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Science News for September 6, 2005


RIT receives National Science Foundation grant to model rumor propagation

Researchers at RIT are working on a groundbreaking study to model how rumors spread in social networks and affect individuals and groups. The project aims to use two diverse methodologies combining psychological and mathematical expertise to investigate the impact of rumors on human relationships and society.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateSep 6, 2005

Children using community health centers are more likely to be overweight

A recent study found that children using community health centers in medically underserved areas have a higher prevalence of overweight compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from nearly 2,500 children aged 2-11 and found that overweight children made up 22% of younger kids and 24% of older kids in these centers.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 6, 2005

JAMA study: Long hours equal to alcohol in impairing young doctors

A new JAMA study compares sleep deprivation to alcohol ingestion and shows that long work hours impair young doctors' cognitive function. The researchers found that residents who worked extended hours performed similarly to those with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 6, 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.

US government grant funds PXL 'scavenger drugs' to treat radiation damage

The US government has awarded a $20 million grant to develop novel synthetic catalytic scavengers (SCS) to protect against and treat the effects of radiation exposure. Proteome Systems will provide its SCS compounds for clinical application, aiming to create medical products for victims of radiological terrorism or radiation accidents.

SourceResearch Australia·DateSep 6, 2005

Academy and Tekes launch new funding programme

The Academy of Finland and Tekes have launched a new funding programme to strengthen key areas of science and technology in Finland. The programme aims to build longer-term international research cooperation by hiring top foreign researchers, who will work as part of the Finnish research community.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateSep 6, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soy protein reduces effects of diabetes on liver

A diet high in soy protein prevents the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver despite obesity and hyperinsulinemia. This is achieved through reduced expression of genes involved in lipid production and increased breakdown of fatty acids.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 6, 2005

JUPITER II trial

The study reported a 10.6% rate of stent-related MACE for the control Tecnic group, while the Janus group had a 6.4% rate, with a significant reduction in TLR, and no stent thrombosis occurred

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 6, 2005

Wake up, doc: Lack of sleep affects young doctors just like alcohol does

A study of 34 young pediatric residents found that working long hours and overnight shifts impairs their attention, judgment, and driving abilities. The researchers compared the effects of heavy work shifts with those of consuming three to four alcoholic drinks, revealing similar impairments in both cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateSep 6, 2005

Teenage boys may not plan on pregnancy, but believe it might happen anyway

A study found that teenage boys who believe they might get someone pregnant, regardless of their intentions, are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. Healthcare providers should initiate conversations with adolescent males about reproductive issues, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

SourceLifespan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 6, 2005

Results of the ELISA II trial

The ELISA II trial found that triple antiplatelet (AP) therapy reduced enzymatic infarct size and improved epicardial coronary artery flow in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). Triple AP therapy also showed a trend towards better event-free survival at 96 hours and 30 days after randomization.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 6, 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.

Smoking damages key regulatory enzyme in the lung

Researchers used PET scanning to track monoamine oxidase (MAO A) levels in smokers and nonsmokers, finding that MAO A was 50% lower in smokers' lungs. Smokers also held onto a tracer chemical longer and had reduced delivery of tracer into arterial blood supply.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 6, 2005

NASA's Deep Impact team releases first snapshot of Comet Tempel 1

The Deep Impact mission revealed several dozen impact craters on Comet Tempel 1, with a powdery layer tens of meters deep. The comet's surface is composed of a fine-grained, loosely glued layer of organic powder and ice, sparking new questions about its composition and the formation of the solar system.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2005

Investors behave like ostriches in choosing bank deposits over T-bills

Hebrew University researchers found that investors prefer non-liquid, low-risk assets like bank deposits over liquid, high-yielding T-bills, paying a premium for the perceived safety. This 'ostrich effect' ignores reported risks in T-bills and unreported risks in bank deposits.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Business·DateSep 6, 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.

Displaced songbirds navigate in the high Arctic

Researchers found that displaced songbirds in the high Arctic use a combination of geomagnetic and solar cues to adjust their orientation. The study suggests that birds may rely on declination to determine longitudinal position, allowing them to navigate despite challenging conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2005

3D MRI useful in detecting most lethal of all major cancers

A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that 3D MRI can detect pancreatic cancer in patients with severe mid-abdominal pain and other symptoms. The study suggests that radiologists should look for pancreatic cancer even if the patient didn't have an examination for that purpose.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 6, 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.

