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Science News Archive January 2010


Page 3 of 20

Teens who drink with parents may still develop alcohol problems

A new study found that parents who allow their teenagers to drink at home may increase the risk of alcohol-related problems, including trouble in school and fights with peers. The researchers suggest that prohibiting drinking altogether is a better approach to reducing the risk of heavy drinking and problem drinking in adolescence.

Study examines sexual orientation and bullying among adolescents

A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that sexual minority youth are bullied two to three times more often than heterosexual youth. This increased vulnerability to bullying is associated with a range of physical and mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

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.

NOAA and fishermen cooperate on research into monkfish migration

Researchers are working with commercial fishermen to track monkfish migration patterns using electronic tags implanted under the skin. The study aims to improve understanding of the fish's biology and behavior, including its age and growth rate, as well as its interaction with ocean currents and tides.

Morgan honored with History of Science Society prize

Greg Morgan, an Associate Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the Derek Price/Rod Webster Prize for his paper on Rosalind Franklin's research on tobacco mosaic virus. The paper offers a new interpretation of scientific cooperation and competition in molecular biology.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

American opinion cools on global warming

A recent survey found a significant decrease in Americans' concerns and trust in climate change. Only 57% believe global warming is happening, and 47% attribute it to human activities. Meanwhile, public trust in institutions and leaders has eroded, with distrust towards scientists, politicians, and the media on the rise

Deadly fish virus now found in all Great Lakes

The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) has been detected in fish from Lake Superior, Paradise, and Skanee in Michigan, and St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay in Wisconsin. The presence of the virus in all Great Lakes poses a significant threat to New York's $1.4 billion annual sport-fishing industry.

Research on global 'sun block' needed now

Climate experts propose international research and field-testing on solar-radiation management (SRM) to limit climate change impacts. SRM could offset this century's predicted global average temperature rise more than 100 times cheaper than cutting emissions.

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.

Researchers develop new tool for gene delivery

A new tool called PEG-POD significantly increases gene delivery to retinal cells, outperforming existing carriers and DNA alone. This breakthrough may help develop therapies for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.

Scientists map changes in science and beyond

A team of researchers used new mathematical tools to reveal major shifts in the structure of scientific research, tracking changes in neuroscience from an interdisciplinary specialty to a full-fledged scholarly discipline. The analysis resulted in striking images demonstrating the evolution of the field over time.

GOES-P proceeds toward launch

The GOES-P spacecraft is proceeding through final checks before its launch on March 1. The Imager, Sounder and Solar X-Ray Imager have completed cleaning and inspections, while optical port covers are being installed as the last mechanism to be deployed in orbit.

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.

Alcohol use and cognitive decline among the elderly

A study in Brazil found that heavy alcohol use among the elderly is associated with more memory and cognitive problems than mild-to-moderate drinking, particularly among women. The study also revealed that older adults continue to drink throughout their lives.

Surgery helps chronic sinusitis sufferers get relief

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that up to 76% of participants experienced significant improvement in quality of life following endoscopic sinus surgery. The study included 302 adults with chronic rhinosinusitis and was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Severe complications of diabetes higher in depressed patients

A study published in Diabetes Care found that patients with depression are at a 36% higher risk of developing advanced micro-vascular complications, such as end-stage kidney disease or blindness. Depression is also linked to a 25% higher risk of macrovascular complications, including stroke and heart attack.

Energy-harvesting rubber sheets could power pacemakers, mobile phones

Researchers developed energy-harvesting rubber films that generate electricity from flexing and are highly efficient at converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The material, composed of ceramic nanoribbons embedded onto silicone rubber sheets, could power pacemakers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices using breathin...

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.

Scripps research scientists find potential new way to enhance vaccines

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a potential new way to stimulate the immune system to prevent or clear a viral infection by blocking a key protein in mouse immune systems. This approach may enhance the effectiveness of human vaccines designed to prevent viral infections.

Does evolution always lead to bigger brains?

A team of scientists found that brain size evolved differently in various primate lineages, with some species experiencing decreases in brain mass despite larger body sizes. This challenges the long-held assumption that evolution always results in bigger brains.

Losing sleep, losing brain?

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia is associated with smaller volumes in brain regions involved in memory formation and pleasantness evaluation. Insomnia patients have lower grey matter density in these regions, which may impact their ability to recognize optimal comfort for falling asleep.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Disarming specialized stem cells might combat deadly ovarian cancer

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that stopping the expression of two genes Lin28 and Oct4 can reduce ovarian cancer cell growth and survival. This could lead to more effective treatments for this deadly form of cancer, which has a high recurrence rate and resistance to treatment.

$3.75 million grant advances tissue engineering partnership

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are receiving a $3.75 million grant to study tendon development and create better repairs after injury using adult stem cells. The goal is to introduce signals that mimic normal tendon development during repair, leading to more effective soft tissue repairs.

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.

Anti-spasticity medications need further research

A new review of scientific literature found that only a few anti-spasticity medications used for children with cerebral palsy have sufficient research backing their use. The American Academy of Neurology has released a new practice guideline on effective treatments, highlighting the need for more research on commonly used drugs.

Helpful yeast battles food-contaminating aflatoxin

Researchers have found a yeast called Pichia anomala that can compete with unwanted mold Aspergillus flavus for nutrients and space, reducing aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts by up to 97%. The versatile yeast may also protect other crops from various microorganisms.

