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Science News Archive August 2009


Page 18 of 22

Psychologists say longer lives can still lead to happier golden years

Researchers found that mental health generally improves with age, except for those with dementia-related diseases. Older adults tend to avoid negative situations and have a stronger sense of emotional control. Building strong social relationships is crucial for healthy aging, according to experts.

NASA satellite image shows deadly Typhoon Morakot slamming Taiwan

Typhoon Morakot's massive size and powerful winds have brought catastrophic effects to Taiwan, with reports of up to 20 inches of rain in mountainous areas. The storm's landfall is expected to occur on Saturday in mainland China, where it will then move north towards Shanghai.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Yerkes researchers propose ambitious new strategies for AIDS vaccine research

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center propose alternative approaches to developing an effective AIDS vaccine, including making infected individuals resistant to disease progression or reducing the number of cells the virus can infect. They draw inspiration from African nonhuman primates that adapt to HIV-like viruses i...

Words matter in public health

A study by Professor Brigitte Nerlich's team found that the way people communicate about a threat largely determines how they understand it and behave towards it. The research focused on MRSA, avian flu, and compared media coverage with hospital matrons' language.

Marine microbes creating green waves in industry

Researchers are searching for new enzymes in marine microbes that can convert waste products into desired compounds, increasing efficiency and sustainability. The goal is to develop more efficient and sustainable manufacturing solutions for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Ability to process information as a baby continues into adulthood

A study by Case Western Reserve University Psychologist Joseph Fagan found an association between early ability to process information and IQ scores later in life. Infants who processed new information well at 6- and 12-months-old showed higher levels of academic achievement as young adults.

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.

Growth spurts

Researchers have observed single colloidal platinum nanocrystals growing in solution using liquid cell in situ transmission electron microscopy. The study reveals complex growth trajectories, including steady and spurt-like growth driven by coalescence events.

Fumbled handoffs can lead to medical errors

A study found that hospital discharge summaries are inadequate at documenting tests with pending results and information about outpatient follow-up providers. The researchers identified 668 discharges with pending test results, where only 16% of the tests were mentioned in the summaries.

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.

NIST demonstrates sustained quantum information processing

Physicists at NIST demonstrate sustained, reliable information processing operations on ions, overcoming hurdles in scaling up ion-trapping technology. They successfully performed a combined sequence of five quantum logic operations and ten transport operations while maintaining qubit data integrity.

Johns Hopkins researchers make stem cells from developing sperm

Scientists identify key molecular players responsible for reversion of adult cells into a primordial, stem cell state. By reducing activity of Jak and STAT proteins, researchers found fewer cells to revert back to stem cells, with only 60% regaining their stem cell population.

Genomic signature in blood identifies underlying viral infection

Researchers have identified a genomic 'signature' in circulating blood that reveals exposure to common upper respiratory viruses, such as the cold or flu. This signature reflects subtle but robust changes in genes activated by the body's response to infection, allowing for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.

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.

Protein folding: Diverse methods yield clues

Researchers compare two methods for studying protein folding: atomic force microscopy and chemical denaturant method. Both approaches reveal similarities in protein behavior, offering new insights into the forces that shape proteins.

Carnegie donates landmark clones to biology

Researchers at Carnegie Institution's Department of Plant Biology have cloned genes for membrane proteins that regulate nutrient and water fluxes in cells. The donated clones will help unravel the interaction of these proteins across species, with potential applications in understanding kidney diseases and engineering better crops.

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.

New cancer drug delivery system is effective and reversible

Researchers at University of Illinois create a new cancer drug delivery system using aptamers, achieving high cell killing efficiency while sparing healthy cells. The approach integrates small molecules and antibodies, offering a general toolbox for treating various cancers.

Nanoscale origami from DNA

Scientists at TUM and Harvard University have successfully programmed DNA to assemble into complex twisted and curved nanoscale shapes. The researchers report achieving precise control over the shape's curvature and twist, with potential applications in building miniaturized devices for biomedical applications.

Tumor mutations can predict chemo success

New research by MIT cancer biologists shows that tumor mutations can predict chemotherapy success. Genetic profiling of tumors can help doctors tailor treatments to each patient. The study identified specific genes and their interactions to determine how well cancer cells respond to chemotherapy.

Beetroot juice boosts stamina, new study shows

A new study published in Journal of Applied Physiology shows that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake, allowing individuals to exercise for up to 16% longer. The study also found lower resting blood pressure in those who consumed beetroot juice compared to a placebo.

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.

