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Science News for July 5, 2006


Full 3-D image of nanocrystals' interior created by shining X-rays through them

Researchers at University College London develop a novel method for obtaining full 3D images of nanocrystal interiors using coherent X-ray diffraction imaging. This technique allows for the assessment of defects in materials, which are essential for specific properties, and enables single-molecule imaging with X-ray free-electron lasers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2006

UB diabetes researchers participate in international study

Researchers at the University at Buffalo are part of a global effort to prevent type 1 diabetes through a $172 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The project aims to identify 100,000 individuals at risk and test interventions to halt the onset of the disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateJul 5, 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.

Illicit drug use and abuse may be genetic

A population-based study of twin pairs in Norway found that genetic factors influence the use and misuse of illicit drugs. The study replicated findings from previous research conducted in Anglophonic countries with higher rates of drug use disorder.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 5, 2006

Steroid abuse harms gingival tissues

Researchers found that AAS abusers had statistically significant levels of gingival enlargement compared to non-users, requiring a gingivectomy for many cases. Gingival inflammation was also higher in the user group, suggesting potential long-term effects on periodontal health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateJul 5, 2006

University of Utah to build telescope in southern Utah

The University of Utah will build a 32-inch research-class optical telescope in southern Utah with the help of a $600,000 donation from the Willard L. Eccles Foundation. The telescope will be used for research, education, and public outreach, including star-gazing parties and astronomy camps.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJul 5, 2006
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.

Physical activity extends life of patients with peripheral artery disease

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who are physically active have a significantly lower death rate than inactive individuals. A study published in Circulation found that higher physical activity levels are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death in PAD patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 5, 2006

A new life-course for an aging society

As early as 20 years from now, Germany's hours worked per capita may decrease by 8 percent due to the aging population. This shift requires a more flexible and evenly distributed workforce to maintain productivity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2006

New technology addresses female fertility preservation

Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a three-dimensional culture system to preserve immature eggs for female fertility preservation. The technology, which mimics the ovary environment, has successfully led to the live birth of healthy mice from in vitro grown follicles.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateJul 5, 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.

Findings by Einstein scientists reveal possible strategy against obesity, diabetes and infertility

The study suggests a novel approach for duplicating leptin's actions when the body no longer responds to the hormone. STAT3 production is essential for leptin's best-known action: acutely reducing food intake. Activating STAT3 may allow normalizing appetite and producing health benefits for obesity, diabetes and infertility.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2006

New Down syndrome gene identified by Stanford/Packard scientists

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have identified a gene that overexpressed causes neurons responsible for attention and memory to shrivel in people with Down syndrome. Deleting or reducing the expression of this gene may provide therapeutic options for cognitive decline.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2006

Life cycle of operons yields new look at bacterial genetics

Researchers have determined the life cycle of operons, small groups of genes with related functions co-transcribed in a single strand of messenger RNA. The findings reveal that operon creation and destruction lead to large changes in gene expression patterns, suggesting adaptation to environmental stresses.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 5, 2006

Boost radiotherapy effective for very early breast cancer

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that boost radiotherapy is an effective strategy to prevent cancer recurrence in young women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Researchers found that the most effective approach was radiotherapy with a boost, which significantly reduced the risk of cancer return.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 5, 2006
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

We're lazy but Chinese want to be just like us

Chinese immigrants aspire to Australia's free, democratic culture with a focus on social and environmental interests. They perceive Australians as friendly, open, and balanced between work and enjoyment.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateJul 5, 2006

New study shows antibiotic may protect the heart

Researchers found that pretreatment with rapamycin induces a protective effect against heart attack injury by maintaining ATP levels in heart cells. The study suggests that rapamycin may be beneficial as a potential therapeutic strategy to limit cell death and prevent long-term heart damage.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateJul 5, 2006

AGU journal highlights -- 5 July 2006

Scientists propose using GPS to aid in ocean-wide tsunami warning systems by detecting early seismic wave data. Researchers also explore unsolved problems in the lowermost mantle, including the origin of the D

