Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2009


Page 4 of 22

Immune defect is key to skin aging

Scientists identify defective immunity in skin as a key factor in skin aging and age-related health problems. The study reveals that older people's skin tissue fails to attract T-cells, leading to reduced immunity and increased risk of infections and cancer.

Tiny ancient shells point to earliest fashion trend

Researchers uncover 25 marine shell beads from Morocco and Algeria dating back 70,000-85,000 years, suggesting early humans wore and traded symbolic jewelry. The discovery confirms the oldest form of personal ornaments, adding to similar finds in Africa, Israel, and South Africa.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Alcohol, pregnancy and brain cell death

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including learning disabilities and increased susceptibility to diseases. The destruction of beta-endorphin neurons in the hypothalamus region can result in permanent impairment of stress and immune system functions throughout life.

NASA's satellite imagery sees Hilda hit a wall

Hilda's winds have slowed from tropical storm to tropical depression-force, with sustained winds near 34 mph, according to NASA satellite data. The storm is expected to continue tracking south of the Hawaiian Islands before dissipating on August 31.

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.

Researchers pinpoint neural nanoblockers in carbon nanotubes

Brown University researchers have discovered that yttrium and nickel, two metal catalysts used to form carbon nanotubes, interfere with critical signaling transactions in neurons. Removing these metals can lead to the development of safe treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and paralysis.

Making global science networking more user-friendly

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $1.9 million grant to create a user-friendly version of OptIPuter, a global science networking platform. The new software aims to make it easy for scientists to collaborate and visualize data on ultra-high-resolution display panels.

Turning back the clock: Fasting prolongs reproductive life span

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that fasting can trigger the regeneration of fertility in nematode worms, which may have implications for human reproduction. The study found that starvation stops ovulation and kills germline cells, but stem cells can produce new sex cells once normal food conditions resume.

Job insecurity leads to health problems in US workers

A new study finds that chronic job insecurity has a stronger negative impact on worker health than smoking or hypertension. Persistent job insecurity weakens bonds between employers and employees, fueling perceptions of insecurity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

ASN committed to managing conflicts of interest

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has published a policy on managing conflicts of interest to ensure responsible partnerships with industry and promote patient care. The policy provides guidelines for medical societies and industry to advance research and education.

Texas A&M-Galveston professor discovers new species of marine life

A Texas A&M-Galveston professor has discovered two new species of marine life, a tiny worm and a poisonous crustacean, in an underwater cave off the coast of North Africa. The team found the creatures deep inside the dark cave, which is believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption 20,000 years ago.

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.

We are all mutants

A team of scientists has measured the general rate of genetic mutation at individual DNA letters in humans for the first time. The study found that most mutations are harmless and have no apparent effect on health or appearance, with an average of 100-200 new mutations per person.

Grasso and team awarded $2.8 million, 5-year grant by HHS HIV/AIDS Bureau

The five-year grant aims to improve the quality of care for women of color suffering from HIV/AIDS by enhancing access and retention in quality HIV care. The project will be implemented in urban centers across America, addressing the technical requirements of HIV clinics serving the medically and economically disadvantaged.

A better test to detect DNA for diagnosing diease, investigating crimes

Researchers have developed a new lab-on-a-chip test that detects DNA with excellent sensitivity, eliminating the need for amplification, and enabling wider use of DNA testing. The nanogap sensor technology overcomes current limitations of PCR-based tests, making it a faster and more practical alternative.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Getting wired: How the brain does it

Researchers at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in brain connectivity. The study found that inhibiting the interaction between Calcineurin and NFAT resulted in more dendritic branches and synapses, suggesting a potent role for CaN in regulating neural connections.

Global priority regions for carnivore conservation

Researchers define global conservation priorities for endangered carnivores considering socioeconomic and life-history factors. The study identifies 41 ecoregions worldwide as key areas for cost-effective conservation investments.

Star-birth myth 'busted'

A team of international researchers has challenged the long-held idea that the ratio of massive stars to lighter ones in star-forming regions remains consistent. They found that this ratio, known as the initial mass function, varies significantly between different galaxies, with some forming more low-mass stars than expected.

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.

Water scarcity started 15 years ago

A new analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations reveals the onset of water scarcity in southeast Australia around 1993-1996. This finding underscores the importance of good water information for water resource planning and highlights the impact of climate change on the country's current water resources.

Scientists get first close look at stimulated brain

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used two-photon microscopy to track calcium levels in neurons during electrical stimulation, revealing a scattered and widely distributed set of neurons switch on. The findings contradict a long-standing hypothesis and suggest that axons are being stimulated rather than cell bodies.

Gene assay to help to predict lung cancer treatment resistance

Researchers developed a gene assay that identifies key genes contributing to drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. The assay showed strong correlation between multi-gene signatures and individual chemotherapy agents, allowing for personalized treatment guidance.

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.

Conflict of interest disclosures in clinical trials need to be clearer

Researchers advocate for clearer conflict of interest disclosures in clinical trials to ensure transparency and fairness. Key findings include the need for institutional review boards and study coordinators to play a larger role in disclosing financial relationships that may impact patient decisions.

