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Science News for March 30, 2006


Katrina exposed emergency response weakness

The article discusses how Hurricane Katrina's aftermath revealed poor planning and decision-making by public officials. It recommends changes to the national emergency management system to improve disaster response and recovery. The lessons from Katrina can only be learned by shedding light on current policy and practices.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateMar 30, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Translational derepression & oncogene expression in breast cancer cells

Researchers identified a sequence within the 3' UTR of Her2 mRNA that overrides inhibitory effects of 5' uORF, increasing Her2 translation in breast cancer cells. This mechanism is crucial for understanding post-transcriptional control processes and identifying new molecular targets for cancer treatment.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 30, 2006

International study questions health benefits of moderate drinking

A new meta-analysis of 54 studies found no clear link between moderate drinking and reduced risk of premature death from all causes. The analysis controlled for age and illness effects that skewed previous findings, suggesting that moderate drinking may not be as protective as thought. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateMar 30, 2006

Infections might trigger deep vein thrombosis

A large-scale study in the UK found that both respiratory and urinary tract infections increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The risk is particularly high in the first two weeks after infection. Researchers suggest a causal relation between infections and venous thromboembolism.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 30, 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.

Cincinnati surgeons report new treatment for often-fatal injury

Researchers have developed a novel technique using standard surgical stents and synthetic endografts to effectively treat patients with severe blunt thoracic aortic trauma, reducing the risk of death from blood loss. The method provides a reliable way for emergency surgeons to repair difficult injuries using readily accessible materials.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery·DateMar 30, 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.

Over 80 percent of college girls surveyed diet to lose weight

Researchers found that 83% of college girls try to control their weight, regardless of their weight status. Unhealthy weight loss methods include skipping breakfast (32%) and smoking (9%). Only 19% of girls exercise regularly to lose weight.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateMar 30, 2006

Frictionless motion observed in water

Researchers spin a molecular stick, creating a shock wave that destroys friction in the surrounding liquid, allowing it to rotate freely. The discovery challenges traditional models of liquid behavior and has significant implications for understanding chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 2006

Using probes to control chemistry - molecule by molecule

Researchers create atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe to actively initiate chemical reactions on surfaces, increasing spatial resolution to one nanometer scale. This technique has potential applications in designing more efficient catalysts and solar cells, as well as refining chemical sensor technology.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMar 30, 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.

Magnetically guided catheter zaps atrial fibrillation

A new magnetic-guided catheter has successfully treated atrial fibrillation in 38 of 40 patients, with no reported complications. The robotic device offers more precise control than conventional catheter ablation devices, potentially reducing procedure duration and improving outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2006

Plants give pests sock in the gut

Researchers have discovered a plant enzyme called Mir1-CP that protects corn from pests by degrading insects' peritrophic matrix. The enzyme accumulates at feeding sites within an hour of caterpillar feeding, causing impaired nutrient utilization and inhibiting growth.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 30, 2006

Measuring electrical arcs at the micrometer scale

Researchers developed a novel capacitor design to measure breakdown voltage in air at the micrometer scale, providing insights into electrical behavior. The device enables accurate measurements of arc formation and can be used to optimize microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and larger electrical systems for automobiles.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 30, 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.

MINOS experiment sheds light on mysterious neutrinos

The MINOS collaboration has observed a significant fraction of muon neutrinos disappear, consistent with neutrino oscillation. This finding indicates that neutrinos have some mass, which helps explain how galaxies formed and the origin of matter in the universe.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateMar 30, 2006

DOE JGI releases experimental metagenomics data management & analysis system

The DOE Joint Genome Institute has released a new tool for analyzing metagenomic data, IMG/M, which integrates aggregate genome data from diverse microbial communities with isolate genome data. The system allows for the examination of functional annotation profiles and strain-level heterogeneity within species populations.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateMar 30, 2006

Clinical pharmacology needs to be revitalised in the UK

Renowned clinicians call for collaborative effort to revive clinical pharmacology in the UK. The Lancet experts advocate for joint action by medical schools, government bodies, and industry partners to bolster this crucial field.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 30, 2006
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Quality standards issued for testing herbal products

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued new quality standards for testing herbal products, focusing on the analysis of ephedra and potentially toxic heavy metals. These standards will aid in ensuring the accuracy of laboratory analyses and maintaining product safety.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMar 30, 2006

Friction-reduction recipe: Add two atoms and lots of heat

Brown University professors and USC colleagues find a molecule spinning at 270 trillion rotations per minute, annihilating friction. The phenomenon challenges old laws of physics, suggesting molecules can move energy without slowing down.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 2006

Study examines risk for misuse of ADHD stimulant medications

Researchers found that individuals with ADHD were more likely to misuse their medication, particularly selling or taking too much. Immediate release stimulants were most prone to misuse, while extended release formulations were not targeted by abusers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 30, 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.

