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Science News for August 10, 2006


Time of day tempers tadpoles' response to predators

Research shows tadpoles respond more conservatively to predator cues during the day, but return to feeding quickly at night due to higher growth rate-to-predation risk ratio. This study highlights the importance of considering both external and internal factors in understanding prey behavior.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 10, 2006

New treatment model for bipolar disorder shows promise

A new care model for bipolar disorder, developed by Brown University researchers, has shown promise in reducing manic episodes and improving quality of life. The team-based approach involves psychiatrists and nurses working together to manage symptoms, resulting in a significant reduction in symptoms and improved function.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateAug 10, 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.

Mussels evolve quickly to defend against invasive crabs

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that blue mussels can recognize and respond to two invasive crab species within 15 years. In southern New England, mussels thickened their shells in response to Hemigrapsus sanguineus, while northern populations showed a delayed response.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2006

Encoded metallic nanowires reveal bioweapons

American researchers have created a new basis for portable, multiplexed biodetection systems using silver and gold striped nanowires as supports for simultaneous immunological tests. The unique patterns of stripes act like barcodes, allowing for fast and accurate identification of multiple pathogens.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 10, 2006

Light guides flight of migratory birds

Researchers have solved a 30-year puzzle on how migratory birds integrate multiple directional cues. They found that polarized light patterns play a key role in calibrating the birds' magnetic compass, providing an independent reference system. This discovery sheds light on the complex navigation systems used by migratory birds.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2006

Protein plays broader role than originally thought in neurofibromatosis

Researchers found that restoring Ras-GAP activity through expression of the human NF1 GAP-related domain restored normal cardiac development in mice with Neurofibromatosis type I disease. However, this approach did not fully restore all pathologies associated with neurofibromin loss, indicating a more complex role for the protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 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.

Breast cancer survivors change lifestyle after diagnosis

A study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital and Brown Medical School found that breast cancer survivors who believed an unhealthy behavior contributed to their cancer were more likely to modify that behavior. The most robust relationship was found for changes in diet.

SourceLifespan·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateAug 10, 2006

JCI table of contents: August 10, 2006

In a study, researchers found that modulation of Ras activity is not the only function of neurofibromin, suggesting alternative therapeutic approaches for Neurofibromatosis type I disease. Interferon-gamma also plays a critical role in maintaining immune response balance by inducing Foxp3 and converting T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2006

Study finds parental time to be key in fight against childhood obesity

A multi-year study by Texas A&M researchers found that the amount and quality of time parents spend with their children has a direct effect on children's rates of obesity. Mothers' time with children was more strongly linked to lower obesity risks, while fathers' time was associated with higher risks for older children.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateAug 10, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Overall Antarctic snowfall hasn't changed in 50 years

A new study reveals that Antarctic snowfall has remained stable over the past 50 years, with no statistically significant trends detected. The findings contradict climate change predictions and suggest that thickening ice sheets have not reduced sea levels.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2006

Computational analysis shows that plant hormones often go it alone

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that specific plant hormones activate different factors rather than a common target, contradicting the long-held assumption that they converge on a central growth regulatory module. This discovery was made using gene-chip technology and analysis of microarray data from the AtGenExpress project.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 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.

Emory scientists develop new map of genetic variation in human genome

Emory scientists have identified and mapped over 400,000 insertions and deletions (INDELs) in the human genome, providing an expanded view of human genetic differences. These variations differ from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and are likely to impact human health and disease susceptibility.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 10, 2006

Researchers continue studies into aging and cognition

Researchers continue studying aging and cognition decline with a $6.2 million grant to investigate biological changes that contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The study will focus on hormones such as human growth hormone and IGF-1, which have shown to improve learning and memory in older animals.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateAug 10, 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.