Stroke sufferers at increased risk of developing epilepsy

A long-term study found that 3.1% of people who suffered a stroke developed epilepsy. Those with severe strokes had five times the risk compared to those with less severe strokes. New treatments and improved care may reduce the frequency of post-stroke epilepsy.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEpilepsia·DateSep 6, 2005

Letrozole following tamoxifen may benefit women with breast cancer

Researchers found that women taking letrozole experienced a significantly better overall disease-free survival rate and distant disease-free survival rate compared to those on placebo. This study confirms the protective effect of extended adjuvant letrozole therapy for postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 6, 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.

The Basel stent kosteneffektivitäts trial (BASKET)

The BASKET trial compares the costs and outcomes of drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare-metal stents (BMS) in 826 patients with PCI. The study aims to identify patient subgroups where DES are cost-effective, potentially impacting daily practice and preferences.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 6, 2005

Vegetation growth may quickly raise Arctic temperatures

A study in western Alaska found that vegetation growth, particularly shrubs, interacts with snow to affect Earth's albedo and alter the winter energy balance of the Arctic. This could lead to accelerated warming and changes in the region's carbon budget, with implications for the rest of the world.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateSep 6, 2005

Recent improvements in prostate cancer outcomes may be result of shift in classification

A study found that nearly 60% of prostate cancer specimens received higher Gleason scores than original assignments, suggesting that pathologists are more likely to assign high scores to contemporary tumor samples. This 'Will Rogers phenomenon' may lead to a false sense of therapeutic accomplishment and skew mortality rates.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 6, 2005
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Other highlights in the September 7 JNCI

Researchers found ER-positive/PR-negative tumors may be more aggressive and respond poorly to tamoxifen, while EDNRB mutations are linked to melanoma risk. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors show promise against aerodigestive tract cancer cells.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 6, 2005

Hand sanitizer gel works

A randomized trial found that hand sanitizer reduced the incidence of secondary GI illnesses by 59% in families with day care children. Families who used hand sanitizer also showed a lower risk of transmitting respiratory illnesses, although this effect was not statistically significant.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 6, 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.

Anthrax stops body from fighting back, study shows

Researchers found that anthrax's lethal toxin can block neutrophil production of filaments by nearly 60% in just two hours. This paralysis allows the bacteria to move freely in the body, leading to fatal outcomes in inhalation anthrax victims.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 6, 2005

Odd behavior and creativity may go hand-in-hand

A new study published in Schizophrenia Research found that individuals with schizotypal personalities are more creative than normal or fully schizophrenic people. They also use the right side of their brains more heavily to access creativity. This is supported by research showing a disproportionate number of schizotypes and schizophren...

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateSep 6, 2005

Smoking damages key regulatory enzyme in the lung

Researchers found reduced MAO A levels in smokers' lungs, which may contribute to physiological effects of smoking like changes in blood pressure and pulmonary function. Smokers also retained tracer chemicals longer and had lower delivery into arterial blood supply.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 6, 2005

Grant to study work options as boomers reach retirement

As Baby Boomers retire, US workers are considering extended employment to alleviate labor shortages. Research focuses on flexible work options to understand their impact on aging workforce. Studies have shown most older Americans want to continue working due to personal and family circumstances.

SourceBoston College·DateSep 6, 2005
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Prenatal exposure to marine toxin causes lasting damage

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to domoic acid levels below those deemed safe for adults caused lasting behavioral effects and impaired memory in rats. The findings imply that unborn children may be negatively affected by the toxin at levels not causing symptoms in expectant mothers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateSep 6, 2005

Rensselaer researcher to showcase new solar underwater robot technology

A team of researchers, including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has developed a network of distributed sensing devices and water-monitoring robots that use solar power to extend their deployment time. This technology will enable the detection of chemical and biological trends in lakes, rivers, and waterways to improve water quality ...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 6, 2005

'Batch reading' mammograms lowers recall rates

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that batch reading mammograms results in lower recall rates and accurate cancer detection. The research analyzed 9,522 screening mammograms, with 1,538 interpreted by batch reading, showing a 20.1% to 16.2% decrease in recall rates.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 6, 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.

Study suggests racial discrimination harms health

A study examining the health of over 2,900 black immigrants reveals that those born in Europe experience poorer health outcomes than U.S.-born blacks, while those from Africa and South America fare better. The research highlights the negative impact of racial discrimination on health.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalSocial Forces·DateSep 6, 2005