Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive June 2005


Page 13 of 15

'Watch and wait' - a shift in approach to kids' ear infections

A recent study found that a 'watch and wait' approach to treating kids' ear infections could significantly reduce the overuse of antibiotics. The study surveyed over 2,000 parents in Massachusetts communities, revealing mixed attitudes towards this treatment method.

Ancient DNA confirms single origin of Malagasy primates

A recent study using ancient DNA has confirmed that all living lemurs on the island of Madagascar descended from a single primate ancestor. The researchers analyzed DNA from nine subfossil individuals and found that they are closely related to living indriids, but not to other extinct species.

Astronomers find evidence supporting theory of quasars

Researchers at Cornell University have found clear bumps in infrared emissions at 10 and 18 microns in five type 1 AGNs, confirming the existence of silicate dust and supporting the unified theory. This evidence may provide insights into the inner temperature of dusty tori and shed light on the structure of active galactic nuclei.

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.

Opiate cocktail may spare cells from morphine's dark side

Researchers developed a drug cocktail combining morphine with methadone to prevent cellular signaling imbalances associated with opiate tolerance. The study found that rats receiving the cocktail experienced reduced morphine dependence, suggesting a potential approach for treating chronic pain.

NASA: Earth and space sciences at risk

The American Geophysical Union issues a position statement warning that NASA's commitment to innovative Earth and space science programs is under threat due to new financial demands. This could lead to decimated effective programs and degraded capabilities in weather forecasting, search and rescue, and life and property protection.

Housing subsidies may help prevent children's undernutrition

A recent study found that housing subsidies can protect low-income families' food budgets and improve their children's nutritional status. Children from food-insecure families receiving housing subsidies had better weight for age compared to those without subsidies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Resettling the 'Lost Boys of Sudan' in the United States

A US study assessed the functional and behavioral health of unaccompanied Sudanese refugee minors one year after resettlement in foster care. The youths reported high levels of trauma and stress, with increased risk of PTSD associated with separation from family, group home living, and feelings of loneliness.

New research provides evidence that Rh proteins act as CO2 gas channels

Scientists have discovered that Rh proteins, previously thought to be inactive carriers, play a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of carbon dioxide in and out of red blood cells. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of human physiology, including breathing, pH regulation, and kidney function.

Study recommends new guidelines for air bag safety in children

A study published in Pediatrics recommends new guidelines for air bag safety in children. The research found that children under 14 are at high risk of serious injury from air bags when sitting in the front passenger seat, while older children benefit from air bag protection.

Chemotherapy options improve for patients with advanced colorectal cancer

A new study finds that oral capecitabine plus oxaliplatin shows comparable efficacy and toxicity profiles to traditional intravenous chemotherapy, offering a more convenient treatment option for patients. The regimen has shown similar response rates and overall survival, with benefits in terms of patient autonomy and quality of life.

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.

Understanding DNA drug delivery for lung diseases

Scientists have successfully delivered genes to the lungs of CF mice using DNA nanoparticles, enabling real-time imaging and assessment of gene expression. This breakthrough technology holds promise for treating serious lung diseases like cystic fibrosis with novel nucleic acid-based therapies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Government must crank up medical research investment

A joint paper from Research Australia calls on the Federal Government to boost its investment in health and medical research, following a review that showed significant healthcare and economic successes. The organization argues that continued growth of Commonwealth funding is essential to stay in the global race and attract top talent.

More research funding needed to improve cancer care, oncologists say

A survey of 291 oncologists from 55 countries found that increased funding for research and clinical research were the top priorities for improving cancer care. Oncologists also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and medical training to enhance treatment outcomes.

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.

2005 Elizabeth Fleming Stier Award: George J. Flick Jr.

George J. Flick Jr.'s Sea Grant Coherent Area projects led to the establishment of the Virginia Graduate Marine Science Consortium, providing educational and research programs along the Virginia coast. His outreach programs have also addressed problems affecting the seafood industry, with funding for industry, academia, and regulators.

Royal Society elects Tom Curran as Fellow

Tom Curran, a prominent cancer researcher, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society. His work on molecular oncology and neurobiology has made significant impacts on our understanding of brain cancers and gene regulation.

Genes linked to treatment resistance in children with leukemia

Researchers identified genetic variations associated with treatment resistance in childhood ALL, highlighting potential for personalized chemotherapy and simplified diagnostic tests. The study found links between specific gene variants and hematological relapse and central nervous system (CNS) cancer recurrence.

$3 million NIH grant focuses on workplace obesity

Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center will study the diet and activity levels of Eastman Kodak employees to develop evidence-based tools to promote healthy work environments. The goal is to reduce obesity and improve overall well-being among Kodak's workforce.

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.

Dyslexia redefined

Dyslexia researchers propose that the condition stems from difficulty in filtering out visual noise, affecting pattern recognition and language comprehension. The study suggests that programs helping children form sharper perceptual categories could supplement existing interventions.

New radiofrequency device

Researchers at the Public University of Navarra have designed a new radiofrequency device using the Babinet Principle and meta-surfaces, enabling efficient mobile communications. The device also offers improved shielding capabilities for wireless communications, reducing interferences in buildings or rooms.

