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Science News Archive May 2005


Page 12 of 16

Research cruise to understand major changes in Atlantic

Scientists on a research cruise are assessing ocean temperatures and collecting water samples to identify levels of carbon dioxide. The study suggests that the jet stream's strength influences both weather patterns and ocean state, leading to recent major temperature changes in the Atlantic.

Researchers observe predictors of natural immunity to ovarian cancer

A study led by Daniel W. Cramer found that high blood levels of antibodies against MUC1 protein are associated with lower incidence of ovarian cancer. These events include bone fractures and gynecological surgeries, suggesting a potential link between immune system activation and cancer protection.

Breast CT reaches clinical testing: May improve on mammography

The breast CT scanner developed at UC Davis has reached clinical testing and shows promise in detecting breast tumors earlier than mammography. The technology requires no breast compression and takes images of virtual slices to provide a detailed view of breast tissues.

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.

Excess liver gene protects against high-fat diet

A new study reveals that mice with an excess of liver X receptor (LXRa) are protected from high-fat diet-induced cholesterol and blood vessel plaques. The findings suggest that natural variation in LXRa levels can influence susceptibility to heart disease, depending on diet.

Genetic testing divides families

A study on genetic testing in families found that individuals with a family history of disease tend to form cliques with those who test positive for a mutation. The timing of disclosure is influenced by the type of disease and perceived need to prepare, highlighting the complexities of sharing genetic information within families.

Shared computing grid cuts data mountains down to size

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Grid Laboratory of Wisconsin (GLOW) is a campus-wide distributed computing environment that harnesses spare processing power from hundreds of individual computers. This allows researchers to sort through massive DNA sequences and power simulations in a fraction of the time previously required. By a...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UQ researcher journeys to the centre of the cell

Researchers at UQ's IMB have discovered a new pathway for particle and nutrient uptake into cells, which is vitally important for cellular survival. This finding presents unexplored avenues for developing new drugs to fight certain viral infections and opening up possibilities for drug delivery or gene therapy.

Silicon solution could lead to a truly long-life battery

Researchers have developed a new type of battery that uses tritium to generate electricity, potentially leading to the creation of long-lasting devices. The battery's staying power is tied to the enduring nature of its fuel, which releases electrons through beta decay.

Liverpool placenta study could save lives

The RELEASE study is a randomised clinical trial testing a new technique to treat retained placenta, aiming to improve outcomes for women in developing countries and the UK. The technique involves injecting oxytocin into the placenta via umbilical cord injection.

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.

Should the mental health evaluator decide child custody?

The authors of a recent article argue that mental health evaluators with adequate forensic training can provide valuable information to judges on custody-relevant issues. However, experts disagree on the role of these evaluations, with some suggesting they should only be used in serious cases of abuse or neglect. The symposium issue of...

UCI epilepsy researcher receives nation's top neuroscience prize

Ivan Soltesz, a UCI neurobiologist, received the Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences to investigate post-traumatic epilepsy research. The $2.7 million grant aims to develop new anti-epileptic treatment strategies for people who have recovered from severe head trauma.

Sensor warns of gastrointestinal problems

A novel sensor has been developed to detect gastrointestinal problems by measuring acid levels in the stomach. The sensor, created by Sebastiaan Herber, is small enough to fit inside a catheter and can provide early diagnosis of conditions like ischemia, which can cause pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Lack of sleep can affect athletic performance in teens

Teen athletes may have an advantage when traveling across time zones, as they can wake up later and feel more alert. Chronic sleep deprivation from irregular schedules, part-time jobs, and social activities can severely impair morning performance.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Stem cell treatment improves mobility after spinal cord injury

A human embryonic stem cell-derived treatment has restored insulation tissue for neurons in rats with acute spinal cord injuries, leading to significant improvements in walking ability. However, the same treatment was ineffective on rats with chronic injuries, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Monkeys adapt robot arm as their own

Researchers discovered that monkeys can control a robot arm using only their brain signals, adapting neural structures and expanding capability. The study reveals the remarkable flexibility of the primate brain in incorporating artificial tools into its function.

Is the vaccine industry ailing?

The vaccine industry has declined from 26 companies in 1967 to just five in 2004 due to low market demand and high production costs. Dr. Paul Offit urges legislators to protect vaccines as a vital instrument of public health and recommends financial incentives for manufacturers and healthcare professionals

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.

Purdue study finds races react differently to dietary salt, calcium

Researchers at Purdue University found that African-American and Caucasian adolescent girls handle sodium and calcium differently, leading to varying rates of hypertension and osteoporosis. The study concluded that excessive salt intake reduces bone density in both races, with Caucasian girls losing more calcium through their urine.

Drug lowers inflammatory markers associated with risk for heart attack

The study found that levels of biomarkers linked to arterial inflammation and heart attack risk decreased after taking the drug DG-031. The drug reduced production of leukotriene B4 by 26 percent and myeloperoxidase by 12 percent, suggesting a potential reduction in cardiovascular events.

Kids at risk for lead poisoning don't get necessary testing

A recent Michigan Medicine study reveals that only 53.9% of children with elevated blood lead levels in Medicaid received critical subsequent follow-up testing, leaving many vulnerable to lead poisoning. Nearly half of those who did receive testing still had elevated blood lead levels, highlighting missed opportunities for prevention.

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.

