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Science News Archive August 2010


Page 21 of 23

Ecologists to discuss impacts of mountaintop mining at special ESA symposium

Mountaintop removal and valley fill mining are causing permanent alterations to Appalachian forests and streams, with devastating effects on diverse habitats and freshwater resources. Current mitigation efforts do not compensate for the losses, and scientists urge a shift towards renewable energy sources to protect the environment.

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.

'Virtual mates' reveal role of romance in parrot calls

Female budgerigars are attracted to males that produce calls similar to their own, increasing in similarity during courtship. The study challenges traditional understandings of the difference between birds' songs and calls.

They shall not pass!

A study by LMU researchers found that neutrophils play a crucial role in blood coagulation and antimicrobial defense, trapping pathogens in small blood vessels. Excessive clotting, however, can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack and stroke.

Scrap UK's flawed TB screen for immigrants from high-risk countries, urge doctors

Leading respiratory specialists call for a new approach to TB screening for newly arrived immigrants from high-risk countries. They argue that the current system is fundamentally flawed and fails to address the growing number of TB cases in the UK. The authors propose screening new arrivals in community services, rather than relying on...

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.

UC Riverside researchers measure diesel emissions on the freeway

A team of UC Riverside researchers is working with the California Air Resources Board to improve a method for measuring diesel particulate emissions. The research could provide the groundwork for strengthening standards for diesel particulates, and has already led to the collection of over 24,000 analytical samples.

AGU journal highlights -- Aug. 3

Scientists studied the impact of a prolonged Sun cycle on Earth's conveyor belt and found that it may have led to a longer cycle. Additionally, researchers examined how global water supply sharing affects drought vulnerability, finding that sharing water globally during times of drought can increase societal resilience.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Faster DNA analysis at room temperature

Paul Li's new technique combines DNA microarrays with microfluidic devices, allowing for faster and more efficient DNA analysis at room temperature. The method uses gold nanoparticles to separate single strands of DNA, enabling quicker detection and identification of specific genetic sequences.

Molecules delivering drugs as they walk

A theoretical model compares the transport characteristics of straight- and branched-chain polymers in channels, shedding light on how deformability affects their movement. The findings could aid in developing carrier molecules for targeted drug delivery.

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.

Selenium makes more efficient solar cells

A team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that adding just 9% selenium to zinc oxide boosts the material's efficiency in absorbing light. This breakthrough potentially addresses both cost and efficiency needs for sustainable solar power conversion.

Mobile obstetrics project improves health of mothers in Eastern Burma

A community-based maternal health delivery strategy known as the MOM Project increased access to maternal health care services for internally displaced women in eastern Burma. The study found a ten-fold increase in women assisted at delivery by emergency obstetric care workers, resulting in improved antenatal and postnatal care outcomes.

New tagging technique enhances view of living cells

A new tagging technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago provides a clearer and more dynamic view of protein-protein interactions in living mammalian cells. The technique uses luminescence resonance energy transfer to label proteins with differently colored, luminescent molecules, allowing for faster data ...

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.

Scientists unravel human-ecosystem interactions

Researchers examine how humans impact ecosystems through nanomaterials, green roofs, and airborne microbes in hospital settings. Findings reveal altered plant growth, changed microbial communities, and diverse insect species on green roofs.

MU researcher says Chinese credit market remains underdeveloped

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Rui Yao reveals that urban Chinese households maintain high saving rates and are unwilling to utilize credit. The survey shows that only 11% of Chinese households hold debt, compared to nearly 80% in the US.

Study details autism's heavy toll beyond childhood on marriages

A new study reveals that parents of children with autism are more likely to divorce than couples with typically developing children, particularly after the child reaches adolescence and adulthood. The study found that marital strain may remain high in these later years due to ongoing parenting demands.

No such thing as a free lunch for Venus flytraps

Researchers discovered that Venus flytraps convert sugars into carbon dioxide and energy to power their traps, contradicting the idea of passive plants. The plants' digestive process provides a means to capture prey, allowing them to thrive in nutrient-poor environments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Generating energy from ocean waters off Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has identified the Leeward side of Hawaiian Islands as a promising location for ocean-based renewable energy plants using seawater to drive massive heat engines. This technology, known as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), has the potential to produce steady amounts of renewable energy by harnessi...

Couch potatoes of the animal kingdom

A study of orangutans found they used remarkably low energy levels, similar to those of sloths. This adaptation may be an evolutionary response to food shortages in their native rainforests, where ripe fruit is unpredictable and scarce.

