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Science News for January 9, 2006


Glaucoma treatment time and costs increase as disease progresses

The study found that direct ophthalmology-related resource use increased with disease severity, resulting in higher costs. The average direct cost of treatment ranged from $623 to $2,511 per patient per year, with medication costs being the largest proportion of total direct cost.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJan 9, 2006

An engineer, a dentist, a veterinarian build bone tissue

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new bone tissue engineering material using amorphous calcium phosphates, which they believe could lead to faster and higher quality bone formation. The team's work, in collaboration with the American Dental Association, is currently in press for several scientific journals.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJan 9, 2006

Patient safety monitoring at Hopkins Hospital finds law of unintended consequences at work

A Hopkins investigation found that a newly introduced catheter valve was linked to a spike in bloodstream infections in the pediatric intensive care unit. The team identified mechanical issues with the device as the likely source of infection, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of technology's safety.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 9, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fatigue and breast cancer survivors

A longitudinal study found that breast cancer survivors experience persistent fatigue in a minority of cases, highlighting their resilience. Factors associated with fatigue include depressive symptoms, pain control problems, and treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 9, 2006

Education needed to reduce snowmobile injuries in children

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that most snowmobiling injuries in children are caused by ejection, falls or collisions. Education on helmet use, reducing speeds and increasing state regulations can significantly reduce these types of injuries.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJan 9, 2006

Car make, age and fuel economy all affect how much vehicles pollute, study finds

A study examining nearly 4 million cars found that newer models tend to be cleaner, while older vehicles emit more pollutants. The study also found that some car makes, such as Hyundai and Mitsubishi, are more prone to failing emissions tests due to their age and maintenance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateJan 9, 2006

Rewriting glacial history in Pacific North America

A recent study found that glaciers in Pacific North America underwent a regionally-extensive expansion during the first millennium AD, contradicting previous assumptions about past glacier activity. This discovery suggests that regional climate cycles have cycled from warmer to colder intervals several times over the last 10,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalGeology·DateJan 9, 2006

In bacterial diversity, Amazon is a 'desert'; Desert is an 'Amazon'

A study published in PNAS reveals that Amazonian soils support complex microbial communities, with diversity varying by soil pH and temperature. The research, led by Noah Fierer and Robert Jackson, uses DNA fingerprinting to compare microbial species diversity across North and South America.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 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.

HealthGrades identifies hospitals with highest-rated specialty practices

The Specialty Excellence Awards recognize hospitals with the lowest risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates in eight specialty areas. HealthGrades analyzed star ratings for procedures and diagnoses to determine the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, highlighting exceptional patient outcomes across various specialties.

SourceHealthGrades·DateJan 9, 2006

Face perception is modulated by sexual orientation

Research suggests that sexual orientation influences how people perceive individual faces, particularly in the brain's reward circuitry. The study found that heterosexual women and homosexual men responded more strongly to male faces, while heterosexual men and homosexual women responded more to female faces.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 9, 2006

Two pathways found that lead to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers identified two forms of mild cognitive impairment that progress at the same rate to Alzheimer's disease. Using 3D brain imaging, they found distinct patterns of brain damage in people with MCI-A and MCI-MCD, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJan 9, 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.

Tumor cells that border normal tissue are told to leave

Tumor cells that border normal tissue exhibit distinct behavior, losing surface proteins and gaining the ability to dissolve matrix surrounding cells. This change signals activation of proteins allowing tumor cells to migrate, posing a risk for metastasis. The discovery highlights the importance of tumor environment in cancer progression.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 9, 2006

Role models influence ethical behavior

College students who have positive role models such as clergy, Boy Scout leaders, friends, and college advisers exhibit less willingness to adopt questionable ethical behavior in negotiations. In contrast, those with negative role models like journalists and coaches tend to be more accepting of unethical tactics.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateJan 9, 2006

Administering stem cells to patients with myocardial infarction leads to a reduction of the infarct

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering bone marrow stem cells to patients with acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant reduction of the infarct size and improved regional left ventricle function. The findings suggest potential benefits for targeted clinical and pre-clinical research.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 9, 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.

