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Science News for August 17, 2005


Nose odors and mouth odors: The brain distinguishes

Researchers found that brain responds differently to odors introduced through the nose versus the mouth, with distinct brain regions activated. The study suggests that olfactory referral illusion is robust and cognitively impenetrable, and may play a role in flavor perception.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 17, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Race and gender disparities persist in heart attack care and mortality

A study found persistent racial and gender disparities in heart attack care, with black women having lower rates of reperfusion therapy and higher in-hospital mortality rates compared to white men. The differences were not explained by patient characteristics, raising concerns about under-treatment.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 17, 2005

Supernova 1987A: Fast forward to the past

Recent Chandra X-ray Observatory observations have given insight into the behavior of the doomed star before it exploded, indicating that the predicted spectacular brightening of the circumstellar ring has begun. The supernova produced a shock wave that rumbled through the cavity, and recent data indicate that this event has started.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 17, 2005

80 year olds should be given heart bypass surgery

Researchers analyzed data from 12,461 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 1996 and 2003. The study found that elderly patients were more likely to undergo emergency surgery, but their chances of survival were 50% better after the first year of surgery compared to their younger peers.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateAug 17, 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.

Alteration of brain protein regulates learning

The study found that Apoer2, a receptor interacting with the NMDA receptor, plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic signaling and learning. Mutant mice lacking this receptor had difficulties with learning and memory tasks.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateAug 17, 2005

Lessons from 2004 point the way in 2008 election

According to Campbell, increased voter turnout was a key factor in the 2004 Republican victory. Nearly 60% of eligible voters participated, with competitive states experiencing higher turnout rates. The study also notes that party polarization and incumbent advantage will play significant roles in the 2008 election.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPolitical Science Quarterly·DateAug 17, 2005

$150 million Teragrid award heralds new era for scientific computing

The US National Science Foundation has awarded $150 million to Teragrid, a distributed cyberinfrastructure that integrates high-performance computers, data resources and tools. Researchers will have access to sophisticated IT applications and computational tools to tackle complex scientific questions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 17, 2005
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.

U. of Colorado researchers hunting down, studying new microorganisms

A University of Colorado research group has received a $1.75 million grant to study newly discovered microorganisms in the harsh climate of Colorado's high mountains. Led by Professor Steve Schmidt, the team aims to understand how these microorganisms function and their potential applications in biotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateAug 17, 2005

Fighting breast cancer

Researchers at Sunnybrook Hospital have developed a unique mouse model that enables scientists to study how breast cancer spreads. By analyzing the genetic makeup of tumour cells, they hope to predict which tumours will metastasize and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateAug 17, 2005

Purdue research shows added calcium benefits women on the pill

A Purdue study found that increasing calcium intake by 200-300mg per day can significantly boost bone mineral density in young women taking oral contraceptives, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The researchers suggest that this simple change can prevent a significant loss of bone mass, particularly during peak bone development years.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 17, 2005

Brightly-coloured fruit and veg may protect against arthritis

Researchers found that higher intake of beta-cryptoxanthin and vitamin C in fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. A modest daily increase in these nutrients, equivalent to one glass of orange juice, may help protect against inflammatory joint diseases.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 17, 2005
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.

Today's baby boomers are heavier and more likely to have arthritis

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that baby boomers' obesity rates grew substantially compared to previous generations, leading to a surge in arthritis cases attributed to obesity. The researchers suggest that public health strategies could have a major impact on the lives of aging baby-boomers.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 17, 2005

Researchers discover new route to hemoglobin synthesis

A research team has identified the gene glutaredoxin 5 (grx5) as essential for hemoglobin synthesis in zebrafish and humans. The discovery reveals a new pathway involving iron-sulfur clusters, which is critical for heme production.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2005

Early humans wore 'shoes' 30,000 years ago

Researchers found early humans started using supportive footwear around 26,000 years ago to reduce toe bone strength. This change was likely caused by the introduction of protective footwear, which reduced the roll of the little toes and weakened them over time.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 17, 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.

Old drug, new tricks: Prospects for slashing the impact of malaria

A four-year trial in Papua New Guinea is investigating the use of Fansidar as a preventative measure against malaria in children under five and pregnant women. The study suggests that giving just one tablet can reduce the impact of subsequent malaria infections by up to 50%, saving thousands of lives annually.

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 17, 2005

Long sought-after flowering signal found

Researchers identify FT protein as key player in inducing flower formation, revealing a complex mechanism involving molecular interactions and environmental cues. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop breeding and better control of flowering times.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2005
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.

Researchers make 'embryonic-like' stem cells from umbilical cord blood

A trans-Atlantic team of researchers has successfully created embryonic-like stem cells from umbilical cord blood, a breakthrough that could revolutionize the treatment of serious diseases. The new cell type shares characteristics with both adult and embryonic stem cells, making it an attractive alternative for stem cell therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell Proliferation·DateAug 17, 2005

AIUM announced Endowment for Education and Research grant recipients

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has announced grant recipients for its Endowment for Education and Research program. The awarded researchers will explore innovative applications of ultrasound technology, including high-resolution imaging, selective intracerebral drug delivery, and peripheral nerve imaging. These...

SourceAmerican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateAug 17, 2005

Researchers propose measures to curb lion attacks in Tanzania

Researchers in Tanzania are facing a significant threat from lions due to the country's rapid population growth and loss of natural prey. The study suggests that pig-control strategies could be an effective way to reduce encounters between lions and people, while also protecting human livelihoods.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2005

A picture does not automatically activate a thousand words

Researchers found that visual cues, such as pictures of objects, can elicit significant brain activity, but this response differs from the electrical signal triggered by verbal cues like words. The study suggests that image processing and word processing may involve separate neural networks.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 17, 2005

Soft body fossils of extinct 'lamp shell' digitally reconstructed

Researchers from Yale University and the Imperial College have digitally reconstructed a fossilized brachiopod complete with its pedicle and lophophore, revealing new insights into extinct forms. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of brachiopods and challenges previous assumptions about their similarities to modern examples.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 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.

Textile piecework system called 'new slavery'

The piecework system, used in large textile factories, eliminates daily wages and overtime, leaving workers with extremely low pay and long working hours. Workers must constantly compete for work, fostering distrust and tension among them.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateAug 17, 2005

Black joblessness blamed on multilayered segregation

A study by Robert L. Wagmiller found that highly concentrated joblessness among black men is produced by the multidimensional layering of segregation, creating unique challenges for neighborhoods and employment opportunities. The research highlights the negative impact of residential location on employment futures.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateAug 17, 2005

Proposal would allow wild animals to roam North America

A team of scientists proposes rewilding vast ecological history parks with large mammals from Africa, aiming to revitalize ecosystems and create jobs. The plan could fill gaps in the web of interactions between species, restoring diverse ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2005
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.