at the University of Murcia found that men who consume more fruits and vegetables have better semen quality. The study, which analyzed data from 61 men, showed that higher antioxidant intake is associated with improved sperm concentration parameters.

Calculating preventative medicine's return on investment

A new calculator tool has been developed by Harvard Medical School researchers to measure the value of preventative medicine services. The Family Van program, a mobile health clinic in Boston, was used as a test case, and found that long-term investments will return $36 for every dollar spent.

Scientists use bed bugs' own chemistry against them

Researchers found that combining bed bugs' alarm pheromones with desiccant dusts made treatment more effective at killing the bugs. The blend of two pheromones applied in concert with a silica gel desiccant dust proved to be the most lethal combination.

More costly private model of foster care could save $6.3 billion in long term

A new study suggests that a more intensive private foster care model, like the Casey Family Programs, can lead to significant cost savings of up to $6.3 billion over the long term. The program's focus on education, mentorship, and support leads to improved outcomes, including higher future earnings and lower medical care costs.

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.

Revolutionizing the diagnosis of serious disease

Researchers at the University of Nottingham are developing revolutionary ultrasonic nanotechnology that can image individual cells. This technique could help diagnose serious illnesses such as some cancers by providing detailed insights into cell structure and function.

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.

Why dishing does you good: U-M study

A University of Michigan study identified a likely reason why dishing with a girlfriend does wonders for a woman's mood: increased levels of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone, linked to social bonding, boosted well-being and reduced anxiety in women who engaged in emotionally close tasks.

Scientists create metal that pumps liquid uphill

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a metal slab that can lift liquids using capillary action, moving them at speeds faster than nature. The metal's surface structure can be controlled to direct liquid flow or even create hydrophobic surfaces that prevent germ growth.

Aluminum-oxide nanopore beats other materials for DNA analysis

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new solid-state nanopore sensor made from aluminum oxide, exhibiting superior mechanical properties and noise performance. The sensor can detect single molecules with signal-to-noise comparable to other technologies, opening doors for personalized medicine and advanced diagnostics.

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.

Cell phone ringtones can pose major distraction, impair recall

A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that cell phone ringtones can be distracting in classrooms, impairing recall and learning. Students who experienced ringing phones performed 25% worse on course content tests, even after the ringtone had stopped.

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.

World first: Chinese scientists create pig stem cells

Researchers have successfully created pig stem cells using somatic cells from pigs with hooves, opening doors to creating models for human genetic diseases and developing resistant pigs. The discovery has far-reaching implications for animal and human health.