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.

Innovative MOM program may improve maternal health in eastern Burma

A community-based maternal health delivery strategy, MOM, implemented in eastern Burma improved access to antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants, and family planning. The project increased women's participation in these services by up to tenfold, with modern contraception use rising from 24% to 45%.

Marine Pied Piper leads Nemo astray

A new study found that short exposure to artificial noise makes fish attracted to inappropriate sounds, putting their survival at risk. The researchers used underwater experiments to show that baby reef fish can learn and remember specific sounds, including those made by humans.

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.

Cardiff study aims to uncover source of sensory problems in autism

Researchers at Cardiff University are using advanced brain imaging techniques to investigate how people with autism process touch sensations. The study aims to provide a clearer understanding of sensory symptoms in autism and potentially lead to the development of new treatments.

Oral contraceptive use associated with increased risk of breast cancer

Researchers found that African American women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to develop estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. The study, based on data from the Black Women's Health Study, also revealed a significant increase in risk for women who have used oral contraceptives for 10 or more years.

Pest-resistant soybeans grow out of MSU research lab

A new trade name, Sparta – the Soybean Aphid Shield, has been developed by Dechun Wang, which promises healthier harvests for growers and a little green for the university too. The resistant genes were isolated from 2,000 strains of soybeans tested against aphids.

Is your hemoglobin 'trending'?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that low hemoglobin levels can indicate a potential for colon cancer years before it's diagnosed. A continuous long-term decline of more than 0.28 grams per decilitre over a four-year period may serve as a warning of illness on the horizon.

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.

B vitamins do not prevent vascular events in stroke patients

A large trial found that B vitamin supplements did not reduce the risk of subsequent vascular events in patients who had a recent stroke or ischemic attack. Despite lowering homocysteine levels, B vitamins were not effective in preventing non-fatal strokes, heart attacks, or vascular deaths.

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.

U. Iowa biologists publish findings on cell interactions

Researchers discovered that specific cadherin molecules expand molecular diversity and specificity in cell-cell adhesion, shedding light on autism and mental retardation. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of synapse formation and brain circuit assembly during normal development.

FSU study takes novel approach to understanding pituitary function

Researchers at Florida State University have developed a mathematical model to study prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland, which could lead to new treatments for disorders such as infertility. The study found that oxytocin stimulates prolactin secretion and that dopamine inhibits it.

New drug target for immune diseases discovered

Researchers identified a new signaling pathway between TACI and MyD88 that regulates the immune response. This interaction may cause both protective antibodies against infections and excessive immune reactions in autoimmune diseases.

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.

New inexpensive solar cell design

Scientists at University of Toronto have developed a new inexpensive solar cell design that uses nickel instead of gold, reducing material costs by 40-80 percent. The design employs low-cost electrical contacts, including nickel, to gather the electrical current produced by colloidal quantum dot solar cells.

Tropical Depression 4 now a small tropical storm named Colin

Tropical Storm Colin formed after strengthening from Tropical Depression 4, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and no expected impact on land areas. The storm is moving west-northwest at 23 mph and is forecast to pass northeast of the Leeward Islands late Wednesday and early Thursday.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cells use water in nano-rotors to power energy conversion

A team of scientists has provided the first atomic-level glimpse of the proton-driven motor from ATP synthases, enzymes central to cellular energy conversion. The study revealed a water molecule in the critical rotor element of a bacterial nano-motor that shares common features with human mitochondria and bacteria.

Analysis: July was cool this year (compared to the likely future)

A surprising analysis by Climate Central found that July temperatures were cooler than predicted, despite being above historical averages in northeast US cities. The study also highlights the projected long-term warming trend and its potential impact on heat stress and electricity supply.

More detailed picture of asthma may yield dramatically improved treatment

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed new techniques to identify specific asthma subtypes using protein patterns in airway lining fluid. This allows for targeted medication and potentially improved treatment outcomes. The study aims to reduce trial and error in asthma diagnosis and treatment.

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.

All-over tan is a myth, study finds

Researchers found that some body areas are more resistant to tanning than others, with the buttock being particularly resistant. People with no freckles also tanned more easily than those with freckling.

New methods, new math speed detection of drug-resistant malaria

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed new techniques to identify drug resistance in malaria, enabling faster detection and saving lives. By using genetic assays and mathematical analysis, they can track drug immunity of the deadliest form of the disease in just days, far cheaper than traditional methods.