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Science News Archive December 2005


Page 12 of 12

Atherosclerosis studied at the cellular level

A recent study found that nitric oxide, normally considered protective against atherosclerosis, can be converted into peroxynitrite, causing cell dysfunction and death. This reaction activates the ER stress response pathway, leading to devastating cytotoxic effects and accelerating atherosclerosis.

Coffee and tea can reduce the risk of chronic liver disease

A recent study published by the American Gastroenterological Association found that consuming more than two cups of coffee or tea per day can reduce the risk of chronic liver disease by half. Researchers discovered that caffeine played a significant role in this protective effect, suggesting potential applications for liver health.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uncontrolled use of artemisinin leading to drug-resistant malaria

Research in three countries found that uncontrolled use of artemisinin led to resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Mutations in the gene SERCA-type Pftpase6 were associated with this loss of sensitivity. The study highlights the need for increased vigilance and rapid deployment of drug combinations.

Scientists unlock solid tumor treatment genetic secrets

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that histone deacetylase enzymes cooperate with CBP/p300 histone acetylases to trigger expression of genes responding to hypoxia. The study suggests that developing new therapies targeting both mechanisms may enhance treatment efficacy for solid tumors.

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.

'Long' distances measured with picometer accuracy

A new laser-based method for measuring millimeter distances has been developed and demonstrated by a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The technique measures frequency rather than wavelength, achieving an uncertainty of 10 picometers.

Picking particles faster than one at a time

A new algorithm, 'particle picking by segmentation,' enables fast and reliable selection of images for 'crystallization in silico' from millions of candidates. By focusing on background noise, the approach improves yields over existing methods.

Needle-free immunizations

Researchers are developing new methods for immunization, including transdermal and nasal delivery, which could prevent needle-caused infections and reduce economic burdens. Interdisciplinary efforts are underway to make needle-free immunizations a common practice.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

NIST assists with testing crash avoidance system

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has designed preliminary test procedures to measure the performance of the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System (IVBSS). The IVBSS aims to detect and warn drivers of potential crashes at different speeds and in various driving situations. NIST will observe contractor tests and...

Studying substitute animals will not save endangered species

The study highlights the limitations of using surrogate animals to predict endangered species decline, arguing that target species are more relevant. The authors advocate directly examining the target species before resorting to substitute animals.

Light to moderate alcohol consumption not beneficial to health

Research published in The Lancet suggests that light to moderate alcohol consumption may have little to no health benefits, outweighing the potential harms. Professor Rod Jackson's findings emphasize that there is no 'safe' window for drinking, and individuals should avoid consuming alcohol altogether.

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.

Child poverty going down, due to more mothers working

A study by Cornell University researchers found that child poverty rates have decreased in recent years, particularly among children whose mothers work full-time. However, significant racial and ethnic disparities persist, with black and Hispanic children facing higher poverty rates than their white counterparts.

Highlights from the December Journal of the American Dietetic Association

French fries prepared with non-hydrogenated cottonseed oil have significantly lower trans-fatty acids and saturated fat compared to those made with partially hydrogenated canola or soybean oil. Fruits and vegetables are ranked highest for nutrient density, providing key nutrients at a reasonable cost.

PCBs, furans may factor in risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Researchers have found a potential association between high blood levels of PCBs and furans with an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study analyzed blood samples from 100 healthy volunteers and 100 non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients, revealing a link between three specific molecular forms of PCBs and cancer development.

Moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing can lead to stroke

A long-term study found that individuals with moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing have a significantly increased odds of suffering a stroke over the next four years. The study analyzed data from 1,475 participants and revealed that 21 people suffered their first-ever stroke at an average age of 53.

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.

Iron-rich rice improves iron status of women

A nine-month study found that consuming biofortified, iron-rich rice improved the iron status of women, increasing it by 20% compared to traditional rice. Non-anemic women with low body iron reserves and those who consumed more rice showed the greatest improvements.

Institute for OneWorld Health receives multimillion dollar grant

The Institute for OneWorld Health has received a multimillion-dollar grant from the Gates Foundation to combat VL, a fatal disease transmitted by sand flies. The grant will support a long-term control program, including Phase 4 demonstration studies and clinical trials in children.

Preventing bacterial biofilms could help fight TB

Researchers discovered that GroEL1 oversees production of fatty acids necessary for biofilm growth, which are absent in bacteria lacking the chaperone protein. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new ways to develop effective drugs to fight TB and other mycobacterial infections.

