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Science News for April 28, 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
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.

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
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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

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
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.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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