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Science News for August 29, 2005


SPF may not be enough to protect against skin cancer

Researchers tested various sunscreens and methods on volunteers from multiple countries to establish a standard method for determining IPF. However, the study found that high SPF sunscreens may not provide sufficient protection against immunosuppression, potentially increasing skin cancer risk.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 29, 2005

Detecting anthrax proteins at ultralow concentrations

Researchers create lab method to detect active anthrax proteins in blood samples with extremely low levels of concentration. The new system produces unambiguous results in about an hour, significantly faster than current methods.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 29, 2005

Teenage drug use can lead to adult addiction and heart attack

Research by Dr Andrew Lawrence and Cameron McPherson found adolescent rats exposed to amphetamine had a more sensitised reaction when re-administered as adults, increasing the risk of heart attack. The study suggests teenage experimentation with drugs may have long-term effects on brain function.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 29, 2005

Study reveals who is really considering plastic surgery

A study of 644 people considering plastic surgery found that almost 30% had average household incomes under $30,000 and 85% were Caucasian. The majority (75%) wanted to gain physical benefits, such as improved appearance, while also expecting emotional and psychological improvements.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 29, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unusual antibiotics show promise against deadly 'superbugs'

New antibiotics mimic bacterial cell wall components to deactivate key defense mechanism, potentially effective against vancomycin-resistant MRSA and other bacterial strains. More studies needed to verify mechanism and determine its potential as a new line of defense against antibiotic resistance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 2005

Cancer therapies during childhood can damage developing teeth

A study found that high-dose anticancer chemotherapy and total body irradiation can cause a lack of permanent teeth and microdontia in children. The study, conducted by Päivi Hölttä, suggests that these treatments can have long-term effects on dental development.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCancer·DateAug 29, 2005

A step closer to a malaria vaccine

Researchers have identified a promising protein, AMA1, as a potential component for a malaria vaccine. The protein is produced in two critical stages of the parasite life cycle and has slight structure variations called polymorphisms that impact its development.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005

Statin treatment within first 24 hours after heart attack cut mortality by half

A new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that early statin therapy can significantly reduce mortality and other complications in heart attack victims. Patients who received statins before or within 24 hours of hospitalization had a 54% lower risk of in-hospital mortality, compared to those not on statin therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateAug 29, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Thyroid hormone, brain development, and behavior

Reduced thyroid hormone signaling during development leads to extreme anxiety and memory impairments in adulthood. Dietary supplementation with thyroid hormone can suppress anxiety and improve memory in adult mice.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 29, 2005

Montreal researchers probe the genetic basis of memory

Researchers in Montreal have made a groundbreaking discovery about the genetic basis of memory. They found that the GCN2 protein inhibits long-term memory storage, preventing new information from being stored for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2005

Finding a way to test for dark energy

Physicists Eric Linder and Robert Caldwell separate dark energy scenarios through satellite searches, offering a way to distinguish among dark energy possibilities. The Joint Dark Energy Mission experiments may be able to determine which scenario is correct.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 29, 2005
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.

Some children facing bone marrow transplant risk

A study of 259 children undergoing bone marrow transplantation found that tooth decay was the most common dental problem, often caused by neglected oral hygiene and poor nutrition. Children with dental abnormalities were more likely to develop therapy-related caries if they underwent immunosuppression as part of their treatment.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateAug 29, 2005

High-performance computing may improve combustion efficiency

Researchers used 1,400 parallel processors to simulate octane's heat of formation, achieving a 75% sustained efficiency rate. The calculation took only 23 hours to complete, compared to 3.5 years and 2.5 terabytes for a single processor desktop computer.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateAug 29, 2005

Scientists listen to brain patterns of tone-deafness

Researchers found abnormal brain activity in the right half of the brain in people with congenital amusia, a condition affecting pitch perception. Training pitch discrimination abilities may be effective in children but not adults.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 29, 2005

Unexpected features of anthrax toxin may lead to new types of therapies

Researchers at Salk Institute and Harvard Medical School found that anthrax toxin entry occurs under two different pH conditions, depending on the receptor type. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective drugs targeting a single pathway.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

'Greener' stain-resistant coatings developed; avoid PFOA

Researchers have created new stain-resistant coatings that use novel short-chain fluorocarbons, reducing the environmental impact of PFOA. The compounds perform as well as conventional coatings and have been filed for patent, offering a potential solution to reduce PFOA in environments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 2005

Expanding complexity of p53

Researchers identify six distinct p53 isoforms in human cells, revealing their potential role in modulating tumor suppressor activity and cell death. These findings may help identify patients at risk of developing aggressive cancer and inform personalized drug therapy.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 29, 2005

Blocking a premature aging syndrome with anticancer drugs

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that anticancer drugs can reverse the nuclear structure abnormalities caused by a rare genetic disorder, progeria. The researchers successfully treated cells with progerin, a mutated protein linked to accelerated aging, using farnesylation inhibitors.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005

'Australian-first' cancer research facility opens at UQ

The ACRF Dynamic Imaging Facility for Cancer Biology will enable cutting-edge research into cancer biology using two technologically advanced microscope systems. The facility is part of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and aims to improve Queensland's capacity for internationally competitive research.

