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Science News Archive 2006


Page 173 of 178

Oh, rats! Designer animals reveal possible heart disease genes

A four-year study of designer rats with high blood pressure and healthy counterparts has identified candidate genes that may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The online database TREX is now available to researchers worldwide, offering an unprecedented amount of data to mine.

Environmental exposure to cadmium associated with increased cancer risk

A study of 994 participants from north-east Belgium found a significant association between environmental cadmium exposure and an increased risk of cancer. The study, published in The Lancet Oncology, suggests that higher levels of cadmium in urine are associated with a doubling of overall cancer risk, including lung cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soy phytoestrogens may block estrogen effects

A study found that high doses of soy isoflavones can block the effects of estrogen in postmenopausal women, potentially reducing breast cancer risk. Women with higher estrogen levels may benefit from a diet rich in soy isoflavones.

Tool developed to silence genes in specific tissues using RNAi

A new tool has been developed to silence genes in specific tissues using RNAi, allowing researchers to determine the function of a single gene in a single tissue without blocking its essential functions in other tissues. This technique could potentially be used in humans to knockdown mutant or overexpressed genes that cause human disea...

WT1, male fertility and tumorigenesis

The WT1 gene is essential for male fertility and tumorigenesis. Research highlights its critical role in regulating cellular processes that lead to tumor formation and infertility.

Translational control by RINGO/Spy

In eukaryotic cells, RINGO/Spy controls transcription and translation through protein-protein interactions. It inhibits the activity of the translation initiation factor eIF4E, leading to reduced protein synthesis.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Information technologies reshaping the real estate landscape in unexpected ways

The study reveals that information technologies have increased the quantity of available information in real estate, leading to better-informed consumers who demand specialized services. Virtual tours, online bidding, and national competition have also resulted in additional specializations for professionals and new business models.

People who restrict calories have 'younger' hearts

A recent study found that people who restrict calories have hearts that are more elastic and function better than those of control subjects. The study also showed lower levels of inflammatory markers in the caloric restriction group, indicating reduced chronic inflammation.

Anti-adhesive layers leave no hope for insects

Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Metals Research and University of Hohenheim investigate the effect of two-layered crystalline wax on insect attachment. The upper layer contaminates insects' feet, while the lower layer reduces contact area between feet and substrate, resulting in slippery zone that traps insects.

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.

Patients now surviving once-fatal immune disease

A study of 41 adults with X-linked agammaglobulinemia found that most can function as relatively healthy individuals despite chronic, low-grade infections. Patients reported good health and quality of life, with many working full-time or attending school.

Illinois pig to make history as source of first complete swine genome

The Illinois pig project will sequence 2.5 billion chemical base pairs at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK, revealing similarities with the human genome. The completed swine genome is expected to lead to advancements in biomedicine, including transplants and disease treatments.

Sir Roger Penrose receives 2006 JPBM Communications Award

Sir Roger Penrose has received the 2006 JPBM Communications Award for his groundbreaking contributions to mathematics. His influential books, such as "The Emperor's New Mind" and "The Road to Reality", have made mathematical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

Full-day vs. half-day kindergarten

Research suggests that full-day kindergarten provides better cognitive learning outcomes for all children, including disadvantaged ones, due to its broadened social and academic experiences. Successful teachers utilize the extra time to enhance students' skills in both subjects.

Caffeine limits blood flow to heart muscle during exercise

Research suggests that caffeine may impair peak heart function by blunting the increase in myocardial blood flow needed during exercise. The study found significant reductions in blood flow measurements after caffeine intake, particularly in individuals with reduced coronary flow reserve.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Fat chance of becoming manic-depressive

A team of scientists from the University of New South Wales has identified a gene called FAT that is associated with an increased risk of bipolar disorder. The discovery was made using a multi-faceted approach that included studying families, patients, and therapeutic drug mouse models.

Flu not the only germ threat this time of year

Research by Ann Falsey and Edward Walsh finds that RSV affects elderly and high-risk adults as much as the flu, causing thousands of deaths annually. Hand washing remains ineffective in preventing RSV, despite its proven ability to prevent other infections.

Smoking during pregnancy may affect baby's fingers and toes

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital digital anomalies, such as polydactyly and syndactyly, by up to 78%. The risk is higher for women who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes per day.

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.

American Mathematical Society awards 2006 prizes

The American Mathematical Society has awarded lifetime achievement and research prizes to seven mathematicians for their outstanding contributions to the field. The winners include Frederick Gering, Dennis Sullivan, Lars Hormander, Clifford Gardner, John Greene, Martin Kruskal, and Robert Miura. These prestigious awards recognize the m...

Rockefeller researchers discover a biological clock within a clock

Researchers have discovered a precise timer formed by Period and Timeless proteins that counts off six hours, creating an 'interval timer' that governs the cell's circadian rhythm. This discovery opens up new questions about the complex interactions between proteins in the cellular clock.

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.

Long-term memory controlled by molecular pathway at synapses

Researchers found a biochemical pathway, called RISC, that facilitates protein synthesis at synapses during learning, enabling long-term memory formation. By manipulating this pathway, scientists increased flies' memory and altered their behavioral responses to stimuli.

Crater drilling declared major success

The USGS and ICDP successfully retrieved a nearly complete set of core samples from the Chesapeake Bay impact crater, allowing for unprecedented understanding of post-impact sediments and rocks. The recovered core will enable researchers to study global sea-level changes and the distribution of water-bearing units in the coastal plain.

