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Science News for July 12, 2006


Researchers gain insight into why brain areas fail to work together in autism

Studies found that people with autism have reduced connections and coordination between brain areas, leading to difficulties in problem-solving and communication. The research provides evidence for a new theory that views autism as a failure of brain regions to communicate with each other.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 12, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New NIAID program aims to model immune responses and key infectious diseases

The Program in Systems Immunology and Infectious Disease Modeling (PSIIM) aims to understand complex biochemical networks regulating interactions between pathogens and human cells. The program employs Simmune software to simulate biological systems, enabling scientists to predict how drugs affect cell behavior and develop new treatments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 12, 2006

How parachute spiders invade new territory

Researchers have developed a new model explaining how spiders 'fly' or parachute into new territory on single strands of silk. The model shows how the spider's silk moulds to turbulent air flows, carrying them unpredictable distances. This breakthrough could alleviate pesticide use and improve ecosystem balance.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJul 12, 2006

People with a sweet tooth eat more fruit, study finds

A study published in Appetite magazine found that people who like sweets tend to eat more fruit, while those who prefer fruits tend to eat more sweets. The research analyzed data from over 770 individuals and suggests that understanding food preferences can inform strategies to increase fruit consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 12, 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.

Women at greater risk from working long hours

A new study finds that women who work long hours are more prone to eating high-fat, high-sugar snacks, exercising less, and consuming more caffeine. Meanwhile, men tend to experience no negative effects from working longer hours on their exercise habits, caffeine intake, or smoking.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 12, 2006

Treatment developed for patients with medically unexplained symptoms

A new treatment plan involving behavior modification and pharmaceutical treatment has shown marked improvement in nearly half of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. The treatment also emphasizes improved communication between patient and doctor, highlighting the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

Warning signs for potential re-abuse of children identified

A systematic review identified warning signs for potential re-abuse of children, including neglect, emotional and physical abuse, and parental mental health problems. Children who experienced previous maltreatment were six times more likely to be abused again within a month.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 12, 2006

Late talking toddler: New research debunks the myth

A large study has found that parents are not to blame for late talking toddlers, as environmental and neuro-developmental factors play a greater role in language emergence. Children with siblings or family history of late talkers are at higher risk, while education, income, and mental health have no impact.

SourceResearch Australia·DateJul 12, 2006

Paint-on semiconductor outperforms chips

A new paint-on semiconductor device has been developed by researchers at the University of Toronto, surpassing traditional methods in terms of cost and performance. The device, created using a liquid painting process, boasts exceptional sensitivity to infrared rays and is approximately ten times more sensitive than current sensors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

Increased risk of hantavirus forecast for US southwest

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and the University of New Mexico have forecast an increased risk of hantavirus outbreaks in the US southwest in 2006. The study used satellite imagery to analyze ecological conditions and predict disease spread, with moderate risk levels similar to those in previous years.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJul 12, 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.

Fitting software to students

A recent study at the University of Southern California found that motivated students excel in Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), while disengaged students surprisingly show high levels of learning-oriented behavior. The research suggests that ITS can reach struggling students through private learning opportunities, and future models ...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 12, 2006

After the Big Bang: Project explores seconds that shaped the universe

Researchers recreated quark-gluon plasma at RHIC, studying matter in its earliest form and gaining insights into the universe's evolution. The project also improves nuclear equipment training for young researchers, with applications in cancer radiotherapy and material analysis.

SourceKent State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 12, 2006

Controlling movement through thought alone

Researchers developed a brain-to-movement system called BrainGate, which enabled a paralyzed man to control objects using only his thoughts. The pilot clinical trial findings show that movement signals persist in the primary motor cortex long after a spinal cord injury, allowing for direct and successful control of external devices.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

Study shows that parasites form the thread of food webs

Researchers found that parasites dominated the links between species in food webs, with a significant impact on ecosystem stability. The study also revealed new patterns, including increased vulnerability of mid-trophic level animals to parasites and predators.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 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.

