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Science News for August 3, 2006


The Lancet goes red to support fight against AIDS

The Lancet has teamed up with PRODUCT RED to produce a (RED) issue devoted to HIV/AIDS, contributing $30,000 to the cause. The initiative aims to convince companies to develop RED products and donate profits to the Global Fund.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2006

Scientists develop artwork that changes to suit your mood

Researchers developed an electronic artwork system that recognizes eight key facial features to determine the emotional state of a viewer. The system adapts the artwork's colors and brush strokes in real-time, creating a unique interactive artistic experience.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateAug 3, 2006

Poorer countries better at health grant implementation

Researchers found that poorer countries with less-developed health systems are more likely to implement health grants effectively, contrary to expectations of low absorptive capacity. This is attributed to increased political stability and attention paid to resources in these nations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UW-Madison research part of international mercury conference

Researchers at UW-Madison presented studies on the ineffectiveness of fish advisories, the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in mercury contamination, and the long-term consequences of in utero exposure to methylmercury. The findings highlight the need for improved communication, funding, and media coverage to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 3, 2006

Astronomers crunch numbers, universe gets bigger

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new method for calculating intergalactic distances, which implies that the Hubble constant may be significantly off the mark. The Triangulum Galaxy is estimated to be 15% farther away from our galaxy than previously measured, potentially making the universe 15% bigger and older.

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 3, 2006

New X-ray microbeam answers 20-year-old metals question

Researchers use X-ray microbeam to measure stresses and strains in deformed metal, confirming a 20-year-old theory. The study provides quantitative data to support computer models of mechanical stress, offering new insights into the behavior of metals.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 3, 2006

Washington, DC getting a summertime air quality exam

Scientists are using a powerful array of instruments to dissect the region's atmosphere and understand intense urban air pollution episodes. The experiment is also evaluating next-gen weather forecasting tools and tracking water vapor, a stronger greenhouse gas involved in climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 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.

Brownfields may turn green with help from Michigan State research

A Michigan State University partnership is examining the possibility of growing oilseed crops and other crops on abandoned industrial sites for use in ethanol or biodiesel fuel production. The study aims to determine if crops grown on brownfield sites can produce adequate yields and contribute to bioremediation, making them viable alte...

SourceMichigan State University·DateAug 3, 2006

Blood clot fibers more elastic than spider's web

Researchers at Wake Forest University discovered that fibrin fibers can be stretched up to four times their length before breaking, making them the most stretchable natural fibers known. This discovery has significant implications for understanding blood clot properties and developing new treatments for heart attacks and strokes.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2006

Miscarriage significantly associated with increasing paternal age

A large study found that increasing paternal age is significantly associated with increased rates of spontaneous abortion. Women with partners aged 35 or older had nearly three times as many miscarriages as compared to women conceiving with men younger than 25 years of age.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateAug 3, 2006
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Irrational decisions driven by emotions

A new study at University College London found that humans often act irrationally when faced with difficult decisions, driven by emotional reactions. Participants were more likely to gamble at the threat of losing £30 than the offer of keeping £20, despite both options resulting in the same outcome.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2006

Low literacy increases risk of death and misunderstanding of medical consent forms

A study led by Rebecca Sudore found that low literacy levels are associated with a higher risk of death among elderly people. Only 28% of adults understood a simplified medical consent form, even after modification to improve understanding. Limited literacy increases mortality risk by a factor of 1.75.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2006

Satellite data reveals gravity change from Sumatran earthquake

Scientists detected gravity changes in the earth's surface caused by a massive Sumatran earthquake using satellite data. The study provides a clearer picture of how the earth changed after the 9.1-magnitude earthquake, which raised the seafloor and altered GPS measurements.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2006

Sequencing the genome of a new kind of methane producer

Researchers from Max Planck Institute successfully sequenced the genome of a methane-producing Rice Cluster I Archaeon, revealing unique enzymatic mechanisms that enable them to thrive in oxygen-rich environments. This breakthrough could pave the way for developing methods to monitor and potentially reduce methane emissions from floode...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

DNA to the defense

African sleeping sickness parasite Trypanosoma brucei evolves an unusual chromosomal structure to diversify its VSG genes and evade human immune response. This adaptation enables the parasite to change protein expression rapidly, allowing it to persist in a host population.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 3, 2006

The 'planemo' twins

Astronomers have discovered a double planetary mass object in the Ophiuchus star-forming region, approximately 400 light years away. The objects, which are similar to extra-solar giant planets, are not orbiting around a star but instead appear to be circling each other.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2006
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.