Iridescence found in 40-million-year-old fossil bird feather

A team of paleontologists and ornithologists have discovered evidence of vivid iridescent colors in fossil feathers dating back 40 million years. They found a preserved color-producing nanostructure, called melanosomes, which produced black with metallic greenish, bluish or coppery colors at certain angles.

New technique could eliminate inherited mitochondrial disease

Researchers developed a technique to prevent inherited mitochondrial disorders by transferring hereditary material from one egg to another. The method resulted in four healthy newborns and holds the potential for couples to have biologically their own child without defects associated with maternal mitochondria.

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.

More research on risks and benefits of medical imaging needed

A new study found nearly 70% of participants received at least one medical imaging procedure between 2005 and 2007, resulting in an average effective dose nearly double natural sources. The study highlights the need for research on the benefits and risks of medical imaging procedures to inform patient care.

Rats' mental 'instant replay' drives next moves

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that rats use a mental instant replay of their actions to help them decide what to do next. The study reveals that these sequences also occur when the animals are awake and may help them consider future options.

International Greenland ice coring effort sets new drilling record in 2009

The North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling project, led by the University of Copenhagen, has reached a depth of 5,767 feet in early August, recovering over a mile of ice core. The project aims to retrieve ice from the last interglacial episode, providing valuable information on past temperatures and precipitation levels.

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.

Do the media lead entrepreneurs astray?

A new study published in Human Ecology found that media propaganda during the late nineteenth century Colorado silver rush misled entrepreneurs by exaggerating ore concentrations, leading to over-risking their investments. The researchers used central place foraging models to investigate optimal foraging strategies and compared actual ...

Study shines light on night-time alertness

Research suggests that red light can impact alertness at night via pathways other than the circadian system, contradicting previous assumptions about blue light's dominance. The study found that moderate levels of red light increase alertness in individuals, making it a viable alternative to blue light for improving nighttime alertness.

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.

10- and 11-year-olds feel pressure to have a perfect body

A study of 4254 Canadian schoolchildren found a direct association between BMI and satisfaction with their body shape, with girls happier when thin and boys unhappy when too skinny or fat. Poor body satisfaction was more common among rural girls from low-income families.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Danny form, US East Coast on watch

Tropical Storm Danny has formed east of the Bahamas, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing strengthening thunderstorms in infrared imagery. The storm is expected to bring 2-3 inches of rainfall to the central and northwestern Bahamas, with maximum amounts of 4 inches.

Rutgers-Camden developing enzyme function database

A Rutgers University—Camden biochemist is creating a database for quick background checks on all known enzyme functions, including energy-creators like ATP and ADP. The goal is to create a standard vocabulary to describe how enzymes function for the biomedical community.

Tropical storms endure over wet land, fizzle over dry

A Purdue University study found that ground moisture at landfall is a major indicator of tropical storm behavior. Storms are more likely to sustain and cause heavy rains when the ground is wet, while dry conditions tend to calm them down.

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.

New tools for sustainable farming

Agricultural scientists at TUM created indicators and models to analyze, assess and optimize the sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The new indicator model describes farms as systems based on their material and energy flows, enabling accurate calculations of emissions, climate balance and biodiversity.

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have identified new targets for treating breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting Brk protein expression. Additionally, a study on Wnk1 revealed its critical role in angiogenesis and heart development. Furthermore, drug abuse has been found to worsen HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders through dopamine signaling.

UCF discovery could open door to obesity, diabetes treatments

Researchers have identified a new genetic mechanism controlling body's fat-building process, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that the MCPIP gene controls fat cell development, offering a new direction for developing drugs to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.

Working too much can be dangerous for teen's sexual health

A new study from the University of Michigan found that working too many hours in the wrong environment can lead to teenagers dating older partners, which is associated with riskier sexual behavior and STDs. High self-esteem and low alcohol use can offset the negative effects of excessive work hours.

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.

Gene mutation alone causes transmissible prion disease

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have shown that a single gene mutation can cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease in mice, similar to human fatal familial insomnia. The study demonstrates that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause the disease and the spontaneous generation of transmissible prions.

Bird flu leaves the nest -- adapting to a new host

Researchers found that viral polymerase is a key target for preventing systemic flu in humans. The study discovered that avian influenza adapted to infect mice caused severe illness and death due to suppression of the immune system.

Pitt study finds molecular link between insulin resistance and inflammation

Pittsburgh researchers have found a molecular link between insulin resistance and inflammation, suggesting a novel target for diabetes treatment. The study reveals that protein Fox01 stimulates inflammatory white blood cells, leading to increased production of cytokine IL-1B, which interferes with insulin signaling.

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.

Safer, denser acetylene storage in an organic framework

A NIST research team has figured out why a metal-organic framework can safely store acetylene at low pressure, leading to potential substantial savings in transportation costs. The discovery could also help scientists better understand MOFs and develop new materials for storing other substances.

NASA eyes Hilda's Hawaiian hangout -- south of the islands

Tropical Storm Hilda is expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, with forecasters noting minimal impacts due to her small size. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, and slow strengthening is possible as it continues west-southwest.

Tunnels concentrate air pollution by up to 1,000 times

A new study found that road tunnels can concentrate ultrafine particles and pollutants by up to 1000 times, posing serious health risks to occupants. This concentration level is higher than previously reported measurements.