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Science News Archive September 2010 - Page 8


Page 8 of 27

Why are there no hyenas in Europe?

The study analyzed the impact of climate change on spotted hyena survival in Europe over 10,000 years ago. The researchers found that while climate change was a factor in the hyenas' disappearance, it was not the sole cause.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateSep 23, 2010
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.

Magnetic power offers energy-saving alternative

The Magnetic Energy Recovery Switch (MERS) harnesses and recycles residual magnetic power to control electrical flow, significantly reducing lighting energy consumption by 39 percent. The technology has the potential to reduce the Navy's total energy consumption from alternative sources by 40% by 2020.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 23, 2010

African-Americans face kidney disease-related disparities according to 2 new studies

Two new studies reveal racial disparities in kidney disease among African Americans, including higher rates of kidney failure, premature death, and lower rates of living donor transplants. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing these disparities to improve health outcomes for this population.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 23, 2010

More predators doesn't equal more danger for urban bird nest

Researchers from Ohio State University found that urban bird nests have lower nest survival rates due to human-provided food sources like trash cans and birdfeeders. Despite higher predator numbers in urban areas, these birds are less likely to be attacked because they can feed themselves.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateSep 23, 2010
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.

Scientists recreate extreme conditions deep in Earth's interior

Researchers successfully recreated the extreme conditions found at the Earth's core-mantle boundary, enabling them to study the behavior of a unique mineral called post-perovskite. This discovery sheds light on how seismic waves travel through this region and provides insights into Earth's internal heating and cooling processes.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateSep 23, 2010

Study affirms Gulf oil spill's vastness

A new study uses a novel imaging method to analyze underwater video of the well riser, affirming heightened estimates of the leak's volume and total oil escaped into the open ocean. The scientists estimate 4.4 million barrels were released, close to the government's recent consensus.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience·DateSep 23, 2010

Groundwater depletion rate accelerating worldwide

Scientists have found that global groundwater stocks are shrinking at an alarming rate, with the rate of depletion more than doubling between 1960 and 2000. This rapid loss of water could lead to severe consequences for a growing human population, including food insecurity and social unrest.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 23, 2010

Unprecedented effort to seek, test and treat inmates with HIV

The NIH will fund a five-year research initiative to identify and treat HIV-positive inmates in the US prison system. The goal is to reduce HIV transmission and improve public health by linking those in incarceration to antiretroviral therapy and medical care.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateSep 23, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Patients with cancer who stop hospice care boost health-care costs

Researchers found that patients disenrolling from hospice care had nearly five times the healthcare costs of those remaining with hospice. This is due to increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 23, 2010

Parasite investigations breed 3 Tall Poppies

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute are investigating different aspects of parasite biology, with a focus on developing new treatments. Dr Chris Tonkin is studying Apicomplexan parasites to understand their invasion mechanisms and identify potential targets for drugs.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateSep 23, 2010
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.

Positive behavioral interventions programs found to improve student behavior and learning

Researchers found that adopting School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) significantly improved student behavior and academic achievement. The study, published in the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, showed that SWPBIS was effective in reducing suspensions and office discipline referrals in element...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateSep 22, 2010

NYC public school students have high levels of access to convenience stores with unhealthy food

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly all NYC public school students have access to convenient, energy-dense foods within a short walk. Small grocery stores and bodegas are common sources of unhealthy food, with higher concentrations near schools attended by low-income and minority students.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 22, 2010
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.

Funding for 'Waste the Waist' pilot study

A pilot study has been funded to evaluate a new approach to weight loss and physical activity in people at increased cardiovascular risk. The Waste the Waist programme aims to encourage behaviour change through lifestyle modifications, targeting individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·DateSep 22, 2010

Gum disease found to be significant public health concern

Research suggests that periodontal disease may affect more American adults than previously estimated, with a potential 50% increase in prevalence. The study highlights the importance of maintaining good oral health and regular dental check-ups to prevent gum disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateSep 22, 2010

Mercury found to have comet-like appearance by satellites looking at sun

Scientists have detected gas escaping from Mercury using NASA satellites designed to view the Sun's atmosphere. The STEREO mission has recorded evidence of a 'tail' of emission surrounding the planet, similar to comet-like features observed on Earth and in images taken by the MESSENGER satellite.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateSep 22, 2010
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.

Clinical trial establishes catheter-based aortic valve replacement as new standard of care for patients

A multicenter study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that transcatheter aortic-valve implantation resulted in significantly lower rates of death among patients who cannot undergo surgery. The procedure demonstrated safety and effectiveness for this life-threatening illness in unsuitable candidates.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 22, 2010

Losing your religion deemed unhealthy

A study by Penn State researcher Christopher Scheitle found that people who leave strict religious groups are more likely to report poorer health than those who remain in the group. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 cases and found that only about half of former members reported excellent health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 22, 2010

Smoking during pregnancy may harm the child's motor control and coordination

A new study from Örebro University suggests that smoking during pregnancy can harm a child's motor control and coordination, with boys potentially affected to a greater extent. The study, based on over 13,000 children, found that those whose mothers smoked at least nine cigarettes a day during pregnancy had difficulty completing physic...

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateSep 22, 2010
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.

