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Science News for June 21, 2006


Preventing spinal cord injury during aortic surgery

Researchers found that diazoxide prevented hind limb paralysis in rabbits, improving mobility despite impaired hopping. Mitochondrial damage was significantly reduced with diazoxide treatment, reducing reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 21, 2006

Refined stem cell therapy helps paralyzed rats recover

Researchers developed an effective treatment using embryonic stem cells to restore motor function in paralyzed rats. GDNF was found to be a focal attractive cue for transplanted axons, facilitating the establishment of neuromuscular junctions and resulting in noticeable recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 21, 2006

More knowledge equals less belief in Arab stereotypes

A survey found a correlation between students' knowledge of the Middle East and their prejudicial attitudes towards Arabs. The authors suggest that biased American media contributes to these negative attitudes.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Studies Perspectives·DateJun 21, 2006

Cancer drug is first to alleviate devastating scleroderma symptoms

A new nationwide study found that cyclophosphamide improved breathing, lung function, quality of life, functional disability, and skin thickness in patients with scleroderma. The findings will help researchers develop new drug therapies and better understand the disease's development.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 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.

MIT warns of dumping seafood

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has released a free educational pamphlet warning of the dangers of dumping seafood into the wild. Invasive species can travel through ship ballast water, aquaculture facilities, and consumer releases, causing economic and environmental damage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 2006

Chromosomal abnormalities in sperm higher after vasectomy reversal

Men who undergo vasectomy reversal have a significantly higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm compared to fertile men. The study found that the duration of obstruction and time interval after reversal are associated with increased abnormality rates, raising concerns about potential long-term effects on fertility.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 21, 2006

What can a magnet tell you about rain patterns? More than you would guess

A study by UCLA physicists reveals a connection between water vapor in the atmosphere and intense rainfall, using statistical properties similar to those found in magnets. This finding may lead to more accurate climate models and improved precipitation prediction under global warming.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 21, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Abstinence messages not enough for HIV prevention in Zambia

A recent study in Zambia found that abstinence messages were not enough to prevent HIV infection among unmarried women aged 13-20. Women from more conservative denominations abstained longer and had lower rates of condom use during first sex, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

SourceTulane University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 21, 2006

Microchannels, electricity aid drug discovery, early diagnosis

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a microfluidic device that uses electricity to break down cell membranes, enabling the delivery of drugs and genes. This technique allows for detailed analysis of individual cells and can pinpoint abnormalities more quickly than traditional methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2006

Media availability: Drug found to help scleroderma patients

A randomized clinical trial has proven that a drug can slow down deterioration of lung function in scleroderma patients. Participants who received treatment had a small but statistically significant improvement in lung function and less shortness of breath compared to those who were not treated.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 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.

Pancreas bioengineering at the MUHC receives funding boost

The McGill University Health Centre has received funding to develop new insulin-producing tissue in the laboratory, which can be implanted into diabetics. This breakthrough complements research aimed at stimulating pancreatic cell regeneration and addresses a growing diabetes epidemic.

SourceMcGill University·DateJun 21, 2006

Device burns fuel with almost zero emissions

The Stagnation Point Reverse Flow Combustor reduces NOx and CO emissions by burning fuel in low-temperature reactions, eliminating high-temperature pockets. The design can be adapted for various applications, including aircraft engines and power-generating gas turbines.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 2006

Nutrition a major factor in rise in twin pregnancies

A study by Professor Jansen found that improving culture conditions and nutrition coincided with an increase in monozygotic twinning rates. The best way to minimize MZ and DZ twinning is to transfer one embryo at a time, regardless of the mother's age.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 21, 2006

European commission earmarks €12 million for plant growth research

The European Commission has allocated €12 million to the AGRON-OMICS project, a collaborative research effort aiming to enhance understanding of plant growth and development. The project will focus on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, exploring molecular components controlling growth and their interactions.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·DateJun 21, 2006
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.

The structure of a virus infecting bacteria resembles a human virus

Researchers have discovered a bacteriophage with a structure similar to human rotavirus, providing new information on the formation of viral particles and genetic distinction. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary origins of viruses, which likely share common ancestors across species.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalStructure·DateJun 21, 2006

Improving the standard of rheumatology care in Europe

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has developed core recommendations for rheumatology care in Europe, focusing on key disease areas such as musculoskeletal disorders and gout. These guidelines aim to enhance the standard of care across the continent and provide valuable resources for healthcare professionals.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 21, 2006

Mechanism identified for promising neurological drug

Researchers identified minocycline's role in blocking poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a protein linked to inflammation and cell death. The study suggests minocycline's potential as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, but raises concerns about its effects on cancer risk and gender differences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2006

NASA lightning research highlights safety awareness week

Scientists at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center highlight the dangers of lightning during National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. The study reveals that over 8 million cloud-to-ground lighting strikes occur daily worldwide, with an average of 67 deaths annually in the US.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 21, 2006

Growth hormone stimulators improve physical function in older adults

Researchers found that participants receiving growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) experienced improved physical function and increased lean body mass. The treatment also led to higher levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 in the bloodstream, suggesting potential benefits for reducing aging-related effects.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJun 21, 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.

