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Science News Archive January 2010


Page 5 of 20

Maximum height of extreme waves up dramatically in Pacific Northwest

Scientists at Oregon State University have found that maximum ocean wave heights off the Pacific Northwest have increased dramatically, reaching as high as 46 feet, forcing re-evaluation of '100-year event' predictions. The study highlights the potential for higher waves to dominate erosion, flooding and damage over sea level rise.

Discovery of epigenetic memory during breast cancer

The study found that disrupting TGFβ signaling leads to the re-expression of silenced genes, reversing tumorigenic properties and putting brakes on cancer progression. This discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies targeting the Smad signaling pathway.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scripps research team finds stress hormone key to alcohol dependence

A Scripps Research Institute team discovered corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a crucial role in alcohol dependence. Blocking CRF with antagonists blocked addiction symptoms and increased sensitivity to treatment, suggesting a new approach for substance abuse treatment.

2-pronged immune response offers hope for effective Salmonella vaccine

Research from Malawi and the UK reveals a two-pronged immune response that could combat even the most resilient strains of nontyphoidal Salmonella. Protective antibodies have been identified that recognize bacteria in the blood and kill them without immune cell help, offering hope for an effective vaccine.

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.

Ozone hole healing could cause further climate warming

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that the Antarctic ozone hole's repair may actually accelerate climate warming in the region. The formation of brighter clouds reflecting sunlight has shielded the area from carbon-induced warming over the past two decades.

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.

Monitoring peatland from Earth and space

Scientists develop a new technique to measure spatial patterning in peatland surfaces, enabling improved monitoring of damage caused by human activity. Airborne laser scanning instruments can detect fine-scale structures like hummocks and hollows, critical for tracking climate change.

Surprising discovery: X-rays drive formation of new crystals

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that X-rays can drive the formation of a new type of crystal, featuring charged cylindrical filaments. The crystals exhibit striking features, including long-range ordering and high water content, offering new insights into crystallization processes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists achieve first rewire of genetic switches

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in regulating genes by hijacking riboswitches, opening doors for targeted drug discovery and synthetic biology. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses synthetic molecules to activate genes previously controlled by small naturally occurring molecules.

JCI table of contents: Jan. 25, 2010

Researchers found that adding three specific molecules to a vaccine increased the effectiveness of protective T cell responses in mice. The quality, not just the quantity, of these responses was enhanced. This discovery could lead to new adjuvants for improving vaccine efficacy.

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.

Echolocating bats and whales share molecular mechanism

A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that echolocating bats and whales share a similar molecular mechanism for this ability, overturning conventional thinking on convergence. The research focused on the prestin gene, which plays a crucial role in hearing and amplifying sounds.

New studies highlight needs of boys in K-12, higher education

Two new papers by University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Judith Kleinfeld reveal high rates of suicide, conduct disorders, and emotional disturbance among boys, as well as lower grades and test scores. Schools are urged to address the unique challenges faced by both girls and boys.

Dolphin and bat DNA on the same wavelength

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that dolphins and bats evolved the same specialized inner-ear hair cells for echolocation, resulting in identical genetic changes. This unprecedented example of convergence highlights the complexity of evolutionary processes.

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.

Natural pest control saves coffee berry

A previously unknown predatory thrips species, Karnyothrips flavipes, has been identified as a predator of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei. This discovery could have significant implications for integrated pest management in coffee-producing countries.

NIGMS awards contract to expand human genetic cell repository

The Coriell Institute for Medical Research will enhance its collection of carefully maintained human cell lines by adding induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells carrying disease gene mutations. The addition will enable scientists to study a wide range of diseases and make the repository an even more valuable resource.

Bigger corn plants bully smaller neighbors in no-till fields

Researchers found that corn plants in no-till fields experience intense competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced yields. The leftover corn residue creates patches of soil with lower temperatures and different nutrient content, resulting in significant height differences among plants.

Computers do better than humans at measuring some radiology images

Researchers developed a computer program that accurately measures the meniscus in radiology images, providing potential biomarkers for osteoarthritis. The program's automated measurements are as reliable or more reliable than human interpretations, completing tasks in minutes rather than hours.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A pregnant woman does not look like an olive

Researchers simplified standard warning labels on prescription medicine bottles to improve patient comprehension. The study found that patients with low health literacy benefited from newly designed icons and concise language.

Female athletes injured more than male athletes

A recent study reveals that female athletes experience higher rates of musculoskeletal injuries compared to their male counterparts. The research highlights the importance of proper nutrition and support for young female athletes to prevent such injuries.

Rare genetic variants create 'synthetic' genome-wide signals of disease risk

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center found that rare genetic variants, rather than common ones, may be responsible for the genetic component of most common diseases. Simulation studies revealed 'synthetic' genome-wide signals of disease risk, suggesting a shift in research focus to detecting rare variants.

8 global health agencies call for better global health data

Global health agencies urge stronger collection, analysis, and use of health data to evaluate the impact of health programs and policies. The eight agencies propose four actions to strengthen health data collection, including increasing investments in health information and developing a common data architecture.

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.

