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Science News Archive April 2006


Page 3 of 15

Brain study considers motor function, cognition with alcohol consumption

A study published in NeuroImage found that alcohol selectively suppresses cognitive activity in the frontal and posterior parietal brain regions, leading to poor coordination. This suppression is due to impaired feedback processing in brain areas critical for updating mental models for motor action.

Terahertz imaging may reduce breast cancer surgeries

Researchers used terahertz light to examine excised breast tissue and determine if removed margins were clear of cancer, with promising results. This technology has the potential to eliminate the need for multiple surgeries and tissue samples.

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.

Pitt study offers new hope for people trying to quit smoking

Researchers found that using a high-dose nicotine patch significantly reduced relapse rates among smokers who experienced lapses. Participants who used the active patch after lapsing were up to 4-6 times less likely to 'cheat' again, making it more effective in preventing full relapse.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Queen's-led project will explore ethnic diversity issues

The 'Ethnicity and Democratic Governance' project, led by Queen's Professor Bruce Berman, explores the complexities of democracy in multi-ethnic states and how to accommodate linguistic and cultural diversity. The team aims to develop practical tools for managing ethnic conflicts and promoting social justice.

Heart attack patients do better at hospitals following guidelines

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that hospitals following nine different treatments recommended by the ACC and AHA had a mortality rate of 4.15 percent, compared to 6.31 percent for those that didn't adhere to guidelines. Improving guideline adherence led to a 10 percent decline in mortality.

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.

Green idealists – valuable innovators?

A study by the University of Sussex and ESRC found that radical niche initiatives in wind energy, organic food, and eco-housing significantly influenced mainstream activities. Although activists' original ideas were not fully adopted, their influence contributed to the development of climate change solutions.

Discoveries should aid research into cause of ALS

Researchers discovered a mechanism by which misfolded SOD1 proteins form aggregates that kill motor neurons in ALS. The normal form of SOD1 is recruited to participate in disease formation through intermolecular disulfide bonds, providing potential sites for therapeutic intervention.

High school students embark on Red Sea adventure

A group of high school students will participate in a groundbreaking coral reef research expedition to the Red Sea, assessing threats such as climate change, ecotourism, and pollution. The team's findings will guide international policy on coral reef management and have significant economic and social implications for the world's oceans.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

In utero exposure to urban air pollutants can increase risk

Exposure to combustion-related urban air pollutants during pregnancy is linked to lower scores on mental development tests and a higher risk of developmental delay at age three. The study found that children exposed to the highest levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) scored significantly lower on cognitive tests.

Girls have big advantage over boys on timed tests

Research by Vanderbilt University's Stephen Camarata and Richard Woodcock found females have a significant advantage over males on timed tests and tasks, especially among pre-teens and teens. The study highlights the need for teachers to understand sex differences in processing speed and teaching strategies.

IU scientists devise means to test for phony technical papers

Indiana University researchers have created an Inauthentic Paper Detector (IPD) that uses compression algorithms to identify and distinguish between meaningful and meaningless technical texts. The system was inspired by a 2004 prank where MIT students submitted fake research papers, which were accepted without review.

Natural selection at single gene demonstrated

Scientists have developed a statistical method to test for natural selection at the single-gene level, using genomic data. They applied this method to the FRIGIDA (FRI) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana and found evidence of natural selection changing the behavior of the plants.

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.

Researchers develop detailed design rules for nanoimprint lithography processing

A three-year study by Georgia Institute of Technology and Sandia National Laboratories provides a roadmap for next-generation micron- and nanometer-scale high-resolution imprint manufacturing. The research develops manufacturing design rules that will give future users a predictive tool kit to know what to expect over a broad range of ...

Testes to incubate stem cells

Researchers have successfully isolated and cultured sperm-producing stem cells from mouse testes, providing valuable insights into the development of a culture system for human spermatogenic stem cells. The study also reveals the importance of growth factors GDNF and FGF in enhancing cell growth and survival.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA's Chandra finds black holes are 'green'

Black holes are surprisingly efficient at producing energy, with most of the energy released by matter falling toward a supermassive black hole going into high-energy jets. The study also shows that these jets create huge bubbles in the hot gas of galaxies, preventing new stars from forming.

Vulnerability to measles among nursery school children risen sharply

Negative publicity in 1998 led to a sharp increase in MMR vaccine uptake among nursery school children, with the sharpest decline occurring for those born from 1999 onwards. The most affluent sectors tended to vaccinate early or not at all, while parents in deprived areas delayed vaccination.

