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Science News Archive April 2009


Page 21 of 24

Researchers develop new way to see single RNA molecules inside living cells

Biomedical engineers have developed a new probe that allows visualization of single RNA molecules within live cells, enabling scientists to study RNA's operation and interaction with binding proteins. The tool overcomes issues with fluorescent probes, allowing for hours-long imaging and distinguishing between targeted and unbound probes.

New Arctic satellite data shows Arctic literally on thin ice

New Arctic satellite data shows a decade-long trend of shrinking sea ice extent, with thinner ice replacing older, thicker ice. The maximum sea ice extent for 2008-09 was 5.85 million square miles, 278,000 square miles below the average for 1979 to 2000.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hollow mask illusion fails to fool schizophrenia patients

Patients with schizophrenia can correctly identify a 'hollow mask' illusion, which may be related to their brains disconnecting visual information from internal thoughts. The study also found that cannabis users are less deceived by the illusion, suggesting a possible link between THC and brain connectivity.

New technique invented to reveal pancreatic stem cells

Researchers develop novel method to identify stem cells in pancreas, showing acinar cells produce digestive enzymes and may have carcinogenic properties. The breakthrough paves the way for further study on proliferation mechanisms and potential dangers of these cells.

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.

You wear me out: Thinking of others causes lapses in our self-control

Research by Joshua M. Ackerman and John A. Bargh found that imagining another person's self-control can lead to a depletion of one's own self-control, causing impulsive behaviors like overspending. In experiments, participants who imagined exerting self-control in someone else performed worse on cognitive tasks after the simulation.

AIAA Journal of Energy commended by the Space Foundation

The AIAA Journal of Energy was commended by the Space Foundation for its role in disseminating NASA's aerodynamic vehicle design technology, which reduced drag and increased fuel efficiency. The journal's publication played a key role in widely adopting the technology in the trucking industry.

Device controls electron spin at room temperature

North Carolina State University scientists developed a GaMnN thin film-based device that manipulates both charge and spin of electrons at room temperature, surpassing previous devices which only functioned at -173°C. The new technology uses lower voltages to switch electron bias, improving semiconductor efficiency and speed.

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.

Big belly and obesity linked to increased risk of restless legs syndrome

A new study found that men and women with a BMI score over 30 were nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to have RLS than those who were not obese. Additionally, people with the top 20% of waist circumference were more than one-and-a-half times more likely to have RLS than those in the bottom 20%

Gutsy germs succumb to baby broccoli

Eating two and a half ounces of baby broccoli sprouts daily for two months reduced HpSA levels by over 40% in infected individuals, suggesting potential protection against gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. However, the study did not cure infection or eradicate H. pylori colonization.

New pain assessment tool distinguishes between pain subtypes

A new standardized tool for assessing chronic pain has been developed and validated to differentiate between peripheral neuropathic pain and non-neuropathic low back pain. The tool, called STEP, takes just 10-15 minutes to administer and has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy.

A molecular ripcord for chemical reactions

The researchers used mechanical forces to control catalytic activity, initiating chemical reactions and creating a 'molecular ripcord' that can switch between dormant and active states. This discovery enables the creation of self-repairing materials that strengthen under mechanical stress.

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.

Ambati study published in PNAS

A new study by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati and colleagues found that the siRNA treatment is toxic to both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, with potential applications in cornea transplantation and treatment of lymphatic diseases.

Heart Failure Congress 2009

The European Society of Cardiology reports that heart failure is the most prevalent chronic cardiac condition in Europe, with 30 million cases identified. Recent improvements in diagnosis and treatment have led to a significant reduction in mortality rates, but challenges persist in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

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.

James Crivello given top honor for polymer research by ACS

James Crivello, a prominent polymer researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been awarded the Herman F. Mark Senior Scholar Award by the ACS. His groundbreaking research on novel polymers and innovative applications in energy conservation, coating, and composites has earned him this prestigious recognition.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Poison: It's what's for dinner

A study published in Molecular Ecology found that woodrats have genetic detoxification genes that enable them to consume creosote bushes, which are coated with a toxic resin. The researchers also discovered that these animals adapt their diets in response to climate change, and the findings may provide insights into how humans can modi...

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.

Human embryonic stem cells

Researchers have developed a method to generate complex, multilayer oral tissues using human embryonic stem cells. The tissues mimic normal oral cavity tissues and show promise for treating oral diseases through transplantation.

