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Science News Archive April 2010


Page 7 of 24

Project fruit fly: What accounts for insect taste?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein in sensory cells of fruit flies that allows them to detect and avoid noxious chemicals. The discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling insect pests and protecting crops.

Major funding boost for International Barcode of Life project

The International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project has received a significant funding boost, totaling $80 million from Canadian agencies. The new funding will support the expansion of DNA barcode data and informatics platforms to facilitate species identification and discovery.

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.

Complete revascularization improves outcomes for CAD patients

A retrospective study found that complete revascularization significantly improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), with a 3-year mortality rate of 6.6% compared to 14.8% in those with incomplete revascularization. The study also revealed that advanced medical therapy may contribute to improved mortality rates.

Helping the NRC look below the surface

USDA ARS scientists collaborated with NRC experts to model radioactive material movement in the vadose zone. They found that gaps in fine-material layers significantly affect tracer transport in soils and shallow groundwater.

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.

Personality may influence brain shrinkage in aging

Researchers found that volunteers high in neuroticism traits had lower volumes of gray matter in the frontal and medial temporal brain regions compared to those high in conscientious traits. This association suggests that personality may influence the rate of brain aging.

Seismic activity in intraplate regions -- Midwest US

Researchers investigate seismic activity in the Midwest US, shedding light on causes of intraplate earthquakes. The study reveals insights into stress within fault zones and the impact of glacial rebound on earthquake frequency. Key findings also highlight correlations between mantle density structures and topographic uplift.

Cyclone 24S now all grown up and renamed Tropical Storm Sean

Cyclone 24S was renamed Tropical Storm Sean as it matured, going through two numbered nicknames before receiving its human name. It showed strong thunderstorms with cloud tops as cold as -63°F, and forecasters predict further intensification over the next 12-24 hours.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Forecasting rates of overweight

A study published in Medical Decision Making predicts that adult US obesity rates will remain stable over the next 10 years. However, certain groups such as black young adults, children aged 6-9, and black children are projected to experience rising overweight rates.

Is there a micro-supercapacitor in your future?

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created micro-supercapacitors with high energy storage densities, potentially replacing batteries in portable devices. The new technology integrates supercapacitors into microfabrication processes, enabling faster and longer-lasting energy storage.

Making its predators tremble: Multiple defenses act synergistically in aspen

A study on trembling aspen found that phenolic glycosides and extrafloral nectaries are distributed together in the same leaves, contradicting previous assumptions. The presence of extrafloral nectaries is positively correlated with higher levels of chemical defenses, suggesting a complex relationship between these defense mechanisms.

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.

Subtle changes in PTEN tumor suppressor gene can determine cancer susceptibility

A new study reveals that even slight reductions in PTEN expression can significantly increase cancer susceptibility in specific tissues, implying that environmental factors like diet and carcinogens may drive tumor development. This finding has implications for the development of diagnostic tests targeted to these gene alterations.

Prostate cancer: Risk increases with the number of affected family members

Researchers found that men with multiple affected relatives have a substantially increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The study suggests that doctors should urgently recommend early detection screenings for men with several affected relatives, particularly if they have been diagnosed at a young age.

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.

Genomes of citrus canker pathogens decoded

The study provides genomic information that suggests possible intervention targets for further experimental investigation. The genome sequences of the two new bacterial strains will help researchers zero in on the molecular basis of citrus canker, shedding light on why one strain is more virulent than its counterparts.

Electronic medical record technology aids marathon participants

Researchers used electronic medical records to coordinate care for marathon participants, finding benefits include real-time patient data sharing and improved preparation for future events. The study also showed potential for identifying trends in injury patterns.

Where there's smoke ...

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that pollution can significantly alter thunderstorm intensity, leading to changes in local weather patterns and rainfall. The study used lightning patterns as a quantitative measure of the impact of air pollution on cloud development over large areas.

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.

The silence of the genes

Researchers identified 158 human genes targeted by herpesvirus miRNAs, which regulate host gene expression and evade the immune system. The study provides insights into viral miRNA functions and suggests potential targets for innovative antiviral agents.

World-first study for cleaner aviation fuel

A team of experts has embarked on a groundbreaking project to develop sustainable aviation fuels in Australia and New Zealand. The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map aims to accelerate the development of bio-derived jet fuels that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector.

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.

Extremely preterm babies face long-term lung deficits

Research found that extremely preterm infants have abnormal lung function and are twice as likely to have asthma. Lung function impairment persists into middle childhood, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Early monitoring and treatment can minimize long-term respiratory problems.

