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Science News Archive December 2009


Page 20 of 21

Lasers used to make first boron-nitride nanotube yarn

Researchers at NASA's Langley Research Center and the Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility developed a new technique to synthesize high-quality boron-nitride nanotubes, opening doors for various applications. The first practical macroscopic yarns were created using lasers, with potential uses in radiati...

Annual screening with breast ultrasound or MRI could benefit some women

A clinical trial found annual ultrasound screening significantly improves early breast cancer detection in women with dense breasts, while MRI increases sensitivity but also false-positive findings. The study suggests annual ultrasound as a suitable alternative to expensive MRI for these women.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Balancing protein intake, not cutting calories, may be key to long life

A new study funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that getting the correct balance of proteins in our diet may be more important for healthy ageing than reducing calories. Researchers found that varying the amount of amino acids in a diet can affect lifespan and fertility, with certain amino acids being crucial to maximising both.

Hope for men with nonobstructive infertility

A recent study published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that sperm from men with non-obstructive azoospermia are equally capable of producing embryos through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study also showed that there were no significant differences in implantation rates or clinical pregnancy rates betwee...

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.

Team approach results in dramatic improvement in timely heart attack care

Healthcare professionals using a team approach saw significant improvements in treating patients having a heart attack, reducing door-to-balloon times by more than half since 2005. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found widespread adoption of strategies to improve care across the nation.

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.

Some birds listen, instead of look, for mates

Researchers found that male birds' songs with higher pitches are associated with greater genetic diversity, making them more attractive mates. The study suggests that females can pick up on the pitch of males' songs to decide which birds will make the best mates.

Antarctica served as climatic refuge in Earth's greatest extinction event

A new fossil species, Kombuisia antarctica, discovered in Antarctica, reveals that some land animals may have survived the end-Permian extinction by living in cooler climates. The discovery fills a gap in the fossil record and contributes to understanding of vertebrate survival during this mass extinction event.

Chances of surviving cardiac arrest at home or work unchanged in 30 years

A recent study by Michigan Medicine found that only 7.6% of cardiac arrest victims survive, with factors such as restored pulse and bystander CPR significantly improving survival rates. Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and use of devices to shock the heart to change these dismal survival rates.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Era of Hope Scholar Award funds unique breast cancer research

Dr. Shiaw-Yih Lin's research focuses on the DNA damage response, exploring its crucial component replication stress response or RSR. His team aims to identify biomarkers for early detection of defective RSR and develop targeted nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

TacSat-4 spacecraft complete and awaiting launch

The TacSat-4 spacecraft has completed environmental and performance testing, awaiting launch. The mission provides near global coverage of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) channels for communications, data exfiltration, and Blue Force Tracking.

A closer look at the Hudson Canyon shows why the canyon is critical for fish

The discovery of massive methane pits in the Hudson Canyon has significant implications for the region's marine ecosystem. The pits, found by Rutgers University and NOAA researchers using a robotic underwater vehicle, are believed to be related to the dissolution of gas hydrates and could support a diverse range of fish species.

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.

New forensic technique gives clues about sharks from bite damage

A new forensic technique can identify shark species by analyzing bite patterns, helping researchers understand the behavioral underpinnings of shark attacks. The method uses measured jaw circumference and tooth distance to distinguish between species like tiger sharks and bull sharks.

MRI helps detect life-threatening pregnancy complication

A recent study found that MRI is highly accurate in detecting placenta accreta, a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterus. The condition can lead to severe bleeding and maternal death if not diagnosed early. With an accuracy rate of 90.1%, MRI has become a valuable tool in prenatal care.

Brown fat cells make 'spare tires' shrink

Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a way to turn on the 'natural heating system' in brown fat cells, which can lead to increased energy expenditure and reduced body weight. By activating this mechanism, it may be possible to fight obesity with fat.

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.

Dessert on your mind? Your muscles may be getting the message

Researchers found that good taste and pleasant meals stimulate muscle glucose uptake and decrease blood glucose levels. Orexin is involved in the regulation of muscle glucose metabolism, suggesting a potential role in controlling feeding behavior and blood sugar levels.

Clearing the way for detecting pulmonary embolism

Researchers found that a combination of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and low-dose CT provided accurate diagnoses with high sensitivity and specificity. The study suggests that this technique may improve patient outcomes by reducing the mortality rate associated with untreated pulmonary embolism.

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.

Can heart disease treatments combat AMD?

A recent study found that low-dose aspirin may offer mild protection from AMD, reducing the risk by 18% in women who took the medication. However, statins did not show a significant impact on advanced AMD risk, with patients taking statins actually at a slightly higher risk of developing advanced disease.

Will copper keep us safe from the superbugs?

Researchers found that copper surfaces had significantly fewer live bacteria than conventional surfaces, with one study showing a 71% reduction. Copper-based disinfectants also showed effective antimicrobial properties, continuing to kill germs for the rest of the day.

Hospital price transparancy laws in California fall short, study finds

A new study found that hospital price transparency laws in California are ineffective, with only 28% of hospitals responding as required by state law. The research team received inaccurate or incomplete price quotes from most hospitals, which often exceeded the allowed prices under California law.

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.

Timing of surgery for knee injuries may not affect outcomes

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients undergoing surgery within three weeks of a multiple-ligament knee injury have comparable outcomes to those who undergo delayed surgery. Early mobility is also associated with better outcomes than immobilization in patients treated within this timeframe.

Unified approach to premature infant care improves patient outcomes

A unified approach to caring for extremely premature infants in the first week of life resulted in improved patient outcomes, including a decrease in hospital stay duration. Infants treated using small baby guidelines showed higher survival rates without complications like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and severe intraventricular hemorrhage.

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.

NIST researchers put a new spin on atomic musical chairs

Researchers at NIST and Naval Research Laboratory create a technique to selectively implant atoms in crystals, enabling study of electrical and magnetic properties on an atomic scale. This development is crucial for spintronics, electronic devices that utilize electron spin instead of charge for storing information.

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.

Yerkes researchers create first transgenic prairie voles

Researchers have successfully created the first transgenic prairie voles, allowing them to investigate the genetic mechanisms of social bonding and its impact on psychiatric disorders. This advancement may lead to new treatments for impairments in social behavior.

High urea levels in chronic kidney failure might be toxic after all

A team of researchers found that high levels of urea produce toxic molecules in fat cells, leading to insulin resistance and characteristics of end-stage kidney disease. Blocking the effects of high urea levels may improve quality of life and lifespan for individuals with chronic kidney failure.

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.

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.

Can cleft palate be healed before birth?

Researchers at USC School of Dentistry have successfully reversed a cleft palate in fetal mice by regulating signaling molecules. The study's findings suggest that close monitoring and regulation of the protein Shh during palate formation may one day allow for non-surgical reversal before birth.

How did flowering plants evolve to dominate Earth?

Early flowering plants gained a competitive advantage through efficient leaf hydraulic systems, increasing photosynthetic capacity. This evolutionary step was triggered by low atmospheric CO2 levels and led to their dominance of land ecosystems.

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.

Special ultrasound accurately identifies skin cancer

Researchers used high-frequency ultrasound with elastography to identify skin cancer with high accuracy, distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions by measuring their elasticity. This non-invasive procedure can aid physicians in treatment and reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies of benign skin lesions.

Enzyme replacement therapy improves outcomes in Fabry's disease

A five-year study shows enzyme replacement therapy reduces left ventricular mass index by around 10% and improves midwall fractional shortening in patients with baseline cardiac hypertrophy. The treatment also significantly improves average pain and quality of life scores.