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Science News for October 17, 2005


Javits Award funds neurology of animal movement study

Dr. Harris-Warrick's lab will explore flexible movements in crustaceans using dopamine and serotonin modulators, shedding light on motor circuit flexibility and homeostasis. The award honors the late Sen. Jacob K. Javits' advocacy for neurological disorder research.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 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.

Eastern California shear zone puzzles seismologists

The Eastern California Shear Zone, a wide area in western Nevada, puzzles seismologists due to its unexplained northern end. This zone makes up 25% of the North American Plate's movement and has been displacing 50 kilometers over 5-6 million years.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 17, 2005

Subtypes of ependymomas arise from rare stem cells in the nervous system

Researchers identified distinct genetic signatures and cancer stem cell populations driving different subtypes of ependymomas. These findings suggest individualized treatment approaches targeting specific cancer stem cell populations could improve outcomes for patients with these tumors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 17, 2005

Retinoblastoma researchers find success with two-drug combination

A new treatment approach using topotecan and carboplatin eliminates the need for etoposide, reducing the risk of leukemia. The study also suggests that vincristine contributes little to treating retinoblastoma, making it a promising alternative.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 17, 2005

Stimulating the brain makes the fingers more sensitive

A short course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) increases finger sensitivity by 15% immediately after treatment, with effects lasting up to two hours. The brain map representing the index finger also enlarges in response to rTMS, corresponding to increased sensory perception.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 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.

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.

Are comets more like 'icy dust balls' or 'dirty snowballs'?

Researchers observed the impact of a copper projectile on Comet Tempel 1, finding it released approximately 4,500 tonnes of water vapor. The comet's surface was composed of icy grains that sublimed in sunlight, producing a bright tail. These findings suggest comets are more like 'icy dust balls' than previously thought 'dirty snowballs'.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 17, 2005

Hormone might cause dangerous pregnancy complication

Scientists at University of Cincinnati discover a hormone that regulates blood pressure and is linked to preeclampsia, a leading cause of fetal complications. By understanding how this hormone interacts with the sodium pump, researchers aim to develop a treatment for preeclampsia.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Dartmouth researcher tracks how immigrants fit in by studying household configurations

A Dartmouth researcher studied immigrant households to find that generational status, not income, has the most effect on immigrant dispersion. The study challenges current ideas about where immigrants live and suggests that states with multi-generational households may have easier socio-cultural and economic adjustments.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005

Doctors can halve dose of radiation and still cure Hodgkin's

Researchers studied 1,131 patients with early-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma and found that reducing the radiation dose from 30 Gy to 20 Gy significantly improved patient outcomes. Over 98% of patients experienced complete remission, while side effects were reduced.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 17, 2005

Life in deadly conditions

The study of Natronomonas pharaonis reveals its unique ability to thrive in extremely alkaline and salty environments. The organism's genome encodes the synthesis of 2,843 proteins, which are stable even at high salt concentrations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 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.

Radiation, chemotherapy before surgery controls rectal cancer

Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy before surgery improves local tumor control and reduces cancer return rates. The study, published by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, suggests this treatment should be recommended for most rectal cancer patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 17, 2005

Rutgers engineers address container backlog in N.J. ports

Rutgers University engineers are monitoring the buildup of empty containers in New Jersey and proposing strategies to improve their management. Rising steel costs have made it more economical for shipping companies to take back empties, but a study aims to optimize container movement within the region.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 17, 2005

Dartmouth professor warns of misuse of mapping technology in political redistricting

A Dartmouth professor warns that GIS technology can be used to manipulate election results, as state legislatures have incentives to use partisan information but few incentives to respect communities of interest. Nonpartisan redistricting commissions may offer a solution, but clear rules are needed to ensure fair representation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 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.

Wright bros. upstaged! Dinos invented biplanes

Paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee presents evidence that dinosaurs like Microraptor gui used biplane wings, which were likely the first experiment in natural flight. The discovery supports the trees-down theory, suggesting that avian flight began with gliding and then developed into powered flight.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 17, 2005

Mice provide insight into therapy-induced cancers in humans

A new mouse model has been developed to study secondary malignant neoplasms (SMNs) induced by chemotherapy and radiation in humans. The Nf1 mutant mice model mimics human SMNs, including leukemia, sarcoma, and breast cancers, providing a tractable system for mechanistic studies and testing preventive strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 17, 2005

Stevens WebCampus honored for excellence in distance learning

USDLA honored Stevens WebCampus for its exceptional online programs, innovative approaches to education and training, and outstanding student outcomes. With over 6,000 graduate students enrolled globally, WebCampus has established itself as a leader in distance learning, providing high-quality courses and support services.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateOct 17, 2005

Mountain winds may create atmospheric hotspots

Researchers suggest that high winds over rough terrain can generate acoustic waves that heat the atmosphere at prodigious rates. These waves could account for mysterious 'hotspots' observed above the Andes and Rocky Mountains.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateOct 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.

