Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2009


Page 198 of 277

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.

Pulitzer Prize-winning series spurs prevention research

The Elluam Tungiinun project, rooted in a Pulitzer Prize-winning series, has found that culturally appropriate ways can help Alaska Native youths find reasons to live and avoid substance abuse problems. The program uses cultural activities such as fishing and berry picking to teach protective factors that promote wellness.

'Antedrugs': A safer approach to drug therapy

Researchers have developed antedrugs that effectively reduce inflammation without causing damage, surpassing the potency of conventional steroids. The new compounds, isoxazoline derivatives, were five times more potent in binding affinities to cell receptors and reducing inflammation.

Autopsy study links prostate cancer to single rogue cell

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tracked how prostate cancer began in 33 men, finding a set of genetic defects in a single cell that differ for each person's cancer. The study suggests that common genetic patterns across metastatic sites indicate a single cell source.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic switch potential key to new class of antibiotics

Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism in bacteria that could lead to the development of new antibiotics. The preQ1 riboswitch regulates gene expression by controlling the availability of queuosine, a molecule essential for bacterial survival and human disease.

Alligators hint at what life may have been like for dinosaurs

A team of scientists studied how alligators grow and develop in different oxygen levels, discovering that low oxygen environments result in enlarged bellies and smaller organs, but also larger hearts. The study provides insights into the adaptations of dinosaurs to survive in a world with fluctuating oxygen levels.

Effects of maternal exercise on fetal breathing movements

Researchers found that maternal exercise was associated with increased fetal breathing movements and improved fetal heart rate variability. Fetal breathing movements are a marker of fetal well-being and reflect functional development of the respiratory system and central nervous system control.

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.

Fossils suggest earlier land-water transition of tetrapod

A recent study published in Science found that Ichthyostega, a four-limbed animal with backbones, may have been the more primitive form, acquired terrestrial habits later in development. In contrast, Acanthostega's limbs showed more similarities to earlier fish fins, indicating it may have returned to an aquatic lifestyle.

Oral contraceptives impair muscle gains in young women

A new study found that oral contraceptive use impairs muscle gains in young women, with lower hormone levels and elevated cortisol concentrations. The researchers also noted significant differences in lean mass gains between OC users and non-users.

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.

Male impotence drugs may deserve a second look in women

New studies suggest male impotence drugs like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis may also treat female sexual dysfunction. Researchers found the drugs relax blood vessels in females differently than males, with some women more sensitive to certain medications.

Early isolation linked to enhanced response to cocaine

A new study examines the impact of social isolation on rats' response to cocaine, revealing that isolated male rats are more susceptible to the drug's effects. The research suggests that early isolation can alter brain sensitivity to cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity in adolescence.

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.

Laughter remains good medicine

Researchers found that mirthful laughter reduced stress hormones and increased HDL cholesterol in diabetic patients, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that adding laughter therapy to standard care may improve health outcomes.

NC State study finds better way to protect streams from construction runoff

Researchers at NC State University have found an exponentially better way to protect streams and lakes from the muddy runoff associated with stormwater around road and other construction projects. The alternative method uses natural fiber check dams enhanced with polyacrylamide, significantly reducing sediment loss and pollution.

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.

Low lead levels in children can affect cardiovascular responses to stress

A study found that even low levels of lead in children's blood can increase vascular resistance and decrease aldosterone levels, which may predispose them to hypertension. The researchers also discovered increased sympathetic nervous system activity during rest and a paradoxical depression of this response during stressful tasks.

Unlikely life thriving at Antarctica's Blood Falls

Microbes adapted to manipulate sulfur and iron compounds to survive in the absence of photosynthesis. The discovery provides insights into the origins of life on Earth and offers a unique laboratory for studying life in hostile environments.

Surveillance vehicles take flight using alternative energy

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has developed a fuel cell powered UAV that can travel farther and carry heavier payloads than earlier battery-powered designs. This technology has the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce noise levels, making it ideal for military surveillance missions.

ONR announces 2009 Young Investigator Award recipients

The Office of Naval Research has awarded 15 young researchers with three-year research grants worth up to $510,000. The winners were selected from 193 proposals and include faculty members at top universities, such as Harvard College and Cornell University.

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.

Differences among exercisers and nonexercisers during pregnancy

Research reveals that exercising during pregnancy does not require sacrificing time for other activities. Exercisers actually spent slightly more sleep and reading time, while non-exercisers spent more on TV/computer time. The study also found significant differences in BMI and maternal weight between exercisers and non-exercisers.

Study finds college students better prepared

A new study finds a significant decline in the number of entering college freshmen needing remedial English and math classes since 2004, with a 6-percentage point drop in Sacramento State's population. This reduction equals about 2,000 fewer students in remedial math and 3,000 in remedial English courses across the CSU system.

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.

