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Science News Archive 2010


Page 147 of 283

York U study finds better way to battle mosquitoes

A York University study found that leaving organic debris in catch basins improves the effectiveness of S-methoprene in controlling mosquito larvae. The researchers discovered that S-methoprene binds to organic material, making it more effective when left in the catch basins.

Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure

Researchers found that consuming dark chocolate can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure by 5mmHg, comparable to 30 minutes of moderate exercise. This effect is most pronounced in individuals with high blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by 20% over five years.

Astronomers find cause of 'dicky tickers'

Researchers have discovered that many pulsar characteristics are linked due to an underlying cause. The study used observations of 366 pulsars collected over several decades and found that the magnetosphere switches back and forth between two different states.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Memories are made of this

A new study led by the University of Leicester has revealed the mechanism by which memories are formed, highlighting the importance of the M3-muscarinic receptor in this process. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, holds potential to impact drug design for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Can one-time tillage improve no-till?

A five-year study found that one-time tillage did not negatively impact grain yield or soil structure in no-till crops. However, it may help manage perennial weeds and reduce phosphorus stratification. The researchers concluded that tilling should only be done to address specific problems, as it increases erosion risk.

Emerging questions about the mechanisms that control muscle

Researchers gathered to discuss novel muscle processes and clinical implications of complex macromolecular machines controlling muscle contraction. Key findings include insights into the DHPR–RYR1, actin–myosin interactions, and the multifunctional role of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex in skeletal muscle.

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.

The Vienna Declaration: A global call to action for science-based drug policy

The Vienna Declaration urges governments and international organizations to adopt evidence-based approaches to illicit drug policy, recognizing addiction as a medical condition. This declaration aims to reduce harms deriving from current policies and redirect resources towards prevention, treatment, and harm reduction interventions.

For platinum catalysts, smaller may be better

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that high-pressure conditions can create nanoclusters of platinum, which may be more stable than single crystals. This discovery has implications for the future use of platinum in fuel cells and could potentially reduce costs.

Older adults watch more TV than younger people, enjoy it less

A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that older adults spent three times more time watching TV than younger adults, yet reported lower levels of positive emotion during TV viewing. This suggests a need to increase awareness of alternative activities and reduce barriers to social engagement.

Making 'virtopsies' a reality

A new research project at the University of Leicester aims to develop a reliable and cost-effective system for diagnosing coronary heart disease using CT scans. The technology will enable visualisation of coronary arteries in cadavers, making diagnoses comparable to current autopsy practice.

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.

Bicycling, brisk walking help women control weight

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that premenopausal women who increase their bicycling or walking briskly daily decrease their risk of gaining weight. Overweight and obese women benefit most from these activities, with even small increases in cycling time helping to control weight.

New meta-analysis demonstrates heart risks associated with rosiglitazone

A new meta-analysis of clinical trials finds that rosiglitazone is associated with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, while the risk of cardiovascular death was not elevated. The study suggests an unfavorable benefit-to-risk ratio for the diabetes drug, raising concerns about its safety.

Even the midnight sun won't convince bees to work nights

Researchers tracked bumblebee movements in Arctic conditions, finding that bees work a day shift and retire before midnight. The study suggests that bees may have an internal sense of time based on light intensity or temperature changes.

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.

Celia and Darby are now both weakening tropical storms

Darby and Celia are weakening tropical storms in the Eastern Pacific, with expected minimum central pressures of 1004 millibars and 1005 millibars. Both storms are forecast to continue weakening over the next day or two before becoming remnant low pressure areas.

Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer

Researchers discovered that asbestos exposure leads to the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), which promotes tumor growth and inflammation. Elevated levels of HMGB1 in patients exposed to asbestos may enable simple serological testing to identify at-risk individuals.

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.

Of lice and man: Researchers sequence human body louse genome

A multi-institutional team sequenced the body louse genome, revealing a simplified genetic toolkit that sheds light on its unique biology. The study found that the body louse has a reduced list of detoxification enzymes, making it an attractive model for studying resistance to insecticides.

End-of-life care in teaching hospital is generally of good quality

Patients admitted to teaching hospitals for end-of-life illnesses receive high-quality medical care, but more family communication is necessary. The study found that timely efforts to keep patients comfortable and better discussions about goals of treatment can improve the quality of care.

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.

Toddler foods too sweet

A recent study by University of Calgary professor Charlene Elliott found that 53% of baby and toddler foods have excessive sugar content, with over half meeting the criteria for poor nutritional quality. The study also revealed a 'halo effect' in adult perceptions of these products, highlighting the need to carefully examine ingredient...

