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Science News Archive 2006


Page 58 of 178

Frank Uhlmann of London Research Institute wins 'EMBO Gold'

Frank Uhlmann, a Cancer Research UK scientist, receives the 2006 EMBO Gold Medal for his decade-long work on understanding the cell cycle. His discoveries have opened new avenues in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Published over 40 papers, including in high-impact journals like Nature and Cell.

Oxford review of economic policy

The article highlights the need for effective regulation in markets, arguing that traditional command-and-control approaches are often ineffective. Dieter Helm suggests that market-based instruments like environmental taxes and trade permits can be more efficient and resistant to capture by vested interests.

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.

Need to pull an all-nighter?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that increasing nitric oxide production in the basal forebrain can induce sleep. Blocking this pathway with drugs or scavenging nitric oxide may help prolong wakefulness.

Study illuminates how the plague bacteria causes disease

Researchers found that Yersinia bacteria harbor a protein called YpkA, which mimics an enzyme and blocks the host cell's ability to change shape and move. This discovery sheds new light on the factors that make Yersinia a deadly disease-causing agent.

Drug can quickly mobilize an army of cells to repair injury

Researchers discovered that a new drug called AMD3100 can rapidly mobilize blood vessel-forming cells to reach injured areas, accelerating healing. This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for heart attacks and strokes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Parents want concrete support not parenting lessons

Research from the ESRC Families and Social Capital Research Group found that most parents do not need professional advice to raise their children. Instead, they prefer concrete services. The study also highlighted strong family bonds among working-class and ethnic minority families.

Mayo researchers discover HIV dependence on a human protein

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered that HIV requires a specific human protein, LEDGF/p75, to integrate into the human genome. The study found that disrupting this connection could lead to new therapies for HIV or safer gene therapy methods.

Diversity training fails to boost minorities into management

A new study by Harvard University researchers finds that diversity training programs have failed to increase minority representation in management positions. In contrast, programs that establish responsibility for diversity, such as equal opportunity staff positions or diversity task forces, have proven most effective.

Malaria treatment efficacy compromised in certain HIV-positive patients

HIV-positive patients with low CD4 cell counts face increased risk of malaria treatment failure, highlighting the need for tailored treatments to address immune suppression. The study emphasizes the importance of combining antimalarial and antiretroviral therapies to maximize effects on both diseases.

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.

ORNL researchers winners of five DOE SciDAC awards

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have won five Department of Energy SciDAC awards to advance fundamental research in climate modeling, fusion energy sciences, and high-performance computing. The $60 million award will support leading-edge simulation computer programs over the next three to five years.

Hot dust and moisture collide to fuel Asian summer rainy season

A NASA study reveals that small dust particles, known as aerosols, help trigger rainfall in South Asia's Tibetan Plateau during the monsoon season. The 'elevated heat pump' effect amplifies this process, causing an earlier and longer wet season in northern India.

Researchers identify key step in cocaine-induced heart enlargement, sudden death

Researchers identified a key step in cocaine-induced heart enlargement, where high concentrations of the drug lead to increased calcium within heart muscle cells, prompting the accumulation of primitive fetal proteins. This process can cause irregular heart rhythms and sudden death, affecting young people between 18-29 years old.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

PNP gets a pass to enter cells

Scientists have found a way to get purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) into the cells of mice lacking the enzyme, which could lead to a treatment for individuals with PNP deficiency. The PTD-PNP fusion protein corrected most immune defects in Pnp-deficient mice.

Reconstructive surgeon aims for rejection-free limb transplantation

Researchers aim to achieve permanent tolerance without immunosuppressive medication for hand transplants, potentially allowing patients to reject donor tissue. A new protocol using costimulation-blocking antibodies has extended the survival of transplanted limbs in mice, paving the way for future clinical trials.

