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Science News Archive 2006


Page 170 of 178

Screening blood for West Nile virus

Researchers analyze cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies to prevent cases through contaminated blood products. Screening only during mosquito season is deemed unnecessary in states with low WNV infection rates, while creating a 'supersafe' pool of blood for vulnerable individuals may be an effective solution.

Infections could contribute to adult brain tumours

Researchers found space-time clustering of glioma tumour cases in different geographical locations, consistent with patterns caused by infections. The study suggests a possible link between infection and brain tumours, potentially leading to future preventative measures.

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.

Pleasing plant shapes explained by new computer model

Researchers created a three-dimensional simulation of plant growth, simulating cell division and auxin concentrations to reveal the molecular mechanism behind phyllotaxis. The model enhances biological experiments and promises accurate models for other organisms' development from primordial stem cells.

Erectile dysfunction may warn of heart disease

A study at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that erectile dysfunction is a stronger predictor of significant coronary heart disease than traditional risk factors. Men with ED had reduced exercise endurance, decreased ejection fraction, and higher evidence for coronary artery blockages.

The closest look ever at the cell's machines

The study provides a nearly complete parts list of all the machines in yeast, including 257 previously unknown machines and new components of existing ones. It also reveals how cells dynamically assemble and disassemble machines to respond to environmental challenges.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Dartmouth, GlycoFi researchers make leap in protein bioengineering

GlycoFi researchers have made a major leap in protein bioengineering by controlling sugar structures on antibodies to boost cancer-killing ability. This approach can be applied to any therapeutic glycoprotein, and the company is poised to capitalize on the growing 20% annual growth of the therapeutic protein market.

U of MN researchers identify ataxia gene

U of MN researchers identified the specific mutation causing Spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5), a dominant gene disorder. The discovery enables genetic testing for patients at risk, providing improved diagnoses and insight into neurodegenerative diseases.

Malaria parasites develop in lymph nodes

Researchers found that up to 25% of injected malaria parasites stop in lymph nodes close to the bite site, where they can interact with immune cells and degrade. While partially developed or destroyed parasites may not contribute to symptoms, their presence could affect how the immune system responds to infection.

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.

Major new awards program honors cancer researcher

The Vilcek Foundation honors Dr. Massagué's work on controlling cell behavior and its connection to cancer development. The prize recognizes his contributions to the field of cancer biology and genetics.

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.

Magnetic misfits: South seeking bacteria in the Northern Hemisphere

Researchers found barbell-shaped bacteria in a marine pond that swim toward geomagnetic south when oxygen levels are high, contradicting the accepted model of magnetotaxis. The discovery suggests new models are needed to explain how these bacteria behave in their environment.

New software tool helps protect nation's drinking water

ICWater is a computer-based tool that integrates multiple information sources and data from incident commanders to help predict contaminant reach times for drinking water intakes. The tool is currently used by water utilities and response teams in the US, with an operational version set to be deployed nationally by summer 2006.

Elsevier celebrates 1,000 journals with online submission and peer review

Elsevier celebrates its 1,000th journal with the adoption of online submission and peer-review tool EES. The rollout has significantly reduced refereeing times and completed editorial processes by an average of 9 weeks. This development enhances the work of editors and reviewers, improving service for authors and readers.

From mirror to mist: Cracking the secret of fracture instabilities

Scientists from Max Planck Institute and MIT perform atom-by-atom investigations, gaining insight into dynamic fracture instabilities. They propose a new model that explains how material properties affect crack propagation, with implications for understanding fracture in various materials and scales.

Hazard mitigation can save money

A study found that hazard mitigation grants can save up to $14 billion over 10 years by reducing property damage and loss of life. The grants also help reduce tax revenue losses due to economic disruption caused by natural hazards.

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.

Working memory retains visual details despite distractions

Researchers found that visual details are retained in working memory despite distractions, contradicting the idea of information loss. The study suggests a specialized system for processing real scenes, with implications for understanding development, aging, and attention disorders.

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.

UNC, Virginia Tech create digital library curriculum

The collaboration aims to develop and field-test individual lessons/modules that can be incorporated within courses or used to support entire courses. The project's deliverables will benefit digital library users with improved understanding of those who build the next generation of digital library systems.

Heart-healthy compound in chocolate identified

The study found that epicatechin, a flavanol present in cocoa, is directly linked to improved circulation and other hallmarks of cardiovascular health. Volunteers from the Kuna Indians, who consume large amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa, had higher levels of urinary nitric oxide compared to their mainland counterparts.

