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Science News Archive April 2006


Page 1 of 15

Internet use involves both pros and cons for children and adolescents

Research suggests that the Internet can provide essential social support for isolated adolescents and improve academic achievement in low-income youth. However, online interactions may also normalize self-destructive behaviors and expose vulnerable individuals to potentially damaging communities. Additionally, the Internet has been fou...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 30, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds parents rarely use baby gates, bath thermometers

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that primary care physicians discuss safety devices with parents for less than five minutes, on average. Parents reported being educated about car seats and smoke detectors most frequently.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateApr 30, 2006

Environmental triggers may promote human genetic variation

Researchers found that oxidized nucleobases in human DNA are associated with hotspots of genetic recombination and polymorphism. The distribution of these abnormally placed adenine nucleotides is not random but clustered in chromosomal regions with high meiotic recombination rates.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 30, 2006

School-based quality initiative improves childhood asthma outcomes

A school-based quality initiative improved asthma outcomes for children with severe asthma, increasing perfect care to 84% and asthma-related emergency room visits by 22%. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of community partnerships and evidence-based care in improving child health.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateApr 29, 2006
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.

Gold beads show previously unseen parts of the eye

Researchers used gold beads to visualize slow phenomena in the eye, such as growth and fast eye movement. The study showed that three-quarters of the implanted beads remained stable over six months.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateApr 29, 2006

First recipient of the Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science named

Dr. Andreasen, a leading expert on schizophrenia, receives Vanderbilt Prize for Biomedical Science for her groundbreaking research and mentorship of women in science. The award includes a $25,000 prize and establishes a scholarship to support a promising M.D./Ph.D. candidate.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateApr 28, 2006

New study to address HIV-related deaths in Downtown Eastside

A new study will develop a cohort of 1,000 HIV-infected IDUs with a history of injection drug use to examine treatment access and adherence. The research aims to improve access to life-saving HIV and HCV treatments for marginalized individuals in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

SourceCanadian Institutes of Health Research·DateApr 28, 2006

Laser trapping of erbium may lead to novel devices

Researchers at NIST have successfully trapped erbium atoms using laser cooling, enabling the creation of a Bose-Einstein condensate and producing single photons with potential uses in telecommunications. The technique holds promise for developing novel devices and applications in quantum computing and materials science.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 28, 2006
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.

Measurements may help show if constants are changing

Researchers at JILA improved molecular measurement precision, enabling tests of the fine structure constant's evolution over time. This could reveal changes in the strength of electromagnetic interactions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 28, 2006

NIH wrongly blamed for reduced success rate of grant applications

The NIH is facing a decline in success rates for grant applications, but experts argue that the agency is a victim, not a culprit. The critics' misplaced anger threatens to undermine the credibility of the NIH with its patrons and public constituencies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateApr 28, 2006

Can senile amyloidosis spread from mother to offspring?

Researchers found that mice born to mothers with senile amyloidosis exhibited elevated levels of amyloid fibrils, accelerating disease onset. The presence of fibrils in the milk of affected mothers was confirmed, demonstrating transmission via nursing.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 28, 2006

A biosensor layered like lasagna

A new biosensor technology has been developed that uses static electricity to layer proteins on carbon nanotubes, allowing for precise detection of biological chemicals and environmental agents. The technique enables enzymes to self-assemble in a layer-by-layer manner on the nanotube, resulting in improved sensitivity and specificity.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·DateApr 28, 2006
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.

XMM-Newton digs into the secrets of fossil galaxy clusters

A team of astronomers studied the most massive and hot known fossil group, RX J1416.4+2315, to understand its formation. They found that a high-temperature halo extending over three million light years indicates the cluster's large mass.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 28, 2006

New clinical team approach reduced cardiovascular risk

The study found that a specialized clinic team reduced the ten-year risk of cardiovascular disease by nearly 20% in obese patients with metabolic syndrome after six months. The collective body mass index, waist size, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol levels dropped significantly, indicating a substantial reduction in cardiovascular risk.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·DateApr 28, 2006

NIST gears up to evaluate short range 3-D imaging

NIST creates a new test protocol and performance measure for evaluating 3D imaging systems, including indoor, artifact-based facilities and outdoor ranging capabilities. The standards will provide objective comparisons of different devices, reduce confusion, and increase user confidence.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 28, 2006
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.

