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Science News Archive 2009


Page 23 of 277

Wide heads give hammerheads exceptional stereo view

Researchers discovered that hammerhead sharks have an exceptional stereo view and depth perception due to their unique head shape. The study found that the scalloped hammerhead had a massive binocular overlap of 32 degrees, while the bonnethead shark had a respectable 13-degree overlap.

Artificial refuges created to save the reptiles of Doñana

Researchers in Spain found that artificial refuges significantly improved reptile populations and diversity in Doñana National Park. The study suggests that landscape rehabilitation programs should prioritize the availability of refuges for wildlife.

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.

Marine ecosystems get a climate form guide

The report highlights concerns such as ocean warming, acidification, changes in current strengths, productivity, and species distribution. It offers adaptation responses to inform policymakers, scientists, and the community.

NASA's Fermi telescope peers deep into a microquasar

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has detected high-energy gamma-rays from the enigmatic binary system Cygnus X-3, a genuine microquasar. The system's unique properties and strong emission across various wavelengths offer new insights into how high-energy particles are accelerated and move through jets.

School closure could reduce swine flu transmission by 21 percent

A survey of eight European countries found that school closures significantly reduce illness transmission, with a 10% decrease in contacts. Closing schools may have a greater impact on disease transmission during a pandemic, potentially reducing transmission by up to 21%.

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.

Ecologists sound out new solution for monitoring cryptic species

Researchers have created a method using microphone arrays to estimate bird population density from recorded sounds, which may also be applied to tracking whales and dolphins. This innovative approach eliminates the need for observers to count birds, providing a more accurate index of abundance.

Knockouts in human cells point to pathogenic targets

Researchers developed a genetic screen for human cells to pinpoint specific genes and proteins used by pathogens. The study identified new genes essential for host-pathogen interactions, including those involved in diphtheria and E. coli infections.

Building real security with virtual worlds

Computer science researchers at University of Maryland create virtual worlds using advanced modeling and prediction techniques to analyze military and policy actions. These virtual worlds allow defense analysts to predict the most likely outcomes of different courses of action, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Tactile input affects what we hear: UBC study

A University of British Columbia study found that air puffs directed at the skin can bias perception of spoken syllables, causing mishearing. The researchers suggest that tactile information plays a significant role in speech perception, similar to how our brain processes visual cues.

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.

Nanowires key to future transistors, electronics

Scientists at IBM and Purdue University have successfully created ultrasmall transistors using semiconducting nanowires with sharply defined layers of silicon and germanium. This breakthrough could lead to faster computing and more powerful computer chips.

RNA on the move

Scientists at EMBL have visualized the molecular mechanism responsible for oskar mRNA transport in Drosophila. By combining immunofluorescence with electron microscopy imaging, they defined a hierarchy of RNA particle assembly. This breakthrough sheds light on development and neuronal function, including synaptic plasticity and learnin...

Plasma produces KO cocktail for MRSA

Researchers have developed two prototype devices to combat drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. One device can disinfect human skin safely and quickly, while another can target infested chronic wounds for quicker healing.

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.

Hyperactivity associated with shorter nights for young boys

A large-scale study of over 2,000 children found that hyperactive boys who got less sleep were more likely to have adverse family conditions and shorter sleep duration. In contrast, children who slept persistently for at least 11 hours had lower hyperactivity scores.

Ecological speciation by sexual selection on good genes

A mathematical model demonstrates that disruptive ecological selection can trigger positive feedback between mate choice and ecological diversification, ultimately eliminating gene flow between species. This process can lead to the evolution of specialized ecotypes without divergent mating preferences, a departure from previous studies...

Peat fires drive temperatures up

The study found that peatland fires in Indonesia released up to 900 million metric tons of CO2 in 2006, equivalent to 16% of deforestation worldwide emissions. Peatlands store enormous amounts of organic carbon, and human activities like drainage and deforestation make them vulnerable to fire.

Physician-scientist proves stem cells heal lungs of newborn animals

A team of scientists led by Dr. Bernard Thébaud has demonstrated that stem cells protect and repair the lungs of newborn rats, boosting the power of healthy lung cells and preventing further damage. This research offers real hope for a new treatment for babies with chronic lung disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When roots lose contact

Researchers found air gaps in roots that formed during dry periods, which partially refilled after irrigation. However, older parts of the taproot showed limited re-establishment of contact, raising concerns about severe drought's impact on plant nutrition.

Research sheds light on workings of anti-cancer drug

Scientists have discovered the molecular mechanism of action of tetrathiomolybdate, a copper-sequestering drug effective in treating Wilson disease and certain cancers. The study reveals that the drug inhibits copper traffic within cells by sequestering copper chaperones and their cargo in clusters.