Radon testing as a campus community service

A university health physicist offers radon testing as a campus community service, providing long-term testing kits to residents. The program aims to provide accurate information and reassurance to homeowners concerned about radon levels in their homes.

SourceHealth Physics Society·DateJul 12, 2006

Eye blood vessel width may indicate coronary heart death risk

A study of over 3600 adults found that narrower arterioles and wider venules were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. The results suggest that retinal photography may be a useful non-invasive method for assessing this risk, particularly in women.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateJul 12, 2006

Beyond lipids: understanding the mechanics of atherosclerosis

Researchers at University of California - San Diego found that mechanical stretching activates cellular protein JNK, damaging cells and contributing to atherosclerosis. This discovery may help design better treatment approaches for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCellular Signalling·DateJul 12, 2006
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

People living alone double their risk of serious heart disease

A cohort of over 138,000 adults in Denmark found that those living alone have a twofold increased risk of severe angina and heart attack. Poor education, pension, age, and social isolation are key factors contributing to this increased risk.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 12, 2006

Brain-computer link allows paralyzed patient to manipulate devices by thought

Researchers at MGH and Cyberkinetics have successfully linked a paralyzed patient's thoughts to electronic impulses, allowing him to control devices such as a computer cursor and prosthetic hand. The breakthrough uses the BrainGate Neural Interface System, which translates brain signals into electronic commands.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

New source of multipotent adult stem cells discovered in human hair follicles

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have isolated a novel population of multipotent adult stem cells from human hair follicles. These cells can differentiate into nerve cells, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes, offering potential treatments for various disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 12, 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.

Researchers discover communication signal for tissue development

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified a crucial signaling pathway involved in tissue growth and wound healing. The discovery provides new insights into how cells interact during tissue remodeling and may lead to novel therapeutics for diseases such as cancer and arthritis.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 12, 2006

One therapeutic dose of radiation causes 30 percent spongy bone loss in mice

A study published by the American Physiological Society found that a single therapeutic dose of radiation can cause up to 39% spongy bone loss in mice, reducing their weight-bearing connections by 64%. This has significant implications for astronauts on long space missions and patients receiving radiation therapy.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 12, 2006

New procedure safer for detecting fetal anemia

Researchers developed a non-invasive Doppler ultrasonography method to detect fetal anemia in high-risk pregnancies. The study found that this new procedure is safer than traditional testing methods, which can be traumatic for the mother and carry a risk of miscarriage.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2006

Scientists build brain box computer

Researchers aim to understand how complex visual scenes are encoded by the brain using a new computer model. The computer will mimic nerve cell interactions and track patterns of neural spikes in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 12, 2006

Laser tweezers sort atoms

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully sorted atoms using laser tweezers, a crucial step towards creating a quantum computer. By precisely controlling the position of individual atoms, they can perform simple quantum calculations and pave the way for more complex computations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Brain-computer link lets paralyzed patients convert thoughts into actions

Researchers have developed a system that enables people with severe paralysis to generate signals in the motor cortex of their brain, which can be detected and converted into actions. Two patients, Matthew Nagle and a 55-year-old man, successfully controlled computers and even opened prosthetic hands using only their thoughts.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

Allergy battle could be won in five years, says scientist

Researchers are developing drugs called Allergen Delivery Inhibitors (ADIs) to stop allergens from entering the body. These ADIs promise to be significantly better than current treatments, which only ease symptoms rather than preventing allergic reactions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 12, 2006

Routine ECGs for newborns would identify life-threatening heart condition

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that routine ECG screening for newborns can identify life-threatening genetic conditions like long QT syndrome, which can be prevented with medication. The cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that this program could save up to 27 lives per year in Italy.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJul 12, 2006

Coming soon: 3-D imaging that flies 'through' and 'around' cancer

Stanford University researchers developed a 3D PET/CT imaging technique that provides a visual navigation of organs, allowing for better detection and characterization of cancer. The technology has potential for presurgical visualization, guiding biopsies and identifying tumor 'hot spots', enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.