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Science News for August 15, 2006


Current desires distort children's choices about the future

Young children's future choices are influenced by their current desires, according to a new study. Researchers found that when given the option of pretzels or water now and tomorrow, three- to five-year-olds' preferences were shaped by their immediate needs, rather than their long-term goals.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 15, 2006

Low-risk prostate cancer patients face overtreatment

A new study suggests that low-risk prostate cancer patients are being overtreated with aggressive therapies such as radiation and surgery. Waiting for treatment to be necessary may improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary harm.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 15, 2006

Change needed to ensure women secure business loans

A UK study found that bank loan officers' biased gender perceptions affect lending decisions for female entrepreneurs. The research suggests changes are needed in training for bank employees and women entrepreneurs to address these biases.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 15, 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.

Cosmic Background Explorer team wins Gruber Prize

The COBE experiments confirmed the universe was born in a big bang, shedding light on its structure. Variations in the CMB revealed tiny but regular temperature fluctuations that exist everywhere in the cosmos.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateAug 15, 2006

Other highlights in the August 16 JNCI

A new study finds that drinking carbonated soft drinks is not linked to esophageal cancer or cardia adenocarcinoma. Additionally, bortezomib has been shown to inhibit the growth of neuroblastoma cells, a childhood tumor type.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 15, 2006

Testing time for teachers as well as students

Research by Professor Mary James and the Teaching and Learning Research Programme found that teachers are unhappy with the pressures of high-stakes exams and tests, which prioritize targets over teaching for learning. Only 20% of teachers felt able to put effective teaching for learning before meeting performance targets.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 15, 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.

Mathematician uses topology to study abstract spaces, solve problems

Ghrist's technique involves replacing a complex physical system with an abstract space for easier analysis. He can then use algebra and calculus to break down the abstract space into pieces, figure out their structure, and reassemble them to gain insight into the physical system.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 15, 2006

Atoms looser than expected

Scientists at Harvard University have recalculated the fine structure constant, a fundamental force that governs the electromagnetic interaction between charged particles. The new value suggests that atoms are slightly looser than previously thought, with an improved measurement accuracy of six times better.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 15, 2006

SWAN system to help blind and firefighters navigate environment

The SWAN system uses robotic technology and auditory signals to guide users through unknown territory, providing real-time audio cues to aid the blind and firefighters. Researchers have developed a wearable computing system consisting of a small laptop, tracking chip, and bone-conduction headphones.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 15, 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.

Sandia's rapidly deployable chemical detection system tested at McAfee Stadium

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories tested the system during a series of games, achieving broad coverage of over 40 different chemicals using multiple detection technologies. The Rapidly Deployable Chemical Detection System offers a fast and potentially lifesaving capability to event managers, providing swift protection again...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateAug 15, 2006

Adverse effects and costs of chemotherapy greater than previously thought

Researchers found that younger women with breast cancer are at risk of experiencing more chemotherapy-related serious adverse effects, including fever, infection, and low blood cell counts. These adverse effects can lead to hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and increased healthcare costs.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 15, 2006

Common anti-depressants similarly safe and effective for treating postpartum depression

Researchers compared two commonly used antidepressants, nortriptyline and sertraline, to determine their effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. The study found that both drugs were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with no significant differences in response rates or side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateAug 15, 2006

More carbon dioxide may help some trees weather ice storms

Researchers found that loblolly pines growing under elevated carbon-dioxide concentrations fared better during and after a major ice storm than those with current levels. The study suggests that forests may suffer less damage during each ice storm event in a future with higher atmospheric CO2.

SourceDuke University·DateAug 15, 2006

NIH funds 14 High-End Instrumentation grants

The NIH is providing funding for cutting-edge research equipment to advance biomedical research and increase knowledge of the underlying causes of human disease. High-end instruments supported include supercomputers, nuclear mass resonance spectrometers, magnetic resonance imaging systems, and cryo-electron microscopes.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateAug 15, 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.

Study finds gene related to brain development and function plays causal role in schizophrenia

A new study found that variations of the OLIG2 gene are strongly associated with schizophrenia. The gene plays a crucial role in myelin production and is coordinated with other genes involved in myelination and schizophrenia development. This causal link may help researchers develop new therapeutic targets for the debilitating illness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2006

Climate change was major factor in erosion of Alps 6 million years ago

Scientists found that massive erosion of the Alps was triggered by a sudden drop in Mediterranean Sea levels and prolonged warmer climate. The event, known as the Messinian salinity crisis, carved deep valleys and left behind lakes, reducing the mountain range's size over millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeology·DateAug 15, 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.

