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Science News Archive August 2010


Page 15 of 23

Study to investigate giant Saharan dust storms

A £1m project will investigate giant desert storms of the Sahara, which can affect weather systems and climate change. The study aims to improve climate prediction models and reduce uncertainties in predicting climate and weather impacts on human health.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Fused' people eager to die and kill for their group, research shows

A new psychology study found that individuals with strong ties to their groups are willing to sacrifice themselves to save fellow compatriots. The study, published in Psychological Science, showed that 75% of 'fused' respondents would jump to their deaths to save five group members.

ASH recommends cross-disciplinary engagement to advance regenerative medicine

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has developed recommendations for advancing regenerative medicine. The key focus areas include recognizing regenerative medicine as a priority at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), re-examining clinical trial methodologies, and improving communication between basic and clinical scientists.

Federal nuclear waste panel overlooks public mistrust, experts say

A renewed federal effort to fix the nation's stalled nuclear waste program is focusing too much on technological issues, neglecting public mistrust. Social science experts warn that ignoring these concerns increases the chances of repeating past failures, such as Yucca Mountain.

New case series section in European Urology

A new case series in European Urology introduces a purely intrafascial approach for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, aiming to avoid damage to critical structures. The study reports promising results with no perioperative major complications, but highlights the need for well-designed studies to evaluate its advantages.

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.

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.

New nanoscale transistors allow sensitive probing inside cells

Researchers at Harvard University have developed nanowire-based V-shaped transistors that can be inserted into cells without damaging them. These devices allow for the measurement of ion flux or electrical signals within cells, and can even be fitted with receptors to probe for specific biochemicals.

Trusting people make better lie detectors

Researchers discovered that trusting people are more accurate at detecting lies and make better hiring decisions. They were also less likely to be deceived themselves. High trust individuals formed a more accurate impression of interviewees and chose honest candidates over dishonest ones.

The Materials Research Society's Von Hippel Award to L. Eric Cross

L. Eric Cross is recognized for his leadership in the science and applications of ferroelectric materials, with current work on flexoelectric composites offering a new generation of lead-free transducers. He has also made significant contributions to sonar undersea transducers and medical ultrasound machines.

Extended solar minimum linked to changes in sun's conveyor belt

A new analysis suggests that a stretched Sun conveyor belt may have caused the prolonged phase of low activity in solar cycle 23, leading to longer solar cycles. The study provides insights into the factors controlling solar cycles and could improve predictions.

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.

Mutant mouse reveals potential genetic pathway for alcoholism

Researchers identified a mutation in the unc-79 gene that makes mice more sensitive to alcohol, suggesting a potential link between the gene and human susceptibility. The study found that the mutated mice consumed more alcohol than normal mice when offered a choice.

Scientists call for a global nuclear renaissance in new study

A new study proposes a 20-year plan to revive nuclear energy, aiming to replace aging power plants with efficient mini-reactors. The researchers suggest new reactor designs could use uranium more efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring energy security.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Potential novel genetic pathway for alcoholism

Researchers have identified a novel mutation in a mouse gene that may contribute to the genetic roots of alcoholism. The mutation, called Lightweight, affects sensitivity to alcohol and voluntarily consumed more alcohol by mutant mice. Further studies are needed to determine if this pathway is relevant to humans.

Dangerous bacterium hosts genetic remnant of life's distant past

Researchers at Yale University discovered a functioning genetic remnant from a time before DNA existed in the stomach bacterium Clostridium difficile. This ancient RNA complex plays a critical role in infecting human cells and regulating gene expression, challenging scientists' understanding of life's origins.

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.

Menstrual cramps may alter brain structure

A new study found that menstrual cramps can cause alterations in the brain's gray matter, even when pain is not present. Researchers discovered abnormal changes in specific brain areas involved in pain transmission and regulation, suggesting that the adolescent brain may be vulnerable to menstrual pain.

Research aims to improve speech recognition software

Researchers are working to improve automatic speech recognition technology, aiming for a word-error rate of no more than 10 percent. A new multi-language audio database will be developed using publicly available sources like YouTube, featuring hundreds of speakers in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.

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.

Spinal muscular atrophy may also affect the heart

Researchers discovered significant structural changes and impaired left-ventricular function in the hearts of SMA mice, along with lower heart rates. Gene therapy approach showed promise in restoring heart rates and preventing dilated cardiomyopathy.

