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Science News Archive May 2009


Page 19 of 22

Babies brainier than many imagine

Researchers at Northwestern University found that infants as young as five months old can distinguish between liquids and solids based on movement cues. This suggests that babies are not blank slates but rather active learners who perceive the world in a similar way from infancy throughout life.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New analysis shows 'hobbits' couldn't hustle

The study analyzes the feet of Homo floresiensis, finding they had human-like and early hominin traits, with a primitive big toe and lack of arch, suggesting inefficient gait. This evidence supports the idea that Homo floresiensis was an isolated population of early hominins.

Ocean carbon: A dent in the iron hypothesis

Researchers measured carbon particles from plankton blooms in the Southern Ocean, finding most don't reach the deep ocean. Plankton blooms stimulate carbon capture, but carbon tied up in plankton doesn't sink far or fast.

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.

April 2009 Lithosphere media highlights

Studies investigate the relationship between mantle cooling, crustal thickness, and sea-level rise. Researchers also explore the impact of tectonic stretching on fault formation and the behavior of Earth's plates.

See the force: Mechanical stress leads to self-sensing in solid polymers

University of Illinois researchers create force-sensitive polymers that respond to mechanical stress by changing color, allowing for self-sensing and self-reinforcing properties. The polymers use mechanophores to trigger chemical reactions, enabling a range of applications in materials science and engineering.

UCSF study shows attitudes toward tobacco industry linked to smoking behavior

A new UCSF study found that negative attitudes towards the tobacco industry are associated with lower rates of smoking among young adults. The study, which surveyed 1,528 people aged 18-25, suggests that anti-tobacco advertising campaigns can be effective in reducing smoking rates by portraying the industry in a negative light.

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.

Random picks better than complicated process in gene identification

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to identify specific genes using rarefaction, reducing the need for normalization in DNA sequencing technology. This method can help sort through thousands of genes to find those with unique functions, shedding light on biological processes associated with all forms of life.

Tear research focused on contact lens risks, benefit

A study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that even minor changes in eye biology can inform lens-wear prescribing and patient preference. The research, led by Lucy Kehinde, collected tears from 80 volunteers wearing different types of contact lenses to identify key cytokine markers for eye-disease prevention and treatment.

Minority groups pick up worst European eating habits

A recent study by Dr. Santosh Khokhar at the University of Leeds found that immigrant populations in Europe replace healthy components of their native diet with processed and fast foods, leading to higher levels of fat, salt, and sugar. Younger generations are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits, which can increase the r...

IPM reduces cockroaches and allergens in schools

Using integrated pest management (IPM) can significantly reduce cockroach populations and associated allergen concentrations in schools. A new study found that IPM is more effective than conventional methods in reducing asthma incidences among inner-city children.

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.

Camphor-containing products may cause seizures in children

A new study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that camphor-containing products can cause seizures in children, particularly those from Hispanic communities. The cases highlight the importance of proper labeling and education about the hazards of camphor usage.

The rise of oxygen caused Earth's earliest ice age

A team of scientists discovered that the Great Oxygenation Event coincided with the first widespread ice age on Earth. The oxygenation of the atmosphere led to a decrease in greenhouse gases, resulting in a significant drop in surface temperatures.

MIT-led team IDs gene key to Alzheimer's-like reversal

A team led by Li-Huei Tsai has pinpointed the exact gene responsible for reversing Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice. The researchers found that drugs targeting HDAC2 reverse cognitive function and boost memory formation, offering new hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

AGU Journal highlights -- May 6, 2009

Recent studies analyze global warming trends, exploring decadal cooling periods and long-term climate change. Scientists also investigate recent solar radiation changes, finding complex mechanisms behind 'global dimming' and 'brightening.' Analysis of the Dust Bowl's atmospheric circulation reveals potential links to Midwest droughts.

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.

New evidence ties gene to Alzheimer's

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found a link between genetic variations in the neuroglobin gene and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Neurobiology of Aging, suggests that lower levels of neuroglobin may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's.