The image in the mirror and the number on the scale both count

A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that adolescent girls who perceive themselves as overweight but have a healthy weight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than those with actual obesity. Additionally, underweight boys are also at high risk for distress. The researchers suggest that ...

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.

Molecular biology provides clues to health benefits of olive oil

A study published in Biomed Central (BMC) Genomics found that high-phenolic-content olive oil modifies genes involved in the inflammatory response, potentially reducing heart disease risk. The researchers tracked gene expression in blood cells after consuming two virgin olive oil-based breakfasts with varying phenolic compound content.

Gene leads to longer shelf life for tomatoes, possibly other fruits

A Purdue University researcher has identified a yeast gene that increases the production of a compound slowing aging and delaying microbial decay in tomatoes. This discovery may lead to extended shelf life for most fruits by an additional week, benefiting areas with limited access to fresh produce.

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.

Bees help to beat MRSA bugs

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde found that a substance called beeglue, originating from beehives in the Pacific region, was active against MRSA. The study isolated two compounds, Propolin C and Propolin D, which showed good activity against all MRSA strains tested.

NASA Goddard introduces the NASA Center for Climate Simulation

The NASA Center for Climate Simulation (NCCS) has been introduced at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, offering enhanced computing capacity and data interaction technologies. This will support NASA's growing climate data needs and enable climate simulations and predictions.

University receives $19 million to monitor carbon storage project

The University of Texas at Austin will design and oversee a monitoring plan for a carbon capture and storage demonstration project in southeast Texas. The project aims to reduce emissions of CO2 from a coal-fired power plant and demonstrate advanced technology for enhanced oil recovery.

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.

Shape-shifting sheets automatically fold into multiple shapes

Researchers at Harvard University have developed programmable matter by folding, allowing a single sheet to transform into a boat- or plane-shape. The technology uses origami techniques and features smart cups that can adjust to liquid levels and other tools with multiple functions.

Study shows Chile's school voucher program increased graduation rates

A new study on Chile's nationwide school voucher program found that it increased high school graduation rates by 3.6 percent, and college-going rates by 3.1 percent. The reforms also led to a modest reduction in earnings inequity and an increase in the demand for private subsidized schools.

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.

Whiter clouds could mean wetter land

A new study suggests that seeding clouds over the ocean to make them more reflective could actually increase monsoonal rains and cause continents to become wetter on average. This contradicts previous assumptions about the impact of geoengineering schemes on global rainfall patterns.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Combination MMRV vaccine linked with 2-fold risk of seizures

A Kaiser Permanente study found the MMRV vaccine doubles the risk of febrile seizures in 1- to 2-year-old children compared to separate MMR and varicella vaccines. The study analyzed 459,000 children and recommended that families without a preference for MMRV receive separate vaccinations.

Healthier cafeteria food, more intense gym classes lower students' diabetes risk

A national study called HEALTHY found that innovative PE programs, healthier food choices, and in-class lessons on healthy lifestyles can benefit children most at-risk for type 2 diabetes. After three years, students in intervention schools had a 21% lower rate of obesity and improved fasting insulin levels compared to comparison schools.

Carbon nanotubes form ultrasensitive biosensor to detect proteins

A team of researchers at Boston College has developed a biosensor using carbon nanotubes that can detect minute amounts of proteins with high sensitivity. The sensor can distinguish between different varieties of the same protein and could potentially be used to diagnose diseases such as human papillomavirus.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Carbon sequestration: Boon or burden

Large-scale carbon sequestration could help avoid extreme global warming, but its effectiveness is uncertain due to leakage risks. Geological storage appears more effective in delaying climate consequences with minimal CO2 leakage rates.

Technique enables precise control of protein activity in living cells

Engineered allosteric regulation provides precise control of kinase activity in living cells, enabling scientists to understand cellular processes and dissect the functions of kinases. This new method has exciting applications in basic research and promises to open doors to new scientific insights into cancer and other human diseases.

Why mercury is more dangerous in oceans

Research by Duke University scientists reveals that seawater's higher concentrations of mercury make saltwater fish like tuna and shark more toxic to humans. Methylmercury latches onto dissolved organic matter in freshwater, but tightly binds to chloride in seawater, where sunlight can't break it down as easily.

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.

Gestational diabetes linked to serotonin and dietary protein

Researchers at UCSF have found a link between serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and gestational diabetes, suggesting that high protein diets may trigger the condition. The study's findings offer new insights into possible ways to reverse non-gestational diabetes and provide potential therapeutic solutions.