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Science News for December 14, 2006


Barrow receives two grants worth a total of 900,000 from the ABRC

Researchers at Barrow and Arizona State University will develop new hydrogels to stimulate spinal cord growth and treat brain tumors. The studies aim to improve treatment options for patients with malignant brain tumors and spinal cord injuries, building on the center's reputation as a top neuroscience hub.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·DateDec 14, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCSD researchers discover internal compass of immune cell

Researchers at UCSD have identified the internal compass that allows neutrophils to detect and migrate towards chemoattractants. This discovery could lead to novel anti-inflammatory drugs for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

Two central mysteries in genome inheritance solved at UCSD

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine identify a protein group that forms the chromosome-spindle connection, allowing for accurate genome distribution. They also discover a complex that helps cells discriminate between correct and incorrect spindle connections, shutting down pulling processes to prevent genetic birth defects and cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateDec 14, 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.

JCI table of contents: December 14, 2006

Researchers have discovered that oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, they found that IFN-gamma stimulates osteoclast formation and bone loss, while targeting FoxM1 may limit liver cancer progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2006

It's enough to turn your neighbors green

A study by Nives Dolsak and Maureen Dunn finds that developed countries invest in developing countries' greenhouse gas emission-reduction projects mainly due to economic reasons, such as reducing air pollution and transaction costs. The authors suggest policy makers to consider regional pollution dynamics when designing international r...

SourceSpringer·JournalPolicy Sciences·DateDec 14, 2006

Very high frequency radiation makes dark matter visible

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics have discovered a way to make a picture of everything that gravitates in the Universe using radio telescopes. By analyzing radio waves emitted from the early Universe, they can create high-resolution images of cosmic mass distribution, surpassing current galaxy distortions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 14, 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.

Could the ability to expel worms lead to a future asthma treatment?

Researchers found that manipulating proteins in the immune system could lead to new treatments for asthma, which shares similarities with parasitic infections. The study's findings suggest that targeting specific cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, may help prevent lung damage in asthmatic patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

High tech help to prevent further heart disease

Researchers are developing an online outpatient rehabilitation service to monitor and counsel patients after heart surgery, aiming to reduce the risk of recurring heart problems. The service will provide convenient access to lifestyle changes and health guidance for patients nationwide.

SourceResearch Australia·DateDec 14, 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.

Microbe fixes nitrogen at a blistering 92 degree Celsius

Researchers discovered a heat-loving archaeon capable of fixing nitrogen at 92 degrees Celsius, suggesting that life may have originated in extreme environments. This finding expands our understanding of the evolution of nitrogen fixation and its potential for life beyond Earth.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

First Laos bacteraemia study highlights need for local knowledge

The study reveals that Salmonella enterica serovar typhi is the most common cause of bacteraemia in children and adults, with almost half of all cases found in children. Local knowledge is crucial for developing effective public health interventions, particularly in a resource-constrained healthcare system.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateDec 14, 2006

Colluding with colloids: Scientists make liquid crystal discovery

Researchers at Kent State University have discovered a method to manipulate colloids and liquid crystals, leading to the creation of ferroelectric nanoparticles that can significantly impact material properties. This breakthrough could result in more efficient liquid crystal displays and new applications for liquid crystals.

SourceKent State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 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.

Scientists propose alternate model for plume on enceladus

Researchers propose a new model explaining the giant plume on Enceladus by dissolving gases in clathrate ice under the water ice cap. This environment allows for a Frigid Faithful plume, which produces nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide gases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

Grandparents linked with church-going

A new study found that grandparents who attend church are more likely to produce church-going grandchildren, with those whose parents and grandparents attend being 36% more likely to attend themselves. This suggests a direct influence of grandparents on their grandchildren's religious practices.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 14, 2006

Stardust findings override some commonly held astronomy beliefs

Scientists have discovered material in comets that originated from the sun's inner solar system, defying a popular notion. The Stardust mission found particles with extreme properties, including one made of calcium-aluminum inclusion and another composed of magnesium olivine.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006
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.

