Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 27, 2006


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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.