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Science News for November 17, 2005


Building a better hydrogen trap

Scientists create a new class of materials called covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which can store hydrogen more efficiently. By slowing down the synthesis process, researchers can predict the internal structure and properties of COFs, allowing for tailored applications.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

New technique multiplies life span in simple organisms

Researchers at USC discovered that deleting the SIR2 gene can extend life span up to six times longer than normal when combined with caloric restriction. Human cells with reduced SIR2 activity also confirm its pro-aging effect, pointing to a new direction for human anti-aging research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell·DateNov 17, 2005

Additives may save energy for cooling big buildings

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to improve the efficiency of water chillers in large commercial buildings. By adding small amounts of oil additives to refrigerants, they claim to increase cooling capacity similar to a heat pump.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateNov 17, 2005

New collaboration on rice DNA variation study

The collaboration aims to uncover the genetic basis underlying important agricultural traits in rice. By identifying sequence variation between major rice varieties, researchers can associate DNA variations with traits like drought resistance or vitamin content, ultimately helping to breed more resilient and nutritious rice strains.

SourceInternational Rice Research Institute·DateNov 17, 2005

Early start on college possible in 50 states, but results unclear

A recent study found that all 50 states support dual-credit or dual-enrollment programs, allowing high school students to take college-level courses for credit. However, the research also reveals little evidence on which students are being served and how well they're preparing for college.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateNov 17, 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.

Copper ridges nearly double X-ray sensor performance

Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new design for X-ray sensors that can measure energies with an uncertainty of only 2.4 electron volts (eV), nearly doubling the resolution of experimental X-ray sensors. The improved design is expected to enable precise identification of the X-ray 'fi...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 17, 2005

Scientists evaluate impact of preemptive malaria treatment for infants

A recent clinical trial in Ghana found that IPTi reduced malaria by 25 percent and anemia by 20 percent in children up to 15 months old. Researchers are discussing the results at a symposium on IPTi, which has shown clear potential as a new prevention strategy for fighting malaria in Africa. Similar large-scale implementation studies a...

SourceBurness·DateNov 17, 2005

Mailman School of Public Health receives grant for homelessness prevention studies

The Columbia Center for Homelessness Prevention Studies aims to develop effective approaches to prevent chronic homelessness by focusing on high-risk individuals and population-level prevention. The center will conduct pre-intervention research, clinical trials, and effectiveness studies to advance the knowledge base on homelessness.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateNov 17, 2005

Some foods and beverages could hold clues for future diabetes treatment

Researchers have identified potential natural compounds in foods like tea, cinnamon, and buckwheat that could help lower blood sugar levels and prevent complications associated with diabetes. Cherries contain anthocyanins, which increase insulin production when tested in laboratory studies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 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.

Morals often sacrificed for the good of the country

This study analyzes Thomas Jefferson's purchase of the Louisiana Territory without congressional consent, highlighting the ethical complexities of statesmanship and administrative ethics. The researcher concludes that while Jefferson's decision was morally complex, it ultimately served the nation's interests.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateNov 17, 2005

Senate hearing focuses on repairing levees in New Orleans

A Senate committee hearing explored the cause of levee failures in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The investigation found that a soft, spongy layer of swamp peat underneath some levee sections may have contributed to breaches, and further analysis is needed to determine its extent.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateNov 17, 2005
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.

Early Earth likely had continents, was habitable, according to new study

A new study published in Science Express suggests that early Earth likely had continents and was habitable, with substantial continental crust forming by 4.4-4.5 billion years ago. The researchers used hafnium as a tracer element to infer the existence of early continental formation on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2005

Scientists observe how a close bond activates the immune system

Researchers at NYU Langone Health and University of California, Berkeley, have observed the exchange of information between immune cells that sparks a body-wide response to infection. The study reveals how T cells analyze and react to signals of infection at the immunological synapse.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2005

UVic unveils world's most advanced seafloor observatory

The VENUS observatory will support two cable arrays in British Columbia waters, enabling scientists to study the oceans continuously and access data online. The project marks a new era of ocean exploration, driven by cutting-edge technology developed in BC.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·DateNov 17, 2005

UK e-Science project wins top supercomputing award

The SPICE project successfully simulated DNA strands passing through a cell membrane, a crucial process in understanding genetic information transfer. The project utilized a combination of high-performance computing and optical networks to overcome computational challenges.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateNov 17, 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.

