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Science News Archive December 2009


Page 10 of 21

A new kind of micro-mobility

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method for moving tiny objects using magnetic fields, mimicking the motion of cilia in cells. The system could provide precise control over liquids and particles, enabling virtual microfluidics and potentially advancing biomedical screening and medical diagnostics.

Painkiller undermines aspirin's anti-clotting action

A new study suggests that combining celebrex with low-dose aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing heart attack and stroke. Researchers found that celebrex interferes with aspirin's ability to block blood clots, particularly when taken in low doses.

Going vertical: Fleeing tsunamis by moving up, not out

Stanford researchers recommend vertical evacuation as a safer alternative to fleeing tsunamis, but only if buildings are reinforced to withstand both earthquakes and tsunamis. The approach could save thousands of lives, especially in cities like Padang where residents live in high-risk zones.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prussian blue linked to the origin of life

Researchers found Prussian blue can create essential biological molecules, including hydrogen cyanide and urea, under early Earth-like conditions. This study offers an alternative explanation for the formation of Banded Iron Formations.

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.

DNA needs a good editor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new mechanism for DNA packaging that affects RNA splicing, leading to differences in protein production. This finding has significant implications for disease diagnosis and treatment, including the development of innovative drug therapies.

Does scent enhance consumer product memories?

A new study published in Journal of Consumer Research reveals that scent significantly enhances recall of product information, with scented products remembered better than unscented ones. The researchers found that product scent is more effective at enhancing memory for product-related information than ambient scent.

U of A students reaffirm the work of a 1920s paleontologist

University of Alberta graduate students re-examined a 76 million-year-old armadillo-like dinosaur and found that the original researcher, William Parks, was correct in his identification. The species was previously misidentified as Euoplocephalus in the 1970s.

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.

Parents: Be mindful of hazardous holiday ornaments

A study from Boston Children's Hospital found that holiday decorations, particularly glass ornaments, lead to an average of five ornament-related injuries per year. Parents are advised to be vigilant during the holiday season and take precautions to prevent such incidents.

Killer cookies: To resist temptation, exaggerate the threat

Researchers found that people are more likely to resist food temptations when they perceive a greater threat, and this effect is heightened by environmental stimuli. Counteractive construal, a mental process where individuals exaggerate the negativity of temptation, plays a key role in maintaining long-term goals.

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.

Steroid injections may slow diabetes-related eye disease

Researchers found that injecting corticosteroids into the eye slowed the progression of diabetic retinopathy in a study involving 840 eyes. The treatment reduced the risk of vision loss associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which affects 700,000 Americans annually.

In rural areas, more women falling into health care gap

Women in rural areas are at risk of inadequate health care coverage due to age, retirement, and lack of internet access. To address this issue, researchers are developing programs to provide critical health information and affordable healthcare.

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.

Hypoxia increases as climate warms

A new study finds that offshore waters off the Chilean coast experienced systematic oxygen depletion during the rapid warming of the Antarctic following the last glacial maximum. The research suggests that climate change may be contributing to outbreaks of hypoxia along the near-shore regions of South America and the Pacific Northwest.

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.

Influenza in Africa should not be ignored

Influenza is circulating in Africa, causing sporadic outbreaks and potentially severe epidemics due to inadequate surveillance. The authors argue that improved monitoring is needed to accurately assess the burden of influenza in tropical countries like Africa.

Ethanol-powered vehicles generate more ozone than gas-powered ones

A new study led by Stanford researchers finds that ethanol-powered vehicles produce more ozone than gas-powered ones, particularly during winter months. The increase in ozone production is attributed to the generation of aldehydes, which are precursors to ozone and can be carcinogenic.

Myopia appears to have become more common

Researchers found a statistically significant increase in myopia prevalence among US participants from 1971 to 2004, with higher rates observed in younger individuals. The study suggests that modifiable risk factors for myopia development could lead to the creation of cost-effective intervention strategies.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Imaging test detects Alzheimer's disease that is likely to progress

A new imaging test has detected early Alzheimer's disease in older adults, which is likely to progress into symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The test uses Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) to bind to beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, identifying individuals who are at risk of developing dementia.

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.

TRMM sees 05B winding down off the Sri Lanka coast

The TRMM satellite captured rainfall data on Tropical Depression 05B, showing a large area of rainfall near the storm's center. The system has weakened into a tropical depression, with cloud heights dropping over time.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Exercise improves survival rates for colorectal cancer patients

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that men with colorectal cancer who engage in regular exercise have a 53% higher chance of surviving without the disease. The benefit of exercise was seen across various factors such as age, cancer progression and previous physical activity.

Tropical Storm Laurence set for second Australian landfall

Tropical Storm Laurence is forecasted to make its second landfall in Australia, impacting the northern Kimberley coast and potentially causing heavy rainfall and beach erosion. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take action in preparation for the cyclone's arrival.

IUPUI researchers tackle protein mechanisms behind limb regeneration

Researchers investigated over 300 proteins in axolotl limbs, discovering key proteins involved in cell reprogramming and avoiding cell death. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of limb regeneration and potentially lead to new treatments for human amputations.

Interactive animations give science students a boost

A new study found that university students who use interactive animations in their studies retain a better understanding of scientific concepts than those who don't. The animations, which can be manipulated to adjust real-world variables, demonstrate complex physics phenomena such as precipitation formation.

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.

Characteristics of ultrafine particles from an engine fueled

This study investigates the effects of low sulfur diesel fuel on ultrafine particle emissions from a compression-ignition engine. The results show that the fuel reduces both mass concentration and number concentration of particles, which can help mitigate respiratory problems. The composition of nanoparticles emitted from ordinary dies...

Genetic link to heart failure

A team of researchers has identified 12 genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene associated with heart failure. The study found a block of 12 genetic variants linked to heart failure in a large group of individuals.

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.

Government overseas aid is no bar to individual giving

Donations to overseas development charities have grown at an average rate of 7.4% per annum, exceeding household income and government aid growth rates. Individual giving is not deterred by government grants, with a new model suggesting a 10% change in household incomes produces a similar 10% change in donations.

NIH-funded study unveils potential genetic links to lung disease risk

A new NIH-funded study has uncovered several DNA sequences linked to impaired pulmonary function, providing insight into mechanisms of lung capacity and potentially leading to better understanding of diseases like asthma and COPD. The findings may help develop new interventions to manage lung diseases and improve mortality rates.

New genes for lung disease discovered

Scientists have identified five genetic variants associated with lung health, providing new insights into the molecular basis of lung diseases. These findings hold promise for developing targeted treatments for conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.

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.

Virtual testing gives lightweight planes lift-off

Researchers are using virtual testing to design and construct a new generation of efficient passenger airplanes with carbon-fibre composite structures. Virtual tests allow for simultaneous testing in hours, condensing months of physical testing into just hours.

Yellowstone's plumbing exposed

Researchers have imaged Yellowstone's plumbing using seismic waves, revealing a plume of hot rock rising from the northwest at a depth of at least 410 miles. The new findings suggest a larger magma chamber than previously thought, potentially leading to an even more catastrophic eruption.

Scripps Research scientists crack mystery of protein's dual function

Researchers solved a 10-year-old mystery of how a single protein can have two distinct roles, providing insight into potential therapeutic for cancer and eye diseases. The protein, human tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TrpRS), has a functional switch that enables it to perform different functions.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The Queen and I

Scientists found that autistic brains show less activity when processing self-relevant information, unlike typical brains. This atypical response may contribute to social difficulties in individuals with autism, impacting their ability to navigate relationships and develop social skills.