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Science News for May 17, 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.

Iodine deficiency, supplements affect thyroid cancer risk in children exposed to radioactive iodine

A case-control study found a strong dose-response relationship between radiation dose and thyroid cancer risk, with iodine-deficient areas showing three times the risk. Stable iodine supplementation was associated with one-third the risk of radiation-related thyroid cancer compared to no supplementation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 17, 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.

Research shows upbringing affects discipline choices

A survey of 2,100 parents found that age plays a significant role in choosing discipline methods. Parents who were raised with spanks and time-outs more likely to use these methods on their own children. Only 60% of parents feel their discipline strategies are effective, prompting pediatricians to offer guidance.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMay 17, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic factors partly influence differences in language development

The study investigates individual differences in language development among 4.5-year-old twins, finding that genetic and environmental influences shape both average and low-ability language skills. The results suggest a shared role of genetics and environment in shaping language abilities in boys and girls.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Genes may influence nutritional composition of breast milk

Research reveals that genetic variants can impact the amount of DHA in breast milk, essential for brain and eye development. Women with certain genetic variants produced higher levels of DHA in their breast milk, which may have implications for infant nutrition and development.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMay 17, 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.

Epilepsy by the numbers

Researchers have developed a mathematical way to translate brain wave readings into simple terms to help doctors identify newborns at risk for epilepsy. The new tool uses quantitative EEG analysis to pinpoint abnormal brain activity in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateMay 17, 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.

Children's peer group influences ethnic/racial prejudice

A study found that when children are part of a group that excludes others and is threatened by outsiders, they reveal the most prejudice. However, race affects willingness to change groups, with same-race membership being preferred.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Other highlights in the May 18 JNCI

A new study found that increasing breast cancer screening recall rates can detect more breast cancers earlier, but the benefit levels off. Premenopausal women with elevated hormone levels have an increased risk of breast cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 17, 2005

The dark side of adolescent popularity

Research found popular adolescents were more well-adjusted on many dimensions, but over time, they showed greater increases in delinquency and drug use. This suggests that the benefits of popularity may come with negative consequences.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2005
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Teen's ability to multi-task develops late in adolescence

The frontal cortex, a brain region controlling multi-tasking, continues to develop until age 17. The ability to remember single pieces of spatial information develops by age 11-12, while strategic self-organized thinking takes longer to mature.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Misinformation: Seeing is believing

A study found that repeated exposure to misinformation can create false memories, while skepticism plays a crucial role in discounting incorrect information. Researchers investigated the effects of retractions and disconfirmations on people's memory of war-related events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 17, 2005

Language cues provide 'glue' for visual learning in children

A new study finds that verbal cues, such as labeling color and location, help children remember visual patterns more accurately and longer. Children with Williams syndrome also benefit from specific verbal cues, suggesting potential new techniques for learning.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMay 17, 2005
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Unrestrained retina too much of a good thing

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that the retina is the default pathway for eye development in mammals, controlled by two chemical cues. This discovery has important implications for human therapy, as it highlights the need to regulate stem cell development and prevent excessive growth of the retina.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Maladapted children change goals during conflicts

Children who face obstacles in resolving conflicts exhibit significant changes to their goals, prioritizing retaliation over relationship-oriented objectives. Poorly adjusted children may need social skills interventions focusing on maintaining adaptive goal combinations during challenging interactions.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Mother birds increase progesterone to hatch females

Researchers at Cornell University found that higher-than-normal progesterone levels in female chickens during the first meiosis significantly produce more females. The study suggests that female birds manipulate sex ratios to adapt to their environment and ensure the next generation has enough females to care for.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 17, 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.

Several factors can increase risk for recurrent blood clot

A follow-up study of 474 patients found that men have a higher risk of recurring blood clots than women, and that women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to experience recurrence. The study also suggests that adequate prophylactic anticoagulation is the most important measure to reduce the risk of recurrent events.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2005

Tobacco brands still common in PG-13 movies, despite '98 Master Settlement

A recent study found that tobacco brand appearances in PG-13 movies did not significantly decrease after the Master Settlement Agreement, leaving adolescent audiences exposed to tobacco advertising. The percentage of R-rated movies with tobacco brand appearances dropped by 55.4%, but that for PG-13 films remained unchanged since 1998.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2005

Protein targets tumor vasculature, delays tumor growth in animal study

A new protein targets tumor vasculature by inducing coagulation when administered systemically, delaying tumor growth and producing some tumor regressions. The treatment shows promise for cancer therapy, adding a powerful punch to the fight against cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 17, 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.

