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Science News for July 5, 2005


Technique provides new look on response of diseased canine heart

Researchers used a new microarray technology to analyze the genes of healthy and diseased dogs, identifying 167 genes that may play a role in canine dilated cardiomyopathy. The study sheds light on the heart's response to disease and offers hope for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·DateJul 5, 2005

MIT develops 'Anklebot' for stroke patients

Researchers at MIT have created an Anklebot to aid stroke patients in regaining ankle movement. The device is one part of a larger robotic gym targeting different limbs, building on previous success with arm rehabilitation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 5, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Urine test may help monitor disfiguring birthmarks

Researchers discovered elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in patients with vascular anomalies, correlating with disease progression. Urine testing may help predict aggressive lesions and inform treatment decisions.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 5, 2005

Controlling wildlife trade key to preventing health crises, study says

Millions of wild animals pass through markets each year, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The study highlights the need to regulate and eliminate the global wildlife trade to prevent the spread of diseases among humans, domestic animals, and ecosystems.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJul 5, 2005

Largest study to date reveals baseline findings for flexible sigmoidoscopy

The largest study to date provides valuable insights into flexible sigmoidoscopy screening among 154,942 participants aged 55-74. Findings show that women are more likely to decline FSG than men, while non-acceptance increases with age in women. The rate of cancer detected was 2.9 per 1,000 individuals screened.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

Children's Hospital Oakland new sickle cell research

A four-year study published in JAMA found that patients with sickle cell disease who had low arginine levels were at a higher risk of death from pulmonary hypertension. The researchers hope to develop new treatments using nutritional supplements or drug therapies to increase arginine availability.

SourceChildren's Hospital & Research Center Oakland·JournalJAMA·DateJul 5, 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.

New pediatrician workforce policy addresses growing challenges in health care

The report highlights the growth of female pediatricians and positive trends in medical student recruitment, but notes a lack of ethnic and racial diversity among pediatricians. The new policy aims to address geographic disparities and recruit more diverse pediatricians to serve the increasing population of minority children.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 5, 2005

UK science helps farmers in Africa and India

Scientists at IGER have created a genetic map of pearl millet DNA, enabling the rapid development of downy mildew-resistant plants. This approach allows for faster breeding techniques than traditional methods, benefiting farmers in Africa and India.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJul 5, 2005

Exercise program and special weighted back support improves balance in elderly

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that an exercise program with a special weighted back support improved balance and reduced back pain in women with kyphosis. The intervention, which included shifting the center of gravity and improving back strength, was effective in reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 5, 2005

Dieting linked to increased wealth, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University found that dieting is linked to increased wealth, particularly among white women, but not as strongly among black men or white men. The study analyzed data from over 7,300 people and found that those who lost large amounts of weight experienced more dramatic changes in wealth.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateJul 5, 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.

Ethanol and biodiesel from crops not worth the energy

A study by Cornell University researchers found that producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant biomass requires more energy than the fuel produced, leading to significant fossil energy input. The use of these fuels contributes to air, water, and soil pollution, as well as global warming.

SourceCornell University·JournalNatural Resources Research·DateJul 5, 2005

Treatments for prostate cancer may affect employment

Men with prostate cancer are 10% less likely to be working six months after diagnosis compared to those without the disease. However, approximately two-thirds of patients continue to work due to fear of losing health insurance coverage, often at reduced hours and with decreased productivity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 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.

Genetics center to launch new genetic-testing initiative

The Genetics and Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins University will launch a new genetic-testing initiative to build consensus on the safe and accurate use of genetic testing. The two-year $3 million grant aims to improve our understanding of genetic tests and their impact on public health.

SourceGenetics & Public Policy Center, Johns Hopkins University·DateJul 5, 2005

Turn up da noise

Researchers found that adding noise to weak vibrations increased the ability of participants to detect the frequency of the original signal. This effect could be useful in designing prosthetics for the elderly to prevent painful falls and improve balance control.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 5, 2005

Rutgers to lead $52.7 million protein research program

The Protein Structure Initiative will accelerate structure determination of thousands of proteins, enabling predictions of protein functions and discovery of new drug targets. Rutgers' NESG is a key member of the PSI network, leveraging its expertise in structural biology to advance biomedical research.

SourceRutgers University·DateJul 5, 2005
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Other highlights in the July 6 JNCI

A new study found long-duration regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs may lower prostate cancer risk by 18%. Gene variants associated with melanoma risk were also identified in a Mediterranean population study, while another study found no link between gene mutations and response to bevacizumab

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

Researchers devise improved controls for advanced tokamak fusion reactor

Scientists have devised a method to more effectively dampen vertical instabilities in tokamak fusion reactors, allowing for improved control of electrical currents and magnetic fields. This development aims to increase the efficiency of fusion reactions and is an important step towards building the next-generation fusion reactor by 2015.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAutomatica·DateJul 5, 2005

University of Oregon chemists discover new way to fix nitrogen

Researchers have successfully synthesized ammonia from nitrogen using a simple compound of iron and hydrogen in solution, marking a significant step toward achieving one of chemistry's coveted goals. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of ammonia, a vital fertilizer for global food supply.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 5, 2005

Study examines accuracy of PSA values for detecting prostate cancer

The study analyzed data from a randomized, prospective trial to determine the effectiveness of PSA testing. Researchers found that no single cutoff value would simultaneously yield high sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the need for re-education on the concept of 'normal' PSA levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 5, 2005

New partnership to clear landmines for African elephants

A new partnership between Roots of Peace and Conservation International aims to remove landmines from critical access corridors used by elephants in Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The project will create a conservation and development area, promoting sustainable reserve and ecotourism programs.

SourceConservation International·DateJul 5, 2005
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.

Adult lifestyle biggest risk factor for diabetes, study finds

A new study found that adult lifestyle, particularly body fat and waist-hip ratio, is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Childhood factors such as birth weight and nutrition have limited impact on the development of insulin resistance in adulthood.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalDiabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews·DateJul 5, 2005

Who do you trust? Men and women answer that differently

A study by Ohio State University found that men tend to trust people in their group, while women trust strangers with personal connections. Women's in-groups are based on interpersonal relationships, whereas men's are based on symbolic groups.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateJul 5, 2005
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Canadian researchers call for more angiograms

A study led by Dr. Michelle Graham highlights the need for higher rates of cardiac catheterization testing in Alberta and Canada. The research shows that many patients with high-risk blockages remain undetected, emphasizing the importance of increasing angiogram prescriptions to save lives.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 5, 2005

Brain function in schizophrenia can improve with support, holds promise for cognitive rehabilitation

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis shows that people with schizophrenia can remember things just as well as healthy subjects with proper cues and memory aids. The research suggests a new way to understand the cognitive problems underlying schizophrenia, offering hope for more effective cognitive rehabilitation programs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2005

Quantum cryptography

Researchers at Perimeter Institute outline a new aspect of Quantum Cryptography, improving the security of data transmission. The study demonstrates enhanced capabilities in quantum key distribution, paving the way for widespread adoption in secure communication networks.

SourcePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 5, 2005

Nutritional info helps teens make better choices

Researchers found that providing nutrition information at point-of-selection increased sales of lower-fat and calorie foods. Students opted for healthier options, such as plain cheese pizza instead of pepperoni, and chose dishes with fewer calories but similar fat content.

SourcePenn State·DateJul 5, 2005
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.