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Science News Archive April 2006


Page 1 of 15

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.

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...

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.