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Science News for December 11, 2006


Height loss in older men associated with increased risk of heart disease, death

Men who lose 3 centimeters or more of height as they age are at an increased risk of coronary heart diseases events, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and death. A study of 4,213 men found that substantial height loss is associated with poor eating habits and weight loss, leading to a higher mortality rate.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006

Abrupt ice retreat could produce ice-free arctic summers by 2040

Researchers predict Arctic sea ice will retreat rapidly, becoming nearly ice-free by 2040, with global warming exacerbating the issue. The study suggests that greenhouse gas emissions can impact the likelihood of abrupt ice loss.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 11, 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.

Swedish massage benefits osteoarthritis patients

A study by Yale University researchers found that Swedish massage therapy significantly improved symptoms in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, including reduced pain and increased flexibility. The treatment was shown to be safe and effective, with benefits persisting after completion of the massage intervention.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006

Fear of migraine destroys quality of life for men

Research from Griffith University's Genomics Research Centre reveals that migraine significantly affects the lives of Australian men, causing poorer physical functioning and energy levels. Men with migraine often struggle to plan their lives due to unpredictable symptoms and apprehension, leading to reduced quality of life.

SourceResearch Australia·DateDec 11, 2006

Brain images show hysteria not an imaginary disorder

Researchers used brain scans to study three women with sensory conversion disorder, also known as hysteria. The study found that stimulation of the numb hand or foot failed to activate the side of the brain that responds to touch, but did so when both limbs were stimulated.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 11, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A molecular condom against AIDS

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new vaginal gel that turns into a gel-like coating when inserted, releasing an antiviral drug when exposed to semen. The 'molecular condom' has potential as a daily or monthly prevention method for AIDS, with hopes of being up to 90% effective.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·DateDec 11, 2006

New research shows big improvement in survival after stroke

A new study found a significant improvement in survival rates after stroke in Auckland, New Zealand, with a 40% decline in deaths over the past 25 years. The research attributes this increase to better hospital admission and brain imaging during the most severe phase of the illness.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalCerebrovascular Diseases·DateDec 11, 2006

Why we 'never forget a face'

Researchers found that people can store more faces in their visual short-term memory than other objects, thanks to the efficient way faces are encoded. This advantage was only observed when participants studied upright faces, which are more familiar to us.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateDec 11, 2006

New instrumentation helps scientists better predict space weather

Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing new instrumentation to better understand and predict space weather. They are studying ionospheric storms that can affect life on Earth, including radiation threats and communication disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 11, 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.

Innovative satellite system proves worth with better weather forecasts, climate data

The COSMIC satellite system provides unprecedented information on the atmosphere's temperature and water vapor structure, enabling more accurate long-range weather forecasts and climate change analysis. The system's unique global coverage and ability to gather data above hard-to-reach locations enhance global-scale monitoring.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 11, 2006

U of MN study finds children with leukemia are living longer

A University of Minnesota study found that over 90% of children and young adults who survive five years or longer after diagnosis and treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are alive 20 years later. Regular health check-ups and monitoring are crucial to prevent late effects of cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateDec 11, 2006

Invitrogen features new scientific online resources at ASCB Meeting

Invitrogen introduced its new free online scientific resource collection, iGene, allowing researchers to search for experimental reagents by gene or protein. The company also launched the Premo comeleon calcium sensor, which uses fluorescent protein color emission to detect calcium levels in live cells.

SourcePorter Novelli, Life Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

New Year's resolution No. 1: Prevent cancer, use olive oil.

Researchers found that consuming olive oil significantly reduced oxidative damage and waste by-products in Northern European subjects. The study suggests that olive oil's phenols and other compounds have anti-cancer effects, supporting its inclusion as a healthy food.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 11, 2006

Number of siblings predicts risk of brain tumors

A population-based study of 13,613 brain tumor cases in Sweden found that people with four or more siblings were twice as likely to develop a brain tumor. Children under 15 with three or more younger siblings had a two to fourfold increase in brain tumors compared to those with no siblings.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 11, 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.