Wistar scientists find key to strengthening immune response to chronic infection

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified a protein called Blimp-1 that can help reprogram exhausted immune cells into more effective 'soldiers' against certain viruses and cancers. By understanding how Blimp-1 suppresses normal immune responses, scientists may develop new strategies to prevent and treat chronic infections.

Dark energy from the ground up: Make way for BigBOSS

The Joint Dark Energy Mission aims to determine the nature of dark energy using three techniques: supernovae, weak gravitational lensing, and baryon acoustic oscillation. A new satellite design could revolutionize these methods, enabling precise measurements of expansion history.

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.

Colon cancer may yield to cellular sugar starvation

Scientists discovered that two cancer-promoting genes enable tumor cells to grow and survive under conditions where normal cells die. The KRAS and BRAF mutations allow cancer cells to thrive in environments with limited glucose, which may be used to develop new treatments.

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.

More insulin-producing cells, at the flip of a 'switch'

Scientists discover a single transcription factor that can convert alpha cells into functional beta cells, increasing their number eight-fold in mice. The study shows promise for a potential new treatment for type I diabetes, where the body autodestructs beta cells leading to insulin deficiency and complications.

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.

Yale researchers find key to keeping cells in shape

Yale scientists have discovered a crucial protein that regulates cell size by controlling the exit of potassium and chloride ions. This finding has significant implications for understanding diseases such as sickle cell anemia and neurological disorders, where cell size imbalances can lead to damage.

NRL's XFC UAS achieves flight endurance milestone

The NRL's XFC UAS has successfully demonstrated a flight endurance milestone of over six hours, paving the way for long-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The fuel cell-powered system greatly extends payload capacity and endurance compared to traditional battery-powered UAS.

Chicken-hearted tyrants

Theropod dinosaurs likely targeted young and small dinosaur species as a primary food source, exploiting their softer bones. This hypothesis is supported by fossil finds and stomach contents, suggesting that giant carnivores mainly fed on juvenile animals, not large herbivorous dinosaurs.

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.

Educate yourself to boost achievement in kids

A University of Michigan researcher suggests that parents who acquire higher education can significantly boost their children's academic achievement. The study found a strong correlation between parental education and language ability in children, with the impact remaining significant even after controlling for other factors.

Wastewater produces electricity and desalinates water

Researchers have developed a process that cleans wastewater and generates electricity, also removing 90% of salt from brackish water or seawater. The system uses microbial desalination cells to convert wastewater into clean water producing electricity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists find universal rules for food-web stability

Researchers have identified fundamental rules that determine food-web stability, with diverse predator-prey links enhancing stability in high and intermediate trophic levels. Small ecosystems follow different rules than large ones, with strong interactions between species stabilizing smaller webs, but destabilizing larger ones.

What makes stem cells tick?

A team of researchers has identified phosphorylated signaling proteins in human embryonic stem cells, shedding light on the mechanisms that determine cell fate. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapies by controlling stem cell differentiation.

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.

Beep, beep, oops, what was I doing?

A study of 84 students found that those with high working-memory capacity were more resistant to distractions, while those with low capacity struggled to focus. The researchers suggest that improving the brain's ability to filter out irrelevant stimuli could lead to new therapies for easily distracted individuals.

Climbing to new heights in the forest canopy

Climbing plants have evolved remarkable adaptations to ascend walls and trellises, with various modes of attachment, including twining, leaf-climbing, tendril-bearers, root-climbers, and hook-climbers. These structures enable flexibility and withstand mechanical stresses, allowing vines to efficiently transport water and nutrients.

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.

Scientists devise efficient way of learning about complex corn traits

Researchers found that numerous small changes in multiple gene regions impact flowering time, reproductive ability, and other complex traits in corn. The study also identified subtle genetic variations influencing reproductive success, paving the way for more accurate predictions and breeding strategies.

Unstable proteins can cause premature ageing

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered unstable proteins cause premature ageing by impairing cell respiration. Changes in mtDNA introduce errors into mitochondrial proteins, leading to their instability and breakdown.

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.

Live recordings of cell communication

Scientists have recorded live vesicle fusion on the nano-scale using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). This breakthrough allows for real-time measurement of vesicle shape and properties, opening up new avenues for understanding neurological and infectious diseases.

A plant's arsenal of crystalline darts and sand

Research reveals that plant crystals play a crucial role in deterring herbivory and protecting against calcium oxalate poisoning. Different types of crystals perform distinct functions, such as creating a sensation of chewing sand or expelling microscopic darts from the plant tissue.