Researchers learn more about ways to regenerate the ear's hearing cells

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding how to regenerate hair cells in the inner ear, a major breakthrough in the quest for new treatments for acquired hearing loss. The study found that blocking the Rb protein can promote hair cell regeneration, with specific areas of the inner ear exhibiting different responses.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2006

The promise of a B-cell biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

An international study found that low-dose rituximab can achieve remission in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The treatment showed no correlation between steroid use and disease improvement, but was associated with mild adverse events.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 28, 2006

New evidence suggests the need to rewrite Bronze Age history

A new Cornell University study reveals the Santorini volcanic eruption occurred about 100 years earlier than previously thought, potentially rewriting Late Bronze Age history. The findings, based on radiocarbon analysis of tree rings and seeds, place the event in the late 17th century B.C., contradicting conventional estimates.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateApr 28, 2006

Suicide awareness, prevention programs needed in schools

Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults ages 15 to 24, behind traffic accidents and homicide. There are no wide-scale school programs on suicide awareness and prevention largely because schools don't have the resources to effectively deal with at-risk youth they identify.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 28, 2006
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New software is next wave for net surfers

WebIC uses machine learning to predict users' information needs, filtering out irrelevant results and providing suggested sites. Developed by the University of Alberta, the software can be incorporated with search engines or downloaded directly onto individual computers.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateApr 27, 2006

Patient choice stops at inhaled insulin

The editorial concludes that inhaled insulin is not suitable for everyone with diabetes, citing high costs and limited long-term safety data. Despite this, individual physicians should discuss its use with patients on a case-by-case basis.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 27, 2006

Researchers tie metal's strength to three line defects

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory discovered that three line defects in the crystal structure of metals create a stronger bond than when only two dislocations intersect. This finding has significant implications for hardening metals and could be applied to various industries, including construction and manufacturing.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 2006

MIT research offers new hope for Alzheimer's patients

Researchers at MIT have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease that delays cognitive decline using a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and two other compounds. The cocktail treatment has been shown to increase the formation of brain cell synapses, which are damaged in Alzheimer's patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBrain Research·DateApr 27, 2006
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.

Feinstein researchers identify intelligence gene

Researchers found a specific pattern of DNA sequence variations in the dysbindin gene associated with impaired cognition and intelligence. The study suggests dysbindin influences variation in human cognitive ability, but only explains a small proportion, about 3 percent.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateApr 27, 2006

Improving the patient informed consent process

A new procedure-based consent form developed by surgeons at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center significantly improves patient recall of diagnoses, procedures, and treatment alternatives. The study found that 98% of patients recalled treatment alternatives and 97% recalled risks after using the specialized form.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateApr 27, 2006

Software allows neighbors to improve Internet access at no extra cost

A software framework called PERM allows neighbors to pool their internet access, enhancing connectivity without additional costs. The framework uses flow-scheduling algorithms to select the best connection and ensures mutual benefit, security, and privacy for registered users.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateApr 27, 2006

Computers to save unique type of American red squirrel

Researchers have developed a computer model to help conserve the Mount Graham Red Squirrel, which is isolated in a small area of Arizona desert. The model will identify areas where conservation efforts can be focused to address threats such as grey squirrels and habitat damage.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 27, 2006
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.

Arthritis drug might reduce fatigue in cancer patients

A preliminary study found that combining chemotherapy with the arthritis drug etanercept increased tolerance to higher doses and reduced patient fatigue. The treatment blocks tumor necrosis factor, a substance promoting tumor growth instead of hindering it.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 27, 2006

Programs for mathematically talented students receive grants

The American Mathematical Society's Epsilon Fund awards grants to twelve outstanding summer programs across the nation, providing modest supplements to their budgets and supporting student scholarships. The programs aim to kindle a love of learning that will last a lifetime in mathematically talented high school students.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 27, 2006

Infants can organise visual information at just four months

Researchers found that infants can group visual stimuli by brightness, shape, and proximity at four months, challenging previous assumptions about individual differences in attention. This discovery has implications for understanding cognitive development and potential interventions for developmental disorders.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateApr 27, 2006

Patients at greater risk if mother has coronary heart disease

A Swedish study reveals that men and women with a maternal history of coronary heart disease (CHD) are at higher risk of developing the condition. The research found that 55% of men and 43% of women with a maternal CHD history developed CHD, compared to those with no family history.

