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Science News Archive August 2010


Page 9 of 23

CEAP study examines nitrogen, copper levels in Bay watershed

A comprehensive CEAP study reveals troublesome nitrogen and copper levels in a major Chesapeake Bay tributary, primarily sourced from agricultural fertilizers. High copper concentrations were found at lower reaches of the river, posing a threat to aquatic life.

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.

Researchers discover how the storehouses of plant cells are formed

A team of scientists at TUM has discovered a new protein crucial for the formation of plant cell vacuoles, which store vital substances like proteins and pigments. The protein, known as a 'splitting protein', plays a key role in initiating metabolic processes and assigning tasks to proteins.

Less is more for a hungry bat

Researchers discovered that the barbastelle bat can catch earless moths by using an unusual whispering strategy. By producing quieter echolocation calls than other bats, the barbastelle can hear unsuspecting moths before they become aware of its presence, giving it an advantage in hunting.

Paper wasps punish peers for misrepresenting their might

Research by Elizabeth Tibbetts and Amanda Izzo found that paper wasps punish peers who falsely advertise their fighting ability to maintain accurate signals. In experiments, wasps with mismatched facial patterns and behavior were punished, while those whose signal and behavior matched were rarely targeted.

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.

Maslow's pyramid gets a much needed renovation

Researchers at Arizona State University update Maslow's pyramid to reflect new findings on evolutionarily fundamental motives. The revamped pyramid places parenting atop the hierarchy, alongside mate acquisition and mate retention, shifting away from self-actualization as a top need.

Putting the squeeze on Alzheimer's

Scientists use cutting-edge microscope to measure how brain cells respond to pressure, finding that intermediate form of amyloid-beta peptide stiffens cells the most. This discovery could lead to new ways to screen drugs for Alzheimer's and similar diseases.

Software for efficient computing in the age of nanoscale devices

A team of experts is proposing a new approach to deal with the variability in behavior of nano-scale computer components by re-thinking and enhancing the role that software can play. The National Science Foundation has awarded a $10 million grant to explore 'Variability-Aware Software for Efficient Computing with Nanoscale Devices.'

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Experiments show blood pressure drugs could help fight frailty

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have discovered a way to use widely available blood pressure drugs to combat age-related muscle loss. By dilating blood vessels, these medications can increase amino acid delivery to muscles, restoring normal growth and potentially reducing frailty.

Genetics underlie formation of body's back-up bypass vessels

A new study has uncovered the genetic mechanisms controlling the growth of collateral circulation, which can provide oxygen to starved tissues in the event of a heart attack or stroke. The researchers identified a section of DNA involved in variation in collateral vessel density and diameter.

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.

International research team closes in on cause of common form of muscular dystrophy

A research team has identified a DNA sequence in individuals with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) that causes the gene DUX4 to be more active. The study suggests that this protein is toxic to muscle cells and may hold key to developing new treatments or potentially curing FSHD, a progressive condition affecting 300,000 people worl...

UofL student wins national minority nursing scholarship

Lisa Carter-Harris has received the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future -- American Association of Colleges of Nursing Minority Nursing Faculty Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to graduate nursing students from minority backgrounds who agree to teach in a school of nursing after graduation.

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.

Deep plumes of oil could cause dead zones in the Gulf

Scientists simulate oil and methane plumes, predicting locally significant but regionally confined dead zones in the northern Gulf. The study suggests oxygen levels will drop too low to support most life forms, affecting marine ecosystems.

Delaying fat digestion to curb appetite

Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes have identified a mechanism to slow down fat digestion by introducing surfactants, which break down protein layers and enhance enzyme activity. This discovery may lead to the development of foods with slower fat digestion rates, inducing satiety.

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.

AIDS virus changes in semen make it different than in blood

Researchers found two mechanisms altering HIV-1 population in semen, including clonal amplification and compartmentalization. The study suggests the viral population in semen may be distinct from that in blood, affecting our understanding of transmission and selective pressures.

Galactic super-volcano in action

Astronomers studying a galactic black hole have found similarities between its eruption and the Eyjafjallajokull volcano on Earth. The cosmic eruption prevents hundreds of millions of new stars from forming by lifting cooler gas upwards.

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.

Listening to Earth breathe through 500 towers

A global community of environmental researchers has united to monitor and analyze Earth's carbon exchange through over 500 micrometeorological towers. The newly launched platform, Fluxdata.org, allows researchers to access and harmonize data from hundreds of sites worldwide.

