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Science News Archive March 2010


Page 19 of 27

The alpine marmot spreads into the Catalan Pyrenees

The alpine marmot's expansion into the Catalan Pyrenees is a result of its adaptability to warmer temperatures. The species can occupy abandoned fields at lower altitudes, influencing local biodiversity and potentially threatening native species such as ptarmigan.

From the desk lamp to the desktop?

Researchers from Germany have developed a way to encode wireless broadband signals using desk lamps, exploiting synergy between illumination and information. The system uses visible-frequency wireless with all the bandwidth one could want, achieving record speeds of up to 230 Mbit/s with commercial LEDs.

Vilcek prizes in biomedical science awarded

Dr. Alexander Varshavsky, a pioneer in ubiquitin research, receives the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for elucidating the process of regulated protein degradation. Dr. Harmit Malik, a young researcher, wins the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise for his innovative approach to genetic conflict and its implications for human diseases.

Model may offer better understanding of embryonic development

A mathematical model predicts complex signaling patterns in fruit fly embryos, shedding light on stem cell differentiation and potential applications in tissue engineering. The study aims to better understand how to control similar cells in a laboratory setting.

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.

Designer nano luggage to carry drugs to diseased cells

Scientists have successfully grown and loaded empty nano containers with useful chemicals from a plant virus, opening up new areas of research in targeted drug delivery. The technology has potential applications in cancer treatment, delivering drugs directly to diseased cells while sparing healthy ones.

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.

Papaya extract thwarts growth of cancer cells in lab tests

Researchers at the University of Florida have found that papaya extract thwarts the growth of cancer cells in lab tests, boosting the production of key signaling molecules and suggesting possible therapeutic strategies. The extract did not show toxic effects on normal cells, consistent with reports from indigenous populations.

Sources of pollution in waterways

A recent study found that stormwater runoff is the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in the New York/New Jersey Harbor. The study estimated that stormwater runoff contributes about half of the total PAH load to the harbor. The researchers also identified gaps in data, particularly for stormwater runoff ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Decoding the long calls of the orangutan

Researchers decoded Orangutan long calls, discovering they convey individual identity and context. Females can distinguish between spontaneous and aroused calls, reacting differently to each. Long calls may serve to repel rivals or predators, a key finding that sheds light on Orangutan communication.

Life is shorter for men, but sexually active life expectancy is longer

A study published by University of Chicago researchers found that men can expect another 15 years of sexual activity at age 55, while women expect less than 11 years. The study also introduced a new health measure, 'sexually active life expectancy,' which was lower for both men and women.

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.

Skin transplant offers new hope to vitiligo patients

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital conducted a study showing that skin transplant surgery is safe and effective in treating vitiligo. The treated area regained an average of 52% of its natural skin color, with some patients experiencing up to 74% regrowth.

NYU Courant professor wins NSF's Waterman Award

Subhash Khot, a NYU Courant professor, has received the NSF's Waterman Award for his work on computational complexity and its significance in computer security. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on the Unique Games Problem, which sheds light on computationally intractable problems with far-reaching consequences.

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.

Intentional variation increases result validity in mouse testing

A study published in Nature Methods found that introducing as few as two controlled environmental variables to preclinical mice tests can significantly reduce costly false positives and the number of animals needed for testing. This approach challenges traditional standardization efforts in animal testing.

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.

Reovirus may be a novel approach to prostate cancer treatment

Researchers have detected a novel oncolytic viral therapy against prostate cancer using the reovirus, showing safety and efficacy in early-stage patients. The study found that the virus induced cancer cell death without replicating in normal tissues, with minimal toxicity reported.

Genetic variant greatly increases lung cancer risk for light smokers

A genetic variant identified by researchers at the University of Cincinnati significantly increases lung cancer risk for individuals who smoke lightly, even if they are not heavy smokers. Family members with this genetic variant should be monitored for early detection, regardless of their smoking habits.

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.

Smelling the scenery in stereo

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that desert ants can locate odour sources in a map-like manner and use this information for navigation. The ants need both antennae to smell the scenery in stereo, enabling precise location of their nests after foraging for food.

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.

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.

Surprising findings about hepatitis C and insulin resistance

Researchers have discovered that hepatitis C causes high insulin resistance primarily in muscles, not livers. This finding may lead to better management and prevention of diabetes among those with Hepatitis C, particularly for those at genetic risk.

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.

After a fight with a partner, brain activity predicts emotional resiliency

A study from Harvard University suggests that brain activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex is a better indicator of how someone will feel in the days following a fight with their partner. Individuals who show more neural activity in this region are less likely to be upset and may display improved day-to-day mood.

HHMI's Gilliam Fellowships aim to increase diversity in the sciences

The HHMI's Gilliam Fellowships program aims to increase diversity in the sciences by supporting students from underrepresented groups. The five new fellows will receive $44,000 in graduate school support annually for up to five years, with a focus on promoting research and teaching careers.

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.

Tropical cyclone formation likely near Madagascar

Forecasters believe a low-pressure area off Madagascar's east coast has conditions ripe for development into a tropical storm. The system is being monitored due to its warm waters and improved banding of thunderstorms.

Iowa Congressman Tom Latham receives Champion of Agronomy Award

Congressman Tom Latham received the 2010 Champion of Agronomy Award from the American Society of Agronomy for his strong support of agriculture and conservation. The award recognizes his commitment to advancing agricultural research and development, essential for America's farmers and ranchers.

Grandfathered drug for high potassium has no proven benefit

A review by the American Society of Nephrology suggests that ion exchange resins used to treat hyperkalemia may not be effective and could be harmful. The authors recommend further studies on these products and urge doctors to explore alternative treatments first.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New insight on how fast nicotine peaks in the brain

Nicotine takes much longer to reach peak brain levels in smokers, contradicting traditional puff-by-puff spikes, and may depend on overall rate of accumulation, habit, and sensory cues. Smokers who eventually experience high nicotine levels without becoming addicted still lack clear explanations for their non-addictive status.

'Improved doctor-pharmacist collaboration needed': study

A Canadian study found that collaborative care between family physicians and community pharmacists improved patient outcomes, including increased medication adjustments and lifestyle changes. However, the study showed no significant impact on cholesterol control.

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.

Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals

A study of farm-to-school programs reveals that school food service professionals are motivated by factors such as student enthusiasm and price, leading to improved nutritional offerings. The programs also benefit farmers by providing a stable market for locally grown produce, helping to promote healthful eating habits among children.

Musk ox population decline due to climate, not to humans, study finds

A team of scientists has discovered that the drastic decline in Arctic musk ox populations began due to a warming climate rather than human hunting. The researchers used ancient DNA to test for human impacts on musk ox populations and found that humans were not responsible for their decline.

Deep sedimentation of acantharian cysts -- a reproductive strategy?

Research found that spore-like acantharian cysts rapidly sink from surface waters to the deep ocean, delivering significant amounts of organic matter to the ocean depths. This phenomenon may be part of an extraordinary reproductive strategy allowing juveniles to exploit a seasonal food bonanza.