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Science News Archive December 2006


Page 11 of 13

Top awards go to Williams College physics professor William Wootters

Professor Wootters was awarded the International Quantum Communications Award and the APS Prize to a Faculty Member for Research in an Undergraduate Institution. His research on quantum teleportation has been widely cited, and he is recognized for his engagement of undergraduate students in physics research.

Smokers risk more painful and progressive osteoarthritis

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that smokers are more likely to experience severe cartilage loss and knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Smokers were also significantly more likely to report greater pain severity than non-smokers.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Prescribing information for kidney disease far too vague

Chronic kidney disease affects a significant portion of the UK population, particularly elderly individuals taking multiple medications. Healthcare professionals require specific guidance on using drugs that can cause or be altered by kidney disease, as 'use with caution' advice is often insufficient.

Brain wave changes in adolescence signal reorganization of the brain

Research suggests that adolescent brain maturation is associated with synaptic pruning, a process that eliminates weak connections between neurons. Delta wave activity declines during adolescence, beginning at around age 11, with a 25% decrease by age 14, and is related to age but not physical growth or sexual maturation.

Two-slice-touch rule reliable when diagnosing meniscal tears

A study by the University of Wisconsin Medical School and Hospital found that the two-slice-touch rule increases the accuracy of diagnosing meniscal tears. The positive predictive value for diagnosing a meniscal tear increased from 91% to 94%, making it a reliable tool for diagnosis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Structure essential for brain remodeling identified

The study found that recycling endosomes transport cargo needed to grow new synapses, leading to advances in understanding Alzheimer's disease, autism, and age-related memory loss. The discovery may lead to potential treatments for these conditions by targeting critical cellular processes.

Immigrants of a feather don't necessarily flock together

A new study reveals that immigrants' neighborhood choices are largely determined by their partners, contradicting the traditional notion of clustering with countrymen. The research found that those who partner outside their native group are less likely to live near their countrymen.

Study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that palifermin clearance and tolerability are not affected by renal function. No dose adjustment is indicated for patients with impaired kidney function, allowing the drug to be used without restrictions.

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.

Changes in brain density can help predict schizophrenia

A study found that monitoring grey matter density over time using brain scans could help early detection of individuals at risk for schizophrenia. The results showed a correlation between reduced grey matter density and increased risk of developing the condition.

NASA research reveals climate warming reduces ocean food supply

A NASA study reveals that climate warming leads to a decline in ocean's primary food supply, phytoplankton, which is responsible for photosynthesis. This reduction affects fishery yields, marine bird populations, and carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere.

Blame our evolutionary risk of cancer on body mass

Scientists discovered that higher body mass, not lifespan, increases the risk of cancer due to telomerase expression. Rodents from various species showed a correlation between body size and telomerase activity, while human's don't express it in somatic cells, suggesting evolution prioritized cancer prevention over healing.

'Diabetes gene' may be linked to polycystic ovary syndrome

A new study found a genetic link between the 'diabetes gene' (calpain-10) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects up to five percent of females. The study suggests that specific variants of the CAPN10 gene may contribute to PCOS susceptibility, providing hope for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Magnetic whirlpools feed Earth's magnetosphere

Researchers have discovered that giant whirlpools of electrically charged gas above the Earth inject electrified gas into the planet's magnetic environment. The whirlpools, known as Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, cause magnetic reconnection events that redirect plasma along new routes.

Functional brain imaging insights from UC San Diego grad student

A recent UCSD graduate has won an award for his work on human functional brain imaging, specifically analyzing competing Bayesian approaches for source localization. His research may lead to improvements in existing algorithms used in magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) techniques.

Rochester study rolls out RU-486 to treat uterine fibroids

A University of Rochester study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology journal found that low doses of mifepristone shrink uterine fibroid tumors and greatly improve the quality of life in women who suffer from pain and heavy bleeding. The treatment resulted in a 135% improvement in quality of life for women taking mifepristone compare...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Juries reluctant to convict in rape cases in which alcohol involved

Juries are more likely to acquit defendants in rape cases where the victim was intoxicated, even if they were spiked with date rape drugs. The research found that jurors often relied on stereotypes and misunderstood the effects of Rohypnol, leading to inadequate convictions.

