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Science News for July 10, 2006


Scots medical researchers link up to share knowledge

The University of Edinburgh's Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility will establish a national database for clinical research training opportunities across Scotland. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of NHS Scotland healthcare teams, particularly those involved in primary care.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJul 10, 2006

U of M study finds new risk factors do not improve assessment of coronary heart disease risk

A large study found that measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and other novel risk markers does not improve the assessment of future coronary heart disease risk. The study, which followed over 15,000 adults, suggests that standard risk factors such as age, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure remain the most accurate indicators.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Racial differences found in emphysema onset

Researchers confirm racial biological differences in emphysema distribution and severity between African Americans and Caucasians. The study suggests that the mechanism underlying the disease may vary between races, highlighting the need for targeted antismoking policies and improved treatment options for African American patients.

SourceTemple University·DateJul 10, 2006

A stitch in time saves lives: High survival seen for patients with condition that killed John Ritter

Researchers found that 90% of patients who survived emergency surgery and hospitalization for aortic dissection would be alive three years later. Those without pre-existing heart and blood vessel problems were more likely to survive, with a quarter having hypertension and nearly 25% having atherosclerosis before their dissection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJul 10, 2006

Math and fossils resolve a debate on dinosaur metabolism

A new study resolves a long-standing debate on dinosaur metabolism by using mathematical modeling and fossil data to estimate body temperatures. The results suggest that the largest dinosaurs had relatively constant body temperatures maintained through thermal inertia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 10, 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.

Jellyfish dominate fish in over-harvested Namibian waters

Researchers found that jellyfish have overtaken fish in terms of biomass in heavily fished waters off Namibia's coast. Jellyfish abundance has risen significantly, with a total biomass estimated at 12.2 million metric tons, mostly contributed by large A. forskalea species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2006

Healthy lifestyle reduces women's stroke risk

A study of 37,636 women found a significant association between healthy behaviors and reduced stroke risk. Women with higher health index scores, indicating healthier lifestyles, had a lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to those with lower scores.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women still get lower-quality heart attack care than men, despite hospital improvement efforts

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women were less likely to benefit from hospitals' quality-improvement measures and received fewer drugs and lifestyle counseling after a heart attack. This disparity led to a higher risk of death within a year, despite overall improved care for both men and women.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006

Sleep strengthens memories and makes them resistant to interfering information

Researchers have discovered that sleep improves memory consolidation by strengthening recently learned word pairs and making them more resistant to interference. The study found that sleep benefits declarative memory, a type of memory linked to the brain's hippocampus, particularly when faced with competing information.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2006

Giving African surgeons online health information; cancer in minority groups

The Ptolemy Project provides electronic health information access to African surgeons, helping them deal with regional health problems. Patient navigators also aid under-served populations in accessing cancer care and services, reducing disparities. Researchers debate providing antiretroviral therapy to HIV-infected trial participants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006

Flying in tune: Buzz brings mosquito pairs together

Researchers found that mosquitoes of both sexes engage in complex mid-flight pre-mating duets, with each altering its flight tone in response to the other. This interaction serves as a mechanism for bringing together mosquitoes only of opposite sexes during pre-mating encounters.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2006

Smoking increases risk and omega-3 fatty acids decreases risk of blinding disease

A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that smoking increases the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), while a higher intake of fish and omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk. The research, conducted on 681 male twins, highlights the importance of prevention over limited treatment options for AMD.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJul 10, 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.

New tool cracks genomic code quicker than ever

A new hybrid method combines the best of old and new genome-sequencing technologies to produce better quality genomic information. The approach evaluates the utility and cost-effectiveness of two sequencing methods and finds that a hybrid method produces superior results.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2006

UCLA study of community health project shows how group dynamics affect fitness, eating habits

A UCLA-evaluated study of a demonstration project shows how incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into an office culture can significantly increase vigorous physical activity among participants. The six-week wellness-training program boosts fruit and vegetable intake, while reducing feelings of sadness and depression.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateJul 10, 2006

FSU gets $6.2 million grant to build hurricane prediction model

Florida State University will use a $6.2 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to build a more accurate hurricane prediction model. The new model, developed using FSU's supercomputer, aims to improve long-range hurricane forecasts and estimate the number of tropical storms in a season.

SourceFlorida State University·DateJul 10, 2006

Science captures the essence of fruit

Researchers at HortResearch have fine-tuned gene discovery to accurately determine fruit flavors and fragrances, enabling the creation of 'Nature Identical' compounds. Biofermentation techniques can produce desired compounds at low cost and environmental impact.

SourceKureczka/Martin Associates·DateJul 10, 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.

Live wires

Researchers have found that various bacterial species can form electrically conductive wires under different environmental conditions, leading to a new understanding of microbial energy distribution. The discovery, made by microbiologist Yuri Gorby, suggests that the planet may be 'hard-wired' with electricity-producing bacteria.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2006

World-first stem cell research could aid male infertility

Scientists have successfully produced sperm from embryonic stem cells, paving the way for new treatments for male infertility. The breakthrough, led by Karim Nayernia at Newcastle University, used mice and produced seven babies, six of which lived to adulthood.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 10, 2006

Genetic variation found that predicts response to heart failure medication

Researchers identified a common genetic variation that determines response to beta-blockers in patients with heart failure. The Arg-389 variant showed a 38% reduction in death rate among those with two copies of the gene. This discovery may lead to personalized medicine for heart failure treatment.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 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.

