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Science News for March 9, 2006


Who's vCJD case definition should be revised

A new case of vCJD in Japan highlights the potential for misdiagnosis, as the patient's EEG showed a rare brainwave pattern characteristic. This discovery suggests revising the WHO definition to prevent missing cases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 9, 2006

Invasive exotic plants helped by natural enemies

A recent study found that exotic herbivores, such as cattle and goats, increase the abundance of invasive exotic plants by 70% compared to native plants. This is due to selective consumption of native plants, freeing resources for exotic plants. Meanwhile, native herbivores decrease the relative abundance of exotics by 28%.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 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.

Thalidomide should be added to treatment combination for multiple myeloma

A new combination therapy of melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide has shown significant clinical benefits in elderly multiple myeloma patients. The study found higher response rates and longer event-free survival compared to the standard treatment alone, while also increasing risks of thrombosis, neurological effects, and infection.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 9, 2006

Oral conditions, dental caries know no borders

Research from diverse countries highlights the prevalence of oral conditions and dental caries among vulnerable populations. Studies have shown a strong correlation between socio-economic status and oral hygiene, as well as a higher risk of adverse oral conditions for those with lower education levels.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 9, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Hands free' isn't mind free: Performing even easy tasks impairs driving

A new study found that performing even simple tasks while driving slows down reaction times, demonstrating the psychological-refractory period effect in real-world conditions. The research involved a car simulator and showed participants brake more slowly when easy tasks were presented simultaneously or before brake lights.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 9, 2006

NASA scientists study pollution's origins and air quality impact

Researchers investigate transformation of air pollution as it flows downwind from Mexico City, focusing on impacts on human health and climate. The study aims to understand pollution transport across continents and assess regional air quality and climate effects.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 9, 2006

Preparation needed as children enter schools already overweight

A study of over 1,500 Chicago children reveals a staggering 24% are overweight and 16% at risk of becoming obese. The alarming findings highlight the pressing need for ongoing child weight status monitoring to address this growing health concern.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 9, 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.

The first clinical test for saliva-based oral cancer detection: Ready now!

Scientists have developed a standardized saliva RNA test for oral cancer detection, showing high accuracy rates in detecting oral cancer. The test has been confirmed to be highly accurate in identifying four saliva oral cancer RNA biomarkers, reducing mortality and morbidity for oral cancer patients.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 9, 2006

JCI table of contents, March 9, 2006

Researchers found that inhibiting an enzyme in the liver, CPT1A, improved feeding behavior and blood sugar levels in obese rats. The study suggests a biochemical pathway involved in nutrient sensing may play a critical role in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2006

Engineering companies urged to make room for the 'gadget girls'

A study by Dr. Faulkner highlights the challenges faced by women in engineering, including feeling left out socially and needing to conform to male-dominated norms. To improve retention, companies are advised to introduce diversity training and create more inclusive workplace cultures.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateMar 9, 2006

Outsmarting the smartie bug

Researchers sequenced and analyzed over 1.8 million genetic codes to determine functions of genes involved in polysaccharide capsule production. The new vaccine protects children from many common serotypes, but monitoring is needed to track potential changes in capsular types.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 9, 2006

Light-based device probes for early cancer signs

A light-based device probe has been developed to detect early cancer signs in the esophagus, emitting light that scatters when it hits the cell nucleus. The technology could be adapted to detect pre-cancerous cells on any organ's surface, potentially increasing the likelihood of cancer detection.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 9, 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.

Bering Sea ecosystem responding to changes in Arctic climate

The Bering Sea ecosystem is responding to changes in Arctic climate, with shifts in species and ecosystem structure impacting native communities. The region's productivity and carbon balance are being altered, with potential implications for the role of the sea as a carbon sink.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2006

Fat rats reveal why short-term overeating can lead to obesity and diabetes

Researchers found that inhibiting CPT1A in rats improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels, suggesting a critical role for this enzyme in nutrient sensing. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2006

Identifying gems and minerals on Earth and on Mars

Robert Downs is almost halfway to creating a library of spectral fingerprints for all the Earth's minerals, with over 1,500 cataloged so far. The associate professor of geosciences is collaborating with colleagues to develop a pocket-sized Raman spectrometer for use on Mars and handheld instruments for identifying gemstones on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateMar 9, 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.

Fluoridated beverage consumption and dental fluorosis: There's a connection

Research suggests that high fluoride intake from beverages during infancy and early childhood increases the risk of dental fluorosis in permanent incisors. Consuming more 100% juice and infant formulas with naturally high water fluoride concentrations also contribute to increased fluoride intakes.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 9, 2006

Most human-chimp differences due to gene regulation

Scientists find gene regulation plays a key role in human-chimp differences, with rapid changes occurring in transcription factors over 5 million years. These changes may be linked to dietary shifts and cooking habits, enabling humans to thrive in new environments.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2006

Nanotechnology could improve satellites and solar cells

RIT scientist Ryne Raffaelle's $847,109 grant will develop nanostructured materials to enhance solar cell absorption and conversion rates. The project aims to improve current technology and lay the foundation for long-term improvement in solar energy use.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateMar 9, 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.

UI receives $615,208 federal grant to develop new semiconductor chip

The University of Iowa is part of a five-year Department of Defense grant to develop a multifunctional chip using spin technology. This chip could revolutionize computing and storage capabilities in small portable devices like cell phones, reducing power consumption and increasing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMar 9, 2006

Study previews ice sheet melting, rapid climate change

New study reveals ice sheets can react differently to global warming, growing in some cases and disappearing rapidly in others. The Scandinavian Ice Sheet, which existed 10,000 years ago, grew during a period of warming but cold climate, before rapidly disintegrating once the climate warmed further.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2006

Worm hormone discovery may aid fight against parasitic disease

A UT Southwestern researchers discovered a hormone-like molecule that aids in the development and reproduction of Caenorhabditis elegans, a common research worm. The molecule, called a ligand, acts like a key fitting into a lock, binding to a nuclear receptor that activates genes allowing the worm to develop normally.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateMar 9, 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.

Immobilisation not the only trigger for DVT during long-distance air travel

Researchers found increased clotting marker concentrations during flights compared to sitting and daily activities, suggesting additional mechanisms underlying air travel-related thrombosis. The study included 71 healthy volunteers with varying risk factors for thrombosis, including genetic mutations and oral contraceptives.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 9, 2006

Dramatic changes in US aging highlighted in new census, NIH report

The US aging population is expected to double in size within 25 years, driven by demographic shifts and increased life expectancy. Higher levels of education and better health are linked to improved socioeconomic circumstances and a higher standard of living in retirement.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateMar 9, 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 study reveals promising osteoporosis treatment

A new study suggests a calcium phosphate-based supplement improves bone strength and thickness in rats with mineral deficiency-induced osteoporosis. The Mg/Zn/F-CaP supplement showed substantial improvement in bone properties without the side effects of current pharmaceutical treatments.

SourceNew York University·DateMar 9, 2006

NASA finds stronger storms change heat and rainfall worldwide

A new analysis of global satellite data reveals that a warming climate has led to fewer but stronger storms in mid-latitudes, resulting in contrasting cooling and warming effects on the atmosphere. These storm changes affect the Earth's radiation and precipitation fields, leading to increased precipitation in the northern mid-latitudes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 9, 2006