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Science News Archive 2009


Page 167 of 277

First 'nanorust' field test slated in Mexico

The first field test of Rice University's 'nanorust' technology, a low-cost method for removing arsenic from drinking water, will begin later this year in Guanajuato, Mexico. The technology uses tiny iron oxide particles to naturally bind with arsenic and can be used in sand filters to treat groundwater.

Type 1 diabetes cases in children under 5 to double by 2020

According to a new study, type 1 diabetes cases in children under five years are expected to double by 2020 if current trends continue. The researchers found an overall increase of 3.9% per year, with the highest rates seen in children under 5 and those between 10-14 years old.

When is it safe to hire someone with a criminal record?

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers estimates that after five years of staying clean, an individual with a criminal record is no greater risk of committing another crime. The study suggests it may be safe to hire ex-offenders with clean records, providing employers with data to inform their hiring decisions.

Sharing surgical lessons from the Canadian field hospital in Afghanistan

The article highlights the importance of sharing surgical knowledge between military and civilian surgeons to prepare for disasters. Canadian physician Dr. Vivian McAlister shares his experience working at a field hospital in Afghanistan and emphasizes the benefits of 'damage control resuscitation' techniques in saving lives.

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.

Dementia drugs may put some patients at risk, Queen's study shows

A Queen's University study found that cholinesterase inhibitors can cause slowed heart rates, fainting episodes, and increased risks of permanent pacemaker implants and hip fractures in patients with dementia. The study suggests that people at high risk should reassess their medication regimen.

Unsafe neighborhoods disable the elderly

Research suggests that even perceiving one's neighborhood as unsafe can be hazardous for elder health, leading to mobility disability. The study found a strong correlation between perceived danger and actual violent crime rates.

Why some prostate cancer returns

A recent study found that men with low oxygen levels in their prostate tumor are more likely to experience a return of prostate cancer after treatment. Researchers say this finding could lead to personalized treatment approaches, including combination therapies and non-invasive methods for detecting oxygen levels in tumors.

Common migraine pain condition also prevalent in cluster headache

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that half of patients with cluster headaches experience cutaneous allodynia, a common migraine pain condition. This discovery suggests overlap in mechanisms for pain between migraines and cluster headaches, potentially leading to new treatment implications.

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.

NSF announces funding for Alaska Region Research Vessel

The Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV) will support scientific research in high-latitude waters, collecting sediment samples and hosting remotely operated vehicles. The vessel will enable scientists to study global issues like sea-level rise and climate change affecting Alaska's fisheries and ecosystems.

Development of DNA drugs gives hope to lupus patients

Researchers have developed DNA-like compounds that effectively inhibit cells responsible for chronic autoimmune condition lupus. The compounds, known as class R inhibitory oligonucleotides (INH-ODNs), selectively reduce the activity of autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells, delaying death and reducing kidney damage in mice with lupus.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

History of hyperactivity off-base, says researcher

Hyperactivity disorder as understood today is a relatively recent phenomenon, says researcher Matthew Smith. He argues that historical figures like Mozart were not necessarily considered hyperactive due to societal context.

Geographic isolation drives the evolution of a hot springs microbe

Researchers found that Sulfolobus islandicus populations are more diverse than thought, with variable genomes evolving rapidly and adapting to local environments. The findings suggest a limited genetic reservoir stored in viruses and other elements, contradicting the idea of a universal gene pool.

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.

Team develops DNA compounds that could help treat lupus

Researchers developed DNA-like compounds that effectively inhibit cells responsible for systemic lupus erythematosus, a potentially groundbreaking treatment. The findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of class R inhibitory oligonucleotides and could lead to new therapies.

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.

Air Force funds new generation of energy efficient UAVs

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding a project to integrate solar power into UAV materials. Researchers aim to develop lightweight and compact drones with longer flight times using organic semi-conductor coated fibers.

Berkeley Lab scientist co-leads breast cancer 'dream team'

A team of scientists and clinicians co-led by Joe Gray and Dennis Slamon will study three subtypes of breast cancer: estrogen receptor positive, HER2 positive, and triple negative. Their goal is to match a tumor's genetic profile with the best therapy, using cutting-edge biological, genomic, and computational techniques.

Sea-level rise may pose greatest threat to Northeast US, Canada

New research suggests that moderate to high rates of ice melt from Greenland may shift ocean circulation by about 2100, causing sea levels off the northeast coast of North America to rise by 30-51 centimeters (12-20 inches) more than other coastal areas. This could lead to significant impacts on major northeastern cities.

