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Science News Archive February 2010


Page 20 of 22

Tropical Storm Oli kicking up waves in South Pacific

Tropical Storm Oli is a large storm with high thunderstorm cloud tops and strong winds near 52 mph, affecting the islands of Bora Bora and Raratonga. The storm is expected to move southeast and pass between the islands in the next couple of days.

New neutron studies support magnetism's role in superconductors

New neutron studies provide strong evidence that magnetic properties are behind high-temperature superconductivity in both copper-based and iron-based materials. The research suggests that spin excitations play a key role in the formation of macroscopic quantum states giving rise to superconductivity.

To be or to become: That's the question for advertisers

Researchers found that advertising can strongly influence consumers' desires, shifting their mindset from 'being' (current state) to 'becoming' (future goals). This study suggests advertisers should position products to fit the mindset of immediate gratification or long-term benefits.

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.

Mechanical forces could affect gene expression

Researchers at the University of Michigan have shown that small mechanical forces can control gene expression by reducing DNA looping, a common mechanism for gene regulation. The study provides new insights into how cells regulate themselves and could lead to new understandings of diseases such as cancer and cardiac disease.

SIDS linked to low levels of serotonin

Researchers found serotonin levels were 26% lower in SIDS infants' brain tissue, suggesting reduced capacity to respond to breathing challenges. The findings provide important clues to the biological basis of SIDS and may lead to ways to identify high-risk infants.

Big study of dirty air inversions

A new $1.3 million study aims to understand and simulate 'cold-air pools' that trap pollutants in the Salt Lake Valley, causing poor air quality. The research will utilize models and instruments to analyze temperature and wind patterns, shedding light on the challenges of simulating these events.

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.

Gene variation makes alcoholism less likely in some survivors of sexual abuse

Researchers found that a specific gene variant, H2 haplotype, protects individuals with a history of child sexual abuse from heavy drinking and alcohol dependence. In contrast, those with the alternate H1 haplotype had three times the risk of heavy drinking and problems. The study suggests a potential target for therapy development.

Growth factor gene shown to be a key to cleft palate

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that a growth factor gene plays a critical role in palate development, suggesting a new target for preventing and treating cleft palate. The study's findings could lead to the development of drugs that activate or inhibit the gene to ensure normal palate growth.

Parkinson's disease research uncovers social barrier

Research reveals that people with Parkinson's disease are often isolated and stigmatized based on their communication style. The study shows that negative perceptions of speech patterns can limit opportunities for social interaction and reduce full participation in society.

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.

Psychiatric patient suicides can be prevented

A study found that psychiatric patients who absconded from wards were more likely to be young, unemployed, and homeless with high rates of schizophrenia and substance misuse. Improving ward environments and implementing tighter controls on exits may help prevent these cases.

Study: Many physicians not using established criteria

A new study found that many non-psychiatrist physicians and a substantial minority of psychiatrists reported infrequently using the DSM-IV criteria to diagnose major depressive disorder. This could lead to unnecessary medication prescriptions for patients who do not have major depression.

Aznalcóllar disaster compared with Cretaceous mass extinction

A team of scientists from the University of Granada compared the Aznalcóllar spillage to the Cretaceous mass extinction event, finding similarities in sudden impact and high levels of toxic compounds. The study suggests that ecosystems can recover rapidly following such disasters, with evidence of life re-emerging within years.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Doctors miss major cause of infertility and obesity

About 5 million women in the US suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a metabolic disorder causing infertility and obesity. Women are often told they are too fat, leading to delayed diagnoses, expert Andrea Dunaif advocates for increased awareness and treatment.

3-D scaffold provides clean, biodegradable structure for stem cell growth

Materials scientists at the University of Washington have developed a three-dimensional scaffold made from natural materials that mimic the binding sites for stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells grow and multiply readily on this structure, offering a clean and biodegradable alternative to traditional feeder layers.

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.

New way to lose fat, keep the lean

Scientists have identified a new mechanism that helps the body burn more energy, leading to increased fat burning and lean muscle mass. The study suggests that targeting the Fyn kinase enzyme may offer a promising approach for developing new weight loss treatments.

Play yourself healthy

A large-scale research project at the University of Copenhagen found that soccer is an effective form of exercise for improving cardiovascular risk factors, including maximal oxygen uptake and blood pressure. Small-sided games also showed significant gains in terms of cardio and strength training.

Scientists map out regulatory regions of genome, hot spots for diabetes genes

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created a first-of-its-kind map of the human genome's regulatory elements, revealing clusters specific to pancreatic islet cells. The study identified genetic variants associated with type II diabetes and found that certain genes are 'turned on' or 'off', opening new avenues for understanding the disease.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cholesterol's link to heart disease gets clearer -- and more complicated

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, finding that it's not just one factor at play but rather a complex interplay of immune cells and proteins. The study highlights the importance of restoring the balance of this network to prevent vascular disease.

Low production of serotonin in the brainstem a likely cause for SIDS

A new study finds that infants who die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have lower levels of serotonin in their brainstem compared to those who die from other causes. This deficiency may impair the function of brainstem circuits, putting babies at risk for sudden death during sleep.

