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Science News Archive February 2010


Page 9 of 22

Chemical tags likely to affect metabolism, cancer development

New research from UNC suggests that acetylation of metabolic enzymes plays a key role in regulating cellular metabolism. The study identified approximately 1,000 new proteins with acetyl groups, expanding the previously recognized repertoire of 50, and found that altering metabolic fuels can alter acetylation levels.

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.

New method makes vaccines stable at tropical temperatures

Scientists have developed a simple and cheap way to make vaccines stable at tropical temperatures, eliminating the need for refrigeration. The method involves mixing vaccines with sugars and drying them on membranes, preserving the active part of the vaccine and allowing it to be shipped at normal temperatures.

Hopkins scientists discover how protein trips up germs

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a key protein, TRPV2, that plays a crucial role in helping macrophages capture and destroy germs. The protein helps macrophages bind to bacteria more effectively, which enables the immune system to clear infections more efficiently.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Extreme jets take new shape

Researchers found that gamma rays originate closer to one light year from black holes than expected, and the jet curves as it travels away from the black hole. This new understanding of blazar jets requires a rethinking of their structure and poses challenges for theorists trying to construct such jets.

Listen to the natives for better moose monitoring

The Cree people's centuries-old method of rotating hunting territories and killing only adult animals ensured stable moose populations. Modern authorities' reliance on aerial surveys and statistics led to a severe decline in Zone 17's population, but the traditional approach was initially disregarded.

Oregon State trains graduate students to be better TAs

The program, launched in a year ago, provides weekly seminars on topics such as creating a good syllabus, working with students who have disabilities, and dealing with academic dishonesty. Graduate student Sarah Eddy credits the program for her win of the 2009 OSU Frolander Outstanding GTA award.

Obama's Promise Neighborhoods Initiative

The initiative, modeled after Harlem Children's Zone, combines public charter schools and community services to help disadvantaged individuals gain financial security. Recent research suggests that similar results can be achieved independent of community investments, but additional evidence is needed to measure long-term impacts.

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.

A new type of genetic variation could strengthen natural selection

Scientists have discovered a new type of genetic variation that suggests natural selection can act on gene networks, maintaining alternative states within a single species. This finding may be crucial for understanding how pathogens adapt to new stresses and could provide significant advantages in the battle against diseases.

Training birth attendants in developing countries increases babies' survival

A study conducted in six countries showed that training birth attendants in newborn care and resuscitation significantly increases a baby's survival rate. The intervention resulted in a 30% reduction in stillbirths and a 15% decrease in perinatal mortality, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide each year.

Don't worry, be happy! Positive emotions protect against heart disease

A major new study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who are usually happy and content have a lower risk of heart disease than those who tend to be unhappy. The study suggests that increasing positive emotions may help prevent heart disease, but more clinical trials are needed.

Researchers chart genomic map spanning over 2 dozen cancers

A large-scale study reveals over 100 genomic sites with missing or duplicated DNA in tumors, uncovering novel cancer genes and genetic abnormalities shared across multiple cancers. The study highlights the importance of common genomic alterations in driving cancer growth.

Protein found to be key in protecting the gut from infection

A signaling protein, GM-CSF, plays a vital role in fighting bacterial infections and inflammation in the intestinal tract. Its deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to persistent gut infection, severe inflammation, and disease duration.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New intervention helps Latino parents of asthmatic children quit smoking

A new study suggests that clinically-based smoking cessation programs may not be enough to help Latino smokers with asthmatic children kick the habit. Researchers found that a culturally-tailored intervention providing feedback on secondhand smoke exposure was more effective in helping these parents quit smoking.

Life's smallest motor, cargo carrier of the cells, moves like a seesaw

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made the closest look yet at kinesin protein's structural changes as it ferries molecules within cells. The high-resolution snapshots show kinesin moving up and down like a seesaw, propelled by an energy-giving compound called ATP.

Wall, war, wealth: 30 years in science

The study examines the effects of geopolitical change on scientific production over the last 30 years. Asia's share of world scientific output grew by 155% and China has shown spectacular progress, catching up with the US in natural sciences and engineering by 2015.

New assay helps track termites and other insects

A new assay developed by USDA researchers can safely and reliably mark termites and other insects over vast acreage, allowing for their movements to be tracked. The method uses egg white, cow milk or soy milk proteins and has been shown to be effective in tracking the desert subterranean termite.

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.

Duke scientists image brain at point when vocal learning begins

Researchers track changes to individual dendritic spines in juvenile male songbirds' brains as they learn from adult tutors. The study finds that hearing a tutor song rapidly stabilizes previously dynamic synapses, providing a foundation for learning new behaviors.

