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Science News for January 27, 2005


Molecular biology fills gaps in knowledge of bat evolution

A research team has published a paper in Science magazine that uses molecular biology to illuminate the evolutionary history of bats. The study reveals that large fruit-eating bats (megabats) emerged from four major lineages of smaller, night-flying bats (microbats), with the latter originating around 52-50 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 2005

Genetic regions influencing male sexual orientation identified

Researchers found stretches of DNA on chromosomes 7, 8 and 10 that were shared in 60% of gay brothers, suggesting a complex trait influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. The study analyzed the genomes of 456 men from 146 families with two or more gay brothers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalHuman Genetics·DateJan 27, 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.

Study shows that diabetes increases risk of blood poisoning

Researchers found that diabetic patients are more likely to develop bacteremia caused by urinary tract infections, leading to a higher risk of death. The study suggests that diabetics should seek medical care promptly if they experience signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection or bacteremia/sepsis.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 27, 2005

Animal study shows link between nicotine and atrial flutter

Researchers found that nicotine caused a significant increase in atrial interstitial fibrosis and electrical remodeling in hearts with myocardial infarction, leading to atrial flutter. The study suggests a causal link between nicotine and atrial flutter, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateJan 27, 2005

Startling results from new biomedical research international conference

The conference will address patent regulations for genetically engineered organisms, regulatory challenges for new drugs developed through genetic investigations or stem-cell research, and public acceptance of these products. Experts with international reputations will discuss future pathways of innovation in the life sciences.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 27, 2005

New puzzle-piece shows how growth hormones work in plants

Researchers discovered a key protein, BZR1, that regulates plant growth by binding to a specific DNA sequence and stopping the production of an enzyme needed for BR synthesis. This feedback loop helps maintain optimal steroid levels for plant growth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 2005
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.

Cooling lessens brain damage in sick newborn babies

Researchers have found that cooling can significantly reduce brain damage in newborn babies who suffer from oxygen deprivation at birth. The treatment involves lowering the body temperature of the baby for 72 hours after birth using a water-filled cap. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to bring routine treatment to babies s...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 27, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new mechanism of regulating RNA degradation

Lynne E. Maquat and her team identified a novel pathway for regulating RNA degradation, called Staufen1-mediated degradation (SMD). This mechanism affects numerous transcripts and is a new form of gene regulation. SMD activity may be regulated by cell signaling pathways.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJan 27, 2005

Columbia researcher identifies cellular defect that may contribute to autism

A defect in neuroligin genes disrupts neuronal connections and results in an imbalance of neuronal function, providing a possible explanation for autistic children's neurodevelopmental defects. Understanding this cellular defect is crucial towards developing therapies for autism-spectrum disorders.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 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.

Auditory screening for newborns can be successful, UT Southwestern researchers report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully implemented Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, reducing the number of false positives and increasing follow-up rates. Rescreening infants four hours after birth improved outcomes, while providing outpatient retesting encouraged parents to return for further evaluation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 27, 2005

Racial groupings match genetic profiles, Stanford study finds

A new Stanford study has found that self-identified racial and ethnic groups correlate strongly with their genetic profiles, with an error rate of less than 0.14%. The research, involving 3,636 participants, challenges the idea that race is a social construct with no genetic basis.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 27, 2005

Have profiling microwave radiometer, will travel

The ARM Mobile Facility is a moveable, atmospheric-measuring suite designed to withstand temperatures from minus-40 to plus-120 degrees Fahrenheit. The station measures physical properties of air and heat radiating from clouds and the ground, providing critical information missing in climate models.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 27, 2005

Study bolsters greenhouse effect theory, solves ice age mystery

Scientists at Ohio State University have found that a long-ago ice age occurred 10 million years earlier than previously thought. The discovery resolves an inconsistency in climate change research and suggests that CO2 concentrations drive climate. Sea levels may have been low globally at the time, likely due to a global ice buildup.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeology·DateJan 27, 2005
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study reports women don't experience undue pain, anxiety during mammography screening

A study of 150 subjects found that listening to a relaxation tape prior to and during mammography did not decrease women's feelings of pain and anxiety. In fact, virtually none of the participants experienced pain or anxiety during the test, contradicting previous studies that attributed non-compliance to pain.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJan 27, 2005

Chemical used in marine paint may damage hearing in whales

Tributyltin oxide (TBT) affects the mechanical activity of outer hair cells, which boost incoming sound energy to inner hair cells. The study found rapid and profound effects of TBT on outer hair cell membrane chloride ion exchange.

SourceYale University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 27, 2005
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Satellite data reveal immense pollution pool over Bihar, India

Researchers analyzed satellite data from four years of MISR observations to find a concentrated pool of particles over Bihar, largely due to inefficient biofuel burning. The pollution affects human health and local climate, with altered temperature and precipitation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 27, 2005

From town planning to intimate sex: Understanding the risks in our lives

The ESRC Social Contexts and Responses to Risk network examines perceptions of risk and responses to it in various areas, including town-planning, intimate sexual behavior, and social care. The research aims to provide a clear assessment of how the social sciences can contribute to understanding and managing new risks.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 27, 2005

Longer cardiac rehab programs necessary, says U of T study

A new study suggests that cardiac rehabilitation programs lasting at least six months can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health. The research found that patients who participated in extended programs experienced greater benefits than those in shorter programs, with peak effects occurring at 38 weeks.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation·DateJan 27, 2005

Calcium may protect women from cancer

A study of 45,354 US women found that high calcium intake reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by 26%. Consuming a diet rich in calcium, even lower than current recommended daily allowance, is a safe and effective way for women to guard themselves against colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateJan 27, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UCSD-Salk team show protein's gene-silencing role in development of nervous system

Researchers at UCSD and Salk Institute have discovered that small carboxyl-terminal domain phosphatases (SCPs) play a crucial role in the maintenance of neural stem cells and silencing of neuronal genes. This finding suggests a way to expand the pool of neuronal stem cells, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 2005

Need better social research but it doesn't come cheap

A groundbreaking study aims to create more accurate surveys by considering context and long-term implications. However, the researchers warn that this approach may require significant investment in training and respondent commitment.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 27, 2005

Protein stops growth of brain tumor, OHSU study shows

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research shows that Herstatin blocks the growth of brain tumors by inhibiting signaling inside tumor cells. The treatment has shown promise as a viable alternative to traditional brain tumor treatment methods, particularly for glioblastoma, the most deadly form of brain cancer.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 27, 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.

Steroid discoveries could add bulk to crop harvests

Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding how plant steroids regulate gene expression, which could lead to increased crop yields and reduced costs. The studies revealed the molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones activate receptor proteins on plant cell surfaces, and identified key transcription factors involved in th...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 27, 2005

Monkeys pay per view

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that monkeys will pay to view images of familiar, high-ranking individuals or those with potential sexual partners. This study demonstrates that monkeys assess visual information by its social value, providing insight into their social cognition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 27, 2005