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Science News Archive September 2009


Page 9 of 24

Race has little effect on people's ability to spot family resemblances

Researchers found that French and Senegalese participants could detect kinship with the same rate of success, regardless of their own racial background or exposure to other cultures. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that exposure plays a crucial role in facial recognition, particularly across different racial groups.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nationwide study examines youth access to indoor tanning

A nationwide study found that many indoor tanning facilities allow young people to tan more than the recommended amount, with some states having strict laws in place. The study, published in Archives of Dermatology, suggests that stronger regulations are needed to reduce the risk of skin cancer among youth.

Experimental drug lets B cells live and lymphoma cells die

Researchers have discovered an experimental compound that selectively kills cancerous B lymphocytes while allowing normal B cells to survive. The study found that K252a disrupts a key signaling pathway involved in the growth of lymphoma cells, offering new hope for treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Flu triggers heart attacks, but vaccination may offer protection

A systematic review of evidence found that flu can trigger heart attacks and cause cardiovascular death, but the influenza vaccine may reduce this risk. The review suggests that vaccination should be encouraged in people with existing cardiovascular disease, particularly during seasonal flu outbreaks.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

MIT develops initial step toward carbon sequestration

Researchers at MIT have developed a pressurized oxy-fuel combustion system that reduces energy penalty and increases efficiency of carbon capture systems for power plants. The technology aims to make carbon sequestration more practical and affordable, helping to curb global climate change.

November/December 2009 GSA Bulletin highlights

Recent studies published in the November/December 2009 GSA Bulletin reveal insights into the Cenozoic tectonics of Nicaragua and the Median Trough, as well as the stratigraphic signature of late Cenozoic Antarctic Ice Sheets. The research also explores bivergent thrust wedges surrounding oceanic island arcs in the northeastern Caribbea...

What are you getting? Consumer behavior in restaurants

A study by Pascale Quester and Alexandre Steyer found that consumers seek variety initially, then conform to group norms, before re-embracing individuality when a choice becomes dominant. In a restaurant setting, this pattern was observed with customers opting for alternative drinks when others chose the same option.

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.

Immune response to spinal cord injury may worsen damage

A new study by neuroscientists at Ohio State University suggests that immune responses to spinal cord injuries may actually worsen and extend the damage. Inhibiting antibody-producing B cells may promote healing and reduce long-term effects of spinal cord injury.

Study of hospital relocation provides insights to aid in disaster planning

A study of hospital relocation provides insights into aid disaster planning by restricting elective surgeries and limiting incoming transfers. This approach helped one major hospital reduce its census by 36% without interrupting emergency or trauma services, a strategy that can be applied during disasters to improve surge capacity.

New device finds early signs of eye disease in preemies

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a handheld device that uses SD OCT to create 3-D images of the retina, allowing for early detection of retinopathy of prematurity. The technology can snap pictures up to 40 times faster than previous versions and is being used to analyze data on over 20 infants.

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.

Old red blood cells may double mortality in trauma patients

A recent study published in Critical Care found that severe trauma patients who receive old red blood cells are twice as likely to die. The study, which analyzed data from 202 patients, suggests that using fresher red blood cells may reduce mortality rates and complications.

Echoes of phlogiston in stem cell biology

Stem cell biology faces challenges in defining molecular characteristics, with potency and self-renewal not exclusive to stem cells. A new perspective suggests considering 'stemness' as a system property, rather than individual cell traits, which may lead to improved understanding of cancer stem cells.

'The doctor can understand you now'

A new speech-to-speech translation system aims to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients who speak different languages. The system, developed by USC researchers, will use prosodic information, discourse cues, and user state information to enhance human communication capabilities.

Comfort food fallacy: Upheaval leads to less-familiar choices

A new study reveals that stress and upheaval actually lead people to choose less-familiar options over comfort foods. Participants in the study chose newer snacks when experiencing more change in their lives, contradicting the common assumption that people seek comfort during uncertain times.

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.

$453,000 NSF grant funds Florida Tech scientist

A $453,000 NSF grant is funding a research expedition to investigate the return of predatory crabs to Antarctica due to climate change. The team will use advanced technologies to explore the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas and understand how warming waters are promoting the invasion of these species.

