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Science News Archive 2006


Page 129 of 178

Fighting nutrition misinformation:

The American Dietetic Association's new position statement warns of common inaccuracies in media coverage of nutrition studies. Journalists should ensure research is conducted by credible institutions and qualified researchers, and that results reflect appropriate context.

Scientists discover second known blue ring in solar system

The discovery of a blue ring around Uranus reveals similarities with Saturn's E ring, both associated with small moons. Researchers attribute the blue color to gravitational forces acting on dust particles that allow smaller ones to survive while larger ones are recaptured by the moon.

Seniors' access to dental care found wanting

A recent study found that only 11% of seniors in Western New York have dental insurance, with financial need being a major barrier to receiving dental care. The study also showed significant disparities in access to dental care between urban and rural areas.

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.

The price of managerial neglect

A new method by University at Buffalo engineers calculates the expected cost of managerial neglect in processes with variability, such as supply chains. The model can help managers justify investments for improvement and save up to 50% in costs over three years.

Controversial findings help explain evolution of life

Researchers at Oregon State University confirmed the existence of a 'dark state' in DNA molecules that makes them vulnerable to UV-induced damage. The study suggests that water played a crucial role in stabilizing these early DNA bases and allowing life to emerge from a hostile primordial soup.

Penn State to recycle tires into roads

Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies is recycling 500,000 discarded tires into road fill, reducing sediment pollution and mosquito breeding grounds. The project uses bailed tires to fill degraded dirt roads, incorporating drainage structures to prevent water runoff.

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.

New Dutch invention: Varibel, glasses that hear

Varibel, a new Dutch invention, provides directional sensitivity and improves speech understanding for seniors with hearing impairments. The glasses use microphones to selectively intensify sounds from the front while dampening surrounding noise.

Don't hold your breath: Carp can manage without oxygen for months

The carp's extraordinary ability to adapt to low oxygen conditions allows it to thrive in environments where other fish would perish. Researchers have discovered that its blood has a higher affinity for oxygen than any other vertebrate, enabling the fish to maintain physical activity while oxygen supplies are limited.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Soggy sands of Mars?

Researchers find patterns of cracks and thin fins on Mars resembling those formed by damp sand in New Mexico. The discoveries suggest the presence of water on Mars beyond polar ice caps.

Is the brain wired for faces?

A new study published in Neuron suggests that facial recognition relies on a similar neural mechanism as other object recognition, rather than specialized processing. The researchers used computational modeling and fMRI to find that a small group of neurons in the fusiform face area is highly selective for different faces.

Healing honey: The sweet evidence revealed

Honey's antibacterial quality rapidly clears existing infection, while also protecting wounds from additional infections. The sweetener stimulates the growth of granulation and epithelial tissues to speed up the healing process.

Blue ring discovered around Uranus

Astronomers have found a blue ring around Uranus, similar to Saturn's blue ring in Enceladus' orbit, attributed to submicron-sized material and subtle forces acting on dust particles. The discovery suggests that the two outer rings share a common explanation for their blue color.

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.

March issue of JADA explores saliva as diagnostic tool

A UK study found that saliva can be tested for signs of periodontal disease, a condition characterized by persistent inflammation and tissue breakdown. The research team identified biomarkers in saliva that could aid in diagnosing and monitoring the disease.

Americans love competition, but is it pushing our scientists too far?

A study by University of Michigan researcher Raymond De Vries found that everyday problems in scientific research are most common, including struggles with data interpretation and adherence to scientific rules. The study also found that unbridled competition and organizational injustices contribute to scientific misconduct.

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.

MIT researchers build tiny batteries with viruses

The MIT team used an intricate assembly process to create a functional electronic device from viruses, producing dense films of cobalt oxide and gold. The result is a nanoscale battery material with high energy density, suitable for compact energy storage applications.

Hidden structure revealed in characteristics of transistor laser

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered significant structure in the current-voltage characteristics of a transistor laser, allowing them to study the elusive electronic structure. The research enables the development of transistor lasers that can operate at different speeds for various commercial applications.

Losartan prevents life-threatening insulin resistance in burn injuries

Researchers found that administering losartan to rats with insensate third-degree burns reversed the insulin resistance caused by the burn injury, returning glucose levels to normal. The study suggests that blocking the renin-angiotensin system may be a key to preventing this condition in severe burn patients.

A blue ring around the planet Uranus

Astronomers discover that Uranus' blue ring is predominantly made of submicron-sized material, unlike most other rings which appear red. The similarity between the outer rings suggests an in-kind explanation for their blue color.

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.

Evolution of 'irreducible complexity' explained

Scientists at the University of Oregon discovered that complexity evolved piecemeal through Molecular Exploitation. They found that old genes were recruited to participate in new interactions and functions, consistent with Darwinian evolution.

Japanese encephalitis widespread in Bali

A study found that Japanese encephalitis is prevalent in Bali, particularly among children under 10 years old. The annual incidence rate for this age group was 8.2 per 100,000, resulting in nine deaths and 31 cases of serious neurological disability.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Towards the mechanism of cell respiration

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the cell respiration mechanism, led by Academy Professor Mårten Wikström. The study reveals the coupling between the proton pump and oxygen reduction, shedding light on how energy is transduced from foodstuffs to cells.

