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Science News for January 13, 2006


Information technologies reshaping the real estate landscape in unexpected ways

The study reveals that information technologies have increased the quantity of available information in real estate, leading to better-informed consumers who demand specialized services. Virtual tours, online bidding, and national competition have also resulted in additional specializations for professionals and new business models.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Information Technology·DateJan 13, 2006

People who restrict calories have 'younger' hearts

A recent study found that people who restrict calories have hearts that are more elastic and function better than those of control subjects. The study also showed lower levels of inflammatory markers in the caloric restriction group, indicating reduced chronic inflammation.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 13, 2006

Anti-adhesive layers leave no hope for insects

Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Metals Research and University of Hohenheim investigate the effect of two-layered crystalline wax on insect attachment. The upper layer contaminates insects' feet, while the lower layer reduces contact area between feet and substrate, resulting in slippery zone that traps insects.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 13, 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.

Patients now surviving once-fatal immune disease

A study of 41 adults with X-linked agammaglobulinemia found that most can function as relatively healthy individuals despite chronic, low-grade infections. Patients reported good health and quality of life, with many working full-time or attending school.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalClinical Immunology·DateJan 13, 2006

Illinois pig to make history as source of first complete swine genome

The Illinois pig project will sequence 2.5 billion chemical base pairs at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK, revealing similarities with the human genome. The completed swine genome is expected to lead to advancements in biomedicine, including transplants and disease treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJan 13, 2006

Sir Roger Penrose receives 2006 JPBM Communications Award

Sir Roger Penrose has received the 2006 JPBM Communications Award for his groundbreaking contributions to mathematics. His influential books, such as "The Emperor's New Mind" and "The Road to Reality", have made mathematical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateJan 13, 2006

Full-day vs. half-day kindergarten

Research suggests that full-day kindergarten provides better cognitive learning outcomes for all children, including disadvantaged ones, due to its broadened social and academic experiences. Successful teachers utilize the extra time to enhance students' skills in both subjects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateJan 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.

Caffeine limits blood flow to heart muscle during exercise

Research suggests that caffeine may impair peak heart function by blunting the increase in myocardial blood flow needed during exercise. The study found significant reductions in blood flow measurements after caffeine intake, particularly in individuals with reduced coronary flow reserve.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 13, 2006

Fat chance of becoming manic-depressive

A team of scientists from the University of New South Wales has identified a gene called FAT that is associated with an increased risk of bipolar disorder. The discovery was made using a multi-faceted approach that included studying families, patients, and therapeutic drug mouse models.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2006

Thiamin deficiency common in hospitalized heart failure patients

A study found that one-third of congestive heart failure patients had low thiamin levels, highlighting the importance of diet in managing serious conditions. Vitamin supplements may help prevent thiamin deficiency and improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 13, 2006

Flu not the only germ threat this time of year

Research by Ann Falsey and Edward Walsh finds that RSV affects elderly and high-risk adults as much as the flu, causing thousands of deaths annually. Hand washing remains ineffective in preventing RSV, despite its proven ability to prevent other infections.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJan 13, 2006

Smoking during pregnancy may affect baby's fingers and toes

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital digital anomalies, such as polydactyly and syndactyly, by up to 78%. The risk is higher for women who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes per day.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 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.

American Mathematical Society awards 2006 prizes

The American Mathematical Society has awarded lifetime achievement and research prizes to seven mathematicians for their outstanding contributions to the field. The winners include Frederick Gering, Dennis Sullivan, Lars Hormander, Clifford Gardner, John Greene, Martin Kruskal, and Robert Miura. These prestigious awards recognize the m...

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateJan 13, 2006

Hospital volume doesn't explain racial disparity in cardiovascular procedure deaths

Researchers analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of heart surgeries and found African-American patients face a two-fold increased risk of post-procedure death. Despite better access to high-volume hospitals, racial differences in mortality rates remain, highlighting the need for quality improvement beyond hospital volume.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 13, 2006