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Science News for July 24, 2006


The more alcoholic relatives a person has, the more they need to drink to feel alcohol's effects

A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that individuals with more alcoholic relatives are more likely to experience alcohol-related problems. The research used data from 376 male participants over 20 years, analyzing the relationships between response to alcohol, family history, and various outcomes.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJul 24, 2006

Slowing Alzheimer's disease by keeping mind and body active

Researchers found that environmental enrichment reduced amyloid angiopathy and Aβ plaque burden in TgCRND8 mice, suggesting a protective effect against Alzheimer's-like brain pathology. Enhanced mental and physical activity may slow disease progression via pathways that prevent Aβ accumulation and enhance its clearance.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 24, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For-profit research ethics committees: How are they performing?

Research ethics committees run for profit face criticism for prioritizing sponsors' interests over study safety. Examples show that well-performing for-profit IRBs exist, but critics argue that the financial stakes create a conflict of interest. Huge profits from clinical trials can lead to delays in approval and impact patient care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 24, 2006

Elephants avoid costly mountaineering

Researchers found that elephants in northern Kenya's Samburu/Isiolo/Laikipia districts prefer flat terrain to reduce energy expenditure. The study suggests that large animals like elephants have different views of their surroundings than smaller ones, considering energy replenishment needs.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 24, 2006

DOE JGI sequences, releases genome of symbiotic tree fungus

The Laccaria genome sequence will provide critical insights into the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, enabling faster-growing trees with enhanced biomass production. The study highlights the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems and their potential to mitigate climate change.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateJul 24, 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.

SOPHE journals examine new research & practice solutions

The SAGE journals examine the latest research and best practices in public health education to address health disparities. Key findings highlight the importance of a transdisciplinary approach and community-driven initiatives, such as the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateJul 24, 2006

Velvet worm brains reveal secret sisterhood with spiders

Researchers have found that velvet worms, ancient creatures thought to be similar to ancestors of modern arthropods, share brain structures more closely related to those of spiders and scorpions than initially thought. This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of these fascinating animals.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJul 24, 2006

It's all in the genes

Scientists found that genetic diversity in foundation species, like the cottonwood tree, drives the structure of entire ecosystems. This knowledge has far-reaching implications for conservation efforts and understanding the impact of genetically modified organisms on landscapes.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateJul 24, 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.

Researchers develop novel mouse model to witness immune system attack on chlamydia

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a new mouse model that allows scientists to study how the immune system responds to Chlamydia. The breakthrough enables tracking of T cell responses in reproductive tissues, shedding light on potential avenues for developing vaccines against this common STD.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2006

Pine plantations may be one culprit in increasing carbon dioxide levels

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that pine plantations in the southern United States could be a significant contributor to rising carbon dioxide levels. The researchers estimate that up to 10 million acres of hardwood and natural pine forests will be converted to pine plantations by 2030, leading to increased carbon emis...

SourceOhio State University·JournalEcological Economics·DateJul 24, 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.

Guideline helps predict outcome in comatose survivors after CPR

A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology can predict the outcome for patients in a coma after CPR with great accuracy. The tests used to make these predictions include absent pupillary reflexes and corneal reflexes, as well as absent motor responses three days after cardiac arrest.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 24, 2006

'Friend' protein keeps nerve signals in check

The newly discovered tomosyn protein appears to play a key role in regulating synaptic release of neurotransmitters, suggesting its involvement in learning and memory. Mutant worms lacking tomosyn exhibit excessive neurotransmitter release, highlighting the protein's negative regulatory effect on synapse efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 24, 2006

AGU journal highlights -- 24 July 2006

Researchers found Alpine glaciers lost 35% of surface area between 1850-1970, with potential disappearance by 2100 under 3 degree Celsius warming. Meanwhile, weekly wobble in Earth's rotation pole was observed and predicted using atmospheric models, explaining centimeter-level displacements during the 2005-2006 winter season.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 24, 2006

Alternative approaches to marine management prove successful in reef conservation

Researchers found that community-led management systems, which prioritize local goals and social benefits, are effective in conserving resources and promoting compliance. These systems, often implemented through traditional practices and social barriers, can outperform large marine protected areas in reversing reef ecosystem degradation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 24, 2006

When biology gets 'Quirky,' scientists turn to math

Ohio State University researchers used mathematical simulations to study chemical reactions in cells, finding that many graphs indicate quirky behavior. This 'quirkiness' may be essential for biology and could help explain why cells sometimes react unexpectedly to medicines.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 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.

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.

Nano probe may open new window into cell behavior

Researchers created a nanoscale probe that can capture both biochemical makeup and topography of complex biological objects in their natural environment. The Scanning Mass Spectrometry (SMS) probe helps understand cellular interactions at the most fundamental level, including cell signaling and protein expression.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Power Electronics Letters·DateJul 24, 2006

Light to moderate drinking reduces risk of cardiac events, death

Older adults who drink lightly to moderately may live longer and have a reduced risk for cardiac events than those who do not drink. Light to moderate drinking has been shown to reduce levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, compounds that circulate in the blood due to inflammation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2006

Kathryn Abel honored with the ASEE's Merl Baker Award

Kathryn Abel, Director of Engineering Management Program at Stevens Institute of Technology, receives the Merl Baker Award for her dedication to engineering management division. She is also a university alumna and has held various leadership positions in academic organizations.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJul 24, 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.

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.

Matrilin-3 gene discovered to prevent onset of osteoarthritis

Researchers have discovered a gene, matrilin-3, that prevents the onset of osteoarthritis in adult mice. The study reveals a correlation between matrilin-3 and osteoarthritis, suggesting potential diagnostic and predictive uses. Matrilin-3 plays a role in early bone development and controls bone mineral density in adulthood.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 24, 2006

Culturally appropriate materials increase cancer screening rates

A randomized controlled trial found that low-income Chinese-speaking patients were six times more likely to be screened for colorectal cancer when a clinic-based health educator provided culturally and linguistically appropriate counseling, educational materials, and screening test instructions. The intervention increased fecal occult ...

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 24, 2006

New paradigm will help identify leads for drug discovery

A new screening approach can accurately profile compounds in large chemical libraries, speeding the production of data for biological activities and identifying potential drug targets. This advance enables a more complete pharmacological characterization of compounds than traditional methods.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 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.

Healthcare providers react more positively to men than women who reveal they're gay

A study found that healthcare providers are more accepting of male patients' gay identities compared to female patients, resulting in better care experiences for men. The research highlighted the importance of disclosure in providing high-quality healthcare, as non-disclosure can negatively impact health outcomes.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJul 24, 2006

UCLA researchers transform stem cells found in human fat into smooth muscle cells

Researchers at UCLA have successfully transformed adult stem cells from human adipose tissue into functional smooth muscle cells, which can help regenerate damaged organs like the intestine, bladder, and arteries. The study's findings offer a promising alternative to using patient's own tissue for organ regeneration without anti-reject...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 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.

Research simplifies diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Researchers developed a genetic test for CMT2, a leading cause of the condition, which is characterized by muscle weakness and nerve damage. The new test offers hope for early diagnosis and potential treatment of CMT2, a complex disorder with no effective therapies yet.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalBrain·DateJul 24, 2006

Smoking reduces alcohol's effects, likely encouraging more drinking

A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine decreases blood alcohol concentrations in adult rats. The second key finding is that the capability of nicotine to decrease BAC can only be observed if alcohol is given through the oral route of administration.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJul 24, 2006