New drug lets thyroid cancer patients avoid nasty side effects during treatment

Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for thyroid cancer that allows patients to continue their thyroid hormone replacement therapy while undergoing radioiodine treatment, reducing unpleasant side effects. This breakthrough could improve the overall quality of life for thyroid cancer patients during treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 9, 2006

Scientists make first step towards 'holy grail' of crystallography

Researchers at Imperial College London have made a significant breakthrough in protein crystal formation using a novel porous material called BioGlass. The team successfully induced the crystallization of the largest number of proteins ever achieved using a single nucleant, offering new hope for drug discovery.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2006

Plant-derived vaccines safeguard against deadly plague

A new plant-based system rapidly produces high levels of antigens that confer immunity against the plague. Guinea pigs vaccinated with the new antigen exhibited higher survival rates compared to traditional vaccines.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2006

Use of proven heart medicines improves, but not enough

Researchers found that patients who consistently took aspirin had a 42% reduction in risk of death, while beta-blocker and lipid-lowering medicine users saw 37% and 48% reductions respectively. However, consistent use was low for these medications, with only 71% of aspirin users taking it regularly.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJan 9, 2006

Evolutionary shifts in olfactory sensitivities in fruit flies

Researchers found that fruit fly species D. sechellia develops a specialized olfactory system to detect the morinda fruit, which is toxic to other species. This unique system involves increased numbers and sensitivity of specific olfactory hairs, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation in just a limited time span.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 9, 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.

Polymer aids in blood clotting, pointing way to new treatment

Researchers have discovered that polyphosphate accelerates blood clotting and delays its breakdown, leading to longer-lasting clots. The Center for Hemostasis Research at the University of Illinois will continue to study this discovery to develop effective treatments for uncontrollable bleeding.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2006

UCLA develops new method to track neuron cell death leading to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to track neuronal cell death in the hippocampus, a key memory center, which may lead to early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that 49% of Alzheimer's patients and 24% of mild cognitive impairment patients showed significant density decreases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2006

Researchers confirm role of massive flood in climate change

Researchers used GISS Model E-R to simulate a massive freshwater flood into the North Atlantic around 8,200 years ago and found it had moderate effects on global temperatures. The study suggests that similar events may have occurred in the past and can inform our understanding of future climate scenarios.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 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.

Follow-up study shows drug slows severe Alzheimer's symptoms for one year

A new study verifies Namenda's effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The medication maintained its benefits when continued treatment was added to the original 28-week study.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJan 9, 2006

Profit-driven corporations can make management blind to ethics, study says

A recent study by University of Washington researcher Scott Reynolds found that people who focus on the ends (consequences) are less sensitive to ethical issues involving rule violations. In contrast, those who prioritize means (morality) recognize both harmful and non-harmful situations as ethical issues.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJan 9, 2006

Massive star cluster found in Milky Way

Astronomers have found a massive star cluster in the Milky Way, consisting of 14 supergiants with a total mass of at least 20,000 solar masses. This discovery may challenge existing massive star formation models and provides valuable insights into the evolution of these stars.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJan 9, 2006

Zebra finches remember songs dad sang

Researchers discovered that zebra finches store auditory memories of caregivers' songs in a specific part of the brain involved in hearing, which may underlie vocal learning in songbirds and provide clues to human speech acquisition. This finding supports independent evidence from Patricia Kuhl's work on infant language development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2006

Large survey of galaxies yields new findings on star formation

A new study analyzing data from the Extended Groth Strip Survey found that galaxy weights play a crucial role in determining star formation rates. Researchers discovered that heavy galaxies form stars early and rapidly, while smaller galaxies form their stars over longer timescales.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateJan 9, 2006
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Researchers discover new way to stimulate brain to release antioxidants

A new way to stimulate the brain to release antioxidants has been discovered by researchers, potentially treating ischemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. The NEPPs compound activates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway to regulate antioxidant production, offering a promising approach for neuroprotection.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2006

15 percent of US employees work under influence of alcohol

A study of 2,805 US workers found that 1.8% have consumed alcohol before work and 7.1% drink during the day, with men and younger workers more affected. Most workplace alcohol use is infrequent, but its impact on productivity and safety is significant.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol·DateJan 9, 2006

Screening test for prostate cancer does not improve survival

A study of over 1,000 male veterans found that prostate cancer screening with PSA testing did not prolong survival. Researchers compared men who died from prostate cancer to those living with the disease and found no difference in screening rates.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2006

Avian flu transmission to humans may be higher than thought

A large epidemiological study in Vietnam suggests that avian flu transmission to humans is more common than previously recognized, with symptoms often mild and requiring close contact with infected poultry. The study found that direct contact with sick or dead poultry was the highest risk factor for developing flu-like illness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 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.

