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Science News Archive August 2010


Page 6 of 23

NICS to add more than 300 teraflops to the NSF's computing capacity

The University of Tennessee-managed NICS will add 300 teraflops and 200 million service units to the TeraGrid, increasing total available resources to over 800 million. Researchers can now access more resources, including the 166-teraflop Cray XT4 Athena, with improved availability for smaller jobs.

Copy number variation found to cause rare kidney disease

Researchers have identified a rare form of kidney disease linked to a genetic mutation in the innate immune system, causing progressive kidney malfunction and blood in urine. The condition, named CFHR5 nephropathy, has been found in over 100 people of Cypriot descent and is potentially serious but can be detected through DNA testing.

Applying stem cell technology to liver diseases

Researchers have successfully generated iPS cell-derived hepatocytes, which can recapitulate key features of inherited liver diseases and regenerate in mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for liver disorders.

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.

How to count the messenger out

Researchers have described the effects of messengers on infrared spectroscopy of protonated water clusters, allowing for better interpretation of spectroscopic data. The study reveals unexpected interactions between messenger molecules and cluster structures, enabling more accurate analysis of molecular vibrations.

New 'Naked Scientists' series investigates our oceans

The new podcast series aims to raise awareness about the importance of ocean environments and the threats they face. The shows will explore various topics, including climate change, tracking sharks, whaling, and overfishing.

Pulverized planet dust might lie around double stars

A new study using Spitzer data reveals a large amount of dust around three mature double-star systems, possibly resulting from planetary collisions. The research suggests that tight double-star systems might not be suitable for life to thrive due to the increased likelihood of chaotic events.

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.

Geo-engineering and sea-level rise over the 21st century

International research suggests that sea levels will be 30-70 centimeters higher by 2100 even with geo-engineering efforts. However, large-scale actions like sulfur dioxide injections or mirror orbits pose significant challenges. Bioenergy with carbon storage (BECS) appears to be a more desirable option.

Can the world be powered mainly by solar and wind energy?

Walter Kohn predicts a new era in human history where solar and wind power dominate global energy, driven by growing alternative energy production and declining oil and gas reserves. International cooperation is crucial to addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Lipid peroxides -- more sophisticated than their reputation

A joint study by Helmholtz Zentrum München and Karolinska Institutet reveals that lipid peroxides temporarily inactivate protein tyrosine phosphatases, regulating cellular communication. This finding is crucial as aberrant activation of receptor tyrosine kinases contributes to various diseases, including cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

2 UH chemists receive national recognition

University of Houston chemists Rigoberto Advincula and Mamie Moy received ACS Fellowships, recognizing their outstanding contributions to science and the chemistry profession. Their research focuses on polymer and nanomaterials, with potential applications in chemical sensors, energy transfer, and more.

Antiviral gene helps suppress jumping of AIDS viruses between host species

A new study has found that the antiviral gene TRIM5 plays a crucial role in suppressing the transmission of primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV-1 and HIV-2. The researchers used rhesus macaques with different versions of the TRIM5 gene to demonstrate its ability to block cross-species transmission of SIVs.

Researchers zero in on protein that destroys HIV

Scientists have identified six critical amino acids in the TRIM5α protein that enable it to destroy HIV. Altering these amino acids in human cells renders TRIM5α ineffective against HIV-1 infection, highlighting a potential target for therapy development.

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.

Mumps vaccine coverage should be improved, study finds

Although immunity to mumps is high in the US, maintaining and improving vaccine coverage is crucial to prevent future outbreaks. The study found that only about 90% of the population has sufficient antibodies, which may not be enough to stop transmission.

IT can help CVD management

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that IT-based programs can support clinicians to close gaps in CVD care delivery, including risk assessment and patient self-management. The authors emphasize the need for a supportive social and political environment to fully realize the potential of these programs.

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.

Atrazine causes prostate inflammation in male rats and delays puberty

A new study found that prenatal exposure to low doses of atrazine causes prostate inflammation and delays puberty in male rats. The incidence of prostate inflammation increased significantly with the strength of the doses, while puberty was also delayed in animals exposed to atrazine.

NASA satellites see Tropical Storm Frank powering back up near Mexico

Tropical Storm Frank has strengthened with increasing convection and tightening thunderstorm bands. NASA's TRMM satellite revealed a deep eye wall and microwave data confirmed the storm's west-northwest trajectory. Heavy rainfall is expected over south-central Mexico, with potential flash floods and landslides.

A moment on the lips, a year on the hips

A four-week episode of increased energy intake and decreased exercise caused significant weight gain, which was mostly lost within six months. However, the intervention group showed an increased fat mass compared to baseline after two and a half years, highlighting the long-term effects of short-term behavioral changes.

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.

Survey of American women finds STD vaccine viewed positively

The survey found that interest in receiving the HPV vaccine increased if it was available free of charge, but decreased as out-of-pocket costs rose. Convenience also played a role, with many women preferring to receive the vaccine at a doctor's office rather than a local pharmacy.

Salmon baby food? Babies need omega-3s and a taste for fish, scientist says

A University of Illinois professor has developed a nutritious salmon baby food for toddlers, citing the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for brain development and preventing coronary artery disease. The product's taste was found to be mild and appealing to parents, with an encouraging sensory panel response.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study shows deepwater oil plume in Gulf degraded by microbes

Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria degrading oil at an unprecedented rate without oxygen depletion. The study found that psychrophilic bacteria played a significant role in controlling deep-sea oil plumes, suggesting a potential for natural bioremediation.