Geoscientists and educators take on antievolutionists

Scientists and educators defend evolution against trained attackers by focusing on ID's weak points, using humor, and emphasizing irrefutable facts. Multiple levels of antievolutionism are being attacked in various fields, including geoscience and space science education.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 17, 2005

Cosmopolitan lifestyle could allay cancer threat

Scientists have identified a new compound in cranberries that prevents cancer cells from breaking away and spreading to other parts of the body. The compound inhibits the growth of human lung, colon, and leukemia cells in culture without affecting healthy cells.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateOct 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.

Notch signaling molecule important in type 2 immunity

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified Notch as a key regulator of Th2 immune responses, which are impaired in mice lacking this signaling pathway. This study suggests that inhibiting Notch signaling may be beneficial for treating diseases characterized by excessive Th2 responses, such as asthm...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 17, 2005

Is America's oil age already waning?

A new approach to studying oil, politics, and democracy suggests that America's oil age may be coming to an end. Researchers are re-examining policy in 50-100 year ranges instead of traditional 5-20 year cycles, pointing to potential decades-long shifts in oil policy.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 17, 2005

New equation helps unravel behavior of turbulence

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new mathematical formula, called the advected delta-vee equation, that can help predict turbulent flow behavior. This equation provides a shortcut to describe a complex characteristic of turbulence called intermittency, which is difficult to include in computer models.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 17, 2005

Qubit link could pave the way for world's most powerful computers

A team of international researchers has discovered a new method to link qubit rings, which could lead to the creation of the world's most powerful computers. The breakthrough opens up the possibility of creating quantum gates, a more advanced version of processors found in modern computers.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 17, 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.

Black women with chronic pain have more psychological and physical distress

A new study finds black women with chronic pain experience higher levels of disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotional impairment compared to white women. The research emphasizes the need for improved access to quality pain care and a better understanding of minority patients' needs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateOct 17, 2005

'Big picture' of brain changes may be crucial to recovery from stroke injury

Researchers found that brain regions beyond the injury site play a critical role in understanding behavioral deficits and assessing options for acceleration of recovery from stroke-related spatial neglect. Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed activity changes in distant brain areas correlated with impairment severity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 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.

Healthgrades study: New hospital ratings show wide 'quality chasm'

The HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study found a significant 'quality chasm' between the nation's best-performing hospitals and worst-performing hospitals, with better outcomes associated with higher hospital volumes and intensivists staffing intensive care units. Overall mortality rates improved by 12% across the nation, but...

SourceHealthGrades·DateOct 17, 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.

NRL scientists detect 'milky sea' phenomena

Researchers detected 'milky seas' in the northwest Indian Ocean using satellite data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The glowing waters were found to last at least three nights and span an area roughly the size of Connecticut, with boundaries matching surface ship reports.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005

Integration of cell survival signals in PTEN-deficient tumors

A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that combining therapies targeting EGFR and Akt can improve treatment outcomes in tumor cells with PTEN mutations. The research demonstrates that BAD acts as a key switch integrating antiapoptotic effects of multiple pathways, providing new insights into combination therapy strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 17, 2005

U. of Colorado researcher identifies tracks of swimming dinosaur in Wyoming

A University of Colorado researcher has discovered tracks of a previously unknown two-legged swimming dinosaur along the shoreline of an ancient inland sea that covered Wyoming 165 million years ago. The six-foot-tall bipedal creature, similar to a Coelosaur, likely waded along the shoreline and swam offshore to feed on fish or carrion.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateOct 17, 2005

Disaster lessons: What you don't know can kill you

The people of Simuelue island have a century-old oral tradition that warns of tsunamis, allowing them to evacuate quickly and save lives. In contrast, communities with less knowledge were devastated by tsunamis, highlighting the importance of planning and public education in disaster preparedness.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 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.

Radiation after prostate cancer surgery increases survival

A study conducted between 1988 and 1995 found that radiation therapy significantly improved five- and 10-year prostate cancer-free survival rates. The treatment reduced the risk of recurrence, cancer spread, and overall mortality in patients with advanced stage prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 17, 2005

Biomarker test may give early warning of brain woes

Scientists have found a biomarker, a protein called NF-H, that signals the presence of disease or injury in the blood and spinal fluid. The discovery could lead to a simple handheld device for diagnosing brain or spinal injuries with just a few drops of blood.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateOct 17, 2005

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Oct. 18, 2005

The Oct. 18 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine describes two new diabetes treatments: exenatide, an injected drug; and inhaled insulin. Exenatide improved overall sugar control, but patients experienced weight loss and more side effects compared to insulin glargine.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 17, 2005

Virginia Tech geoscientists resolve inconsistent data on crystal growth, dissolution

Researchers reconciled inconsistencies between two pre-existing data sets for kaolinite, a major earth and industrial material. The findings provide a unifying approach for explaining crystal and mineral dissolution and growth, with implications for understanding geological time, nuclear waste storage, and biomedical issues.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005

Statement by NSF Director Arden Bement on the 2005 Nobel Prizes

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports six Nobel laureates in chemistry, physics, and economics with its grants. NSF supported Robert H. Grubbs, Richard R. Schrock, Yves Chauvin, John L. Hall, Theodor W. Hänsch, and Roy J. Glauber for their pioneering work on metathesis, laser-based precision spectroscopy, and game-theory analy...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 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.