Children of incarcerated mothers exhibit poor attachment to caregivers, mothers

A study found that 63% of children of incarcerated mothers had insecure relationships with their mothers and caregivers. Children's reactions to separation from their mothers typically included sadness, worry, confusion, anger, loneliness, fear, sleep problems, and developmental regressions.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Like the famous doughboy, nanotubes give when you poke 'em

Researchers found that nanotubes are stiff from the ends but soft from the middle, with larger tubes becoming softer. The study's findings are important for developing nanoelectronics and could lead to more efficient nanowires.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 17, 2005

Too stressed to think?

Researchers found that high cortisol levels lead to poor memory performance and a smaller hippocampus in older adults. Stress also affects young adults and children, causing reversible memory impairments and higher cortisol levels in low SES children.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 17, 2005

Study shows grapefruit extract can heal stomach ulcers

Researchers found grapefruit seed extract accelerates ulcer healing by reducing gastric acid secretion and promoting blood flow at the ulcer site. The study suggests that grapefruit can be a beneficial addition to the diet for those with ulcers.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 17, 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.

MDCT overtakes ventilation-perfusion lung scan for diagnosing pulmonary embolism

The study found that MDCT pulmonary angiograms increased from 21.9 to 42.5 per month, while ventilation-perfusion scans dropped from 5.7 to 3.6, indicating a shift towards diagnosing pulmonary embolism by CT. This change is attributed to advancements in MDCT scanners, which can quickly image the pulmonary vasculature with high resolution.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateMay 17, 2005

Bee mites suppress bee immunity, open door for viruses and bacteria

Researchers found that Varroa mites reduce bee immunity by suppressing the production of chemicals that sterilize honey, allowing bacteria to increase. This combination with deformed wing virus is causing two-week death collapses in hives across the US.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2005
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.

Birth factors associated with risk for autism

A large-scale Danish study found no association between risk of autism and various birth factors, including mode of delivery, fetal presentation, and socioeconomic status. Family history of schizophrenia was linked to increased autism risk, independently of obstetric factors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 17, 2005

Nutrition gene key in regulating immune system

Researchers have found a gene that signals yeast to make bread rise and mice to eat a better diet also helps selectively silence the immune system. This finding may help explain how mothers avoid rejecting genetically foreign fetuses, providing a new target for treatments to ignore other desirable tissues like transplanted organs. The ...

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalImmunity·DateMay 17, 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.

Combo drug controls hypertension in hard-to-treat patients

A new combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 21.5 points in 77% of patients, with 83% achieving acceptable diastolic blood pressure levels. The study included diverse patient groups and showed significant results.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·DateMay 17, 2005

Leading patient safety advocates assess progress in reducing medical error

The report has had a positive impact on improving patient safety by changing healthcare views, enlisting support from stakeholders, and altering practices. Clinical effectiveness of safe practices implemented in hospitals show promising results, including reduced medical errors, adverse drug events, and cardiac arrests.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2005
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.

Yoga takes a bite out of eating disorders

A recent study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that yoga can help women buffer against negative messages about body image and self-acceptance. The research suggests that practicing yoga may lead to improved mental health outcomes, particularly for individuals at high risk of developing eating disorders.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMay 17, 2005

Too much knowledge can be bad for some types of memory, study finds

A new study found that adults performed better remembering pictures of imaginary animals than real cats. The researchers suggest that some types of memory may be enhanced when people approach a subject with a child-like sense of naïveté. The ability to categorize can lead to problems such as stereotypes and ignoring individual details.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Over-feeding in infancy might set the stage for childhood obesity

A study found that infants of obese mothers consumed more energy as carbohydrates and had less interaction time with their parents, leading to increased sleeping time. This excess calorie intake may set the stage for childhood obesity, suggesting maternal influences play a crucial role in infant body composition.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateMay 17, 2005
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.

What makes someone your sister or brother? No easy question in 2005

A study led by Professor Rosalind Edwards finds that the definition of brothers and sisters has more to do with individual circumstances and experiences than biology. The research reveals that children's answers to this question are complex, built through everyday communication and sharing experiences.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 17, 2005