Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2009


Page 19 of 24

Rural areas able to increase screening capacity for colorectal cancer

A study found that rural physicians in Arizona estimated they could increase their endoscopic procedures by 53.1%, while urban physicians estimated an additional 35.7% with improved compensation. The potential increase is attributed to the growing population of older individuals moving to warmer climates.

Inner workings of photosynthesis revealed by powerful new laser technique

A new laser-based technique has unraveled some of the inner workings of photosynthesis by capturing instantaneous images of energy transport between electrons in molecules. This allows scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms involved, which is crucial for harnessing this process as an alternative energy source.

Psychological impact found in adolescents with kidney transplants

A study reveals that adolescents who undergo kidney transplants have a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions, including depression, phobia, and ADHD. They also experience educational impairment and social isolation. The study highlights the need for routine screening and support to address these challenges.

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.

Multi-teraflop computer system targets large-scale discovery projects

The system will enable researchers from seven disciplines to perform virtual experiments and address open problems in their fields, including infectious disease dynamics, material development, and human interactions. The instrument is expected to promote technology transfer and enhance the diversity of computational science talent.

Constant compressions critical to CPR

Researchers found that every second of compression pause reduces the likelihood of successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) by 1%. Effective CPR requires minimal interruptions, with powerful chest compressions being crucial.

Wolf in dog's clothing? Stanford study reveals twist in fur color

A Stanford study finds that dogs that bred with wolves thousands of years ago passed on a genetic mutation for dark coat color to their wild ancestors. This mutation is now found in nearly exclusive in North America's black wolf population, which has a selective advantage over lighter-colored wolves in forested areas.

Safety guide launched for new 3-D dental scans

The European Academy of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology has established 20 'Basic Principles' for safe use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in dentistry. The guidelines cover areas such as justification, optimization, and training to protect patients from excessive radiation.

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.

Are we selling personalized medicine before its time?

A study published in PLoS Genetics found that genetic screening for diseases like cancer and heart disease may not accurately predict individual risk due to limited genetic variants associated with each condition. This limits the effectiveness of personalized genetic testing currently offered by companies.

Mutant rats resist warfarin

Researchers identified eighteen new genetic changes in rats from four continents that enable resistance to warfarin. VKORC1 gene mutations may cause heritable resistance by preventing coumarin derivatives from interfering with the reductase enzyme activity.

Rapidly evolving gene contributes to origin of species

A rapidly evolving gene contributes to the origin of new species by driving an evolutionary arms race inside cells. The Nup160 and Nup96 genes, which code for gatekeepers of a cell's nucleus, have become incompatible between closely related fruit fly species.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sea level rise could be worse than anticipated

A new study published in Science suggests that a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could lead to significantly higher sea level rise than currently projected, with devastating effects on coastal areas and global sea levels. The research takes into account various forces, including gravity, changes in the Earth's rotation, and la...

Columbia research shows novel benefits of fatty acids in arteries

A Columbia University study found that a diet rich in fish oils can prevent fat accumulation in arteries and lower cholesterol levels. The researchers discovered that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the entry of 'bad' cholesterol into arteries, providing new insights into heart health benefits.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Building trust, increasing awareness among minorities

A study by Michigan State University found that higher medical mistrust among minority women led to late breast cancer screening. The AACR is working to address these issues through research and education. Recruiting diverse patients into clinical trials also poses challenges, with incentives often not effective.

'Sister' factors promote survival of blood-system stem cells

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified two critical genes, Scl and Lyl1, that work together to maintain a pool of hematopoietic stem cells. These 'sister' genes are essential for the survival and function of blood-system stem cells, and their dysfunction can lead to severe consequences.

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.

Nanotube's 'tapestry' controls its growth

Carbon nanotubes grow through self-assembly forming a 'tapestry' of twisting threads, where each thread's length determines the tube's growth rate. The research reveals a direct relationship between a nanotube's chiral angle and its growth speed.

Engineering technology pinpoints earliest signs of animal life

Researchers have recorded the earliest evidence of animal life using Hydropyrolysis technology, dating fossil steroids 635-750 million years old. This discovery suggests that simple multicellular animals existed in shallow waters before the Cambrian explosion.

The nonsense in our genes

A study by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute suggests that around 1 in 200 human genes may be unnecessary for human health. The researchers found that single-letter changes in genetic code can disrupt proteins, leading to variations that are either beneficial or have little consequence.

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.

Black wolves: The first genetically modified predators?

A new study reveals that black wolves, the first genetically modified predators, have adapted to changing environments thanks to human dog breeding. The trait, which originated from domesticated dogs, has proven valuable for wolf populations as their arctic habitats shrink.