GEN highlights emerging biotechnology clusters

Newly emerging biotechnology clusters globally showcase life science expertise across various disciplines. China's Shanghai and Beijing are home to the largest groupings of biotech companies, while Brazil has strong centers in Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.

Flu pandemic in prison

A conference on prison pandemic preparedness in Georgia demonstrates effective training methods, including interactive approaches and experiential learning. The event fosters partnerships between correctional health and public health officials to enhance pandemic response capabilities.

Study reveals 'sobering' decline of Caribbean's big fish, fisheries

A study by Florida State University researcher Chris Stallings reveals a 'sobering' decline of large predatory fishes in the Caribbean, mainly caused by overfishing. The research documents patterns across a greater geographic scale than previous studies, highlighting the impact on marine food webs and coral reefs.

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.

Genetic make-up influences biased economic decision-making, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that a person's susceptibility to biased economic decision-making is influenced by their genetic make-up. The research found that variation in the serotonin transporter gene affects how individuals respond to framing effects, with those carrying the 'short' variant being more...

Arrythmia associated with heart attacks linked to higher risk of death

Researchers found that heart attack patients who develop serious arrhythmia during procedures face a significantly higher risk of death for several months after the procedure. The study suggests that these episodes complicate outcomes and affect a patient's chance of a successful outcome.

Mealtime interaction encourages hospitalized seniors to eat more

A Universite de Montreal study reveals that sharing meals with others increases food consumption among elderly patients in hospital geriatric re-adaptation units. Nutritional deficiencies often occur when patients eat alone, highlighting the importance of social interaction during mealtimes.

Examining TLR4 influences of B cell response

Researchers found that people with periodontal disease have a higher percentage of TLR4-expressing B cells, which alter the immune response during inflammation. These cells activate monocytes but inactivate B cells, highlighting a new strategy for regulating systemic inflammation.

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.

Vanderbilt University receives $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations Grant

Vanderbilt University has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to target the thermal receptors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, disrupting their ability to find prey and potentially eradicating malaria. The project aims to identify small molecules that can block or over-stimulate these thermal detectors.

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.

Novel antibody prevents infection by hepatitis C virus

A human monoclonal antibody developed by Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) neutralizes the Hepatitis C virus and prevents infection in a pre-clinical animal model. The antibody could be used as a therapy shortly before and after transplant surgery to prevent re-infection.

MedImmune presents new data showing burden of RSV disease

A recent study found that even mild prematurity increases risk of medically attended RSV infection, with highest risks among babies born between 33-36 weeks gestational age. This research contributes to growing evidence that late-preterm infants face greater morbidity and healthcare costs.

Study indicates cancer preventive effect for statins

Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with diabetes. Additionally, statins appear to reduce the risk of cholecystectomy, surgical removal of the gallbladder, in women.

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.

Erosion of the Yucca Mountain crest

Researchers predict Yucca Mountain crest erosion due to local geology, potentially affecting repository stability. The study used a numerical landscape evolution model to explore the rate of erosional decay.

Better water use could reduce future food crises

Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.

New Antarctic seabed sonar images reveal clues to sea-level rise

Scientists capture the most comprehensive set of sonar images of Antarctica's seafloor around the Amundsen Sea embayment, providing new insights into past ice flow and potential future sea-level rise. The findings indicate that the controlling mechanisms of the Antarctic ice sheet are more complex than previously thought.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

NIH grants $122 million in Institutional Development Awards

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $122 million to fund Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) in seven states. These grants aim to expand research opportunities, increase the number of competitive investigators, and enhance biomedical research capacity.

'Emergent' consumers offer best new product concepts

High emergent nature individuals possess strong traits of reflectiveness, creativity, and openness to experience. They can envision and evaluate successful product concepts through a combination of intuition and logical analysis.

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.

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.

Why parents miss their children's immunization visits

Researchers identified small steps healthcare providers can take to improve compliance with immunization appointments, such as discussing vaccine importance and having open lines of communication. A significant association was found between missed visits and under-immunization, highlighting the need for educational campaigns and online...