Tinnitus study looks for cure to 'ringing in the ears'

A $1.7 million NIH grant supports UT Dallas researcher Dr. Michael Kilgard's investigation into nerve stimulation as a long-term cure for tinnitus. The goal is to retrain the brain to ignore nerve signals that simulate ringing, offering a possible permanent end to the condition.

1 in 4 stroke patients stop taking prevention medication within 3 months

A new study found that about 75% of stroke patients continued taking their prescribed medications to prevent a second stroke three months after discharge. However, nearly 20% of patients stopped taking one or more of their medications due to various factors such as understanding and financial hardships.

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.

People who are angry pay more attention to rewards than threats

A new study found that angry individuals pay more attention to rewarding images than threatening ones. This suggests that anger is associated with a motivation to approach rewards, rather than avoid threats. The research highlights the importance of understanding how emotions influence visual attention and behavior.

Dark-matter search plunges physicists to new depths

Scientists are deploying a 4-kilogram bubble chamber at SNOLab, Ontario, Canada to detect dark matter particles. The team hopes to establish evidence for dark matter using Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPS) and axions.

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.

Seeing melanoma

A new imaging technique, combining photoacoustic tomography and a smart contrast agent, produces three-dimensional images of melanoma with high accuracy. This enables surgeons to remove only the malignant tissue while maintaining clean margins.

NASA's Aqua Satellite sees Dianmu enter the Sea of Japan

Tropical Storm Dianmu made a quick track over South Korea and entered the Sea of Japan, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its infrared image. The storm is transitioning into an extra-tropical storm due to increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.

Energy storage system deals with sudden draws on the grid

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed an integrated system that stores excess energy and uses it to supply electricity during peak demand. This innovative system cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and capturing carbon dioxide in solid form for storage.

OU professor honored for excellence in chemistry

Donna Nelson, a University of Oklahoma professor, has been selected as a 2010 American Chemical Society Fellow for her contributions to the chemical sciences and outstanding service. She is recognized for her research on minorities in academe and functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes.

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.

Research links huntingtin to neurogenesis

New research reveals that abnormal huntingtin protein plays a crucial role in neurogenesis, challenging previous understanding of its function in adult neurons. The study demonstrates htt's involvement in cell division and neurogenesis, shedding light on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying Huntington's disease.

'Needle-free' intervention as natural vaccine against malaria

A study found that infection with malaria parasites during antibiotic treatment developed a vaccine-like immunity against re-infection. Antibiotics can prevent malaria parasite replication in the liver, allowing the immune system to mount a robust defense against future infections.

Advance toward earlier detection of melanoma

Scientists have developed a substance to enhance visibility of skin cancer cells during scans, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved survival rates for patients with melanoma. The new technique uses photoacoustic tomography and a bioconjugated gold nanoparticle agent that targets skin cancer cells.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Research shows sugary drinks do not cause weight gain

A study of 53 overweight women found that consuming sugary drinks in moderation does not lead to weight gain or mood changes. Women instead reduced their voluntary energy intake elsewhere in the diet to balance the calories from the drinks.

Toward safer plastics that lock in potentially harmful plasticizers

Researchers have developed a method to prevent phthalates from migrating from PVC plastics, leading to safer products and reduced health risks. The approach permanently bonds plasticizers to the internal structure of PVC, suppressing migration and improving product durability.

Best way to pour champagne? 'Down the side' wins first scientific test

A scientific study reveals that pouring champagne down the side of an angled glass preserves more carbon dioxide than pouring straight down the middle. The researchers also found that chilling champagne to 39 degrees Fahrenheit reduces carbon dioxide loss, making 'down-the-side' a winning method for preserving champagne's taste and fizz.

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.

American Society for Microbiology honors Benjamin tenOever

Benjamin tenOever, a leading expert in microbiology and infectious diseases, has been awarded the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award. His research focuses on understanding the cell's response to infection and developing novel strategies for vaccine and antiviral drug design.

American Society for Microbiology honors Catherine A. Blish

Catherine A. Blish receives ICAAC Young Investigator Award for elucidating neutralizing antibodies in HIV transmission, sponsored by Merck. Her work shows that broad neutralizing antibody responses may not prevent superinfection with a second strain of HIV.

American Society for Microbiology honors Manuela Raffatellu

Manuela Raffatellu, a UC Irvine researcher, received the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award from ASM for her work on Salmonella typhimurium's interaction with the gut. Her research has identified novel roles for early T cell responses and IL-17 in preventing bacterial dissemination.