SourceResearch Australia·DateAug 29, 2005

U of MN researchers develop tests for devastating cattle disease

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed new tests for detecting Johne's disease in cattle, enabling faster diagnosis and reducing economic losses. The tests can detect the bacteria in fecal matter or milk and are completed in 72 hours or less with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

Fungus helps tall fescue choke out native plants

A recent study found that infected tall fescue grass outcompetes native plants more quickly when herbivores are present. The symbiotic fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum produces alkaloids that harm livestock, but also contributes to the spread of infected fescue.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005

New findings help to unravel skin cancer's secrets

Researchers have discovered that red hair pigment produces more damaging compounds when exposed to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin cancer. A new topical lotion has also been developed, using a natural protein to repair DNA damage in skin cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 2005

Wildfires and home prices: Are they related?

A study by the USDA Forest Service found that homes at higher wildfire risk initially sold for more due to desirable views, but later sales data showed a decrease in price. This was largely due to a change in tastes towards less flammable building materials.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalLand Economics·DateAug 29, 2005

Killer microbe may be a lifesaver after all

Researchers are studying the lipopolysaccharide outer membrane of P. aeruginosa to understand its interaction with minerals and heavy metals, which has significant implications for bioremediation applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateAug 29, 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.

Research sheds new light on cholesterol danger

Cholesterol crystals can expand and burst in arteries, triggering a natural clotting process that shuts down the artery. This discovery adds another dimension to the inflammation theory, suggesting that the crystallization of cholesterol is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalClinical Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2005

Anthrax test, developed by army and CDC, receives FDA approval

The US Army's Gamma Phage Assay has been approved by the FDA for human use within the Laboratory Response Network (LRN), enabling early detection of anthrax bioterrorism threats. This test, developed with CDC support, is a classical bacteriological method that uses a virus to identify B. anthracis.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateAug 29, 2005

New chemistry method uses 'test tubes' far smaller than the width of a hair

A University of Washington scientist has developed a new method using nanoscale test tubes to conduct chemical analysis and experimentation. The approach captures single cells or small subcellular structures within tiny water droplets, allowing for the study of chemical processes and biochemical information at unprecedented scales.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 29, 2005

Anti-cancer drugs may hold promise for premature aging disorder

A study published in PNAS suggests that farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) may reverse nuclear structure abnormalities in progeria cells. Researchers treated progerin-carrying skin cells with FTIs, reducing cell blebbing and improving cellular function.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

'Operando' methods for understanding catalysis in hydrogen storage

PNNL scientists employed x-ray spectroscopy to observe the reaction as it occurred, identifying a cluster of four rhodium atoms at the active site. This approach allows researchers to understand catalyst-reactant interactions under practical conditions, shedding light on key catalytic processes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateAug 29, 2005
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.

Penn study shows genes may affect response to different quit-smoking medications

Researchers found that smokers with specific genetic variants were more likely to abstain from smoking if using Zyban, while those with other variants had higher quit rates with nicotine replacement therapy. The study suggests that genetic information can be used to select the most effective treatment for individual smokers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 29, 2005

Most published research findings may be false

Research studies with smaller sample sizes are more prone to false results. Additionally, scientific fields with smaller postulated effects tend to have higher rates of false positive claims. Financial interests and prejudices can also influence the accuracy of research findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 29, 2005

Tiny rubber balls give plastic bounce

Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 29, 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.

Study: Brain structures contribute to asthma

Researchers found that specific brain regions are linked to inflammation and lung function in asthmatic patients. The anterior cingulate cortex and insula were found to be hyper-responsive to emotional and physiological signals, influencing symptom severity.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005

Scientists describe new way to peer inside bacteria

X-ray spectromicroscopy allows scientists to study bacterial cells without staining or sectioning, providing insights into their molecular chemistry and interactions with metals and radionuclides. This technique may help detect weaponized bacteria and prevent disease outbreaks, making it a significant step towards environmental cleanup.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateAug 29, 2005

Study shows humans have ability to track odors, much like bloodhounds

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that humans can reliably discern the source of an odor when presented with it through one nostril. The brain's primary olfactory cortex is divided into separate areas for each nostril, allowing for accurate localization. This ability has implications for various fields, including truffle hunting.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateAug 29, 2005

Nanocoating could eliminate foggy windows and lenses

Researchers have developed a permanent solution to fogging on glass, eliminating the need for constant reapplication. The coating remains stable over time and can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for use in eyeglasses, camera lenses, and more.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 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.

Ozone layer decline leveling off, according to new study

A recent study suggests that ozone levels in the atmosphere have begun to level off, with some regions even experiencing small increases. However, it is unlikely that the ozone layer will fully recover, and scientists warn that precautions such as UV protection remain vital.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateAug 29, 2005

Hearing loss in older adults may compromise cognitive resources for memory

A recent study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science found that hearing loss in older adults can compromise cognitive resources for memory. The research suggests that the extra effort needed to comprehend words detracts from the cognitive processes involved in memorization. This highlights the importance of sensitivi...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 29, 2005
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.

UCLA discovery prevents cell abnormality leading to progeria

Researchers at UCLA used a drug to block mutant proteins from deforming cell nuclei, significantly reducing misshapen nuclei in human cells. The findings offer new clues into how progeria develops and could lead to treatment with new drugs for related disorders like osteoporosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005

USC researchers find drug is tough tumor fighter

A US-led research team discovered a potent cancer-fighting drug, dimethyl-celecoxib (DMC), which overcomes the limitations of its anti-inflammatory cousin celecoxib. DMC halts tumor growth even in drug-resistant multiple myeloma cells and may reduce cardiovascular side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBlood·DateAug 29, 2005