DNA puts Stanford chemists on scent of better artificial nose

Researchers create tiny sensor molecules using DNA that can detect multiple substances with different color changes, enabling a vast array of responses to various molecules. The DNA sensors could be used in portable devices, such as a fluorescence microscope, to detect everything from incipiently souring milk to high explosives.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NSF announces new Expeditions in Computing Awards

The NSF announces three new Expeditions in Computing awards, providing up to $10 million in funding over five years. These projects will focus on novel approaches to complex problems in computer science and engineering, including modeling social behavior and understanding climate change.

New study finds new connection between yoga and mood

A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that yoga practice is associated with increased GABA levels and decreased anxiety. The research suggests that yoga may be a potential therapy for certain mental disorders, warranting further study.

New genetic tool helps improve rice

USDA scientists have developed a new genetic tool to express beneficial genes in specific plant tissues, improving disease resistance and reducing side effects. The LP2 gene promoter can direct other introduced genes to target areas where they are needed most.

How flies set their cruising altitude

Fruit flies establish a fixed height by tracking horizontal edges and fly at the same altitude as these features. The researchers used a virtual-reality space to track the flies' movements and confirmed that edge tracking is the primary mechanism.

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.

UT, ORNL crunching numbers to make sense of climate change

A new project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate models by leveraging data mining techniques. The collaboration between UT and ORNL will help predict large shifts in regional climate patterns and improve predictions of severe meteorological and hydrological events.

Researchers: Cures to diseases may live in our guts

A team of researchers is studying the human gut microbiome to develop new interventions and treatments for food- and water-borne diseases. The study aims to understand how certain microbes protect against enteric diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Ancient 'terror bird' used powerful beak to jab like boxer

Researchers studied the predatory style of Andalgalornis, a mid-sized terror bird that used its uniquely rigid skull and hooked beak to jab like a boxer. The team's simulations showed that the bird's attack-and-retreat strategy was effective in taking down prey, with well-targeted jabs delivering high stress levels.

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.

Slowing urban sprawl, adding forests curb floods and help rivers

A Purdue University study finds that controlling urban growth and increasing forested land are effective ways to decrease future water runoff and flooding. The model simulated Michigan's Muskegon River watershed runoff rates and forecasted their impact on rivers and streams over the next 30 years.

Ngo Bao Chau receives Fields Medal, highest honor in mathematics

Ngô Bao Châu received the Fields Medal for his proof of the fundamental lemma in automorphic forms through new algebro-geometric methods. His work has relevance to high-energy physics, computer science, and cryptography, building on decades of mathematicians' contributions.

Yale team describes secrets of 'magic' antidepressant

A Yale team has discovered the secrets of a 'magic' antidepressant that can take effect in hours, rather than weeks or months. The study found that ketamine restores connections between brain cells damaged by chronic stress.

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.

Black women with SLE develop cardiovascular disease at early age

A recent study found significant racial disparities in the age of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients at the time of hospital admission for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and CVD-related death. Black women were youngest to both be admitted with CVD and to have an in-hospital death due to CVD.

Old drug holds promise against opportunistic lung bug

Researchers found that sulfasalazine enhances the body's ability to clear fungal debris from the lungs, reducing inflammation and promoting better lung function. The study offers a new avenue for research on Pneumocystis pneumonia and may lead to improved treatment options for patients with weakened immune systems.

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.

Homework wars: How can parents improve the odds of winning?

According to a study at the University of Michigan, children who see homework as an investment rather than a chore are more likely to spend time on it. The researchers found that students who expected to have a job dependent on their education were more likely to invest time in homework and had better grades over time.

Stomach bacteria need vitamin to establish infection

Scientists have discovered that Helicobacter pylori needs vitamin B6 to cause and maintain stomach infections. Researchers used a mouse model to identify the importance of PdxA and PdxJ enzymes in bacterial pathogenesis, paving the way for novel antibiotic treatments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Discovery opens door to therapeutic development for FSH muscular dystrophy

A recent study has revealed a model for understanding Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), which is linked to the generation of toxic RNA that damages muscle cells. Variations in chromosome 4 play a crucial role in this process, and researchers have identified potential new treatments by silencing the effects of this RNA.

Geologists revisit the Great Oxygenation Event

A team of geologists led by David Fike has revisited the Great Oxygenation Event, finding that it was likely a two-step process involving sulfur compounds rather than just oxygen. This challenges the traditional narrative of the event and highlights the difficulties in interpreting redox proxies.

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.