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Science News for August 14, 2009


Antarctic glacier thinning at alarming rate

The Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica is losing ice four times as fast as it was a decade ago, with scientists estimating that the main section of the glacier will disappear in just 100 years. The glacier's acceleration is attributed to warming oceans and has significant implications for global sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 14, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Warming ocean contributes to global warming

A study found that Arctic ocean warming triggers methane release from seabed sediments, contributing to climate change. The National Oceanography Centre and researchers detected over 250 plumes of bubbles rising from the West Spitsbergen continental margin.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 14, 2009

Scientists take early steps toward mapping epigenetic variability

Scientists at Brown University have completed a study mapping variations in epigenomic structure using over 200 human tissue samples. The research reveals wide epigenetic variation linked to aging and smoking, which may increase susceptibility to diseases like cancer.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 14, 2009

The peopling of the Americas

A recent study by University of Oklahoma's Cecil Lewis explores genetic ancestry influences on health and population genetics. The research finds that eastern South America has more genetic diversity than previously expected, contradicting the widely accepted peopling timeline.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateAug 14, 2009

Bionanomachines -- proteins as resistance fighters

Researchers used laser tweezers to measure the friction between a single motor protein molecule and its track, showing that proteins work against resistance like macroscopic machines. The findings provide insight into the efficiency of kinesin motors and their role in cell division and muscle function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2009

Nitrogen fixation and phytoplankton blooms in the southwest Indian Ocean

Researchers found that diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, host nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, contradicting previous assumptions that blue-green algae were the primary drivers. The study reveals an important mechanism for regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 14, 2009
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.

Studies do not support unhealthful relation between animal foods and breast cancer

Recent studies published by the American Society for Nutrition provide no evidence that consuming animal foods increases breast cancer risk. In fact, researchers suggest that moderate and mindful consumption of these foods can be important in attaining optimal nutrition, particularly for women who may not consume enough iron and calcium.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 14, 2009

Changes in net flow of ocean heat correlate with past climate anomalies

Researchers at the University of Rochester have found evidence that changes in the net flow of heat into and out of the oceans correlate with past climate anomalies, including abrupt shifts in global temperatures and unusual land temperature fluctuations. The study, which analyzed high-quality data sets, suggests these oceanic shifts s...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysics Letters A·DateAug 14, 2009

New strategy for inhibiting virus replication

Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital have identified a new target for treating chronic hepatitis C: the protein cyclophilin A. Inhibiting this protein blocks virus replication and has two complementary effects, making it a promising approach to therapy.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 14, 2009
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.

Doing what the brain does -- how computers learn to listen

Researchers created a mathematical model that mimics brain mechanisms for speech recognition, recognizing individual sounds and syllables, even in sped-up speech sequences. The model's success indicates that it could represent brain processes, providing new approaches for artificial speech recognition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 14, 2009
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.

Statewide program to improve emergency care for children

A statewide program aims to enhance pediatric emergency medical care in Illinois by supporting facilities in managing critically ill and injured children. The program, led by Loyola University Health System, focuses on preparing emergency medicine facilities to provide quality care for this vulnerable patient population.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 14, 2009