Scientists show how a neuron gets its shape

Researchers used microscopy to study neuron growth in Caenorhabditis elegans and found that certain neurons work backward from their destination. The discovery suggests that the brain is wired based on connectivity rather than absolute distance, providing an explanation for how the brain grows in proportion to the organism.

Nicotine may have more profound impact than previously thought

New Brown University research suggests nicotine interferes with multiple cellular interactions, potentially developing new treatments for various diseases. The study identified 55 proteins interacting with the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor, which may have broader roles in the body than previously thought.

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.

Partner behavior better predicts STD risks

Researchers found that considering partner characteristics together is the strongest predictor for STDs. Adding simple questions about partner characteristics to STD screenings could help catch more patients who need testing and education.

GEN highlights increasing use of digital gene expression profiling

A novel digital gene-expression profiling technique is gaining traction, offering a fully quantitative approach to gene-expression analysis. The method has been shown to provide robust and comparable expression profiling data, making it an attractive alternative to traditional microarray-based platforms.

Can periodontal disease act as a risk factor for HIV-1?

A study found that periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis can reactivate latent HIV-1 in infected individuals. The bacteria induce histone acetylation, leading to HIV-1 reactivation. Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for preventing AIDS progression.

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.

Does the stress of being a parent lead to decay in children's teeth?

A study found that parents with low income, limited education, and single status experience higher levels of stress, which increases the likelihood of their children developing tooth decay. Conversely, receiving treatment for a child's dental decay can decrease parental stress levels.

Bird feathers produce color through structure similar to beer foam

Research by Yale University reveals that bird feathers create bright colors through nanostructures resembling a sponge with air bubbles. The structures self-assemble as the feather grows, replacing water bubbles with air, and have significant implications for the role of color in birds' plumage.

Maternal personality affects child's eating habits

A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study analyzed children's diets combined with psychological and sociodemographic variables in mothers. The results show that mothers with high negative affectivity are more likely to give their children unhealthy food, but not the opposite for healthy food.

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.

Locking parasites in host cell could be new way to fight malaria

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found a new way to combat malaria by trapping parasites inside host cells. They identified an enzyme called calpain-1, which parasites use to break out of infected cells, and developed a method to block it, leaving parasites trapped.

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.

Big men more susceptible to atrial fibrillation

A new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy reveals that big men are more susceptible to atrial fibrillation, a disturbance in the heart's rhythm. The risk of atrial fibrillation increases linearly with both body size and weight gain, putting larger men at higher risk.

Study: Sports drink consumption can cause tooth erosion

A recent study by NYU researchers found that sports drinks can cause tooth erosion and hypersensitivity due to high levels of citric acid. The condition affects one in 15 Americans and can lead to severe tooth damage if left untreated.

Dissecting a stellar explosion

The analysis reveals highly polarised gamma rays, providing insight into the central engine's magnetic field structure. The team favours a synchrotron model, suggesting that the jet lifted the magnetic field into space.

Cellular target may prove useful in treating deadly brain tumors

Researchers at Duke University have identified a receptor on human glioblastoma cells that may be an appropriate target for therapies. Activation of the neurokinin 1 receptor leads to increased cell growth, but blocking this activity can reduce cell death and potentially stall cancer growth.

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.

Beating the back-up blues

Physicists at the University of Leeds and IBM Research have made advances in racetrack memory, a new kind of computer memory that could replace hard disks. The technology is estimated to be 100 times cheaper per bit than flash memory and promises faster speeds.

Bent tectonics: How Hawaii was bumped off

Scientists have re-examined Hawaii's formation, finding the Pacific oceanic plate moved under a drifting hotspot, creating a 50 million-year-old bend in the seamount chain. Mantel circulation models aid understanding of forces on tectonic plates and stress estimation for major earthquakes.

Researchers discover primer to plant defense system

A novel compound called azelaic acid has been identified as a primer for the plant's immune system, leading to increased systemic plant immunity and disease resistance. The discovery was made by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Chicago.

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.

Radiologists can dramatically lower cardiac CT radiation dose in some patients

A study at the University of Erlangen found that reducing tube voltage from 120 kV to 100 kV lowered cardiac CT radiation doses in adult patients weighing 185 pounds or less by 39% without compromising image quality. The lower dose resulted in effective radiation doses ranging from 4.9 to 11.9 mSv, compared to 8.8 to 16.9 mSv at 120 kV.

Computer based model helps radiologists diagnose breast cancer

A computer-based model has been developed to aid radiologists in diagnosing breast cancer by analyzing mammogram images. The model was trained on 48,744 mammograms and found that it could detect 41 more cancers than routine practice, with potential benefits including reduced unnecessary biopsies.