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Science News for June 8, 2005


Florida Tech receives $430,000 from NASA for lunar oxygen project

Researchers at Florida Tech are developing a method to produce oxygen on the moon using the FFC Cambridge process, which could significantly reduce costs and masses of rocket fuel. Locally produced oxygen would be crucial for achieving affordable human robotic programs to explore the solar system.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateJun 8, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Veterans of first Gulf War have more chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia

Research reveals a significant increase in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia among veterans of the first Gulf War compared to non-deployed peers. The study, conducted at 16 VA medical centers, found that deployed veterans were 40 times more likely to develop chronic fatigue.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 8, 2005

Unweaving amyloid fibers to solve prion puzzles

Scientists have found a way to analyze the configuration of amyloid fibers using yeast strains, providing insights into how prions interact with each other. The study reveals that prions have only two points of contact, known as the 'head' and 'tail,' which determine their interactions.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2005

Several minute intermediate stage in virus-cell fusion discovered; opportunity for drug development

A team of researchers has identified an intermediate stage in virus-cell fusion that lasts several minutes, providing a potential window of opportunity for drug development. This discovery may allow existing drugs to be re-evaluated and fine-tuned to target this critical point in the viral entry process.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2005

Digging in the dirt for life's biochemical foundations

A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that fungi are more important in plant nitrogen nutrition than previously thought. The team discovered that over a third of the total nitrogen taken up by plants comes from fungal sources.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2005

CI launches unprecedented marine conservation initiatives

Conservation International launches unprecedented marine conservation initiatives, including seascapes and a Global Marine Species Assessment, to protect critical marine ecosystems. The programs aim to address declining ocean wildlife, pollution, and other conservation issues.

SourceConservation International·DateJun 8, 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.

FSU meteorologists' work may lead to better tracking of hurricanes

Researchers found that ozone levels are closely related to the formation, intensification and movement of hurricanes. The study's findings can help improve predicted tracks and lead to better tracking of storms. Ozone data can provide a clearer view of a hurricane's eye, aiding in storm position pinpointing.

SourceFlorida State University·DateJun 8, 2005

Mayo Clinic case series illuminates connection between welding, brain damage

A Mayo Clinic case series reveals a link between long-term welding and neurological impairment, including Parkinsonian syndrome, multifocal myoclonus, vestibular-auditory dysfunction, and mild cognitive impairment. The study emphasizes the importance of adequate fume protective measures to prevent damage from manganese exposure.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateJun 8, 2005

Raisins as a functional food for oral health

The study found oleanolic acid inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, two species associated with caries and gum disease. Raisins' phytochemicals may counter a public perception that they promote cavities.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 8, 2005

Ozone levels drop when hurricanes are strengthening

Researchers found a strong relationship between ozone levels and hurricane behavior, enabling better tracking and forecasting. Ozone data helps pinpoint the storm's eye, leading to more accurate predictions of hurricane movement.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2005
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

First annual Global Conservation Award announced at World Ocean Day

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez was awarded the first-ever Global Ocean Conservation Award for his groundbreaking work in advancing global marine conservation, fisheries reform, and ocean science. He is recognized for his leadership in securing a U.N. moratorium on high seas bottom trawling and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

SourceConservation International·DateJun 8, 2005

TV confuses children about which foods are healthy, new study finds

A new study found that children who watch more TV are less able to provide sound nutritional reasons for their food choices. Excessive TV viewing can lead to confusion about which foods are healthy and help them grow strong and healthy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Communication·DateJun 8, 2005

Home care managers should implement strategies to reduce high nurse turnover

A study published in Home Healthcare Nurse found that home care nurses value professional autonomy, collaborative relationships with physicians, and access to resources to provide quality care. Implementing these traits can help reduce nurse turnover and improve patient outcomes in home health care agencies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHome Healthcare Nurse·DateJun 8, 2005

Once given 'no respect,' cells' tiny RNAS take driver's seat

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that the Myc protein controls the production of six microRNAs in human lymphoma cells, which can either promote or slow cell growth. The study's findings suggest a complex system involving Myc, microRNAs, and genes controlling cell proliferation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 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.

Consumers suspicious of sponsored links

A study by Penn State researchers found that 80% of participants preferred organic search results over sponsored links. Despite identical content, participants rated sponsored links as less relevant due to biased perception. To address this, businesses should prioritize organic visibility alongside paid advertising.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 8, 2005

Researchers get first peek at amyloid's spine

Researchers have gained a detailed understanding of the interconnected protein segments that form amyloid fibrils, a key feature in various diseases. The structure reveals a 'spine' made up of short zippers that are tightly bonded together.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2005
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NHGRI selects 13 new targets for large-scale sequencing program

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has selected 13 new targets for a large-scale sequencing program, including mammals and non-mammalian organisms. The program aims to gain insights into the biological processes at work in human health and illness by comparing genomes across species.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateJun 8, 2005

Study establishes new class of cancer-causing genes

Researchers found that mir-17-92 cluster microRNAs are overexpressed in most common cancers, including B-cell lymphoma and colorectal carcinomas. This overexpression may contribute to cancer development and progression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 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.

Study shows ramelteon reduced insomnia symptoms in elderly

A study shows that ramelteon effectively reduces insomnia symptoms in elderly individuals, targeting the suprachiasmatic nucleus to regulate biological rhythms. Approximately half of older adults experience insomnia at least a few nights per week, affecting an estimated 60 million people in the US.

SourceKetchum UK·DateJun 8, 2005

UIC developing drug for SARS

Researchers at UIC are developing protease inhibitors to block the SARS virus's advance, aiming to reduce viral load and ameliorate disease. The targeted approach, focusing on the backbone of enzymes, is designed to evade mutations that may hinder drug effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJun 8, 2005

New hope for treating heart rhythm irregularity that often follows surgery

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that inflammation is the cause of postoperative atrial fibrillation, a rapid and irregular twitching of the upper chambers of the heart. Anti-inflammatory therapy may prevent or lessen this condition by increasing uniformity of electrical impulses in the atria.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJun 8, 2005

Minorities receive less diabetes-related prevention care

A study of 36 studies found that minority populations received fewer preventive care measures for diabetes, including flu vaccinations and cholesterol tests. Socioeconomic factors, language differences, and potential bias in healthcare may contribute to these disparities.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 8, 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.

Clear rules needed to govern deep sea bioprospecting: UNU

The report highlights the need for clear rules to regulate deep sea bioprospecting, citing growing concerns about exploitation and potential damage to sensitive ecosystems. Marine-derived drugs have significant economic value, with estimated annual profits of $1 billion from anti-cancer agents alone.

SourceUnited Nations University·DateJun 8, 2005

US specialists call for heart patients to be screened for psychological distress

Research by Dr Amy Ferketich and Dr Philip Binkley found that men and women with heart disease in the US experience high levels of psychological distress, with only a third seeking mental health support. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 individuals with different forms of heart disease, highlighting the need for clinicians to c...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 8, 2005

Are microRNAs oncogenes?

Researchers discovered distinctive patterns of microRNA activity in cancer cells that can be used to diagnose cancers and distinguish normal cells from those that are cancerous. The study also found that specific microRNAs can cause lymphomas in mice and cooperate with genes already known to cause human cancers.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2005