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Science News for September 26, 2005


Compound reveals new link between signaling protein and cell migration

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have found a new connection between the signaling protein Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) and cell migration. By studying the compound locostatin, they identified RKIP as a key player in controlling cell movement, suggesting it as a potential target for anti-cancer strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateSep 26, 2005

Seaweed could make junk food healthier

Researchers at Newcastle University found that alginate, a seaweed extract, can strengthen mucus, slow digestion, and increase fibre content in foods. This compound may help reduce the incidence of diseases like bowel cancer by promoting high-fibre diets.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateSep 26, 2005

Physicians ill-prepared to diagnose, treat bioterrorism diseases

A study found that physicians' ability to diagnose and treat bioterrorism-related diseases improved significantly after completing an online course. The online training showed a marked increase in correct diagnosis rates, with smallpox diagnosed correctly by 79% of doctors after the course.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 26, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Death sentences linked to history of lynching in states

A study by Ohio State University researchers found a clear link between the number of lynchings and death sentences in US states, particularly for Black victims. The study suggests that the death penalty has become a legal replacement for lynching, with a stronger connection observed when only Black death sentences are considered.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateSep 26, 2005

Drug resistance testing in treatment-naïve HIV patients is cost-effective

Research suggests that performing genotype resistance testing at the time of HIV diagnosis can guide treatment choices, increasing patient survival by over 14 months. The cost-effectiveness analysis indicates a cost of $23,900 per quality-adjusted life year gained, comparable to other HIV interventions.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 26, 2005

Launch of AZojomo - AZo Journal Of Materials Online

AZojomo is the first open-access publishing system to reward authors and peer reviewers with revenue sharing, providing a more inclusive and accessible way for scientists to publish research papers. Peer-reviewed by internationally renowned materials science experts, AZojomo ensures the credibility of published content.

SourceAZoNetwork·DateSep 26, 2005

Gang injunctions give communities short-term relief, study shows

A recent study by UC Irvine and USC researchers found that gang injunctions can lead to positive short-term outcomes, including reduced intimidation and visibility of gangs. However, the findings suggest that lasting community changes require additional efforts, such as vocational training and resident involvement.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateSep 26, 2005

Transmission of tuberculosis is linked to historical patterns of human migration

A study suggests that the evolutionary history of tuberculosis is linked to historical patterns of human migration. The researchers found that the genetic signatures of over 300 strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reflect the dispersal and evolution of the pathogen according to human migration patterns, with a strong gender bias obse...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 26, 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.

Molecule walks like a human

A newly designed molecule, 9,10-dithioanthracene (DTA), has been engineered to walk in a straight line on a surface using its two linkers as feet. This achievement proves that molecules can be deliberately designed to perform specific dynamic tasks on surfaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2005

Beauty queens urge girls not to sacrifice their bones

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining strong bones, particularly for young people, who can build peak bone mass between ages 11-17. Experts stressed the need for proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which affects one in three women over 50 worldwide.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateSep 26, 2005

Air pollution linked to heart attack

This study reveals that airborne particulate matter is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, particularly in individuals with damaged arteries. The research suggests that exposure to these pollutants can lead to lung inflammation and fatal blood clots.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateSep 26, 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.

Smoking may increase risk of diabetes

Researchers found that smokers had a significantly higher incidence of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The study suggests another poor health outcome associated with cigarette smoking, supporting current surgeon general's warnings.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 26, 2005

Groundbreaking consensus: pediatric cardiology training recommendations

The new guidelines emphasize ongoing self-education and research participation, with a focus on developing physician-scientists. The report outlines specific training requirements in key areas, including echocardiography, electrophysiology, and adult congenital heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 26, 2005

Severe maternal morbidity in Canada, 1991-2001

A Canadian study found that severe maternal morbidity rates declined between 1991 and 2001, with lower rates of postpartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion. However, a significant increase in uterine rupture cases was observed during this period, with women who experienced these complications being 158 times more likely to die.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCancer·DateSep 26, 2005

Emergency-room visits dip during key Red Sox games

During lowest-rated games, emergency room visits were 15% above normal volume due to fans showing up in the emergency department. However, after the Red Sox won a game, visits dipped by 5-15%. The study found an inverse relationship between Red Sox viewership and ER visits.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 26, 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.

'Keep cool to reduce friction,' suggests study of nanoscale water condensation

A team of researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that the formation of capillary structures is thermally activated. By studying the frictional forces acting on an atomic force microscope tip, they found that reducing temperatures and moving surfaces quickly can reduce adhesion between nanoscale surfaces.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2005

Effects of bacterial pneumonia no worse for HIV-positive patients

A two-year study compared HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with community-acquired pneumonia, finding no significant differences in hospitalization length or mortality rate. Treatment of HIV improves patient health and reduces infections like bacterial pneumonia.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 26, 2005

Researchers discover gene mutations associate with a chronic pain syndrome

A study has identified a genetic mutation in the SEPT9 gene as the cause of HNA, a chronic pain syndrome characterized by recurring episodes of severe pain. The mutation affects protein filaments that provide internal scaffolding for cells, leading to abnormal cell division and nerve disorders.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 26, 2005

Sewerage sludge - A new raw material for cement production?