70 percent of Inuit preschoolers live in food insecure homes

A study of 388 Inuit children aged 3-5 years found that 70% lived in households with insufficient food, contributing to high rates of obesity and overweight. The researchers emphasize the need for strengthened support systems for Inuit families with young children.

New compound could be alternative strategy for preventing HIV infection

Researchers have developed a new compound, EFdA, that is 60,000 times more potent than current HIV therapies and can protect cells for longer periods. This compound has the potential to be used in vaginal gels or creams as an alternative preventative strategy for women whose partners refuse to use condoms.

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.

Superconducting hydrogen?

Scientists have modeled three hydrogen-dense metal alloys and found that superconductivity can be induced by high pressure, with transition temperatures as low as -423°F. The study suggests that the superconducting state comes from electron interaction with vibrational energy through the lattice.

Sweet success for sustainable biofuel research

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have found a way to increase glucomannan levels in plant stems without detrimental effects on plant development or cell wall strength. This discovery could lead to higher yields of fuel from crops, contributing to sustainable and economic biofuels.

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.

'Poop' dermatitis linked to fashionable toilet seats, harsh chemicals

Researchers have identified five cases of toilet-seat dermatitis, a skin condition that can be caused by wooden toilet seats or exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals. The study recommends using paper toilet seat covers, replacing wooden seats with plastic ones, and avoiding harsh cleaners to prevent the condition.

Men feel less guilt

Men experience lower levels of guilt compared to women, particularly in interpersonal situations, with a greater prevalence of anxious-aggressive guilt among women, especially those over 40. Educational practices and socializing agents can help reduce this trend.

Sodium contents of processed foods decoded

Researchers from The George Institute for International Health conducted a systematic survey to monitor sodium content in Australian processed foods. The study provides valuable tools for continued monitoring and reformulation efforts to lower sodium levels, ultimately reducing the risk of elevated blood pressure among Australians.

The NHS and the cost-benefit dilemma

New research raises concerns that broadening NHS treatment evaluation could harm both the NHS and economy. The study found widening the analysis could require trade-offs between health impact, social concerns and economic benefits.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study of shark virgin birth shows offspring can survive long term

A new study published in the Journal of Heredity confirms that shark pups born to virgin mothers can survive for over five years. Genetic analysis by researchers at Stony Brook University and Queen's University found that some female sharks can produce viable offspring without male sperm, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis.

How arthritis thrives

A Tel Aviv University expert reviews the links between autoimmune diseases, infections, genetics, and the environment. Environmental factors such as hairspray, lipstick, second-hand smoke, food chemicals, and UV exposure are found to trigger the onset of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Engineering a new way to study hepatitis C

Researchers at MIT and Rockefeller University have successfully grown hepatitis C virus in lab-grown liver cells, allowing for testing of new treatments. The innovation enables prolonged cell survival and reproduction, enabling scientists to study the virus's responses to different drugs.

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.

Insulin research points way to better diabetes treatments

Scientists have identified common features of super active insulins, shedding light on their molecular structure and interaction with insulin receptors. The research holds promise for developing more sophisticated treatments for Type I diabetes, potentially offering controlled or injection-free therapies.

Gecko's lessons transfer well

A Rice University researcher has found a way to transfer forests of aligned carbon nanotubes from one surface to another in minutes. The technique uses water vapor to weaken chemical bonds between the tubes and the catalyst particles, allowing for precise control over the diameter of the nanotubes

Mayo Clinic and IBM advance early detection of brain aneurysms

A new method developed by Mayo Clinic and IBM uses analytics technology to detect brain aneurysms with a 95% accuracy rate, compared to 70% for manual interpretation. The system can identify images in 3-5 minutes, improving efficiency and saving radiologists' time.

Advanced engine-control system reduces biodiesel fuel consumption and emissions

Researchers from Purdue University and Cummins Inc. developed an advanced engine-control system to reduce biodiesel fuel consumption and emissions. The system uses closed-loop control techniques to self-adjust engine settings based on feedback from sensors, improving fuel economy while minimizing nitrogen oxide emissions.

Better computing, communication for emergency personnel at disaster sites

Researchers at UC San Diego are launching a project to improve communication and data-sharing among emergency officials during disasters. The new system aims to overcome obstacles such as unreliable wireless networks, staggering arrival times of responders, and rapidly changing infrastructure capabilities.

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.

Birth outcomes in Inuit-inhabited areas

The study found that Inuit-inhabited areas had a 2.7 times higher fetal and infant mortality rate, with higher rates of preterm birth and younger mothers, highlighting dire maternal and infant health situations.

Vaccine approach extends life of metastatic prostate cancer patients

A clinical trial shows that patients with metastatic prostate cancer who received a vaccine lived substantially longer than those who received a placebo, with a median survival time of 24.5 months compared to 16 months. The study found encouraging evidence for a clinically meaningful benefit from this vaccine approach.

CAREER grant will help understand cell cycle model

Yang Cao will use the five-year grant to develop computational methods and mathematical theories to integrate various models of the cell cycle. The project aims to improve understanding of the complex process, which is linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Thinking outside the block in disease gene studies

Researchers challenge conventional interpretations of genome-wide association studies, finding synthetic associations between rare and common gene variants that produce signals similar to those found in actual disease studies. This suggests that researchers may need to broaden their search to pinpoint these powerful mutations.