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Science News for November 23, 2005


Discovery disproves simple concept of memory as 'storage space'

Researchers find that people with high visual working memory capacity excel at dismissing irrelevant information, while those with low capacity hold all items in mind. This discovery challenges the popular concept of memory capacity being solely dependent on storage space.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 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.

Clinical trial supports better treatment for lupus nephritis

A nationwide randomized clinical trial found that mycophenolate mofetil produced fewer complications than the standard medication Cytoxan in patients with lupus nephritis. The study showed that oral mycophenolate mofetil worked faster in relieving inflamed kidneys and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 23, 2005

Einstein's dark energy accelerates the universe

Researchers confirm that Einstein's cosmological constant behaves like dark energy, driving the acceleration of the universe. The study uses innovative imaging data from the Supernova Legacy Survey, which reveals a precision of 10% and challenges theoretical ideas about dark energy.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateNov 23, 2005

Brandeis biologist wins top award in neuroscience

Marder's research on central pattern generators has led to breakthroughs in understanding neural circuit stability and its implications for diseases like mental illness, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Her work with crustaceans has expanded the field of neuroscience beyond mammals.

SourceBrandeis University·DateNov 23, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Inside a quantum dot: Tracking electrons at trillionths of a second

Scientists have created a machine that can track the passage of an electron in a nanostructure at a time scale of ten picoseconds and a spatial resolution of 50 nanometers. This innovation will improve our understanding of nanoscale dynamics and enable the study of previously intractable materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2005

American Academy of Neurology elaborates expert witness guidelines

The American Academy of Neurology has updated its expert witness guidelines to promote competent, truthful, and evidence-based testimony. Physicians should be fully trained in their specialty or subject matter and conduct their testimony accurately and impartially.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 23, 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.

Deleted genes help predict outcome in a children's cancer

Researchers analyzed tumor samples from 915 children with neuroblastoma and identified genetic clues that can guide customized treatment. The study found strong links between loss of genetic material on chromosome bands 1p36 and 11q23, and worse outcomes for patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 23, 2005

Give thanks for the cranberry, say dental researchers

Dental researchers discovered that cranberry juice acts like Teflon for teeth, preventing bacteria from clinging to surfaces. Cranberry juice also disrupts the formation of plaque by inhibiting enzymes that build dental plaque.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCaries Research·DateNov 23, 2005

Statement from Sandra Raymond, President and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that CellCept, a potential treatment for lupus nephritis, holds promise for improving quality of life for those affected by severe kidney disease. The results offer hope for patients who currently suffer debilitating side effects from traditional treatments.

SourceKetchum UK·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 23, 2005

Stanford study of sea squirt provides clue to human immune system

A Stanford study reveals that the sea squirt Botryllus schlosseri uses a gene similar to the human immune system to distinguish between self and non-self. This finding may lead to new ways to control natural killer cells and treat diseases like leukemia and multiple sclerosis.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 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.

Avian flu in perspective: New England Journal article reviews 'spectacular' findings

Recent research findings on avian flu provide critical insight into the origin of pandemic influenza, highlighting two possible mechanisms: direct transmission from birds to humans or reassortment with human strains. This knowledge can help scientists track virus adaptation and inform global surveillance efforts and vaccine development.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 23, 2005

Major study links chronic noise exposure to risk of heart attacks

A major study by the European Society of Cardiology links chronic noise exposure to an increased risk of heart attacks, particularly in men and women under 70. The study found that general environmental noise increased risk by nearly 50% for men and three-fold for women, while workplace noise levels affected men's risk but not women's.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 23, 2005

Family habits set drinking path

Researchers found that teenage children of mothers who drank one or more drinks a day had a twofold risk of problem drinking in young adulthood. Maternal depression and early teenage behavior increased the risk of alcohol disorders in young adults.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 23, 2005

Normal chromosome ends elicit a limited DNA damage response

Researchers found that chromosome ends elicit a limited DNA damage response when exposed, but not during normal replication. This discovery highlights the importance of telomeres in preserving genome integrity and preventing cancer development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 23, 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.

JCI table of contents: November 23 2005

Researchers discovered cross-reactive T cells in patients with infectious mononucleosis, which stimulated excessive lymphocyte proliferation. Meanwhile, selectively killing regulatory T cells improved the efficacy of cancer vaccines by enhancing tumor-specific T cell responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 23, 2005

Student scientists create living bacterial photographs

Students created living bacterial photographs by projecting light onto genetically engineered E. coli bacteria, which produced pigments based on light exposure. This innovative technology has potential applications in fields such as medical treatments and tissue engineering.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2005