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Science News for August 16, 2009


Cape tulips -- pretty but pests in pastures

A CSIRO-led study is investigating the use of a rust fungus to control Cape tulip weeds in Australian pastures. The research aims to determine the aggressiveness of the rust on Cape tulips and its potential for biological control, with initial results promising.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 16, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New biomarker predicts response to hepatitis C treatment

Researchers identified a genetic marker that predicts response to hepatitis C treatments, revealing a single-letter DNA change near the IL28B gene. This discovery explains why African-Americans and East Asians respond differently to treatment, highlighting individual genetic makeup as a key determinant of response.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2009

NIH-funded researchers sequence exomes of 12 people

Researchers sequenced exomes of 12 people to detect rare genetic variants causing diseases. The study found that sequencing exomes can be used to uncover genes contributing to common conditions like diabetes and cancer, enabling personalized medicine.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2009
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.

Newly found DNA catalysts cleave DNA with water molecule

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered new deoxyribozymes capable of cleaving single-stranded DNA with sequence and site selectivity. These DNA catalysts require two metal ions and hold promise for developing more efficient methods for manipulating DNA.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 16, 2009
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.

To understand the universe, science calls on the ultrasmall

Scientists studying neutrino experiments aim to understand the universe's expansion, Big Bang, and potential for a 'Big Crunch.' These tiny particles' unique properties and behavior are key to unlocking fundamental physics and resolving mysteries like dark matter.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2009

New study expands the list of hazardous chemicals in smokeless tobacco

A new study has discovered that smokeless tobacco contains carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other hazardous chemicals, exposing users to the same level of risk as cigarette smokers. The research adds to evidence of oral and pancreatic cancer risks associated with smokeless tobacco use.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2009

New nanolaser key to future optical computers and technologies

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully created a nanolaser called spaser, which emits visible light and could revolutionize future technologies based on nanophotonic circuitry. The device overcomes the limitation of current lasers being too large to integrate into electronic chips.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2009
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.

Arabic chemists from the 'Golden Age' given long overdue credit

Researchers are rediscovering the achievements of Arabic-speaking scientists who made groundbreaking advancements in chemistry during the 8th to 13th centuries. Their work, which was previously overlooked in the Western world, is now being recognized as a major contributor to the emergence of modern science and medicine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2009

The buzz on an amazing new mosquito repellent: Will it fly?

Researchers have discovered new mosquito repellents that last up to three times longer than DEET, the current gold standard. The repellents do not cause skin irritation or unpleasant odors, making them a promising alternative for people sensitive to DEET.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A new cloaking method

Researchers create new cloaking technique that uses electromagnetic fields to protect objects from incoming waves. The method has potential applications in shielding submarines, planes, buildings and coastal structures from various threats.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 16, 2009