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Science News Archive June 2009


Page 7 of 26

On malaria struggle, baboons and humans have similar stories to tell

Researchers at Duke University have found that variation in a single gene influences baboons' susceptibility to a closely related parasite, similar to its impact on humans. The study's findings provide a unique example of how the same genetic mechanism can confer resistance to different parasites.

Imaging the hypnotized brain: Neural mechanisms of suggested paralysis

Research reveals hypnosis induces disconnection of motor commands from normal voluntary processes through executive control and self-image circuits. The study used fMRI to test neural effects of hypnotic paralysis on brain activity, finding enhanced activation of the precuneus region involved in memory and self-imaging.

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.

Stream of sand behaves like water

University of Chicago researchers have discovered that dry granular materials can form water-like droplets when poured, revolutionizing the way we understand particle transport and manipulation. The study's findings could lead to more efficient oil refining, plastics manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production processes.

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.

AUA Foundation names the 2009 Astellas Rising Stars in Urology award winners

The AUA Foundation has awarded the 2009 Astellas Rising Stars in Urology to William Roberts, MD and Edward Schaeffer, MD for their groundbreaking research projects on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Phospholipase A2 signaling in prostate development. The award aims to support young urologists in pursuing careers in urologic research.

US seniors 'smarter' than their English peers -- U-M study

A new study found that US seniors performed significantly better than their English counterparts on standard tests of memory and cognitive function. The advantage was greatest among the oldest old, with 75-year-olds in the US exhibiting cognitive abilities comparable to those of 65-year-olds in England.

Showcasing the secrets of Caistor Roman town

A team of experts, led by The University of Nottingham, has unveiled a new set of high-resolution images revealing the plan of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund in Norfolk. The survey confirms street plan, water supply system, and public buildings like baths and temples.

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.

Mini-beamer in a cell phone or PDA

Researchers developed a mini projector that can be integrated into a cellphone or PDA, producing monochrome images with high brightness, and projecting them onto flat surfaces using plastic lenses made of embossed material

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

U of M study finds new insight on therapy for a devastating parasitic disease

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a breakthrough in understanding how the commonly prescribed drug praziquantel works to treat Schistosomiasis. Praziquantel causes two-headed organisms by subverting normal regeneration, leading to the identification of key molecules that control its effects.

Common ECG finding may indicate serious cardiac problems

A prolonged PR interval on an electrocardiogram may indicate a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and the need for a pacemaker. Studies suggest that middle-aged to older adults with this finding are more likely to experience serious heart rhythm disturbances and premature death.

A Canada-wide technology platform for mapping the human interactome

A Canada-wide technology platform will map the human interactome, providing Canadian researchers with state-of-the-art equipment and integrated infrastructure. The project, led by Dr. Benoit Coulombe, aims to elucidate dynamic organization of proteins and molecules, potentially leading to better disease treatments.

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.

Molecular typesetting -- proofreading without a proofreader

A team of researchers at the University of Leeds has developed a model that explains how errors are corrected during protein synthesis. The study suggests that a molecular machine called RNA polymerase uses a unique mechanism to remove incorrect letters from the growing RNA chain, allowing copying to resume.

Waste water treatment plant mud used as 'green' fuel

Researchers from Rovira i Virgili University find that using mud from waste water treatment plants as an alternative fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 140,000 tonnes between 2003 and 2006. This sustainable solution enables cement factories to power their operations without harming human health.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New therapy found to prevent heart failure

A landmark study demonstrates a significant reduction in heart failure or death in patients with heart disease who received CRT-D versus ICD-only. The MADIT-CRT trial showed a 29% decrease in mortality and heart failure symptoms, improving survival and outcome for patients with severe heart disease.

Researchers work to create more permanent joint replacements

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing biological joints using living tissue that can mimic normal cartilage in a healthy joint. These new joints have shown promising results in dogs and aim to be used for human patients with similar physical characteristics, potentially reducing complications from repeat surgeries.

'Bycatch' whaling a growing threat to coastal whales

A new form of unregulated whaling is emerging along Japan and South Korea's coastlines, threatening minke whale stocks. DNA analysis reveals that up to 300 whales may be killed annually through bycatch whaling, equivalent to Japan's scientific whaling program.

Energy-saving method checks refrigerant level in air conditioners

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses sensors to monitor refrigerant temperature and estimate the amount of refrigerant in an air conditioning system, saving energy and reducing maintenance costs. The new method could be easily integrated into automotive and household air conditioners.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Afghani children suffering from post-traumatic stress

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that at least half of Afghan school children have developed PTSD due to traumatic experiences. The research highlights the need for interventions addressing not only war experiences but also family disturbances and community factors.

