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Science News Archive July 2005


Page 2 of 13

Birds that sing with their wings to woo

Researchers at Yale University discovered that male birds produce unique songs by rubbing their wings together. The wing song is as loud as a typical bird vocal and can be heard tens of meters away. This unusual behavior supports the theory that sounds made by feathers evolved through sexual selection.

Rare bird 'sings' with its feathers to attract a mate

The club-winged manakin, a rare species found in Ecuador's cloud forest, produces a unique sound by rubbing its inner feathers together. This adaptation is driven by sexual selection and makes the male more attractive to females.

Foolproof 'fingerprint' on materials could aid the fight against fraud

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a technology that uses naturally occurring surface roughness to create an inherent identity code for materials. This 'fingerprint' can be easily read using a low-cost portable laser scanner and provides secure authentication and tracking, eliminating the need for tags or inks.

New taxon of Galápagos tortoise identified

A team of scientists led by Michael Russello has discovered a new taxon of Galápagos tortoise, characterized by distinct genetic features. The discovery highlights the importance of accurate taxonomy for effective conservation policy and preservation of genetic diversity in these endangered species.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newest HIV drugs should be used with FUZEON(R)

Studies show that FUZEON combined with tipranavir achieves a ten-fold reduction in viral load and double the increase in immune cell count. The 'FUZEON effect' has been seen across multiple studies, nearly doubling patients reaching undetectable viral loads.

Implantable chips bear promise, but privacy standards needed

A medical implantable chip has been shown to be effective in preventing unwanted medical interventions by providing a secure way for caregivers to identify patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, the technology raises significant legal, ethical, and technological concerns that must be addressed before it can be widely adopted.

NASA develops a 'nugget' to search for life in space

The NUGGET instrument could help scientists determine if primitive forms of life existed on Mars by analyzing fossils embedded in rocks. By generating three-dimensional images, it can quickly identify areas where samples might be taken for further study.

Stem cells in bone marrow replenish mouse ovaries

A new study suggests that stem cells in bone marrow and blood can regenerate egg cells in adult mice, potentially leading to new fertility treatments and alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. The findings also provide evidence for the existence of germ cell progenitors outside of the ovary.

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.

Comments sought on draft federal IT security standard

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a draft federal IT security standard, FIPS Publication 200, to aid in FISMA compliance. The document provides guidelines for minimum security requirements and a risk-based approach for selecting security controls.

Circulating stem cells play small role in lung repair

A recent study found that circulating stem cells contribute less than 1% to lung repair, while most contributions come from lung-resident stem cells. The study also suggests a link between the number of Y-chromosome containing pneumocytes and acute cellular rejection in lung tissue.

MIT engineers an anti-cancer smart bomb

Researchers design dual-chamber nanocell to deliver anti-angiogenic and chemotherapy drugs to tumors, reducing toxicity and improving survival rates. The new approach shows great potential in treating two types of cancers, with mice surviving up to 65 days without severe side effects.

Alzheimer's disease; new approach, new possibilities?

Researchers discover that amyloid-β protein plaques attach to blood vessels, causing damage and leakage. This breakthrough understanding may lead to the development of treatments that promote plaque removal from the brain.

Researchers explore ecological issues at annual meeting

Cornell researchers presented several studies on ecological issues, including a new study that found fruit-eating fish in South America may become extinct due to overfishing. Another study revealed that coral-disease systems are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, with small changes having significant impacts on the ecosystem.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers make headway in mystery of migraines

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the genetic mutations that cause familial migraines. By studying how these mutations affect the sodium pump, a crucial cellular mechanism, Dr. Rhoda Blostein and her team identified key changes that disrupt its operation, leading to migraine development.

Penn named a 'Breast Cancer Center of Excellence' by Department of Defense

Researchers at Penn will employ a range of cellular and molecular imaging techniques to analyze genetically engineered mouse models of breast cancer. The goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying breast-cancer progression and develop more effective therapies against aggressive forms of this disease.

North Atlantic right whales headed toward extinction

The North Atlantic right whale population is critically low, with estimates suggesting only 350 individuals remain. Human activities such as shipping and fishing are major contributors to the decline, resulting in numerous deaths and entanglements that threaten the species' survival.

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.

Mechanism proposed for link between RU-486 and fatal infections

Researchers propose a mechanism by which mifepristone increases the risk of fatal C. sordellii infections, including septic shock and death. The antiprogesterone effects of mifepristone may disrupt immune function, allowing bacteria to thrive in the cervical canal.

K-State professor assists in war on terror with bomb detection research

Bill Dunn, a K-State associate professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering, has developed a device that can detect explosives remotely using gamma and neutron radiation pulses. The device aims to improve bomb detection safety without putting people at risk by getting too close to suspicious containers.

Girls' confidence in math dampened by parents' gender stereotypes

Researchers Ruchi Bhanot and Jasna Jovanovic found that girls are less confident in their math ability when their parents give intrusive support. The study, published in the journal Sex Roles, suggests that parents' endorsement of gender stereotypes can undermine girls' confidence in math and science. By being more sensitive to how hel...

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.

NASA's Chandra neon discovery solves solar paradox

A recent study by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory suggests that the sun contains nearly three times more neon than previously believed. This discovery has solved a critical problem with understanding how the sun works. The increased amount of neon plays a crucial role in energy flow from nuclear reactions to space.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Bioagent detector guide aids first responder purchasing

The NIST Guide for the Selection of Biological Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders provides a comprehensive resource for selecting biological agent detection equipment. The guide cites 19 performance parameters to consider, including sensitivity and ease-of-use, to help first responders make informed decisions.

Delirium associated with premature death

A study found that hospitalised older patients with delirium had a 13% shorter lifespan compared to those without delirium. The researchers estimate that this equates to approximately one year of life lost per patient.

