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Science News Archive August 2005


Page 14 of 15

Other highlights in the August 3 JNCI

Research has found a positive association between body mass index, fat-free mass, and waist circumference with an increased risk of myeloid leukemia. Additionally, modifications of the vimentin gene can be detected in fecal DNA of people with colon cancer, potentially serving as a biomarker for the disease.

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.

Rats' response to 'stop snacking' signal diminished by high fat diet

A study by Dr. Mihai Covasa and colleagues found that a high-fat diet can reduce the body's sensitivity to cholecystokinin, a hormone that helps regulate appetite, in rats. This reduced sensitivity leads to increased overconsumption of highly palatable foods high in dietary fat.

Study evaluates averted costs of neuroblastoma screening

A study evaluated the Quebec Neuroblastoma Screening Project and found that not implementing screening programs saved $574.1 million in unnecessary health costs. The study also found that widespread use of neuroblastoma screening across North America would have caused adverse health effects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prenatal exposure to famine increases risk of schizophrenia

A study found that prenatal exposure to famine in China's Wuhu region increased the risk of schizophrenia in later life. Birth rates dropped significantly during the famine years, and the risk of developing schizophrenia increased among those born during this time.

Plastic surgery to restore facial defects

Craniofacial plastic surgery helps children with facial deformities gain social acceptance and improve their learning capabilities. The procedure can positively change how others interact with them, leading to better relationships and overall well-being.

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.

Researcher warns space weather hole blocks manned Mars mission

A recent study highlights the dangers of Solar Proton Events (SPEs) and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) on a manned Mars mission. The researcher recommends improving space weather monitoring and developing lightweight mechanisms to detect dangerous space weather, as well as creating more robust models for propagation over larger distances.

Penn State to host US DOE regional climate center

The Penn State Regional Center will conduct research on climate change's effects on regional terrestrial ecosystems, including the Northeast region with high population density and urbanization. The center aims to develop models predicting climate change impacts and analyze carbon exchange between ecosystems and the atmosphere.

Study examines criminal records of homicide offenders

The study analyzed the relationship between past violent behavior and future homicide rates among male offenders in the US. The findings suggest that a history of violent behavior is associated with an increased risk of future homicides.

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.

Preschoolers who take responsibility do better later on

Researchers found that preschoolers with high levels of autonomy support from their parents tend to have better social adjustment and academic achievement in later years. This association was observed even after controlling for other factors, suggesting a positive link between parental autonomy support and child development.

New, simpler treatment guidelines could save heart attack patients

A new review of the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines aims to streamline diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary events. The goal is to provide faster treatment that may even prevent a heart attack or damage to the heart before it happens, benefiting millions of patients each year.

Home videos suggest regression occurs in some autistic children

Researchers analyzed home videotapes of 56 children to find that infants with autism who experience regression show more frequent word use and babble than normal infants at 12 months. Early onset ASD infants display the least frequency of language development.

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.

Human cerebellum and cortex age in very different ways

The human cerebellum and cortex age at vastly different rates, with the cortex showing pronounced and consistent changes, while the cerebellum experiences smaller and less coordinated changes. This study, published in PLoS Biology, reveals that the functions of brain regions influence how they age.

New analysis of pottery stirs Olmec trade controversy

A new study suggests that the Olmec civilization imported pottery from other cultures, contradicting previous claims that it was the sole source. The findings use petrography to identify minerals in pottery fragments and reveal reciprocal trade between highland and lowland centers.

Severely mentally ill more likely victims than perpetrators of violence

Research suggests that severely mentally ill individuals are disproportionately victimized by crime, with a prevalence rate six to 23 times greater than the general population. The study's findings highlight the need for improved mental health treatment and support services to reduce revictimization.

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.

Highlights of August 2005 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

According to a survey of 228 Pennsylvania high schools, bottled water and fruit juice are widely available in vending machines, while the top-selling a la carte items include hamburgers, pizza, and sandwiches. The survey also found that nearly 60% of schools sell carbonated beverages through vending machines.

Beach pollution is worst during new and full moon

Researchers found that levels of enterococci bacteria were higher at beaches during full and new moon phases, increasing the risk of illness. The study suggests using tidal patterns as a tool for assessing water quality and identifying potential sources of pollution.

Surgery gives fresh start to patients with thickened hearts

A new study suggests that surgical myectomy can significantly improve symptoms in patients with severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), resulting in comparable life expectancies to those who never had the condition. By correcting blood flow obstructions, surgery offers a better quality of life for these younger patients.

Gene expression in the aging brain

The study found age-related changes in gene expression in the human brain's cortex, but not in non-brain tissues. The results support a theory that DNA damage and protein degradation contribute to aging, with more metabolically active tissues showing greater gene activity reduction.

