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Science News Archive December 2009


Page 5 of 21

Metastasis formation revealed in detail and real time

A study led by Dr. Frank Winkler followed the steps of tumor cell formation in real-time, revealing four stages required for metastasis development. Blocking angiogenesis with Avastin can suppress emergence of brain metastases.

Man-made carbon dioxide affects ocean acoustics

Human carbon dioxide emissions impact ocean acoustics by increasing transparency to low-frequency sound, potentially affecting marine mammals' communication. The pH of surface seawater will drop by 0.6 units by 2100, leading to a 70% decrease in sound absorption.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global temperatures could rise more than expected, new study shows

A new Yale University study suggests that current CO2 levels could lead to a greater temperature increase than previously thought, with temperatures potentially rising by 3 degrees Celsius or more. The research found that a relatively small rise in atmospheric CO2 was associated with substantial global warming during the mid- and early...

Next generation lens promises more control

Duke University engineers have created a new generation of lens that surpasses traditional lenses in focusing electromagnetic rays, with a wide angle of view and flat focal point. The lens is made from exotic composite materials known as metamaterials and has the potential to replace traditional optical systems.

Scientists take a step towards uncovering the histone code

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have determined the structures of two enzymes that customize histones, revealing insights into how DNA's packaging is crucial for gene regulation. The discovery may help doctors better understand or prevent inherited mental retardation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Loud and lazy but didn't chew gum: Ancient koalas

Skull fragments of prehistoric koalas from the Riversleigh rainforests suggest they had a 'lazy' lifestyle and produced loud calls like modern koalas. However, they did not share the specialized eucalyptus leaf diet.

Caltech scientists discover fog on Titan

Researchers found evidence of fog at Titan's south pole, using Cassini data to isolate clouds and prove an active methane hydrological cycle. The discovery provides insight into Titan's atmosphere and its potential for liquid methane and ethane on the surface.

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.

Alcohol outlets lead to specific problems among youth and young adults

A new study finds that alcohol-related injuries among underage youth and young adults are shaped by the density and types of alcohol outlets in neighborhoods. Off-premise outlets, such as take-out establishments and bars, are linked to higher injury rates, including accidents, assaults, and traffic crashes.

Skull bone may hold the key to tackling osteoporosis

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered fundamental differences between skull and limb bones that could lead to new osteoporosis treatments. The study found significant variations in gene activity and behavior between the two types of bone cells.

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.

Doctors' bedside skills trump medical technology

Researchers found that physicians' bedside exams did a better job than CT scans in predicting which patients would need to return to the operating room to treat complications such as bleeding. The low-cost, simple exam appears to be superior to routine CT scans in determining return to the operating room.

Texas A&M physicist sees through the opaque with 'T-rays'

Researchers have developed a new technology called 'T-rays' that can penetrate through opaque dry materials without causing harm. This breakthrough could lead to new security measures, such as detecting weapons or drugs concealed on a human body, as well as medical applications, including material studies and biology.

Postural sway among abstinent alcoholics can be improved up to a point

A new study finds that alcoholics can improve their postural sway with prolonged sobriety, but the improvement may not fully erase the problem of instability. Researchers found that stabilizing factors such as turning on a light or walking with feet apart can help improve standing stability in sober alcoholics.

Bioactive glass nanofibers produced

A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce bioglass nanofibers, which can be used to regenerate bone tissue. The laser spinning technique allows for the production of flexible and continuous nanofibers with a nanometric structure, enabling the proliferation and spread of bone cells.

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.

What's his name again? How celebrity monikers can help us remember

Researchers at Université de Montréal discovered that recalling celebrity faces decreases with age, but accessing biographical knowledge via their name remains unaffected. This semantic memory test could become a crucial tool to identify individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

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.

The how and why of freezing the common fruit fly

Scientists are studying the physical processes of ice formation in insects to understand why some survive freezing while others don't. The research found that insects that freeze at consistently higher temperatures have adaptations that allow them to control ice formation, implying cellular or biochemical level adaptations.