MBL leads effort to update E. coli genome

A comprehensive update of E. coli K-12 genes has been published, providing a centralized resource for the scientific community. The project, led by MBL scientists, aims to improve understanding of gene function and accelerate laboratory work.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJan 9, 2006

Screening for prostate cancer may not reduce men's risk of death

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that screening for prostate cancer does not necessarily prolong survival. The research, which included over 72,000 veterans, showed that even men who received screenings were not at lower risk of death from prostate cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2006

Scientists probe black hole's inner sanctum

A team of scientists measured gas motions within 10 light-years of a supermassive black hole, confirming main theories at unprecedented scales. The observations revealed dynamic shifts in the gas and showed spiral arms pulling gas from distant regions.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJan 9, 2006

Motor symptoms associated with increased risk for future Parkinson's disease

Researchers identified a preclinical phase of Parkinson's disease characterized by mild motor symptoms, which can be detected through assessment of subjective complaints. Over 6,000 elderly people were studied for an average of 5.8 years, revealing that those who reported stiffness, tremors or imbalance were more likely to develop PD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJan 9, 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.

Genetic mutation linked to West Nile virus infection

A genetic mutation, CCR5delta32, makes individuals more susceptible to West Nile virus infections. Research suggests that this lack of a protein can prevent protective immune cells from reaching the brain, increasing the risk of severe disease.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 9, 2006

Losing sleep undoes the rejuvenating effects new learning has on the brain

Researchers found that sleep-restricted rats showed reduced neurogenesis in the hippocampus after learning a spatial task. However, those who used visual and odor cues to navigate had better performance on the task, suggesting an adaptive strategy to compensate for lack of sleep.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJan 9, 2006

Family influences breast cancer treatment among older Hispanics

A study of 257 breast cancer patients aged 55+ found that Hispanic women were more likely to identify a family member as the final decision-maker for treatment. This led to lower rates of breast-conserving surgery compared to mastectomy in these patients. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging patients' family members in ...

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 9, 2006

Treating glaucoma early lowers economic burden

A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that patients with end-stage glaucoma consume approximately $2,511 per year in healthcare resources, compared to $623 for those with early-stage disease. Effective treatments at earlier stages can slow or halt disease progression, saving both patients and society from greater economi...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJan 9, 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.

Higher intake of vegetable protein associated with lower blood pressure levels

A study analyzing data from the INTERMAP study found a significant association between higher vegetable protein intake and lower blood pressure levels. The researchers suggest that amino acids in vegetable proteins may play a role in this effect, and other dietary components like magnesium may also contribute.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2006

Milky Way galaxy is warped and vibrating like a drum

Researchers have charted a warp in the Milky Way's hydrogen gas layer, finding it vibrates like a drum due to interaction with dark matter. The Magellanic Clouds' passage through the dark matter halo creates a wake that enhances their gravitational influence on the disk.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 9, 2006

Surgery can ease sleep problems for those with brain malformations

A study published in Neurology found that over 70% of people with Chiari Malformations experience sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness. Surgery to relieve compression on the brain stem improved symptoms, reducing central sleep apnea occurrences by 90% and micro-arousals by 30%.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 9, 2006

New data show Ferriprox is more efficacious than deferoxamine

Ferriprox has been shown to provide significantly better cardio-protection compared to deferoxamine, reducing heart iron concentrations and improving cardiac function in thalassemia patients. The study findings suggest that Ferriprox's small structure provides a greater potential to chelate intracellular iron in the heart.

SourceKetchum UK·JournalBlood·DateJan 9, 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 insight into machinery of immune cells' 'tentacles'

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a crucial signaling pathway involving the protein Abi, which regulates actin filament formation in T cells. This process is essential for the T cell to attach to and target infected cells.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 9, 2006

Trusted head injury prevention technique debunked

A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that traditional neck muscle resistance training does not reduce a player's head acceleration during impact, contrary to popular thinking in athletics. The eight-week program did improve neck muscle strength but failed to enhance head stabilization.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateJan 9, 2006

Psychologists make better shareholders

A study of 6,500 participants found that psychologists made bigger profits by bucking the trend and not following other investors. They attributed share prices to psychological effects rather than herd behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 9, 2006
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.

Florida Tech, FSRI receive $1.3 million federal grant for space research

A new federal grant will support joint faculty appointments, biomedical projects, and research collaborations between Florida Tech, FSRI, and other universities and companies. The funding aims to develop countermeasures for radiation exposure and other health issues associated with long-duration space missions.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateJan 9, 2006

Variation in bitter-taste receptor gene increases risk for alcoholism

A study by Washington University researchers found a single base variation in the TAS2R16 receptor gene that increases the risk of alcohol dependence, with higher incidence in African Americans and lower sensitivity to bitter tastes among those with this variant.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 9, 2006