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Science News Archive December 2009


Page 11 of 21

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Europe's flora is becoming impoverished

The study found that European plant communities are becoming more homogeneous, with rare species becoming extinct and phylogenetic diversity decreasing. This loss of uniqueness makes it harder for biological communities to adapt to environmental changes.

'Extreme' genes shed light on origins of photosynthesis

Researchers are studying phototrophic extremophiles to understand the evolution of oxygen-evolving high-energy photosynthesis. The study aims to illuminate gaps in genetic data and explore astrobiology connections, potentially revealing clues about extraterrestrial life.

Moderate weight loss in obese people improves heart function

A two-year study found that moderate weight loss improved four key measures of heart health in obese patients, including decreased heart muscle thickness and improved pumping functions. After weight regain, some cardiovascular benefits were retained.

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.

UA-led study grapples with health effects of low-intensity warfare

A recent study by UA-led researchers documents the health consequences of endemic warfare in northern Kenya, focusing on nutrition and its impact on community health. The research highlights the disproportionate burden of violence on women and children, who face food insecurity and increased mortality rates.

Elusive 'hot' electrons captured in ultra-thin solar cells

Boston College researchers successfully harvested elusive charges using ultra-thin solar cells, opening a potential avenue to improved solar power efficiency. The team developed a mechanism able to extract hot electrons in the moments before they cool, effectively opening an escape hatch for these highly energized particles.

Rice physicists find reappearing quantum trios

Using ultracold atoms, Rice physicists confirmed a theory about a universal quantum mechanism that allows trimers to form in special cases where pairs cannot. The team observed Efimov's trimers appear and reappear repeatedly in a stepwise fashion.

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.

More mental health care called for in wake of Ft. Hood shootings

Renowned psychopharmacology expert Stephen M. Stahl, MD, PhD, highlights low confidence in army mental health care, excessive opiate prescribing, and understaffing of services at Ft. Hood. He proposes redeploying primary-care providers and nurse case managers to centralize mental health care delivery.

Novel detection method unmasks circulating breast cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel detection method that can identify circulating tumor cells (CTCs) after they undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), rendering them undetectable by current methods.

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.

Roe of marine animals is best natural source of omega-3

A study by Spanish researchers found that roe of hake, lumpsucker and salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for metabolic functions. Minimal consumption satisfies the body's requirements, preventing cardiovascular disease and other conditions.

New research identifies modifiable risk factors for heart disease

Emerging research reveals that post-menopausal women experience adverse changes in lipid profiles around the time of their final menstrual period, independent of age. Conversely, quitting smoking before or after a heart attack significantly improves long-term survival rates, with reductions comparable to those from lifestyle changes an...

Blood stem cell transplant regimen reverses sickle cell disease in adults

A modified blood adult stem-cell transplant regimen has effectively reversed sickle cell disease in 9 of 10 adults with severe symptoms. The trial's results show that the treatment reduced toxicity and allowed patients to achieve stable mixed donor chimerism, completely replacing their disease-causing cells.

Journal highlights forest service early warning system

The USDA Forest Service has developed an early warning system to monitor forest health using satellite imagery and land surface phenology data. The system aims to provide near-real-time information on forest conditions impacted by insects, diseases, wildfires, or extreme weather events.

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.

New inherited eye disease discovered

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a new inherited retinal disease affecting the macula, which is an area critical for central vision. The disease causes abnormal blood vessels to form, leading to swelling or scars that can blur parts of the visual field.

TRMM Satellite sees Cyclone Cleo coming to a close

Cyclone Cleo's rainfall has significantly diminished over the last 24 hours, with its maximum sustained winds down to 40 mph. The storm is expected to dissipate in the next day or two due to wind shear and dry air.

Scientists identify natural anti-cancer defenses

Researchers at the University of Montreal identified a novel molecular mechanism that prevents cancer by regulating the p53 gene. The SOCS1 molecule plays a crucial role in suppressing cancer-causing cytokine activity, offering potential new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer prevention strategies.

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.

Why England's soccer team keeps losing on penalties

A new study by the University of Exeter shows that anxious penalty takers are more likely to focus on the goalkeeper, leading to shots that centralize and become easier to save. The research suggests that coaches can address this issue through training, emphasizing the importance of practicing aiming strategies under pressure.

Bacteria provide new insights into human decision making

Scientists applied physics techniques to study bacteria's survival strategies, gaining insights into human decision making. The study found that bacteria's game theory decision making process is more advanced than the Prisoner's Dilemma, enabling them to weigh pros and cons in complex environments.

Clinical trial advances new approach to re-sensitizing breast cancer

A new study presents a promising approach to re-sensitize breast cancer to standard therapy after it becomes resistant. The treatment combination of an aromatase inhibitor and sorafenib shows encouraging responses in 20% of post-menopausal women with metastatic breast cancer, offering a potential new treatment option.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

MDC researchers identify a scaffold regulating protein disposal

The MDC researchers have discovered a crucial scaffold regulating the identification and disposal of defective proteins. The study reveals that the flexible Usa1 subunit tethers specific modules of the enzyme complex, connecting them to form a larger complex to degrade insoluble membrane proteins.