Biologists solve mystery of black wolves

Researchers found that a novel mutated variant of a gene in dogs is responsible for the black coat color in wolves, transferred through matings. The discovery suggests that natural selection has increased the frequency of black coat color in wolf populations across North America.

Infant galaxies -- small and hyperactive

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have discovered that stars were forming at an incredible rate in the core region of an infant galaxy. With a diameter of just 4000 light-years, the star-forming core of J1148+5251 is incredibly productive and reaches its physical limit.

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.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a wise investment

Chronic stress can lead to neglected oral hygiene habits, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help maintain healthy teeth and gums, reducing stress's negative impact on overall health and potentially lowering healthcare expenses.

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.

Alcohol adverts attract the young

A systematic review of over 13,000 participants found that exposure to alcohol adverts and product placements increases drinking behavior in young people. The study suggests that counter-advertising and social marketing techniques may be effective prevention options for limiting alcohol problems in young people.

New equation of state of seawater

Scientists have developed a new equation of state for seawater based on Absolute Salinity, which is expected to provide more accurate thermodynamic calculations. The new approach aims to improve the understanding of seawater's properties and its role in the global heat engine.

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.

Researchers examine role of climate change in disease spread

Researchers Higgs and Gould examine climate's impact on West Nile, Chikungunya, Rift Valley fever, and Bluetongue viruses' spread. Climate change is linked to the northward expansion of Culex imicola midge species, facilitating Bluetongue virus dispersal.

Laser-sculpted optical devices for future giant telescopes

New research demonstrates how laser-based techniques can create micron-sized light pathways in three dimensions, enabling the detection of faint light from extrasolar planets and galaxies. This technology has the potential to improve the sensitivity and precision of future telescopes, such as the planned European ELT.

Software could save organizations $19,000 each month

A new software called PowerDown automatically shuts down computers after 30 minutes of inactivity, recovering up to £13,000 in electricity costs each month. This reduces power consumption by millions of hours and helps organizations save money on their energy bills.

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.

A natural, alternative insect repellent to DEET

Isolongifolenone, a natural compound found in the Tauroniro tree, has been proven effective in deterring mosquito bites and repelling ticks. The findings suggest that isolongifolenone could be a cost-effective alternative to DEET for protecting against blood-feeding arthropods.

Hepatitis C is killing liver cells

Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that hepatitis C virus causes direct damage to liver cells and leads to inflammation. This finding sheds new light on the virus and provides potential targets for therapy.

A better mesh: Researchers 'tighten' body's protective coating

Scientists have discovered a way to shrink the holes in the mucus layer's netting, allowing it to keep out smaller particles. The technique uses a detergent commonly found in personal care products and has potential applications for protecting against airborne pathogens and nanoparticles.

Heart failure linked to cognitive impairment

A new study published by Elsevier found that nearly half of patients with heart failure have problems with memory and other aspects of cognitive functioning. Memory problems, especially short-term memory, were the most common type of cognitive deficit in these patients.

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.

Hope for preventative treatment for cystic fibrosis lung disease

Researchers have successfully prevented cystic fibrosis lung disease in a mouse model by administering amiloride, a drug that inhibits hyperactive sodium channels. Early inhalation treatment prevents chronic lung damage and airway inflammation, providing a new therapeutic approach for the widespread genetic disease.

Census of modern organisms reveals echo of ancient mass extinction

A global analysis of marine bivalves reveals the echo of ancient mass extinction, with the recovery rate persisting despite latitudinal differences. The study found that the initial post-extinction boom never really fizzled out, but instead slowed to a crawl without returning to pre-extinction levels.

Origin of claws seen in 390-million-year-old fossil

A 390-million-year-old fossil discovery sheds light on the origins of claws in scorpions and horseshoe crabs. The specimen, Schinderhannes bartelsi, features a head with large eyes, paired grasping appendages, and wing-like limbs, providing insights into the evolution of these unique structures.

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.

Gambia takes on as National Program UAB project to abolish FGM

The Gambia has launched a National Programme to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), thanks to the pioneering work of UAB researcher Adriana Kaplan. The programme aims to promote alternative rituals that respect tradition while preventing physical mutilations, and will train health professionals in both Gambia and Spain.

Statin therapy ineffective in breast cancer prevention

Scientists tested atorvastatin and lovastatin in animal models but found no efficacy in preventing breast cancer. In contrast, tamoxifen and bexarotene showed significant reduction in mammary tumors when combined with statins.

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.

Measuring molecules to improve drug design

CSIRO's DAC microscopy method measures proteins in solution, allowing accurate dimensions of membrane receptors to be taken. This will help drug companies design more effective pharmaceuticals by understanding the complex structures of these molecules.