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Science News for July 13, 2005


Study: Predatory dinosaurs had bird-like pulmonary system

A new study reveals that predatory dinosaurs, such as T. rex, had a more complex air sac system similar to that in modern birds. The findings suggest that these ancient beasts may have been warm-blooded creatures, with a pulmonary machinery for enhanced gas exchange.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2005

Purdue findings support earlier nuclear fusion experiments

Researchers at Purdue University have confirmed findings by Rusi Taleyarkhan, using a tabletop device to produce nuclear fusion reactions through the use of ultrasound. The experiment produced neutrons in the range of 2.5 MeV and tritium, providing evidence for thermonuclear fusion.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNuclear Engineering and Design·DateJul 13, 2005
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.

Sleeping beauty plays a significant role in identifying cancer genes

Researchers have developed a new gene identification method using the Sleeping Beauty transposon technology, which inserts itself into or between genes and can activate or inactivate their function. This method allows for more efficient and accurate identification of cancer-causing genes compared to traditional methods.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2005

SCAI news: Drug-eluting stents prove mettle in heart attack patients

A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that drug-eluting stents are a safe treatment for heart attack patients, provoking no increase in complications. The stents prevented arterial renarrowing by 90% and reduced the need for repeat procedures.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateJul 13, 2005

Actin moves chromosomes: Discovery changes fundamental thinking

Researchers at European Molecular Biology Laboratory discovered that actin fibres are necessary to help microtubules transport chromosomes during cell division. In a study using starfish oocytes, the team found that actin networks gather chromosomes together before they can be pulled by microtubules.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2005

UIC researchers show protein routes messages in nerve cells

Researchers identified a key protein, coracle (4.1), that links receptors to cytoskeleton in nerve cells, enabling efficient neurotransmission. This discovery could help understand neurological diseases and develop drugs to manipulate problematic proteins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJul 13, 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 treatment extends survival for patients with advanced lung cancer

A trial involving 731 patients found that treatment with erlotinib resulted in longer survival compared to a placebo, with patients on erlotinib surviving an average of 6.7 months versus 4.7 months. Erlotinib was also well-tolerated and improved physical function, quality of life, and symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 13, 2005

Say 'thank you': Learning how to lie

Researchers found that preschool children's reaction to unwanted gifts predicts their ability to control reactive behavior and develop socially appropriate expressive behavior. This skill is crucial for future social success.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 13, 2005

Secret sex life of killer fungus

Researchers discover Aspergillus fumigatus has genes required for sexual reproduction, affecting disease control and potential antifungal drug resistance. The fungus's common presence in compost heaps may be a hotbed of fungal sex.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 13, 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.

Understanding and diagnosing an inherited pain syndrome

A study published by Yale researchers found that 17 members of a family carried a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 gene, which is associated with intense burning pain in the hands and feet triggered by heat and exercise. The discovery suggests the possibility of rational therapies targeting this affected channel.

SourceYale University·JournalBrain·DateJul 13, 2005

OHSU researchers help develop portable device to assist those combating balance disorders

Researchers at OHSU developed a portable device that uses audio cues to assist individuals with balance disorders, such as those caused by vestibular loss or Parkinson's disease. The device has shown significant improvement in reducing sway area and increasing time spent within the safe zone during early testing.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJul 13, 2005

New study on OTC progesterone health risks in women published

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that use of over-the-counter (OTC) topical progesterone results in significant drug exposure through skin absorption, comparable to prescribed oral progesterone products. The study revealed similar rates of adverse effects among women taking both types of progesterone.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 13, 2005

Decrease in exercise main reason for weight gain in US girls

A study of over 2,200 US girls found that decreased physical activity was the main reason for weight gain and obesity. Increasing physical activity by 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week could potentially prevent weight gain and reduce obesity risk during adolescence.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 13, 2005

Sneaky sex causes fish pest

The mosquito fish's reproductive habits rely on male coercion, which is affected by environmental temperatures. Females select for strong male genes and adapt their behavior to optimal temperatures.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 13, 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.

Sensory deprivation affects brain's nerve connections

Researchers found that sensory deprivation prevented substantial synapse loss in growing mice, contradicting the widely-held notion that brain neurons naturally lose connections as they form new ones. The study's findings suggest a potential link between childhood experiences and long-lasting impacts on brain function.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2005

Bacterial cooperation as a target for anti-infectious therapy

Researchers explore bacterial cooperation as a therapeutic target to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. By understanding how bacteria collaborate, scientists hope to develop novel treatments that can effectively target these complex interactions.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 13, 2005

Salivating aphids and dynamic proteins

Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which bean plants can prevent fluid loss when injured, using contractile protein bodies that change shape in response to calcium concentrations. Vetch aphids overcome this blockage by injecting saliva into the plant.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 13, 2005

Desire to stop drinking could be more important than therapy

Researchers found that participants who reduced their drinking had better outcomes and were more likely to remain in treatment, suggesting that psychosocial therapies' effectiveness is linked to patient characteristics rather than attendance. The study's findings challenge the current assumption that therapy is key to treating alcoholism.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 13, 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.

Fear of lawsuits affects emergency physicians' heart care decisions

A recent study found that nearly half of patients admitted for heart-related symptoms do not have acute coronary syndromes. Emergency physicians with a fear of malpractice are more likely to order unnecessary tests and admit low-risk patients, increasing healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 13, 2005

Subtle changes in normal genes implicated in breast cancer

Researchers found that non-cancerous cells surrounding young breast cancers undergo epigenetic modifications, altering gene function and signaling to tumor cells. This discovery may lead to early cancer diagnosis or predicting cancer risk through detection of epigenetic alterations.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 13, 2005

Organic farms produce same yields as conventional farms

A study by Cornell University professor David Pimentel found that organic farming systems produce the same crop yields as conventional farming, while using less energy and conserving more water. Organic farming also improves soil quality and reduces pollution.

SourceCornell University·JournalBioScience·DateJul 13, 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.

Researchers identify genes associated with lung transplant rejection

Researchers discovered six genes linked to chronic lung rejection, potentially leading to an early genetic test and targeted treatments. The study's findings could improve lung transplant patient survival by detecting scarring earlier.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateJul 13, 2005

Primate virus jumps species barrier to humans for first time in Asia

A study has found that a primate virus, simian foamy virus, has jumped the species barrier to humans in Asia, primarily through contact with temple macaques. Researchers warn that limiting human-primate interaction can reduce transmission risks and protect both humans and monkeys from disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJul 13, 2005

Why do aneurysms form? New studies suggest leading role for white blood cells

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have made significant discoveries on the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a leading cause of death worldwide. Two new studies suggest that neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in AAA formation, particularly in the early stages of the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJul 13, 2005