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Science News for July 26, 2005


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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Family Practice·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopment·DateJul 26, 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.

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.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalRadiology·DateJul 26, 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.

High blood pressure not well controlled among older men and women

A study by the Framingham Heart Study found that despite increasing rates of high blood pressure with age, treatment rates for older adults remain low. Seventy-four percent of people aged 80 and older have high blood pressure, but only a minority receive treatment.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateJul 26, 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.

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.

SourceWilliams College·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceResearch Australia·DateJul 26, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateJul 26, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

July/August 2005 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Studies reveal high users of primary care are often over-serviced but underserved, and electronic medical records have little impact on diabetes quality of care. In contrast, patients treated with dignity report higher satisfaction, treatment adherence, and receipt of preventive services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 26, 2005

Neuroscientists identify how trauma triggers long-lasting memories in the brain

Research reveals that emotionally arousing events activate the brain's amygdala, strengthening connections between neurons and increasing a protein called Arc to store lasting memories. The study shows that the amygdala plays a pivotal role in forming long-term memories.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jefferson Lab's FEL wins R&D100 Award

The Jefferson Lab FEL has been recognized as one of the top 100 most technologically significant products of 2005. It provides a scaleable path for high laser output power and enables new applications in materials science, national security, and more.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 26, 2005

One hit of crystal meth causes birth defects: U of T study

A U of T study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that a single exposure to methamphetamine during pregnancy can cause long-term neurodevelopmental problems. The developing fetus is vulnerable to DNA damage from the drug due to its lack of enzymes protecting it against free radicals.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateJul 26, 2005

Virtual colonoscopy shows cancer outside the colon

A recent study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect extracolonic abnormalities in 63% of patients, with clinically important findings detected in 9%. The procedure is potentially cost-effective and can be used to screen for other conditions as well.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 26, 2005

Trained nurses and laypersons perform well as preschool vision screeners

Researchers found that trained nurses and laypersons can accurately screen for vision disorders in preschool children, with some tests performing as well as optometrists. The study's results have significant implications for early detection and treatment of childhood eye disease.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 26, 2005
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.

Small worm yields big clue on muscle receptor action

Researchers have identified a crucial nicotinic receptor in nematode worms that plays a significant role in muscle contraction. The discovery may have direct relevance to humans due to the similarity between the nematode receptor and the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor found in the human brain.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2005

Mental health following stroke, spinal cord injury; sensory evaluation tools

Researchers investigated mental health outcomes after stroke and spinal cord injury, exploring the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and sensory evaluation tools. The study found that patients with depression struggled with low expectations of recovery and finding it difficult to accept losses.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 26, 2005

PET can identify effectiveness of chemotherapy early in high-risk breast cancer patients

A new study suggests that PET imaging can identify which breast cancer patients are likely to respond to chemotherapy, allowing for more effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized treatment plans, giving patients and doctors more options.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 26, 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.

Physicists entangle photon and atom in atomic cloud

Researchers successfully entangled a photon and a single atom located in an atomic cloud, demonstrating the first time this has passed the rigorous test of Bell inequality violation. The findings are a significant step towards developing secure long-distance quantum communications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 26, 2005

Arts program provides services, guidance to HIV/AIDS patients

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's arts program offers expressive-arts classes for HIV/AIDS patients, providing a supportive community for them to express themselves. The program's facilitator-researcher, Dr. Kellman, aims to enable and facilitate healing through art-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Aesthetic Education·DateJul 26, 2005