Stem cell microenvironment reverses malignant melanoma

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that human embryonic stem cells can reprogram metastatic melanoma cells to a more normal state by mimicking their natural microenvironment. The findings suggest a new approach for investigating the effects of identifying key factors in reversing tumor cell properties.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 17, 2005

Kidney-damaging protein offers clue to new treatment

Researchers identify thrombospondin (TSP-1) as a potential target for preventing acute kidney failure. Studies in mice show that the protein causes irreversible kidney damage when blood flow is disrupted, but genetically engineered mice lacking TSP-1 are protected from damage.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 17, 2005

Scientists create new way to study T cell signaling

Researchers developed a technique to manipulate immunological synapses with molecular precision, revealing that spatial arrangement determines signal strength. This breakthrough may help develop treatments for autoimmune diseases and better understand cellular communication.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

Asthma patients report better asthma control when seeing an allergist

Patients under the care of an allergist reported significantly fewer asthma control problems, less severe symptoms, and higher satisfaction with their care. This study suggests that specialist care can lead to better outcomes for patients with chronic asthma.

SourceAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 17, 2005

Plants have a double line of defence

Researchers found a double line of defence in plants, with PEN2 enzyme releasing fungicidal substances and another mechanism involving EDS1, PAD4 and SAG101 proteins. This multi-step defence system is crucial for plant durability against parasite attacks.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2005

Rutgers researcher uncovers new gene for fear factor

Rutgers researcher Shumyatsky has identified a new gene that controls both learned and innate fear, which may lead to the development of new anti-anxiety agents. The discovery was made through a combination of mouse genetics, cellular electrophysiology, and behavior studies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell·DateNov 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.

Gene at heart of bad outcomes in high blood pressure patients

A study of 5,700 patients found that carriers of a specific genetic variation had a 43% higher risk of death, heart attack, or stroke. The research aims to tailor drugs to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateNov 17, 2005

JCI table of contents: December 2005

A study using mouse models found that B. pertussis toxin inhibits neutrophil recruitment, delaying antibody-mediated clearance and allowing repeated infection. Another study identified thrombospondin-1 as a novel mediator of ischemic damage in the kidney, which may be a target for drugs to reduce kidney failure risk.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 17, 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.

Genetic defenders protect crops from fungal disease

Researchers have discovered how plants use genes to fight off powdery mildew disease, a common fungal infection that affects over 9,000 species of plants. By disabling protective genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, the researchers found that a complex gene system can signal cell death and spare healthy cells from infection.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

Preparing our medical frontline for the future

The Australian healthcare system is expected to face significant challenges in the coming years due to an aging population and chronic conditions. To address this, experts are calling for urgent changes in training models to prioritize team-based care and primary care training.

SourceResearch Australia·DateNov 17, 2005

NJIT engineers use new technology to help children with cerebral palsy

New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers are developing technologies to assist children with cerebral palsy, including a robotic arm that guides human motion and interactive video games to promote motor skill improvement. The goal is to enhance the children's quality of life by reducing stiffness in their joints.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateNov 17, 2005

NIST seeking cure for electronics-killing whiskers

Researchers identify columnar grain boundaries as cause of whisker and hillock formation. Alternative electroplating method aims to disrupt these structures, reducing environmental hazards and improving component reliability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalActa Materialia·DateNov 17, 2005

Air in Fallon, Nev. has elevated levels of tungsten and cobalt

Researchers found elevated tungsten and cobalt levels in Fallon's air, differing from nearby towns. The findings suggest a possible environmental cause for childhood leukemia cases in the area, prompting further research to examine the relationship between these metals and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalApplied Geochemistry·DateNov 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.

Scientists move forward understanding of schizophrenia

Researchers have identified a new genetic link between PDE4B and DISC1 genes and mental illness, shedding light on the root causes of schizophrenia. The discovery suggests a potential new way of thinking about developing better treatments for this debilitating disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2005

Researchers uncover new genes that control longevity

Researchers identified ten new genes connected to longevity in yeast, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms involved. The study's findings may eventually lead to understanding and manipulating aging processes, with potential applications in humans.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2005

Astrophysicists quash alternative theory of star formation

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conclude that competitive accretion cannot explain observed star-forming regions. The new model, which favors gravitational collapse, accurately predicts the formation of massive stars and heavy elements in supernovae. Turbulence opposes gravity, preventing rapid core collapse.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2005

Gene controls whether fear is a factor

Researchers found that stathmin controls both innate and learned fear in mice, with knockout models showing impaired ability to learn fear and reduced instinctive fear. The study provides genetic evidence for the expression of innate fear and memory formation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 17, 2005

Researchers find pathways linking caloric restriction to aging process

Scientists have identified two key signaling proteins, Tor1 and Sch9, that are linked to both nutrient uptake and the aging process in humans. By studying these proteins in yeast cells, researchers hope to understand how caloric restriction affects lifespan and develop new strategies for targeting age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateNov 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.