New discoveries could improve climate projections

Researchers have discovered that the deep ocean's temperature variability and circulation system are more complex than previously thought, leading to more accurate predictions of sea level rise and ice volume changes. The study uses a 3-D reconstruction of an ocean during a past warm period to gain insights into global climate dynamics.

Math goes viral

Researchers at the University of Alberta designed materials that link mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, such as disease transmission, to enhance learning. Students used these materials to calculate the West Nile virus's reproductive number, gaining a deeper understanding of math in science.

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.

New curriculum mixes nanotechnology and skiing

The University of Nevada, Reno has developed a new curriculum that combines nanotechnology with skiing, aiming to prepare mechanical engineers for emerging challenges. Students will design and manufacture innovative materials and technologies to create extraordinary ski designs, including energy-efficient systems and dynamic structures.

Surgery on beating heart thanks to robotic helping hand

A French team has developed a computerized 3D model that predicts the movement of the heart as it beats, allowing robotic tools to move in concert with each beat. This innovation could enable less invasive surgical procedures with high precision and reduce complications.

Tropical Cyclone 05B forms southeast of Chennai, India

Tropical Cyclone 05B has formed in the Northern Indian Ocean, expected to approach southeastern India and make landfall on Monday, December 14. The storm is forecast to intensify due to low wind shear, but may be impacted by a zonal jet stream.

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.

Easily led 'ash-tray': Adolescent smokers prone to drug abuse

A study by Natividad et al. found that adolescent rats exhibit fewer physical and neurochemical withdrawal signs than adult rats after nicotine withdrawal, suggesting age alters neurological systems relevant to nicotine use. This increased sensitivity makes adolescents more prone to drug abuse.

Primitive dinosaur species found in New Mexico

Researchers have discovered a new primitive dinosaur species, Tawa hallae, in northern New Mexico with nearly complete skeletons providing insights into the evolutionary path of dinosaurs towards birds. The species, likely a meat-eater, had air sacs in its braincase and neck areas.

Synthetic protein mimics structure, function of metalloprotein in nature

Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a synthetic protein that mimics both the structure and function of nitric-oxide reductase, a key enzyme in the nitrogen cycle. The protein, which uses myoglobin as a scaffold, provides an excellent model for studying this enzyme and creating biocatalysts.

Earth's atmosphere came from outer space, find scientists

A team of researchers from the University of Manchester and University of Houston used advanced analytical techniques to test volcanic gases, revealing a clear meteorite signature that suggests the atmosphere came from outer space. The study's findings imply that ancient Earth's oceans also originated from extraterrestrial materials.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Old math reveals new thinking in children's cognitive development

Researchers used Category Theory to explain why specific reasoning skills, such as Transitive Inference and Class Inclusion, develop in children around age five. These skills involve applying two lines of thinking simultaneously, allowing children to understand complex relationships between objects.

Irregular arm swing may point to Parkinson's disease

Researchers studied gait to identify physical signs of Parkinson's disease in its early stages. The team found that people with Parkinson's had significantly asymmetrical arm swings compared to those without the disease.

Italy's poor go to the hospital more

Research shows Italy's poor are more likely to be hospitalized with avoidable conditions, mirroring global patterns. Socio-economic disparities exacerbate the issue, particularly among males and those aged 45-64.

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.

Formula to detect an author's literary 'fingerprint'

Physicists in Sweden create a formula to identify distinct author styles by analyzing word frequencies in literature, challenging George Kingsley Zipf's maxim. The 'meta book' concept represents an imaginary infinite book containing each author's unique word frequency characteristics.

NRC rewards Penn State nuclear engineering efforts

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has awarded Penn State's nuclear engineering program nearly $1 million to boost nuclear education and expand the workforce. The funding will support a radiochemistry education program with a new laboratory course providing hands-on experience for students.

Landmark study confirms chemotherapy benefit in breast cancer patients

A landmark study by Dr. Kathy Albain of Loyola University Health System found that chemotherapy improves survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients, while a multigene test can identify those who may not benefit from chemotherapy. The study established the standard of care for tamoxifen treatment in relation to chemotherapy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Understanding apples' ancestors

Researchers analyze genetic diversity of 280 individuals from Armenia and Georgia, comparing with results from Russia and Turkey. They establish a core collection of 27 trees capturing 93% of alleles, making M. orientalis more accessible for breeding and research communities.

RXR activation -- hope for new Parkinson's disease treatment

Scientists have found that activating Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) increases dopamine cell survival in models of Parkinson's disease, providing a novel strategy for treating the condition. The study used two cellular models to explore the neuroprotective function of RXR ligands LG268 and XCT.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Climate projections underestimate CO2 impact

A recent study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the climate may be 30-50 percent more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide than previously thought. This increased sensitivity could lead to more accurate long-term projections and a better understanding of climate change's impacts on global temperatures.