New National Institute of Mental Health research program launches autism trials

The NIMH has launched three major clinical studies on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to better define subtypes and explore possible new treatments. Researchers will compare children with regressive, non-regressive, and other developmental disorders to investigate environmental factors that may trigger symptoms of autism.

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.

JCI table of contents: September 7, 2006

Scientists develop method to introduce purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) enzyme into cells of mice with genetic defect, potentially leading to treatment for individuals lacking PNP. Research also sheds light on scavenger receptor BI's role in protecting against heart disease.

Fast-freeze snapshot yields new picture of nerve-muscle junction

Researchers used a flash-freeze physical-fixation technique to study nematode worms and found that membrane packets of neurotransmitter localize in new places. The technique provides an accurate picture of where synaptic proteins cluster, information previously unknown to scientists.

Rice awarded $10million for Department of Energy computer research center

Rice University has been awarded a $10 million grant to establish a research center focused on designing software tools for high-performance computing systems. The Center for Scalable Application Development Software (CScADS) aims to develop scalable performance models for leadership-class computer facilities.

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.

Mexico's health-system reforms showing encouraging results

Mexico's health system reform has led to significant improvements in healthcare access and outcomes, with notable reductions in malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and child mortality. The reforms have also increased the use of mammography and pap smear tests, benefiting millions of people.

Study of twins finds genetic link to fatigue

A recent study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry found that genetic inheritance is the main cause of unexplained disabling fatigue in children. The research, conducted at Cardiff University, suggests that familial influences play a significant role in both short- and prolonged-duration fatigue.

From bubbles to capsules

Researchers developed a method to produce silicon dioxide nanocapsules using supercritical carbon dioxide, allowing for controlled delivery of liquids and materials. The resulting nanocapsules have diameters of less than 40 nanometers and walls that are about 2 nanometers wide.

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.

Pediatric neurosurgeons recommend banning children from ATVs

A 10-year review of ATV-related injuries reveals serious neurological injuries, inpatient rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities among children under 16. Pediatric neurosurgeons recommend banning children from ATVs and implementing mandatory helmet laws, instruction programs, and restricting public use.

Ames laboratory scientist receives 2006 IBM Faculty Award

Brett Bode has been honored with a 2006 IBM Faculty Award for his work on developing management systems for petascale computing. He will collaborate with IBM to develop software for one of their high-end computing systems, focusing on fault-tolerant control systems.

Physicists trap, map tiny magnetic vortex

Researchers at Rice University have decoded the three-dimensional structure of a tornado-like magnetic vortex no larger than a red blood cell. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in ultra-high-density hard drive storage and non-volatile memory.

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.

Siberian lakes burp 'time-bomb' greenhouse gas

Researchers estimate that Siberian lakes are releasing five times more methane than previously thought, increasing the present estimate of northern wetland emissions by 10-63%. Methane is being released from thawing permafrost in the form of ancient dead plant material, acting as a 'time bomb' for climate warming.

Genome code cracked for breast and colon cancers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified close to 200 mutated genes linked to breast and colon cancer. The genetic code reveals distinct pathways for the development of each cancer type, with some genes crucial for tumor formation. The findings provide a foundation for future comprehensive genetic studies.

Modern humans, not Neandertals, may be evolution's 'odd man out'

A recent study by Erik Trinkaus reveals that modern humans possess twice as many uniquely derived traits than Neandertals, challenging the conventional understanding of human evolution. The research focuses on examining genetic markers in fossil records to better comprehend human ancestry.

Plants give up answers in the war on bacteria

Scientists have redefined the role of plant pores in defense against bacterial pathogens, discovering that stomata can sense danger and respond by shutting down. The study found that some bacteria produce a phytotoxin to reopen shut-down ports, highlighting a key step in the attack.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study suggests a second dimension to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered that presenilins act as calcium channels, controlling the balance of calcium within cells. This finding may suggest a new avenue for treating Alzheimer's disease by restoring normal calcium levels. The study also highlights the potential for combination therapies targeting both amyloid and calcium signaling.

