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Science News Archive 2006


Page 104 of 178

JCI table of contents, June 1, 2006

Researchers investigate the effects of hypoglycemia on insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and discover a potential solution using urocortin I. Urocortin I suppresses the counterregulatory response to low blood sugar, impairing glucose-sensing neurons in the brain.

Fatigue a lasting problem after liver transplantation

A study of 96 liver transplant patients found that 66% were fatigued, with physical fatigue and reduced activity being the primary concerns. Rehabilitation programs focusing on improving activity patterns and physical fitness may help alleviate fatigue after liver transplantation.

Gut reaction: Researchers define the colon's genome

The study reveals a diverse population of over 60,000 genes in the human colon microbiome, including enzymes that help humans digest food. The findings suggest that bacteria in the colon co-evolved with their human host, contributing to our well-being and potentially leading to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

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.

Researchers offer new insights on arid, semiarid landscapes

Researchers at New Mexico State University offer a new approach to understanding desertification by studying past events, environmental factors, and soil properties. Their six-step scheme integrates information from broad scale to fine scale to determine the most important influences.

USC/Duke team lets there be leisurely light

The USC/Duke team has made significant improvements in controlling light pulses, achieving a slowdown of up to 20-fold increase over previous methods. By using a simple optical fiber and exploiting the Brillouin effect, they can potentially accommodate higher data rates and enable more efficient processing with photonics.

Common carp sheds new light on surviving in extreme environments

New findings of myglobin levels in the common carp could help scientists understand how humans could survive loss of oxygen supply to their tissues during a stroke or heart attack. The research suggests that the protein plays other roles in protection from low levels of oxygen, apart from storing oxygen.

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.

Free radical cell death switch identified

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have defined a molecular signaling pathway linking oxidative stress to cell death in brain neurons. The discovery of the MST-FOXO biochemical switch mechanism may provide potential new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Electric fish in Africa could be example of evolution in action

Researchers have discovered electric fish in Africa with the same DNA but different electric signals and appearances, sparking hope that they are on the verge of forming two separate species. The findings provide a rare example of sympatric speciation, where animals from the same geographic location diverge into distinct groups.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A splice of the action: Translational role for WT1 isoform

Dr. Hammarskjold's team reveals WT1(+KTS) promotes translation by facilitating mRNA transport and stability, highlighting links between transcription and post-transcriptional gene regulation. The study's findings suggest a crucial role for alternative splicing in regulating genes like WT1 during normal development and disease.

UB scientist publishes first human microbiome analysis

A team of researchers led by UB microbiologist Steven R. Gill analyzed the DNA of microbes in the human distal gut using metagenomics. The study found significant differences between two microbial communities from healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of understanding the interactions between human and microbial genomes.

Chemists forge a new form of iron

Chemists have synthesized a new species of iron, designated as iron VI, which has two valence electrons and is highly reactive. This discovery adds to our understanding of fundamental iron chemistry and its catalytic properties, potentially leading to novel compounds for industry and biomedicine.

Study suggests Switzerland's liberal drug policy works

A study analyzing data from over 7,250 patients in Zurich found a significant decrease in new heroin users between 1990 and 2002. The incidence of heroin use dropped from 850 to 150, while the overall number of heroin dependents only declined by 4% per year.

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.

Cancer worries continue long after treatment ends

Long-term cancer survivors experience ongoing concerns about cancer recurrence and treatment side effects, affecting their mental health. Research found that these worries are linked to depression and anxiety, with varying levels of concern across different types of cancer.

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.

Proteins linked to cancer prevention in humans affect aging in worms

Researchers discovered that eliminating checkpoint proteins in microscopic worms increased their lifespan by 15-30%. This finding raises questions about the potential link between genetic variations in checkpoint proteins and cancer risk in humans. The study opens new avenues of inquiry into aging and cancer prevention.

Science team determines composition of asteroid Itokawa

Asteroid Itokawa's surface composition was determined by Brown University researcher Takahiro Hiroi, who linked it to LL chondrites, a common class of stony meteorites. The team also described the asteroid's diverse terrain, suggesting it may be an earlier stage of asteroid evolution and formation.

Female genital mutilation affects births: Study

A recent study found that women who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are more likely to experience difficulties during childbirth and their babies are at a higher risk of death. The study also estimated that in the African context, an additional one to two babies die per 100 deliveries due to FGM.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Raiders of the lost dimension

Researchers found that magnetic waves propagate simultaneously in all directions in a Bose Einstein condensate state at high magnetic fields and low temperatures. The discovery reveals a 'lost dimension' effect due to atomic behavior in quantum states.

Passive TV viewing related to children's sleeping difficulties

A study of 321 Finnish parents found that both active and passive TV viewing were associated with shorter sleep duration and increased sleeping difficulties. High levels of passive exposure to TV, especially adult-targeted programs, were strongly linked to sleep disturbances.

Type of stress, not duration, key to heart enlargement

Researchers found that intermittent stresses like high blood pressure cause cardiac abnormalities before the heart enlarges. Exercising mice showed enlarged hearts without damage, while hypertensive mice exhibited structural and cellular changes early on.