Cognitive behavior therapy improves symptom control in adult ADHD

A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved symptom control in adult ADHD patients taking medication. The skills-based approach taught patients how to cope with attention problems and manage symptoms more effectively.

Whale sharks may produce many litters from 1 mating, paternity test shows

A study by University of Illinois Chicago biologist Jennifer Schmidt found that a female whale shark produced 304 embryos with the same father, suggesting she stores sperm after a single mating event. This finding could indicate that mating occurs as an isolated event rather than in breeding grounds.

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.

Why making our own choices is more satisfying when pleasure is the goal

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that people are more satisfied with their experiences when they make personal choices, especially when the goal is pleasure. In contrast, when the goal is to achieve a higher-end consequence, there is no difference in satisfaction between those who choose and those who do not.

Engineering shorter wait times in the ER

Researchers used Six Sigma design strategy to improve ER triage process, reducing patient waiting time and length of stay. The approach sorted patients into treatment areas based on condition severity, not arrival time, resulting in significant reductions in wait times and stays.

'Spintronics' breakthrough holds promise for next-generation computers

Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a new way to recognize currents of spinning electrons within a semiconductor, paving the way for superior computers and electronics. The innovation uses powerful lasers to detect spin-current in real-time, overcoming a major hurdle in spintronics research.

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.

Scientists map origin of large, underwater hydrocarbon plume in Gulf

Researchers use advanced technologies to map the origin of a massive underwater hydrocarbon plume in the Gulf of Mexico, confirming it came from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The plume is 22 miles long and 3,000 feet deep, and its composition suggests it has been persisting for longer than expected.

Darwin's family tree rediscovered

A Galton-Darwin-Wedgwood pedigree has been found in the archives of Truman State University, revealing new insights into Charles Darwin's family life. The discovery, made by Professor Tim Berra, provides a unique window into the personal life of the famous scientist.

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.

Clinical trial findings challenge clinical practice

A randomized controlled trial of 301 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction found no difference in major cardiovascular complications between those with and without planned balloon pump support. However, the study highlighted the importance of having a balloon pump on standby for high-risk cases.

Half-a-loaf method can improve magnetic memories

Chinese scientists have developed a new cell design that uses an electric field to flip magnetization, resulting in faster and more energy-efficient magnetic memories. The design offers great potential for data storage and logic gates with ultra-low power consumption.

Cognitive behavioral therapy appears beneficial for adults with ADHD

A study published in JAMA found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improved ADHD symptoms in adults who received medication, with greater improvement and higher responder rates compared to relaxation support. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed positive and sustained effects on ADHD symptoms.

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.

Smallest U-M logo demonstrates advanced display technology

A University of Michigan professor has developed a new type of color filter made of nano-thin sheets with precisely spaced gratings, trapping and transmitting light of specific colors. The filter acts as a polarizer simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional polarizer layers, making it simpler to manufacture.

See amazing new sun images from NJIT's Big Bear Solar Observatory

The Big Bear Solar Observatory has achieved 'first light' using a deformable mirror, resulting in the most detailed visible light image of a sunspot ever captured. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the observatory's adaptive optics system, which will enable better studies of solar complex phenomena and space weather.

Secrets of scents: Designing the smells that sell household products

Fragrance designers like Michael Papas aim to create scents that evoke emotions and nostalgia, using complex blends of synthetic and natural substances. By tailoring their creations to specific products, they strive to connect with consumers on a deeper level, making fragrances an integral part of our daily experiences.

L'Oreal Fellowship winner seeks to understand breast cancer

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researcher Dr Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat is unraveling the mysteries of breast stem cells, their development, and influence by oestrogen and steroids. Her groundbreaking studies aim to uncover how breast cancer progresses and why it sometimes returns.

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.

Chronic drinking can disrupt circadian rhythms

A human study found an association between dysregulation of circadian clock genes and chronic drinking. Lower levels of mRNA in these genes were observed in alcohol-dependent patients, indicating disrupted circadian rhythm.

Atmospheric pressure plasma jet from a grounded electrode

Scientists have developed a novel method for creating atmospheric pressure plasma jets using grounded electrodes, which differ from conventional applications. This breakthrough increases operator safety and enables the creation of jets at lower voltages, opening up new possibilities for biomedical applications.

A case for exercising

Researchers found that exercising obese rodents showed restored signals of satiety in hypothalamic neurons, leading to decreased food intake. The study's findings suggest a new paradigm for physical activity and weight loss, reinforcing the importance of regular exercise.

New study sheds light on painkilling system in brain

Researchers have found that boosting brain levels of 2-AG, a natural painkiller, soon leads to loss of its therapeutic effect due to receptor downregulation. This discovery has implications for drug development and basic science, suggesting that more modest elevations in 2-AG may produce sustained pain relief.

Mama wears Prada: Ovulating women buy sexier clothing

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that ovulating women choose sexier fashion products when thinking about other attractive local women. This unconscious behavior is driven by a desire to outdo rivals and entice desirable mates.

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.