Nonprofit hospitals, more nurses and greater availability of technology equal better patient care

A comprehensive study by Harvard Medical School found that not-for-profit hospitals and those with more registered nurses and advanced technology delivered better patient care. Hospitals with federal or military designation also performed well, while those serving greater proportions of Medicaid patients had low quality of care.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006

NASA provides new perspectives on the earth's changing ice sheets

Researchers use advanced instruments to measure changes in the ice sheets' mass balance, revealing a consistent story of shrinking ice masses. The West Antarctic ice sheet is currently shrinking substantially, while East Antarctica's larger ice sheet has been growing slowly.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 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.

World's fastest transistor approaches goal of terahertz device

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a world-record fast transistor with an operating frequency of 845GHz, exceeding other groups by 300GHz. The device utilizes pseudomorphic material construction and vertical scaling to reduce electron travel distance, resulting in increased speed.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 11, 2006

LSU professor discovers new species

Chris Austin, an LSU molecular genetics lab expert, discovered a new lizard species in Borneo through extensive field research and DNA analysis. The species was confirmed by comparing its genetic variations with closely related species.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Herpetology·DateDec 11, 2006

Key to avoiding whiplash injury may lie in head restraint positioning

A study by Dr. Brian Stemper and colleagues found that setting head restraints close to the back of the head can minimize injuries from whiplash. The researchers developed a computer model that shows increasing distances between the head restraint and the back of the head can lead to ligament stretch, making whiplash injury more likely.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateDec 11, 2006

Higher physical activity associated with reduced risk of breast cancer

Women with higher physical activity levels have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, especially for estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-negative tumors. Physical activity reduces body fat, leading to lower estrogen levels and potentially decreasing ER+/PR+ tumors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 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.

Mileage from megawatts

A new study by DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory finds that idle electric power system capacity can generate electricity for 84% of the country's plug-in hybrid vehicles. This would reduce reliance on foreign oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 11, 2006

New research explores limits of non-invasive coronary imaging tests

A study examines the relationship between plaque build-up and artery blockage in patients with moderate risk of coronary artery disease. The results show that MSCT detects atherosclerosis, while MPI identifies ischemia, suggesting that narrowing of coronary arteries may not harm blood flow to the heart.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2006

Self-assembling nano-ice discovered at UNL -- Structure resembles DNA

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered self-assembling nano-ice that resembles the DNA double helix structure. The nano-ice formations can be viewed as a self-assembling process, where molecules bond together through weak hydrogen bonds. This discovery could have major implications for scientists studying disease ...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2006

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center -- Working on the tough cases

Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center found that tipifarnib can stall or reverse disease progression for patients with relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study showed a partial response in 18% of patients and stable disease in 21%, while also improving quality of life.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateDec 11, 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.

Fishbone deforestation pattern affecting environment, research shows

A unique fishbone deforestation pattern in Rondonia, Brazil has been found to increase precipitation over deforested regions, resulting in increased vegetation growth. The study suggests that the pattern creates a localized low-pressure zone, leading to more cumulus clouds and rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 11, 2006

Pollution knows no borders

A team of researchers found a significant link between ozone levels in Mexico City and US cities like Houston, highlighting the global impact of air pollution. The study used ozonesondes to measure ozone and other atmospheric variables, revealing that pollution from Asia can also affect the Pacific Northwest.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 11, 2006

Symptom screening advances early ovarian cancer detection

A new study reveals that a specific set of symptoms and their frequency/duration can distinguish early ovarian cancer from other causes, making it a potential rapid and cost-effective screening tool. The symptom index was found to be 57% sensitive for early disease and 80% sensitive for advanced cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 11, 2006

First biomarker for human sleepiness identified in fruit flies

Researchers have identified amylase, an enzyme in saliva, as a biochemical marker linked to sleep loss. Flies subjected to prolonged sleep deprivation showed increased amylase levels, similar to humans who were kept awake for extended periods. The discovery aims to develop diagnostic tools and improve understanding of sleep disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

New evidence shows New Madrid Seismic Zone may be cold and dying

Scientists from Northwestern University find New Madrid rocks surprisingly similar to other areas of the eastern United States, contradicting the idea that hot rocks are weak. The study suggests the fault system may be shutting down, with no large earthquakes expected for thousands of years or longer.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateDec 11, 2006

