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Science News Archive June 2006


Page 1 of 16

Was there life on Mars? Shiny rock coating may hold the answer

Scientists discover that desert varnish on rocks in arid environments can bind organic compounds and DNA, making it a potential indicator of life on Mars. The research suggests that Martian desert varnish could contain ancient microbial signatures or chemical signs of past life.

The effect of periodontal disease on health care costs

A study of 4,285 civil officers aged 40-59 years found that those with severe periodontitis incurred 21% higher total medical and dental costs compared to those without pathological pockets. Dental costs for men with severe periodontitis were two-fold higher than those without the condition.

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.

Mount Sinai Global Health Center receives $1M grant

The Mount Sinai Global Health Center has received a $1 million grant to develop faculty and finance curriculum, conduct international research, and build partnerships with NGOs. The grant will help train medical students in global health and provide humanitarian aid support.

Highlights from the July 2006 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study of over 10,000 men and women found that increased calcium intake from supplements may help maintain weight over a decade. Additionally, education level can influence nutrition information sources among older adults, with less-educated individuals relying more on doctors, television, and neighbors.

Eating habits of successful weight losers shift

A recent study found that individuals maintaining weight loss reported consuming more fat and fewer carbohydrates. Despite this shift, participants who maintained a low-calorie diet with moderate fat intake remained successful in weight loss maintenance.

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.

Heat-shock protein vaccine reduces alveolar bone loss

A heat-shock protein vaccine was found to reduce alveolar bone loss in patients with periodontal disease. The vaccine eradicated multiple pathogenic species, suggesting its potential as a treatment for periodontal disease.

Developing natural immunity to asthma caused by research rats

Researchers found that laboratory animal workers who handled more than 50 rats per day had a two-fold reduction in the risk of developing work-related chest symptoms. This suggests that exposure to laboratory animals can lead to natural immunity, as indicated by high IgG4-IgE antibody ratios.

Biomarker reduces length of antibiotic treatment

A biomarker named procalcitonin can reduce the length of antibiotic treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. Studies found that lower procalcitonin levels could shorten antibiotic use by an average of seven days, but guidelines suggest shorter courses and caution against over-reliance on this marker.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

USC researchers investigate protein that protects tumors

A study by USC researchers identified a protein called EphB4 that protects tumor cells from the immune system. Turning off this protein could make cancer cells more vulnerable to attack, and future therapies may aim to block its function.

New vaccine prevents cervical cancer in teens

Researchers suggest administering vaccine to young girls starting at age 11-12 for optimal reduction of cervical cancer cases. The new vaccines target types of HPV known to cause cervical and other cancers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UC San Diego biologists solve plant growth hormone enigma

Researchers identified a family of 11 genes involved in auxin synthesis and found that their localized production influences plant development. This discovery can be applied to agricultural problems like producing seedless fruit or stronger stems.

What leads to obesity in rural communities?

A new study found that certain characteristics of rural neighborhoods, such as lack of sidewalks and safety concerns, are strongly related to obesity rates. Altering the neighborhood environment to promote physical activity may help reduce obesity on a population level.

Oscillating pattern in nanoparticle crystallization

Researchers from Max Planck Institute in Potsdam have discovered an oscillating pattern in nanoparticle crystallization and self-organization. The study shows that these systems can form complex patterns, including concentric circles, through a combination of chemical reactions and diffusion.

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.

Psychologist adds scientific insight to loaded label of 'psychopath'

Researcher Joseph Newman challenges the loaded label of 'psychopath,' arguing it's applied too liberally without understanding key elements. His work suggests psychopathy is a learning disability that makes individuals oblivious to consequences, with significant implications for treatment and behavioral interventions.

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.

New scoring system predicts gastric bypass surgery risk

A new scoring system can help determine which patients are at the lowest risk of dying after gastric bypass surgery. The system is based on five easy-to-identify patient characteristics and provides a standardized way to compare outcomes among centers performing the surgery.

With cochlear implants, earlier use leads to better speech

A new study shows that cochlear implants lead to improved spoken language skills in deaf children when used earlier, with the best results seen in those under 24 months old. The research suggests that these devices can help children learn spoken language at a level comparable to hearing peers.

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.

Rutgers/EOHSI builds model to assess World Trade Center fallout

Scientists at Rutgers have created a computerized model to understand the degree of harmful exposure in the immediate aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. The model, combining satellite data and regional weather forecasts, provides a way to evaluate human exposure to aerosols released during the disaster.

Drivers on cell phones are as bad as drunks

A recent study published by University of Utah psychologists found that drivers using handheld or hands-free cellular phones are as impaired as drunken drivers. The study's lead author, David Strayer, suggests that legislators should consider outlawing cell phone use while driving to address driver distraction.

Diabetes confers health risk equivalent to ageing 15 years

A Canadian study found that people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have cardiovascular disease as those without it. Diabetes leads to an earlier high-risk category for CVD, with diabetic men and women being about 15 years younger than non-diabetic counterparts in the same risk group.