Quantum dot method rapidly identifies bacteria

A new method for identifying bacteria uses genetically engineered phages that infect target bacteria, releasing biotin-capped phage progeny attached to quantum dots. The resulting phage-quantum dot complexes can be detected and counted using microscopy or spectroscopy, allowing for rapid identification of bacteria.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2006

MSU researchers shake out basis for rice domestication

Researchers pinpointed a single base pair mutation in DNA that causes non-shattering rice varieties, allowing for effective field harvests. This discovery will benefit the world by improving yields and sustainability of food crops, particularly rice, which is staple food for over half of the global population.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 2006

Magnetism shepherds microlenses to excavate 'nanocavities'

Duke University researchers have developed a technique using ferrofluids and magnetic traps to create 'nanocavities' that can be used as chemical detectors or for data storage. The team uses magnetics to manipulate microstructures, allowing for complex patterns to be assembled.

SourceDuke University·DateMar 30, 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.

New human retrovirus originated in mice

A new human retrovirus, XMRV, has been found in patients with a rare type of prostate cancer, suggesting a possible link between the virus and cancer development. The discovery was made using a microarray-based screening method and found that prostate cancers with specific genetic mutations were more likely to harbor XMRV infection.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 30, 2006

How a locust's eardrum could lead to tiny microphones

A team at the University of Bristol has created microphones based on the structure of a locust's eardrum, allowing them to detect extremely faint sounds. By studying the nanoscale movements of an insect's hearing system, researchers have gained insights into developing tiny sensors that can analyze sound frequencies.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMar 30, 2006
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

RFID tags to assist in tracking first responders

Researchers at NIST are developing a system using RFID tags to help track first responders' locations within buildings. The system uses inertial sensors to correct navigation errors, providing more accurate location and local information. By leveraging this technology, first responders can navigate complex environments more efficiently.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMar 30, 2006

Scientists observe solitary vibrations in uranium

Researchers identify lattice solitons, localized energy waves, in uranium crystals using x-ray and neutron scattering experiments. The discovery has immediate implications for uranium science and solid-state physics.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2006

VCU researchers develop new method for synthesis of nanomaterials

Researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing tailored nanorods and nanowires using microwave irradiation, enabling faster production of highly versatile materials for medical applications. This approach requires specific chemicals and solvents but offers significant enhancement in reaction rates.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 30, 2006

Rapid temperature increases above the Antarctic

A new study reveals broad-scale climate change across the Antarctic continent, with temperatures rising over three times faster than global average. The finding suggests that greenhouse gases may have a significant impact on Antarctica's climate system.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 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.

3D ultrasound device poised to advance minimally invasive surgery

A new 3D ultrasound scanner is being developed to improve minimally invasive surgeries, offering a more precise view of the target area in real-time. The technology has shown promise in animal testing, particularly for monitoring heart function during cardiac surgery without general anesthesia.

SourceDuke University·JournalUltrasonic Imaging·DateMar 30, 2006

Scientists elucidate the kinome of key model organism

Researchers at Boston Biomedical utilize bioinformatics to study the kinome of Dictyostelium, a model organism revealing unique enzymes involved in cell biology. The study identifies 46 conserved kinases across all organisms, providing insights into fundamental cellular processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 30, 2006
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.

Duke to test bird flu vaccine dosing

The Duke study aims to determine whether a modified form of the investigational bird flu vaccine can trigger a strong immune response at lower doses. The seven-month trial will test varying strengths of the H5N1 vaccine, either with or without an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMar 30, 2006

Cassini finds 'missing link' moonlet evidence in Saturn's rings

The Cassini spacecraft has discovered four faint propeller-shaped double streaks in the mid-A Ring of Saturn, suggesting the presence of intermediate-sized moonlets. These findings provide evidence that Pan and Daphnis are part of a larger population of ring moons, shedding light on Saturn's ring formation and planetary evolution.

SourceSpace Science Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 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.

Sleep apnea treatment benefits the heart

A study found that sleep apnea treatment improved the shape and pumping action of the heart, reducing high blood pressure and daytime sleepiness. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices also reduced cardiovascular risks and improved overall health outcomes in patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2006

Gold nanoparticles emit intense heat, study finds

Researchers at Ohio University have discovered that gold nanoparticles can heat an area significantly larger than the nanoparticle itself, making them useful for targeting specific cells or objects. The particles' heating properties are precise and can be controlled using bio-linkers to affect specific targets.

SourceOhio University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 30, 2006