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Science News Archive April 2006


Page 13 of 15

Starvation response in worms points to common hunger pathway

Researchers have identified a conserved role for the muscarinic acetylcholine pathway in animal starvation responses, suggesting potential insights into eating disorders. The study found that starvation activates the MAPK enzyme in the pharyngeal muscles of C. elegans worms.

Circulating endothelial microparticles lead to heart valve disease

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin discovered that high levels of endothelial-derived microparticles inhibit growth and migration of endothelial cells in the mitral valve tissue. This finding may help prevent endothelial injury in valvular disease and other forms of heart disease.

Studies explore the many complex linkages between smoking and cancer

Researchers found that former smokers have higher CC10 levels than current smokers, which may help explain the lower risk of lung cancer among quitters. Additionally, first-degree relatives of never-smoking lung cancer patients are at increased risk of cancer and early diagnosis compared to healthy never-smokers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers look to the brain to explain gender differences in sleep apnea

A new study suggests that gender differences in sleep apnea may be linked to estrogen levels, with pre-menopausal women being less likely to develop the condition. The researchers used rats to investigate the role of serotonin in controlling tongue movement, finding no difference in serotonin-producing neurons between males and females.

Jesus walked on ice, says study led by FSU scientist

A FSU study suggests that Jesus could have walked on ice in the Sea of Galilee due to a rare combination of optimal water and atmospheric conditions. The researchers calculated the odds of such an event occurring as roughly once in 1,000 years.

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.

Osteoarthritis care for the elderly

A recent study found that only 57% of older patients with osteoarthritis received adequate care, while medication safety was a major concern. The study's results highlight the importance of targeting safe medication use in this population to improve overall quality of care.

How low can you go? Ants learn to limbo

Researchers motivated ants with melon-tuna flavored crumbs to navigate a horizontal barrier, allowing them to crawl under without stopping. Ants visually assessed the barrier height using their antennae when it was made invisible.

Educational goals higher for visible minority youth

Research found that 79% of visible-minority immigrant youth hope to earn a university degree, compared to 57% of Canadian-born non-visible minority students. The study also revealed that parents of visible-minority immigrant students have higher education levels and express more positive hopes for their children's educational attainment.

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.

Chaos=Order: Physicists make baffling discovery

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used a network of interconnected pendulums to demonstrate that introducing disorder can lead to order and synchronization in chaotic systems. The findings have potential applications in understanding neuronal activity and may help explain previously unexplained observations.

Physics and biology team up to tackle protein folding debate

Researchers Paolo De Los Rios and Pierre Goloubinoff identified a simple mechanism for molecular chaperones to facilitate protein folding and translocation, resolving a long-standing controversy. Their 'Entropic Pulling' theory combines thermodynamic principles with the laws of physics to explain Hsp70's activity.

Stem cells can repair torn tendons or ligaments

Researchers have successfully repaired torn Achilles tendons in rats using engineered mesenchymal stem cells expressing Smad8 and BMP2, promoting tendon regeneration. The study provides a novel approach to treating musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative diseases.

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.

Gene mutation causes lethally low-fat diet

Researchers discovered a gene mutation in zebrafish that leads to impaired fat and cholesterol absorption, causing lethal effects. The study provides valuable insights into the process of lipid digestion and metabolism, potentially leading to treatment for human diseases.

One gene provides fruit fly both antenna and color vision

A recent study reveals that a single gene, spineless, controls the development of both the fruit fly's antenna and its color vision. The research, led by Claude Desplan and Ian Duncan, uses Drosophila fruit flies to demonstrate how this gene regulates the retina's structure and function.

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.

Significant improvement noted in diabetes management using chronic care model

The University of Pittsburgh study found significant improvements in clinical, behavioral, and psychological indicators for patients receiving the chronic care model (CCM) intervention. Patients and providers received diabetes-control education, leading to better blood glucose control, HDL cholesterol, and diabetes knowledge.

Flying tip of bees: Leave your legs dangling!

Researchers found that extending a bee's legs generates stabilizing lift forces, reducing rotational instability and enabling faster flight speeds. By mimicking this design in miniature flying machines, search and rescue missions could potentially benefit from increased speed and agility.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers probe enzyme that may lead to new SARS drugs

Researchers have identified a molecular road map for designing new drugs to treat SARS-infected patients, potentially expanding treatment options beyond just COVID-19. The breakthrough was made by unlocking the three-dimensional structure of the papain-like-protease enzyme, essential for viral replication and infection.

