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Science News for August 10, 2005


Mount Sinai receives NIH funding for stem cell research

The Mount Sinai School of Medicine has been awarded significant NIH funding to support its stem cell research efforts. Researchers will focus on developing methods to genetically modify stem cells and studying the molecular signals that cause them to differentiate into red blood cells.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateAug 10, 2005

Home away from home

Kelly Tian and Russell Belk argue that personal possessions, like photos, stabilize the self in both home and work environments. As work-related artifacts enter the home, symbolic home-related possessions enter the workplace, leading to a blurring of boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 10, 2005
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.

Chemical link indicated between drinking and certain cancers

Researchers found that acetaldehyde reacts with polyamines to produce crotonaldehyde, which then forms a mutagenic compound that can cause cancer. The reactions occur at concentrations of acetaldehyde found in human saliva and gastrointestinal tissues after drinking alcohol.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 10, 2005

Complete sequence of rice genome announced

The complete sequence of the rice genome has been announced, providing a genetic toolkit for breeders to develop novel strains that are highly productive, disease-resistant, and environmentally friendly. This breakthrough has significant implications for global food security and sustainable agriculture.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

Infectious disease expert warns of spread of Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, can be effectively treated with specific antibiotics if caught early. Symptoms include body-wide aches, headache, sudden high fever, sore throat, and nausea, often accompanied by a telltale spotty rash.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 10, 2005

Ethanol treatment may be instrumental in fighting IV-based infections

A novel method for disinfecting long-term intravascular devices with ethanol solution may prevent serious bloodstream infections and hospital deaths. The study found no adverse effect on the catheter materials after a daily rinse cycle.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 10, 2005

Childhood cancers strongly linked to air pollution in early life

Research found a strong link between childhood cancer and air pollution, particularly from vehicle exhausts and diesel engines. Children exposed to high levels of pollutants in the womb or shortly after birth were at increased risk of developing cancer, with proximity to emission sources also playing a critical role.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 10, 2005
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.

Tough new probe developed for nanotechnologists

Scientists from Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory have created a new type of atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe made from ultra-nano-crystalline diamond, exhibiting properties similar to single-crystal diamond. The development enables improved durability and scalability for high-resolution imaging.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·DateAug 10, 2005

Some really are better with names than faces, study shows

Researchers discovered that children with Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) struggle to recognize faces, particularly immediately after seeing them. The study's findings open up new avenues for research into this condition, which affects less than 1% of the population.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·DateAug 10, 2005

Cells direct membrane traffic by channel width, scientists say

Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that aquaporin channels are narrower for water than glycerol, allowing only water to pass. This discovery could lead to new drug targets for treating diseases related to impaired aquaporin function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalStructure·DateAug 10, 2005
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.

Molecular mechanism of feather formation found

Researchers have identified a key role for two proteins, SHH and Bmp2, in the development of barbs on feathers. The dynamic signaling interaction between these proteins supports an activator-inhibitor mechanism, which explains how feather patterning is achieved.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2005

Rubble-pile minor planet Sylvia and her twins

Astronomers have discovered a triple asteroid system, with minor planet 87 Sylvia and its twin moons Romulus and Remus. The asteroids were found using the NACO instrument at ESO's Very Large Telescope Array in Chile, revealing details about their orbits and composition.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

Promising therapies for haemophilia & heart disease

Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment option for haemophilia and heart disease by targeting the P-selectin protein. Infusion of P-selectin could provide an affordable and effective means of achieving clotting to stop bleeding incidents in haemophiliacs.

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 10, 2005

Standardized guidelines improve outcomes in stroke care

Researchers found improved rates of optimal treatment after implementing standardized stroke care guidelines, including administration of tPA within three hours and cholesterol-lowering medications at discharge. The study showed a significant increase in the percentage of patients receiving optimal treatment from 44% to 63%.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeurology·DateAug 10, 2005
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.

International research team announces finished rice genome

The completed rice genome provides a roadmap for agricultural researchers to develop new varieties of rice with increased yields and resistance to disease. With its finished sequence, scientists can identify genes responsible for fundamental processes such as flowering and disease resistance.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

NIST demonstrates better memory with quantum computer bits

NIST demonstrates improved quantum memory capabilities, enabling qubits to maintain superpositions over 1 million times longer. This advance significantly reduces the computing resources needed to correct memory errors in fault-tolerant quantum computers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 10, 2005

Worm studies give researchers new perspective on embryo formation

Scientists have developed a detailed view of early embryo development in Caenorhabditis elegans, revealing molecular interaction networks that drive growth and specialization. The 'molecular machines' identified by the researchers coordinate proper development, with potential roles for unstudied genes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

Exercise aside, genes may ultimately dictate seniors' mobility

A study by University of Florida researchers found that certain gene variants interact with physical activity to affect mobility in seniors. Those with specific genes, such as the DD genotype, were more likely to remain mobile and experienced less decline, even among those who exercised regularly.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJAMA·DateAug 10, 2005

Sticky mutant proteins implicated in Lou Gehrig's disease

Research reveals that sticky mutant proteins in patients with inherited ALS cause the disease by promoting abnormal interactions with other proteins or membranes. The study suggests that understanding how tissues handle these protein forms could lead to new treatments for some forms of ALS.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 10, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Nitrogen in the air feeds the oceans

A USC oceanographer's long-term study confirms that the marine food chain depends largely on atmospheric nitrogen, which nourishes teeming life near the surface. The finding also demonstrates the oceans' substantial role in absorbing greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

