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Science News Archive July 2009


Page 16 of 23

Stan Powell to receive 2009 AIAA Ground Testing Award

Dr. Stan Powell will receive the award in Denver on August 5 for his extensive original research and engineering development leading to hypersonic test facilities. His contributions include thermophysics research, modeling of combustion processes, and assessment of simulation fidelity.

Active commuters have fewer heart disease risk factors

Men who walk or bike to work are less likely to be overweight or obese and have healthier triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Active commuting is also associated with improved fitness and reduced environmental impact.

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.

Common infant tumor has a Nox(4)ious requirement

Researchers have identified protein Nox4 as crucial for hemangioma growth and found a potent inhibitor fulvene-5 to substantially inhibit its growth. This discovery suggests targeting Nox4 using fulvene derivatives may attenuate hemangioma growth.

Medical use for waste television screens

Scientists at the University of York have developed a technique to recover polyvinyl-alcohol from discarded TV screens, transforming it into a substance suitable for use in tissue scaffolds that aid body regeneration. The recovered material can also be used in pills and dressings designed to deliver drugs to specific parts of the body.

Leading pathogen in newborns can suppress immune cell function

Researchers discovered that GBS fools the immune system by reducing production of antibiotic molecules, allowing the bacteria to survive and proliferate. This understanding may lead to new targets for medical therapy to boost the immune system and clear GBS infection in critically ill newborns.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

'Show me the money!' MDA greenlights grants

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has announced $5 million in new grants to support cutting-edge research projects tackling muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, ALS, and spinal muscular atrophy. Researchers at top institutions will explore groundbreaking treatments and therapies for these devastating conditions.

Climate change may spell demise of key salt marsh constituent

New research shows that pannes in New England salt marshes are sensitive to temperature increases and may be driven to local and regional extinction. The plants in these waterlogged zones respond by growing more initially but then dying off, making way for invasive species like Spartina patens.

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.

Happier, healthier, more productive hens on omega-3?

The study aims to reduce bone damage and fractures in laying hens by providing omega-3 supplemented diets. Researchers will house 16 flocks of 1,500 hens each in identical free-range systems to compare the effects of high and standard omega-3 diets.

Building memories with actin

Researchers have discovered that actin reorganization in two stages is controlled by different pathways, making it easy to encode new memories but hard to hold onto them. The Rho-ROCK pathway initiates cytoskeletal changes, while the Rac-PAK pathway solidifies them, leading to heightened synapse sensitivity and memory persistence.

Queen's University study aims at early diagnosis for ADHD and Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Queen's University have created eye movement tests to aid in understanding childhood brain development, healthy aging, and the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease. The study found that children scored low on these tests, while those with ADHD showed decreased normal brain ...

Volcanic activity on Mars could offer clues to planet's history

A team of researchers led by Dr. Nicholas Lang is studying three ancient Martian volcanoes to better understand the planet's history and potential water sources. The study may have implications for the search for life on Mars, as liquid water could have existed in the past.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mount Sinai researchers find new Alzheimer's disease treatment promising

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that a natural compound called NIC5-15 may be a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The preliminary findings suggest that NIC5-15 can prevent the formation of beta-amyloid plaque, a key factor in cognitive decline.

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.

Easy strength training exercise may help treat tennis elbow, study shows

Researchers have found that a simple bar and strengthening exercise may provide a practical and effective means of treating tennis elbow. The study, which randomized 21 patients with tennis elbow into two groups, showed that the eccentric training group had vastly better results on all scales, especially related to strength.

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.

Losing sight of people in a crowd can spell disaster, warns new report

The reports emphasize the need for a systems approach that considers both technical and sociological/psychological factors in crowd management. This includes training and familiarization with new systems, as well as involving front-line personnel in decision-making. The findings also highlight gaps in knowledge and areas where further ...

Down Under dinosaur burrow discovery provides climate change clues

Paleontologist Anthony Martin's discovery of dinosaur burrows in Victoria, Australia, suggests that burrowing behaviors were shared by different species across hemispheres and spanned millions of years. The findings indicate that small ornithopod dinosaurs may have dug into river banks to survive extreme environments.