Ability to literally imagine oneself in another's shoes may be tied to empathy

A study from Vanderbilt University found that individuals with higher empathy levels were better at mentally transforming their body position to simulate another person's perspective. This suggests a link between spatial abilities and empathy, with implications for understanding the neural basis of emotional intelligence.

Marking anorexia with a brain protein

A recent study published by Faculty of 1000 Medicine discovered that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are higher in women who have recovered from anorexia. This suggests that low BDNF levels may be reversible and could potentially serve as a biomarker for recovery from eating disorders.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How adolescent girls manage stress

Teenage girls experience increased stress levels, with seven out of ten suffering from stress. To withstand this, girls rely on various sources of strength including emotional support, controlling their daily lives, and engaging in recreational activities.

AOSSM presents prestigious research awards

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents eight research awards and two grants to support young researchers, clinicians, and scientists in orthopaedic sports medicine. The awards recognize outstanding research papers in various categories, including basic science, clinical science, and excellence in research.

Feather fibers fluff up hydrogen storage capacity

Scientists have developed a new hydrogen storage method using carbonized chicken feather fibers, which can hold vast amounts of hydrogen at a lower cost. The method has the potential to improve upon existing methods and pave the way for a truly hydrogen-based energy economy.

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.

Southwest Nano Consortium established

The Southwest Nano Consortium brings together six states and northern Mexico to pool resources, encourage collaboration, and host internationally recognized events. The consortium aims to expedite the commercialization of nanotechnology technologies with significant impact on renewable energy, biotech, IT, and other sectors.

New research discovers link between smoking and brain damage

Researchers found a direct link between smoking and brain damage due to NNK, a tobacco compound that provokes white blood cells to attack healthy brain cells. This can lead to neuroinflammation, conditions like Multiple Sclerosis. NNK is present in all forms of tobacco, also affecting second-hand smokers.

Changes in brain architecture may be driven by different cognitive challenges

Researchers found distinct brain structure differences between queens and workers of eight New World social wasp species, linked to their respective social roles. Brain regions responded to specific challenges, such as vision and chemical communication, revealing the importance of environment in shaping brain architecture.

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.

Salt block unexpectedly stretches in Sandia experiments

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories discovered that a block of salt can stretch rather than shatter, defying its brittle nature. This finding has potential implications for desalination efforts and understanding sea salt aerosols, which affect cloud nucleation, smog formation, and asthma triggers.

New agreement to link up Europe's polar research

Leading European scientific institutions are linking up their polar research through a new framework agreement, aiming to improve international teams and collaborative efforts. This will facilitate the launch of joint funding calls, share scientific data, and host scientists in each other's research stations.

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.

A urine test for appendicitis?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a protein detectable in urine as a potential biomarker for appendicitis. The leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) marker showed near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and was strongly elevated in diseased appendices.

Need something? Talk to my right ear!

Researchers found that people prefer to be addressed in their right ear and are more likely to perform a task when receiving a request there. In noisy night club environments, the side bias was consistently displayed, with 72% of interactions occurring on the right side.

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.

Researchers to reveal aging's origins on global stage

Four leading biologists will present their research on the biological causes of aging, revealing that complex molecules become dysfunctional over time. The symposium aims to advance our understanding of aging and its relationship with age-associated diseases.

Biomarkers predict brain tumor's response to therapy

Researchers identified a new biomarker that can predict which patients with recurrent glioblastoma will respond better to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The study found that vascular normalization, measured using advanced MRI and blood biomarkers, correlated with survival rates.

Campaign donors survey: Women and young people behind Obama's small donor success

The survey found that women made up 56% of Obama's small donors, while McCain's were 61% male. Younger donors, aged 18-29, also favored Obama, with 15% of his small donors in this age group compared to 5% for McCain. Additionally, Obama's donors were more likely to be better educated and less affluent than McCain's. The campaign's onli...

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.

How to text message and avoid pain

A study by Ewa Gustafsson found that young adults with neck, arm, or hand symptoms tend to use their mobile phones differently than healthy controls. They often text message while hunched over and use the single thumb technique, which can lead to increased stress on hands and reduced breaks.

Weight-loss surgery could lower cancer risk in obese women

A recent study suggests that weight-loss surgery could be associated with reduced cancer risk in obese women, with a 42% decrease in first-time cancers over 10 years. However, the surgery had no effect on cancer incidence in men. The findings indicate that bariatric surgery may have broader benefits for women's cancer prevention.