Permafrost line recedes 130 km in 50 years

Researchers measure permafrost retreat with natural hummocks called 'palsas.' The James Bay region's permafrost has retreated 130 km north in 50 years due to climate change. Pallas will disappear if warming trend continues.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Flu-induced stress response is critical for resistance to secondary infection

Research reveals that flu-induced stress response is critical for resistance to secondary infection, involving increased production of glucocorticoids to control inflammation. The study found that mice without GCs were better able to suppress secondary bacterial infections, but lacking GCs led to a lethal excessive inflammatory response.

New method makes vaccines stable at tropical temperatures

Scientists at Oxford University have developed a new method to make vaccines stable at tropical temperatures using Nova Bio-Pharma Technologies' patented HydRIS system. This technology has the potential to revolutionize vaccination efforts, particularly in the developing world where infectious diseases kill millions of people every year.

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.

Stillbirths drop dramatically after newborn-care training in developing countries

A basic three-day newborn care training regimen reduced the rate of stillbirths by 23% to 15.9 per 1,000 deliveries, with improved outcomes among births attended by midwives and traditional birth attendants. The study, funded by NIH and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, tracked over 120,000 births in six developing countries.

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.

Chubby birds get there faster

Researchers found that fat garden warblers, like those studied in Italy, take significantly shorter breaks during migration. They typically move on by nightfall, while thin birds wait for nearly two days to replenish their fat reserves. This study highlights the importance of ecologically-intact resting grounds for migratory birds.

Laboratory research team awarded AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize

A team of researchers led by Bruce Macintosh has won the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize for their groundbreaking discovery of multiple planets orbiting a distant star. The study, published in Science, provides new insights into the detection and characterization of exoplanets.

Projection shows water woes likely based on warmer temperatures

A Purdue University researcher projects that Midwestern states like Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan will face more winter and spring flooding, as well as dry summer and fall seasons, if average temperatures rise by 2070. The study suggests a 28% increase in precipitation in these states during the same period.

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.

Stiff party competition, modest salaries good for state government, study shows

A national study spanning 120 years found that vigorous two-party competition provides the best guarantee for meaningful governance, while modest salaries for lawmakers add a second protection against narrow-interest legislation. The research examined 13 states and found that larger party control leads to more parochial legislation.

Random fluctuations give rise to odd genetic phenomenon

Researchers found that random fluctuations in gene expression can cause some individuals to express a trait even if they have the mutated gene. This phenomenon is controlled by specific fluctuations in mRNA production and appears to be influenced by environmental factors.

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.

Helmets must be part of skiing and snowboarding culture, doctors urge

Head injuries are a common cause of hospital admissions and death in skiing and snowboarding, with 120,000 people in North America affected annually. Helmets can reduce the risk by up to 60%, according to research. Doctors recommend integrating helmets into ski culture through public awareness campaigns and role modeling.

New research on multiracial adoption questions current practices

A new study suggests that transracial adopted children of mixed race need early and ongoing experiences within their origin's cultural communities to build healthy cultural identities. The research emphasizes the importance of culturally grounded relationships over cultural artifacts in identity development.

February 2010 Lithosphere highlights

The February issue of Lithosphere highlights the evolution of the northwestern Red Sea, with two main tectonic events contributing to its formation. The study also explores the Fish Lake Valley fault in eastern California and the incision of major rivers into the Tibetan Plateau's bedrock.

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.

Obesity -- mild or severe -- raises kidney stone risk

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that obesity in all forms increases the risk of developing kidney stones. The researchers found that obese individuals had a higher incidence of kidney stones compared to non-obese individuals, with no difference in risk between mild and severe obesity.

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.

New USC institute to target dirty marine diesel

A new institute will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving combustion efficiency in marine diesel engines, which emit significant pollutants. The research aims to produce lab-scale prototype technology that can be scaled up for testing in full-size engines.

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.

Majority of Marylanders without advance medical directives

A new report by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that 66 percent of Marylanders without advance medical directives may face deficiencies in end-of-life care across the US. The results indicate a disconnect between what people want for their medical decisions and their actions to ensure those preferences are carried...

Caltech researchers presenting at AAAS Meeting

At the AAAS Meeting, Caltech researchers presented on various topics including linear colliders, climate change, and earthquake science. Caltech's Alice Huang will be installed as the next president of the AAAS. Researchers discussed the Second Law of Thermodynamics and its implications for our understanding of time.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sorting the drivers from the passengers in the cancer genome

Researchers developed a method to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations in cancer genomes by analyzing deletions at known tumour suppressor genes and fragile sites. The study found at least one in nine genes can be removed without killing human cells.