Environmental effects on genetic adaptation and population dynamics

A study on Glanville fritillary butterflies found that genetic variation affects population growth, with different genotypes favored in small versus large meadows due to differences in maturation and egg-laying strategies. The results suggest a complex relationship between genotype, habitat, and population dynamics.

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.

Probiotics ease gut problems caused by long term stress

Researchers found that probiotic bacteria can prevent the 'leakiness' of the gut wall and reduce bacterial adherence to cells, alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics offer a promising approach to managing intestinal problems caused by chronic stress.

When the cause is right, politics and surgery sometimes mix

In Mississippi, physicians fought back against malpractice insurance crisis by educating patients on the benefits of tort reform, leading to a cap on noneconomic damages. In Alameda County Medical Center, advocacy focused on patient education helped pass a local tax measure to address financial crisis and protect services.

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.

Doctors learn more about diagnosing rare form of cancer

A study by Wake Forest Baptist suggests that all tumors spreading from the appendix are cancer, regardless of microscopic appearance. Patients with low-grade variant have high survival rates when treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

Look out! Eyeglass injuries may lead to hospital visit

Researchers estimate 27,152 glasses-related injuries treated in US emergency departments between 2002-2003. Injuries varied by age group, with falls and sports causing most cases. Protecting eyes with safety eyewear can prevent many of these injuries.

Scientists design potent anthrax toxin inhibitor

A new anthrax antitoxin has been designed using a fatty bubble studded with small proteins that can effectively neutralize the toxin. The polyvalent inhibitor showed 10,000 times more potency than unattached peptides and prevented five out of nine rats from becoming ill when given in combination with antibiotics.

Many breast cancer survivors not getting recommended mammograms

A study of 797 breast cancer survivors found that only 33% received a mammogram each year over the five years after treatment. Regular mammography for breast cancer survivors declines steadily within five years of treatment, highlighting the need to increase awareness among healthcare providers and patients.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Male rivalry increases when females at most fertile, say researchers

New research at the University of Liverpool has found that men sense a preference shift in their female partners and find masculine men more threatening during their most fertile phase. Men only behave this way if their female partner does not use oral contraception and is therefore more fertile.

Clues to breast cancer hidden inside stem cells

Researchers have grown three-dimensional breast cell cultures to reveal subtleties about stem cells that may explain why they spawn malignancies. The study's findings suggest that these stem cells could become targets for cancer treatment, leading to new therapies that wipe out cancer at its source.

NASA data combined to improve hurricane landfall forecasts

Researchers combined NASA's QuikSCAT satellite data with aircraft sensor data from tropical storms, improving the accuracy of hurricane forecasts. The new generation WRF computer model was able to reproduce the structure of rainfalls that caused flooding during landfall, providing valuable insights into tropical cyclones.

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.

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.

Nanotechnology may find disease before it starts

Researchers used nano-sized particles injected into mice to improve ultrasound image quality, detecting nanoparticles in the liver. This technology aims to identify early-stage diseases like cancers at a cellular level.

End-of-life treatment preferences may change as health declines

Patients' views on treatments that may worsen their condition shift as their health declines. After experiencing a decline in functional abilities, patients become more willing to accept treatments for mild and severe physical disability. Cognitive impairment and pain remain unacceptable to most participants throughout the study.

Coding for arthropods - what's so special about insects and spiders?

A new study reveals that arthropod mitochondrial genomes exhibit nonstandard codes, including AGG translating to both serine and lysine. The research suggests that these changes may have occurred due to pairing disadvantages, potentially leading to the evolution of multiple alternative codes.

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.

Low folate levels may cut bowel cancer risk

A recent study found that low folate levels and a common mutation in the MTHFR gene may lower the risk of bowel cancer. People with blood levels of folate between the highest and lowest were almost twice as likely to develop the disease compared to those at either extreme.

Discovery prospects at the Large Hadron Collider

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will explore alternative theories to the Standard Model, including supersymmetry, to address its limitations. Physicists aim to detect supersymmetric particles or large extra dimensions to bridge the energy gap between gravity and electroweak forces.

NIH awards $13.3 million to Carnegie Mellon, University of Pittsburgh

The National Technology Center for Networks and Pathways will develop fluorescent probe technologies to investigate real-time interactions in living cells. This work aims to generate molecular biosensors for preclinical research, ultimately improving hospital-based diagnostic medicine.

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.

Delft mathematician enhances protectiveness of military uniform

A Delft mathematician has developed a new method for calculating the effectiveness of protective clothing against NBC-weapons using computer modeling. The research aims to determine at which point in time the clothing loses its protective function, allowing for more efficient design and improvement.