Nurses receive new tool to help patients quit smoking

A new pocket guide for nurses, 'Helping Smokers Quit', aims to enlist the aid of the country's 2.2 million practicing nurses in helping people give up smoking. The guide provides information and tools for nurses to become smoking cessation advocates.

Innovative study finds way to 'bio-synthesize' an anti-cancer compound

Scientists have discovered a way to bio-synthesize an anti-cancer compound using a microbe found in sea squirts. The study, published in PNAS, reveals that the Prochloron microbe produces two patellamide compounds, which can be produced through biosynthesis without destroying large numbers of sea squirts.

Study backs effectiveness of thrombolysis after stroke

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke is a safe and effective therapy. The results indicate excellent outcomes for over one-third of patients and low rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and orolingual angiodema.

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.

End-of-life care involves a more holistic approach

End-of-life care involves addressing emotional, social, ethnic, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. A fellowship program aims to equip healthcare providers with necessary tools to address complex issues surrounding death and dying.

Untreated low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ poses long-term risk

Low-grade DCIS lesions can evolve to invasive breast cancer within 15 years of diagnosis, with a regional risk and high mortality rate. The study found that 30% of women with untreated low-grade DCIS developed invasive breast cancer in the same breast within 15 years.

Green laser pointer can cause eye damage

Mayo Clinic researchers found that green laser pointers can cause irreversible damage to the retina's pigment layer. Longer exposures and higher-powered lasers increase the risk of vision damage.

Little microbe inside sea squirt makes big splash

Scientists from TIGR and universities uncover genetic instructions for patellamide production, allowing lab synthesis using E. coli. The discovery solves a decades-long mystery about Prochloron's role in producing these potentially important biochemicals.

Low-fat dairy foods may help reduce risk of type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that men consuming higher levels of low-fat dairy products have a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 41,000 participants and found that each serving per day of low-fat dairy intake resulted in a 9% reduction in the risk of developing the disorder.

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.

Fungus-farming termites descend from an African rain forest Eve

Fungus-farming termites cultivated fungi as a food source inside their nests, with the relationship representing an impressive example of mutualistic symbiosis. Researchers suggest that termite agriculture originated in the African rainforest and gave rise to various fungus-cultivating termite species.

PNAS highlights for the week of May 9 - 13

A mathematical model suggests adjusting biometric identification systems can increase chances of catching known criminals at ports of entry by up to 94.9%. Human modification of Earth's water cycle through deforestation and irrigation may have regional impact on weather patterns and food production.

Combination treatment improves survival for pancreatic cancer

A combination of chemotherapy drugs showed improved overall and progression-free survival rates compared to a single drug, gemcitabine. Patients treated with the combination regimen (PEGF) had a higher percentage alive without disease after 4 months than those on standard treatment.

Nutritional advice improves health of children in developing countries

A nutritional education intervention improved growth and reduced stunting in young children, a form of chronic malnutrition. The study found that caregivers in intervention areas received more frequent nutrition advice and fed their children nutrient-dense foods, leading to significant improvements in child health.

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.

BMI just part of ischemic heart disease risk picture

Research highlights that body mass index is just one aspect of ischemic heart disease risk, with insulin resistance syndrome playing a significant role. Metabolically healthy obese men and metabolically unhealthy lean men have been found to have different heart disease risks.

PNNL seeks maxi space exploration via mini technology

Scientists at PNNL develop MicroCATS, a system to produce propellant from Martian resources, regenerating breathable air and enabling life support. The goal is to advance microtechnology principles for larger-scale Mars missions by 2030.

Poor understanding of coverage deters breast cancer screening

A study found that lack of accurate knowledge of insurance coverage, rather than actual costs, deters many women from getting screened. More than half of participants identified cost as a barrier to screening, with those who misunderstood their coverage being more likely to do so.

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.

Gold nanoparticles may simplify cancer detection

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and University of California, San Francisco discovered that gold nanoparticles can bind to cancer cells using an antibody, making detection easier. The technique has a 600% greater affinity for cancer cells than noncancerous cells and doesn't require expensive microscopes or lasers.

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.

Parental conflict can affect school performance

A recent study by Cardiff University suggests that frequent and poorly resolved conflicts between parents can have a negative impact on children's emotional, behavioural, and academic development. The study found that children living in such family environments are at greater risk for deficits in academic achievement.

New fat is needed to clear old fat from the system

Genetically engineered mice with a missing enzyme in their livers developed fatty liver disease when placed on a zero-fat diet. The study found that consuming new fat, which is produced in the liver or consumed in food, helps regulate fat burning and prevents liver damage.

Low-fat dairy may lower risk of type 2 diabetes in men

A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that consuming low-fat dairy products was associated with a nine percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in male participants. The researchers analyzed data from over 41,000 men and followed them for 12 years to document new cases of type 2 diabetes.

Marijuana withdrawal reported by teens seeking treatment

A study of 72 adolescent marijuana users found that nearly two-thirds experienced four or more symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, including anxiety and irritability. The majority of participants also reported experiencing some withdrawal symptoms after abruptly stopping daily or near-daily use.

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.

Embryonic law and order

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered how fruit fly embryos maintain order during early development by regulating cell division and tissue formation. A key protein, HOW, plays a crucial role in this process by arresting RNA production and delaying cell division.

Scientists inhibit cancer gene

Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered an enzyme called DGK iota that appears to reduce the incidence of Ras-induced tumors in mice. The researchers found that mice with a deleted DGK iota gene developed fewer tumors, while those with an intact gene and activated Ras exhibited significantly more tumors.

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.