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Science News for April 6, 2006


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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGeology·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateApr 6, 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.

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics·DateApr 6, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 6, 2006

People prefer belonging to groups in which members can punish freeloaders

A study found that individuals prioritize groups with punishment options over those without, leading to increased cooperation and financial rewards. This discovery may contribute to a general theory of human cooperation and inform strategies for addressing global issues like climate change.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2006
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 6, 2006
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateApr 6, 2006
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 6, 2006
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 6, 2006

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 6, 2006
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.

Study may help slay 'Yellow Monster'

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have made groundbreaking discoveries about uranium's impact on DNA, potentially shedding light on environmental contamination and health effects of depleted uranium. The study's findings have significant implications for Native American communities and may help address long-standing concerns a...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateApr 6, 2006

Study supports theory why brain-injured children often recover

Researchers found that younger children's brains involved more brain areas during language exercises, indicating greater flexibility. As children matured, brain activity concentrated on the left side, offering hope for rehabilitation of brain function after stroke or traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 6, 2006

Blood pressure medication may revolutionize treatment of Marfan syndrome

Researchers have discovered that losartan can prevent the development of aortic aneurysms in mice with Marfan syndrome, suggesting a potential new treatment. The drug works by lowering transforming growth factor beta activity, which is responsible for the syndrome's catastrophic developmental defects.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2006
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.

Scientists learn more about how viruses reproduce, spread

Researchers identify matrix protein as critical component in VSV's ability to invade cells and replicate, leading to potential vaccine development and anti-viral agents. The discovery also provides insights into how viruses shut down cell protein-making capabilities.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 6, 2006

JCI table of contents, April 6, 2006

In a study on Huntington disease, researchers found that cystamine increased brain levels of protective protein HSJ1b and BDNF, suggesting a promising candidate for treatment. The study also revealed that cystamine raises BDNF in an HSJ1b-dependent manner.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2006

AIUM announced EER grant recipients

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has awarded several ultrasound research grants to its members through the Educational Enhancement Research (EER) program. The recipients include T. Douglas Mast, PhD for quantitative real-time monitoring of thermal ablation using pulse-echo ultrasound imaging and Roxana Vlad, MSc ...

SourceAmerican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateApr 6, 2006

Mutation in blood stem cells provides clues to cancer development

Researchers identify mutation in JAK2 signaling pathway, allowing cells to bypass normal red blood-cell production process. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments that improve treatment outcomes for patients with PV disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 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.

Monkey-dung study offers clues about land-use, wildlife ecology

Researchers found that forest degradation and human presence significantly influence the prevalence of parasitic nematodes in red colobus monkeys. The study's results suggest that easily measurable indices like stump density can predict host-parasite dynamics and inform conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 6, 2006

AIUM Presidential Recognition Awards presented

J. Brian Fowlkes and Harvey L. Nisenbaum were selected for the award due to their dedication to the AIUM and commitment to the ultrasound community. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine presented the prestigious awards to recognize their outstanding contributions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateApr 6, 2006
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.

Landmark discovery of a Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus receptor

Researchers have discovered a major gateway for KSHV entry into human cells, suggesting the virus may facilitate its own infectivity by inducing stress responses. This finding has significant implications for understanding Kaposi's sarcoma and developing new treatments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2006

First clinical results reported for Sangamo's ZFP therapeutic

The study showed that SB-509 was safe and well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed. Improvements in pain, numbness, and neurological symptoms were seen in approximately 50% of patients, with significant anecdotal improvements reported in neurologic exam scores and electrophysiologic testing.

SourceBurns McClellan·DateApr 6, 2006

Crime scene investigates: The case of the dead cow

A new DNA technique, known as plant-fingerprinting, can identify poisonous plants from animal remains by analyzing DNA sequences in the rumen. This method uses plant material extracted from animals within 24 hours of death to create a unique template for amplifying specific DNA sequences.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateApr 6, 2006

Plants used to detect gas leaks, from outer space!

Researchers have developed a remote-sensing technology that uses the spectral quality of light reflected from plant leaves to detect gas leaks. This technology can also be used to monitor environmental effects and ensure public acceptability and safety in carbon capture and storage schemes.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateApr 6, 2006

Seniors look on the bright side

Researchers found that older participants preferred happy faces and avoided angry ones, while younger subjects showed a preference for fearful faces. This study challenges traditional views on how age affects emotional processing and suggests a more positive outlook in older adults.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateApr 6, 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.

Brown University geologists create 5-million-year climate record

The study found a pattern of steady cooling in the EEP over 5 million years, with temperatures dropping by roughly one degree Celsius every million years. The research suggests that ocean regions near Antarctica were the main driver of EEP cooling, contradicting previous theories about rapid glacier growth in high northern latitudes.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2006

WHO's 2006 World Health Report 'a disappointment'

The WHO's 2006 World Health Report faces criticism for its limited information on human-resource gaps and needs. The report lacks geographical distribution, skill levels, and sector balance details, hindering policymakers' decisions. The Lancet comments that the WHR shows a significant gap between current knowledge and necessary data.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 6, 2006

UCSD biochemists discover bacteria's Achilles' heel

Researchers at UCSD have discovered how bacterial messenger RNA is unfolded to be read by the cell's protein-making machinery. The study reveals essential factors required for this process and provides insights into developing novel antibiotics targeting these vulnerabilities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 6, 2006
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.

The future of tropical forests

New projections suggest that deforestation rates will decrease as population growth slows, allowing a larger area of tropical forests to remain. The study's findings provide hope that many tropical forest species can survive the current wave of deforestation and human population growth.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiotropica·DateApr 6, 2006

Possible brain hormone may unlock mystery of hibernation

Researchers identified a liver-derived protein complex as the first essential brain signal governing seasonal adaptation in hibernating animals. This discovery may pave the way toward clinical therapies that protect humans from lethal diseases like hypothermia and ischemia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2006

AIUM honors ultrasound pioneers

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine presented notable awards to Lawrence Platt, David Sahn, Marie De Lange, Genevieve Berger, and Kurt Jaeger for their groundbreaking contributions to diagnostic ultrasound. The honors recognize individuals who have significantly advanced the field through research, education, and innovation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateApr 6, 2006

New Cassini image shows "A" ring contains more debris than once thought

A new Cassini image shows the A ring contains more debris than previously reported, indicating a higher opacity of up to 35 percent. The particles in the ring are trapped in ever-changing clusters that are regularly torn apart and reassembled by gravitational forces.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 6, 2006

Crucial site for endangered frogs and birds saved

A coalition of conservation groups protected a vital 1,600-acre site in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif, safeguarding the last breeding ground of the Globally Endangered Santa Marta Parakeet. The site also provides habitat for 18 bird species and five threatened amphibians.

SourceConservation International·DateApr 6, 2006
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.