Closing in on lethal heart rhythm in young athletes

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified four mutations in the Desmoglein-2 gene as a significant contributor to arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), a condition that causes sudden cardiac death in young athletes. The findings should increase the accuracy of tests to identify those at risk for ARVD.

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.

Climate change rocked cradles of civilization

According to new research, severe climate change was the primary driver of civilization's development. People were forced into close proximity due to diminishing resources, leading to the creation of large urban societies. The transition to urban living resulted in increased inequality, harder lives, and decreased health and nutrition.

Unusual three-drug combo inhibits growth of aggressive tumors

Researchers discover a three-drug combo that inhibits the growth of aggressive prostate tumors by targeting neural signaling molecules and energy sources. The combination, using diuretic amiloride, Parkinson's disease medication carbidopa, and sedative-reversal drug flumazenil, shows promise for potential therapeutic applications.

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.

Scientist's persistence sheds light on marine science riddle

Researchers found that when species colonize the deep sea, large-bodied species become smaller and small-bodied species become larger. This pattern is consistent with the island rule, which states that isolated animals evolve to be larger or smaller based on their environment.

Improved treatment raises medulloblastoma survival rate

A new treatment combining high-dose radiotherapy after surgery and short-term intense chemotherapy improves the overall five-year survival rate of children with medulloblastoma to 85% for average-risk patients. High-risk patients see a significant increase in survival rates, from 55% to 70%, while reducing side effects.

Protein splicing upsets the DNA colinearity paradigm

Researchers found protein splicing occurs beyond RNA splicing, producing non-linear peptides and expanding antigenic options. This mechanism increases the number of potential antigens from a single protein, widening vaccine applicability against cancer and infectious diseases.

Boston University awarded $42.5 million from NASA to study space radiation

The Radiation Belt Storm Probes – Energetic Particle, Composition, and Thermal Plasma (RBSP-ECT) project will measure the behavior of charged particles causing space radiation. The study aims to achieve a better understanding of the physical processes controlling the shape and intensity of Earth's radiation belts.

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.

Genetic surprise confirms neglected 70-year-old evolutionary hypothesis

Biologists have discovered that genes can change their locations in a genome, triggering the origin of species. The 'jumping gene' theory, long disputed, has been confirmed by researchers at the University of Rochester using fruit fly species Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans.

Mayo Clinic finds effective test to determine treatment for chronic cough

The Mayo Clinic has discovered an asthma diagnostic test that can accurately predict a patient's response to inhaled corticosteroids for chronic cough. The exhaled nitric oxide test measures inflammation in the lungs' bronchial tubes, showing promise as a more accurate and efficient alternative to methacholine challenge testing.

Migraine treatment and prevention in women

Migraines are more common in women than previously thought, and prevention is effective but often underused. The study reviews various stages of a woman's life, including childhood, reproductive years, pregnancy, and menopause, to provide guidance for physicians treating female migraine patients.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Virus may control Australia's "river rabbit"

Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of Koi herpesvirus in controlling Australian carp populations. The virus has shown promise in overseas studies and could provide an alternative to existing pest control methods.

BC catalyst discovery promises faster, cheaper drug production

A new catalyst discovered by Boston College chemists can synthesize biologically active molecules with high selectivity, eliminating the need for costly and wasteful steps in drug production. The catalyst can also reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency.

Studies find general mechanism of cellular aging

Researchers found increasing p16INK4a levels in older cells, leading to poor function and premature aging. Studies suggest a common aging mechanism across disparate cell types, with implications for age-related diseases like diabetes.

Single genetic defect produces specific cognitive deficit in mice

Researchers found that mice with reduced levels of the acetylcholine transporter had impaired object recognition and social recognition abilities. The study suggests that cholinergic deficits may contribute to cognitive decline in disorders like Alzheimer's disease and aging.