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Science News Archive February 2010


Page 10 of 22

Can mobile phones help people 'EatWell?'

Researchers at Georgia Tech are testing a mobile phone system called EatWell to encourage healthy eating habits. The system uses audio stories to connect community members and promote peer support, with surprising results showing that participants felt a sense of community despite limited interaction.

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.

Genome sequencing of 3 parasitoid wasp species

The genome sequencing of three parasitoid wasp species offers new insights into the genetic mechanisms of evolution and their importance in controlling agricultural pests. The study identifies key genes responsible for venom production and reveals that these proteins have important physiological effects on host cells.

U-M researchers find key interaction that controls telomeres

Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found a third protein, TIN2, that overrides Fbx4 by binding to TRF1, stabilizing it and keeping telomere length in control. This finding could lead to developing a drug to block Fbx4, impacting all cancer types.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cancer publishes study confirming disparity in breast cancer treatment

A recent study published in Cancer journal by HealthCore confirms disparities in breast cancer treatment between African-American and white women. White women were more likely to receive anti-estrogen therapy compared to African-American women, despite both groups having similar cancer stages. The study highlights the need for improved...

Lack of morning light keeping teenagers up at night

A field study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center found that teenagers who missed morning light exposure experienced a 30-minute delay in sleep onset. The researchers believe that schools can be designed to provide adequate daylight to stimulate the body's natural sleep/wake cycle.

Prevalence of childhood chronic health conditions has increased

The prevalence of any chronic condition among US children has significantly increased over two decades, with obesity being one of the most prevalent conditions. The study found that having a chronic condition was dynamic over time, and different groups had varying rates of new cases and remission.

The putative skull of St. Bridget can be questioned

A new study conducted at Uppsala University reveals that the two skulls believed to be from Saint Bridget and her daughter Catherine are not from maternally related individuals. The findings suggest that the skulls may not be authentic, contradicting centuries-old historical records.

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.

Legislating to promote healthy eating and physical activity

A Canadian Medical Association Journal article calls for legislative measures to address the growing epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The authors propose taxes on high-calorie foods, physical activity incentives, and advertising restrictions to encourage healthier habits among children.

Researchers identify mechanism for Frank-Ter Haar syndrome

A team of researchers has discovered the mechanism behind Frank-Ter Haar syndrome, a rare fatal disorder that affects children's skeletal, cardiovascular, and eye health. The study identified TKS4 as a critical protein involved in the condition.

A primer on migraine headaches

Physicians need to educate patients about migraine triggers and lifestyle factors, such as stress, sleep schedule, and diet. Preventative therapy is often ineffective, with only 50% or more of patients experiencing a reduction in headache frequency.

Keys and obstacles to e-health in low income countries

Developing local human capacity is key to implementing e-health tools in low-income countries, but a chicken-and-egg problem exists. Dr. Tierney's East African Center of Excellence in Health Informatics has built upon decades-long collaborations to train individuals and implement health information technology tools.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bilingual babies: The roots of bilingualism in newborns

Infants born to bilingual mothers show different language preferences than monolingual infants. Bilingual babies exhibit equal interest in both languages, suggesting prenatal bilingual exposure prepares them for multilingualism. Discrimination between languages helps prevent confusion, enabling young bilinguals to navigate two languages.

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.

A mission statement for science educators

A renowned science educator, Marvin Druger, reflects on his mission to inspire students to enjoy the adventure of learning. His new book, Practical Perspectives on Science Education, offers practical tips, personal reflections, and a passion for making science education meaningful and motivational.

Presence of snails points to forest recovery

Researchers found that land gastropod fauna are a good indicator of forest recovery following fires, with some species surviving in closed refuges. The study's findings suggest that post-fire forestry operations must consider the impact on these sensitive species to ensure their survival and habitat diversity.

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 carbon cycle before humans

Researchers studied organic carbon-rich sediments from an ancient seabed to learn about a devastating event when oxygen levels in the oceans dropped so low that one-third of marine life died. The studies found that volcanic activity triggered a biogeochemical cascade, leading to a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Reading to kids a crucial tool in English language development

A recent study published in Learning and Instruction found that home literacy environments and motivation play a significant role in predicting children's initial literacy skills, which ultimately affect their future reading ability. Reading to kids regularly is essential for English-speaking children to acquire language skills.

Fluorescent probes light up cancerous tumors

Researchers developed biological probes that can stick to and light up tumors in mice, allowing for more accurate tumor removal and improved survival rates. The probes enabled surgeons to visualize areas of tumors they wouldn't ordinarily see, reducing cancer cells by 90% on average.

Facing the corn nematode problem in Illinois

Corn nematode populations are widespread in Illinois, with over 90% of fields sampled having lesion nematodes that can cause significant yield reductions. Experts recommend taking soil samples and using specific management strategies to mitigate the issue.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Butterfly vision, wing colors linked, UCI study finds

Researchers found that butterflies with a duplicate gene can see ultraviolet colors and have UV-yellow pigment on their wings, facilitating mate searching and reproduction. This link between vision and wing colors may be an adaptive advantage for these butterfly species.

