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Science News Archive August 2005


Page 4 of 15

Found! First gene associated with myeloproliferative diseases

Researchers have identified the Dido gene as a potential tumor suppressor involved in myeloproliferative diseases. The study found that 100% of patients with these diseases had Dido expression abnormalities, suggesting a link between the gene and the development of MDS/MPD.

Mental health of UK hospital consultants in decline

A survey of UK hospital consultants found a significant increase in poor mental health and burnout, attributed to increased job stress and workload. The prevalence of psychiatric illness rose from 27% in 1994 to 32% in 2002, with clinical oncologists facing the greatest increases.

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.

UA physicists find key to long-lived nanowires

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a theory explaining why nanowires thin away at non-zero temperatures. The discovery reveals that higher surface tensions stabilize the wires, making them suitable for repeated use. Copper is identified as the best metal for creating stable nanowires.

Study identifies protein's role in cell division

A recent study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has identified a key protein, Upf1, that regulates histone production during cell division. The research suggests that an imbalance in DNA and histone production is lethal for cells and may be crucial in understanding tumor growth.

Duke researchers uncover genetic link to stroke after heart surgery

Researchers identified a genetic link between inflammation and an increased risk of stroke after heart surgery. A specific combination of polymorphisms in genes responsible for C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 was found to be associated with a higher rate of stroke in patients.

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.

New understanding of human sacrifice in early Peru

A recent archaeological comparison of genetic traits indicates that Moche sacrificial victims were not local elite, but rather warriors captured from nearby valleys. This finding suggests territorial conflict and competition among Moche populations in each valley.

New protein vital for immune response is found in surprise location

Researchers discovered a new protein, MAVS, located in the mitochondrial membrane that plays a vital role in immune defense against microbial infections. The study suggests that variations in MAVS expression levels may endow individuals with varying ability to fight off viral diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clinical effects of homoeopathy are placebo effects

A study of 110 homoeopathy trials and 110 conventional medicine trials found that smaller, lower-quality trials showed more beneficial treatment effects for homoeopathy. However, larger, higher-quality trials revealed no significant evidence that homoeopathy was superior to placebo.

Artesunate should become the treatment of choice for severe malaria

A randomized controlled trial found that parenteral artesunate reduced mortality from severe malaria by 15% compared to quinine, while also being safer and simpler to administer. The study calls for quality-assured, affordable artesunate to be made widely available in malaria-endemic areas.

Of friction and 'The Da Vinci Code'

Scientists use AFM and STM to study frictional force in decagonal quasicrystals, revealing strong connection between interface structure and dissipation. The results show that friction is greater along the periodic direction, with an anisotropy of up to 8 times greater than in the aperiodic direction.

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.

High blood lactate levels may indicate poor prognosis in liver failure

Research suggests that high blood lactate levels can accurately predict a poor outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The study examined the relationship between serum phosphate and lactate levels in FHF patients, finding that lactate levels were significantly higher in those who died or underwent a transplant.

New dye could offer early test for Alzheimer's

A new dye, NIAD-4, has been developed to allow direct imaging of Alzheimer's plaques through a patient's skull without invasive procedures. The compound binds to amyloid brain plaques and fluoresces when exposed to near-infrared radiation, providing clear visual images.

The right hitchhiker can save an aphid's life

Aphids vary in their resistance to wasp parasitism, but new research suggests that the difference lies in the symbiotic bacteria carried inside them. Carrying these bacteria reduces parasitism by up to 40% and demonstrates a heritable form of acquired resistance.

Earth's core rotates faster than its crust, scientists say

Researchers found evidence for differential rotation of Earth's solid inner core, with the core rotating faster than the surrounding mantle and crust. The discovery suggests electromagnetic coupling is driving the inner core's motion, generating an electric current that causes it to spin.

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.

Protein-rich diet boosts benefit of exercise

A protein-rich diet combined with exercise leads to greater weight loss and fat reduction compared to a high-carbohydrate, lower-protein diet. This study found that dieters on the protein-rich diet lost almost 100% of their weight in fat, while those on the low-protein diet lost 25-30% of their weight as muscle.

Gene expands malaria's invasion options

Researchers discovered a gene, PfRh4, that enables P. falciparum parasites to switch between two invasion pathways, increasing their adaptability in the face of immune responses and host changes. This finding has important implications for the design of anti-malaria vaccines.

