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Science News for December 13, 2006


Mount Sinai and EXACT Sciences announce study results on study stool DNA testing for colon cancer

A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that stool DNA testing can detect colorectal cancer with 88% accuracy, regardless of its stage or location. This non-invasive screening test offers a patient-friendly alternative to traditional colonoscopy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 13, 2006

Seeing a neurotoxin's deadly grip

Two research teams discovered detailed views of the toxin plugged into its neuronal receptor, providing new information on how it shuts down neurons. The findings could aid efforts to engineer specialized versions of the neurotoxin used to treat various medical conditions.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2006

Discovery sheds new light on cause of earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found how fluid pressure can cause earthquakes by sealing fluids within fault planes for long periods. This pressure makes it easier for plates to move, resulting in an earthquake.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 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.

For crickets, parasitic flies can stop the music

Male crickets sing less and for longer in autumn due to parasitic fly presence, while females are reluctant to approach singing males. This finding sheds light on the interplay between sexual selection and natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEthology·DateDec 13, 2006

New dyslexia theory blames 'noise'

Researchers propose that dyslexia stems from faulty filters for irrelevant data, struggling to form solid mental categories for identifying letters and word sounds. Training in noisy conditions may help supplement existing interventions and improve reading abilities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 13, 2006

Yes, Virginia, some snowflakes can look the same!

Research by Jon Nelson suggests that smaller snowflakes may be less unique than previously thought, with tiny temperature changes influencing their diversity. The study of snowflakes has also shed light on their role in global climate change and ozone depletion, revealing a complex chemistry behind these winter wonders.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateDec 13, 2006

Travel ban could reduce spread of SARS or other infectious diseases

Restricting travel can significantly reduce the spread of infections like SARS, with a 50% decrease in infected individuals and over 80% reduction in affected municipalities. A ban on trips longer than 20 km would have an even greater impact, reducing the spread even if compliance is as low as 70%

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateDec 13, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Massive gun 'buyback' doubled fall in Australian gun deaths

The study found that the number of firearm-related deaths dropped by at least 6% after the law took effect, with a decrease in average annual suicides from 491 to 246. The legislation also led to a significant decline in homicides and overall homicide rates fell by almost 2.5% per year.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalInjury Prevention·DateDec 13, 2006

Flu shot effective against drifted influenza, nasal spray vaccine less so

A University of Michigan study found that the traditional flu shot was effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults, while the live attenuated-virus nasal spray vaccine was less effective. The study compared the two vaccines head-to-head with laboratory confirmation and found significant differences in their protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 13, 2006

Manchester makes contribution to improving global health

Dr Nigel W Brown's Aquacart system uses Nyex material to remove toxic organic contaminants from wastewater, promising a solution to global water pollution concerns. The technology has the potential to meet challenges of new legislation and be applied to various industrial processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateDec 13, 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.

Geologists finding a different Mars underneath

Researchers have found evidence of ancient impact basins and topographic depressions in the Martian lowlands using MARSIS instrument, confirming the subsurface's complexity. The discovery sheds light on the geologic evolution of Mars, revealing a dichotomy between the northern and southern hemispheres.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2006

Researchers complete seismic borehole in Kentucky

The project, led by the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Geological Survey, allows instruments to gather data on earthquakes' effects on bedrock and soil. The observatory will add new data to the existing network, helping geologists better define the earthquake hazard in the region.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateDec 13, 2006

Flexible electronics advance boosts performance, manufacturing

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to manufacture large arrays of single-crystal organic transistors, enabling the creation of flexible electronic devices with high performance. The breakthrough allows for the production of low-cost sensors on product packaging and thin, flexible displays.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 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.

Molecular structure reveals how botulinum toxin attaches to nerve cells

Botulinum toxins bind to neurons, disrupting communication and leading to paralysis. The new study provides a structural glimpse of how these toxins recognize receptors on human neurons, offering a promising target for designing drugs to block their action.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2006

New observations on properties of water

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered that sulphuric acid and water mixture droplets can be cooled and heated without forming ice. This finding has implications for cloud physics, suggesting that cirrus clouds are not completely solid ice, but contain a layer of liquid water.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateDec 13, 2006

Nursing home or hospital: State policy has big impact on elderly

Researchers found that state Medicaid reimbursement rates and bed-hold policies significantly impact nursing home residents' likelihood of hospitalization. States with higher payment rates and more permissive bed-hold policies tend to have higher hospitalization rates, while those with lower rates and stricter policies have lower rates.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateDec 13, 2006

Nalco Company and Argonne National

The partnership aims to reduce fossil fuel power plant water withdrawal and consumption, leading to more efficient use of water and energy. Advanced technologies will be developed to minimize environmental impacts and lower treatment costs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateDec 13, 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.

