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Science News Archive 2006


Page 53 of 178

Nasal plastic surgery improves airway function

Functional rhinoplasty techniques improve nasal airway function by addressing septal deviation, valve collapse and turbinate hypertrophy. Surgical procedures significantly reduce patient scores indicating improved nasal obstruction severity, with similar rates of improvement seen across different techniques.

Targeting wolbachia, doxycycline reduces pathology of lymphatic filariasis

A new study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that doxycycline can reduce the pathology of lymphatic filariasis by targeting Wolbachia bancrofti. The treatment shows promise as an ameliorating option for individuals with adult worms, potentially providing relief from debilitating swelling and genital areas.

ACS News Service Weekly PressPac -- Sept. 13, 2006

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that hematopoietic stem cells can transform into a wide variety of tissue types, not just blood cells. Additionally, the elasticity of a stem cell's environment plays a major role in determining its growth, with softer environments producing nerve-like cells and more rigid environments ...

Over 1.6 million Americans use CAM for insomnia or trouble sleeping

A recent analysis found that over 17% of adults in the US reported trouble sleeping or insomnia, with 4.5% using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. The most common types of CAM used were biologically based therapies and mind-body therapies.

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.

MIT tames tricky carbon nanotubes

Researchers at MIT have identified a class of chemical molecules that preserve the metallic properties of carbon nanotubes, enabling them to be assembled and manipulated without losing conductivity. This breakthrough has potential applications in detectors, sensors, and optoelectronics.

UCSD researchers create roadmap to integrin activation

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have reconstructed the signaling pathways that regulate activation of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, a critical receptor in platelet function. The study provides a powerful tool for studying therapeutic targets and developing new antithrombotic drugs.

Global view shows strong link between kidney cancer, sunlight exposure

A global study has shown a clear association between kidney cancer incidence rates and proximity to the equator, suggesting that UVB exposure triggers vitamin D production. Countries near the equator have lower kidney cancer rates, while those farther away have higher rates, indicating a potential protective effect of sunlight exposure.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breathing problems during sleep increase risk of depression

Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders are significantly more likely to develop depression, especially those with moderate or worse disorders. The study found a dose-response association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression, suggesting a causal link between the conditions.

Road wends its way through stomach

A computer model of the stomach revealed a narrow path, dubbed the Magenstrasse, where food exits rapidly and particles are processed differently. This discovery may explain observed high variability in drug initiation time and have important implications for drug delivery and digestion.

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.

Paramecia adapt their swimming to changing gravitational force

Physicists at Brown University used magnetic fields to manipulate gravity and study paramecium behavior in water. The study found that by altering the gravitational force, paramecia swam differently under high gravity, zero gravity, or even reverse gravity conditions.

Scientists snap images of first brown dwarf in planetary system

Astronomers have discovered a small brown dwarf star orbiting a Sun-like star with a planet, revealing a new class of coldest brown dwarfs called T dwarfs. The team also found another smaller brown dwarf in the same system, which may be the youngest known T dwarf, providing a snapshot of early brown-dwarf development.

About 5 percent of adults with insomnia use alternative therapies

A national survey of 31,044 adults found that approximately 4.5% of those with insomnia reported using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. CAM therapies were used by 65% of respondents who sought biological methods, such as herbal medicines and diet interventions.

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.

More New Yorkers with AIDS died of 'common' causes in 2004 than in 1999

A New York City analysis found that non-HIV-related deaths among people with AIDS increased by 32.8% from 1999 to 2004, with underlying causes including substance abuse and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests a shift in healthcare models to address physical and mental health needs is necessary to reduce these deaths.

Cardiologist's 'living chip' changes science of disease monitoring

Physiologic Communications is developing an implantable biosensor that can detect physiologic and chemical changes with faster accuracy than current methods. This 'living chip' has the potential to revolutionize disease monitoring by providing real-time data to physicians and enabling timely interventions.

On airplanes, fiber optics poised to reach new heights

Researchers have invented an optical on-off switch that can replace electrical wiring on airplanes with fiber optics for controlling elevators, rudders, and other flight-critical elements. This technology also has potential applications on highways as a 'weigh-in-motion' sensor for measuring the weight of fast-moving commercial trucks.

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.

In new survey, men call themselves straight but have sex with men

A recent survey of 4,193 New York City men found that nearly 10% of those identifying as straight reported having sex with at least one man. This group was more likely to be from minority racial or ethnic groups, foreign-born, and married. They were also less likely to get tested for HIV or use condoms during last sexual encounter.

'No time to exercise' is no excuse

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology shows that short bursts of intense exercise can produce similar results to traditional endurance training. This type of high-intensity interval training may be a viable option for individuals with limited time, improving muscle health and performance despite lower overall training volume.