New research identifies gene important for nicotine's effects on the brain

A study by Marina Picciotto and colleagues at Yale University has identified a crucial gene involved in nicotine-induced behaviors in the brain. The researchers found that blocking CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens blocks nicotine reward, suggesting potential new targets for smoking cessation therapies.

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.

Buyer's remorse? How about not-buying remorse?

A groundbreaking study by Lisa J. Abendroth and Kristen Diehl found that consumers in limited purchasing situations initially regret non-purchases more than purchases. Over time, purchased items were regretted more if seldom used or of poor quality.

How mammals fuel milk production may have implications for cancer

Researchers found that Akt1 is specifically required for lactating mice to synthesize sufficient milk. The protein kinase plays a critical role in glucose metabolism, which may have implications for cancer therapy. Studies suggest that the metabolic demands of lactation bear similarities to those of tumor cells.

Learning during sleep?

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research have found that the cerebral cortex actively controls memory transfer during sleep. The researchers developed a new technique to investigate this largely under-researched field, discovering a link between interneurones and the cerebral cortex.

First-time mothers at increased risk for postpartum mental disorders

First-time mothers are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems like depression and bipolar disorder after childbirth. The study found that the risk is highest in the first few weeks and months following delivery, with the greatest increase occurring within 10-19 days.

Pioneering study shows richest 2 percent own half world wealth

A pioneering study reveals that the world's wealthiest individuals hold disproportionately large amounts of wealth, with the top 10% owning 85% of global assets. The richest countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific contribute to this concentration of wealth.

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.

Research suggests new treatment approaches for glaucoma

A new study suggests that targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may help prevent optic-nerve damage in glaucoma patients. Researchers found that blocking TNF-alpha's action with an antibody prevented loss of oligodendrocytes and retinal ganglion cells when intraocular pressure was raised.

Stretch a DNA loop, turn off proteins

Researchers at UCSD find mechanical tension can switch on/off enzymes acting on DNA, revealing new mechanism for sensing and responding to cell stresses. The study demonstrates a tiny force of one pico-Newton can alter protein activity, sparking potential applications in biotechnology.

Rural students lag behind in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study by Yanhong Zhang reveals that almost 45 million students in sub-Saharan Africa were not enrolled in school in 2001, with rural students facing significant learning disadvantages. The study finds that family socio-economic status and school quality play a crucial role in the learning gaps between urban and rural students.

CSIRO demonstrates world's fastest wireless link

The CSIRO ICT Centre has demonstrated a point-to-point wireless connection of over six gigabits per second, the highest efficiency ever achieved for such a system. The technology operates at 85GHz and enables the transmission of multiple streams of DVD quality video simultaneously.

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.

Changes in dietary protein may override inherited skeletal abnormalities

A new study found that a low-protein diet can normalize bone formation and bone mass in mice with genetic disorders, while a high-protein diet may reverse skeletal syndromes. The researchers identified ATF4 as a key mediator of neurofibromin signaling, which plays a crucial role in bone development.

Examining molecular imaging's hot future

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging identifies the most promising lab-based discoveries to translate into routine patient benefit. Experts emphasize the need for shared standards, innovative approaches, and cooperation among sectors to accelerate molecular imaging's translation.

Consumers neutral on risks, benefits of nano

A study by Rice University and UCL found that US consumers are willing to use specific nano-containing products when the potential benefits are high. The public perceives nanotechnology as less risky than everyday technologies.

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.

Whole-body scans may provide option for diagnosing colorectal cancer

Researchers found whole-body PET/CT scans accurate in diagnosing colorectal cancer stages, changing patient management in 9% of cases. This non-invasive method offers a single-stage approach, reducing burden on patients and clinicians compared to conventional imaging procedures.

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.

