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Science News Archive January 2006


Page 3 of 13

Yale group to study atmospheric 'tsunamis'

Yale researchers will observe, describe, and explain severe atmospheric turbulence over mountains, focusing on 'gravity waves' that impact the stratosphere. The Terrain-induced Rotors Experiment (T-Rex) project aims to measure properties of whirlwinds formed in mountain ranges and monitor gravity wave behavior.

Wyoming cloud seeding experiment begins this month

The Wyoming Cloud Seeding Pilot Program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of silver iodide in increasing snowpack and providing fresh water. A 10% increase in snowpack would provide significant benefits, including increased water supply and hydroelectric power generation.

DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes serve as sensors in living cells

Researchers have developed DNA-wrapped carbon nanotube sensors that can detect low concentrations of mercury ions in whole blood, opaque solutions, and living mammalian cells. The sensors work by detecting changes in the DNA's shape structure, which is triggered by the presence of target ions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: How to make mentors matter in the sciences

The Wisconsin Mentoring Seminar helps graduate researchers develop effective mentorship skills to improve student productivity and retention. The program has been successful in promoting good scientific teaching through its real-time discussions and collaborative efforts.

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.

Rain gardens soak up urban storm water pollution

Researchers found that rain gardens significantly reduced concentrations of nitrates, ammonias, phosphorous and other pollutants reaching storm drains. Design tweaks allowed bacteria in the soil to convert harmful nitrates into nitrogen gas, preventing them from entering groundwater.

Life leaves subtle signature in the lay of the land

Researchers from UC Berkeley found no signature of life in Earth's topography, contrary to previous assumptions. Instead, they suggest that life's influence is more subtle, shaping landforms like rounded hills and meandering rivers, but not creating unique features.

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.

New pathway could present an intervention point for cancer treatment

Researchers have identified a new pathway for cancer treatment by targeting the degradation of steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC3) through the REG-GAMMA molecule. High levels of SRC3 can lead to tumor growth in breast cancer, but low levels of REG-GAMMA can activate its destruction, potentially halting tumor progression.

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

Research suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is influenced by multiple factors, including neuroticism, introversion, and genetics. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exercise therapy have been found to be effective in managing symptoms.

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.

Researchers map of genetic variations implicated in disease

A detailed study of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region reveals a region of stability that may have provided protection against infection and disease. The study found over 300 amino acid changing variants, strong candidates for functional studies to understand the role of variation in MHC-associated disease.

Role of the nervous system in regulating stem cells discovered

The sympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating hematopoietic stem cell mobilization. Researchers found that defects in the transmission of signals via this system can stall stem cell movement. Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system restored stem cell movement in mice with impaired ability to respond to n...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

BRCA1 gene found to inhibit two sex hormones, not just one

The study found that the BRCA1 gene interacts with progesterone receptors to inhibit growth, but its absence leads to increased growth in response to estrogen and progestin. This understanding could lead to new treatment options for hormone-dependent cancers and ordinary cancers resulting from under-expressed BRCA1 genes.

Approaching a stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease

Two genes, Lmx1a and Msx1, play a critical role in forming cerebral dopamine cells. This discovery can be used to control the formation of dopamine-producing cells from stem cells in a highly effective manner, representing an important step towards a stem-cell-based treatment for Parkinson's Disease.

Headache, sleep problems connected in children

A study of 100 children with chronic daily headache and 100 children with episodic headache found that sleep disturbance was a common issue in both groups. The researchers suggest that addressing sleep problems may help alleviate headaches and prevent the progression from episodic to chronic daily headache.

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.

Hunt for planets outside solar system uncovers a small one

Astronomers have found a small planet with a mass about five times that of Earth, orbiting a small star near the center of the galaxy. The discovery suggests there are many other small planets in habitable zones, where temperatures are moderate enough for liquid water to appear on their surfaces.

Trace the money

Researchers from Max Planck Institute used data from a popular internet game to analyze banknote movements, finding universal scaling laws that govern human travel behavior. These laws provide insight into the statistical rules governing the spread of diseases.

Anxious fathers make caesarean ops more painful for mothers

Researchers found that anxious fathers can increase a mother's pain experience after a caesarean delivery. Preparing the birth partner through antenatal classes and pre-operation support may reduce post-operative pain and improve the birth experience.

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.

Study on hypertension indicates racial disparity among Hispanics

A recent study by Dr. Luisa Borrell at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals a racial disparity in hypertension among Hispanics, suggesting that being Black within this ethnic group is associated with the highest prevalence of high blood pressure. The research highlights the importance of addressing health inequ...

Robot set loose to film your insides

A new robot system developed by Dmitry Oleynikov and colleagues enables surgeons to visualize the abdominal cavity using minimal incisions, allowing for less trauma and potentially reducing scars. The device is controlled from a console and can be inserted through small incisions, allowing for more flexibility in surgical procedures.

It's far, it's small, it's cool: It's an icy exoplanet!

Astronomers have discovered the first and only icy exoplanet that matches theoretical predictions for Solar System formation. OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb orbits a small red star at an extremely close distance, with a surface temperature of -220°C, and is likely to resemble Pluto more than rocky planets like Earth.

AGU journal highlights - 25 January 2006

Research highlights the impact of aerosols on ocean temperature, with manmade aerosols delaying warming by several decades. Ship emissions also make clouds brighter and higher near European harbors.

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.

Closer to home

The discovery of OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb provides strong evidence that low-mass planets, potentially supporting life, are more common than Jupiter-like gas giants. Researchers hope the gravitational microlensing technique will reveal more habitable worlds in the Milky Way galaxy.