Green industrial lubricant developed

A team of researchers has developed an environmentally-friendly lubricating grease based on ricin oil and cellulose derivatives, providing a 100% biodegradable alternative to traditional industrial lubricants. The new formula offers improved environmental performance and is easier to process than conventional greases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ruth's Hospitality Group Inc. donates Broad Street building to Tulane

Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. donates the site of its New Orleans restaurant to Tulane University to create a neighborhood-based medical home providing care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The new center will serve over 1,200 patients per month and offer expanded services.

PNNL scientist garners early career presidential award

Alexandre Tartakovsky's research on subsurface flow aims to clean up buried nuclear or toxic contaminants and store carbon dioxide from fossil fuels underground. His models help researchers trap contaminants and transform them into harmless minerals.

A matter of density, not quantity

A team led by Rustem F. Ismagilov demonstrates that the density of bacteria, not their absolute number, drives quorum sensing, a process previously thought to require large groups of cells.

University of Oklahoma professor selected for most prestigious award

Amy Cerato, a University of Oklahoma assistant professor, has been selected for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. She is being recognized for her research on designing robust foundations in marginal soils, which could save the US billions annually by repairing infrastructure built on expansive soil.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

GOES-O satellite reaches orbit and renamed GOES-14

The NASA-operated GOES-O satellite reached its geosynchronous orbit at 89.5 degrees west longitude on July 8, 2009, after a series of maneuvers to raise its perigee to approximately 22,300 miles above the Earth. The solar array was successfully deployed on July 9, and all spacecraft subsystems reported nominal performance.

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.

New oral agents may prevent injury after radiation exposure

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered new compounds that can be given orally to prevent radiation-induced injuries, including kidney, lung, skin, and intestinal tract damage. The EUK-400 series, which are synthetic antioxidants, protect tissues against damage caused by free radicals.

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.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory arrives at Kennedy Space Center

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft has arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., where it will undergo final testing before its anticipated November launch. The mission aims to study the sun in unprecedented detail and its effects on Earth, collecting 1.5 terabytes of data daily.

Diets bad for the teeth are also bad for the body

Research suggests that diets high in fermentable carbohydrates, such as sugar and starch, can lead to dental decay and contribute to chronic systemic diseases. A diet low in these carbohydrates may improve cardiovascular markers and reduce body fat. Dental problems can serve as an early warning sign for dietary imbalances.

Toward an explanation for Crohn's disease?

A study has found that a mutation in the NOD2 gene may predispose individuals to Crohn's disease by impairing the immune system's ability to recognize and fight off mycobacteria. The research, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, highlights the potential for new therapeutic approaches to combat the disease.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Research may hold key to maintaining embryonic stem cells in lab

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a gene that activates in mouse embryonic stem cells, allowing them to grow and divide rapidly in the lab. This breakthrough could enable scientists to maintain ES cells from other species, leading to new discoveries in medical research.

New Bluetooth application will let sport fans share experiences in real time

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a new Bluetooth application that allows people in different parts of a stadium to share banter, photos, and video clips instantly. This technology makes innovative use of short-range communications, enabling fans to connect with up to seven other users simultaneously.

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.

Caltech chemists say antibody surrogates are just a 'click' away

Researchers create highly stable chemical compounds that can bind to proteins with high affinity and selectivity, replacing traditional antibodies used in medical diagnostic tests. The technique involves a stepwise approach using in situ click chemistry, allowing for the creation of complex molecules in a relatively simple process.

Simulations illuminate universe's first twin stars

Researchers created a detailed computer simulation of early star formation, revealing the existence of twin stars. The simulations showed that these stars provide seeds for next-generation star formation, helping scientists understand how galaxies formed.

Oral/body inflammatory connection explained

Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with as many as 75% of adults in the US affected by periodontal disease. The study suggests that addressing oral/body inflammatory connection can improve overall health and reduce CVD risks.

Study identifies potential fix for damaged knees

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery have developed a biodegradable scaffold to treat patients with damaged knee cartilage. The study found that the plug demonstrated predictable maturation on imaging studies and showed encouraging properties similar to native articular cartilage.

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.

Motion analysis helps soccer players get their kicks

Researchers used motion analysis to study the kicking motion in male and female soccer players, finding that males have more activation in hip flexors and hip abductors compared to females. Female players also exhibit a knock-kneed knee position, which may contribute to increased ACL injuries.