'Go Fishing' no game for inland waters worldwide

Research highlights rapidly declining fish numbers in inland waters globally, with total catch quadrupling since 1950 and biodiversity at risk. Inland water fishing pressure shifts from species to species, leading to ecosystem collapse if left unmanaged.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Nano-cages 'fill up' with hydrogen

NIST researchers discovered that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can store up to 10% of their weight in hydrogen at low temperatures. The nano-cage structure offers a promising approach for storing and releasing hydrogen, which could potentially replace fossil fuels in future automobiles.

Grant advances web portal for US/China standards

The US-China Standards Portal aims to facilitate US companies' entry into the Chinese market by providing translations of key national standards and information on standards systems. The portal's enhancements will support the development of timetables and actions to make the US more competitive in international standards.

Fat tissue surrounding thoracic arteries may be beneficial

A study found that fat surrounding internal thoracic arteries produces a factor that can relax the artery, alleviating contraction during CABG surgery. Retaining this fat tissue may help improve blood flow, providing an alternative to drugs that cause cellular damage.

Men and women differ in brain use during same tasks

A study using fMRI technology found that men and women utilize distinct brain areas when performing similar tasks. This discovery has significant potential for improving psychiatric treatments, particularly for conditions such as major depression.

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.

Endotoxins in house dust pose a significant risk for asthma

A study found significant relationships between household endotoxin levels and diagnosed asthma, recent symptoms, and wheezing. The strongest effects were observed in adults, with lower levels of endotoxins in bedding compared to kitchen floor dust.

Crystal sponges excel at sopping up CO2

Researchers have invented a new class of materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can store vast amounts of carbon dioxide. One MOF, dubbed MOF-177, sops up 140% of its weight in CO2 at room temperature and reasonable pressure.

Chandra proves black hole influence is far reaching

Scientists have discovered energetic plumes extending 300,000 light years into a massive galaxy cluster. The plumes are caused by explosive venting from a supermassive black hole and demonstrate the far-reaching influence of a black hole on intergalactic distances.

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.

Specialized neurons allow the brain to focus on novel sounds

Neurons in the inferior colliculus of the brain can detect changes in pitch, loudness, and duration of sounds, as well as complex patterns. These 'novelty detector neurons' prevent unimportant sounds from reaching the cortex, enabling people to ignore background noises.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Childbirth not linked to urinary incontinence, study finds

A new study challenges conventional wisdom that vaginal delivery leads to urinary incontinence later in life. Instead, research suggests an underlying genetic predisposition plays a larger role. This finding has significant implications for basic research, treatment approaches and potential prophylactic interventions.

The heat is on: Why some cholesterol-lowering drugs cause hot flashes

Researchers discovered that nicotinic acid activates GPR109A on fat cells to lower lipid levels, but on immune cells in the skin, it triggers flushing responses. This study supports the hypothesis that immune cells are a primary source of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins causing hot flashes.

'Jammed Networks' may clear the way for better materials

Researchers at NIST and UPenn found that jammed networks formed by carbon nanotubes or nanofibers can create a continuous, heat-shield layer on top of polymer matrices, suppressing vigorous bubbling and improving flammability resistance. Optimal gel concentrations for single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes were 0.5% and 1%, respecti...

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.

Study demonstrates role of exercise in modifying melatonin levels

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that regular physical activity can lower melatonin levels, which may contribute to a reduced risk of breast cancer. The research, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto, involved 213 female volunteers and monitored their melatonin levels over time.

JCI table of contents: December 1, 2005

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Columbia University researchers discovered that replacing leptin in lean individuals who lost weight restored fat mass and reversed metabolic changes. The findings suggest that therapeutics targeting the leptin signaling pathway may assist in maintaining reduced body weight...

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.

Disruption of gene interaction linked to schizophrenia

Studies using a laboratory model of PRODH deficiency demonstrate the role of COMT in compensating for overactive dopamine signaling, which contributes to schizophrenia symptoms. The findings show that disruptions in gene interaction, particularly between PRODH and COMT, play a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia.

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.

People in committed relationships are happier

A Cornell University study reveals that people in committed relationships experience higher levels of happiness and well-being compared to those in casual relationships. The stronger the relationship's commitment, the greater the happiness and sense of well-being among partners.

Hair follicle stem cells contribute to wound healing

Researchers found that hair follicle stem cells quickly mobilize to generate new cells that migrate into the wound area, contributing to wound healing. The study suggests a therapeutic target for developing drugs to enhance wound healing and treat patients with wounds.