Team finds subtropical waters flushing through Greenland fjord

Researchers found subtropical waters as warm as 39 degrees Fahrenheit in Sermilik Fjord, contributing to glacier melting. The study highlights the rapid communication between ocean circulation and glaciers, shedding light on a previously unknown connection not currently included in climate models.

Artificial foot recycles energy for easier walking

Researchers at the University of Michigan developed an artificial foot that recycles energy wasted in between steps, reducing energy spent per step by 14% compared to conventional prosthetic feet. This innovation could significantly improve walking efficiency for individuals with lower limb amputations.

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.

Promising therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that adding daclizumab to standard treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis reduced the number of new or enlarged brain lesions. The study also showed an increase in immune cells called CD56bright natural killer cells, which may help regulate the immune system.

Cooling inflammation for healthier arteries

Research by USDA scientists found that oat compounds called avenanthramides decrease inflammatory molecules and inhibit proinflammatory cytokines. This suggests potential health benefits for heart disease prevention beyond lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Use of multiple genetic markers not linked with better risk prediction of CVD

A study of over 19,000 women found that a genetic risk score based on multiple genetic markers was not associated with improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. Despite this, traditional factors such as family history and intermediate phenotypes like cholesterol levels remained significant predictors.

Further doubt cast on virus link to chronic fatigue

Researchers investigating UK samples have found no association between XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome, contradicting a previous report. The study suggests that CFS may encompass a range of diseases and that further investigations are needed to confirm or rule out an association with XMRV infection.

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.

Photons led astray

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have demonstrated that quantum particles can take both possible paths simultaneously in a random walk, leading to interference patterns and increased intensity at the edges. This breakthrough could provide new insights into statistical processes like photosynthesis.

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.

Genomic warfare to counter malaria drug resistance

An international team of researchers has decoded the genomic blueprint of Plasmodium falciparum, a strain of malaria most resistant to drugs. The discovery may lead to advanced pharmaceuticals and help prevent drug resistance among the 250 million people infected by malaria each year.

Migraine more common in women with MS

A large-scale study found that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) are 47% more likely to develop migraines than those without. The research suggests a link between the two conditions, but further investigation is needed to determine causality.

Safeway gives another $317,000 for TGen breast cancer research

TGen Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research Unit making significant progress in three key areas of breast cancer research: genetic events, cellular mechanics, and genomic tests. The donations raised by Safeway will help find new treatments for breast cancer patients.

Economic analysis: Erlotinib marginally cost-effective

Researchers found that erlotinib is marginally cost-effective for treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $94,638 per life-year gained. The treatment's cost-effectiveness may be improved through targeted patient selection and biomarker-guided therapy.

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.

For nanowires, nothing sparkles quite like diamond

Researchers created a novel diamond nanowire device that can generate single photons, controlled at the atomic scale. The device leverages imperfections in the diamond crystal to act as a source of individual photons, with applications in advanced imaging and quantum communications.

What the brain values may not be what it buys

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that the brain evaluates faces in two distinct ways: for quality of experience and economic value. The study used fMRI to measure brain activation while participants viewed faces and money, predicting how much they would pay to see a more attractive face.

NASA's Fermi closes on source of cosmic rays

New images from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope reveal the sources of cosmic rays, which consist mainly of protons moving at nearly the speed of light. The telescope mapped billion-electron-volt gamma-rays from middle-aged and young supernova remnants, providing insights into the origins of these energetic particles.

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 material mimics bone to create better biomedical implants

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a metal foam that mimics the elasticity of bone, reducing bone rejection and improving implant strength. The new composite foam has a modulus of elasticity consistent with bone, fostering bone growth and preventing 'stress shielding'.

Neonatal and infant circumcision: Safe in the right hands

A systematic review found that neonatal and infant circumcision by trained staff rarely results in problems, with relatively minor adverse events being low among infants under one year old. However, complications are more common when performed by inexperienced providers or with subpar equipment.

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.

AGU journal highlights -- Feb. 16, 2010

Scientists discover that tidal forces may have triggered the devastating Sumatra earthquake of 2004 and that rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are leading to ocean-basin-wide acidification. A new catalog of terrestrial gamma ray flashes has also been created, providing insights into these mysterious bursts of energy.

Autism's earliest symptoms not evident in children under 6 months

A new study has found that autism symptoms do not appear abruptly at 6 months, but rather emerge gradually and become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life. By 12 months, children with autism showed significant declines in social communication and eye contact compared to typically developing children.

Focus on EU-funded research projects in trust and security

The EU's Framework Programmes have been a driving force in ICT Trust and Security research, with six ongoing FP6-IST projects submitting their papers to the Journal of Computer Security. The projects aim to convert know-how into economic advantages, while advancing security, privacy, and trust in new technologies.