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Science News for June 30, 2005


New drug is effective in reducing rejection in heart transplantation

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daclizumab can reduce organ rejection in heart transplant patients by 25%. The treatment also showed a lower rate of bacterial infections compared to placebo. Researchers believe this incremental step will help improve outcomes for heart transplant patients.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 30, 2005

Dirk Inzé receives the Francqui Prize for Biological and Medical Sciences 2005

Dirk Inzé's pioneering work on plant cell division has revealed similarities to human cell regulation, shedding light on the mechanisms driving cancer and informing potential treatments. His research also explores the potential of plants to produce sustainable energy through photosynthesis, offering a promising solution for the world's...

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·DateJun 30, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stolen gene allows insect virus to enter cells

Researchers discovered a fruit fly gene, f, that codes for a fusion protein enabling insect viruses to infect cells. The study found that the gene was originally transferred from an insect to a virus through recombination, leading to significant changes in viral behavior and pathology.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJun 30, 2005

Fighting malaria by manipulating mosquitoes' sense of smell

Researchers at Vanderbilt University aim to develop powerful chemical repellents and attractants to interfere with malaria mosquitoes' ability to find human targets. The project uses genetic engineering, molecular biology, and field-based studies to establish an effective strategy for reducing malaria spread.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJun 30, 2005

'Perfume' to lure mosquitoes and control malaria

A Yale University research project aims to reduce malaria transmission by identifying effective odor cues that attract or repel mosquitoes. The team will test these odors in simulated natural situations and eventually distribute them to African villages for practical tests.

SourceYale University·DateJun 30, 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.

Change in prenatal genetic testing could reduce detection rate of abnormalities

A study found that withdrawing full karyotyping from prenatal diagnosis for Down's syndrome could lead to undetected other chromosome abnormalities, resulting in preventable mental or physical handicaps. The researchers suggest using PCR plus karyotyping for more efficient detection of clinically significant chromosome abnormalities.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 30, 2005

NIST scientist honored for neutron probe advances

Majkrzak's work on neutron reflectometry has significantly improved the field's ability to analyze atomic and magnetic structures. His research findings have numerous applications in biology, particularly in the study of materials at the molecular level.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 30, 2005

Purdue researchers find key to rice blast fungus

Researchers identified an enzyme called MAP kinase as a crucial player in the fungus' attack, triggering cellular communication necessary for fungal invasion. Understanding this process is essential to develop new fungicides or resistant rice plants.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 30, 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.

Final nightclub fire report urges code compliance

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has issued a report calling for strengthened codes to prevent similar nightclub fires. The recommendations aim to enhance occupant safety by implementing measures such as sprinkler systems, flammable material restrictions, and emergency preparedness practices.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 30, 2005

Are aerosols reducing coastal drizzle and increasing cloud cover?

A new $1.4 million ARM Mobile Facility is stationed near the beach to collect data on marine stratus clouds, which are thin, low-level clouds that cover the sky like a blanket. The facility will gather data on cloud properties, suspended particles and other atmospheric variables to analyze aerosol effects.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateJun 30, 2005

Roy Meadow should not be found guilty of serious professional misconduct

Richard Horton argues that the GMC is not equipped to handle complex medical-law cases and advocates for a Royal Commission to improve judicial processes and strengthen child protection services. The causes of Sally Clark's sons' deaths remain unascertained, highlighting the need for a broader approach to learning from the Clark case.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 30, 2005
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.

A 'dimmer switch' for genes

Researchers found that the unstructured regions of protein Ets-1 play a crucial role in controlling gene expression, acting like a dimmer switch rather than an on-off switch. The study reveals that phosphorylation affects protein activity by decreasing internal motion and altering gene binding.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2005

Prescription pain patch abuse blamed for increase in deaths

A recent study by the University of Florida found that fentanyl patch abuse led to the death of 115 people in Florida last year. The abuse often involves removing the full dose from the patch and taking it all at once, either through injection, ingestion, or smoking.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJun 30, 2005

Landscape corridors promote animal, plant dispersal

Researchers found that Eastern Bluebirds were 31% more likely to be found in connected patches, while seeds from wax myrtle plants were 37% more likely to be found in traps. The study showed a 'tight fit' between predictions and actual seed movement.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2005

NIST World Trade Center investigation team calls for improvements

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report with 30 recommendations to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants, and first responders. The recommendations aim to enhance fire resistance, prevent progressive collapse, and design buildings for efficient evacuations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 30, 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.

Targacept compounds show long-lasting improvement in cognition

The Targacept compounds demonstrate a long-lasting effect on cognition by normalizing acetylcholine levels, a key neurotransmitter for cognitive processing. This mechanism of action suggests potential treatment for CNS disorders such as dementia, depression, and pain.