SourceAmerican Medical Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 27, 2006
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.

Hormonal male contraception reversible after few months for all men

Researchers have found that hormonal male contraception can be fully reversible in just a few months, with all men regaining fertility. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,500 men, showed that sperm production can be fully inhibited by hormone treatment combinations, allowing for reliable contraception.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 27, 2006

Charles Townes, Raj Reddy receive the 2006 Vannevar Bush Award

Charles Townes, the father of quantum electronics, receives the award for his work on masers and lasers, while Raj Reddy is recognized for transforming computer science through robotics and human-computer interaction. Their awards mark the nation's appreciation for their statesmanship in science.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 27, 2006

Climate change: 20th century the wettest in Pakistan for 1,000 years

A team of scientists has found that Pakistan experienced its wettest period in over 1,000 years during the 20th century, with precipitation rates increasing significantly. The study used ancient juniper tree rings to estimate humidity conditions and found parallels with global warming.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 2006

Rice T-ray lab makes unexpected plasmonic discovery

Researchers at Rice University have made an unexpected plasmonic discovery, finding that terahertz waves slow down as they pass through smaller metal wires. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of new chemical sensors and endoscopes.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 2006
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.

African American men paradoxically have fewer, less severe coronary obstructions than white males

The study found that African American men had fewer and less severe coronary obstructions than their white counterparts, despite similar estimated probabilities of obstruction. This paradox raises questions about the factors contributing to racial disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 2006

Immune response to HIV in the brain

Researchers found increased expression of immune response genes, including CCL5, in the brain, which may contribute to neurodegenerative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals. The study provides insights into the chronic phase of NeuroAIDS, a significant health problem affecting quality of life.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateApr 27, 2006

Scientists discover possible link between oxidative stress and non-hereditary degenerative disease

Researchers found a connection between DJ-1 protein and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, suggesting that environmental toxins may trigger oxidative stress. The study suggests that understanding the role of DJ-1 may lead to the development of new treatments for Parkinson's disease and potentially other neurological disorders.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2006
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.

New properties of the very deep Earth discovered

Researchers have discovered a new property of the very deep Earth, which challenges the prevailing thought that ultralow velocity zones contain liquid. The study found that iron-rich post-perosvkite can explain these zones' properties, suggesting an alternative explanation to partial melting.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2006

K-State researchers study gene regulation in insects

Researchers studied gene regulation in fruit flies and beetles, finding that some genes are necessary for both species to make segments. The findings will help better understand the basic process of segmentation and its genetic regulation.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2006

New weapons needed for the war on junk email

Researchers create new spam that tricks users into clicking on links or downloading attachments. The next generation of spam could be camouflaged as email from colleagues, friends, and even mimic patterns used by them.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·DateApr 27, 2006
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.

UC Berkeley researchers create a biologically-inspired artificial compound eye

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a biologically-inspired artificial compound eye that can capture visual or chemical information from a wider field of vision than previously possible. The eyes integrate microlens arrays with self-aligned, self-written waveguides, enabling low-cost and easy-to-replicate fabrication.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2006

Novel stem cell technology leads to better spinal cord repair

Researchers developed a new type of immature support cell from embryonic glial stem cells that can regenerate nerve fibers and promote healing. The study showed over 60% of sensory nerve fibers regenerating and more than two-thirds growing through the injury site in rats.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biology·DateApr 27, 2006

Wisconsin scientists discover a master key to microbes' pathogenic lifestyles

A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has discovered a master molecular sensor embedded in spores of six related fungi that triggers their transformation into pathogenic yeasts. This finding could lead to new treatments and possibly vaccines for diseases caused by these microbes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2006
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.

Technique makes it easier to see mouse embryo in all its glory

A new technique called Virtual Histology allows for faster and more accurate analysis of mouse embryos, enabling researchers to focus on abnormalities in development and improve treatment of childhood cancers. This breakthrough may also help improve the safety of household products.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 27, 2006