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Science News for December 29, 2005


Chandra looks back at the Earth

Scientists use Chandra to observe the Northern Lights dancing in X-ray light, revealing changing bright arcs of energy above the Earth's surface. The team detects low-energy X-rays generated during auroral activity, expanding our understanding of solar storms and their impact on the planet.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics·DateDec 29, 2005

A FASTT first from the Office of Naval Research

The Office of Naval Research has successfully tested a fast scramjet, reaching speeds of Mach 5.5 and demonstrating the feasibility of low-cost flight test techniques at hypersonic speeds. The engine, powered by liquid fuel, offers a safer alternative to other designs, making it suitable for shipboard use.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateDec 29, 2005

New technique points to safer, more efficient vaccination

Researchers have developed a new approach that boosts the production of TAP, an immune system component, to make smaller vaccine doses more effective, reducing side effects and increasing immunization capacity. This technique has the potential to far-reaching benefits in the field of vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 29, 2005
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.

Bullying in middle school may lead to increased substance abuse in high school

A recent study found that frequent verbal harassment in middle school is associated with a three-fold increase in alcohol use during high school. The researchers also discovered that peer harassment fuels aggression and antisocial behaviors among boys, particularly those who experience both verbal and physical harassment.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateDec 29, 2005

Tiny pikas seem to be on march toward extinction in Great Basin

Climate change and human activities are pushing tiny pikas to higher elevations, leaving them with limited habitat options. The animals' distribution has diminished significantly over the past 40,000 years, with many populations now isolated on separated mountain ranges.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateDec 29, 2005

What big eyes you have...the better to hear you with

The Office of Naval Research has developed a technology that allows binoculars to transmit digital voice over long distances, up to five nautical miles. LightSpeed can also be used for communication between ships at sea and platforms in the air and on the ground.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateDec 29, 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.

Study finds genes that 'fine-tune' muscle development process

Scientists have identified two microRNAs, miR-1 and miR-133, that play opposing roles in determining whether myoblasts proliferate or differentiate into mature muscle cells. Increasing miR-1 promotes differentiation, while increasing miR-133 enhances proliferation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 29, 2005

Stroke risk returns when children with sickle cell disease stop transfusions

A recent study found that stopping regular blood transfusions in children with sickle cell disease who are at risk for a stroke means their stroke risk likely returns. The study, which involved 41 children, showed that within a few months of halting transfusion, 14 children resumed at-risk status and two had strokes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 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.

New method for examining cost-effectiveness of new drugs for chronic illnesses

Researchers developed a new approach to analyze drug effectiveness data, providing insights into the cost-effectiveness of newer and older anti-epileptic drugs. The study suggests that two older drugs, valproate and carbamazepine, are likely to be more cost-effective for newly diagnosed patients with partial seizures.

SourceSAGE·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateDec 29, 2005