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.

Penn researchers discover key to how SARS virus infects cells

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that inhibitors of cellular enzyme cathepsin L prevent the SARS virus from entering target cells. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutics against the SARS virus.

Amphetamine-related drugs ameliorate symptoms of Parkinson's

Researchers have found that amphetamine-related drugs, such as MDMA, can effectively alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease in a mouse model. By eliminating dopamine recycling and production, these drugs bypass the usual limitations of L-DOPA treatment, offering new hope for patients with the debilitating condition.

Building a better mouse model of lung cancer: FHIT counts

Scientists at Ohio State University created a mouse model of lung cancer that loses the FHIT gene's protein early in development, leading to larger and more numerous tumors. The study suggests that even low levels of the protein might prevent lung cancer.

'Smart' nanoprobes light up disease

Researchers at Rice University developed a new nanoprobe that uses quantum dots to visualize proteolytic activity in vivo, solving the problem of distinguishing between disease signals and background noise. The probes are activated by enzymes associated with specific diseases, allowing for early detection and monitoring.

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.

Behavioural ecologists elucidated how peahens choose their mates, and why

A new study found that females prefer males with higher ocelli density but also those with shorter tails, suggesting they value the visual perception of a dense cluster. This preference is driven by both ocelli density and male displaying activity, providing peahens with information about male health.

Waist size is associated with the metabolic syndrome in children

A new study has established a significant correlation between waist circumference and components of the metabolic syndrome, including elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, in children. The research found that abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference, is an independent...

Omega-6 fatty acids cause prostate tumor cell growth in culture

Researchers found that omega-6 fatty acids can stimulate cell growth in prostate cancer cells by activating the production of cPLA2 and COX2 enzymes. A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids may contribute to increased risk of prostate cancer, while a new class of drugs targeting cPLA2 could offer a safer alternative to existing treatments.

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.

Individuals with severe mental illness at high risk to be victims of crime

A study by Linda Teplin et al found that over one quarter of individuals with severe mental illness were victims of violent crime in the past year, nearly 17% for completed violence. The authors recommend systematic screening and monitoring, skill-based prevention programs, and policy-level changes to address this public health problem.

Scientists characterize proteome of human cornea

Researchers have identified 141 distinct proteins in the healthy human cornea, including classical blood proteins and anti-angiogenic factors. This comprehensive protein study may lead to future therapeutics for various corneal disorders, improving clinical classifications and potentially generating artificial corneas for transplantation.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, August 2, 2005

A new analysis of existing studies reveals that individuals with overweight or obesity are at a higher risk of experiencing GERD symptoms, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer. In contrast, researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis for end-stage ...

JCI Table of contents August 1, 2005

Researchers investigate Akt1's impact on cardiac function, finding it can enhance cardiac function after heart failure but also contribute to maladaptive effects. A new gene therapy approach successfully treats severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in mice, offering promising implications for its treatment.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New factor implicated in allergy and asthma attacks

Researchers at UTMB discovered that oxidative stress from pollen is as important as antigen exposure in triggering severe respiratory inflammation. Antioxidant substances may help forestall allergy or asthma attacks, and longer-lived antioxidants could be effective in treatment and prevention.

Are there national patterns of teaching?

The TIMSS 1999 Video Study found that while countries exhibit unique teaching patterns, there is also significant global convergence in classroom methods. This suggests that teachers from different countries can recognize familiar practices and be surprised by their differences.

Insight into JAK/STAT

The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is a crucial regulator of cell growth and survival in various organisms. Research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathway.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New anti-blood-thinning drug not as safe as protamine

Researchers halt Phase IIB/IIIA clinical trial of heparinase I due to higher incidences of negative side effects, including bleeding and infections. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for further research to develop an effective alternative to protamine.

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.

Cracking the perception code

Researchers discovered that monkeys perceive vibration frequency by analyzing neuronal firing patterns, particularly in the first 250 milliseconds. The findings suggest a complex process where attention to the initial response dominates perception, with subsequent firings becoming less significant.

Women missing out in heart treatment – more needed in clinical trials

Key findings highlight the importance of including women in clinical trials due to differences in response to drug therapy, such as higher levels of adverse reactions and varying mortality rates. This lack of data affects treatment strategies, with many drugs prescribed to women adapted from studies conducted mainly in men.

Gragoudas to receive ARVO's Weisenfeld Award

Dr. Gragoudas is being recognized for his groundbreaking work on protein beam irradiation and photodynamic therapy for intraocular melanoma and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. He has made significant contributions to the clinical practice of ophthalmology, particularly in the study of retinal vascular diseases.