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Science News for May 11, 2005


UCLA cancer researchers shake loose hidden biomarker

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a method to expose the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on cancer cells, making it accessible to blood-borne immunotherapies. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer patients with advanced disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 11, 2005

Season of birth influences age of menopause, say Italian researchers

Researchers found that women born in March reached menopause at under 49 years, while those born in October waited over 50 years for it to happen. The study suggests prenatal environmental factors can affect a baby's adult life and reproductive health.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 11, 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.

NIH funds DOE lab for cellular studies

The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has received nearly $3 million in funding from the NIH to study P. aeruginosa bacteria and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, which are involved in cellular growth and differentiation.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 11, 2005

New findings may help preserve rare Gutenberg Bibles

Researchers have precisely identified the pigments used to illustrate seven Gutenberg Bibles using non-invasive analytical techniques. The study provides chemical data that could help preserve and restore these historic treasures, offering insights into printing practices of early Europe.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 11, 2005

Hyperhidrosis and its treatment becoming better understood

A broader range of treatments for hyperhidrosis has been found to be effective, including botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and surgery. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the sympathetic nervous system in treating this condition.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 11, 2005

Map of life on Earth could be used on Mars

Researchers have developed a new map of life on Earth, which could be used to identify the potential for life on Mars. The map was created by tracing the evolutionary history of microorganisms using genetic sequencing data and shows that ancient microbes inhabited specific habitats, including hydrothermal systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMay 11, 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.

A hospital stay can make an older person more likely to commit suicide

A review of nearly 1.8 million people age 52 and older revealed that hospitalized individuals are more likely to commit suicide. Researchers conclude that hospitalization may be a factor in suicidal tendencies among older adults, with women at increased risk.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 11, 2005

Soft drinks consumption may increase the risk of childhood obesity

Research reveals a correlation between soft drink consumption and childhood obesity risk, highlighting the importance of promoting healthier beverages in schools. Experts emphasize the need for strengthening existing nutrition programs over contracts with soft drink companies to combat this issue.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 11, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Simple but seminal: Building a robot that can reproduce

Cornell University researchers have developed a robot composed of modular cubes, called molecubes, that can self-replicate by bending and attaching to other cubes. This technology has potential applications for space exploration and hazardous work environments, where robots could repair or rebuild themselves with spare modules.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2005

How exactly does the brain control breathing?

Researcher Patrice G. Guyenet proposes that central chemoreceptors are located in the retrofacial region of the brainstem, loaded with glutamate, to sense pH changes in cerebrospinal fluid. In contrast, Dr. Richerson suggests that these receptors are found near midline blood vessels to 'taste' blood pH levels.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMay 11, 2005

Type 2 diabetes is increasing among children all over the world

The study reveals that type 2 diabetes now accounts for up to 45% of new cases among adolescents globally. Rising obesity rates are particularly alarming in certain ethnic groups, including Native Americans and Pima Indians, who have the world's highest recorded rate of Type 2 diabetes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 11, 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.

UNC scientists develop promising new X-ray device using carbon nanotubes

Researchers have developed a new X-ray device that can create images of objects from numerous angles without mechanical motion, increasing imaging speed and reducing size. This technology has the potential to lead to smaller, faster, and more accurate X-ray scanners for airport baggage screening and medical imaging.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 11, 2005

Statin therapy cost-effective for a wider range of individuals

A new study finds that statin therapy can significantly reduce hospitalization costs and costs of major vascular events. The cost-effectiveness of treatment varies depending on individual risk levels, with lower-risk groups potentially benefiting from statins.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 11, 2005

OHSU study says national injury prevention program working

The OHSU study found that ThinkFirst significantly improves knowledge of injury prevention among program participants, leading to a decline in traffic-related fatalities and injuries. The program has educated over 250,000 children on injury prevention since its inception in Oregon.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMay 11, 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.

Creation of gene targeting earns Smithies March of Dimes honor

Gene targeting allows scientists to alter specific genes in cultured cells and transfer them to laboratory mice, enabling the study of human diseases. The technique has revolutionized biomedical research and is now practiced by thousands of scientists worldwide.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateMay 11, 2005

NASA postpones satellite launch

NASA has postponed a scheduled satellite launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch, originally set for May 12, will now take place pending favorable weather conditions. NASA TV coverage is available online and via satellite.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 11, 2005

African Americans just as likely to be diagnosed with depression

Researchers found that primary care providers are equally likely to diagnose and treat depression in older African Americans compared to whites. The study highlights the importance of managing depression in the elderly due to multiple existing illnesses.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 11, 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.

Scientists discover odd-ball rodent

A new rodent species, Kha-Nyou, has been discovered in Central Laos with distinct characteristics. The species is estimated to have diverged from other rodents millions of years ago and is found to be a nocturnal vegetarian, giving birth to one offspring at a time.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·DateMay 11, 2005

Mitigating ethical stress of government financial managers

A study of US government financial managers found that timely feedback from supervisors can mitigate stress and encourage ethical action. The majority of respondents reported feeling less stressed when they received regular, constructive feedback on their performance.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateMay 11, 2005

Program finds lost genes in nematode genome

A new software program, TWINSCAN, has been developed to predict genetic sequences in nematodes with high accuracy. The program predicts 60% of the genes in the C. elegans genome exactly, right up to the last amino acid, surpassing previous predictions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 11, 2005

Whimpers from the Sun?

A new study reveals that Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) can originate from tiny magnetic regions on the Sun, challenging current theories. The research used data from NASA/ESA's SOHO spacecraft and found that these mini-CMEs were energetic enough to reach Earth, causing aurora and disrupting satellite communications.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateMay 11, 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.

Spinoff company receives $2.5 million NIH grant to build prototype scanner

A spinoff company has received a $2.5 million NIH grant to build a prototype scanner that can detect early-stage breast cancers with high accuracy, potentially changing medical practice in breast imaging. The scanner uses Cone Beam CT technology to eliminate structural overlap and capture clearer images of small tumors.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMay 11, 2005

University of Chicago researchers reveal secrets of snake flight

Researchers studied flying snakes' flight patterns and found that body length and wave amplitude are key predictors of flight behavior. Paradise tree snakes can travel further horizontally than vertically, making them true gliders.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 11, 2005