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Science News for February 28, 2006


Primates harvest bee nests in Ugandan reserve

In a unique discovery, researchers found that Batwa Pygmies located bee nests for honey, and Apis mellifera subspecies coexist with native-American stingless bees. The Bwindi-Impenetrable National Park's diverse ecosystem lacks ecological information on honey-making bees.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiotropica·DateFeb 28, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tissue engineering technique does not cause tumor growth

Researchers have successfully used a gene therapy approach to deliver telomerase, an enzyme that lengthens cell lifespan, without causing tumors in human patients. The technique allows for the growth of blood vessels in patients with vascular disease, offering new treatment options.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2006

Boston University scientists develop new application to characterize structure of DNA molecules

Researchers have developed a new application called spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy (SSFM) that characterizes the structure of DNA molecules with sub-nanometer accuracy. Using this technique, the team estimated the shape of coiled single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA of different lengths.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2006

Scientists confirm historic massive flood in climate change

Researchers from NASA and Columbia University reproduced an abrupt climate shift 8,200 years ago by simulating a massive freshwater flood into the North Atlantic Ocean. The study used GISS Model E-R to model the impact of the flood, which caused temperatures to drop several degrees in some areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 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.

Depression model leaves mice with molecular scar

A mouse model of depression reveals a persistent molecular scar left by chronic stress in the brain's hippocampus. Antidepressants temporarily restore gene expression but fail to remove silencer molecules, highlighting the need for new treatments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 28, 2006

Scripps research oceanographer receives Munk Award

Dr. Worcester is recognized for his pioneering work on acoustical oceanography and tomographic inverse methods, as well as his tireless efforts to develop responsible permitting structures for scientific sound use. He is the eighth recipient of the Munk Award, a testament to his groundbreaking research and leadership in the field.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 28, 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.

Delayed intervention may combat overtreatment of prostate cancer, study suggests

A study suggests that delayed surgical intervention can be a safe alternative to immediate treatment for men diagnosed with early-stage, low-grade prostate cancer. The research found equivalent risks of noncurable prostate cancer in both groups, depending on factors like age and PSA levels.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 28, 2006

Combat duty in Iraq linked with high use of mental health services

The study found that US military veterans who served in Iraq had a higher prevalence rate of mental health problems and combat experiences compared to those who served in Afghanistan or other locations. Iraq veterans used inpatient and outpatient mental health services at higher rates, with an annualized rate of utilization of 35%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 28, 2006

Future of Welsh language depends on parents

A year-long study found that children's learning of Welsh depends on factors such as parental involvement, community speaker numbers, and media use. The majority of parents want their children to learn Welsh, but commitment varies.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 28, 2006

Rochester researchers delve into concussions

Rochester researchers emphasize the need for more accurate and rapid diagnostic tests for concussions to improve treatment outcomes and prevent long-term neurological damage. Current CT scans are often biased, leading to underdiagnosis of significant axonal injuries.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2006
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

MRSA use amoeba to spread, new research shows

MRSA has been found to infect a species of amoeba, which can help the bacteria spread between locations. This discovery raises concerns about hospital hygiene and the potential for MRSA to emerge more resistant to antibiotics and virulent.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateFeb 28, 2006

MRI rules out acute appendicitis in pregnancy

A study by Dr. Ivan Pedrosa and colleagues demonstrates MRI as a viable alternative to CT scans for diagnosing appendicitis in pregnant women, sparing them from radiation exposure. The study evaluated 51 pregnant women with abdominal pain using MRI, revealing four cases of acute appendicitis, two of which were not detected via ultrasound.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Scientists gain new understanding of age-related depression and dementia

Researchers found that people with smaller anterior cingulate cortex had higher levels of stress hormones, suggesting a potential cause-and-effect relationship. The discovery deepens understanding of ageing, depression, and Alzheimer's diseases, and may lead to treatments targeting reduced stress hormone levels.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 28, 2006

Novel function of APC

The APC tumor suppressor has a novel function in regulating Wnt signaling in the nucleus. In this new study, researchers demonstrate that APC opposes beta-catenin activity directly at Wnt target genes. The findings suggest that full-length APC protein is necessary to repress c-Myc gene expression and prevent colon cancer progression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 28, 2006

MIT method reveals how radiation damages the body

Researchers at MIT developed a tool to selectively irradiate blood vessels to study radiation damage. This technique has the potential to reduce side effects for cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2006

New research forecasts better weather forecasts

A Purdue University researcher has developed a more accurate weather prediction model by incorporating the amount of moisture surface vegetation releases into the upper atmosphere. This new approach improved forecasts of storm intensity, location, and timing, leading to better severe weather predictions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateFeb 28, 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.

