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Science News for September 15, 2005


Marine researcher wins prestigious chemistry prize

Jaap Sinninghe Damsté is awarded the Treibs medal for his research into marine sediments and the discovery of anammox bacteria, which has major consequences for the nitrogen cycle. He uses organic molecules to reconstruct life and climate in previous epochs.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 15, 2005

How the Internet influenced Indonesian politics

Merlyna Lim's research explores how the Internet facilitated creative interaction during Indonesia's 'reformasi' movement and Moluccan conflict, highlighting its potential for collective protest but also limitations. The study suggests the importance of cultural and interpersonal contacts in collective actions.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 15, 2005

Gaps in intestinal barrier could cause Crohn's disease

Researchers discovered that around 3% of the bowel's surface area is covered in a glue-like substance that plugs gaps in healthy tissue. This finding may lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and explain the development of colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 15, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCL study shows beans beat cancer

A UCL study has found that a natural compound in beans can inhibit the growth of tumors and enhance the effect of existing anti-cancer drugs. The compound, inositol pentakisphosphate, is non-toxic and water-soluble, making it a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 15, 2005

Study charts origins of fear

A study published in Neuron identifies the pre-frontal cortex as the origin of fear memory, contradicting previous research that linked it to the hippocampus. The researchers found that NMDA receptors play a critical role in developing fear memory, and blocking these receptors can reduce fear response.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNeuron·DateSep 15, 2005

Water management in cells

Researchers have identified key mechanisms for cell volume regulation, including water channels and organic particle efflux. Cells use these processes to manage salt concentrations and prevent osmotic disruption.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 15, 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.

Ethnicity and culture shape but do not define entrepreneurship

Researchers explored how participants' cultural backgrounds shape their entrepreneurial beliefs and practices. They found that cultural values can be both empowering and limiting for entrepreneurs. The study suggests that while ethnicity and culture play a role in entrepreneurship, they are not the sole determinants of success.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Small Business Management·DateSep 15, 2005

The mechanics of foot travel

The study found that walking is most energy-efficient at low speeds, while running is best for higher speeds. A third walk-run gait is also optimal for intermediate speeds, but humans do not currently use this gait.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2005

Genetic testing helps physicians zero in on eye disease

A novel genetic testing tool has been developed to screen for multiple retinal disease genes on a single microchip, offering faster and more accurate diagnoses for conditions like RP. The arRP-I chip is 23% less expensive than current sequencing methods and can detect both known and novel mutations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateSep 15, 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.

Professor receives prestigious award in nuclear chemistry

Yates received $3,000 and a certificate, as well as covered travel expenses to the meeting, in recognition of his research in nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry. A five-day symposium will be held at the 2006 spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Atlanta.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateSep 15, 2005

Bullies who are bullied are not a special type of person

Researchers analyzed anonymous input from 1,253 prisoners, finding a high frequency of prison bullying and victimization among the same individuals. The study challenged current theories about bullying in prisons and schools, suggesting that bullying is not limited to specific personality types.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 15, 2005

Hurricanes are getting stronger, study says

A study found that hurricanes have become more intense and frequent worldwide, especially in the North Atlantic, with Category 4 and 5 storms increasing by 56% since 1975-89. Sea surface temperatures have risen across the globe, contributing to the observed changes.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2005

Research focus on aspirin

A large analysis of Medicare records suggests that aspirin is not harmful and may even lower mortality rates in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease. However, the debate remains controversial, with some experts recommending limiting or avoiding aspirin use for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 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.

JCI table of contents October 1, 2005

Researchers show that CD32 isoforms have differential contributions to dendritic cell activation, with ligation of CD32a inducing maturation and ligation of CD32b inhibiting it. Intravenous immune globulin selectively shifts Fc-gamma receptor expression to a CD32b-dominated profile, explaining its anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2005

Skull study sheds light on dinosaur diversity

A recent restudy and reconstruction of a Mongolian sauropod skull adds to evidence for sauropod diversity at the end of the dinosaur era. The discovery highlights the existence of titanosaurs, a late surviving sauropod lineage that flourished during this period.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateSep 15, 2005

Popular kids more likely to smoke than less popular classmates

A recent USC study found that popular sixth-grade students were more susceptible to smoking and more likely to actually smoke than their peers. The association existed across ethnicities and genders, with non-white boys being the strongest group.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 15, 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.

Mental declines can be reversed - report shows

Research by Dr. Dennis Foth and Dr. Gordon Thompson found that mental declines related to aging are not universal and can be improved with a lifetime of good mental habits. Activities such as reading, traveling, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive abilities throughout life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEducational Gerontology·DateSep 15, 2005

Compounds found in cruciferous vegetables block lung cancer progression

Researchers discovered that compounds from cruciferous veggies can slow down benign to malignant tumors in mice, suggesting potential protection against lung cancer development. The studies also found that these compounds can push human lung cells to commit 'suicide', stopping fast-growing cancer cells.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 15, 2005

Life's origins were easier than was thought

Researchers found that riboorganisms, which use RNA for genetic information and metabolic reactions, can have a much bigger genome than previously believed. This discovery greatly relaxes the conditions necessary for the first living organisms to develop, allowing them to contain more than 100 genes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 15, 2005

Tobacco industry weakened pesticide regulations, UCSF study shows

A new study by UCSF researchers found that the tobacco industry secretly influenced pesticide regulations at the EPA and World Health Organization. The study analyzed internal tobacco company documents and discovered that the industry hired ex-agents to manipulate decision-making, staged a useless test on phosphine emissions, and conce...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 15, 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.

An apple or a pear?