CSIRO develops highest-yielding salt-tolerant wheat

CSIRO researchers have developed a salt-tolerant durum wheat that yields 25% more grain than the parent variety in saline soils. This breakthrough will enable wheat farmers to achieve higher yields of durum wheat in salty areas.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Joël Bellaïche receives AMS Centennial Fellowship

Joël Bellaïche has been awarded the American Mathematical Society's (AMS) Centennial Fellowship, a prestigious award recognizing his excellence in mathematical research. The fellowship provides a stipend of $77,000 and an expense allowance, allowing him to pursue his research interests in the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture.

Poultry disease vaccine brings short-term results but long-term problems

Researchers found that vaccinated birds can shed vaccine virus to infect other birds, and live vaccines do not always protect against infection from other viral strains. The use of modified live virus vaccines may be increasing the diversity of Newcastle Disease viruses circulating in wild birds.

10 scientists to receive ASBMB awards

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will present 10 scientists with various awards for their outstanding contributions to the field. This year's awardees include Phillip Sharp, Sarah Keller, David Russell, James Wells, John Tesmer, Lisa Gentile, Susan S. Taylor, Douglas Rees, and Ruedi Aebersold.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

DNA barcoding reveals mislabeled cod and haddock in Dublin

Scientists used DNA barcoding to identify 25% of 'cod' and 'haddock' samples as genetically different species, highlighting a need for transparency in the seafood industry. The study found that smoked fish samples were incorrectly labeled at an 82.4% rate, with some species masquerading as cod or haddock.

Physicians who interpret mammograms may benefit from additional training

A recent study by the Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute found that up to 49% of physicians interpreting screening mammograms could benefit from additional training. The study identified criteria for low-performance measures, targeting ranges of accuracy and potential overuse of tests.

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.

Family caregiving stress filled and isolating

A recent study found that family caregivers with dementia experience a wide range of stressors, including behavior issues and financial strain. While existing interventions focus on specific stressors, research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.

Potential new test for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis identified

Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new biochemical test that can accurately diagnose osteoarthritis earlier than existing methods. The test measures 163 chemical signals in a single blood sample and has been shown to be highly effective in identifying metabolite ratios associated with the condition.

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.

UBC mathematicians offer elegant solution to evolutionary conundrum

Researchers from UBC have developed a mathematical model that unravels the generation of biological diversity within and between species. The model suggests that multiple traits acting in concert can generate diversity even with weak interactions, mirroring the complexity of reality.

Tapping away desire for those favorite foods and snacks

A new technique combining gentle tapping and emotional focus has been shown to significantly reduce food cravings in people who are overweight or obese. After just four two-hour sessions, participants experienced a long-lasting reduction in cravings, with some even forgetting their previous struggles.

Strep steps up in urinary tract infections

Research reveals that pathogenic strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) cause urinary tract infections by binding to bladder cells and triggering high levels of interleukin, an inflammatory cytokine. GBS infection may be more common than previously thought due to lack of clear risk factors.

Chips, worms and gray matter: More similar than you think

Researchers found that human brains, nematode worms and computer chips have a Russian doll-like architecture and exhibit Rentian scaling. This discovery challenges the notion that the human brain is unique and highlights the importance of studying simple organisms like the worm to gain insights into our own evolution.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Health impacts of mobile phone use to be explored in huge new study

A new decades-long study will investigate the health impacts of mobile phone use on at least 250,000 participants in five European countries. The COSMOS study aims to identify any possible health effects from long-term mobile phone use and will monitor participants' health for up to 30 years.

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.

UK team reveals all 3 structures of single transporter protein

Researchers have captured the 3D atomic models of a single transporter protein in its three main structural states, revealing the 'alternating access' mechanism. This discovery offers a detailed understanding of the function of essential chemicals entering cells and creates opportunities for developing new drugs.

Periodic heart rate decelerations in premature infants

A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine reports the discovery of periodic heart rate decelerations in premature human infants. The researchers developed a mathematical model based on Hopf bifurcation theory to describe the dynamics of these decelerations, which are statistically correlated with impending sepsis in neonates.

91S becomes Tropical Cyclone 24S as NASA's TRMM captures its rainfall

Tropical Cyclone 24S has strengthened to tropical storm strength with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots, located 570 nautical miles north of Learmonth, Australia. TRMM's rainfall rates indicate areas of light to moderate rainfall, with the storm forecast to intensify before weakening due to increased wind shear.

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.