UCL scientists gauge pain in premature babies

Researchers measured pain in premature infants through brain scans during routine care procedures, finding evidence of processed pain in the higher levels of the brain. The study highlights the need for effective pain management in preterm babies, who experience repeated painful procedures daily.

Salmon go veggie to save wild fish stocks

Researchers found that salmon can thrive on diets with up to 75% canola oil, meeting essential omega-3 fatty acid needs. This shift reduces contaminant accumulation and increases cost-effectiveness in aquaculture.

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.

Soy intake associated with reduced risk of breast cancer

A meta-analysis of 18 studies suggests that soy food intake is associated with a reduced breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. However, the study found insufficient evidence to support the use of soy supplements as a breast cancer preventive measure.

Low vitamin D levels associated with increased total cancer incidence

Researchers found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a significant reduction in total cancer incidence and mortality, as well as specific types of digestive system cancers. Daily supplementation with at least 1500 IU of vitamin D may be required to optimize benefits on cancer risk.

Other highlights in the April 5 JNCI

Researchers identified 254 gene sequences in melanomas that may inhibit metastasis and found high retinol levels reduce risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Grb7 peptide inhibitor targets pancreatic cancer cells, showing promise as a new therapy.

Cod in a sweat: Some like it hot!

Researchers studying cod movements find that temperature changes may not limit adult cod migration patterns. The CODYSSEY project has tagged over 2500 cod, with 17% returning, shedding light on environmental factors affecting cod populations.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

Research shows adults and teens who eat beans weigh less

A study found that adults and teens who eat beans have lower body weights, smaller waist sizes, and higher fiber intake than those who don't eat beans. Adult bean eaters also consume less total and saturated fat, reducing their risk of obesity by 22%.

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.

Lack of sleep linked to increased risk of high blood pressure

Research finds that short sleep duration is associated with a higher risk of developing hypertension, particularly among middle-aged adults. The study analyzed data from over 4,800 participants and found that those who slept for five or fewer hours per night had a 24% chance of developing high blood pressure.

UC Davis, Lawrence Livermore researchers

Researchers at UC Davis and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new test that can diagnose vitamin B12 absorption problems with a single drop of blood. This simple test could help identify patients at risk for dementia and anemia, allowing for early treatment and prevention of permanent damage. The breakthrough uses...

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.

Mature-rated video games often include content not specified on warning labels

Researchers analyzed 36 M-rated video games and found nearly all contained violence and blood, with 4,268 human deaths observed. The study highlights the need for parents and physicians to recognize that popular M-rated games contain unlabeled content that may negatively influence children's perceptions and behaviors.

Ethical decision-making at bioscience companies

A study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that bioscience companies are formalizing systematic approaches to ethical decision-making, including Ethical leadership, External expertise, and Ethics evaluation and reporting mechanisms. The research shows that these approaches are becoming an integral part of day-to-day decision-making.

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.

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine theme issue on children and the media

Research reveals that violent video games contribute to negative attitudes and behaviors in adolescents, while excessive TV watching is linked to reduced social interaction, increased calorie consumption, and earlier sex. African-American children are also overexposed to unhealthy food and beverage ads without health-related content.

COX-2 inhibitors significantly reduce risk of cancer

A new study reveals that regular use of COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Women who used these drugs for at least two years experienced a 71% lower risk of breast cancer compared to non-users.

Physical intelligence in rooks

In a modified trap-tube task, rooks show capacity for physical cognition through rapid learning and transfer test performance, suggesting understanding of physical rules. The results indicate that these birds have the ability to solve problems using rule abstraction, paving the way for future research.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

JCI Table of Contents, April 3, 2006

Adult stem cells can make new tendon tissue and repair damaged tendons in rats. The study demonstrates potential for using this technology to treat musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative diseases.

Plexxikon advances first oncology development candidate

Plexxikon's V600E B-Raf inhibitor demonstrated robust efficacy in xenograft models using a once-daily low oral dose, showing tumor shrinkage and prolonged delay of tumor growth. The company intends to file an IND application and initiate Phase 1 clinical trials for the oncogenic B-Raf inhibitor.

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.