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.

Lesson from the past for surviving climate change

A new study examines how past Caribbean communities coped with rising sea levels, crop failures, and extreme weather. Researchers found that people adapted by building houses on stilts, diversifying food production, and relocating to cave complexes during hurricanes.

Study shows CGM devices also benefit people with type 1 diabetes

A study found that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices enable people with excellent blood sugar control to continue managing their diabetes while reducing the frequency of low blood sugar events. CGM devices helped participants spend more time in the target blood sugar range and reduced biochemical hypoglycemia.

What goes down, must come up: Earth's leaky mantle

Researchers at Rice University and Harvard University developed a new model to explain how noble gases are lost from the Earth's interior during mantle convection. The model suggests that both the upper and lower mantle are involved in convection, but they affect each other differently.

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.

Triage technology with a Star Trek twist

The US Department of Homeland Security is developing a new triage tool called the Standoff Patient Triage Tool (SPTT), which uses Laser Doppler Vibrometry technology to take vital signs quickly from a distance.

XMM-Newton takes astronomers to a black hole's edge

Using XMM-Newton's new data, astronomers have mapped the region around a supermassive black hole, estimating its mass at 3-5 million solar masses. The observations also reveal rapid spinning and accretion rates that verge on theoretical limits.

A connected world gives viruses the edge

A new study found that parasites evolve to be less aggressive when scattered among isolated clusters of hosts, favoring the survival of the group. This discovery suggests that as human activity makes the world more connected, natural selection will favor more virulent and dangerous parasites.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New rotors could help develop nanoscale generators

Researchers have successfully created a rotating molecular rotor on a gold surface, creating an off-axis rotation that mimics the property of machines like electric motors and generators. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of machines for generating currents at small scales.

Sulphur in just one hair could blow a terrorist's alibi

A new method uses laser ablation and multicollector ICP-MS to detect small variations in sulphur isotopes in hair, which can be linked to a person's geographical movements. The technique has been tested on volunteers with different diets and origins, showing promise for tracking international criminals.

Shatter-resistant brassicas

Researchers have developed a method to prevent pod shattering in oilseed rape, reducing seed loss by up to 70% and improving harvest efficiency. By controlling hormone production, scientists can seal seeds inside pods, addressing a major issue in farming this high-value crop.

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.

Male or female? Coloring provides gender cues

A recent study published in the Journal of Vision found that subtle coloring patterns around the eyes and mouth play a crucial role in rapid gender discrimination. Researchers discovered that the shades of reds and greens in these areas lead to faster gender identification, contradicting previous assumptions about facial features.

Brain activation can predict the strategies people use to make risky decisions

Neuroscientists at Duke University Medical Center used fMRI to study brain activity while participants made economic decisions. The study found that brain regions associated with rational processing were active when subjects used simplifying strategies, contradicting traditional notions of rational vs. irrational decision-making.

Study: Teachers choose schools according to student race

A study found that high-quality teachers tend to leave schools with large minority populations, suggesting a direct relationship between student race and teacher quality. This relationship may be a substantial contributor to the black-white achievement gap in American schools.

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.

City rats loyal to their 'hoods, scientists discover

A study finds that inner city rodents form distinct neighborhoods, with most spending majority of their lives within a city block. This understanding provides information on which populations may spread disease, highlighting the need to target entire families for eradication efforts.

Activated stem cells in damaged lungs could be first step toward cancer

Researchers have discovered that activated stem cells in damaged lungs may lead to rapidly dividing cells that can develop into lung cancer. This finding is significant because it highlights the role of stem cell activation in lung cancer susceptibility, particularly among cigarette smokers.

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.

Spring agricultural fires have large impact on melting Arctic

Scientists from the POLARCAT campaign found that agricultural fires in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and other countries are releasing large amounts of soot into the atmosphere, accelerating melting of snow and ice. This report highlights the importance of controlling these emissions as a supplemental strategy to reduce carbon dioxide.

What is the function of lymph nodes?

A new study found that lymph nodes are not necessary for the immune system to respond to infections. Instead, the liver can serve as a surrogate structure for T-cell activation. This discovery suggests an alternative role for the liver and may explain why patients receiving a liver transplant sometimes inherit the donor's allergies.

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.

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.

Shellfish face an uncertain future in a high CO2 world

Scientists have discovered that high CO2 levels are causing ocean acidification, leading to reduced shell growth and calcification in shellfish. Eastern oysters are particularly susceptible, with a 16% decrease in shell area and 42% reduction in calcium content.