Huntington disease begins to take hold early on

Researchers used mouse models to study Huntington Disease, finding significant protein alterations as early as 2 weeks before symptoms appear. These changes may affect late-stage disease by altering biochemical activity in the brain.

Mystery shoppers cut underage smoking

Research by the University of Massachusetts Medical School found a 20.8% reduction in daily smoking among 10th graders after enforcement of the Synar Amendment. This law makes it financially dangerous for shops to sell tobacco to underage customers, reducing cigarette supply to vulnerable groups.

Cosmic heavyweights in free-for-all

Astronomers have identified a triple merger of four separate galaxy clusters, the first time such a phenomenon has been documented. The galaxy clusters are involved in a cosmic free-for-all, with one collision after another occurring as galaxies pour into a region already full of galaxies.

New nucleotide could revolutionize epigenetics

A new nucleotide, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, has been discovered in the mouse brain, opening a new front in epigenetic research. This discovery may challenge existing approaches to investigating DNA methylation and could have significant implications for understanding gene regulation.

Scorpion venom with nanoparticles slows spread of brain cancer

University of Washington researchers found a combination of nanoparticles and chlorotoxin, a scorpion venom compound, cuts brain cancer cell spread by 98% compared to 45% with chlorotoxin alone. The additive treatment disables machinery that allows tumor cells to change shape, preventing further invasion.

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.

Museum specimens aid conservation effort in Madagascar

Research using museum specimens found support for alternative hypotheses on the evolution of locally distributed endemism, suggesting multiple processes develop local endemism. This knowledge can help identify priorities in conservation planning.

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.

Study shows simple writing assignment improves minority student grades

A University of Colorado at Boulder study found that an in-class writing assignment increased the grade-point averages of African-American middle school students over a two-year period. The intervention reduced the rate at which these students were held back or placed in remediation, suggesting targeted psychological interventions coul...

Emory study yields clue to how stem cells form

Researchers at Emory University discover a process required for epigenetic reprogramming between generations, shedding light on fertilization, stem-cell formation, and cloning. The study found that histone protein modification can be inherited through cell-to-cell transmission.

Singapore scientists synthesize gold to shed light on cells' inner workings

Researchers at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have synthesized gold nanoclusters that can be used for sub-cellular biolabeling and bioimaging. These clusters are suitable for use within the body due to their lack of toxic metals, enabling scientists to monitor cell nucleus dynamics and study genomic changes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Worms control lifespan at high temperatures, UCSF study finds

Researchers found that thermosensory neurons in C. elegans help regulate response to increasing heat by changing steroid signaling pathways, which affect longevity. This system allows worms to reduce the effect of warm temperature on aging processes, similar to how warm-blooded animals control their body temperature.

How to deflect asteroids and save the Earth

A North Carolina State University researcher has developed a method to deflect asteroids by attaching a long tether and ballast to the incoming object, changing its center of mass and orbit. This system shows promise in altering the motion of an asteroid to miss hitting Earth.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Jet lag disturbs sleep by upsetting internal clocks in 2 neural centers

Scientists have identified the two neural centers responsible for regulating sleep patterns, revealing that disruptions to these centers can cause jet lag. The study found that deep sleep is more closely tied to light-dark cycles, while REM sleep follows a separate internal clock, leading to a delay in adaptation to new schedules.

'First aid' for brain cells comes from blood

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have shown that certain immune cells in the blood inhibit inflammation after a stroke. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) play a key role in this protection and may offer a new approach to stroke therapy.

Study explores roots of ethnic violence

Researchers found that countries with high levels of ethnic exclusion are more likely to experience civil war. The study, led by UCLA professors Andreas Wimmer and Lars-Erik Cederman, analyzed data on ethnic power relations in 155 countries from 1946 to 2005.

Megadroughts in sub-Saharan Africa normal for the region

Researchers have developed an almost year-by-year record of the last 3,000 years of West Africa's climate, revealing that catastrophic droughts occurred every 30 to 65 years. The new research suggests that global warming may exacerbate the normal climate pattern, producing even more severe and prolonged droughts.

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.

Study points to disruption of copper regulation as key to prion diseases

Researchers found a key role for disrupted copper regulation in prion disease progression, suggesting that the loss of copper binding ability contributes to neurodegeneration. The study identified a threshold at four extra octarepeats, beyond which changes in molecular properties lead to toxic effects.

Linked angina relates with gastroesophageal reflux diseases?

A study of 1970 patients found a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and linked angina. Patients with GERD had a higher prevalence of linked angina than those without GERD symptoms, suggesting that GERD may be misclassified as non-GERD heartburn.

Singapore researchers first to transform carbon dioxide into methanol

Scientists at IBN have successfully converted carbon dioxide into methanol using organocatalysts, a novel approach that offers a low-energy and non-toxic process. This breakthrough has significant implications for the sequestration and conversion of greenhouse gases, providing a viable alternative energy option.