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Science News for June 22, 2006


World's coral reef left vulnerable by paper parks

The world's coral reefs are left vulnerable by insufficiently managed marine protected areas (MPAs), according to a new global analysis. The study found that many MPAs are too small and far apart, leaving them susceptible to poaching and external human threats such as pollution and overfishing.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

California's model skies

Researchers from the UK Met Office and the University of Leeds have developed computer models to predict rotor winds, which can be devastating for aircraft. The T-REX project uses these models to check accuracy and improve predictions, ultimately enhancing safety at mountainous airports.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJun 22, 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.

Decline of world's estuaries and coastal seas

A new study quantifies the magnitude and causes of ecological change in 12 estuaries and coastal seas worldwide, documenting severe degradation and loss of marine biodiversity. The research highlights the importance of mitigating human activities to recover these critical ecosystems.

SourceLenfest Ocean Program·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

Research identifies protein in mice that regulates bone formation

Researchers have identified a protein in mice that regulates bone formation, finding that augmented osteoblast activity leads to elevated bone mass. The discovery could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis by targeting the Shn3 and WWP1 proteins.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

Older blood associated with worse outcomes after repeat heart surgery

A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia found that patients who received older blood during repeat open-heart procedures had a higher risk of death, kidney damage, and prolonged hospital stays. The researchers also found that the number of transfusions and duration of storage were independent predictors of long-term mortality.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJun 22, 2006
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.

Researchers reverse Parkinson's symptoms in animal models

Researchers at Whitehead Institute identified a critical biological pathway responsible for Parkinson's symptoms and developed a treatment to repair it. Increasing levels of a transport protein restored normal neurological function in animal models, including fruit flies, worms, and rats with alpha-synuclein-induced Parkinson's symptoms.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

Molecular 'brake' found for neurofibromatosis 1

The study identified two novel proteins, Gpb1 and Gbp2, that regulate the Ras oncogene in humans and yeast. These findings have important medical implications for developing new therapies to prevent neurofibromatosis 1-related cancers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 22, 2006

Where do new therapies work best?

A study across 5 Norwegian departments found that anti-TNF treatments worked better in patients with PsA and AS compared to RA. The combination of anti-TNF and MTX was shown to improve adherence and outcomes in these groups, while monotherapy was more effective for RA patients.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 22, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When gold becomes a catalyst

Researchers used X-ray spectroscopy to observe gold nano-particles' reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide, revealing the activation mechanism of oxygen. The findings have potential applications in pollution control and hydrogen purification.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 22, 2006

People remember prices more easily if they have fewer syllables

Researchers found that people who use memorization techniques to shorten the number of syllables in prices have better recall. Consumers also store information both verbally and visually, leading to better recall of unusual looking prices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 22, 2006

Researchers map infectious hepatitis B virus

The study revealed the outer lipid envelope interacts with the capsid shell of hepatitis B virus, which is enormous and nearly 10 times larger than a hemoglobin molecule. The findings may offer new clues on how the virus replicates in vivo.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 22, 2006

Global warming surpassed natural cycles in fueling 2005 hurricane season, NCAR scientists conclude

NCAR scientists conclude that global warming surpassed natural cycles in fueling the 2005 hurricane season. The study found that ocean temperatures, particularly in the tropical North Atlantic, were record-high and attributed to global warming, accounting for 0.8 degrees F of the rise.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 22, 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.

Kids who blow bubbles find language is child's play

Researchers discovered that children who excel at blowing bubbles also tend to have better language skills. The study tested over 120 children aged 21 months using a range of assessments, including questionnaires, special tests, and recording their spontaneous speech.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 22, 2006

Tocilizumab study offers new hope for children with arthritis

A recent study involving 56 children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) found that tocilizumab improved symptoms in 68% of patients, with over 85% showing a 50% improvement rate. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with only two serious adverse events reported.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 22, 2006

'Nothing About Us Without Us'

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is urging governments to recognize the extraordinary burden of rheumatic diseases, which affect over 100 million Europeans. The campaign aims to secure a disability-specific EU directive to prevent discrimination across all services.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 22, 2006