Technique used commonly in physics finds application in neuroscience

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new technique using Atomic Force Microscopy to study brain proteins and measure bonding between single molecule molecules. This breakthrough allows for the rapid detection of neurotoxins with extremely small sample sizes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateAug 3, 2006

Strategies that teach a caregiver to manage a loved one's illness also helps in coping with death

A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that caregiving interventions for dementia can also prevent complicated grief and depression after the loved one's death. The study, which followed 1,222 caregivers, showed that reducing caregiver burden, treating depression, and providing supportive psychosocial interventions can help caregiv...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 3, 2006

Researchers identify gene as protector of DNA, enemy of tumors

A single gene, BRIT1, plays a pivotal role in launching two DNA damage detection and repair pathways, suggesting its function as a previously unidentified tumor suppressor gene. The gene is under-expressed in human ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines, and its disruption leads to genomic instability.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 3, 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.

Biofuels researcher searches for new sources

Researchers at Montana State University are investigating the potential of producing biofuels from various straws, hays, and silages in Montana. They aim to find more efficient methods for converting biomass into sugars and fermenting them into fuel, with the goal of making these new ethanol production methods competitive.

SourceMontana State University·DateAug 3, 2006

Smokers with chronic pain smoke more, but show desire to quit

A study published by the University of Kentucky found that smokers with chronic pain tend to smoke at higher rates than those without pain. However, over half of these smokers are considering quitting. The research suggests that addressing smoking cessation as part of pain management could lead to improved health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateAug 3, 2006

Research finds vigorous exercise equals better academics

A Michigan State University study found that sixth-grade students who engaged in more vigorous physical activity performed approximately 10 percent better in core subjects like math and science. The research suggests that vigorous exercise is linked to improved academic outcomes, not just physical education participation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 3, 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.

Interrupting HIV treatment could be beneficial

Stopping HIV treatment temporarily can decrease side effects and expenses, however it might cause the disease to progress faster. Researchers discovered that interrupting treatment for certain periods of time was as effective as continuous therapy in controlling the virus.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2006

Big companies should provide HIV treatment to employees

The Heineken Workplace Programme, which provides antiretroviral treatment to employees, shows that offering HAART is feasible. By restricting treatment options, companies can manage HIV patients while prioritizing the health of their workforce.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2006

Immune system police learn early and sometimes badly

Researchers found that regulatory T cells, which function like immune system police, learn what to protect while in the thymus and that everything they learn may not be good. The cells are diverse and able to recognize endogenous tissue and invaders, but also may not learn to recognize all endogenous tissue.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalImmunity·DateAug 3, 2006

Severe sleep apnea raises risk of ischemic stroke in elderly

A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that severe sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 390 participants aged 70-100 and discovered that those with severe sleep apnea were 2.5 times more likely to experience a stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 3, 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.

Race affects medication adherence in type 2 diabetes

A new study found that African Americans have lower adherence rates to type 2 diabetes medication compared to whites. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,700 Medicaid patients and found that black patients were 12% less likely to take their medication as prescribed.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateAug 3, 2006

Studies examine physician disclosure of medical errors

Two University of Iowa studies examine factors that hinder or help physicians disclose medical errors. The research reveals a range of positive and negative motivations, including responsibility to patients, self, profession, and community. Understanding these factors can improve patient safety and doctor-patient relationships.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2006

Links between DNA damage and breast cancer studied

DNA damage in stroma tissue may predict breast cancer risk, according to a recent study. The researchers found that specific DNA lesions were more common in women aged 33-46, which corresponds with the rise in breast cancer incidence during this age group.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalCell Cycle·DateAug 3, 2006

NASA assists search for woodpecker thought to be extinct

Scientists from NASA and the University of Maryland used a new tool to track possible habitats of the ivory-billed woodpecker in delta regions along the lower Mississippi River. The study aims to determine if the species is extinct or still living.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 2006