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Science News for January 8, 2010


Neutrino data to flow in 2010; NOvA scientists tune design

Physicists are developing a $278 million neutrino detector to study fundamental mysteries of the universe. The NOvA collaboration, involving 180 scientists from 28 institutions, aims to better understand matter and dark matter, the universe's formation and evolution, and astrophysical events.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateJan 8, 2010

Where do puffins go in the winter?

A recent increase in winter mortality among Atlantic puffins could be attributed to worsening North Sea conditions, according to a new study. Geolocation technology tracked puffins from the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, revealing that some birds make long trips into the Atlantic during winter.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalMarine Biology·DateJan 8, 2010

New approach to fighting Alzheimer's shows potential in clinical trial

A combination of nutrients, including uridine, choline, and DHA, has shown promise in improving verbal memory in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study found that 40% of treated patients improved performance in a test of verbal memory, while 24% of control subjects showed improvement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 8, 2010
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.

What came first in the origin of life? A study contradicts the 'metabolism first' hypothesis

Researchers from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona found that compound genomes lose essential properties for evolution when complex. The study challenges the 'metabolism first' theory and supports the idea that genetic information stored in nucleotide polymers, like RNA and DNA, is crucial for life to emerge.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2010

Super cyclone Edzani staying safely at sea spawning super swells

Cyclone Edzani, a powerful Category 4 storm, is generating extreme waves and super swells over the open ocean. The storm's eye was visible in a NASA satellite image, and forecasters predict it will continue moving southwesterly, entering cooler waters by early next week and weakening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2010

A role for calcium in taste perception

Researchers have found that calcium channels on the tongue are involved in enhancing flavors when paired with substances like glutathione. The study provides new insight into the biology of taste and could lead to the development of healthier foods with minimal sugar or salt.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2010

Sleeping Beauty hooks up with herpes to fight brain disease

Neuroscientists combined herpes and Sleeping Beauty to deliver larger genes to brain cells, increasing the size of genetic payload by nearly tripling it. This breakthrough technology could lead to treatments for devastating brain diseases like pediatric leukodystrophies and lysosomal storage disorders.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalGene Therapy·DateJan 8, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain imaging may help diagnose autism

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found a delayed brain response to sound in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which may be refined into the first imaging biomarker. The study used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect subtle language delays, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 8, 2010

Texas A&M prof working on new ways to see through the human body

Peter Kuchment, a leading researcher at Texas AüM University, is developing mathematical tools for improved medical imaging methods. Hybrid imaging methods like photoacoustic imaging aim to combine the strengths of different imaging modalities, enhancing tumor detection and treatment options.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJan 8, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Deep brain stimulation successful for treatment of severely depressive patient

A 64-year-old woman with severe depression was treated with deep brain stimulation of the habenula, showing significant improvement and long-term remission. The procedure is a new treatment option for therapy-resistant depression, building on existing knowledge of the habenula's role in the condition.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2010

Suzaku finds 'fossil' fireballs from supernovae

Researchers have found remnants of high-temperature fireballs in two supernova remnants, revealing a new type of supernova remnant that was heated immediately after the explosion. The discovery was made possible by the sensitivity of the Suzaku satellite.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2010

How high can a climber go?

A new study led by researchers from the University of Granada reveals that climbing time to exhaustion is the sole determinant of high-level sport climber performance. The study analyzed physiological parameters and found no significant differences between expert and elite climbers except in these two areas.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 8, 2010

Paper strips can quickly detect toxin in drinking water

A strip of paper infused with carbon nanotubes can quickly and inexpensively detect microcystin-LR, a chemical compound produced by cyanobacteria, found in nutrient-rich waters. The biosensor works by measuring the electrical conductivity of the nanotubes in the paper, changing their conductivity when the toxin is present.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJan 8, 2010

New test may help address costly parasite in sheep industry

Researchers at OSU and UGA developed a faster, easier, and less expensive test to detect Haemonchus contortus, a parasitic worm causing significant production losses in the global sheep and wool industry. The new lectin staining test allows for quick feedback on anemia status and parasite burden.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalVeterinary Parasitology·DateJan 8, 2010
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.

Research confirms efficacy of the newly reclassified TMN staging system

The new T classification is based on tumor size and has been validated as appropriate for pathologic findings. The study found significant differences in survival rates among revised T subsets, highlighting the importance of the revised TMN classification for lung cancer treatment planning.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 8, 2010

New system helps explain salmon migration

A new acoustic telemetry system, JSATS, detects 98% of tagged fish in juvenile salmon migration studies, allowing for more precise survival estimates and reducing the number of fish needed. The system's smaller tag size and flexible receiver placement capabilities also improve conservation efforts.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalFisheries·DateJan 8, 2010

Coral can recover from climate change damage

A University of Exeter study shows coral reefs located in marine reserves can recover from the devastating effects of global warming. The research found that reducing fishing levels is a viable way to protect delicate aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2010

Echinoderms contribute to global carbon sink

Researchers estimate that echinoderms, including starfish and sea urchins, produce over a tenth of a gigatonne of carbon per year through calcifying their skeletons. This contribution is more significant than previously thought and must be taken into account in climate models.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalEcological Monographs·DateJan 8, 2010
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.