Regional nuclear war could devastate global climate

A small-scale regional nuclear war could produce as many direct fatalities as all of World War II and disrupt the global climate for a decade or more. The environmental effects would be catastrophic and long-term, affecting regions far from the target areas or countries involved in the conflict.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions·DateDec 11, 2006

Gene discovered by UNC researchers tied to pancreatic cancer

A gene discovered by UNC researchers, palladin, has been associated with two forms of pancreatic cancer, according to a study. Palladin is involved in the formation of scar tissue on nerve cells and is overexpressed in people with sporadic, non-familial pancreatic cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study finds three-quarters of women are households' chief cook and food shopper

A new study of nearly 200 British men and women found that three-quarters of women assume the traditional role of chief cook and food shopper in their households. Women tend to take on more practical approaches to cooking and shopping, often citing time constraints or skills as reasons for their responsibilities.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateDec 11, 2006

Radar reveals view of land beneath polar ice

Scientists at Ohio State University have used a new radar instrument to create the first three-dimensional image of the ground beneath Greenland's ice sheet. The image reveals a landscape with mountains and valleys, similar to Canada and the northern United States, hidden for millions of years.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 11, 2006

NASA aircraft captures windy details in hurricane's ups and downs

Researchers gathered precise wind measurements in a hurricane using NASA's ER-2 aircraft and NOAA's P-3 aircraft. This data helps advance the understanding of complex storms, allowing for more accurate forecasts and potential improvements in replicating hurricane development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 2006

SCAI issues recommendations to prevent kidney damage after imaging procedures

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends assessing kidney function, ensuring patient hydration, and minimizing NSAID use to lower the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. CIN is estimated to occur in 1-3% of individuals undergoing procedures with contrast dyes.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateDec 11, 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.

Alcohol and health: Those 2 glasses a day that lengthen your life

A study by the Catholic University of Campobasso confirms that moderate alcohol consumption reduces all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. Drinking in moderation (2 glasses a day) leads to a 18% reduction in mortality for men, while women's protection disappears after 2 glasses.

SourceCatholic University - Campobasso·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006

Drivers ignore the risk of mobile phone use

A study conducted by The George Institute found that 60% of drivers in NSW and WA use their mobile phones while driving, leading to a significant increase in crashes and near-misses. Younger drivers, men, and metropolitan residents are the worst offenders, with over 30% writing text messages while driving.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateDec 11, 2006

Novel brain areas associated with the recognition of gender, ethnicity and the identity of faces

Scientists discovered distinct brain regions processing gender, ethnicity and facial identity, contradicting previous assumptions about face recognition. These findings have implications for understanding conditions like autism spectrum disorders and may lead to improved methods for enhancing face recognition abilities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2006

Butterfly wing scales provide template for complex photonic structures

Scientists at Georgia Tech have demonstrated a new technique for fabricating nanoscale optical waveguides and splitters using artificial butterfly wing scales. The replicas accurately replicated the physical features and optical properties of the natural wing scales, exhibiting similar shape, orientation, and distribution.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 11, 2006

New technique studies how plastic solar cells turn sunlight into electricity

A new analytical technique developed by Penn State researcher John B. Asbury could lead to the development of cheaper and more efficient solar cells. The technique uses infrared spectroscopy to study light-sensitive organic materials, providing information about electron movement within a film of carbon-based materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateDec 11, 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.

MGH study examines impact of infection with both HIV and hepatitis C virus

Researchers at MGH found that individuals infected with both HIV and HCV who maintain low viral levels have stronger immune responses. Early antiretroviral treatment before CD4 levels drop may be crucial to preserve HCV control in co-infected patients. The study suggests a potential strategy for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006

First familial pancreatic cancer gene identified

Researchers identify palladin as the first familial pancreatic cancer gene, linked to a large family with 18 members affected by the disease. The mutated gene is associated with overexpression and disruption of cytoskeletons in cancer cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006

NASA diagnoses Tropical Storm Gert's growth spurt

Scientists recreated Tropical Storm Gert's life cycle using computer models and data from the 2005 Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes mission. The study identified convection, wind shear, and ocean surface temperature as crucial factors in Gert's origination and strengthening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 2006
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Balance training better than tai chi at improving mobility among older adults

A new study reveals that a balance training program focusing on increasing step length and speed is more effective at improving mobility and balance than tai chi. The program resulted in greater improvements in measures such as the timed up and go test and maximal step length test.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 11, 2006

Antibody extends life of mice with breast cancer

A monoclonal antibody JAA-F11 has been shown to extend the survival of mice with human breast-cancer tumors and inhibit their spread to the lungs, a result attributed to its ability to block adhesion and growth stages of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNeoplasia·DateDec 11, 2006

Plant a tree and save the Earth?

