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Science News for March 8, 2006


Are tougher electronic components on the way?

Researchers have created iridium and platinum nitrides, which exhibit strong bonds that contribute to hardness and durability. These compounds may be used in durable coatings, substrates, conductors, and optoelectronic devices.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2006

Cholesterol-lowering foods most effective when combined, U of T study

A U of T study found that a combination of viscous fibres, soy protein, almonds, and plant sterol margarine can significantly lower cholesterol levels. After 12 months, over 30% of participants successfully adhered to the diet and lowered their cholesterol by more than 20%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 8, 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.

Elderly have higher risk for cardiovascular, respiratory disease

A study found that small increases in fine particle air pollution resulted in increased hospital admissions for heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory infections. Fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs, posing a significant health risk to elderly citizens.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateMar 8, 2006

One in three adults are lonely, especially people in their forties

A study by UK and Australian researchers found that people with strong religious beliefs were less likely to be lonely, while retired individuals were more likely to be socially connected than the unemployed. Loneliness levels started rising between ages 20-49, challenging the belief that retirement leads to social isolation.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateMar 8, 2006

Poison dart frog mimics gain when birds learn to stay away

Researchers found that harmless frogs can look like less toxic species without losing protection from predators through stimulus generalization. This discovery challenges traditional mimicry theory and reveals a new mechanism involved in mimicry processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2006

Effect of diabetes on heart may differ by ethnicity, study finds

Researchers found that people with diabetes from different ethnic groups have varying levels of muscle mass in the left ventricle, a key indicator of heart health. In white, African-American, and Hispanic individuals, increased muscle mass was linked to subclinical atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 8, 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.

Oxford biologists explore ability for some females to conceive during pregnancy

The female European badger's ability to conceive during pregnancy is enabled by a reproductive strategy called embryonic diapause and superfetation. This unique trait allows females to mate with multiple males, benefiting them regardless of social system, according to Oxford biologists.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateMar 8, 2006

Plant sterol pills significantly lower LDL cholesterol

Researchers found plant sterols significantly lowered LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in patients taking statin drugs. The study suggests that adding plant sterols to the diet may provide an effective way to lower cardiovascular risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMar 8, 2006

Blood levels of suspected carcinogen vary by race, ethnicity

A new study reveals that blood levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), suspected carcinogens linked to cancer and developmental problems, vary significantly among racial and ethnic groups in the US. The CDC found non-Hispanic white males had the highest levels of PFCs, with age having no influence on their concentrations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 8, 2006

'Looking' at Eyeless from two directions

A team of scientists has identified 21 key genes that are targets of the Eyeless protein, which plays a crucial role in eye development. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into how eyes develop in fruit flies and humans, potentially shedding light on diseases related to vision.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 8, 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.

Corrective cosmetics may not boost quality of life for women with severe facial blemishes

Women who used corrective cosmetics to cover severe facial blemishes reported lower health-related quality of life than those who didn't wear makeup. The study found no difference in quality of life based on the type or size of the blemish, but highlighted the psychological impact of facial marks on self-image and social functioning.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 8, 2006

Management of delta and wetlands contributed to problems after hurricanes

Researchers suggest that effective delta and wetland management is crucial for reducing vulnerability to hurricanes. By combining wetland restoration and flood-protection efforts, levees can be used more effectively to protect high-value infrastructure, allowing humans to continue living in precarious coastal communities.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalGround Water·DateMar 8, 2006

U-M researchers take new approach to defeating Gram-negative bugs

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a novel method to weaken Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, making them susceptible to existing antibiotics. The approach, which involves genetic modification, has shown promising results in reducing antibiotic doses needed to kill the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateMar 8, 2006

Mice with glowing hearts shed light on how hearts develop

Researchers genetically engineered mice whose hearts glow with a green light, shedding light on heart development. The study reveals the presence of specialized cells that delay beating between heart chambers, improving understanding of irregular heartbeats and basic physiology.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

Most human-chimp differences due to gene regulation – not genes

Scientists found that changes in transcription factor genes, which control expression of other genes, played a key role in human evolution. The study suggests that rapid adaptations to changing environments, such as the use of cooked food, drove these changes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2006

Newark Preservation Committee honors NJIT for restoring victorian castle

The New Jersey Institute of Technology received the Donald T. Dust Recognition Award for its successful two-year, $13-million restoration of Eberhardt Hall, a 35,000-square-foot Gothic Victorian castle built in 1857. The university preserved original architectural details and materials while modernizing amenities.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateMar 8, 2006

Formula feeding, early introduction of infant food may not contribute to childhood obesity

Researchers used dual-energy X-ray absorpiometry (DXA) to measure adiposity, finding no significant difference in fat mass between breastfed and non-breastfed children. Early introduction of complementary foods did not lower fat mass either. Breastfeeding still provides numerous benefits for mother and child.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 8, 2006

Reining in carbon dioxide levels imperative but possible

The world's growing energy needs could be met without destabilizing the climate through affordable, effective solutions like carbon capture and sequestration. The authors propose large-scale technologies such as solar energy, clean coal technology, and nuclear power to reduce emissions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalBrookings Papers on Economic Activity·DateMar 8, 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.

