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Science News for September 14, 2005


Stevens' Wright participates in DHS panel

The workshop explored the government's use of commercial data for homeland security, raising important privacy concerns. Stevens' Wright discussed her work on PORTIA project, which addresses handling of sensitive information in a networked world and provides cryptographically strong methods for maintaining data privately.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateSep 14, 2005

Breast tumors in mice eradicated using cancer vaccine

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a cancer vaccine that uses the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes to boost an immune response against breast tumor-associated antigens. The vaccine was tested in mice with established breast tumors, resulting in complete tumor eradication after 100 days.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateSep 14, 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.

Study: Abused children stay highly attuned to anger

Researchers found that abused children exhibited prolonged attention to angry voices and didn't break focus even after the argument ended. This reaction may be linked to their brain's ongoing attempt to cope with past trauma, making them more prone to interpersonal problems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChild Development·DateSep 14, 2005

Wetzel and Wright awarded grant for cybersecurity lab

The new lab will provide practical training in security and information assurance, preparing students to meet the challenges in protecting the nation's information infrastructure. The lab will increase the number of IT professionals educated and trained in theoretical and practical aspects of information assurance and security.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateSep 14, 2005

Warm, nurturing parents have well-adjusted adolescents

Researchers found that parents' warmth and positivity in interactions with their children in childhood are related to the children's self-regulation and adjustment in adolescence. Children of warm parents tend to exhibit fewer problem behaviors as they age.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 14, 2005

Space Cycle tests artificial gravity as solution to muscle loss

Researchers are testing the Space Cycle, a human-powered centrifuge that generates artificial gravity, to prevent muscle loss and atrophy in astronauts. The device simulates various levels of gravity, from Earth to five times Earth's gravity, to assess its effectiveness in maintaining muscle mass and strength.

SourceNational Space Biomedical Research Institute·DateSep 14, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Alcoholics have a greater chance of infection following cardiac surgery

A recent study found that long-term alcoholics are at a four-fold higher rate of postoperative infections, as well as increased length of need for mechanical ventilation and ICU treatment. The study suggests that pre- and perioperative immune-modulating treatments may help decrease infection rates in high-risk patients.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateSep 14, 2005

Options for Parkinson's patients abundant

OHSU neurologists offer reliable strategies for diagnosing and managing Parkinson's disease. The article highlights the importance of non-pharmacological therapies such as exercise, nutrition, and emotional health in addition to pharmacological care.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 14, 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.

Key strategy to limit managed care drug costs failing, survey shows

A recent study reveals that managed care drug cost-control strategies are failing due to flawed contracts and inadequate information sharing between HMOs and doctors. The survey found widespread dissatisfaction with the current approach, which relies on financial incentives to control prescribing practices. The researchers propose thre...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateSep 14, 2005

miRNAs and musculature

Dmir-1 is specifically expressed in muscle cells, regulating Twist and Mef2 transcription factors. Muscle integrity and identity are maintained by Dmir-1, ensuring non-muscle gene mRNAs remain inactive.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 14, 2005

Rice researchers gain new insight into nanoscale optics

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple geometry where light behaves exactly as electrons do in these systems. This finding has the potential to create nanoscale antennae that convert light into broadband electrical signals, increasing data transmission capabilities by 1 million times.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 14, 2005

Visceral fat build-up is the high cost of inactivity

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that visceral fat buildup is a major consequence of inactivity. The researchers discovered that increasing exercise amounts can significantly reduce visceral fat, while even moderate exercise can prevent accumulation and reverse it in some cases.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateSep 14, 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.

Small, unmanned aircraft search for survivors

The U.S. National Science Foundation has deployed small unmanned aircraft, including a fixed-wing plane and a miniature helicopter, to assist in the search and rescue efforts during hurricanes. These vehicles provided valuable information to emergency responders, helping them focus their efforts and avoid hazards.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 14, 2005

Key neural system at risk from fetal alcohol exposure

A study found that fetal alcohol exposure can alter the dopamine system in monkeys, affecting cognition and behavior. The timing of exposure during gestation varies the impact, with early exposure blunting the system and later exposure leading to supersensitive receptors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 14, 2005

Disrupting cocaine-memories to battle addiction

Researchers successfully disrupted cocaine memories to battle addiction, utilizing anti-sense DNA treatment that blocked gene activation. This approach may provide a powerful and novel method to diminish the impact of drug cues, thereby reducing relapse rates.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 14, 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.

UW-Madison tools help track Hurricane Ophelia

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Tropical Cyclones group is using its specialized tools to help forecasters track Hurricane Ophelia. The tools provide critical information on the storm's trajectory and intensity, enabling more accurate forecasts and helping to save lives.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 14, 2005

New plant finds in Andes foretell of ancient climate change

Researchers have discovered thousands of years-old plant remains exposed by the Quelccaya ice cap, suggesting that the region may not have been as warm as it is today in over 500 centuries. The findings are significant, as they provide a unique perspective on ancient climate change.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 14, 2005

Spouses in bad marriages face greater risk for serious health problems

Researchers found that marital problems can lead to elevated blood pressure readings and increased stress levels, affecting both men and women. A study of 105 middle-age civil service workers in the London area found a strong link between poor marital relationships and serious health problems.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateSep 14, 2005

Physically abused children highly distracted by anger

Research found that physically abused children showed increased emotional arousal and focus on threat signs during a calm-anger-resolve conversation. They remained alert after the conflict resolved, suggesting anxiety about environmental aspects others may overlook.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 14, 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.