Hunting down the causes of Huntington disease

Researchers found that cystamine and a related drug increase levels of protective protein HSJ1b, which helps neurons survive in Huntington disease. This may lead to potential treatments for the neurodegenerative disorder.

New investigators in the spotlight

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has awarded a New Investigator Award to Dr. Elisa Konofagou for her groundbreaking work on treating neurodegenerative diseases using ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening. Seven nominees presented their research, showcasing the diverse applications of ultrasound technology.

Nanopore method could revolutionize genome sequencing

The new nanopore method has the potential to sequence human genomes in a matter of hours at a potentially low cost, reducing the time and expense associated with current methods. The approach uses mathematical calculations and computer modeling to distinguish between DNA bases, enabling faster and more accurate sequencing.

Towards a unified model of transcription termination

The new model integrates data from various studies to describe transcription termination as a complex process involving multiple regulatory factors. Key findings include the identification of essential genes and regulatory elements involved in controlling transcription termination.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Star exploding inside another star sheds light on super stellar explosions

Researchers monitored RS Oph's unprecedented detail using space- and ground-based telescopes, estimating gas expelled at 10 million km/h and a size larger than our solar system. The study sheds new light on super stellar explosions and helps predict the red giant's lifespan before becoming a white dwarf.

Moderate drinking associated with better cognition in women

Women who consumed up to two drinks per day scored higher on the Mini Mental State Exam compared to non-drinkers or occasional drinkers. The study suggests moderate drinking is protective for women's cognition, contradicting previous research on large vessel atherosclerosis as a mediating factor.

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.

BCG vaccination is highly cost-effective

The BCG vaccine is highly cost-effective in preventing severe childhood tuberculosis, with an estimated cost of US$200 per year of healthy life gained. The largest impact was found in southeast Asia, Africa, and the western Pacific region, where TB infection rates and BCG coverage are highest.

Study may help slay 'Yellow Monster'

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have made groundbreaking discoveries about uranium's impact on DNA, potentially shedding light on environmental contamination and health effects of depleted uranium. The study's findings have significant implications for Native American communities and may help address long-standing concerns a...

Study supports theory why brain-injured children often recover

Researchers found that younger children's brains involved more brain areas during language exercises, indicating greater flexibility. As children matured, brain activity concentrated on the left side, offering hope for rehabilitation of brain function after stroke or traumatic brain injuries.

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.

Blood pressure medication may revolutionize treatment of Marfan syndrome

Researchers have discovered that losartan can prevent the development of aortic aneurysms in mice with Marfan syndrome, suggesting a potential new treatment. The drug works by lowering transforming growth factor beta activity, which is responsible for the syndrome's catastrophic developmental defects.

Scientists learn more about how viruses reproduce, spread

Researchers identify matrix protein as critical component in VSV's ability to invade cells and replicate, leading to potential vaccine development and anti-viral agents. The discovery also provides insights into how viruses shut down cell protein-making capabilities.

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.

JCI table of contents, April 6, 2006

In a study on Huntington disease, researchers found that cystamine increased brain levels of protective protein HSJ1b and BDNF, suggesting a promising candidate for treatment. The study also revealed that cystamine raises BDNF in an HSJ1b-dependent manner.

AIUM announced EER grant recipients

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has awarded several ultrasound research grants to its members through the Educational Enhancement Research (EER) program. The recipients include T. Douglas Mast, PhD for quantitative real-time monitoring of thermal ablation using pulse-echo ultrasound imaging and Roxana Vlad, MSc ...

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.

Monkey-dung study offers clues about land-use, wildlife ecology

Researchers found that forest degradation and human presence significantly influence the prevalence of parasitic nematodes in red colobus monkeys. The study's results suggest that easily measurable indices like stump density can predict host-parasite dynamics and inform conservation efforts.

AIUM Presidential Recognition Awards presented

J. Brian Fowlkes and Harvey L. Nisenbaum were selected for the award due to their dedication to the AIUM and commitment to the ultrasound community. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine presented the prestigious awards to recognize their outstanding contributions.

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.

First clinical results reported for Sangamo's ZFP therapeutic

The study showed that SB-509 was safe and well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed. Improvements in pain, numbness, and neurological symptoms were seen in approximately 50% of patients, with significant anecdotal improvements reported in neurologic exam scores and electrophysiologic testing.

Crime scene investigates: The case of the dead cow

A new DNA technique, known as plant-fingerprinting, can identify poisonous plants from animal remains by analyzing DNA sequences in the rumen. This method uses plant material extracted from animals within 24 hours of death to create a unique template for amplifying specific DNA sequences.

Plants used to detect gas leaks, from outer space!

Researchers have developed a remote-sensing technology that uses the spectral quality of light reflected from plant leaves to detect gas leaks. This technology can also be used to monitor environmental effects and ensure public acceptability and safety in carbon capture and storage schemes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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