Cherry juice may prevent muscle damage pain

A study found that cherry juice can significantly reduce muscle strength loss and improve average pain scores in individuals with muscle damage. The study suggests that cherry juice may be a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for treating conditions like arthritis and gout.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJun 22, 2006

Virus linked to Thoroughbred abortion epidemic

A new study by veterinary researchers at Oregon State University has linked vesivirus to a major epidemic of abortion in Kentucky Thoroughbred mares. The findings suggest that broodmares are being commonly exposed to vesivirus from unknown sources, and that exposure to such horses might be a concern for pregnant women.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJun 22, 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.

JCI table of contents: June 22, 2006

Researchers develop a novel cancer vaccine delivery system using genetically modified Salmonella typhimurium that safely delivers antigens to the immune system, eliciting an immune response against cancer cells. Meanwhile, a DNA-based vaccine targeting tumor-associated fibroblasts significantly suppresses tumor growth and increases che...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2006

Urine collected and purified separately

Separating urine from wastewater can significantly reduce energy consumption, decrease sewer stench, and protect pipes. By purifying 50% of urine, 25% less energy is needed for the entire purification system.

SourceDelft University of Technology·DateJun 22, 2006

Seafloor observatory opens portal to the Pacific

The VENUS facility offers a unique window into the world under the sea, with a centralized data management system providing unrestricted access to long-term ocean observations. The observatory has already archived over 35 million measurements and dozens of gigabytes of acoustic and visual data.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·DateJun 22, 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.

2006 Millennium Technology Prize awarded to UCSB's Shuji Nakamura

Shuji Nakamura, a professor at UC Santa Barbara, has won the 2006 Millennium Technology Prize for his pioneering work on blue, green and white light-emitting diodes and the blue laser. His technological innovations have various important applications in fields like energy, health care, and communication.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 22, 2006

Viagra improves high altitude exercise performance up to 45% for some

A study by American Physiological Society found that sildenafil can improve cardiac output and exercise performance during acute hypoxia, but not at normoxia. The results show that responders improved their time trial performance at altitude with sildenafil, while non-responders showed no significant improvement.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 22, 2006

Parkinson's disease mechanism discovered

Researchers have identified a key defect in ER-to-Golgi trafficking that contributes to alpha-synuclein toxicity, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Enhancing this pathway may suppress alpha-synuclein toxicity and protect dopamine-producing neurons.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

He who hesitates ... might get a bargain

Researchers found that buyers perceive better outcomes when offers are accepted after a delay, despite monetary equivalence. Skillful bargainers can leverage response time to gain an advantage in negotiations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 22, 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.

Case to establish the Ohio tobacco and research center

The Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation has established a case-based research and evaluation center at Case Western Reserve University. The Center will work with over 60 community organizations across the state to provide prevention and cessation programming, as well as analyze trends in tobacco surveillance data.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 22, 2006

Incubation period for human BSE infection could exceed 50 years

Researchers studied kuru, a prion disease epidemic caused by cannibalism, and found minimum incubation periods ranging from 34 to 41 years. The study suggests BSE infection incubation period could be even longer due to species-barrier effects and genetic variation associated with extended incubation periods.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2006
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.

Music thought to enhance intelligence, mental health and immune system

Research suggests that listening to personal favorite music enhances cognitive function and boosts memory, while also positively affecting mental health and immunity. The Neurosciences and Music II volume explores the brain's processing of music and its impact on various aspects of human life.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2006

Three human gene variants appear to influence tb susceptibility

Researchers have identified three variations of a human gene, SP110, associated with tuberculosis susceptibility. The variants were found to be linked to increased risk of developing the active disease in humans, building on previous research that linked a similar gene, Ipr1, in mice.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2006

How plants avoid feeling the burn

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of photoprotection, finding that carotenoids can neutralize excess sunlight energy without oxidation. By measuring the electrical conductance within biomolecules, the team found that carotenoids can handle electron overload in a neutral state.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 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.