Food-crop yields in future greenhouse-gas conditions lower than expected

A new study published in the journal Science found that future greenhouse gas conditions are likely to result in lower crop yields, particularly for C3 crops such as rice, wheat, and soybeans. The researchers used open-air field trials involving five major food crops grown under carbon-dioxide levels projected for the year 2050.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study shows prostate cancer vaccine linked to longer survival

A study shows that a prostate cancer vaccine, sipuleucel-T, can increase survival by up to four-and-a-half months and provide a greater than three-fold increase in survival at 36 months compared to patients in the placebo group. The vaccine was well-tolerated with mild adverse effects.

Patients' groups should declare pharmaceutical company funding

The Lancet highlights the case of CancerBACUP, a UK charity that accepted funding from drug manufacturer for trastuzumab, yet failed to disclose this in press releases. The charity's failure undermines its credibility and raises questions about its true interests.

Scientists uncover rules for gene amplification

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered the rules governing gene amplification events, including the role of palindromic sequences and hairpin-capped double strand breaks. This finding has potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment by identifying strategies to restrict gene amplification.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

The ones that get away

Particles of toxic lead solder used in plumbing can evade detection in some water quality tests, according to researchers funded by the National Science Foundation. Larger particles can get trapped in faucet aerator screens, while smaller particles stick to sampling containers, resulting in inaccurate readings.

New McGill research shows mice capable of empathy

A new study by McGill University researchers demonstrates that mice can display empathetic behavior, increasing their own pain sensitivity when exposed to the pain of a familiar mouse. This form of emotional contagion sheds light on the role of social interaction in pain management.

Increasing consumer preferences by manipulating memory

Researchers found that solving an anagram before seeing a brand increases preference for that brand over competitors, possibly due to fluency associated with solved anagrams. The study's findings have implications for marketing strategies and could be used to influence consumer behavior.

Rice scientists make first nanoscale pH meter

Researchers have created a nano-sized pH meter using nanoparticles that can detect pH changes with high accuracy. The device, called the pMBA sensor, could enable non-invasive 'optical biopsy' to measure acidity in cancer tumors, revolutionizing medical diagnosis.

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.

Boomerang-shaped liquid crystals focus of new study

Researchers at Kent State University are studying a new class of liquid crystal molecules with a boomerang shape to enhance flexoelectricity. This phenomenon has the potential to be used in environmentally friendly micro-power generators.

How cooperation can evolve in a cheater's world

A new theoretical model explains how cooperation can emerge in a 'cheater's world', where self-interest typically prevails. In this model, group size plays a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation, with smaller groups allowing altruistic individuals to thrive and maintain their numbers over time.

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.

Study recommends new tool to assess blunt abdominal trauma

Contrast-enhanced sonography outperformed sonography and CT in detecting solid organ injuries in blunt abdominal trauma patients, with a sensitivity of 91.4% compared to sonography's 45.7%. The new tool offers a user-friendly and simple alternative for diagnosing traumatic abdominal injuries.

Catastrophic 'lake burst' chills climate

Researchers discovered a connection between catastrophic freshwater release from glacial lakes in North America and dramatic cooling in climate records approximately 8200 years ago. The study found that the freshwater forcing led to changes in deep ocean currents, which in turn affected northern hemisphere climate.

One drink can make you blind drunk

A study found that even a mild dose of alcohol can significantly impair attention and increase the likelihood of missing unexpected visual stimuli. The researchers' findings have serious implications for drivers, as they may not be able to process multiple sources of information simultaneously.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Johns Hopkins lab scientists tame overactive CF protein

Researchers identified VCP/pr 97 as the protein responsible for destroying defective CFTR in cells, and used RNA interference to block its production. This approach restored chloride transport function and reduced inflammation, offering new hope for cystic fibrosis treatments.

Link between income and happiness is mainly an illusion

A new study published in Science found that people overestimate the impact of income on well-being. Despite high incomes, people do not necessarily spend more time in enjoyable activities. The study used the Day Reconstruction Method to measure daily life and found a weak correlation between income and happiness.

Water fluoridation in New South Wales

Researchers found that community awareness of poor oral health, framing fluoridation as a public health issue, and unified support from health professionals significantly influenced councillor decisions. The study's preliminary findings suggest that these strategies can be effective in promoting water fluoridation in other rural areas.

People who smoke light cigarettes less likely to quit

Researchers found that smokers using light cigarettes are 50% less likely to quit than those smoking non-light cigarettes, with the effect increasing with age. The study suggests that physicians should warn patients about light cigarettes during smoking cessation counseling.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Water fluoridation still a cost-effective preventive measure

The study found that water fluoridation continues to be a cost-effective preventive measure, with annual per person savings ranging from AUS$56 in the 1970s to AUS$18 in the 1990s. However, the cost-saving benefits may decline with age due to plateaued new tooth decay and higher periodontal treatment needs.