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Science News for August 14, 2006


Bacteria can help predict ocean change

A new study by University of Southern California researchers reveals that most bacteria species are predictable and follow specific conditions. By understanding these patterns, scientists can improve models for ocean change, providing a more accurate prediction of how the oceans will evolve.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006

Study reveals details of mussels' tenacious bonds

A Northwestern University team sheds light on mussel adhesive strategies, focusing on the amino acid DOPA, which forms strong noncovalent and covalent interactions with surfaces. This discovery could lead to development of medical implant coatings.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 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.

The sleep of babes

A new study found that frequent naps in infants improve their ability to learn abstract concepts and generalize knowledge to new phrases. The research, published in Psychological Science, suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive development.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 14, 2006

Research pinpoints West Nile virus antibody binding site

Purdue University researchers identified a precise location where an antibody binds to the West Nile virus and proposed a theory for its neutralization mechanism. The study suggests that this antibody works by blocking the positional changes needed for the E protein before fusion, preventing infection.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006

Discovery of metabolic pathway for parasite could lead to new controls for diseases

A research team at the University of Georgia has identified a crucial metabolic pathway in Toxoplasma gondii that is essential for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to control the parasite's effects on humans and animals, particularly pregnant mothers and those with compromised immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006

Where are medical graduates practising and why?

A study examining Memorial University of Newfoundland's medical graduates found that those who stayed in Canada were more likely to have a stronger connection to their province of origin. The researchers identified key characteristics, including education and training, as predictors of physicians' career choices.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 14, 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.

New study examines children's exposure to neighborhood poverty

A new study found that children from minority groups face higher rates of neighborhood poverty than their white and Asian counterparts. Between 1990-2000, African-American children benefited the most from declining poverty rates, while poor white children were more likely to live in non-poor neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 14, 2006

Physicians more likely to disclose medical errors that would be apparent to the patient

A survey of US and Canadian physicians reveals they generally support disclosing medical errors that would be apparent to patients, but differ in when and how to do so. Most patients want detailed information following a medical error, including an explicit statement of the error and explanations for what will be done to prevent future...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 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.

'Bachelorette' viewers aren't seeking reality

Researchers found that fans of 'The Bachelorette' were upset when the female contestant rejected potential suitors, despite her honesty about not having chemistry. The study suggests that viewers prefer fantasy and escape over reality, with most able to distinguish between media portrayal and real life.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 14, 2006

Kids with OCD bullied more than others, study shows

Children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are three times more likely to be bullied than other children, according to a new study. Chronic bullying can exacerbate OCD symptoms, and kids with OCD often face social isolation and loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateAug 14, 2006

Studies highlight need to monitor heart function in breast cancer patients

Studies found that trastuzumab treatment can cause impaired heart function in 28% of women with advanced breast cancer, which may be reversible. Additionally, radiation therapy to the left side of the chest increases the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 14, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When the doctor is out, nurses next line of defense for heart patients

A landmark study found that routine follow-up by a nurse improved heart failure patients' functionality and reduced hospitalizations. The study showed significant benefits for both African-American and Hispanic communities, with nurse-managed patients experiencing fewer limitations in physical activities.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2006

Alternative kidney test reveals hidden health risks

A new kidney test, cystatin C, has been found to accurately predict higher risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and death among elderly people. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that a normal creatinine level should not reassure patients of normal kidney function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2006

More fires, droughts and floods predicted

Researchers from the University of Bristol warn that Eurasia, eastern China, Canada, Central America, and Amazonia are at risk of forest loss due to global warming. The team predicts more intense droughts in West Africa, southern Europe, and the eastern USA, while regions north of 50°N will face excessive runoff and flooding.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006
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.

Novel pathway identifies rapamycin as tumor angiogenesis inhibitor

Researchers discover that rapamycin blocks abnormal tumor-like blood vessel formation by inhibiting Akt signaling, a key player in tumor growth. This finding suggests a potential clinical utility for rapamycin as an anti-angiogenic agent and opens up a new pathway for rapamycin's therapeutic action.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 14, 2006

US satellite protection scheme could affect global communications

A proposed US system to protect satellites from solar storms could disrupt high frequency radio wave transmissions and GPS navigation globally. The 'radiation belt remediation' system may lead to intense HF blackouts around the world, isolating remote communities for up to seven days.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalAnnales Geophysicae·DateAug 14, 2006

High-maintenance dynamics at work may affect subsequent performance

New research from Northwestern University confirms that high-maintenance interactions indeed drain us. Study participants who engaged in low-maintenance interactions were more than four times as likely to elect a challenging task, while those with high-maintenance interactions struggled with self-regulation and performance anxiety.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 14, 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.

