Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive November 2009


Page 4 of 24

CO2 emissions continue significant climb

Global CO2 emissions increased by 29% since 2000, with a tripling of annual growth rate compared to the 1990s. The report attributes the rise to increasing production and trade of manufactured products, shifting from oil to coal.

Got a pain? -- Have a cup of Brazilian mint

Researchers at Newcastle University have scientifically proven the pain-relieving properties of Hyptis crenata, a traditional South American herb. The study showed that the herbal tea was as effective as Indometacin in relieving pain, with results comparable to synthetic aspirin-style drugs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lupus Research Institute announces 2009 novel research grants

The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $3.6 million in grants to support innovative research on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The grants will fund studies on novel genes associated with African-American lupus, non-invasive assessment of lupus nephritis, and the role of nervous system networks in inflammation.

LSU gets to the bottom of things -- in Antarctica

A team of researchers from nine institutions, including LSU, will drill through the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to directly access a subglacial lake and study its physical, chemical, and geobiological interactions. The project aims to investigate novel microbial species and ecosystems in this extreme environment.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Molecule discovered that makes obese people develop diabetes

A new study by a European research team has found that obese people have high levels of the molecule CXCL5, produced by fatty tissue cells. This discovery could lead to an experimental treatment aimed at inhibiting the action of CXCL5 to protect against type 2 diabetes.

America's increasing food waste is laying waste to the environment

A new study finds that US per capita food waste has increased by about 50% since 1974 to over 1400 Calories per person per day, equivalent to 150 trillion Calories per year. This excessive energy content contributes significantly to freshwater consumption and fossil fuel emissions.

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.

Discovery leads to effective treatment of painful skin condition

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new treatment for pachyonychia congenita, a rare genetic skin condition, using siRNA. The treatment involves preventing the mutated gene from being expressed while allowing healthy keratin genes to function normally.

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.

A sticky solution for identifying effective probiotics

Scientists have crystallized a protein that enables beneficial bacteria to bind to the gut lining, interacting with cells and exerting their activity. The discovery opens new avenues of research into gut health and highlights the importance of molecular design in selecting probiotics.

Female breadwinners bring home the bacon and tension

A study by University of Missouri researcher Rebecca Meisenbach found that female breadwinners experience both benefits and tensions in their roles. Despite challenges such as pressure and guilt, many women enjoy a sense of independence and ambition, while also valuing their partners' contributions.

Biology, training and profit sharing make best traders

A study by John Coates and Lionel Page found that experienced traders outperform the market with a high Sharpe Ratio, indicating prudent risk-taking. The researchers also discovered that profit-sharing incentives encourage traders to lower risk variance.

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.

Feeding the clock

A study published in PNAS reveals that food intake plays a crucial role in regulating liver gene expression, rather than the body's circadian clock. The findings suggest that consistent feeding schedules can have a significant impact on metabolism and may help explain why shift workers are more prone to metabolic syndrome.

Global study of salmon shows: 'Sustainable' food isn't so sustainable

The study found that the world can achieve greater environmental benefits by focusing on improvements to key aspects of salmon production and distribution. Farmed salmon feeding, wild salmon catching, and transportation methods have a significant impact on climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.

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.

Queen's University Belfast 'powers' global wave industry

Oyster, developed by Queen's University Belfast and Aquamarine Power, is the world's only hydro-electric wave energy device producing power. It has the potential to meet up to 20% of the UK's energy demands and provide enough energy to power 9,000 homes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Drug users know their stuff

A survey of UK drug users found that they rate legal substances like alcohol and tobacco as more harmful than Class A substances, suggesting a flaw in the current classification system. The study also found high correlations between user ratings and expert ratings, indicating users are well informed about drug harms.

Amid the flu epidemic, don't forget RSV in young children

A study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significantly more acute respiratory illnesses, ED visits, and hospitalizations among young children compared to seasonal flu. RSV-related illnesses lead to increased missed workdays for parents.

Children unaffected by smoking ban consequences

A study of 3500 Welsh children found they were exposed to similar amounts of secondhand smoke before and after the smoking ban. Despite concerns about displacement, the home remained the main source of children's exposure.

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.

Moderate-to-heavy exercise may reduce risk of stroke for men

Men who engage in moderate-to-heavy intensity exercise have a lower risk of stroke compared to those with no physical activity. The study found that men who participated in such activities were 63% less likely to experience a stroke. However, the results did not show a similar benefit for women.

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.

The cause behind the characteristic shape of a long leaf revealed

Researchers at Harvard University used an analog model and mathematical simulations to understand how a long leaf is formed. They found that elastic strain resulting from differential growth leads to the elegant arc and serrated surface of leaves like the plantain lily.

Multiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive

Research highlights vitamin D's critical role in immune function, inflammation, and heart health, with evidence suggesting it may boost innate immunity and prevent infections. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem worldwide, affecting nearly one billion people, and experts are considering increasing recommended daily intake.

5-day delivery no sure cure for postal woes, economist says

A University of Illinois economist suggests reducing mail delivery to five days a week could help the USPS recover from financial losses. However, this move might also lead to a loss of lucrative business customers who rely on frequent deliveries for advertisements and promotions.

Vioxx trial data shows early cardiovascular risk

A team of investigators analyzed 30 randomized trials of Vioxx and found a strong concern for cardiovascular events or death as early as December 2000. The analysis showed a 35-43% increased risk of cardiovascular events or death, highlighting the need for informed treatment decisions and public health efforts.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

We're off then: The evolution of bat migration

Researchers found that bat migration evolved independently within the Vespertilionidae family, with most species migrating for better hibernating conditions. The study discovered a correlation between migration and roost use, with tree-roosting bats more likely to migrate.

Switchgrass produces biomass efficiently

A USDOE and USDA study found switchgrass to produce more dry biomass per dollar cost than the other three species, making it the optimal choice for a field. The study recommends fertilizing with 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year and harvesting once per year after senescence.

Study highlights from November issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

A recent study published in the November issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that six percent of asymptomatic women underwent endoscopic screening and were diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. Additionally, researchers demonstrated the accuracy of EUS-FNA in diagnosing pancreatic endocrine tumors, predicting five-year survival rat...

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Direct-to-consumer ads associated with higher Medicaid costs

A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising for clopidogrel led to a 12% increase in cost per unit, resulting in $40.58 added pharmacy costs per 1,000 Medicaid enrollees per quarter. Overall, this increased total pharmacy expenditures by $207 million.

Road rage

A new study found that rats exposed to fuel vapor from both leaded and unleaded gasoline exhibited increased aggressive behavior. Exposure to either type of fuel vapor led to significant changes in brain chemistry, including fluctuations in neurotransmitters.

Computational microscope peers into the working ribosome

The studies used molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) to examine the interaction of the ribosome with EF-Tu and SecY, respectively. The researchers found structural evidence that when the ribosome recognizes the correct tRNA, it induces a change in the shape of EF-Tu, allowing chemical interactions to lead to protein assembly.

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.

A mechanical model of vocalization

A mechanical model of vocalization has been developed to study the phonation process and combat voice disorders. The model, which mimics the airflow and vibrations within the vocal folds, aims to improve surgical assessments for patients undergoing vocal tract surgery.

Insect resistance to Bt crops can be predicted, monitored and managed

A new study analyzes data from five continents to conclude that existing strategies can be used to predict, monitor and manage insect resistance. By understanding what accelerates and delays resistance, farmers can more effectively thwart pest resistance using tactics like refuge strategy and pyramided crops.