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Science News Archive April 2006


Page 10 of 15

Stroke patients may be more likely to experience memory decline

A study of 1,271 elderly patients found that those with a history of stroke showed a more rapid decline in memory and cognitive abilities, particularly among men. The association was stronger in individuals without the APOE4 allele, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Free-radical busting antioxidants might not promote healthy hearts

Researchers challenge widely accepted opinion on probucol's protective effect against heart disease, revealing that a different part of the molecule is responsible for its benefits. The study also found no relationship between oxidized cholesterol and heart disease severity.

Free-electron laser targets fat

Researchers used human fat and pig skin to test infrared laser light, finding three wavelengths that preferentially heated fat. The results provide a proof of principle for using lasers to target sebaceous glands, potentially replacing Accutane for acne treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A large step forward in the fight against African sleeping sickness

Researchers at VIB have made a significant breakthrough in combating African sleeping sickness by developing a nanobody that carries an ApoL-1 variant to the surface of the parasite. This treatment has shown promising results in mice, with infected animals surviving after a single treatment and the parasite being removed from their blood.

Scientists fashion semiconductors into flexible membranes

Researchers develop a technique to fabricate flexible nanomembranes with tunable strain, retaining silicon's properties while controlling conductivity. The method enables the creation of faster electronics, novel photonic crystals, and lightweight sensors, with potential applications in flexible electronic devices and biological sensing.

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.

Responsibility in gambling?

A £920,000 ESRC-funded research venture aims to investigate the effects of gambling on those involved and the broader community. The study will examine social contexts for problem gambling, internet gambling, brain responses, and family life, with the goal of developing policies and services to prevent problem gamblers.

Who knows their children best, teachers or parents?

A recent study by University of Virginia researcher Timothy Konold found that parents are better indicators of emotional behaviors in children, such as anxiety and sadness. In contrast, teachers are more accurate in assessing aggressive or delinquent behaviors, which may be influenced by parental behavior.

Contaminants linked to sturgeon decline in Columbia river

Researchers found high levels of toxic contaminants in white sturgeon from areas above Bonneville Dam, leading to reduced growth and reproductive fitness. The contamination is thought to be accumulating behind dams, posing a threat to the fish's survival and ecosystem balance.

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.

Solitons seen in a solid

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have detected lattice solitons in heated uranium crystals using X-ray and neutron scattering experiments. The isolated vibrations play an important role in uranium metal, shedding new light on a previously unknown property of solid materials.

Researchers use mass spectrometry to detect norovirus particles

Researchers have developed a mass spectrometry method to detect norovirus particles, a category B bioterrorism agent. This technique can identify different types and strains of viruses in complex environmental samples without prior knowledge, making it ideal for detecting emerging infectious agents.

Ancient ants arose 140-168 million years ago

A recent study reveals that ancient ants arose 140-168 million years ago, in concert with the emergence of flowering plants. The researchers used DNA sequencing and fossil records to reconstruct the ant family tree, pushing back the origin of modern-day ants by at least 40 million years.

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.

Cancerous vs. healthy cells: Researchers identify the road to success

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for malignant gliomas using bortezomib, which targets the NF-kB pathway to induce cell death. This discovery builds on previous studies showing that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) can also induce cell death in brain cancers.

Brittlestar provides new model for stem cell research

The brittlestar model provides a realistic approach to studying stem cells in living organisms, shedding light on the recovery of the nervous system after regeneration. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Fighting nutrition misinformation:

The American Dietetic Association's new position statement warns of common inaccuracies in media coverage of nutrition studies. Journalists should ensure research is conducted by credible institutions and qualified researchers, and that results reflect appropriate context.

Scientists discover second known blue ring in solar system

The discovery of a blue ring around Uranus reveals similarities with Saturn's E ring, both associated with small moons. Researchers attribute the blue color to gravitational forces acting on dust particles that allow smaller ones to survive while larger ones are recaptured by the moon.

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.

Seniors' access to dental care found wanting

A recent study found that only 11% of seniors in Western New York have dental insurance, with financial need being a major barrier to receiving dental care. The study also showed significant disparities in access to dental care between urban and rural areas.

The price of managerial neglect

A new method by University at Buffalo engineers calculates the expected cost of managerial neglect in processes with variability, such as supply chains. The model can help managers justify investments for improvement and save up to 50% in costs over three years.

Controversial findings help explain evolution of life

Researchers at Oregon State University confirmed the existence of a 'dark state' in DNA molecules that makes them vulnerable to UV-induced damage. The study suggests that water played a crucial role in stabilizing these early DNA bases and allowing life to emerge from a hostile primordial soup.

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.

Penn State to recycle tires into roads

Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies is recycling 500,000 discarded tires into road fill, reducing sediment pollution and mosquito breeding grounds. The project uses bailed tires to fill degraded dirt roads, incorporating drainage structures to prevent water runoff.

New Dutch invention: Varibel, glasses that hear

Varibel, a new Dutch invention, provides directional sensitivity and improves speech understanding for seniors with hearing impairments. The glasses use microphones to selectively intensify sounds from the front while dampening surrounding noise.