A new study reveals that planting trees can help slow down global warming, particularly in tropical rainforests where they absorb carbon dioxide and increase cloudiness. However, afforestation in mid- to high-latitude locations may actually create a net warming effect due to the albedo effect of forest canopies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateDec 11, 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.

Snottites, other biofilms hasten cave formation

Researchers discovered that biofilms in caves increase the rate of cave formation by using sulfur for energy, producing strong acid. Cave biofilms also provide food for various cave creatures and have similarities to dental biofilms and steel ship hull corrosion.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 11, 2006

Study takes rare look at how materialism develops in the young

A University of Illinois study reveals materialistic values develop differently among children and adolescents, increasing between ages 8-13 before dropping at 16. Self-esteem plays a crucial role in materialism levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 11, 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.

A window on the environment from Tahoe to the ocean

Researchers at UC Davis are developing a virtual library of data from hundreds of environmental sensors to study the interconnectedness of air, water, land, and living things in California. This 'God's-eye view' will help understand how climate change affects the state, including precipitation patterns, wildfires, and ocean upwelling.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateDec 11, 2006

Researchers identify driver for near-Earth space weather

New findings indicate that near-Earth space weather is driven by the merging rate of Earth's and sun's magnetic fields, not solar wind's electric field. Researchers developed a formula predicting 10 types of space weather activity, including aurora and magnetic disturbances.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateDec 11, 2006

Less help at home -- Female support for new Moms on the decline

New research by Brown University sociologists found a significant decline in female support for mothers of young children over the last 120 years. From nearly 50% in the late 19th century to just 20% in the late 20th century, fewer women were available to help with household work and childcare.

SourceBrown University·JournalDemography·DateDec 11, 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 questions the 'biodiversity hotspot' approach to wildlife conservation

A new study by Stanford University researchers challenges the 'biodiversity hotspot' approach to conservation, finding that only 16% of mammalian species overlap across three types of hotspots. The authors argue that protecting fewer sites could lead to neglecting endangered and endemic species.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2006

Climate change affecting Earth's outermost atmosphere

A team of scientists found that climate change is causing a 3% reduction in the density of the Earth's outermost atmosphere, or thermosphere, by 2017. The decrease will reduce drag on satellites, allowing them to stay airborne longer and potentially saving millions of dollars in fuel costs.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 11, 2006

Columbia University licenses next-generation DNA sequencing technology

Dr. Jingyue Ju's innovative DNA-sequencing technology, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, overcomes accuracy limitations of other systems. The license agreement with Intelligent Bio-Systems enables the development of a high-throughput DNA sequencing platform.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

Regional nuclear war would trigger mass death, devastating climate change

Two studies by University of Colorado at Boulder researchers predict a regional nuclear war could produce as many fatalities as World War II, disrupting the global climate for decades. The conflict could also lead to unprecedented climate change, with smoke emissions potentially exceeding 5 million metric tons.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 11, 2006

Satellite radar gauges water levels in Louisiana wetlands

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a satellite radar technique to measure water levels in vegetated wetlands. The study found rising and dropping water levels in selected sites over a decade, including changes caused by seasonal rainfall.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 11, 2006

FSU professor receives grants to study teacher preparation, training

A FSU professor has received two National Science Foundation grants to study effective models for teacher preparation and professional training, aiming to enhance student achievement. The research projects will focus on developing a model of teacher knowledge development and analyzing data analysis methods.

SourceFlorida State University·DateDec 11, 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.

Regional nuclear war could devastate large cities and disrupt the global climate

A small-scale nuclear conflict could produce as many direct fatalities as WWII and long-term climate disruptions, impacting nearly everyone on Earth. The scientists estimated fatality estimates ranging from 2.6 million to 16.7 million, and the environmental impacts could spread worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions·DateDec 11, 2006