Retail utopia

Researchers uncover how utopian meanings are constructed in retail environments through the lens of a transformed 18th-century home. The study reveals the dynamic qualities of these spaces and their role in both escaping crass commercialization and fostering consumer resistance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 10, 2005

'Cookbook recipes' would cure disease with nontoxic DNA delivery systems

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a DNA delivery system using naturally occurring anionic lipids, creating controllable and efficient gene expression. This method could lead to new possibilities in treating hereditary and acquired diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2005

Researchers discover new tumor defense system

Tumors secrete fatty acids that block cytotoxic T lymphocytes' ability to kill cancer cells, reducing the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. This discovery raises possibilities for new therapeutic targets and monitoring tumor aggressiveness through free fatty acid levels.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateAug 10, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Are hurricanes increasing? Ask a Georgia pine tree

Researchers have developed a new technique using oxygen isotopes in tree rings to identify past hurricanes. By analyzing late-season growth, they found records of all known hurricanes that hit the Southeastern US over the past 50 years, and even back as far as 1450 AD.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateAug 10, 2005

Ecology must be part of research on renewable energy

A review highlights the need for ecological consideration in renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind farms. Environmental impacts of construction, operation, and decommissioning of these projects could harm coastal species and ecosystems. However, offshore renewables also offer opportunities to enhance local biodiversity.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 10, 2005

Around one in 25 dads could unknowingly be raising another man's child

Researchers found paternal discrepancy rates range from less than 1% to as much as 30%, with genetic testing potentially boosting these rates. Around one in 25 families could be affected, highlighting the need for support services and guidance on disclosure.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 10, 2005

NYU biologists map out early stages of embryo formation

Researchers at NYU's Center for Comparative Functional Genomics have developed a diagram for the early stages of embryo formation in C. elegans, suggesting a core set of less than 1,000 genes are required for coordination. This finding may provide new insights into human embryogenesis and cancer research.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

Cancer link with hormone therapy known since 1930s, say researchers

Researchers argue that the pharmaceutical industry and medical professionals colluded to promote the view that menopause is a 'deficiency disease' for which women needed long-term treatment. This has led to increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular health issues, and other adverse effects.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 10, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

$3.4 million directed to key UW-Madison MS study

Researchers at UW-Madison are developing cell transplant techniques to repair damaged myelin and protect nerve fibers in multiple sclerosis. The $3.4 million grant will support the use of human stem cells and minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 10, 2005

$15.6 million awarded for nervous system repair in multiple sclerosis

Researchers have been awarded $15.6 million to develop tools for repairing nervous tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), a promising step forward for this debilitating disease. The funds will support international collaborations of leading scientists and physicians working to protect against and repair MS-related nerve damage.

SourceNational Multiple Sclerosis Society·DateAug 10, 2005

Are consumers receiving the information they need to choose stocks?

A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers tend to buy past winners and sell past losers in the stock market, violating the normative rule of buying low and selling high. This bias may make it easier for advertisers to negatively influence consumer decisions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 10, 2005

Consumer study explores the continued popularity of 'Reality' TV

The study found that reality TV's appeal stems from its unique blend of fantastic and indexical elements, allowing viewers to compare their lives to those of the show's participants. This authenticity-driven engagement is a reflection of modernist nostalgia for genuine experiences among consumers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 10, 2005
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Harry: The wizard of DVT

A new study involving 30,000 people worldwide will investigate travel-related DVT and its prevention. Professor Harry Büller's research has made significant advances in diagnosing and treating blood clots, with 90% of patients now able to be treated outside hospital

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 10, 2005

First triple asteroid system found

Astronomers have discovered the first triple asteroid system, 87 Sylvia, consisting of a large asteroid and two smaller moons, Romulus and Remus. The discovery reveals that the asteroids may be formed from debris left over from collisions between larger asteroids.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

Revelations of rice

The University of Arizona team successfully mapped and sequenced the rice genome, unlocking the secrets of over 37,500 genes. This breakthrough will enable researchers to identify desirable traits such as drought tolerance and pest resistance, leading to improved rice varieties for global food security.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005
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.

Anxious and nervous men run nine-fold risk of attempted suicide

Men with severe anxiety/nervousness face nine-fold higher risk of attempted suicide compared to those without such issues. Long-term studies in Sweden reveal a significant correlation between reported anxiety and increased mortality rates from all causes.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 10, 2005

Back-to-back use of two drugs shows strong osteoporosis benefit

A new study shows that combining parathyroid hormone and alendronate for a year followed by a year increases bone density significantly more than other treatments, providing sustained gains. The treatment has the potential to offer the largest gains in bone density yet available at a lower cost than using parathyroid hormone alone.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 10, 2005

Feeding the world

The completed rice genome sequence provides a raw material for studies aimed at improving the agricultural yield of the world's most important food source. The sequence reveals some 37,500 genes on the 12 chromosomes of rice, closely related to other major cereal grasses.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2005

Comprehensive database of computer vulnerabilities now available

The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) provides detailed information on over 12,000 computer vulnerabilities. Users can search and research vulnerabilities by various characteristics, including severity and impact, to enhance their cybersecurity efforts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 10, 2005

Immune system discovery offers hope for cancer, AIDS patients

Scientists have discovered a way to regrow the thymus, which produces T cells required to fight infection, through inhibiting sex steroids. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating cancer, AIDS, and other immunodeficiencies by improving T cell responses and recovery following bone marrow transplants.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateAug 10, 2005
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.