Don't hold your breath: Carp can manage without oxygen for months

The carp's extraordinary ability to adapt to low oxygen conditions allows it to thrive in environments where other fish would perish. Researchers have discovered that its blood has a higher affinity for oxygen than any other vertebrate, enabling the fish to maintain physical activity while oxygen supplies are limited.

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.

Soggy sands of Mars?

Researchers find patterns of cracks and thin fins on Mars resembling those formed by damp sand in New Mexico. The discoveries suggest the presence of water on Mars beyond polar ice caps.

Is the brain wired for faces?

A new study published in Neuron suggests that facial recognition relies on a similar neural mechanism as other object recognition, rather than specialized processing. The researchers used computational modeling and fMRI to find that a small group of neurons in the fusiform face area is highly selective for different faces.

Healing honey: The sweet evidence revealed

Honey's antibacterial quality rapidly clears existing infection, while also protecting wounds from additional infections. The sweetener stimulates the growth of granulation and epithelial tissues to speed up the healing process.

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.

Blue ring discovered around Uranus

Astronomers have found a blue ring around Uranus, similar to Saturn's blue ring in Enceladus' orbit, attributed to submicron-sized material and subtle forces acting on dust particles. The discovery suggests that the two outer rings share a common explanation for their blue color.

March issue of JADA explores saliva as diagnostic tool

A UK study found that saliva can be tested for signs of periodontal disease, a condition characterized by persistent inflammation and tissue breakdown. The research team identified biomarkers in saliva that could aid in diagnosing and monitoring the disease.

Americans love competition, but is it pushing our scientists too far?

A study by University of Michigan researcher Raymond De Vries found that everyday problems in scientific research are most common, including struggles with data interpretation and adherence to scientific rules. The study also found that unbridled competition and organizational injustices contribute to scientific misconduct.

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.

MIT researchers build tiny batteries with viruses

The MIT team used an intricate assembly process to create a functional electronic device from viruses, producing dense films of cobalt oxide and gold. The result is a nanoscale battery material with high energy density, suitable for compact energy storage applications.

Hidden structure revealed in characteristics of transistor laser

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered significant structure in the current-voltage characteristics of a transistor laser, allowing them to study the elusive electronic structure. The research enables the development of transistor lasers that can operate at different speeds for various commercial applications.

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.

Losartan prevents life-threatening insulin resistance in burn injuries

Researchers found that administering losartan to rats with insensate third-degree burns reversed the insulin resistance caused by the burn injury, returning glucose levels to normal. The study suggests that blocking the renin-angiotensin system may be a key to preventing this condition in severe burn patients.

A blue ring around the planet Uranus

Astronomers discover that Uranus' blue ring is predominantly made of submicron-sized material, unlike most other rings which appear red. The similarity between the outer rings suggests an in-kind explanation for their blue color.

Evolution of 'irreducible complexity' explained

Scientists at the University of Oregon discovered that complexity evolved piecemeal through Molecular Exploitation. They found that old genes were recruited to participate in new interactions and functions, consistent with Darwinian evolution.

Japanese encephalitis widespread in Bali

A study found that Japanese encephalitis is prevalent in Bali, particularly among children under 10 years old. The annual incidence rate for this age group was 8.2 per 100,000, resulting in nine deaths and 31 cases of serious neurological disability.

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.

Towards the mechanism of cell respiration

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the cell respiration mechanism, led by Academy Professor Mårten Wikström. The study reveals the coupling between the proton pump and oxygen reduction, shedding light on how energy is transduced from foodstuffs to cells.

Hunting down the causes of Huntington disease

Researchers found that cystamine and a related drug increase levels of protective protein HSJ1b, which helps neurons survive in Huntington disease. This may lead to potential treatments for the neurodegenerative disorder.

New investigators in the spotlight

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has awarded a New Investigator Award to Dr. Elisa Konofagou for her groundbreaking work on treating neurodegenerative diseases using ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening. Seven nominees presented their research, showcasing the diverse applications of ultrasound technology.

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.

Nanopore method could revolutionize genome sequencing

The new nanopore method has the potential to sequence human genomes in a matter of hours at a potentially low cost, reducing the time and expense associated with current methods. The approach uses mathematical calculations and computer modeling to distinguish between DNA bases, enabling faster and more accurate sequencing.

Towards a unified model of transcription termination

The new model integrates data from various studies to describe transcription termination as a complex process involving multiple regulatory factors. Key findings include the identification of essential genes and regulatory elements involved in controlling transcription termination.

Star exploding inside another star sheds light on super stellar explosions

Researchers monitored RS Oph's unprecedented detail using space- and ground-based telescopes, estimating gas expelled at 10 million km/h and a size larger than our solar system. The study sheds new light on super stellar explosions and helps predict the red giant's lifespan before becoming a white dwarf.

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.

Moderate drinking associated with better cognition in women

Women who consumed up to two drinks per day scored higher on the Mini Mental State Exam compared to non-drinkers or occasional drinkers. The study suggests moderate drinking is protective for women's cognition, contradicting previous research on large vessel atherosclerosis as a mediating factor.

BCG vaccination is highly cost-effective

The BCG vaccine is highly cost-effective in preventing severe childhood tuberculosis, with an estimated cost of US$200 per year of healthy life gained. The largest impact was found in southeast Asia, Africa, and the western Pacific region, where TB infection rates and BCG coverage are highest.