ASTRO's IHE-RO program receives 2-year grant

The American Society for Radiation Oncology's IHE-RO program has been awarded a grant to develop interoperability standards and build test tools software. The goal is to create universal health records for cancer patients and improve communication between radiation oncology equipment.

Olga restrengthens into a tropical storm

Tropical Storm Olga has maximum sustained winds near 39 mph and is moving northwest near 4 mph. It is expected to turn north and enter the Gulf of Carpentaria, where it will strengthen before making another landfall near the Queensland border.

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.

Magnesium supplement helps boost brainpower

A new magnesium compound, MgT, has been shown to boost learning abilities, working memory, and short- and long-term memory in rats. The study suggests that maintaining normal or higher levels of magnesium may help slow age-related loss of cognitive function and prevent diseases affecting cognitive function.

Green energy management

Researchers identified a phosphatase enzyme that removes phosphate from LHCII proteins, allowing for the balance of light energy between two photosystems. This discovery has practical implications for improving plant growth and potentially reducing energy bills.

Brain scientists extend map of fear memory formation

Researchers have extended the fear map to include the prelimbic cortex, revealing its importance in emotional regulation. The study found that mice lacking a critical growth factor in the prelimbic cortex struggle to remember to fear electric shocks, suggesting a potential link to anxiety disorders.

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.

Even mild kidney disease harms a child's quality of life

Researchers found that even mild to moderate kidney disease can lead to physical, emotional, intellectual, and social challenges in children. Children with chronic diseases currently do not qualify for special education until their scores decline dramatically. Early attention to quality-of-life issues is crucial.

Antibiotic found to protect hearing in mice

Researchers discovered that a commonly used antibiotic, kanamycin, protects mouse ears from noise-induced hearing loss when given in low doses. The finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments and could benefit groups such as premature babies, soldiers, and airline workers.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Walkerton Tragedy: 10 years of research leads to breakthrough

Researchers have identified genetic risk markers for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) in victims of the Walkerton tainted drinking water tragedy. The study, led by McGill PhD Alexandra-Chloé Villani, found that genetic factors play a critical role in the development of PI-IBS.

Mismatched alloys are a good match for thermoelectrics

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that introducing oxygen impurities into highly mismatched alloys can substantially enhance thermoelectric performance. This approach allows for the creation of materials with high thermopower and electric conductivity, promising a breakthrough in green energy production.

Astronomers find rare beast by new means

Scientists have found a supernova explosion that exhibits characteristics of a gamma-ray burst but lacks gamma rays. The discovery using the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array radio telescope promises to aid in locating more examples of these mysterious events.

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.

Pomegranate extract stimulates uterine contractions

Researchers discovered that pomegranate seed extract's beta-sitosterol increases calcium levels in uterine muscle cells, stimulating contractions. This finding could lead to new ways of treating dysfunctional labour and improve pregnancy outcomes worldwide.

The roots of food security

Researchers found that auxin hormones regulate root branching in plants, enabling more efficient nutrient uptake and storage, which can support high-yield crops and enhance food security.

Brain responses during anesthesia mimic those during natural deep sleep

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported finding brain response patterns similar to those during natural deep sleep under anesthesia. The study suggests that loss of consciousness may be linked to a breakdown in cortical connectivity, lending support to the integrated information theory of consciousness.

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.

Vitamin D supplements could fight Crohn's disease

A new study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry found that Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to Crohn's disease. The researchers discovered that Vitamin D acts directly on genes involved in fighting intestinal bacteria and immune responses. Siblings of patients with Crohn's disease may benefit from ensuring they are vitamin ...

Engineering professor Maura Borrego earns rising star award

Maura Borrego, a Virginia Tech assistant professor of engineering education, has received the Rising Star Award from SCHEV and Dominion. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex technological challenges, while her teaching methods emphasize active learning techniques and student-centered discussion.

'Good' bacteria keep immune system primed to fight future infections

Researchers discover that beneficial gut bacteria play a crucial role in priming the immune system to combat future infections. The study found that these 'good' bacteria influence neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight infection, and suggest that prolonged antibiotic use may compromise immune function.

Renowned Duke researcher wins Frontiers of Knowledge Award

Robert J. Lefkowitz, a leading expert on G-protein-coupled receptors, has been awarded the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for his groundbreaking research. His work has led to the development of millions of drugs used to treat various diseases worldwide.

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.

A mind at rest strengthens memories, NYU researchers find

Researchers at New York University found that memory consolidation strengthens during periods of awake rest, not just sleep. This process boosts brain activity in the hippocampus and cortex, leading to better retention of information and improved cognitive function.

Recognition of facial expressions is not universal

A study by the University of Montreal found that Caucasians and Asians recognize faces in distinct ways, with Caucasians analyzing facial features like eyes and mouth, while Asians consider the entire face. This difference affects their ability to identify emotions, particularly negative ones.

Dartmouth researchers help secure the power grid

Dartmouth researchers have received a five-year $18.8 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop cyber security tools for the power grid. The 'Smarter Grid' project aims to integrate information technologies with real-time authentication, integrity, and confidentiality.

Babies' brains tuned to sharing attention with others

Researchers found that infants as young as five months old engage in joint attention with adults, activating the left prefrontal cortex, a region involved in complex cognitive and social behaviors. This suggests that the human brain develops this important social skill surprisingly early in infancy.

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.