Men who lose social status much more likely to suffer depression than women

A study by Newcastle University found that men who experience a downward social shift are four times more likely to suffer depression, whereas women in the same position show no significant difference. The researchers suggest that this disparity may be due to differences in how men and women derive self-esteem and fulfillment.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateSep 14, 2005

Determining causes of long-term effects of harassment

A study found that victimized children develop more negative self-perceptions and beliefs about their peers, leading to increased aggressive behavior. School programs can counteract these effects by teaching positive peer interactions and social competence.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 14, 2005

Environment, not genes, key in family relationships

Researchers analyzed data from 674 families with same-sex adolescent pairs to explore the connections between environmental factors and individual traits. The study found three key factors: overall adjustment, independence, and parental monitoring, which explained the complexity of family relationships.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 14, 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.

Teacher quality important for at-risk children

At-risk children benefit from high-quality instructional and emotional support, regardless of their mother's education level. High-quality classrooms reduce academic and social problems in early school years, supporting teacher quality reforms.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 14, 2005

MIT researchers map city by cellphone

Researchers at MIT created electronic maps of cellphone use in Graz, Austria, tracking tens of thousands of people using anonymous data. The project showcases the dynamics of a city in real time, opening up new possibilities for urban studies and planning.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 14, 2005

Black hole in search of a home

Astronomers detect unusual quasar with no visible host galaxy, sparking debate about its origin. The object's properties suggest a rare collision between galaxies, potentially illuminating the formation of massive black holes and their role in shaping the universe.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalNature·DateSep 14, 2005

Good parenting in kindergarten increases chances of good kids in fourth grade

Researchers tracked children from kindergarten to fourth grade, finding that early parent-child relationships and warmth can reduce conduct problems. Effective monitoring practices are laid down in early elementary school years, making interventions during childhood crucial for adolescent outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 14, 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.

APS physics tip sheet #53

New research from Rice University suggests the immune system's mild inefficiency may lead to autoimmune diseases, as its mechanisms for developing antibodies could also attack healthy cells. Ancient neutrinos created in the early universe may provide evidence for or against string theory and quantum loop gravity.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 14, 2005

Study shows how respiratory disorder slows some racehorses

A new study found that horses with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) trail the winner by an average of 14 feet after intense exercise. Horses with mild EIPH perform just as well as those without the disorder, but severe cases significantly hinder performance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateSep 14, 2005

New study shows SARS can infect brain tissue

A new study reveals that SARS can infect brain tissue, causing severe central nervous system symptoms. The researchers found a high level of Mig, an immune system regulator, in the patient's bloodstream and brain, which may contribute to brain damage.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 14, 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.

Helping out a high-temperature superconductor

Researchers found that a nanoscale corrugated surface increases YBCO films' current-carrying capacity by over 30%. This suggests that some degree of substrate roughness might improve high-temperature superconductor performance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 14, 2005

New tooth enamel dating technique could help identify disaster victims

Researchers have developed a new dating technique using radioactive carbon-14 in tooth enamel, which can accurately determine a person's age at the time of death within 1.6 years. This method can help forensic scientists identify victims of disasters like Hurricane Katrina and narrow down search efforts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 14, 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.

Suicide among male prisoners 5 times that of general population

A study found suicide incidence in English and Welsh prisons from 1978–2003 was five times greater than the general male population of similar ages. Young offenders aged 15–17 years had an even higher risk, with a rate around 18 times that of the general population.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 14, 2005

Potential new treatment approach for severe asthma

Researchers investigated tumour necrosis factor alpha, finding higher levels in severe asthmatics with chronic disease resistant to steroid treatment. A treatment using a TNF-alpha blocking drug improved symptoms and lung function in patients with severe asthma.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalThorax·DateSep 14, 2005

LIAI scientists make major finding on potential smallpox treatment

Researchers have identified a protein in the smallpox virus that elicits a strong human antibody response, providing potential protection against the lethal virus. The discovery could lead to the development of an effective treatment for smallpox, offering immediate protection to individuals at risk.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateSep 14, 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.

Israeli scientists successfully transplant frozen-thawed ovaries in sheep

Researchers successfully transplanted whole ovary from frozen-thawed sheep into the same animal or another, showing long-term ovarian function. The technique could become a treatment for women facing premature ovarian failure and potentially revolutionize organ transplantation.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateSep 14, 2005

Making plant cells work like miniature factories

A team of researchers at Ames Laboratory is using $1.02 million in DOE funding to study the chemical processes within plant cells. By understanding metabolism, they aim to control the production of sugars, fibers, and waxes. The project involves developing new analytical instruments capable of identifying molecules in small quantities.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateSep 14, 2005

Black hole in search of a home

Astronomers observed quasars with the VLT and HST to detect host galaxies, but found that one quasar, HE0450-2958, has no massive galaxy. Instead, they detected a bright cloud of gas ionized by the quasar's radiation, which may be feeding the black hole.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateSep 14, 2005

Purdue scientists treat cancer with RNA nanotechnology

Researchers have developed RNA nanoparticles that can carry multiple therapeutic agents into specific cancer cells, where they can halt viral growth or cancer progression. The tiny particles are assembled from three short pieces of ribonucleic acid and possess the right size and structure to gain entry into cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 14, 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.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and University of Ottawa partner to fund the new J. David Grimes Research Chair

The new J. David Grimes Research Chair at the University of Ottawa will explore brain cell function to advance understanding and treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and depression. The chair is named after Dr. J. David Grimes, founder of the Loeb Research Institute, who made signifi...

SourceCanadian Institutes of Health Research·DateSep 14, 2005