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Science News for February 14, 2009


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.

Biologist discusses sacred nature of sustainability

Renowned biologist Ursula Goodenough explores the connection between science, ethics, and a culture of sustainability. Her work proposes an 'ecomorality,' prioritizing stewardship of the environment, in response to humanity's impact on the planet.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateFeb 14, 2009
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.

What are the histologic features of intrahepatic neonatal cholestasis?

A study analyzed histologic features of liver biopsies from 86 infants with intrahepatic neonatal cholestasis (IHNC) and found no significant differences among different etiologies. However, a significant difference was observed in IHNC of infectious etiology, presenting with more severe erythropoiesis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateFeb 14, 2009

Internet emerges as social research tool

A panel of scientists at Michigan State University discussed using the World Wide Web as a tool for research, with topics including survey research, measuring social networks, and creating virtual worlds. Researchers are leveraging the Internet to inform social science applications in the real world.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 14, 2009

Surprising results: Virtual games players stick close to home

Researchers analyzed nearly 60 terabytes of data from EverQuest II, a fantasy massive multiplayer online role-playing game, to study social network configurations. They found that players tend to stick close to home, forming groups with people they already know, and women are often the most dedicated and satisfied players.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 14, 2009
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.

Mixed population provides insights into human genetic makeup

A study using African Americans with West African and European ancestry found a strong statistical correlation between genetic admixture and facial traits. The researchers measured distances between specific face landmarks to compare genetically determined admixture with facial feature differences.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 14, 2009

Climate change may alter malaria patterns

Climate change is altering malaria patterns due to daily temperature fluctuations, which can affect the incubation period of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. This can lead to changes in transmission rates, with warmer temperatures potentially increasing the risk of infection.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 14, 2009

Vitamin E may decrease and increase mortality of male smokers with high dietary vitamin C intake

A six-year vitamin E supplementation study found that high dietary vitamin C intake significantly influenced the effect of vitamin E on mortality in male smokers. Vitamin E decreased mortality by 41% in elderly smokers with high vitamin C intake, while increasing mortality by 19% in middle-aged smokers with similar intake levels.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 14, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecules self-assemble to provide new therapeutic treatments

Scientists develop novel materials for stem cell therapy by combining peptide amphiphiles with hyaluronic acid, resulting in self-assembling sacs that can encapsulate human stem cells and deliver growth factors. The structures also exhibit unique physical properties and can be tailored to release cells at specific injury sites.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 14, 2009

Biofuels boom could fuel rainforest destruction, Stanford researcher warns

A new study by Holly Gibbs at Stanford's Woods Institute for the Environment suggests that biofuel crops may contribute to climate change by burning tropical forests. The research found that agricultural subsidies and policies favoring biofuel crop production can lead to deforestation, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 14, 2009

US petroleum dependency factor of history

The US has a century-long history of dependence on oil, which remade human life's ecology. A shift to alternative energy sources may require reevaluating petroleum use and government involvement in the transition.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 14, 2009
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.

Artificial cells, simple model for complex structure

Scientists develop a simple model for complex cell structure by creating artificial cells with molecular crowding and heterogeneity. The system mimics the behavior of proteins and nucleic acids in living cells, allowing researchers to study the effects of macromolecular crowding on chemical reactions.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 14, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Exploring planets in distant space and deep interiors

Researchers have found hundreds of new planets beyond our solar system, with evidence for all three classes of planets detected in extra-solar systems. Carnegie Institution scientists predict that many planets will be habitable, potentially inhabited by life.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateFeb 14, 2009