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 5, 2006

Watching rocks grow: Theory explains landscape of geothermal springs

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a theoretical model explaining how hot spring water deposits calcium-carbonate minerals, forming travertine and shaping landscapes. The model reveals that rocks grow at a rate of 1 millimeter per day, contradicting common assumptions about erosion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 5, 2006

Genes linked to daily flux in drug toxicity

Researchers identified PAR-domain basic leucine zipper transcription factors as key players in modulating detoxifying genes and handling chemicals. The study suggests that circadian clocks play a crucial role in modulating drug toxicity, potentially leading to improved treatment regimens.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 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.

Drug dials down the energy within cells, UM researchers find

UM researchers discover benzodiazepine-423 inhibits F1F0-ATPase enzyme, reducing ATP production while selectively targeting disease-causing cells. This mechanism may open new avenues for treating various conditions including lupus, arthritis, and psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJul 5, 2006

Berkeley lab wins four prestigious 2006 'R&D 100' awards for technology advances

The Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has won four prestigious R&D 100 Awards for its innovative technology advances, including a carbon-measuring instrument, high-efficiency solar cells, and neutron generators. These awards recognize the lab's efforts to enhance energy, economic, and national security.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 5, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Report warns about carbon dioxide threats to marine life

A new report warns that carbon dioxide emissions are dramatically altering ocean chemistry, threatening marine organisms such as corals and pteropods. The report highlights the potential impacts on marine food webs, biodiversity, and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for further research to understand these changes.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJul 5, 2006

Space shield could help image Earth-like planets, says study

A University of Colorado study suggests using a gigantic, daisy-shaped space shield to block out light from parent stars and allow telescopes to image distant Earth-like planets. The concept enables astronomers to identify planetary features and detect biomarkers like methane and oxygen.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2006

Exposure to radiation after Chornobyl increases risk of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that exposure to radioactive iodine after Chornobyl increases the risk of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents. Researchers estimate that 75% of thyroid cancer cases could have been avoided without radiation, highlighting a substantial contribution of radioac...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2006

Oceanic invasions across Darwin's impassable barrier

A study by Lessios and Robertson confirms close relationships between reef fish populations on both sides of the Pacific barrier, with gene flow occurring in both directions. The researchers rule out major changes in currents or geological events as barriers to population separation.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateJul 5, 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.

U of M researchers discover compounds to shrink tumors

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a novel class of tumor-targeting compounds that inhibited tumor growth by up to 80 percent in animal studies. The compounds, designed to mimic anti-angiogenic proteins, show promise in treating solid and liquid tumors, including those found in leukemia and other blood cancers.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2006

Birds going extinct faster due to human activities

The study estimates that birds have been going extinct at a rate of about one species per year since 1500, exceeding the natural rate by 100 times. Conservation efforts are reducing extinction rates to about one bird species every three or four years, but more species are likely to disappear during the 21st century.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2006

Medium is the message for stem cells in search of identities

Embryonic stem cells diversify to form various neural structures when cultured on different surfaces, with laminin influencing specific pathways crucial for brain cell generation and survival. Laminin's role in directing stem cells to become specialized neurons sheds light on fundamental mysteries of brain development.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2006
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.

Study looks at ways to sustain lobster fishery

A new study from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that relaxing the minimum legal size requirement for lobsters and reducing trap numbers can improve sustainability. This approach would also increase lobstermen's incomes and benefit regional economies.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateJul 5, 2006

Land use, land cover affect human health, food security

A K-State geography professor is researching how land use and land cover changes affect human health and food security. He uses remote sensing technology to monitor the spread of infectious diseases, such as hantavirus, and identify ecological context factors contributing to disease emergence.

SourceKansas State University·DateJul 5, 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.

Long-lived magnetic fluctuations in a crystal

Researchers measure lifetimes of low-energy excitations in MnF2, a model system for understanding spin wave interactions. The data provide insight into the nature and strength of these interactions, helping to answer a longstanding question in physics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2006