Taste genes predict tooth decay

A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research has identified genetic variations in taste pathway genes as predictors of tooth decay. The researchers found associations between TAS2R38 and TAS1R2 genes and caries risk or protection.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateSep 22, 2010

Largest genetic study of asthma points towards better treatments

A large-scale genetic study of 26,000 people has identified seven locations on the genome where differences in the genetic code are associated with asthma. The findings suggest that allergies may be a consequence of asthma rather than a cause, and that genetic testing is unlikely to predict who will develop the disease.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 22, 2010

Building language skills more critical for boys than girls

Developing language skills is crucial for boys to regulate their emotions and behavior, according to a Michigan State University study. Boys with strong vocabulary can exhibit dramatic improvements in self-regulation, comparable to girls with similar skills.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateSep 22, 2010

Amazing horned dinosaurs unearthed on 'lost continent'

Two new species of horned dinosaurs, Utahceratops and Kosmoceratops, have been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The dinosaurs possess unique horn structures, with short eye horns projecting strongly to the side, and one horn over the nose, making them the most ornate-headed dinosaurs known.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 22, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

$12 million grant to study young adult smoking behaviors

The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $12.4 million grant to study the predictors of smoking patterns from adolescence through young adulthood. Researchers will track approximately 1,200 youth to explore social and emotional contexts that influence smoking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateSep 22, 2010

New computer-tomography method visualizes nano-structure of bones

A novel nano-CT imaging technique enables researchers to visualize the nano-structure of bone samples with high precision. This allows for better understanding of structural changes related to osteoporosis and development of new therapeutic approaches.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateSep 22, 2010
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.

Could brain abnormalities cause antisocial behavior and drug abuse in boys?

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that brain abnormalities may underlie the development of antisocial behavior and drug abuse in boys. The research found significant differences in brain activity between antisocial boys and their peers, including reduced activity in regions responsible for decision-making and reward process...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 22, 2010

Cocaine and ecstasy detected in waters of the L'Albufera in Valencia

Researchers found cocaine, ecstasy, and six other drugs in the canals of L'Albufera Natural Park. High levels were detected in north and areas with high population density, warning of potential consequences for humans and environment.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateSep 22, 2010

New luggage inspection methods identify liquid explosives

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed new detection equipment that can reliably identify liquid explosives. The method involves sensors detecting vapors from open containers or x-ray equipment scanning unopened bottles, paving the way for lifting of EU ban on carry-on liquids.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 22, 2010
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.

Fruit flies help Yale scientists sniff out new insect repellents

Researchers identify key genes that allow fruit flies to differentiate between smells, enabling the development of more effective insect repellents. By understanding how these genes are regulated, scientists can target similar genes in other insects to create substances that repel pests.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateSep 22, 2010

Microbiologists find source of fungus's damaging growth

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio identified Ume6 as a key transcriptional regulator involved in Candida albicans' hyphal filament-development mechanism. This finding may lead to targets for antifungal therapies, which could help combat hospital-acquired infections caused by this fungus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalEukaryotic Cell·DateSep 22, 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.

Ocean cooling contributed to mid-20th century global warming hiatus

A new paper in Nature suggests that a sudden cooling event in Northern Hemisphere oceans between 1968 and 1972 played a key role in the observed hiatus of global warming during the mid-20th century. The research found that this cooling event was most pronounced in the northern North Atlantic.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature·DateSep 22, 2010

NC State research grant will help military combat infections

Researchers will test NC State-created molecules against different types of animal cells infected with bacteria, aiming to develop effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. The project aims to identify leading candidates that both revive antibiotics' effectiveness and have a low toxicity profile.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateSep 22, 2010

China tops world in catch and consumption of fish

The study found that China's enormous population drives its high ranking, despite low per capita fish catch and consumption. The United States comes in third, while Peru ranks second in catch but not top 20 in consumption.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts, Ocean Science·DateSep 22, 2010
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.

Talking while walking puts Parkinson's patients at risk for falls

Researchers at Florida State University found that people with Parkinson's disease alter their gait when asked to perform verbal tasks while walking, increasing the risk of falls. Even healthy adults without a neurological impairment demonstrated similar difficulties walking and talking, highlighting the need for healthcare professiona...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalInternational Journal of Speech-Language Pathology·DateSep 22, 2010

Toward the first nose drops to treat brain cancer

Scientists have developed a new form of methotrexate as nose drops to treat brain cancer, showing promise in bypassing the blood-brain barrier. In initial testing on laboratory rats with brain cancer, the nose drop drug reduced tumor weight by almost one-third compared to injectable treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateSep 22, 2010

Young teens who play sports feel healthier and happier about life

A new study by West Virginia University researchers found that middle-school teenagers who are physically active and play on sports teams are more satisfied with their life and feel healthier. Playing on a sports team was linked to higher life satisfaction in both boys and girls.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateSep 22, 2010

IVF does not negatively affect academic achievement

A new study published in Human Reproduction found that children conceived by IVF perform at least as well as their peers on standardized tests from grade 3 to 12. The study also discovered factors such as older mother age, higher education levels of both parents, and lower divorce rates linked to better test scores.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateSep 22, 2010
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.

Just 2 drinks slow reactions in older people

Researchers found that two single vodka and orange drinks significantly affected obstacle avoidance test results in senior volunteers. The study showed delayed response times and reduced amplitudes after just one drink, highlighting the negative impact of low-blood-alcohol concentrations on dexterity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateSep 22, 2010