Habit leads to learning, new VA/UCSD study shows

Researchers studied two human volunteers with amnesia who could learn simple object discrimination tasks through repetition and habit learning. The volunteers' ability to select the correct item improved over time, suggesting that humans have a capacity for habit memory that is independent of conscious memorization.

Amazon source of 5-year-old river breath

Researchers found that Amazonian rivers and wetlands are rapidly releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere, with most recent releases dating back only 5 years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the storage of carbon in these ecosystems.

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.

Invasive honeysuckle opens door for new hybrid insect species

A study by Penn State researchers found that invasive brushy honeysuckle hybridized with the Rhagoletis pomonella fruit fly, creating a new insect species. The discovery suggests that hybridization is a common mechanism for speciation in animals, similar to what occurs in plants.

Researchers identify gene set linked to breast cancer's spread to lungs

A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has identified a gene set associated with breast cancer metastasis to the lungs. The researchers found that over half of patients with tumors carrying this genetic 'thumbprint' developed lung metastases, whereas only 10% of those without it did.

Researchers help sort out the carbon nanotube problem

Researchers at NIST and university partners find that carbon nanotubes can be sorted by length during mixing, which could lead to more affordable high-quality polymer nanocomposites. The study reveals that shorter tubes tend to congregate near the walls of mixing equipment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Compact JILA system stabilizes laser frequency

Researchers at NIST developed a compact, vertically mounted cavity that eliminates vibrations, allowing for stable laser light with minimal environmental disturbances. The new design outperforms previous systems in size and cost, enabling widespread adoption of precise optical technologies.

U Iowa researchers prevent hereditary deafness in mice

Researchers at U Iowa successfully used RNA interference to prevent genetic deafness in mice, offering a potential new treatment for humans. The gene-silencing technique targets dominant negative mechanisms that cause deafness in humans.

The enigmatic face

A recent study found that motion significantly enhances people's ability to recognize subtle facial expressions, particularly when displayed dynamically rather than statically. The research suggests that motion reveals the temporal characteristics of emotions and improves sensitivity to communication of emotion.

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.

Doctors and care providers often underestimate the full impact of head injuries

A study found that doctors and caregivers often focus on physical and cognitive effects, but patients report additional challenges such as social isolation and self-consciousness. The research highlights areas that deserve more attention and suggests interventions like lip reading training and videos to improve patient recovery.

Study: Well-known protein helps stem cells become secretory cells

Researchers discovered that the protein CrebA single-handedly controls the entire set of events leading to secretion in the fruit fly's salivary gland, improving understanding of how cells become specialized for secretion. This finding could potentially help fix problems with pancreatic cells in juvenile (type I) diabetes.

Bacteria feed on smelly breath (and feet)

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology found methylotrophic bacteria present in the mouths of healthy volunteers and those with gum disease, but no association between bacterial levels and bad breath. The discovery may lead to a natural way of reducing smelly breath and feet.

Delivery of routine preventive services suboptimal for medicare beneficiaries

The study found that Medicare beneficiaries received lower rates of preventive services, with strong associations between practice type and revenue from Medicaid. Practices with less than 6% of revenue from Medicaid were more likely to provide certain preventive services, while those with high percentages were less likely.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Virtual colonoscopy reveals diseases outside the colon, as well

A study found that 45 out of 500 virtual colonoscopy patients had clinically important extracolonic findings, including kidney cancers and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study suggests that virtual colonoscopy may be more effective at detecting diseases outside the colon than in the colon.

New finding may aid adult stem cell collection

Researchers at University of Cincinnati have developed a new chemical compound that can accelerate adult stem cell mobilization, enabling easier harvesting. The findings reveal the RAC GTPase family plays a crucial role in regulating stem cells' movement into bone marrow and blood stream.

Cameras may curb false confessions

A review published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest suggests that videotaping interrogations can curb false confessions. The authors propose that all interviews and interrogations should be recorded in their entirety to accurately assess confessions.

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.

Our genes make us like people like us

A study of twins and their partners/friends reveals a strong genetic component to our tendency to seek out people like ourselves. The researchers found that 34% of preference for similar mates was due to shared genes, with the greatest self-similarity seen in more heritable items.

Chickadees can help humans get their bearings

Researchers found that wild-caught mountain chickadees differ from previous species tested by consistently ignoring angular features of their environment and following landmarks. This discovery suggests that animals may be predisposed to navigate by geometry, contradicting prior research.

MR spectroscopy helps identify cancerous breast tumors

MR spectroscopy enhances breast imaging by identifying chemical compounds in tumors, leading to increased cancer detection rates (94-100%) and improved accuracy (57%). This adds value to existing MR exams, reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving patient outcomes.

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.

Any exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy is risky

A study published in BMC Pediatrics finds that active maternal smoking, passive exposure, and even quitting during pregnancy can cause genetic damage in the developing fetus. This damage may have lifelong repercussions for the exposed fetus, affecting survival, birth weight, and susceptibility to disease.

Cameras may curb false confessions

False confessions are a significant issue in law enforcement, with various factors contributing to their occurrence. Research suggests that mandatory videotaping of police interviews and interrogations could help reduce these cases by providing an objective record of the proceedings.

Spinifex secures $3.25m investment to develop pain therapy

The company will use the investment to accelerate its drug development program for neuropathic pain, a prevalent condition affecting an estimated 45% of diabetics and 75% of those over 70. With a significant worldwide market valued at US$3 billion, Spinifex aims to deliver a novel solution to this unmet medical need.

A new understanding of how immune system targets disease

Researchers have discovered the chemical mechanism behind immunodominance, a process where the immune system targets specific pieces of disease-causing molecules. This understanding could lead to the development of more effective vaccines by targeting areas of pathogens that cannot be changed.

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.