Men who smoke heavily may impair sperm, fertility

A study found that nearly two-thirds of heavy smokers' sperm failed a test measuring fertilizing capacity, with those who smoked more cigarettes per day showing lower fertility rates. The research suggests that heavy smoking overloads the nicotine receptor in human sperm and testes, leading to a decline in fertilizing potential.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateOct 17, 2005

Less invasive surgery effective in treatment of reflux disease

A study of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery found that it is an effective long-term procedure for treating severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with patients reporting high satisfaction rates and minimal complications. The results also suggest that the surgery can be well-tolerated and is a viable option for GERD treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateOct 17, 2005

MRI helps doctors select best treatment for early breast cancers

For patients with early-stage breast cancer, MRI improves treatment selection by identifying additional cancer in the breast that may require wider removal of tissue or mastectomy. Breast MRI can help radiation oncologists identify suitable candidates for accelerated partial breast irradiation.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 17, 2005

Penn study finds physically abused boys may be more likely to commit domestic violence as adults

A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 51% of men experienced childhood physical abuse, with most abuse carried out by parents. The study suggests a link between childhood abuse and adult domestic violence, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to prevent future harm.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 17, 2005
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.

Rett gene regulates alternative splicing

Researchers found that a protein called Y box-binding protein 1 binds to the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene, leading to changes in alternative RNA splicing. This process can result in diverse sets of RNA and proteins being produced from the same gene.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005

Cervical cancer has profound psychosocial impact on affected women, as well as male partners

The study found that cervical cancer has a significant impact on relationships, intimacy, and instrumental life domains for both women and their partners. Women reported greater illness-induced disruptions to relationships and more fatigue than their partners, highlighting the need for comprehensive psychosocial support.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·DateOct 17, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for October 2005 (second issue)

A new study found that Californians exposed to low levels of naturally occurring asbestos are at higher risk for malignant mesothelioma. The research analyzed 2,908 cases over 10 years and found that people living close to asbestos source rocks had a greater chance of developing the disease, despite lower occupational exposure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 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.

Climate model predicts dramatic changes over next 100 years

A new climate model predicts more extreme temperatures throughout the US, with intense heat waves in the desert Southwest, and more storms along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest. The model, which incorporates many climatic factors in unprecedented detail, suggests that these changes will disrupt national economy and infrastructure.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005

Drug-eluting stents successfully treat vein-graft disease

A study found that drug-eluting stents significantly reduce the risk of restenosis in vein grafts, cutting heart attack rates by fourfold compared to bare metal stents. The treatment also decreases repeat procedures and death rates, suggesting a long-term advantage for patients with worn and diseased vein grafts.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateOct 17, 2005

A warmer world might not be a wetter one

A NASA study suggests that a warmer climate may not result in a wetter world, with simulations showing an increase in global evaporation and precipitation. However, the atmospheric storage of water vapor decreases as temperatures rise.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Climate·DateOct 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.

First powder injection molding process for pure niobium

The Penn State team has successfully developed a method to calculate optimal proportions of niobium powder to binder and temperature for sintering, opening doors to injection-molded niobium parts. The approach can be applied to other materials with irregularly-shaped particles, expanding its potential applications.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 17, 2005

MBL scientists get on squid's nerves

The Squid Genome Project aims to identify genes in squid that are essential for understanding debilitating neurological diseases. Researchers hope that this information will aid in the development of new treatments and therapies.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·DateOct 17, 2005

Mars' climate in flux: Mid-latitude glaciers

New research reveals that Mars' mid-latitude glaciers are similar to those on Earth, with features such as lineated valley fill and debris arcs. The findings suggest that Mars is experiencing ongoing climate shifts, allowing ice to leave the poles and accumulate at lower latitudes.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 17, 2005

Anti-checkpoint activity

Researchers identified a unique stretch of internal telomeric repeats that suppress the DNA damage checkpoint response. The arrest duration was significantly shorter than expected, indicating a potential mechanism for preventing normal telomeres from being recognized as damaged DNA.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 17, 2005
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Restoring silenced suppressor gene kills lung-cancer cells

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that restoring the missing or silenced WWOX gene can slow or stop lung-cancer cell growth. The study showed that reactivating the gene is highly effective in stopping human lung tumor growth in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005

New genetic link to high blood pressure found

Researchers discovered a significant link between a genetic variation in the DRD4 gene and high blood pressure, which could help explain individual risk factors. The study also sheds light on how this gene affects kidney function and blood pressure regulation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateOct 17, 2005