Experts review current and future approaches to dementia diagnosis

Researchers and clinicians discuss key issues in dementia diagnosis, including assessment tools and genetic research. The article highlights the importance of early and accurate diagnoses for treatment and progression, as new medications become available.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology·DateAug 15, 2006

U-M study finds some prostate cancer patients potentially overtreated

A new study found that over half of men with lower-risk prostate cancer received aggressive treatment, despite active surveillance being a viable option. Men under 55 were more likely to receive surgery, while those aged 70-74 were more likely to receive radiation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 15, 2006

Reducing the high post-surgical pneumonia rate in alcoholics

Researchers found that infusing patients with low-dose ethanol, morphine or ketoconazole before and after surgery significantly reduced the incidence of pneumonia from 39% to 5.7%. The treatment also shortened ICU stay by 9 days in alcoholic patients undergoing aerodigestive tract surgery.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 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.

Penn researchers find many commercial drivers have impaired performance due to lack of sleep

A study by Penn researchers found that truck drivers who get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance. The study examined 406 truck drivers and found that those with severe sleep apnea had performance impairment similar to that of drivers who are legally drunk.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Vultures at risk from deadly traces of pain killer

Asian vulture populations are critically endangered due to diclofenac poisoning; diclofenac residues can cause lethal kidney failure if birds feed on treated carcasses. Recent government measures restrict veterinary use of diclofenac, promoting meloxicam as a safe alternative.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 15, 2006

Decrease in progression of prostate cancer

A recent study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies found that a plant-based diet combined with stress management training can significantly reduce the rate of progression of prostate cancer. The study showed a significant decrease in PSA levels, indicating a reduction in disease progression.

SourceSAGE·JournalIntegrative Cancer Therapies·DateAug 15, 2006

Study reveals sleepiness and performance impairment in commercial drivers

A study of 340 drivers found that chronic short sleep duration and severe sleep apnea increase the risk of sleepiness, performance impairment, and decreased task vigilance while driving. The researchers suggest that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should implement plans to identify and treat sleep-impaired drivers.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

$6.5 million gift to establish hereditary cancer center at Georgetown University

The Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Familial Cancer will expand clinical and research programs at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing automated cancer risk assessment and genetic predisposition research. The center also endows the Cecilia F. Rudman Arts and Humanities Program Fund, enhancing arts therapy and patient care.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateAug 15, 2006

Establishing a connection between global warming and hurricane intensity

A new study establishes a direct connection between global warming and hurricane intensity, predicting increased damage from Atlantic hurricanes. The research uses statistical analysis to link average air temperatures during hurricane season to sea surface temperatures, vital for nourishing hurricane winds.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 15, 2006

Unusual data shed new light on brain and inhibiting behavior

Researchers discovered that younger people struggle to ignore secondary targets due to an undeveloped frontal cortex, leading to rapid eye movements and multiple saccades. This study may hold clues for understanding developmental delays in cerebral palsy patients.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateAug 15, 2006

Fatty spheres loaded with siRNA shrink ovarian cancer tumors in preclinical trial

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a nanoparticle delivery system that targets ovarian cancer cells, reducing tumor size and incidence by up to 98%. The fatty spheres loaded with siRNA also attack the tumor's blood supply, inducing cell suicide and increasing cell death among cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 15, 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.

Mathematicians maximize knowledge of minimal surfaces

Researchers William Minicozzi and Tobias H. Colding break new ground in understanding minimal surfaces, discovering they are composed of fundamental building blocks like planes, catenoids, and helicoids. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields such as nanotechnology, where minimal surfaces can be extremely useful.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2006

New light microscope may help unlock some of cells' secrets

A new light microscope allows scientists to peer deep inside cells and study protein organization at a molecular level. This technology, called photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), has the potential to unlock secrets of intracellular dynamics and provide new insights into cellular structures and proteins.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2006

How secondhand smoke injures babies' lungs

Researchers found that environmental tobacco smoke suppresses nuclear factor kappa B signaling, increasing apoptosis in infant monkey lungs. This study highlights the dangers of secondhand smoke for unborn and newborn children, emphasizing the need to avoid exposure to prevent permanent lung damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Polio outbreak from oral vaccine identified -- and controlled -- in China

A 2004 China polio outbreak caused by vaccine-derived virus was identified and controlled after a province-wide immunization campaign. The outbreak occurred in an area with lower vaccination rates, highlighting the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus emergence in pockets of low coverage.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 15, 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.

Adverse effects of chemotherapy may be under-reported

A recent study suggests that young breast cancer patients who receive chemotherapy may experience a higher number of serious side effects than previously reported. These side effects result in significantly higher healthcare expenditures for the affected individuals.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 15, 2006

Bison hunters more advanced than thought: archaeologist

A University of Calgary archaeologist has proposed a new theory suggesting the First Nations of the Canadian Plains developed complex tribal social structures around 2,500 to 2,000 years ago. This finding contradicts the long-held view that European arrival and horse domestication led to the adoption of large tribes.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalWorld Archaeology·DateAug 15, 2006

PSA test has higher accuracy for patients taking finasteride

Finasteride increases PSA testing's ability to detect prostate cancer with higher sensitivity and accuracy, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study found that men taking finasteride had improved PSA test performance compared to those taking a placebo.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 15, 2006