JRRD tipsheet: Focus on multiple sclerosis

This article discusses various aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) management in veterans, including the use of medical informatics, healthcare information systems, and patient education. The study highlights the importance of effective care models, registry development, and provider education to improve outcomes for MS patients.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 10, 2006

Research highlights risk factors for age-related vision loss

A study of elderly male twins found that eating fish frequently may decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration, while smoking nearly doubles the risk. The benefits were most apparent among individuals who consumed two or more servings of fish per week.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJul 10, 2006
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.

New model of brain sheds light on triggers of autism

A new brain model, iSTART, describes how imbalanced brain mechanisms underlie autistic behaviors. Individuals with autism exhibit hyperspecific learning, under-aroused emotional responses, and breakdowns in adaptive timing, leading to symptoms like reduced emotional expression and emotional outbursts.

SourceBoston University·JournalPsychological Review·DateJul 10, 2006

Anti-herpes drug reduces need for Caesarean sections in infected women

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that giving pregnant women with a history of genital herpes an anti-viral drug significantly lowers the rate of C-sections needed to protect infants from becoming infected. The study, involving 338 women, showed a 69% reduction in clinical herpes simplex virus at delivery.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 10, 2006

Twist on chest pain drug improves heart attack outcome

Researchers found that combining antioxidants with a chest pain drug improves heart function after a heart attack by reducing free radical damage. The antioxidant derivatives TMZ-NH and TMZ-NH showed significant protection against tissue damage during reperfusion, leading to improved blood flow and reduced infarct size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateJul 10, 2006

City trees blighted by plant disease and environmental stresses

Plant diseases such as Dutch elm disease and dogwood anthracnose threaten urban tree health, while environmental stresses like flooding and pollution harm their vitality. Urban forestry experts emphasize the importance of managing these issues for community well-being.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateJul 10, 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.

Alpine glaciers could all but disappear within this century

A study predicts Alpine glaciers could disappear within the century due to rising temperatures and precipitation changes. The majority of glacier cover is expected to be lost if summer air temperature increases by three degrees Celsius, with only the largest glaciers surviving in the 22nd century.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2006

Yellowstone ecosystem may lose key migrant

A 6,000-year-old migration route of the pronghorn antelope in Yellowstone National Park is under threat from continued development and human disturbance. The study's findings highlight the need for immediate recognition and protection to safeguard this unique population.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 10, 2006

Targeted melanoma education of high risk groups improves screening

A new study reveals that targeted melanoma education of high-risk groups leads to sustained improvements in skin self-examination rates. The intervention, which included personalized educational materials and counseling sessions, significantly increased the number of siblings who performed regular skin self-examinations.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2006

Practice builds brain connections for babies learning language, how to speak

Researchers tracked brain activity in newborns, 6-month-olds, and one-year-olds using magnetic field technology. The study found that the areas responsible for listening and speaking in the brain are linked by age, indicating that infants form connections between perception and production of speech through experience.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNeuroreport·DateJul 10, 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.

UGA researchers discover 'episodic-like' memory in rats

Researchers from the University of Georgia have found that laboratory rats possess detailed representations of remembered events, suggesting they may also have episodic-like memory. This discovery could lead to new insights into how humans with Alzheimer's or amnesia lose their memory.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2006

Natural approach to immune regulation may help transplant patients

Researchers have found that boosting HLA-G production can make dendritic cells less responsive to transplanted tissue, reducing rejection. This natural immunosuppression approach has the potential to prolong acceptance of skin grafts and other transplanted tissues.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateJul 10, 2006

Midgets and giants in the deep sea

A study by Craig McClain and colleagues found that marine snails in deep sea areas tend to be smaller than their shallow-water relatives, while those less than 12mm long become larger. This suggests a compromise between different selection pressures.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 10, 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.

Education campaign improves skin cancer screening rates

A community-based education campaign significantly increased skin cancer screening rates in men over 50, with a two-fold increase in self-screening and four-fold increase in physician-screening. Men who recognized personal risk factors or had previously removed skin lesions were more likely to undergo screening.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2006

Male circumcision could prevent millions of AIDS deaths

A large trial suggests that male circumcision reduces HIV infection risk by 60%. If all men were circumcised, 2 million new infections and 300,000 deaths could be avoided. Long-term benefits would include saving 1.6-5.8 million lives after 20 years.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006

Parkinson patients can be apathetic without depression

A recent study found that apathy is a core feature of Parkinson's disease and may occur in up to 51% of patients. Apathy with no depression was also present in 29% of those with Parkinson's disease, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 10, 2006

Two-thirds of patients say erection drug didn't work for them

A large-scale study found that two-thirds of patients stopped using Uprima due to ineffectiveness, with 70% of family doctors agreeing. The study analyzed data from 11,185 patients and showed that the most common adverse reactions were headache and nausea.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalBJU International·DateJul 10, 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.