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Science News Archive May 2010


Page 14 of 26

New twist on potential malaria drug target acts by trapping parasites in cells

Researchers have discovered a new twist on a potential malaria drug target, which traps malaria parasites within infected red blood cells. This breakthrough identifies an essential step in the biology of the most common and severe malaria parasite and offers a new direction for fighting one of the world's most deadly infections.

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.

Impact sensor provides athletic support

Researchers developed a new type of wearable impact sensor based on composite materials that generate an electrical current when compressed. The sensors can measure the forces acting on athletes' bodies and provide data to improve performance and reduce injuries.

Study finds effects of early child care at age 15

A longitudinal study of over 1,300 children found that early child care quality predicts higher test scores in cognitive and academic achievement, fewer behavior problems, and less impulsivity. The study supports the idea that early childhood experiences can have long-lasting effects on teenagers' development.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Growers can boost benefits of broccoli and tomatoes

A University of Illinois study demonstrates that agronomic practices can significantly increase the cancer-fighting compounds in broccoli and tomatoes. Selenium-treated broccoli was found to have six times higher levels of one compound and exhibited increased bioactivity, particularly in the liver.

Spitting cobras track first, predict later

Researchers discovered that spitting cobras initially track an aggressor's movement, but then switch to predicting where the victim will be 200ms in the future. The snakes use this information to fine-tune their venom spray and hit their target with accuracy.

A warm sensor maintains skin barrier

A Japanese research group discovered that TRPV4 ion channel plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier function by regulating cell-cell junctions. Removal of TRPV4 from keratinocytes led to leaky junctions and weak skin barriers, highlighting its importance in preventing dehydration.

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.

Frequent alcohol use linked to faster HIV disease progression

A recent study found that frequent alcohol consumption is associated with a faster decline in CD4+ cell counts in individuals with HIV disease. The research, conducted over 30 months, suggests that alcohol has a direct impact on CD4 cells and accelerates immune system decline.

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.

Silver tells a volatile story of Earth's origin

Researchers found that water and key volatiles may have been present in Earth's original building blocks, contradicting previous theories. The study suggests a complex accretion process for the planet, with volatile-rich material added in late stages of formation.

Water was present during birth of Earth

Scientists have found that volatile elements, including water, were present during the violent process of Earth's birth. The discovery, made using high precision equipment to measure Silver isotopes in rocks, suggests that comets and asteroids may not have brought significant amounts of volatile elements to Earth.

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.

DksA polices the intersection of replication and transcription

Researchers discovered a new factor, DksA, that prevents conflict between DNA replication and transcription in E. coli. When present, DksA tags along with RNA polymerase and removes it from the track when DNA polymerase approaches, allowing for stable replication.

Novel pouch could reduce mother-to-infant HIV infection

A novel pouch system developed by Duke University researchers can provide a potentially life-saving dose of an anti-HIV medication to newborn babies born at home. The system uses foil and plastic pouches that can hold a single dose of Nevirapine, allowing mothers to give their newborns treatment shortly after birth.

How do organisms make dietary choices?

A study in fruit flies reveals a molecular pathway involved in dietary choices, which has implications for humans sharing the same pathway. The research opens doors to developing treatments for metabolic disorders by addressing nutritional imbalances.

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.

People who recognize stroke symptoms still may not call 9-1-1

Researchers found that only 14% of participants knew to call 9-1-1 for three common stroke symptoms, while 37% reported not calling. The study emphasizes the critical role of symptom recognition and emergency medical services in reducing delays in hospital arrival.

Scientists offer new take on selective fishing

Scientists propose a new approach to selective fishing that prioritizes ecosystem health and biodiversity, challenging traditional methods. The 'balanced exploitation' approach combines reduced fishing effort with better use of non-target species to achieve sustainable yields while maintaining healthy ecosystems.

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.

New forensics research will help identify remains of children

Researchers have developed a new tool to identify the remains of children using craniofacial shape analysis. This breakthrough can help resolve missing-persons cases and advance our understanding of past civilizations' population dynamics. The study found that children's facial shapes attain adult-like characteristics as early as age 14.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Can Celebrex prevent cancer-causing colon polyps?

Rush University Medical Center is conducting an international clinical trial to test celecoxib's effectiveness in preventing precancerous polyps in children with familial adenomatous polyposis. The five-year study aims to assess whether the drug can reduce or prevent polyp formation, offering hope for these patients.

Study: Community approach to smoking bans not effective in Appalachia

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that local ordinances in Appalachian states with weak statewide smoking regulations do not provide adequate protection against second-hand smoke. Stronger statewide clean indoor air laws are recommended to effectively regulate smoking in public places.

How microtubules let go of their attachments during cell division

Researchers have determined how cells regulate microtubule attachments during cell division, a process critical for proper chromosomal distribution. The system relies on phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of key proteins, controlled by enzymes Aurora B and PP1, to correct attachment problems and maintain accurate chromosome separation.

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.

Without this protein, embryonic development halts

A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine found that the Ash2l protein is crucial for early mammalian development, with mouse embryos dying without it. The researchers discovered that Ash2l interacts with Tbx1 to regulate gene transcription, shedding light on the pathogenesis of DiGeorge syndrome.

Strategies for increasing carbon stored in forests and wood

Scientists review eight strategies to increase forest carbon storage, including afforestation, urban forestry, and biomass energy, while acknowledging the need for cost-effective methods and regulation. The current carbon offset of 12-19% in US forests is not permanent but has potential to increase with careful management.

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.

Advanced geographical models bring new perspective to study of archaeology

Researchers used computational modeling to simulate different land use practices in ancient societies, finding that a combination of shifting cultivation and grazing leads to more erosion runoff but also fertile farmland around tiny hamlets. The study sheds light on the importance of threshold effects when people alter landscapes for a...

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.

Cheese found to improve the immune response of the elderly

Daily probiotic cheese consumption boosts natural and acquired immunity in older adults by activating NK blood cells and increasing phagocytic activity. The study aims to thwart immunosenescence, an age-related deterioration of the immune system that increases susceptibility to infections and cancer.

Volcanic plume meets and occluded weather front, changes wind direction

A visible satellite image shows Eyjafjallajokull Volcano's ash plume shifting to an east-southeasterly direction as a cold occlusion brings cold air under warmer aloft air. The interaction between the volcanic plume and occluded front has changed wind direction from southerly to west-northwest.

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.

'Votes' of sub-cellular variables control cell fate

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that bacterial cells 'vote' on their fate based on sub-cellular variables, rather than random chemical events. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that cell fate decisions are determined by environmental noise.

Scientists ID bacterial genes that improve plant growth

Researchers have identified a range of bacterial genes that help explain how certain microbes increase plant growth by up to 40%. These genes provide benefits for plants, including drought resistance, antimicrobial agents, and phytohormones, and are directly dependent on plant-synthesized sugars.

Wine-making yeast shows promise for bioethanol production

Researchers identified a gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that enables it to convert five-carbon sugars like xylose into ethanol. This discovery may lead to the development of new, industrially-applicable strains for large-scale bioethanol production.

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.

The Hastings Center Report table of contents for May/June 2010

Neuroimaging research suggests that patients in a persistent vegetative state may not be conscious, raising questions about end-of-life care. The Hastings Center Report explores these issues, including the use of palliative sedation and organ donation after cardiac death protocols.