Korean researchers explore reusing sewage sludge in cement kiln processes, offering a potential solution for reducing organic components' negative impact on the environment. The study's findings focus on mitigating the obstacles associated with high P2O5 and Cl content in sewage sludge, paving the way for its effective utilization.

SourceAZoNetwork·DateSep 26, 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.

Kidney transplant patients face higher cancer risk

Renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for melanoma due to immunosuppression, with a 3.6-fold increase in incidence compared to the general population. The risk increases five percent per year after transplantation and is greater in men, who also experience rapid age-related increases.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 26, 2005

Poor health literacy associated with poorer physical and mental health

A study found that nearly half of US adults have inadequate health literacy, which is associated with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Individuals with low health literacy were more likely to report activity limitations and pain interfering with daily activities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 26, 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.

Room-temperature transistor laser is step closer to commercialization

Researchers at University of Illinois have successfully demonstrated room-temperature operation of a light-emitting transistor laser, paving the way for high-speed applications. The breakthrough could lead to faster signal processing, large capacity seamless communications, and improved electrical and optical integrated circuits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 26, 2005

Study identifies gene in mice that may control risk-taking behavior in humans

A study at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center identified the neuroD2 gene as a potential controller of risk-taking behavior and emotional memory in humans. Mice with one copy of the gene showed impaired ability to form emotional memories and conditioned fear, similar to humans who have varying levels of risk-taking tendencies.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2005

Work absence after breast cancer diagnosis: A population-based study

A population-based study found that women with breast cancer are more likely to be absent from work for 4 weeks or more compared to healthy women. However, by the third year, work absence patterns become similar. The study also reveals factors that modulate work absence, such as stable relationships and self-employment.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 26, 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.

A slight difference and significant similarities

A study compared genetically modified Desirée potatoes with five conventional varieties, revealing a surprising range of variation in substance content. The analyses found that the genetically modified lines exhibited similar variation to the conventional varieties, except for higher inulin polysaccharide content.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2005

Family history alone can imply cancer mutation risk

A study found that a thorough family history is an effective measure for cancer risk, with 20% of women with breast or ovarian cancer having a high risk of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. Women of Ashkenazi ancestry were more likely to have high-risk family histories than those of non-Ashkenazi ancestry.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 26, 2005

Loss of body mass linked to development of Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Neurology found that people who lost approximately one unit of BMI per year had a 35% greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers also found a similar relationship between changes in BMI and rate of cognitive decline, which is the clinical hallmark of AD.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNeurology·DateSep 26, 2005

Potential new treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes by targeting natural killer T cells. The study shows that multiple doses of alpha-galactosylceramide can reduce the production of interferon-gamma, which helps destroy transplanted islet cells.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 26, 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.

Post-stroke tests not used often enough, especially in women

A study of 1,234 stroke patients found that heart and neck scans were less commonly used in women than men, despite being crucial for preventing second strokes. Women were 36% less likely to receive an echo-cardiogram and 43% less likely to have carotid artery exams.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·DateSep 26, 2005

How a zebra lost its stripes: Rapid evolution of the quagga

A study published by Yale University scientists analyzed the genetics of quagga and plains zebra populations to understand how the quagga evolved its distinctive stripes. The research found that the quagga diverged from Plains zebra around 120,000-290,000 years ago during the Ice Age.

SourceYale University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 26, 2005

Purdue method will help industry design parts-search systems

The Purdue method enables companies to reuse previous designs, reducing redundancy and streamlining supply chains. The system uses a benchmarking database and process to evaluate search performance, allowing users to fine-tune their searches by changing the sketch.

SourcePurdue University·DateSep 26, 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.

A novel method to measure circadian cycles

Scientists have developed a novel method to measure circadian cycles in human cells, finding large differences between individuals' rhythms. The study used skin samples infected with a fluorescent virus to track circadian gene expression, confirming the human circadian cycle length of 24.5 hours.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 26, 2005

USU students awarded fellowships

USU students Robert Anthony, Xialong Jiang, and Erika Lamb have been awarded fellowships by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation to study immune response and posttraumatic stress disorder in a neurobiological model. Their research aims to develop effective ways to combat these conditions in military service members.

SourceHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine·DateSep 26, 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.

Statins use associated with lower risk of fractures

A significant association was observed between statin use and reduced fracture risk in a large cohort of mostly male veterans. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that statins reduced fracture risk by 36% compared to no lipid-lowering therapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 26, 2005

Temperature regulates circadian clock in zebrafish

Researchers found that daily temperature cycles can reset zebrafish clocks, triggering changes in specific clock genes. This discovery sheds light on how temperature affects biological systems and may have implications for mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 26, 2005

Cancer drug might help kids with fatal 'aging' syndrome

Researchers found that farnesyl transferase inhibitors can normalize abnormal nuclei in progeria cells. The treatment targets a genetic mutation causing lamin A protein production issues.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 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.

The economics of prescription drugs versus OTC

In Canada, delisting prescription drugs from public health insurance programs transfers costs to private citizens or private health insurance plans, generating cost-savings for governments. Deregulation may also benefit pharmacists by increasing over-the-counter sales and expanding their clinical role.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 26, 2005