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Science News Archive June 2006


Page 5 of 16

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...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.