New device could more effectively alleviate menstrual cramp pain

Researchers have developed a new vaginal device that delivers at least 10 times more medication to the uterus than existing oral medications, reducing side effects and potentially alleviating menstrual cramp pain. Phase II clinical trials will assess efficacy of the treatment in reducing pain.

Seasonality of mortality: Summer vacation link?

Researchers suggest a link between lower mortality rates in September and the preceding summer vacations in Mediterranean countries. The study found that extreme heat and cold are associated with increased risk of death, but also noted a physiological effect of increased vitamin D synthesis and stress-relieving benefits of time off.

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.

How proteins talk to each other

Scientists at Burnham Institute identified novel cleavage sites for the caspase-3 enzyme, revealing that it targets α-helices as well as unstructured loops. This discovery challenges current dogma and offers new insights into protein signaling pathways.

New species of ghostshark from California and Baja California

Researchers have named a new species of chimaera, an ancient group of fishes distantly related to sharks, from the coast of Southern California and Baja California. The Eastern Pacific black ghostshark (Hydrolagus melanophasma) is known from nine preserved museum specimens and video footage taken of it alive in deep water.

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.

More babies born prematurely but survival rates up, study shows

A 25-year study found premature births increased by nearly 10 times, yet survival rates more than halved, with a 10% reduction in stillbirths associated with pre-term births. Researchers attribute the findings to better understanding and medically induced early births.

'Evolutionary forecasting' for drug resistance

Rice University biochemists are developing a system of 'evolutionary forecasting' to better understand the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. By sequencing genomes and analyzing molecular changes, they hope to identify patterns and rules governing how bacteria evolve to become drug-resistant.

'Rosetta Stone' of supervolcanoes discovered in Italian Alps

A team led by James E. Quick discovered a fossil supervolcano in the Sesia Valley, revealing unprecedented depth of magmatic plumbing. This find advances scientific understanding of active supervolcanoes like Yellowstone and may help predict future eruptions.

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.

Heart attack rates drop after smoking bans, continue downward over time

A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that heart attack rates started to drop immediately following smoking ban implementation, reaching 17% after one year, then continuing to decline over time. The study provides strong evidence for the benefits of smoke-free laws in reducing cardiovascular disease.

Public attitudes to new technology: Lessons for regulators

A recent study found that public views on nanotechnology are overwhelmingly favorable, but many people are unfamiliar with the technology. The research highlights the importance of educating the public about nanotechnology's benefits and risks to avoid negative perceptions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A recipe for controlling carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a method to control the structure and function of single-walled carbon nanotubes. By varying the composition of a metal catalyst, they can produce semiconducting nanotubes with desired properties, opening up new possibilities for applications such as medicine delivery and en...

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.

Classroom behavior: Why it's hard to be good

A study by Manchester Metropolitan University found that children's reputations can be formed quickly in reception class, leading to difficult-to-shake labels. Once a child's reputation is established, it affects their behavior and interactions with teachers and peers.

Scientists find that individuals in vegetative states can learn

Researchers found that individuals in vegetative and minimally conscious states can form associations and demonstrate partial consciousness through classical conditioning. This breakthrough has implications for assessing patient consciousness without imaging or instructions.

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.

Hormone replacement therapy increases risk of death from lung cancer

A large trial found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of death from lung cancer, especially non-small-cell lung cancer. Women taking HRT were 71% more likely to die from lung cancer than those on placebo, with higher risks also seen in current and long-term past smokers.

Lung cancer survival improved by maintenance therapy with pemetrexed

A randomized phase III study found that pemetrexed significantly improved progression-free survival (4.3 months vs 2.6 months) and overall survival (13.4 months vs 10.6 months) compared to placebo in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC who did not progress after initial platinum-based chemotherapy.

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.

New rabies vaccine may require only a single shot ... not 6

A new rabies vaccine has shown to induce a rapid and efficient immune response in mice and non-human primates, potentially reducing the six-shot post-exposure regimen to just one inoculation. The experimental vaccine lacks a key gene called the matrix (M) gene, inhibiting the virus from completing its life cycle.

Young age at first drink may affect genes and risk for alcoholism

Researchers studied 6,257 adult twins and found that those who started drinking early had a greater genetic risk for alcohol dependence. The younger an individual was at first drink, the more prominent the role played by genetic factors in developing severe problems.

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.