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.

Students heed parents on credit card advice

A study of 589 college students found that parents are the primary source of information about credit cards, with a significant negative relationship between parental influence and credit use. Educational institutions can reassess their personal finance education to better prepare students for managing credit.

Listen! Comfort a cornerstone for many female friendships

New Purdue University research reveals that most women are less forgiving of female friends who struggle with comforting skills compared to male friends. In contrast, women who value traditional feminine roles prefer female comforters over male ones.

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.

Software addresses terrorist building threats

The NIST-developed Cost Effectiveness Tool for Capital Asset Protection (CET) Version 1.0 aids in creating a cost-effective risk mitigation plan by assessing damage scenarios, identifying potential strategies and evaluating life-cycle costs.

How you feel drives how you choose

A study found that angry consumers were 37% more likely to choose default options than sad individuals. Sad people tend to examine all the options carefully and make informed decisions.

Vanilla vs. rocky road

A study by Elizabeth Miller and Barbara Kahn found that consumers prefer atypical and unspecific names to common descriptives. The results suggest that color names can impact purchase propensity, with more ambiguous names leading to increased consumer appeal.

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.

Developing nervous system sculpted by opposing chemical messengers

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that opposing chemical signals from neurotransmitters sculpt the developing nervous system by preserving synapses between motor neurons and muscle cells. This process helps eliminate unnecessary sites, allowing for more efficient neural connections.

Variant prion protein causes infection but no symptoms

Research suggests that a variant form of abnormal prion protein lacking an anchor may be unable to signal cells to start the lethal disease process, leading to infection without symptoms. The study provides novel insights into how prion and other neurodegenerative diseases develop and hints at new approaches to prevent such diseases.

Fitter by degress? Higher education no panacea for adult health

A new study led by Dr. Tarani Chandola found no link between high intelligence in childhood and better health among highly educated adults. The study instead highlights the importance of policies targeting specific areas such as working conditions and enabling healthy lifestyles.

Benefits of continuous NSAID use in ankylosing spondylitis

The study found that patients with ankylosing spondylitis who took NSAIDs continuously experienced less spinal joint damage than those who only used them for pain management. This suggests that inflammation and progression of joint damage may be separate processes in AS, and NSAIDs may have unexplored disease-controlling properties.

Dealing with dying

Researchers analyzed how mortality salience affects consumer behavior, particularly in food choice and charitable donations, highlighting the role of self-esteem as a buffer against existential anxiety. The study concludes that individuals respond differently to mortality salience based on their sources of self-esteem.

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.

Shadow technique improves measurement of micro holes

A new measurement method developed by NIST researchers uses the shadow cast by a small glass probe to infer the dimensions of tiny, microscale holes. The technique provides an improved quality control method for precision-engineered products, such as fuel nozzles and biomedical stents.

Virus uses tiny RNA to evade the immune system

A virus can adapt the host's gene silencing machinery to evade the immune response by using microRNAs to silence a key protein target. This finding bolsters evidence that microRNAs play important roles in infected cells, challenging the long-held notion of their sole role as an antiviral defense mechanism.

Protease inhibitors reach beyond HIV

Researchers found that HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) can inhibit programmed cell death in mouse models with hepatitis, shock, and stroke. PIs maintain mitochondrial integrity to prevent apoptosis, suggesting potential uses for related compounds in non-HIV disorders.

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.

Exposure to carcinogenic crop toxin lowered by simple intervention

A simple packaged intervention improved storage of groundnuts among farmers in Guinea, reducing aflatoxin levels by over half. The intervention significantly lowered disease burden related to the potent environmental toxin, which is associated with increased risk of liver cancer and impaired child growth.

Diabetes knowledge has little effect on improving outcomes

A study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that improved disease knowledge alone does not translate into improved blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, weight management, or mortality rates among diabetics. Despite this, education is still an important aspect of diabetes care.

New authentication code urged for digital data

The Common Message Authentication Code (CMAC) is a new authentication mechanism that uses block ciphers to verify the integrity of digital data. Developed by Japanese scientists Tetsu Iwata and Kaoru Kurosawa, CMAC is part of NIST's ongoing effort to update block cipher-based algorithms.

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.

Green diesel: New process makes liquid transportation fuel from plants

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a four-phase catalytic reactor to convert biomass-derived carbohydrates into sulfur-free liquid alkanes. The process produces 90% of the energy found in the feedstock and creates twice the energy as ethanol production, with no additional heating or distillation required.

Making up your mind

Research suggests that consumers rely on quick thinking and knowledge accessibility when making judgments, with retrieval ease playing a dominant role in moderately accessible situations. The study found that content-based judgments occur when relevant knowledge is highly inaccessible or easily retrievable.

Single gene is genetic switch for fly sexual behavior

A new study found that a single gene, Fruitless, is responsible for controlling fly sexual behavior. The researchers discovered that female flies with the male version of the protein behave like males and engage in nearly identical courtship rituals.

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.

Consumer literacy

Research reveals that consumerism is a social practice of identity maintenance and management, driving low-literate individuals to employ coping strategies. The study identifies the importance of developing consumers' confidence and abilities to engage socially when needs are denied or thwarted.