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.

Some patients diagnosed with HIV experience improved outlook on life

A new study finds that approximately 31% of patients with HIV report an improved quality of life after diagnosis. The main factors associated with this improvement are optimism and spirituality, while lower levels of these traits can lead to a perceived decline in quality of life.

Medical students regularly stuck by needles, often fail to report injuries

A recent study published in Academic Medicine found that medical students are commonly stuck by needles and often fail to report the injuries. The survey also showed that many medical students were reluctant to report their own safety concerns due to fears about clinical evaluations or time involved in making a report.

Copenhagen is a beginning, not the end

The Copenhagen Climate Change meeting is a critical beginning, not an end, according to Lancet Editor Dr Richard Horton. He emphasizes the need for concerted high-level political negotiations to address climate change.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers discover biological basis of 'bacterial immune system'

A team of scientists has discovered how bacteria defend themselves from viruses and other invaders, unlocking opportunities for targeted antibiotics, gene function studies, and stable bacterial cultures. The CRISPR-Cas system, a dynamic duo of RNA and proteins, recognizes and neutralizes invader RNAs.

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.

NIH teams with Lancet to address public health impacts of climate change

The NIH has partnered with The Lancet to address the public health impacts of climate change through four case studies on household energy, transportation, electricity generation, and agricultural food production. These studies demonstrate that cost savings from improving health can offset the cost of addressing climate change.

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.

'Safety valve' protects photosynthesis from too much light

Researchers have discovered a specific protein in algae that acts as a safety valve to dissipate excess absorbed light energy. This finding could lead to the development of more robust, commercially viable strains for biofuel production and help plants survive extreme environmental conditions.

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.

Oceanic crust formation is dynamic after all

Researchers have observed dynamic upwelling in the underlying mantle beneath a spreading center, leading to new crust formation. This finding resolves a long-standing debate regarding the relative importance of passive and dynamic upwelling in oceanic crust creation.

Implant-based cancer vaccine is first to eliminate tumors in mice

A new cancer vaccine has successfully eliminated tumors in mice by reprogramming the mammalian immune system. The implant-based vaccine targets tumor-specific antigens and directs T cells to hunt down and kill cancerous cells, providing durable protection against relapse.

1 of LA BioMed's founders to be honored

The American College of Physicians has awarded the Ralph O. Claypoole Sr. Memorial Award to Dr. Melvin R. Kaplan, one of LA BioMed's founders and a renowned internist. Dr. Kaplan has dedicated his career to patient care for over 60 years.

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.

Cosmic 'dig' reveals vestiges of the Milky Way's building blocks

Astronomers have unveiled an extraordinary cosmic relic, Terzan 5, which formed in at least two different epochs, providing insights into the origin of the galactic bulge. The discovery suggests that Terzan 5 might be the surviving remnant of a disrupted dwarf galaxy contributing to the Milky Way's formation.

On-call radiology residents accurately interpret off-hours neuro CT exams

A study published in JACR found that on-call radiology residents can accurately interpret emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours. The accuracy of image interpretation is crucial for diagnostic radiology, with clinicians relying solely on preliminary interpretations to make treatment decisions.

Free e-samples of prescription drugs: At what cost?

Researchers analyzed internet offers for free or discounted prescription medications and found that their value is low compared to retail costs. The studies also revealed that efficacy and safety information were often de-emphasized in favor of promotional messaging.

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.

Other short-lived greenhouse pollutants need to be controlled too

New research highlights the importance of controlling short-lived greenhouse pollutants like sulphates, methane, and black carbon to reduce global warming and improve health. The study finds that sulphates can have negative health effects while ozone pollution has a significant impact on cardiovascular mortality.

Houses of the rising sun

Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified over 90% of Sicilian temples facing east, sparking new insights into Ancient Greek practices. The study suggests an 'astronomical fingerprint' may distinguish between Greek and native settlements.

Startled flies may provide insight into ADHD

Researchers discovered two independent forms of arousal in fruit flies, with one mutation linked to increased startle response and decreased endogenous arousal. The findings suggest that environmentally stimulated arousal and sleep-wake transitions reflect distinct neural circuits, potentially shedding light on the neurobiology of ADHD.

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.

It's not just dirt!

Interactive e-lessons developed by soil science educators engage learners with active learning strategies, interactive Flash animations, and experiential activities. These lessons aim to help students and the public recognize the critical importance of soil in addressing various issues.

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers discovered a link between Wnt signaling pathway activation and diabetic retinopathy. Pro-NGF may play a pathogenic role in Alzheimer disease through oxidative stress-induced modifications. Abnormal endothelial cells contribute to tumor progression and metastasis in cancer.

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.