Study finds cardiac toxicity rates high with herceptin use

A study of 173 patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with Herceptin found a 28% incidence of cardiac toxicity, but most cases could be reversed with treatment. The majority of patients improved with cardiac treatments and were able to resume Herceptin treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 14, 2006

Embedded Reporting influences war coverage, study shows

A Penn State study reveals that embedded reporters significantly impacted war coverage, prioritizing soldiers' personal lives and downplaying the effects of the invasion on Iraqi civilians. The analysis of 742 print news articles found that embedded reporters published stories with soldier sources in 93.2% of the analyzed stories.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 14, 2006
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Weight loss found to reduce cellulite in some overweight women

A study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that weight loss can improve the appearance of cellulite in some women, but worsen it in others. Patients who lost more weight and had lower body mass index (BMI) experienced significant improvements.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 14, 2006

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Aug. 15, 2006, issue

A blood test for cystatin C level identified a group of elderly people with 'preclinical kidney disease' who were at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death. Meanwhile, a review found that a pharmaceutical company systematically promoted its anti-seizure drug for off-label uses despite violating federal regulations.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2006

Medication may promote opening of arteries following stroke

A preliminary study found that combining argatroban with intravenous rtPA treatment may help restore blood flow to the brain in patients with ischemic stroke. The combination therapy showed promising results, with six patients experiencing complete recanalization and four partially opening their blocked arteries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateAug 14, 2006

Rapamycin shown to inhibit angiogenesis

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified a signaling pathway transforming healthy blood vessels into cancerous tumor vasculature. Rapamycin successfully blocked this pathway and reduced tumor growth and vascular leak in animal models.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 14, 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.

'Hidden' Milky Way deuterium found

Scientists using NASA's FUSE satellite discovered more 'heavy' hydrogen in the Milky Way than expected, altering theories about star and galaxy formation. The finding indicates that destruction of deuterium has been occurring at a slower rate than previously thought.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateAug 14, 2006

Computer automated e-counseling improves weight loss

A study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital and University of North Carolina found that both computerized and human feedback were effective in short-term weight loss. Participants who received automated counseling lost an average of 8-10 pounds, with 34% achieving a clinically meaningful weight loss.

SourceLifespan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2006

Being obese and a couch potato may have a biological basis in the brain

New research published by the American Physiological Society found that brains of rats bred to be lean are more sensitive to orexin A, a chemical that stimulates appetite and physical activity. This suggests a biological basis for being a couch potato, where fidgeting and other minor movements can burn calories and aid weight control.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateAug 14, 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.

Racial differences in communication impact medical care

A new study reveals that racial disparities in cancer outcomes may be attributed to problems in doctor-patient communication. African-American patients tend to receive less information and are less actively involved in their medical decisions, leading to potential negative impacts on care.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 14, 2006

Spineless tales provide strong backbone to human brain research

Scientists studying the brains of flies, moths, and cuttlefish have made discoveries about the mechanics of how the brain regulates behavior. Researchers have identified specific brain chemicals and regions that allow for rapid color changes in cuttlefish, similar to the human motor cortex.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateAug 14, 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.

Large and small stars in harmonious coexistence

A new, detailed view of a star-forming association in the Large Magellanic Cloud provides a rich sample of newly formed low-mass stars, allowing for accurate age and mass calculations. The image reveals small compact clusters hosting hundreds of infant low-mass stars, as well as distant galaxies decorating the background.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·DateAug 14, 2006

Role for macrophages in age-related macular degeneration

Researchers found that macrophage entry into the eye encourages new vessel formation, while direct injection of macrophages significantly inhibits this process. This suggests regulators of macrophages may be a possible therapeutic target in AMD.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 14, 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.