Risk for low sexual desire increases in women after surgical menopause

Research found surgically menopausal women experience significantly increased risk of low sexual desire, decreased pleasure, and orgasmic difficulties. Women with low sexual desire were less likely to engage in sex and dissatisfied with their partner relationship.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2006

The evolution of right- and left-handedness

A new study compares handedness of medieval English villagers to modern-day sample, finding that active individuals display a high degree of asymmetry. Researchers used skeletal analysis to determine changes in hand preference over time, shedding light on the evolution of right- and left-handedness.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateFeb 28, 2006

Erection pill associated with normalization of relationships

A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that sildenafil treatment normalizes relationships, confidence, and self-esteem in men with erectile dysfunction. Men with ED who took sildenafil for 10 weeks showed significant improvements in sexual relationship satisfaction, confidence, and self-esteem compared to those w...

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2006

Surgery for child apnea leads to weight gain

A study published in Pediatrics found that children who underwent surgery for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB) due to enlarged adenoids experienced a significant increase in excess weight, averaging 13% over 12.6 months. This weight gain may be linked to reduced motor activity and poor sleep quality after the surgery.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 28, 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.

New class of compounds promise better drugs, clean energy

A team of Brown University chemists has developed a new class of molecules that exhibit fast and efficient catalytic properties, making them suitable for use in the pharmaceutical industry. The compounds also show promise for storing hydrogen and other gases, which could be used to generate clean energy.

SourceBrown University·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 28, 2006

Frailty in elderly may be prevented or reversed if addressed early

Researchers found that physical symptoms of frailty are often reversible and can be addressed through early intervention. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, included 754 participants aged 70 or older and found high rates of recovery from frailty.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2006

Bioengineers create stable networks of blood vessels

Researchers developed a model system for studying neuro-vascular interactions, enabling the creation of stable vascular networks that can connect with larger blood vessel structures. The approach uses a macroporous hydrogel polymer scaffold and co-seeds it with endothelial cells and nerve progenitor cells.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 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.

Other highlights in the March 1 JNCI

Researchers have created a new model to examine the process by which tumor cells develop an angiogenic phenotype, enabling them to grow rapidly. The study found that non-angiogenic tumor cells can switch to angiogenesis after several months, and that this switch is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 28, 2006

Some benign breast lesions could be dangerous

A recent study published in Radiology found that nearly a quarter of benign papillary breast lesions were upgraded to atypical ductal hyperplasia or ductal carcinoma in situ after surgical excision. This suggests that these lesions should be surgically removed to prevent potential cancer development.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 28, 2006

HPV infection a top risk factor for cervical adenocarcinoma worldwide, study says

A recent study found that HPV infection is a top risk factor for cervical adenocarcinoma globally. The research, conducted on eight case-control studies across Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, revealed an 80-fold increased risk of cervical adenocarcinoma among HPV-positive women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 28, 2006

Delayed prostate cancer surgery poses no increased risk for some patients

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that men with low-grade prostate cancer who receive active surveillance may not be at increased risk of noncurable prostate cancer. The study compared outcomes in men who delayed surgery for two years to those who underwent immediate treatment, finding no significant difference in risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 28, 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.

Study suggests MPA is effective treatment for hot flashes

A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic found that MPA was more effective than venlafaxine in reducing hot flashes by 79% versus 55%. The single dose of MPA showed long-lasting benefits, with many patients still experiencing a 90% reduction in symptoms after six months.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 28, 2006

Sperm banking gives teenage cancer patients hope for the future

A recent study found that 67% of teenage and young adult cancer patients successfully banked their sperm, despite initial obstacles such as anxiety and lack of knowledge. The researchers emphasized the importance of incorporating fertility preservation into treatment plans for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 28, 2006

Preserving hearing with ear tumor removal

A new study from the University of Michigan Medical School found that a particular surgical procedure, the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach, can preserve hearing in patients with small acoustic neuromas. The study examined 73 patients and reported a high rate of success, with three-quarters retaining useful hearing after tumor removal.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOtology & Neurotology·DateFeb 28, 2006

Pfizer renews migrant farmworker initiative grant

The program offers primary health care and enables MCG students to practice under faculty supervision. Common ailments among migrant workers include infectious diseases, gastritis, allergies, skin rashes, and musculoskeletal pain.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateFeb 28, 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.

Software promises more efficient design process

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach that unifies the design and analysis processes, allowing for concurrent computation. This integration enables faster processing of complex problems in industries such as automotive and aerospace, reducing computational power required.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvances in Engineering Software·DateFeb 28, 2006

Elders' stereotypes predict hearing decline

A Yale University study found that older individuals' age stereotypes can predict their sensory perception, with negative and external stereotypes linked to worse hearing outcomes. The study of 546 people aged 70 and older suggested that social psychological factors, such as age stereotypes, may influence hearing decline.

SourceYale University·DateFeb 28, 2006