Planning ahead: Having the healthiest baby possible

A new supplement provides essential information on preconception care, emphasizing the importance of women's health before pregnancy. The supplement covers topics such as folic acid supplements, vaccinations, and screening for HIV, as well as measures to avoid harmful substances like alcohol and anti-epileptic drugs.

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.

Bird moms manipulate birth order to protect sons

Researchers found that bird moms alter the birth order of eggs to shield sons from mites, speeding up their growth and survival. This strategy allows both males and females to thrive despite increased mortality risk from parasites.

Metals in China: Protecting the environment

A new research project in China aims to develop robust scientific guidelines for safe levels of copper and nickel in Chinese soils. The project will combine data from various sources, including European Union and Australian research programs, to explain toxicity across a wide range of environments.

AGU Journal highlights -- Sept. 18, 2006

Researchers found that plasmaspheric drainage plumes can overload the dayside reconnection site, reducing solar wind coupling and influencing auroral activity. Climate models also predict increased carbon emissions due to rising temperatures, especially in southern regions of the US. Additionally, remote wind forcing played a role in t...

No guts, no worries

Researchers have characterized a gutless worm that relies on microbial specialists for energy production, waste handling, and transportation through marine sediments. The unique partnership involves the worm providing housing and nutrients to microbes in exchange for essential services.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Allergic rhinitis associated with impaired sleep quality

Patients with allergic rhinitis experience more difficulty sleeping and sleep disorders compared to those without allergies. Allergic rhinitis affects about 20-50% of the population, contributing to snoring, breathing problems, and sleep apnea.

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.

Upgrading donor lung quality to improve availability

Researchers enhanced donor lungs using clinical maneuvers, increasing transplant procedures without compromising recipient function. The San Antonio Lung Transplant protocol improved lung procurement rates by up to 50%, reducing lengthy wait times and potentially eliminating deaths among patients awaiting lung transplantation.

Uniform tungsten trimers stand and deliver

Researchers developed uniform tungsten trimers on titanium dioxide, offering insights into metal oxide catalysts. The nanostructures reveal consistent alignment and uniform size, making them ideal for fundamental reactivity studies.

Northwestern biologists demote Southeast Asia's 'forest ox'

A Northwestern University study finds that the kouprey, Southeast Asia's 'forest ox,' is unlikely to be a wild species due to its genetic similarity to a domesticated breed. The researchers believe it may have originated from a domestic hybrid between banteng and zebu cattle.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Drug could prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals

A new study suggests that taking rosiglitazone, a medication for type 2 diabetes, can prevent the disease in people at high risk. The three-year trial found that this combination reduced the risk by about two-thirds, preventing around 144 cases of diabetes per 1000 people.

New drug target might sidestep gleevec resistance, Jefferson scientists show

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a new way to sidestep gleevec resistance in leukemia cells. By reactivating the protein C/EBP-alpha, they found that leukemia development is halted. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies for leukemias resistant to gleevec and other cancers.

Aquaculture Accolades

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has received a total of $1 million in NOAA grants to improve hatchery and offshore aquaculture technology. The program aims to develop ecologically sustainable aquaculture practices with minimal environmental impact.

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.

Prozac exposure found to disrupt mussel reproduction

Researchers at NIST and NC State University found that Prozac can interfere with freshwater mussels' reproductive cycle. The study, which examined fluoxetine's effect on native mussels, raises concerns about potential health impacts for humans and animals due to continuous exposure to pharmaceuticals in waterways.

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.

Scientists get best look ever at water-life connection

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a groundbreaking discovery on how water molecules interact with proteins, revealing that they slow down to connect with proteins. The study provides an early result in explaining essential biological functions like protein folding and enzyme catalysis.

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 watch seeds in 3-D and discover an unknown air path

Scientists used holotomography to study arabidopsis seed's internal structures, discovering a network of voids that may store oxygen for efficient germination. The technique reveals the seed's three-dimensional organization and circulation system, opening new research avenues.

Bacteria get off easy in sinus infections

In a study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers discovered that patients with chronic sinusitis who failed to respond to treatment had severely decreased immune function and lower production of key proteins. The findings suggest new treatment targets for this condition affecting an estimated 32 million Americans.

Effective treatments for panic disorder not reaching patients

Panic disorder affects up to 5% of the population, causing recurrent anxiety attacks and agoraphobia. Anti-depressants and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatments, but less than half of those in need receive care due to barriers such as diagnosis difficulties and insurance coverage issues.

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.

Ames Laboratory to share in $60 million DOE award money

The Ames Laboratory will collaborate with Iowa State University and Sandia National Laboratory to develop software that enables access to three of the world's most important computational chemistry codes. The project aims to accelerate scientific discovery in areas such as energy, climate change, and materials science.

Slow brain waves play key role in coordinating complex activity

Researchers found that slow theta oscillations tune into high-gamma waves, allowing areas of the brain to coordinate activity and transmit information. This coupling enables top-down executive processes like attention and memory to be connected to low-level perceptions and actions.