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Science News for September 27, 2005


Penguin chicks exposed to human visitors experience spike in stress hormone

Researchers found that newly hatched magellanic penguin chicks in breeding grounds with large numbers of human visitors show a significant spike in stress-related hormone levels. As the chicks grew older, their behavior towards humans changed, with those in tourist areas becoming more tolerant but still exhibiting caution.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 27, 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.

Secrets of the deep may hold key to life on other planets

Researchers are using a NERC grant to study the unique creatures that live in hydrothermal vents, which could hold the key to understanding life on other planets. These organisms rely on bacteria living inside them for survival, and their geological history is believed to be radically different from other forms of life.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateSep 27, 2005

Climate change transforming Alaska's landscape

Researchers document a significant shift from wetlands to woodland and forest in the Kenai Peninsula Lowlands due to climate change. The transformation threatens biodiversity, habitat loss for migratory birds, and increased wildfire risks.

SourceNational Research Council of Canada·JournalCanadian Journal of Forest Research·DateSep 27, 2005

Eating foods with 'weak estrogens' may help reduce lung cancer risk

A large US population study found that eating foods with phytoestrogens, such as soy and fruits, may lower lung cancer risk. The study, involving over 3,500 participants, discovered a 46% reduced risk of developing lung cancer among those who consumed the highest amount of phytoestrogen-rich foods.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 2005
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Unwed mothers are less likely to marry, study shows

A new study by Cornell University researcher Daniel Lichter found that unwed mothers are less likely to improve their socio-economic status through marriage. Married women with children are significantly less likely to be poor than unmarried mothers, with only 6% of couples living below the poverty line.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Forces·DateSep 27, 2005

Unusual meteorite unlocks treasure trove of solar system secrets

Researchers discovered an isotopic anomaly in osmium from a primitive meteorite, shedding light on the star types that contributed elements to the solar system. The findings challenge previous theories of incomplete mixing of different dust sources and instead suggest presolar stardust may have survived and preserved its signature.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2005

Space test for Swiss-designed solar antennas

Researchers have developed a novel solar antenna that combines antenna functions and solar cells on a single surface, reducing weight and increasing efficiency. The technology has the potential to power homes and send/receive signals, improving data gathering capabilities in remote regions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateSep 27, 2005

MSU researchers receive $4 million grant to uncover gene functions

Researchers will determine the functions of approximately 4,400 nuclear genes in Arabidopsis, focusing on chloroplast-targeted proteins that trigger photosynthesis. This project could lead to significant advances in human health and agriculture by optimizing plant productivity and nutrient production.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 27, 2005

Hybrid grass may prove to be valuable fuel source

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that hybrid grass Miscanthus can produce more biomass than switchgrass, with greater rates of photosynthesis and no net effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The crop is also remarkably efficient and easy to grow, making it a promising renewable energy source.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateSep 27, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Preserving a 460 year old wreck

A team of international researchers analyzed the sulphur and iron composition in the wooden timbers of the Mary Rose, an English warship wrecked in 1545. They found high concentrations of organo-sulphur compounds in the lignin-rich areas between the cells, which may have helped preserve the ship while it was submerged in seawater.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2005

Penn theorists to create optical circuit elements

The Penn theorists describe how nanoscale particles of certain materials can work as circuit elements, enabling faster computer processors and exotic applications. The technology could also enable the creation of biological circuits and couple electronic signals to individual molecules.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2005

Fever of unknown origin: a marker for occult cancer?

Patients with fever of unknown origin have a higher risk of developing cancer, particularly haematological and sarcomas, than the general population. After several years of follow-up, diagnostic bias is believed to be a contributing factor to the association.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 27, 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.

Simulator can help stroke patients drive again

Researchers developed a 20-mile computer-simulated driving course to help stroke patients regain their driving skills. Patients who received simulator training were almost twice as likely to pass an official driving test, and retained the skill level achieved in training.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNeurology·DateSep 27, 2005

Sept/Oct 2005 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Studies examine prevalence of primary HIV infection, effectiveness of antidepressants in primary care, and the impact of patient-centered communication on healthcare costs. Research also explores aggressive antibiotic treatment for nursing home patients and cost-effectiveness of expanded testing for primary HIV infection.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 27, 2005

CU virologist finds contagious equine flu in dogs

A new strain of equine influenza virus, H3N8, has been found to infect dogs in the US, with close to 100% of infected dogs showing symptoms. The virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly throughout dog populations, making it a major concern for dog owners.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 27, 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.

Long-sought Maya City — Site Q — found in Guatemala

A Yale University team has confirmed the existence and location of the long-speculated Maya city Site Q in Guatemala. The discovery was made by Marcello Canuto's team, who found an in-situ panel carved with over 140 hieroglyphs that match the style and historical chronology of the Site Q texts.

SourceYale University·DateSep 27, 2005

Sailing the planets: Exploring Mars with guided balloons

A new concept, funded by NASA's NIAC, proposes using guided balloons to study the Martian surface in unprecedented detail. These balloons can be steered towards specific targets and drop small science packages, allowing for faster exploration of the planet.

SourceGlobal Aerospace Corporation·DateSep 27, 2005

Gene therapy to lower blood pressure just enough

Researchers develop gene therapy that increases atrial natriuretic peptide production to control blood pressure without severely reducing it. The therapy successfully maintained healthy blood pressure levels for 125 days in mice.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Change in focus needed for progress in HIV-vaccine research

Robert Gallo emphasizes the need for a rational approach to HIV vaccine development, ignoring empirically driven methods and focusing on solid knowledge of HIV biology. He suggests leveraging the Gates's Foundation's Grand Challenge for Global Health to find practical solutions to scientific roadblocks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 27, 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.

Antibiotic resistance markers in GM plants not a risk to human health

A review by Stephen Gillespie and Philippe Gay finds no evidence of antibiotic resistance from GM crops being transferred to bacteria, which would be dwarfed by the impact of human antibiotics use. The authors conclude that while it's possible for transfer to occur, its contribution to antibiotic resistance is low.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 27, 2005

Quality fuels delays in judicial confirmations

A recent study by John R. Lott Jr. suggests that delays in judicial confirmations are driven by the fear of capable and influential judges who would effectively shape the courts' positions. The study, published in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, finds that confirmation delays limit the impact of judges on court decisions.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·DateSep 27, 2005

Inheritance, smoking spawn mysterious and deadly lung disease

Researchers found a common genetic defect that prevents proper lung repair, increasing risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in families with a history of the disease. Smoking is also a major contributor to the disease, particularly among those with a family history.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 27, 2005