Suicides by mental health patients preventable, says report

A new report suggests that preventing patients from leaving psychiatric wards without staff agreement could avoid up to 50 suicide deaths every year. The study found that improving the ward environment and staff training may contribute to reduced risk of in-patient suicides, particularly among high-risk groups.

3 brain diseases linked by toxic form of same neural protein

A toxic form of the neural protein Elk-1 is linked to three degenerative brain disorders: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. The study found that this modified form of Elk-1 strongly associates with pathological markers present in diseased tissue from these diseases.

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.

From Quebec to France: forced marriages still exist

Researchers estimate forced marriages occur in many countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Eastern Europe, where they are often used to obtain citizenship or settle debts. Despite limited data, a new study aims to shed light on this taboo issue, with plans for comparative research and interviews with victims.

Excessive Internet use is linked to depression

A large-scale UK study found that people who spend too much time online are more likely to show depressive symptoms. Internet addiction was linked to higher incidence of moderate to severe depression in young people and adults.

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.

Ultra-cold chemistry

Researchers directly observe chemical exchange processes in an ultracold sample of cesium atoms and Feshbach molecules, allowing for controlled study of chemical reactions. This breakthrough opens a new avenue to study diverse chemical reactions using ultracold quantum gases.

Spherical cows help to dump metabolism law

Researchers challenge long-held 3/4-power law of metabolism with new paper, finding support for 2/3 exponent in geometry and network analysis. Empirical evidence from animal studies also aligns with 2/3 exponent, suggesting a potential universal scaling law for metabolism.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

University of Oklahoma study reveals 'red hot' results

A new weight-loss supplement, tri-pepper blend, has been shown to burn as many calories as a 20-minute walk. The University of Oklahoma study found statistically significant results, validating product weight-loss claims through measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

Cancer patients become bold advocates once surviviors

A study of cancer survivors found that they become advocates for others but not themselves, suggesting a transition from passive to active care. They advise peers with cancer to seek second opinions, check doctors' credentials, and stay positive.

UC Riverside's new state-of-the-art technology to accelerate stem cell research

The University of California, Riverside's new Stem Cell Core Facility will enable faster breakthroughs in stem cell research, targeting diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes. The facility is equipped with the first-in-country Nikon BioStation CT technology, expected to provide valuable data for attacking degenerative diseases.

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.

Community hospitals offer a safe surgical option for some cancer surgeries

A new study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and the American College of Surgeons found that community hospitals can offer safe surgical options for certain types of cancer surgeries. Younger patients with few pre-existing illnesses have similar survival rates at both community hospitals and specialized cancer c...

Compound found that targets wide range of viruses

Researchers have developed a broad-spectrum antiviral compound that can stop a wide range of highly dangerous viruses, including those causing HIV, Ebola, and hepatitis C. The compound works by altering the lipid envelope of enveloped viruses, making them unable to fuse with host cells.

Immune protein fends off exotic virus

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that type I interferons are essential for combating Chikungunya virus infection. The unexpected finding is that fibroblasts, not immune cells, produce the virus-fighting proteins during infection.

Acetaminophen protects kidneys after muscle injury

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that acetaminophen can prevent oxidative damage and kidney failure after muscle injury in a rat model. The study's findings support further investigation into the drug's effects in patients with severe muscle injuries.

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.

After 18, family influence still key to one's ethnic identity

A recent study found that family influence remains key to one's ethnic identity after age 18, with families teaching cultural customs and traditions leading to a greater sense of attachment to their ethnic group. This study suggests that parents play an important role in shaping young adults' exploration of their ethnicity.

Genetically modified mice reveal another mechanism contributing to heart failure

A study using genetically modified mice reveals a previously unidentified mechanism contributing to heart failure, specifically the decreased release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This finding opens up a new avenue for treating failing hearts and highlights the significance of acetylcholine regulation in cardiac function.

New adhesive device could let humans walk on walls

A Cornell University team invented a palm-sized device that uses water surface tension as an adhesive bond, allowing it to stick and unstick to surfaces. The device has potential applications in shoes, gloves, and Post-it-like notes.

Antibodies attack immune proteins

Two studies published in Journal of Experimental Medicine reveal that patients with a rare autoimmune disease produce antibodies that bind and disarm cytokines, which fight airborne pathogens. These findings may help explain the recurring nature of these patients' yeast infections.

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.

Ecologists discover forests are growing faster

A new study published in PNAS reveals that forests in the Eastern United States are growing at an accelerated rate of 2 tons per acre annually. This growth is attributed to rising CO2 levels, increased temperatures, and longer growing seasons. The findings suggest a significant response of ecosystems to climate change.

New form of stem cell communication rescues diseased neurons

Researchers demonstrate that transplanted stem cells can rescue diseased neurons from death by sending signals through gap junctions, a newly recognized way of cell communication. This mechanism may play a role in both normal development and many diseases, including Huntington's disease and spinal cord injuries.

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.

Researchers fight world hunger by mapping the soybean genome

A team of researchers has identified 1.1 million base pairs of DNA in the soybean genome, including traits that affect plant development, disease resistance, and nutrition. This knowledge will enable scientists to create more resilient crops, reducing hunger and improving food security worldwide.