Arthritis drug helps debilitating inflammatory disease

A new study shows that anakinra, a rare arthritis drug, brings marked improvement to children and young adults with the devastating inflammatory disease NOMID. The treatment reduces inflammation, improves symptoms, and has a significant impact on the central nervous system.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 10, 2006

Forest fires a huge cost to health

A study by the University of Alberta found that forest fires can cause substantial increases in human health risks, resulting in mortality risk, restricted activity days, and acute respiratory symptoms. The study estimated economic losses of $9-12 million from a 2001 fire in Chisholm, Alberta.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Forest Research·DateAug 10, 2006

Insect 'noses' the key to cybernose collaboration

The new $4 million collaboration will develop a cybernose using sensor proteins from insects and nematodes, allowing for more accurate smell detection in the wine industry. The technology has potential to detect pests and diseases, boosting Australia's biosecurity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 10, 2006
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Contagious canine cancer

A study by University College London researchers found that canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) originated in a single wolf over 1,000 years ago and has since spread globally. The tumour cells are transmitted between dogs during sex, challenging current thinking about cancer.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2006

Drug addiction treatment sees drop in success rate

A study published in BMC Public Health found that drug users who were coerced into treatment had a higher risk of dropping out. The proportion of individuals who completed treatment decreased from 5.8% to 3.5% between 1998 and 2002, while the number of re-presentations increased by 48.6%

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 10, 2006

New light microscope sharpens scientists' focus

Scientists have developed a new light microscope that can image cellular proteins with near-molecular resolution, surpassing conventional optical microscopes. This technique, called photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), allows researchers to discriminate molecules separated by as little as two to 25 nanometers apart.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2006

Parental cigarette use is 'double whammy' for children

A new study from the University of Washington found that children of smokers are more likely to smoke, binge drink or use marijuana in adolescence and adulthood. The study also discovered a link between substance use by parents and their children's behavior problems, with a transmission link observed across generations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateAug 10, 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.

Computer scientists lay out vision for a 'science of the Web'

A team of computer scientists calls for an interdisciplinary approach to tap the Web's full richness, exploring its social and policy implications while ensuring trustworthiness and respect for boundaries. The 'science of the Web' aims to bring informative resources to the Web through enhanced searchability and usability.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2006

New research examines genetics of successful aging

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry identified nine genetic regions associated with successful aging, with some affecting men and women differently. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive drinking also played a significant role in successful aging.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2006

Study reveals how cells destroy faulty proteins in cystic fibrosis

Researchers at UNC Health Care identified the cellular system that degrades faulty CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis, allowing some proteins to regain their proper shape. This understanding provides insight into potential therapeutics aimed at curing the disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 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.

Doctors warn of the dangers of Internet-bought drugs

UK doctors report a case where a patient's vision was severely damaged by taking prednisolone purchased online for four years. The authors highlight the risks of counterfeit and unregulated medications sold on the internet, which may interact with other treatments or have side effects.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 2006

Eliminating blindness the safe way

A trachoma control programme using the SAFE strategy, which combines surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental change, significantly reduced active trachoma prevalence by 92% in two districts. The study highlights the potential for this approach to also benefit other communicable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 2006
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.

Recombination protein dynamics observed with single monomer resolution

Using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), researchers observed the life cycle of RecA, a DNA recombination protein found in E. coli. They discovered that both ends of the filament continually grow and shrink, with one end growing primarily in one direction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2006

Pressure to be more muscular may lead men to unhealthy behaviors

A recent study by Ohio State University researcher Tracy Tylka found that men are under immense pressure to have muscular bodies, which can lead to symptoms of eating disorders and unhealthy behaviors. The study of 285 college men showed that those who felt more pressure to be muscular were more likely to engage in unhealthy habits.

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 10, 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.

When pregnancies fail early, many woman choose office procedure rather than OR

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that managing early pregnancy failures in an office setting is an acceptable option for many women, with lower costs and longer procedures compared to operating room procedures. Women opted for the office procedure reported higher pain levels but no major complications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 10, 2006

Herceptin effective in breast cancer cells with low HER-2 levels

Researchers discovered that Herceptin is effective in treating breast cancer tumors with low or undetectable HER-2 levels but high HRG expression. Continuous production of HRG activates the HER-2 receptor, promoting tumor growth and proliferation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 10, 2006