According to American College of Cardiology guidelines, several factors increase cardiovascular risk, including obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes. World Heart Day promotes awareness of these risks and encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced diet, and q...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2005

Learning how SARS spikes its quarry

A study published in Science reveals the structure of the SARS spike protein's interaction with its human receptor, ACE2. The findings provide insights into how small mutations can affect viral transmission and inform potential vaccines.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2005

Food devours energy

The European food sector is facing increasing energy requirements due to growth in feed production, consumption per capita, and transport distances. Despite some sectors like the dairy industry showing improvements in energy efficiency, the net balance remains negative.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 15, 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.

Breast cancer advance

Researchers have identified two ADAMTS genes, ADAMTS8 and ADAMTS15, that can help predict disease outcome in breast cancer patients. The study reveals four categories of risk based on gene activity levels, with those in the highest risk category three times more likely to experience recurrence.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 15, 2005

What causes psoriasis?

Researchers at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna have developed an animal model for psoriasis, revealing that epidermal alterations can initiate skin lesions and arthritis. The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about autoimmune diseases and provides a powerful tool for future studies.

SourceResearch Institute of Molecular Pathology·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2005
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Link suggested between regions on two chromosomes and bipolar disorder

A study combining genome scan data from 11 independent linkage studies found strong genetic signals on chromosomes 6 and 8 associated with bipolar disorder. The analysis involved over 1,000 families and 5,179 individuals from North America, Italy, Germany, Portugal, the UK, Ireland, and Israel.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 15, 2005

Stressed cells spark DNA repair missteps and speed evolution

Researchers find that stressed cells introduce errors in DNA repair, but only in specific locations and times, which can increase the chances of beneficial mutations. This process may accelerate the evolution of complex protein machines.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 15, 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.

Computers close in on protein structure prediction

Scientists have made significant progress in predicting protein structures using computers. The Rosetta program uses a two-step process to generate energy calculations and select the lowest energy shape as prediction. This approach has achieved almost atomic resolution in structure prediction for about one-third of small proteins.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2005

Researchers discover how compounds prevent viruses from entering cells

Researchers have discovered how defensins and mannan-binding lectin can prevent viruses from entering cells. Defensins block the influenza virus entry into cells by preventing membrane fusion, while mannan-binding lectin works in a similar way. These findings may lead to new strategies for preventing viral diseases.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 15, 2005

Hurricanes are getting stronger, study says

A study by Georgia Tech researchers found the number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes worldwide has nearly doubled over 35 years, despite a decrease in total hurricanes. Global sea surface temperatures have increased, driving this shift.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2005

Hidden sponges determine coral reef's nutrient cycle

Researchers discovered that sponges are the most important inhabitants of underwater caves on coral reefs, filling over 60% of cavities. They filter massive quantities of planktonic particles, facilitating growth and conversion of organic to inorganic nutrients.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 15, 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.

AGU journal highlights - 15 September 2005

Research suggests climate change will lead to decreased air quality in Texas and the western U.S., while the Midwest is predicted to receive more rain, which could help reduce ozone levels. Satellite data also reveals the temperature of Earth's ring current, with plasma ion temperatures consistent with in situ measurements.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 15, 2005

Acid water in East Java threatens biodiversity and local welfare

Acidic water from the Ijen Crater Lake in East Java poses a significant threat to both human health and local ecosystems, with high levels of aluminum and fluoride found in river water and groundwater. Researchers suggest channelling acidic water into the sea as a possible solution to mitigate this issue.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateSep 15, 2005

Satellites spot mighty Mississippi - in the Atlantic

Scientists used satellite imagery to estimate that at least 23% of the Mississippi River's freshwater discharge traveled into the Gulf of Mexico, around Florida Keys, and into the Atlantic Ocean. The study combined MODIS data with ship observations to track the dark water plume's journey, reaching as far as the Georgia coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 15, 2005

Purdue scientists see biochemistry's future - with quantum physics

Purdue researchers led by Jorge H. Rodriguez are developing computational tools to simulate and predict biochemical reactions using quantum physics. This technique could help select the best potential new drug compounds and expand knowledge of life's fundamental processes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 15, 2005

Scans may help pin down tricky diagnosis

A new study suggests that scintigraphy using radioactive isotope (99mTc-DPD) can help distinguish between hereditary and acquired forms of cardiac amyloidosis, two conditions with different treatment options. The test shows promise in reducing misdiagnosis and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 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.

Staying alert during class: Self-applied acupressure may reduce sleepiness

A study by University of Michigan Health System researchers found that students who applied self-applied acupressure treatments to stimulation points on their legs, feet, hands and heads showed a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness compared to those who only relaxed. This discovery could have implications for improving al...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateSep 15, 2005

'Quasicrystal' metal computer model could aid ultra-low-friction machine parts

Researchers at Duke University developed a computer model to study the effect of adsorbed gas on quasicrystal alloys, which could lead to improved low-friction properties for machine parts. The model suggests ways to control the transition from quasicrystalline to crystalline structures, preserving the alloy's high lubricity.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 15, 2005

Computer modeling reveals hidden conversations within cells

Researchers develop a computational model that accurately predicts cell behavior, revealing intricate protein interactions and improving cancer treatment design. The model has practical applications in developing targeted therapies that don't weaken patients' immune systems.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2005

UCI neurobiologists find treatment to block memory-related drug cravings

A new treatment approach blocks memory for places associated with cocaine use by inactivating the ERK protein, suggesting a potential strategy for developing addiction therapies. The research provides novel insights into brain mechanisms underlying relapse and shows long-lasting effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuron·DateSep 15, 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.