State children's health insurance program affects access to dental care and use of dental services

A study examining six years of data from the National Health Interview Survey found that SCHIP implementation increased the use of dental services by 49.5% and reduced unmet dental needs by 21.2% among low-income children. These effects resulted in a measurable improvement in access to dental care for the entire low-income population.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 8, 2006

Study finds dentists in research network do not discriminate

A recent study by Case Western Reserve University found that private practice dentists and hygienists primarily counsel middle-class patients with higher education on preventing dental diseases. Despite the lack of peer feedback, most dentists use comfort-giving strategies to make patients feel at ease during visits.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 8, 2006

Earlier periodontal treatment leads to lower medical costs

A two-year study found that early periodontal treatment results in lower medical costs for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and CAD patients. The study involved 144,225 patients with both medical and dental insurance.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 8, 2006

Study: Local TV news covers health a lot, but not always well

A national analysis of local TV news health coverage reveals opportunities for improvement in accuracy and perspective. The study found that health and medical stories comprised 11% of late-evening newscasts, but often lacked specific information about disease prevalence and prevention methods.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMar 8, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetically engineered mosquitoes show resistance to dengue fever virus

Researchers have created genetically modified mosquitoes resistant to the Type 2 dengue fever virus, which infects 50 million people annually. The mosquitoes showed high levels of resistance and were able to reproduce, making them a promising tool for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

Research shows fat fuels inflammation killer

Research from the University of Warwick reveals that increased levels of sE-selectin are strongly associated with measures of obesity and waist fat. This inflammation can lead to various health issues like thrombosis, heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 8, 2006

Troubling increase in repeat cesarean delivery, inadequate explanations

A study of over 4500 women reveals that nearly 10% of repeat cesarean deliveries have no documented reason, emphasizing the importance of accurate physician-recorded indications. Future research should focus on clinicians' and women's decision-making processes about childbirth after a prior cesarean delivery.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalBirth·DateMar 8, 2006

New study shows benefit of early therapy in HIV-infected infants

A new study found that early antiretroviral therapy can significantly improve CD4 cell count outcomes in HIV-infected infants. Children who started treatment between 5 months and 5 years of age were 60% less likely to experience a decline in their CD4 cell count z-score compared to those who started treatment before 5 months.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 8, 2006

Think twice before exercising when getting that PET scan

A study in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology found that physical activity, even minor exercises like turning a page or shoveling snow, can impact PET scan results and lead to false positives. To minimize this effect, patients should avoid excessive muscle activity 48 hours before scanning and inform their technologist.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine Technology·DateMar 8, 2006

Scientists use PET scans to monitor lung inflammation noninvasively

Researchers used PET scans to monitor artificially induced lung inflammation in healthy volunteers, allowing for less invasive testing of potential anti-inflammatory drugs. The new imaging process may help diagnose inflammatory lung diseases and improve clinical trials.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMar 8, 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.

Biologists develop genome-wide map of miRNA-mRNA interactions

Researchers developed a genome-wide map of miRNA-mRNA interactions using the PicTar algorithm, predicting that one-third of C. elegans miRNAs target related genes. The study also found that 3' UTRs contain a largely unexplored universe for gene regulation.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 8, 2006

NASA survey confirms climate warming impact on polar ice sheets

The study found a net loss of ice from the combined polar ice sheets between 1992 and 2002, resulting in an increase in sea level. The survey also documented extensive thinning of the West Antarctic ice shelves and an increase in snowfall in Greenland.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateMar 8, 2006

Early land animals could walk and run like mammals, new study finds

Researchers at Ohio University found that salamanders and the ancient lizard-like animal tuatara can both walk and run on land, using energy-saving mechanisms similar to those in fast-running animals. This discovery suggests that these early vertebrates may have had a key role in shaping the evolution of locomotion in later species.

SourceOhio University·DateMar 8, 2006

Media alert: New study finds dairy is not associated with weight gain

A new study provides evidence that consuming three servings of low-fat dairy foods per day can aid in weight loss and promote overall health. The research, consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, highlights the benefits of dairy consumption on body weight.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 8, 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.

MIT tool may reveal architectural past

The MIT team uses particle-spring systems to create three-dimensional designs that can find a structure's most efficient form in minutes. Historically, finding new structural forms required physical means, but this method offers a more efficient and sustainable approach.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 8, 2006

MIT research holds promise for Huntington's treatment

Researchers at MIT have discovered a compound called B2 that promotes the formation of large protein inclusions, which may help stop Huntington's disease progression. The compound also shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease, another neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded proteins.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2006

There's more than meets the eye in judging the size of an object

Researchers used fMRI to examine how brains process object size under illusions, finding the primary visual cortex activated more area for a distant object. This challenges the long-held view that the image is just a precise reflection of the retina.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 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.

Hamster study shows how our brains recognize other individuals

A team of Cornell University researchers used golden hamsters to study individual recognition, finding that different brain areas react differently depending on emotions attached to memories. The study's findings may have implications for understanding and treating social anxiety disorders, Asperger syndrome, and autism.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 8, 2006