Researchers get to heart of tropical disease

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that mice lacking a specific gene produce fewer parasites in their livers, preventing the disease from developing. This discovery may lead to the creation of new drugs to treat different diseases affecting the liver.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 21, 2006

Oregon researchers show how resident bacteria shape gut development

Oregon researchers used germ-free zebrafish to study how gut bacteria influence development. They found that specific bacterial components can restore normal enzyme levels and regulate sugar expression on intestinal cells. These findings could lead to better treatments for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateJun 21, 2006
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.

Early puberty may mean anxiety, abnormal eating behaviors later

Researchers found that early pubertal boys and girls were more likely to engage in abnormal eating behaviors and experience anxiety as young adults. The association suggests long-lasting changes in brain circuitry during early puberty, influencing behavior and cognitive functions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateJun 21, 2006

Forget the label. Portion size is all in your mind

Researchers found that people tend to consume a single unit of food when served in a small portion, despite the actual quantity being larger. This 'unit bias' helps explain how environmental factors influence eating habits and may contribute to obesity.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 21, 2006

New Lemur species named for CI President

A new lemur species has been named Microcebus mittermeieri in honor of Conservation International President Mittermeier. The discovery was made by researcher Mireya Mayor and her team, highlighting the importance of protecting Madagascar's vital lemur habitat.

SourceConservation International·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateJun 21, 2006

Buckyballs boost antibody's chemotherapy payload

Scientists at Rice University and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a method to load multiple anticancer drugs into a single antibody, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The use of buckyballs, soccer ball-shaped molecules of pure carbon, allows for the creation of targeted therapeutics with unique properties.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJun 21, 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.

Scientists find the reason behind black holes' light shows

New X-ray data from Chandra reveals that magnetic fields are responsible for the prodigious amounts of radiation emitted by super-massive black holes. The discovery uses a scale model in our galaxy to understand how all black holes work, including those powering quasars.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2006

Hormones could be prescription for living longer

Research suggests a protein derived from fat tissue, adiponectin, may play an important role in longevity. Boosting growth hormone production also shows promise in extending independent living among the elderly.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateJun 21, 2006
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.

UCI researcher named Pew Scholar

Sheryl Tsai receives $240,000 to pursue her work on polyketide synthases, enzymes that produce natural products used in pharmaceuticals. Her research aims to develop new drugs for cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJun 21, 2006

Education, retraining reduce catheter-associated infections in ICUs

A study found that education and retraining programs reduced serious bloodstream infections associated with central venous catheters by 21%. The intervention, which included updating ICU policies and training modules for clinicians, also prevented 131 serious bloodstream infections and avoided over 250 additional hospital days.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 21, 2006

Reduced antibiotic prescribing is associated with increased hospital admissions

A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that reducing antibiotic prescribing was associated with an increase in hospital admissions for respiratory infections. The research analyzed data from over 15 million hospitalizations and suggested that limiting antibiotic use may not be beneficial in all cases.

SourceRoyal Society of Medicine·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2006

Montreal researchers identify defects of immune cells

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified defective immune cells as a primary cause of fungal infections, such as candidiasis, in HIV patients. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 21, 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.

MIT sheds light on how tumor cells form

MIT researchers have discovered that tumor cells become aneuploid due to subtle errors in microtubule attachment. The study sheds light on the role of checkpoint proteins and their interaction with APC and EB1 molecules in maintaining normal cell division.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJun 21, 2006

Research expedition braves world's worst weather

A research team, led by Yoshitomi Okura, is returning to Mount McKinley for the fifth time to collect data on the mountain's extreme winds. The team is equipped with two anemometers, a standard and ultrasonic device, to measure wind speed and sensor accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateJun 21, 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.

Astronomer is co-winner of million-dollar Shaw Prize

Adam Riess, a 36-year-old astronomer at Johns Hopkins University, has won the $1 million Shaw Prize for his work on dark energy, a phenomenon that accounts for 70 percent of the universe. He shares the award with Saul Perlmutter and Brian Schmidt, who worked on competing teams to measure the expansion rate of the universe.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJun 21, 2006

Three million babies born using assisted reproductive technologies

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports that assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have led to the birth of over 3 million babies worldwide. The number of ART cycles has increased by 100,000, with the total estimated at one million a year, resulting in approximately 200,000 ART babies born annually.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 21, 2006

Scientists aim to thwart use of flu as bioweapon

University of Rochester experts discuss how flu invades and responds to the body, with a focus on understanding its pathogenesis. The research aims to prevent potential modification of the flu virus for lethal use and develop more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJun 21, 2006

The cytokine diet: The next fad in weight loss?

Researchers found that injecting IL-7 into mice inhibited weight gain after inducing MSG-induced lesions in the hypothalamus. This discovery suggests a link between immune and neuroendocrine systems, potentially leading to new obesity prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateJun 21, 2006
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Rheumatoid arthritis can be prevented if the timing is right

A recent study found that methotrexate can delay and prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in patients. Patients who showed a positive anti-CCP test benefited the most from the treatment, indicating a lower risk of developing full-blown RA.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 21, 2006