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Science News Archive July 2005 - Page 2


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.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2005

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceYale University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceKetchum UK·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalTransplantation·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 27, 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.

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.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 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.

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.

SourceAnnals of Pharmacotherapy·JournalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceKansas State University·DateJul 27, 2005

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...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJul 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.

Catalyst support structures facilitate high-temperature fuel reforming

Researchers have developed porous support materials that can withstand the rigors of high-temperature reforming of hydrocarbon fuels. The new materials satisfy all three key requirements for a catalyst support: high surface area, stability at high temperatures, and low pressure drop.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 27, 2005
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.

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.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateJul 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.

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 27, 2005
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 27, 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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.