'Cosmic freezer' yields unique discovery

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis analyze comet samples and discover a unique result: the presence of 'real' stardust particles older than the sun. This finding provides key insights into the composition and origin of comets, shedding light on their role in the solar system's formation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

Achieving asymmetry in the brain

New research demonstrates that Aurora-A kinase suppresses neuroblast self-renewal and promotes differentiation in fruit fly stem cells. This finding may provide new clues to the molecular basis of Aurora-A involvement in human cancers, including brain tumors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 14, 2006

Dental crowns reveal the diet of a species

The complexity of tooth surfaces reveals a species' diet, with carnivores and rodents having similar complexity despite differing diets. The MorphoBrowser database provides publicly available information on phenotypes, enabling scientists to study extinct animals' diets.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2006

Study finds gender differences related to eating and body image

Researchers found that men who are insecure about their bodies eat more when exposed to ideal-male images, while women who are insecure about their bodies eat less when exposed to ideal-female images. The study suggests that exposure to ideal-body media can lead to unhealthy eating habits and disordered eating behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunication Research·DateDec 14, 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.

Stardust particles tell story about birth of solar system

The analysis of Stardust particles from comet Wild 2 has revealed clues about the birth of our solar system, challenging some basic theories. The particles contain osbornite, a mineral that forms at high temperatures, indicating a volatile and dynamic environment during the solar system's infancy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

New system solves the 'who is J. Smith' puzzle

A new system uses machine-learning methods to identify authors based on similar names, affiliations, and publication data, achieving 90.6% accuracy in a large-scale test. The algorithm will be integrated into the next generation of CiteSeer, the largest academic search engine.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 14, 2006

Problem drug use declining in previous hot spots

Research led by the National Drug Evidence Centre found that problem drug use is declining in some areas previously considered 'hot spots' in the UK. The study suggests that younger people are being recruited into the problem drug use population at a faster rate, leading to a decline in incidence rates.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateDec 14, 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.

Stanford discovery may help predict when toxoplasma can be deadly

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified two proteins, ROP16 and ROP18, that are critical to Toxoplasma's ability to infect and reproduce inside human cells. The study found that changes in these proteins can ramp up damage to the host by 10,000-fold.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

Researchers produce insulation with lowest thermal conductivity ever

Scientists at the University of Oregon developed a new insulation material with an ultra-low thermal conductivity, which could lead to improved energy efficiency in various applications. The material's unique structure allows it to be both dense and effective as a thermal insulator.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2006

Beyond the book: Software automates access to brain atlases

Researchers have developed software that turns existing print brain atlases into multimedia resources, improving data organization and comparison. The NeuARt II system is a robust interface that works on all popular computer operating systems, without violating copyright.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBioinformatics·DateDec 14, 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.

DZero finds evidence of rare single top quark

The DZero experiment has observed the production of single top quarks in a rare process involving the weak nuclear force, marking an important test of particle theory. The results suggest that the magnitude of Vtb lies within the predicted range, consistent with the Standard Model, but further analysis is needed to confirm this finding.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateDec 14, 2006

Taking nanolithography beyond semiconductors

A new process combines molecular self-assembly with traditional lithography to create multifunctional surfaces in precise patterns. This technique allows for complex patterns of functional monolayers, enabling applications beyond semiconductors.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2006

Capture study shows safety of carotid stenting in 'real-world' setting

The CAPTURE study found that carotid stenting can be performed safely and effectively by community physicians who receive proper education and training. The study involved 3,500 high-surgical risk patients and 353 physicians at 144 hospitals across the US, with similar outcomes among experienced and less-experienced physicians.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateDec 14, 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.

UCSF stem cell study reveals cells' capability in mouse brain tissue repair

Adult stem cells in a specific region of the mouse brain have a built-in mechanism to participate in the repair and remodeling of damaged tissue. The study's findings suggest that these cells may also exist in humans, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders like stroke and traumatic injury.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateDec 14, 2006

Boost for new cancer therapies

Researchers have identified a new key step in how the Polo kinase enzyme functions, confirming its potential as a target for anti-cancer drug development. The study sheds light on how the enzyme helps cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner to form tumors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2006

Study reveals molecular basis of botulism toxin's deadly activity

A study published in Nature reveals the structural basis of botulinum toxins' interaction with nerve cells, allowing for improved understanding and potential new treatments for botulism, food poisoning, and nervous system diseases. The discovery could lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and antibody therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2006