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Science News Archive May 2009


Page 7 of 22

CT scan to help scientists diagnose role of clouds in climate

Researchers are using a novel 'cloud tomography' approach to reconstruct three-dimensional cloud structure. The team will use a network of sensors to probe clouds' thermal emission and measure other characteristics, providing insights into the role of clouds in regulating Earth's radiation energy budget.

First of its kind study identifies risk factors for LRTIs in Inuit children

Researchers found that Inuit infants are four times more likely to be admitted for LRTI than mixed or non-Inuit infants, with risk factors including smoking during pregnancy, overcrowded living conditions, and not being breastfed. Immunizing rural Inuit infants with the Palivisumab vaccine could save up to $8,000 per admission avoided.

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.

Jungle yeast

Scientists have identified a new species of yeast, Candida carvajalis sp. nov, with potential applications in sustainable biofuel production and the food industry. The discovery was made in the Amazon jungle and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity.

'Missing link': Revealing fast-spinning pulsar mysteries

Astronomers have discovered a unique double-star system that represents a 'missing link' stage in the birth process of millisecond pulsars. The system, J1023, shows evidence for an accretion disk surrounding the neutron star before it disappeared and the pulsar emerged.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breast cancer etiology may vary by subtype

Research suggests different invasive breast cancer subtypes have distinct etiologic pathways and prognoses. Patients with specific subtypes exhibit varying demographics, lifestyle traits, and risk factors, highlighting the need for refined tumor subtyping to elucidate development patterns.

Regulating the sugar factory in diabetes

Researchers have identified a gene that controls abnormal sugar production in the liver, a major problem for people with diabetes. The study found that ARNT is decreased in both insulin-producing cells and liver cells of people with Type 2 diabetes.

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.

Wings that waggle could cut aircraft emissions by 20 percent

Research funded by EPSRC and Airbus in the UK suggests a 20% reduction in fuel bills by using tiny air-powered jets to redirect air over wings, reducing mid-flight drag. The novel approach harnesses the Helmholtz resonance principle to create an oscillation that increases pressure and reduces environmental impact.

Viral epidemics poised to go mobile

Researchers analyzed calling and mobility data from over six million mobile phone users to understand the threat of mobile phone viruses. A highly fragmented market share has hindered outbreaks so far, but predicting that viruses will become a significant threat once a single operating system's market share grows sufficiently large.

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.

New stem cell research unlocks unknown therapies

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are making rapid progress in stem cell therapy, with a first-in-human study initiated for Parkinson's disease. The study uses the drug product sNN0031, which has shown long-lasting recovery and new cell formation in animal models. Additionally, a treatment for ALS entered clinical trials last year.

Windy, wet and wild: Victoria Crater unveils more of Mars' geologic past

The rover Opportunity has revealed new insights into Mars' geologic history, including the presence of hematite spheres, sulfate-rich sandstone, and minerals commonly found in meteorites. The data supports previous findings that water once flowed on Mars' surface, with a likely underground source.

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.

Bacteria with a built-in thermometer

Bacteria of the Yersinia genus possess a protein thermometer called RovA, which measures temperature and metabolic activity to control infection. RovA activates genes for the infection process in suitable environments, while adapting to life within the host.

Revealing the long-awaited atomic structure of a well-known enzyme

A Boston University-led team has identified the structural basis of acetoacetate decarboxylase (AADase), a key enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism. The discovery corrects previous assumptions about enzyme structure and provides new insights into predicting enzyme functions, enabling the development of novel biofuels.

Why do people with Down syndrome have less cancer?

Research in mice and human stem cells identified specific new therapeutic targets for treating cancer, including a gene called Dscr1 that suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth. The study suggests that people with Down syndrome may benefit from an extra dose of one or more cancer-protective genes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Vitamin D may halt lung function decline in asthma and COPD

Researchers found that calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, reduced growth-factor-induced airway smooth muscle proliferation in cells isolated from both asthmatic and non-asthmatic individuals. This process, called airway remodeling, leads to reduced lung function over time if left untreated.

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.

MIT robotic therapy holds promise for cerebral palsy

Researchers at MIT have developed robotic devices that help children with cerebral palsy improve their motor skills and reduce impairment. The therapy uses gentle guidance to rebuild brain connections, showing promising results in pilot studies involving 36 children.

Queen's scientists discover eco-friendly wood dissolution

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed an eco-friendly way to dissolve wood using ionic liquids, a process that could transform into biofuels, textiles, and paper. The new method uses mild conditions of temperature and pressure, producing low toxicity and biodegradability.

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.

Old stain in a new combination

Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered that combining methylene blue with newer malaria medications is twice as effective in curbing the spread of malaria parasites than standard therapy. This new approach has significant implications for eradicating the disease, particularly among children under five who are m...

Older volunteers' perceived benefits vary with program traits

A recent study by Nancy Morrow-Howell and colleagues found that older adults' reported benefits from volunteering depend on the characteristics of the programs they participate in. Benefits included improved overall health, family well-being, and personal satisfaction.

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.

Use science to convince teens a sober prom is better, AAAS says

Underage drinking can lead to memory loss, as the brain's hippocampus is still maturing. Alcohol also impairs judgment, leading to risky behaviors like unprotected sex or drunk driving. Additionally, teens who drink are more likely to engage in violent behavior and experience dehydration, headaches, and hangovers.

Navy grant to fund probe of squid and octopus camouflage

Researchers will build an underwater virtual reality 'holodeck' to study cephalopod camouflage, measuring light fields and behavior in different environments. The goal is to understand the nature of their vision, color perception, and skin optical properties.

Seeing invisible resin

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop a measuring technique to monitor resin distribution during OSB production. The new method uses special optics to record the image of the shavings mat, allowing for continuous measurements during production.

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.

Anti-inflammatory effect of 'rotten eggs' gas

A new molecule has been synthesized to release hydrogen sulfide gas in a slow and sustained manner, reducing inflammation and increasing levels of the body's own anti-inflammatory molecules. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of novel approaches to treating inflammatory disorders.

Beneficial plant 'spillover' effect seen from landscape corridors

Research by NC State University biologist Dr. Nick Haddad and colleagues found that landscape corridors connecting isolated habitat patches increased plant species beyond the area itself. The study showed that corridors caused a significant spillover effect, especially among bird-dispersed plants, leading to broader conservation benefits.

Chlamydia that avoids diagnosis

Researchers identified a new strain of Chlamydia that spread rapidly across Sweden due to an evolutionary 'hiccup' in its genetic code, allowing it to evade most established diagnostic tests. The study provides valuable insights into the evolution of the bacterium and highlights the need for updated diagnostic tools.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

Research team finds important role for junk DNA

A research team from Princeton University has found that DNA sequences previously considered 'junk' are essential for an organism's growth and development. The discovery reveals that these regions, known as transposons, perform critical functions by rearranging the genome.

Endangered right whales found where presumed extinct

A team of scientists from Oregon State University and NOAA has documented the presence of endangered North Atlantic right whales in an area off Greenland, contrary to previous belief. The discovery highlights the importance of identifying key habitats for these fragile species as shipping lanes expand.

Schizophrenia does not increase risk of violent crime

Researchers found no significant increase in violent crime among people with schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests that substance abuse co-occurring with schizophrenia is a key factor contributing to violence.

ASNTR comments on the NIH guidelines for human stem cells research, MSC7997

The American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) endorses the new NIH Guidelines, enabling research on human embryonic stem cells derived from IVF embryos. This move aims to facilitate the development of stem cell therapies for central nervous system diseases by reducing restrictions on cell line acquisition.

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.