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Science News Archive July 2006


Page 4 of 13

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

Breast cancer prevention drug has little impact on mortality

A new study finds that tamoxifen has little impact on mortality rates for most high-risk women, with life expectancy improving only at higher breast cancer risks. The high cost of tamoxifen further reduces its utility as a cancer prevention drug in the US.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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...

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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 ...

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.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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...

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.

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.

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.

Fuel cells, a neglected clean source of energy

The UK fuel cell industry lags behind others due to underdeveloped supply chains and limited government support. In contrast, Germany has established a robust industry with technological excellence and active government incentives.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Reversing and accelerating the speed of light

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have successfully created metamaterials that can refract light at negative angles, potentially enabling the development of superlenses for medical imaging. This achievement demonstrates a new way to manipulate light's path and speed, moving closer to Einstein's theory of relativity.

New study fuels Louisiana subsidence controversy

A new study by Tulane University and Utrecht University suggests that compaction of the shallowest and most recent delta sediments is the main cause of subsidence in coastal Louisiana. The research challenges the notion that tectonic subsidence bears much of the blame for Louisiana's coastal geologic problems.

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.

People unconsciously use 'verbal gestures' when they speak

University of Chicago scientists found that people unconsciously modulate their voices to convey additional information beyond words. They can compress words to indicate meaning and adjust pitch to describe motion, making conversations more comprehensible.

Mass. General study finds potential ovarian cancer stem cells

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified potential ovarian cancer stem cells, which may be responsible for tumor recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. These stem-like cells were found in mouse and human ovarian cancer lines, and were sensitive to certain treatment approaches.

August Geology and GSA Today media highlights

Scientists investigate how volcanic ash affects ecosystems, find evidence of ancient desert landscapes and discover fossilized bone marrow in 10 million-year-old amphibians. Researchers also analyze the erosion rates of the Alps and explore the origins of zircon crystals.

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.

New training technique helps alcoholics in battle with the booze

Researchers developed an Alcohol Attention-Control Training Programme (AACTP) that helps excessive drinkers reduce their drinking by distracting them from alcohol stimuli. The programme, which consists of four sessions, showed significant reductions in alcohol consumption and maintained results at a three-month follow-up.