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.

Grant for ultrafast optical communications

The project aims to investigate high carrier frequencies of mid-infrared light for efficient communication and applications such as light-based radar devices, medical imaging, and synthesizing electronic tones. Researchers will design, build, and test thumbnail-sized chips capable of encoding data at unprecedented rates.

Fewer fish eggs, smaller fish result from over-fishing

A recent study by UC Riverside graduate student Matthew Walsh found that harvesting large individuals from a fish population introduces genetic changes that harm the overall fish population. The remaining fish become progressively smaller, have fewer and smaller eggs with lower survival rates, and lower foraging and feeding capabilities.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Indigenous Amazonians display core understanding of geometry

The Munduruküul community in Brazil shows competence with basic concepts of topology, Euclidean geometry, and geometrical figures, even children as young as six years old performed well. The study suggests that core geometrical knowledge is a universal constituent of the human mind, independent of formal education or cultural devices.

JCI table of contents: January 19, 2006

Researchers have identified a new vitamin D-related compound that inhibits the production of c-Fos protein, which plays a key role in bone breakdown and resorption. In contrast, a nuclear protein called Tlx acts as an oxygen-sensing switch to regulate angiogenesis in retinal astrocytes.

Funds needed to scale up global efforts to control avian influenza

The spread of avian influenza in Turkey highlights the need for increased global funding to combat bird flu and prevent human pandemics. Donors at the International Pledging Conference acknowledged that funds should be scaled up to address this failure, with estimated costs ranging from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion.

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.

It's tough at the top for high-flying British women

A UK study reveals a correlation between women's stress levels and their career ambitions, while also highlighting the benefits of Portugal's more family-friendly policies. The research suggests that women in Britain face limited access to quality childcare and domestic help, leading to increased work-life conflict.

New compound stops brain cell degeneration in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new compound that selectively inhibits pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines by glia, slowing or reversing neuroinflammatory cascade progression. The compound also restored normal synaptic function and attenuated Alzheimer's-like behavioral deficits in mice.

Purdue engineers solve chaos mystery in use of high-tech microscope

Mechanical engineers at Purdue University have proven that chaotic oscillations in an atomic-force microscope can cause errors in measurements, affecting the accuracy of research and industry applications. The study reveals how much error is caused by chaos and provides information that could be used to improve measurement techniques.

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.

Superplastic behavior revealed in carbon nanotubes

Researchers have discovered a way to strengthen carbon nanotubes by heating them to extreme temperatures, resulting in a nearly 280% increase in strength and a significant reduction in diameter. This breakthrough has implications for the development of high-temperature-resistant ceramics and electronics.

IEEE conference awards 'best student paper' to group from Stevens

A team of students from Stevens Institute of Technology has won the 'best student paper' award at a leading IEEE conference for their innovative research on wireless spectrum policy reform. The paper proposes reduced-complexity searching algorithms to optimize wireless network performance.

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.

Obesity lawsuits – lessons learned from tobacco litigation

A review of history and lessons from tobacco litigation inform the evaluation of potential litigation strategies against the food industry. The authors argue that public health lawsuits can encourage food companies to improve nutritional content and change marketing practices, ultimately addressing obesity issues.

Toward a quantum computer, one dot at a time

Pitt researchers create tiny semiconductor islands that can confine individual electrons, a crucial step towards building a quantum computer. The achievement demonstrates the potential of nanotechnology in advancing quantum computing.

Martian snow source of tropical glaciers, research team reports

Researchers found that tropical glaciers on Mars were formed from snow brought from the polar regions, similar to Earth's mountainous regions. This discovery sheds light on past climate changes on Mars and potential pockets of ice scattered across the planet.

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.

Growing crops to cope with climate change

Researchers have discovered a gene in barley that controls flowering time, allowing for longer growing periods and potential adaptation to UK climate conditions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new crop varieties better suited to hot and dry summers.

'Reverse' tanning process could revolutionize leather industry

A new approach eliminates some steps in conventional tanning, resulting in substantial production efficiencies and a significant reduction in pollutants. The reverse process produces comparable leather with 42% less time, 54% fewer chemicals, 42% less energy, 65% less water and up to 79% fewer emissions.

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.

UW astronomer hits cosmic paydirt with Stardust

A UW astronomer has successfully collected a record-breaking amount of cosmic dust from comet Wild 2, which dates back to the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago. The aerogel collector, which greatly reduced impact stress on particles, revealed tracks of larger particles visible from several feet away.

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.