UQ leads the nation in innovative e-research

UQ researchers received top honors in e-research grants, developing AI for breast cancer detection and improving data management. The university's initiative aims to overcome barriers to E-Research adoption.

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.

New look at DNA hints at origin of ultraviolet damage

Researchers found that DNA dissipates ultraviolet energy through a wave-like process along its edge, rather than damaging base pairs. This new understanding sheds light on the DNA repair process and has implications for biology.

Cleaning up coal's act

Researchers will study chemical reactions and transformation of mercury in flue gases of coal-fired power plants. They aim to develop a mathematical model to predict mercury emissions and create more effective technologies for controlling mercury emissions.

Georgia Tech chemical discovery could revolutionize polymer fuel cells

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have pinpointed a chemical called triazole that can allow polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells to operate at much higher temperatures without moisture. This discovery could make polymer fuel cells cheaper and more practical for use in cars, laptops, and cell phones.

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.

TV ads market junk food to kids, new study finds

A recent study found that TV ads marketed high-sugar and unhealthy foods to children, dominating nearly 44% of the airtime. The research also revealed that convenience/fast foods made up 34.2% of the advertisements during kids' favorite TV programs.

Spiders help scientists discover how muscles relax

Researchers discovered the structure of miniature motors in muscles and found out how they are switched off. By studying tarantula striated muscle, scientists created a detailed model of the myosin heads and their interactions with actin filaments.

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.

Study continues the debate on the nature of bisexual men

A recent study published in Psychological Science found no indication of a bisexual pattern of genital arousal among heterosexual and homosexual men, but did reveal a distinct bisexual pattern of subjective arousal. This challenges the existing understanding of male bisexuality and highlights the need for further research.

Snapin: A protein with therapy potential for autism

Researchers at Rutgers University have identified the protein snapin as having therapy potential for autism by modulating dendrite patterning. Snapin's interaction with cypin regulates branching, and targeting this pathway could lead to new drugs.

New research shows no link between stress and chances of IVF success

A new study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found no correlation between psychological stress and IVF success rates. The research, based on extensive questionnaires, showed that patients' well-being prior to treatment had no impact on their chances of conceiving.

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.

Drug trials & the media

A study examining media reports on the closure of HIV drug trials in Cambodia and Cameroon found that many articles failed to identify primary sources or provided inaccurate information. The researchers stress that both the media and trial organisers have a responsibility to provide accurate information during periods of controversy.

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.

Brain plays key role in regulating bone density

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that the brain regulates bone density by controlling the activity of interleukin 1 protein. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for osteoporosis.

Climate model links higher temperatures to prehistoric extinction

Researchers used the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) to study the Permian extinction event, which saw 90-95% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species die. The model found that warming ocean waters at higher latitudes due to rising CO2 levels led to a stratified ocean with little oxygen, making it deadly for marine life.

Immigrant children misdiagnosed as language-impaired

A study by Dr. Johanne Paradis found that immigrant children's English skills are comparable to those of monolingual children with speech language impairment, leading to potential misdiagnosis and unnecessary referrals to therapy services. This phenomenon is a concern for many countries, including Canada, the US, UK, and Australia.

IT sourcing: 'Workforce trends and skills development'

A unique program at Stevens Institute of Technology addresses the need for in-depth understanding of sourcing's four key aspects: governance, legal issues, relationship management, and organizational impact. Preliminary research aims to understand current and future IT skills and capabilities needs.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Virginia Tech research, graduate program focus on interfaces

The Virginia Tech EIGER project focuses on naturally occurring interfaces among minerals, water, air, and microorganisms. The program will educate graduate students in a complex field vital to leading environmental issues through an interdisciplinary approach.

Microscopic brain imaging in the palm of your hand

Researchers have created a handheld device that uses two-photon microendoscopy to image individual cells in living subjects, enabling insights into cellular behavior and its impact on organisms. The technique has been successfully demonstrated using live mice, providing detailed images of blood vessels in the hippocampus.

Deep magmatic plumbing of mid-ocean ridges revealed

Researchers used seismic data to create images of solidified lenses and sills embedded in the Earth's crust/mantle boundary, suggesting a complex formation process. The findings imply that the lower oceanic crust is generated from multiple smaller magma sources rather than a single large source.

New ivory-billed woodpecker recordings to be released

Researchers have released new audio recordings of ivory-billed woodpeckers, showing striking similarities to existing evidence. The findings suggest a high probability that multiple birds exist in the area, providing additional hope for the species' survival.

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.