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Science News for March 20, 2006


Butterflies lose body fat during metamorphosis

Researchers analyzed the fatty acid composition of Blue Morpho butterflies and their larvae to discover that the transformation from larva to butterfly drastically reduces total fatty acid content. This significant loss in body fat may be essential for the health and survival of the butterfly during metamorphosis.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMar 20, 2006

Policy measures can reverse health worker brain drain

A study by Barbara McPake and colleagues found that increasing nursing pay in the UK is key to resolving the labor market imbalance caused by health worker emigration. Ensuring numbers graduating from medical and nursing schools meet demand in the USA can also prevent international brain drain.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 20, 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.

Algorithm advance produces quantum calculation record

Researchers at NIST have achieved a new record in quantum calculation precision, simulating the hydrogen molecule to an unprecedented level of accuracy. By merging two earlier algorithms and utilizing parallel processing, they were able to reach an accuracy of 1 part in 100 billion, outperforming previous experimental values.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMar 20, 2006

Attractive birds more immune against bird flu

Research suggests that birds with large forehead spots, indicating good health, are more likely to produce antibodies against Newcastle virus. This study provides insight into the evolutionary pressures driving the development of attractive features in animals.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalActa Zoologica·DateMar 20, 2006
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Leading breast cancer researcher awarded new lectureship

Dr. Olopade receives AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research-Jane Cooke Wright Lectureship for her pre-eminent research on breast cancer prevention and detection. Her work has led to strategies for identifying novel BRCA-1 mutations in African-American families.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 20, 2006

Scientists discover that widely available drug also helps fight kidney disease

Researchers at UCSB have discovered that rapamycin, a widely available immunosuppressant, can strongly reduce cyst growth in kidneys affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The treatment was found to shrink cysts and retain kidney function in mice with PKD.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2006

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 21, 2006

A new study of 50,000 people found that heavy smoking leads to a higher risk of premature death, particularly among men and women. The study also highlighted the benefits of quitting smoking early, with those who quit experiencing greater health benefits and longevity.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 20, 2006
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.

Common practices at petting zoos put visitors at risk

Researchers found that feeding animals, touching them, and failing to wash hands after visiting petting zoos are strongly linked to E. coli O157:H7 infections. Simple handwashing was shown to be an effective preventive measure against infection.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMar 20, 2006

Bariatric surgery leads to long-term blood pressure changes in extremely obese patients

The study found that patients with extreme obesity who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant reductions in blood pressure. The majority of these patients were able to reduce or eliminate their blood pressure medications after surgery, while those with normal blood pressure showed no significant changes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateMar 20, 2006

Scientists use satellites to detect deep-ocean whirlpools

Researchers have developed a method to detect super-salty, submerged eddies called Meddies using sensor data from U.S. and European satellites. These warm, deep-water whirlpools play a significant role in carrying salty water from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic, affecting global ocean circulation and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Physical Oceanography·DateMar 20, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Energy prices, uncertainty and energy saving by companies

A recent meta-analysis by Mark Koetse investigated the effects of energy price uncertainty on company investments. The study found that persistent high energy prices stimulate the adoption of energy-saving technologies and lead to a shift towards more energy-extensive production processes.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 20, 2006

Referential-gesture communication in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Researchers observed a specific gesture, called the 'directed scratch,' in which one chimpanzee indicates a precise spot on its body for grooming. The study suggests that this gesture is used communicatively to depict a desired action and implies a level of mental-state attribution in wild apes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 20, 2006

Rutgers researchers find fat gene

Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that the human protein lipin is a critical enzyme in regulating body fat. The study found that lipin plays a crucial role in fat metabolism, and its activity may be an important target for treating obesity and related conditions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 20, 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.

HortResearch science reveals the natural potential of apples

Researchers at HortResearch have completed public release of world's most extensive apple DNA sequences, unlocking secrets of taste, health and color. The release comprises over 50,000 apple gene sequences, enabling fruit breeders to create new varieties tailored to consumer tastes and industry demand.

SourceKureczka/Martin Associates·DateMar 20, 2006

From integration to virtual environment

The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has awarded projects to investigate integration of immigrants into their new home country. Researchers are also exploring the brain's processing with magnetic stimulation and creating virtual environments for socio-psychological research.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 20, 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.

Eindhoven reactor expert appointed as Simon Stevin Meester

Prof. Jaap Schouten has been recognized for his innovative approach to chemical reactor engineering, collaborating with leading companies like Shell and Toyota to develop more efficient diesel engines. His extensive research record, including over 200 publications and 30 Ph.D. students supervised, solidifies his position as a prominent...

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 20, 2006

Increased cognitive control in Tourette's syndrome

Researchers found that individuals with Tourette's syndrome make fewer error responses than neurologically normal peers, while responding just as fast to task demands, suggesting a compensatory change in cognitive control. This study challenges the widely held view that TS results from a failure of cognitive control mechanisms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 20, 2006

Animals can change genes quickly to keep up with viral ingenuity

Research reveals that animals rapidly evolve genes controlling their immune system to fight viruses, outpacing most other genes in the process. This highlights the vital role of RNAi mechanisms in antiviral defense and demonstrates the dynamic evolution of host organisms in response to viral strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 20, 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.

Novel vaccine approach stimulates protective immunity against listeria

A new vaccine strategy has been developed to generate an attenuated strain of Listeria monocytogenes, which affects vulnerable humans such as the chronically ill and young children. The vaccine approach showed rapid clearance and stimulation of T-cells in both normal and immunocompromised mice.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2006

Alcohol-branded merchandise associated with early teen drinking

A study found that owning alcohol-branded items increased the likelihood of initiating alcohol use in teens. Students who owned these items were 1.5 times more likely to start drinking than those who didn't, according to researchers.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 20, 2006

Using 'minutiae' to match fingerprints can be accurate

The MINEX test demonstrated that minutia templates can be used to match fingerprints accurately, especially when using two index fingers. Systems with images and multiple fingerprint pairs achieved the highest accuracy rates, exceeding 99% in some cases.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMar 20, 2006

Aggression-related gene weakens brain's impulse control circuits

Research suggests that a specific gene variant linked to aggression impairs the brain's ability to regulate impulses and emotions, particularly in males. This impairment can lead to increased reactivity in the fear hub and reduced activity in higher brain areas that regulate emotional responses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 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.

NIST seeks reference nucleic acid sequences

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is building a library of well-characterized RNA sequences for use as external controls in gene expression assays. The sequences will be released to the public domain to ensure broad participation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMar 20, 2006

Stevens meets Committee on National Security Systems standards

The Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Review Committee validated Stevens' curriculum against the CNSS National Training Standards, earning recognition at the 2006 CNSS Awards Ceremony. The certificate is valid through June 2009 and recognizes consistency in training for critical information assurance skills.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateMar 20, 2006

New 'liquid lens' data for immersion lithography

Researchers measured key properties of liquids using immersion lithography, including refractive index and molecular size. The NIST report provides useful trends and data to help identify suitable liquids or calibrate measurements.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Optics·DateMar 20, 2006

School-aged pupils without school

The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research found that long-term truancy is highest among adolescents due to frustration with school and existing educational gaps. Special projects aimed at motivating these young people often fail to address the underlying issues, perpetuating a negative spiral of dropout.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 20, 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.