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.

Blockade of fat hormone helps halt and heal multiple sclerosis

Research reveals that blocking the fat hormone leptin can slow disease progression and reduce symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Leptin blockade improves clinical symptoms, slows disease progression, reduces disease relapses, and decreases antigen-specific T cells.

Donner Party cannibalism legends remain unproven

Researchers analyzed bone fragments at the Donner Family campsite in California's Tahoe National Forest, finding no conclusive evidence of cannibalism. The team discovered domestic and wild animals were consumed, but human bone was not identified.

Sun protection for plants

Scientists have found that plants can turn excess sunlight into heat by altering protein structure, preventing damage and promoting growth. A special carotenoid molecule called zeaxanthin aids in this process, making some plants more resistant to harmful radiation.

Supersized 'island' of resistance genes discovered in an infectious bacterium

A team of scientists discovered a massive genomic island containing a large number of antibiotic resistance genes in the A. baumannii bacterium, which has become a major public health concern globally. The island was found to contain new and previously unknown resistance genes that have enabled the bacterium to acquire resistance quickly.

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.

Statement on NIH research on obesity and type 2 diabetes

The NIH supports expansive basic and clinical research portfolios on obesity and type 2 diabetes, including genetic studies, nuclear receptors, and lifestyle interventions. Epidemiological studies provide insights into risk factors and inform future clinical endeavors.

Armpit odour can exude women's fertility

Researchers found a correlation between armpit odor and female fertility, suggesting that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may play a role in reproductive health. The study suggests that women with higher VOC levels in their armpits may have better fertility prospects.

Astronomers weigh 'recycled' millisecond pulsar

Researchers precisely measured the mass of a millisecond pulsar, PSR J1909-3744, using precise pulse arrival time measurements and disentangled the Shapiro delay effect from Roemer delay. The result reveals the white dwarf companion's mass to be 1.44 times that of the sun with an uncertainty of 0.02 solar masses.

Cosmic battle creates Milky-Way sized tunnel

Scientists discover an unusual X-ray tunnel large enough to fit the entire Milky Way galaxy inside a galaxy cluster. The tunnel is filled with old particles likely originating from past black hole outbursts, shedding light on the complex battle between the inward flow of hot gas and outward radio jets.

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.

UCSD team unmasks family of immune system invaders

A team of UCSD researchers has identified a 24-member family of bacterial proteins called effector proteins that help pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and E-coli infect human cells by hijacking the body's communication network. The findings could lead to novel ways to fight bacterial diseases.

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.

Molecule does more than slice and dice RNA

A team of scientists has shed light on the molecular mechanism of Dicer, an enzyme involved in RNA interference, a process that governs key developmental events. The study reveals that Dicer not only cleaves RNA but also measures and snips it into precise increments.

Putting pedestrian safety in the driving seat

The SAVE-U project developed an innovative pre-impact sensing platform that combines sensors, radar, and cameras to protect cyclists and pedestrians. The system can identify potential collisions and apply automatic braking to prevent them, even in challenging weather and light conditions.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Cracking the genetic code for control of gene expression

A new approach to understanding gene expression regulation has been developed by Finnish scientists. By analyzing DNA sequences and identifying regulatory elements, the researchers have uncovered a potential mechanism explaining why many genes are linked to cancer.

Fossil galaxy reveals clues to early universe

Astronomers have detected ionizing radiation leaking from a dwarf galaxy undergoing star formation, providing insights into the early universe's evolution. The study suggests that hot stars in Haro 11 allowed for some ionization to escape into intergalactic space.

JCI table of contents: January 12, 2006

Researchers found that leptin blockade improved clinical symptoms of disease, slowed progression, reduced relapses, and reduced antigen-specific T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Additionally, the study suggests that leptin neutralization may be a potential way to treat multiple sclerosis.

Berkeley scientists get first detailed look at Dicer

Researchers have gained a detailed understanding of Dicer's molecular structure, which serves as a 'molecular ruler' for processing RNA fragments. This discovery has significant implications for gene-silencing processes and could lead to new treatments for diseases.

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.

Scientists 'RAVE-ing' about most ambitious star survey ever

Scientists confirm that dark matter dominates the total mass of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, through the Radial Velocity Experiment (RAVE) survey. The team aims to measure the speed, temperature, surface gravity and composition of up to a million stars passing near the sun.

Multi-wavelength images help astronomers study star birth, death

Researchers at the University of Illinois created composite images of optical, radio, infrared, ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths to understand massive stars' impact on their galactic surroundings. The study reveals that massive stars energize and enrich the interstellar medium with strong ultraviolet radiation and fast stellar winds.

St. Jude projects 90 percent cure rate for ALL

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have made significant progress in treating Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), with a reported 90% cure rate. The improvements are attributed to the effective use of existing drugs, genetic technologies, and personalized treatments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hubble panoramic view of Orion Nebula reveals thousands of stars

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the sharpest view ever taken of the Orion Nebula, revealing a tapestry of star formation and large-scale structures. The image showcases over 3,000 stars of various sizes, including possible young brown dwarfs and binary brown dwarfs.

Extinctions linked to climate change

A study published in Nature finds that climate change created favorable conditions for a pathogenic fungus, leading to widespread extinctions of harlequin frogs. The research highlights the complex relationship between global warming and disease transmission, underscoring the urgent need to understand the impacts on biodiversity.