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Science News for June 29, 2005


Female butterflies go for sparkle -- not size -- when choosing to mate

New research from University at Buffalo biologists found that female butterflies are attracted to the sparkle created by ultraviolet reflectivity of pupils in male butterfly wings, not the size of the eyespots. Females prefer a set of narrowly defined features, such as eyespot pupils measuring approximately half a millimeter.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateJun 29, 2005

Global survey reveals personal impact of bipolar disorder

The global survey found that 26% of respondents never disclose their bipolar disorder due to social stigma, while 71% believe the public does not understand their illness. The survey also revealed that successful treatment would lead to significant quality of life changes.

SourceShire Health International·DateJun 29, 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.

Women's health suffers under welfare reform, study says

A study by University of Michigan researchers found that welfare reform led to increased rates of hypertension, obesity, and poor self-reported health among single mothers. The study's findings suggest that the impact of welfare reform on women's health was not fully considered in policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 29, 2005

Not all industrial sectors respond the same way to changes and shocks

A study by Michael Kitson of the Judge Institute of Management found that biotechnology firms believed economic changes had a negligible impact, but relied on large cash reserves for insulation. In contrast, aerospace firms developed portfolios of activities driven by different business cycles to reduce vulnerability.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 29, 2005
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New chem-bio sensors offer simultaneous monitoring

Researchers developed a tool that combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to monitor both topography and biochemical activity simultaneously. The technology promises to be valuable for various biomedical and biotechnological applications, including studying cystic fibrosis.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 29, 2005

NCAR analysis shows widespread pollution from 2004 wildfires

A recent NCAR study found that Alaskan and Canadian wildfires emitted 30 teragrams of carbon monoxide, causing a 25% increase in ozone levels in parts of the northern continental US and a 10% increase in Europe.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJun 29, 2005

Genetic on-off switches pinpointed in human genome

A new promoter map has been created to understand how genes are controlled in fibroblasts, providing a framework for analysis of genetic control in other human cell types. The researchers discovered multiple promoters controlling single genes in parallel and found new DNA sequences not previously recognized as genes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2005

Voice-to-voice translation machine perfects bedside manner

A multidisciplinary team at USC Viterbi School created a two-way voice translation system that turns doctor's English questions into Persian and vice versa. The Transonics Spoken Dialog Translator uses a combination of human observation, computer code, and machine learning to achieve fluent communication.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 29, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mountain-building process much faster – and cooler – than previously thought, say Queen's geologists

Researchers at Queen's University have discovered a 13-million-year cycle in the mountain-building process, which is significantly shorter than previously believed. This finding has implications for our understanding of geological processes that shape the Earth, including the formation of volcanoes and deep-seated continental earthquakes.

SourceQueen's University·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2005

Warmer air may cause increased Antarctic sea ice cover

Researchers found that warmer air could increase Antarctic sea ice volume by suppressing ice below sea level and refreezing as thicker ice. This counterintuitive phenomenon is driven by thermohaline circulation, impacting global climate patterns.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateJun 29, 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.

Scientists construct a physical map of the Drosophila buzzatii genome

An international team has launched the first detailed physical map of Drosophila buzzatii chromosomes, a species widely used in studies of genome evolution and ecological adaptation. The map was constructed using genomic library and physical mapping techniques, providing insights into the species' evolutionary history.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 29, 2005

Research team receives $7.5 million to study cassava

The BioCassava Plus project aims to develop cassava plants with increased levels of zinc, iron, protein and vitamins A and E, while reducing cyanide content and improving shelf life. The five-year grant will be used to increase the root's nutritional value and resistance to devastating plant viruses.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 29, 2005

Scripps research scientists discover new key to pulmonary edema in respiratory distress syndrome

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism controlling lung dryness and fluid entry, potentially leading to better prognosis for those with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The discovery focuses on the SIP3 receptor, which, when activated, causes pulmonary edema, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2005
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

U. of Colorado geophysicists image rock layers under Himalaya

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder developed a new method to visualize forces beneath the Himalaya, allowing for a deeper understanding of earthquakes and mountain formation. The study uses seismic sensors and creates high-resolution images of the crust and upper mantle.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2005

New bipolar survey: Patients' satisfaction influenced

A new survey suggests that Seroquel provides significant quality of life improvements for bipolar patients, with 79% believing a successful treatment would lead to increased functionality and improved lifestyle. The medication has been shown to effectively manage symptoms of depression and anxiety in rapid-cycling patients.

SourceShire Health International·DateJun 29, 2005

Where China goes, the rest follow in the global neighborhood

Two scientists outline China's environmental impact on the world, including pollution, resource consumption, and human health dangers. They recommend education, environmental law enforcement, market tools, and lifestyle changes to address these issues.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 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.

Size matters: Friction, adhesion change on atomic level

Research by Johns Hopkins physicists reveals that atomic-scale surfaces exhibit drastically different friction and adhesion forces due to their unique structures. The findings have significant implications for the development of nanotechnology, which could lead to improved device performance and functionality.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2005

Three reasons not to believe in an autism epidemic

Researchers identify three reasons to be cautious about an autism epidemic, including a flawed California study and the lack of reporting category for autism in public schools. They propose that the increase in diagnoses may be due to broadened diagnostic criteria and increased public awareness.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJun 29, 2005