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Science News for September 20, 2005


Americans think commitment to health research should be stronger

A recent study found that most Americans believe the US should increase funding for health research, with 55% saying they want more spent on the field. Americans also prioritize preventing disease over curing it, and are willing to pay $1 more per week in taxes for additional medical research.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 20, 2005
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Research finds poor sleep affects student's school performance

Research found that disturbed sleep was more common than thought among students. The study, published in the Journal of School Health, highlights the importance of adequate sleep for students' academic success and overall well-being.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of School Health·DateSep 20, 2005

Other highlights in the September 21 JNCI

Men who survive testicular cancer are at higher risk of developing a second cancer for at least 35 years after diagnosis, mostly due to late side effects of treatment. Cancers such as bladder, colon, and stomach cancers account for most excess risks, with young patients facing even greater dangers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 20, 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.

New programs restore interest in physician-scientist research careers

Despite a decline in the physician-scientist population, new initiatives have shown increasing interest among medical students and steady growth of the M.D.-Ph.D. pool. Funding commitments are crucial to maintaining this trend and sustaining an increase in the population of physician-scientists in the near future.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 20, 2005

New tools used to control foodborne hepatitis A outbreaks related to green onions

Researchers used molecular epidemiologic methods to identify the relationships between four separate foodborne hepatitis A virus outbreaks in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The methods helped public health officials respond quickly to outbreaks and provided reassurance that a larger outbreak was not occurring.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 20, 2005

UCR biochemist goes to Washington with high-protein corn

Daniel Gallie's research doubles protein content of corn grain, increasing its value for producers and providing a nutritious source for millions suffering from protein-energy malnutrition. The high-protein corn can be easily applied to sweet corn, offering a solution for those relying on plant-based sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateSep 20, 2005

Scientists develop life-saving chrome

British scientists have developed a new method of coating metals using sol-gel technology, which offers improved corrosion resistance and reduced costs. The technique uses nanoparticles to form a gel-like layer on the metal's surface, providing a safer alternative to traditional chrome electroplating.

SourceIOP Publishing·DateSep 20, 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.

Scientists develop screening method for pancreatic cancer

A novel screening method for pancreatic cancer has been developed by scientists at the University of Liverpool. The method analyzes genetic mutations in pancreatic juice to determine an individual's risk of developing cancer, with results ranging from a 0.1% chance to a 90% certainty.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGut·DateSep 20, 2005

Breakthrough in micro-device fabrication combines biology and synthetic chemistry

Researchers have developed new approaches to produce micro-devices with complex shapes and properties, opening up opportunities for biomedical, computing, environmental cleanup, defense, and other applications. The study uses biologically derived structures that can be chemically modified without changing their shape or fine features.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology·DateSep 20, 2005

Scientists uncover why picture perception works

Researchers have developed a new model of visual perception that explains how the brain adjusts to viewing position, allowing images to appear undistorted even when viewed from different locations. This discovery has implications for designing better devices and creating more realistic computer graphics.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 20, 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.

Stem cell ethical guidelines must be strengthened, UCSF team says

A UCSF team recommends amending current practices to ensure the safety of patients participating in clinical trials involving embryonic stem cells. The guidelines aim to protect donors' privacy by recontacting them over the years to update their medical records.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalStem Cells·DateSep 20, 2005

Beta-carotene assoc. with higher risk of some cancers in women smokers but not nonsmokers

A study of nearly 60,000 French women found that beta-carotene intake was inversely associated with tobacco-related cancer risk in never-smokers, but increased the risk in former and current smokers. The researchers also calculated that the absolute rates of tobacco-related cancers over 10 years varied significantly between nonsmoking ...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 20, 2005

Green tea ingredient prevents Alzheimer's-like brain damage in mice

A study by USF researchers found that green tea's epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) decreases production of the Alzheimer's-related protein beta-amyloid, leading to a 54% reduction in brain-clogging plaques. EGCG may be effective in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease through dietary supplementation.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·DateSep 20, 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.

Suppression of FOXO1a gene might kill resistant ARMS tumors

The study found that suppression of the FOXO1a gene is necessary for ARMS cells to survive and avoid programmed cell death. The researchers believe that targeting this gene could lead to effective treatment options for children with ARMS tumors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 20, 2005

Promising diagnostic tools for multiple sclerosis developed at Yale

Researchers at Yale University have developed two ways to induce MS symptoms in mice, revealing a key distinction between disease-causing and non-disease antibodies. The study brings the team closer to pinpointing accurate diagnostic tools for individual MS patients.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study in Royal Society journal on possiblity of human organ regeneration

A study by Professor IV Yannas suggests that adults have a dormant regenerative potential that can be reactivated with the right agents. This discovery may lead to new treatments for organ regeneration and increased longevity. The emerging field of Regenerative Medicine is based on this new treatment.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 20, 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.

Mutation may raise prostate-cancer risk in African Americans

Mutations in the EphB2 gene are found in 15% of African-American men with a strong family history, compared to 5% without a history. This gene mutation is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in African-American men, particularly those with a family history.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateSep 20, 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.

Sugar helps control cell division

New study reveals that O-GlcNAc modification of proteins regulates cell division and controls the steps and timing of cell division, contributing to cancer and other diseases. Researchers found that increasing or decreasing O-GlcNAc levels disrupts cell cycle, leading to cells with more than one nucleus, a common trait in cancer cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 20, 2005

Funding for biomedical research doubles in last decade

Biomedical research funding in the US has doubled over the last decade, primarily driven by increased private and industry support. The proportion of industry funding remains relatively constant at 56%, while federal government funding for clinical trials has decreased.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 20, 2005

Air pollution found to pose greater danger to health than earlier thought

A University of Southern California-led study found that air pollution poses a greater danger to health than previously thought, with a two- to three-fold increase in chronic health effects compared to earlier estimates. The study revealed a significant link between fine particle levels and increased risk of death from heart disease, l...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEpidemiology·DateSep 20, 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.

Increased ovarian cancer risk not found in women with breast cancer family history

A study of 199 families with multiple cases of breast cancer found that women from these families do not have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Despite this, the genetic mechanism for up to half of hereditary breast cancer remains unknown, prompting ongoing research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 20, 2005

Gene that controls the severity of asthma identified

A recent study by Yale University researchers has discovered a gene that controls the severity of asthma, finding that high production variants of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene are associated with severe disease. The study used mice models and human data to support an important role for MIF in asthma pathogenesis.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2005

Case astronomers find vast stellar web spun by colliding galaxies

Case Western Reserve University astronomers have captured a deep, wide-field image of the Virgo Cluster, revealing a complex web of intracluster starlight. The faint starlight is made up of stars ripped out of galaxies as they collide, providing an 'archaeological record' of violent cluster galaxy lives.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 20, 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.

Vaccine may protect babies from lethal infection

Researchers are studying a vaccine that may eliminate the risk of group B streptococcus infection in newborns, which is responsible for 1,720 annual infections and 70-90 deaths. The vaccine aims to reduce the risk by eliminating the bacteria from the vagina before birth.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 20, 2005