Rice wins $2.2M for undergrad global health program

Rice University's new global health program aims to equip students with the skills to tackle complex health issues in developing countries, including poverty, access to medicine, and cultural factors. The $2.2M grant will support undergraduate engineering students in designing solutions to these problems.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Brain on chip

The 'brain-chip' from Martinsried allows biophysicists to visualize the influence of pharmaceutical compounds on neural networks. This breakthrough enables a novel test system for brain and drug research, advancing neurochip prosthetics and neurocomputation.

Daniel Zheng wins SIAM's first prize at INTEL-ISEF

Daniel Zheng won the SIAM award for his project on the long-term effects of smoking on Down Syndrome. His project demonstrated a wide range of skills and techniques, impressing judges with its mathematical model and motivations.

Why we could all do with a siesta

Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which glucose blocks brain cells responsible for regulating wakefulness. This finding has implications for understanding and treating disorders such as narcolepsy, obesity, and addiction.

Hormone's role in insects could give insight for cancer treatment, malnutrition

A recent study has identified a hormone called juvenile hormone that inhibits the growth of imaginal discs in insects, which can have implications for understanding cancer treatment and long-term effects of early infant malnutrition. Without this hormone, the discs can form and grow at the expense of the rest of the animal.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Raiders of the lost dimension

Researchers observe dimensional reduction in Han purple pigment at low temperatures, which affects magnetic waves' behavior and could aid understanding of quantum computers. The discovery provides insights into the quantum mechanics of the universe, potentially explaining mysterious properties of other materials.

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.

Researchers discover how bacteria sense their environments

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered how bacteria sense their environments through a cooperative lattice of receptors on the surface of bacterial cells. This sensitivity allows bacteria to detect even slight changes in nutrient concentration, enabling them to respond to stimuli such as pollutants or explosives.

Female genital mutilation harmful for mothers and babies

A recent WHO study found that female genital mutilation (FGM) is associated with a higher risk of baby loss and complications during childbirth, including prolonged hospital stays. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 women across six countries in Africa.

Early estrogen exposure leads to later prostate cancer risk

A study found that early exposure to estrogen or BPA increases the risk of precancerous lesions in the prostate. Researchers discovered that this leads to epigenetic reprogramming, altering gene expression patterns that promote prostate disease with aging.

Acid rain causing decline in sugar maples, say researchers

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that acid rain is causing a decline in sugar maple trees due to its acidic effects on the soil. The study used a test plot to replicate favorable soil conditions prior to industrial pollution and found that sugar maples rebounded dramatically when calcium levels were restored.

Researchers conduct training in disaster mental health

Researchers are developing a new field in disaster mental health training to address the emotional needs of victims, first responders, and others affected by disasters. With funding from the DOH Grant, they have already trained 168 community-based mental health professionals and plan to expand their reach.

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.

Tests for 'face-blindness' reveal disorder may not be so rare

Studies conducted by Harvard researchers reveal that prosopagnosia, or 'face-blindness,' may be more common than previously thought, affecting up to 2% of the general public. The condition can lead to social isolation and difficulty recognizing familiar faces, prompting individuals to rely on non-facial traits for recognition.

Damaged Iraq marshes show renewed signs of life

Researchers found that over 40% of the marshes have been reflooded and native species are recovering, with growth in giant reeds and rare bird sightings reported. However, challenges remain, including water supply issues and potential environmental threats from oil exploration.

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.

Striking the right balance between excitation and inhibition

A study by Martyn Goulding and colleagues reveals that the Notch receptor protein determines whether a single progenitor cell produces excitatory or inhibitory neurons. The researchers found that activated Notch promotes excitatory neuron formation, while low levels of Notch lead to inhibitory neuron development.

Rhesus monkeys in Nepal may provide new alternative for HIV/AIDS research

Researchers found that Nepali rhesus macaques are genetically similar to Indian-origin animals, which could provide a new alternative for HIV/AIDS research. The study suggests that these animals may be representative of Nepali rhesus macaques in general, and their use in research could help address conservation concerns.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Smoking, diabetes predict different forms of peripheral artery disease

Researchers identified risk factors for PAD progression in large blood vessels, with smoking being a powerful predictor, while diabetes was linked to small vessel PAD. Effective preventive measures include smoking cessation, altering cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication.

AGU journal highlights - 31 May 2006

Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters highlight climate change impacts on Mars, with data from orbiting spacecraft and rovers revealing a hemispheric dichotomy. In the Arctic, sea ice reduction is linked to inflows from the Pacific Ocean, while the Indian Ocean experiences decadal variability in its circulation. Scientists st...

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.

Virginia Tech student selected to meet Nobel Laureates

A Virginia Tech student is selected to meet with Nobel laureates to discuss his research on bioremediation using bacteria-mineral interaction. The study aims to understand the fundamental reactions that dictate how bacteria interact with minerals, potentially leading to a safe and cost-effective means of environmental remediation.

Ocean-drilling scientists cite history of Arctic climate change

Scientists from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program have recovered sediments that indicate prevailing ice conditions during the last 14-16 million years. The study also found evidence of ice in the Arctic Ocean dating back 45 million years, while temperatures rose to subtropical levels 55 million years ago.

Genetically altered mice no longer like cocaine

Researchers genetically altered mice to resist cocaine's effects, discovering that blocking dopamine transporters is crucial for producing a high. The study aims to find drugs that prevent cocaine from binding to transporters while allowing the transporter protein to function.

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.