Professional fasters deep under the sea floor

Researchers propose that microorganisms can thrive in the Deep Biosphere due to natural radioactivity, offering an alternative energy source. This process, radiolysis, creates hydrogen and oxygen, providing sufficient energy for life forms to survive without surface processes.

Reef sharks threatened by overfishing

Researchers warn of imminent ecological extinction for reef sharks, with populations declining at alarming rates. Immediate reductions in fishing pressure are needed to give threatened species a chance of recovery.

Research yields new insights into the cause of diabetes

A new hypothesis proposes that a deficiency in the enzyme Pancreatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) during fetal development can lead to permanent neonatal diabetes. The research found that PERK-deficient mice have impaired beta cell proliferation, differentiation, and clustering, resulting in reduced insulin production.

PET imaging shows young smokers quick benefit of quitting

A new study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that young smokers who quit smoking can normalize abnormal coronary artery function within a month. The PET imaging study examined the effects of smoking cessation on coronary endothelial dysfunction in healthy young male adults.

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.

Low self-esteem? Avoid crime novels with surprise endings

A recent study found that people with higher self-esteem enjoy mystery stories with unexpected twists, whereas those with lower self-esteem prefer stories with confirmed endings. The study involved 84 German college students who rated their enjoyment of a mystery story with varying levels of uncertainty and confirmation.

Blacks less likely to recognize overweight and obesity, study shows

A recent study found that black Americans are less likely to recognize their own overweight or obese status compared to white Americans, despite having higher rates of excess weight. The research suggests that this misperception can have significant health consequences, including increased risk of diabetes and premature death.

Newts which regrow their hearts

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute discovered that newt heart cells can re-differentiate after damage, allowing for complete repair and restoration of function. The researchers found that Phospho-H3 protein marks the G2 phase of cell cycle and indicates regeneration without stem cells.

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.

Children's Hospital researcher leads multipronged attack on infant leukemia

A new research effort harnesses in-depth understanding of genes and molecular pathways to develop highly specific drugs designed to kill leukemia cells while causing few or no toxic effects on normal cells. The goal is to streamline advances in molecular medicine to find new treatment options for infant leukemia.

Making sense of sensors

Researchers Vin de Silva and Robert Ghrist use homology theory to analyze sensor networks, providing global information about coverage areas and detecting intruders. The study offers insights into designing effective sensor networks for national security measures.

Cell phone use not linked to cancer risk

A large cohort study of over 420,000 cell phone users found no link between long-term or short-term cell phone use and an increased risk of brain tumors, salivary gland tumors, eye tumors, or leukemias. The study suggests that cell phone use is not associated with cancer risk.

Genetic experts investigate causes of harmful metabolic disorder

A University of Cincinnati-led study aims to identify specific genes associated with metabolic syndrome. Researchers will collect data from a genetically isolated population in Croatia to understand the complex relationship between genetics and lifestyle choices that contribute to the condition.

Brown and OTS will jointly manage new ILTER network secretariat

The ILTER network, with over 34 countries as members, will benefit from a joint management structure, ensuring sustainable support for environmental monitoring sites. Long-term data is crucial for understanding climate change, invasive species, and ecosystem health.

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.

Cancer drug side effect caused by cell 'pump' problem

A specific gene mutation disables the ABCG2 protein, preventing it from disposing of certain cancer drugs, leading to high levels of the drug in cells and blood, causing side effects. Clinicians can identify patients at risk by looking for this mutation, offering a way to modify treatment and reduce side effects.

Southern Ocean could slow global warming

A new climate model predicts that the Southern Ocean's absorption of heat and carbon dioxide will slow the rate of global warming. The ocean's ability to sequester heat and carbon dioxide could lead to sea level rise, but also change the chemistry of the water, making it less habitable for some marine organisms.

Dually porous glass shows promise in helping damaged bone regenerate

A new type of biocompatible glass with dual porosity has been developed to mimic the vital functions of bone, facilitating vascularization and cell adhesion. The glass has successfully tested in laboratory experiments and is being further investigated for its potential to stimulate bone regeneration.