How the daisy got its spots ... and why

Researchers explore the development and morphology of insect-mimicking spots on the flower petals of a South African beetle daisy. The study found that these spots are composed of three types of epidermal cells, each spanning four fused petal lobes, and are influenced by UV reflectivity and anthocyanin pigment.

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.

Tiny whispering gallery

Researchers at Washington University have developed a sensor that can detect and measure single nanoparticles using an ultra-high-Q microresonator. The sensor exploits the phenomenon of whispering-gallery mode resonance, where the light wave interacts with the particle on the ring's surface.

Disordered eating may affect 10 to 15 percent of women

A study from Université de Montréal and Douglas Mental Health University Institute found that 10-15% of women experience maladaptive eating behaviors, which can lead to binge eating, bulimia, and excessive exercise. The study also revealed a link between problematic eating habits and self-rated health.

Eileen Friel, Lowell Observatory director, named AAAS Fellow

Lowell Observatory Director Eileen Friel has been selected as an AAAS Fellow for her contributions to the astronomical community. She is recognized for her diligence in mentoring young scientists through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program.

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.

Researchers discover new ways to treat chronic infections

Researchers at Binghamton University identified three key regulators required for biofilm formation, which could lead to new treatments for chronic infections. Biofilms are implicated in over 80% of chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and conventional antimicrobial treatments are often ineffective.

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.

Supernova explosions stay in shape

A new study of supernova remnants shows that their symmetry reveals how a star exploded, allowing astronomers to classify supernovas more accurately. The analysis found circular remnants from Type Ia explosions and asymmetric remnants from core-collapse supernovas.

Water droplets shape graphene nanostructures

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to shape graphene into desired forms using only a nanodroplet of water. The method utilizes weak van der Waals forces between water nanodroplets and graphene, allowing for the creation of complex structures such as capsules, sandwiches, knots, and rings.

Everlasting quantum wave

Researchers at NIST and their colleagues predict the existence of a new, 'immortal' soliton in ultracold gases. This exotic wave could provide new avenues for studying strongly interacting quantum systems and understanding phase transitions, including those in the early universe.

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.

Dyslexia defined: New Yale study 'uncouples' reading and IQ over time

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that in typical readers, IQ and reading track together, but in children with dyslexia, they are not linked. Dyslexic individuals can be both bright and struggle with reading due to an uncoupling between cognitive ability and reading ability.

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.

Science's breakthrough of the year: Uncovering 'Ardi'

The discovery of Ardipithecus ramidus, a 4.4 million-year-old hominid species from Ethiopia, revolutionizes our understanding of early human evolution. The fossils, including the partial skeleton named 'Ardi', show a mix of primitive and derived traits, challenging current models of human-chimpanzee evolution.

Fertilizer use not always helpful in revegetation efforts

Researchers found that organic fertilizer had a neutral or negative effect on plant growth, while mineral fertilizer showed mixed results. Dune grass performed well with the addition of fertilizer, but beach pea was negatively impacted. ATVs continue to be a major obstacle to revegetation efforts in the area.

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.

Study finds orphanages are viable options for some children

A Duke University study of over 3,000 orphaned and abandoned children in five countries found that institutional care can be a viable option, with better physical health and cognitive functioning than community-dwelling peers. The research challenges global policies recommending institutions only as a last resort.

Case Western Reserve Alzheimer's disease researcher named 2009 AAAS Fellow

Mark A. Smith, Ph.D., has been awarded the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellowship for his distinguished contributions to neurodegenerative disorders and Alzheimer's disease research. He is recognized for his work on oxidative stress and cell cycle alterations in Alzheimer's disease.

Caltech researchers revise long-held theory of fruit-fly development

Researchers at Caltech have challenged the long-held theory on fruit-fly development, showing that a key transcription factor's influence is less widespread and varies over time. The study reveals a more complex system where cells respond to changing signals from the transcription factor Dorsal.

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.

Racing, shooting and zapping your way to better visual skills

Regular gamers outperform non-gamers in visual processing tasks, including mental rotation, spatial memory and divided attention. Training with video games enhances these skills, potentially reducing gender differences and age-related cognitive decline.

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.