Use your brain, halve your risk of dementia

A comprehensive review of 29,000 individuals across 22 studies found that mentally stimulating leisure activities can significantly reduce dementia risk. Individuals with high brain reserve have a 46% decreased risk of dementia compared to those with low brain reserve.

Hurricane Katrina: Who was hit? Who will return?

A demographic analysis reveals significant disparities between damaged areas and undamaged zones, with black and poor residents facing greater odds of harm. The findings have implications for the future of the Gulf region, particularly in New Orleans.

Two new lakes found beneath Antarctic ice sheet

Scientists have identified two large subglacial lakes beneath the Antarctic ice sheet, 90ºE and Sovetskaya. These lakes are estimated to be around 2,000km2 and 1,600km2 in size, respectively, and are sealed beneath over two miles of ice.

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.

Hypertension data may mask racial disparities among Hispanics

A recent study suggests that U.S. Hispanics have lower rates of high blood pressure than non-Hispanics, but this advantage disappears when race is accounted for. The research found that black Hispanics exhibit the highest prevalence of hypertension, regardless of their ethnicity.

Penguins okay with human visitors— for now

Researchers found that Magellanic Penguins in Argentina's largest colony can handle up to 70,000 annual visitors without significant stress or harm. However, the study highlights the challenges of quantifying long-term consequences of human disturbance on wildlife.

'To be or, or ... um ... line!'

A study by cognitive psychologists Helga Noice and Tony Noice found that actors acquire lines quickly by focusing on the character's intention, rather than just memorizing the words. This 'active experiencing' principle is effective not only for actors but also for improving memory and cognition in older adults.

Master genetic switch found for chronic pain

Researchers found that the Runx1 gene is essential for the development and function of nociceptive sensory neurons, which are responsible for sensing pain. The study reveals that Runx1 regulates the specification of these neurons and their wiring, providing a genetic basis for chronic pain.

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.

Of mice, men, trees and the global carbon cycle

A new study reveals that plant metabolic rates are driven by nitrogen content, which has significant implications for understanding the global carbon cycle. By estimating nitrogen content, scientists can model plant metabolism and better assess the global plant metabolic rate.

Breast ducts: A new site for cancer treatment?

Researchers are investigating delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to breast ducts to treat early breast cancer. Studies in rats and mice show promising results, with tumors shrinking or disappearing after treatment. The procedure aims to minimize disfigurement and spare normal tissues.

UW scientists unravel critical genetic puzzle for flu virus replication

Researchers at UW-Madison have discovered a systematic mechanism for the influenza virus to package its genetic materials, enabling the development of new antiviral drugs and more efficient vaccine production. This finding has significant implications for addressing avian influenza pandemics.

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.

Yale study: Not enough metals in earth to meet global demand

Researchers estimate that copper and zinc reserves are not enough to meet future demands if all nations adopt modern technologies, threatening sustainable resource use. The study suggests that scarce metals like platinum risk depletion in this century due to lack of substitutes.

Warning of risk to breast cancer patients from vaginal oestrogen

A study has found that vaginal oestrogen can increase systemic oestradiol levels in women on aromatase inhibitors (AI) for breast cancer, potentially counteracting AI treatment. Researchers recommend avoiding the combination of AIs and vaginal oestrogens, except in exceptional circumstances.

Researchers discover smallest planet outside solar system

Astronomers have detected a rocky, icy planet about five-and-a-half times the mass of Earth, located over 20,000 light years away. The discovery was made possible by gravitational microlensing, which may lead to finding smaller planets in habitable zones around stars.

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.

Satellites show Amazon parks, indigenous reserves stop forest clearing

A study using satellite data found that indigenous lands are highly effective in stopping deforestation, with some areas showing less than 1% inner deforestation rates despite high rates of outer deforestation. This contradicts the assumption that indigenous peoples will cease to protect forests with acculturation.

NJIT mathematician receives noted math prize

A renowned NJIT mathematician has been awarded the prestigious Steele Prize for his groundbreaking work on the Korteweg-de-Vries equation, a problem that had stumped mathematicians for decades. The award is a testament to Miura's innovative approach and contributions to the field of mathematics.

2005 was the warmest year in a century

The year 2005 may have been the warmest year in a century, with global temperatures returning to levels seen in 1998. The Earth has warmed by 0.6° C or 1.08° F over the past 30 years and 0.8° C or 1.44° F over the past 100 years.

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.

HIV prevention hope: Yogurt bugs that make antiviral drugs

Scientists have successfully engineered lactic acid bacteria to produce a viricide that disables HIV, paving the way for potential use as a microbicide. The genetically modified bacteria will be tested in monkeys this summer, with human trials planned for three years.

Common bacteria pirate natural mechanism to get inside cells

Researchers have found that common bacteria can exploit a natural mechanism to get inside cells, using receptors and nitric oxide to evade the immune system. By controlling dynamin activity through inhibition of nitric oxide synthases, new methods to prevent infections may be developed.

Professor to explore global emergence of engineering

The project 'Engineers and the Metrics of Progress' maps engineering education in reverse chronology, tracing how engineers have responded to various ideas of progress. By analyzing these responses, researchers aim to demonstrate engineers' key role in promoting national identity worldwide.

Livermore researchers shed light on physical properties of carbon

Researchers from Livermore have determined the phase boundaries for carbon at pressures up to 20 million atmospheres and temperatures over 10,000 degrees Kelvin. The study provides results on the physical properties of carbon, essential for devising models of Neptune, Uranus, and white dwarf stars.