New long-term data suggests Abatacept treatment

Long-term data from a study showed that abatacept treatment significantly slowed the progression of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients who had an inadequate response to methotrexate. The effect was seen at year 2 and continued into the second year, suggesting progressive improvement.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 22, 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.

Heartburn common in western populations

According to a study published in The Lancet, heartburn is more common in Western populations compared to non-Western populations. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking contribute to the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can lead to significant economic burdens.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2006

Datla awarded grant to support planer motion research

Datla, part of Stevens' towing tank renovation, will support Planar Motion Mechanism (PMM) research. The PMM enables unsteady motions on a towed model advancing at forward speed, expanding model-testing capabilities for high-speed craft maneuvering effects.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJun 22, 2006

New evidence shows Rituximab halts damage to joints

Rituximab plus methotrexate treatment significantly inhibits joint structural damage, reducing bone erosions and joint space narrowing in patients. The study's findings offer new hope for those who do not respond to current treatments.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 22, 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.

Spiders' orb web may have single, ancient origin

Researchers suggest that the orb web may have originated from a single evolutionary source, with genetic evidence supporting this theory. Fossil findings also indicate that the ancestor of the two spider groups lived at least 136 million years ago.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

Brain function and negative thinking linked to late-onset depression

A study of 44 older adults with depressive symptoms found that executive function decline and rumination are associated with late-onset depression. Executive function tests showed poorer performance among those with late-onset depression, while no such link was seen in early-onset depression.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateJun 22, 2006

Lessening the impact of climate change on health

Climate change is likely to affect health through vector-borne and diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, flood-related conditions, heat and cold deaths. Increasing renewable energy use can improve health by reducing air pollution and addressing climate change.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 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.

Cycles of cell death, proliferation key to liver cancer

A study by UCSD researchers found that the absence of IKKƒÒ in hepatocytes leads to increased JNK activation after exposure to toxic chemicals, resulting in accelerated tumor development. Deletion of JNK1 gene prevented liver cancer, suggesting a critical role for this isoform in tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2006

Earliest known 'bling' revealed

Researchers have discovered that beads date back between 100,000 to 135,000 years ago, indicating a sophisticated level of symbolic thinking in early humans. This finding has major implications for understanding the origins of behaviorally modern humans and their ability to use symbols.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

World's coral reefs left vulnerable by paper parks

A global assessment of coral reef protection reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) are often poorly managed and fail to effectively safeguard these critical ecosystems. The study found that many MPAs lack enforcement mechanisms, leading to threats such as resource extraction, poaching, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing.

SourceDalhousie University·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

New system trains good grid operators with bad data

Researchers developed a training system for grid operators to handle misleading data, using simulated malfunctioning instruments and fake hacker signals. The new curriculum improved operator responses, enabling them to troubleshoot faster and come up with effective courses of action.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 22, 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.

Identification of role for proteins in children's muscle disease could open up new treatment options

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment target for children's muscle disease, where heat shock protein HSP60 plays an active role in controlling inflammation. This discovery could lead to therapies aimed at expanding T-cells with regulatory capacities reacting to HSP60, potentially contributing to disease remission.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 22, 2006

Device effective in zapping the pain out of migraines

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center have developed a device that effectively eliminates migraine pain by targeting the aura phase. The TMS device sends an electric current to the brain, interrupting the neural disturbances that signal the onset of migraines.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 22, 2006
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.

Shells from Israel and Algeria may be the oldest known beads, researchers report in Science

Researchers found 100,000-year-old shells with holes bored into their centers in Israel and Algeria, suggesting that beadworking was widespread long before the explosion of modern culture in Europe. The discovery supports the idea that modern humans developed behaviors gradually instead of emerging later in Europe.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

A neural mosaic of tones

Researchers created frequency maps for most of the 11 auditory cortex fields (ACFs) and observed a periodic pattern of topographic preference for certain frequencies. The ACFs were divided into two groups, with three core fields reacting to individual frequencies in simple sounds like tones.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2006