SourceKureczka/Martin Associates·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateJun 30, 2005

Team investigates Active Denial System for security applications

The DOE is exploring the potential of Active Denial Technology (ADT) to protect nuclear assets from intruders. A small-sized ADS system is being developed for DOE fixed-site applications, which has shown encouraging results in previous studies and human effectiveness testing.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 30, 2005

E-mail can be good for you

A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 30, 2005

Urgent measures needed to tackle HIV epidemic in Moscow

Rates of HIV-1 infections are growing rapidly in Moscow, with the epidemic spreading beyond high-risk groups to heterosexual populations. The study highlights the urgent need for intervention, such as screening and health education, particularly among women and young people at risk.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 30, 2005

Health professionals believe gender bias limits women's progression in NHS

New research by Dr Jan Bogg at the University of Liverpool reveals a strong perception that NHS managers do not view part-time workers for career advancement in the same way as full-time staff. This is one reason why women are underrepresented in senior positions, with men occupying more authoritative and influential roles.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJun 30, 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.

New design developed for silicon nanowire transistors

The NIST design uses a simplified type of contact between the nanowire channel and electrodes, allowing more electrical current to flow. The results suggest that nanowire transistors can improve performance in nanoscale electronics while retaining industry's existing silicon technology infrastructure.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 30, 2005

Identifying blood stem cells is a SLAM dunk

A new method identified by Sean J. Morrison and colleagues distinguishes hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from other progenitor cells using specific SLAM family receptors. The technique enables the purification of HSCs before transplantation, potentially leading to safer transplants.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 30, 2005

Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative funds Yale project

The Yale project aims to create a predictive model system for vaccine testing, addressing the need to predict vaccine safety and effectiveness. The team will study a novel solution using mice engineered with human immune systems, generated with technology developed in Switzerland.

SourceYale University·DateJun 30, 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.

Political prejudice preventing progress on prison health

Infectious disease transmission in prisons can be prevented with simple and safe harm reduction strategies, yet governments remain reluctant to endorse alternative approaches. The Lancet emphasizes the need for a global approach to acknowledge prison health's contribution to health inequalities.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 30, 2005

Does manganese inhaled from the shower represent a public health threat?

A study suggests that breathing in manganese vapor during a shower can cause permanent brain damage, posing a significant risk to public health. The researchers found that concentrations as low as 0.5 milligrams per liter may lead to brain injury, despite the Environmental Protection Agency's current drinking water standard.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateJun 30, 2005

UCAR training helps forecasters predict rip currents

The new Web-based modules, developed by COMET, will acquaint forecasters with the physics behind rip currents and help them use wind and wave forecasts to produce outlooks of rip-current risk. The modules include animated depictions of rip-current evolution in three dimensions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJun 30, 2005

What don't we know? Science presents the great unsolved scientific mysteries of our time

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has identified 125 major questions that scientists have yet to answer, including the nature of dark matter and the biological basis of consciousness. The journal's special issue marks its 125th anniversary and explores these fundamental gaps in scientific knowledge.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 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.

Help for osteoporosis sufferers in the primary care office

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty treatments offer pain relief for osteoporosis sufferers, with the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimating 44 million Americans over 50 affected. The procedures stabilize fractured bones and prevent movement, providing significant cost savings.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners·DateJun 30, 2005

A sharper focus for soft x-rays

Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Center for X-Ray Optics achieved a resolution of better than 15 nanometers using zone plate lenses, surpassing previous limits. The new technique allows for the fabrication of small three-dimensional structures and has potential applications in biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2005

UT Southwestern researchers discover master switch in cell death

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master switch in cell death, which can help control tumor formation and potentially lead to new cancer treatments. The enzyme Mule destroys a key molecule that regulates apoptosis, allowing for the degradation of proteins that control cell death.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJun 30, 2005

Measures can help save frontal sinuses

Researchers developed guidelines for surgeons to assess whether patients are candidates for a sinus-saving modified Lothrop procedure. By analyzing CT scans and anatomy of seven cadavers, they identified critical measurements that determine the feasibility of the procedure.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Rhinology·DateJun 30, 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.

Knowledge of Tuskegee study doesn't increase medical mistrust

A recent study reveals that knowledge of the Tuskegee Study is less important than negative interactions with healthcare systems in fueling mistrust among African-Americans. The study found significant racial disparities in mistrust, with black participants more likely to believe a similar study could occur today.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJun 30, 2005

A giant step toward tiny functional nanowires

Researchers at Northwestern University create a new method to produce nanowires with controlled gaps, enabling the design of devices for diagnostics and drug discovery. The technique, called on-wire lithography, allows for the fabrication of nanowires with precise electrical measurements on individual molecules.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2005

ORNL wins three R&D 100s

ORNL's national lab-leading total increases to 122 with three new R&D 100 awards. The innovations include the compact and energy-efficient SEMCO Revolution rooftop air conditioner and SensArray Integrated Wafer for precise semiconductor temperature control.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJun 30, 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.

NIST to accredit voting systems test labs

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is establishing a program to accredit voting system test labs, which will be part of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). NVLAP accreditation is a prerequisite for laboratories to be considered as Voting System Test and Certification Authorities (VSTC...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJun 30, 2005

US/African project deciphers deadly parasite genome

The study has given clues to pursue in understanding human cancers, with the parasite's genome providing information on its ability to induce cancer-like cells. The genome sequence also reveals key pathways that differ between T. parva and the malaria parasite.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2005