CIHR-funded research in Kenya

A randomized controlled trial conducted in Kenya demonstrates that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV, with a 53% reduction in new infections among circumcised men. The study, funded by CIHR, provides conclusive evidence supporting the use of circumcision as an important HIV prevention strategy.

SourceCanadian Institutes of Health Research·DateDec 13, 2006

Over 500 sudden unexplained deaths every year, mostly in young men

A nationwide study reveals that over 500 sudden unexplained cardiac deaths occur annually in England, mostly among young men. The researchers found that only a third of cases were correctly identified as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), with most victims having no prior heart history or symptoms.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateDec 13, 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.

CU study reveals pros and cons of therapy for lead exposure

A Cornell study found that chelation therapy can reduce learning and behavioral problems caused by lead exposure in young rats. However, the treatment also showed lasting adverse effects in rats with no lead exposure, raising concerns about its use in autistic children.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 13, 2006

Wild tigers need cat food

A new study by WCS and USGS found that wild tigers in India's Nagarahole National Park lose nearly a quarter of their population each year, but total numbers remain stable due to high reproductive rates and abundant prey. The study highlights the need for protected areas with high prey densities and anti-poaching efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology·DateDec 13, 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 helps explain why botulinum toxin is so deadly

New research reveals how botulinum toxin attaches to nerve cells, using a similar strategy as locating an airport. The study identifies the exact spot where the toxin binds, allowing for potential anti-toxins and new treatments for paralysis and dystonias.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2006

Rensselaer licenses microscope technology to Thorlabs

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has licensed its Adaptive Scanning Optical Microscope (ASOM) technology to Thorlabs Inc. The ASOM enables the automation of challenging laboratory tasks, such as diagnosing cancer and discovering new drugs. It provides high-resolution images of large sample areas without sacrificing image quality.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateDec 13, 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.

Mass. General leading international trial of novel breast cancer drug

The TEACH study is a Phase III trial investigating the experimental drug Tykerb in patients with early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer who have not been treated with Herceptin. The trial aims to determine whether Tykerb can benefit women several years after their initial diagnosis of breast cancer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateDec 13, 2006

Soil nutrition affects carbon sequestration in forests

Researchers found that trees can't increase wood growth from elevated CO2 without sufficient leaf area, which is limited by soil nutrition. With adequate soil nutrients, forests can sequester more carbon in woody biomass under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2006

Effect of tobacco ads may backfire

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers suggests that tobacco company-sponsored anti-smoking advertising aimed at youths may actually increase teen smoking rates. The study found that each additional youth-targeted prevention ad viewed resulted in a 3% stronger intention among all students to smoke in the future, and that...

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 13, 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.

Forsyth scientists discover early key to regeneration

Scientists at The Forsyth Institute have discovered that programmed cell death is necessary for regeneration to occur. Apoptosis plays a critical role in development and a novel role in regeneration, allowing medically therapeutic regeneration. The study uses the Xenopus tadpole as a model organism.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateDec 13, 2006

Nano design adjustment may help find, clear some water contaminants

A new approach to locating and removing water contaminants such as perchlorate and nitrates has been discovered. Researchers found that anion-pi interaction, a type of molecular binding, occurs off-center in solid-state structures, which could lead to the development of sensors for anion detection.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 13, 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.

UCR-led research team detects 'top quark,' a basic constituent of matter

Physicists at UCR have detected the top quark, the heaviest known elementary particle, for the first time without its antimatter partner, allowing them to study its properties and production process. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the fundamental nature of the universe and how objects acquire mass.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2006

Russian capabilities benefit the hydrogen economy

A new partnership between a Russian Institute and a US firm has led to the development of improved hydrogen gas sensors with increased reliability and response time. This technology is expected to enhance safety, detection capability, and efficiency in various industrial applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 13, 2006