Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2006 - Page 14


Page 14 of 18

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

New target for obesity and related metabolic disorders

Researchers have identified a new target for obesity treatment by discovering a small molecule that activates the G protein-coupled receptor GPR119, leading to reduced food intake and weight gain in rats. The compound, PSN632408, also shows promise in improving lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2006

Fine particles increase hospital admissions for heart failure and cardiovascular disease

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that short-term exposure to fine particulate matter increased hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study estimated associations between day-to-day changes in hospital admission rates and fine particulate matter levels in 204 US urban counties.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateMar 7, 2006

K-State marketing professor studies online shopping experience

A Kansas State University marketing professor studied the relationship between product characteristics and consumer behavior in online shopping. He found that a superior website experience enhances customer satisfaction, especially for female consumers who value convenience and organization.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Internet Commerce·DateMar 7, 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.

Virginia Bioinformatics Institute launches microbial database

The VBI Microbial Database provides genome sequence and annotation data for two major plant pathogens, Phytophthora sojae and Phytophthora ramorum. The database offers powerful analytical tools and community annotation features to facilitate research on these pathogens.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 7, 2006

Scientists provide new evidence for cellular cause of SIDS

Researchers found that serotonin levels in pacemaker cells are crucial for gasping and auto-resuscitation in babies. Disturbed serotonin levels can lead to a decrease in gasping, making it difficult for the baby to wake up and initiate movement.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMar 7, 2006

Declines in exercise capacity may be due to lack of training, not just age

Older subjects showed a significant increase in exercise efficiency and reduced oxygen debt after aerobic exercise training. The study's findings suggest that a lack of fitness, rather than aging itself, contributes to the decline in exercise capacity.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 7, 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.

Adaptation to oxygen deprivation elucidates tumor physiology

Researchers found that cells adapt to low oxygen conditions by inhibiting mitochondrial function and increasing the conversion of glucose to lactate. This active process, mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), helps protect tumor cells from death and may be targeted by cancer therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2006

Maori infertility and assisted reproduction study

A study on Maori infertility aims to address the lack of quality information on the issue, which is affecting declining family sizes among Maori. The research will gather views from different Maori groups to inform improvements in reproductive healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·DateMar 7, 2006

Mental stress effects on heart more common than previously known

A study found that mental stress can reduce heart blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease, even those without symptoms of ischemia during physical stress tests. Six out of 29 patients showed signs of ischemia on images produced after a mentally stressful role-playing scenario.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 7, 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.

Male loons change their tune with change in territory

A Cornell University study reveals that male loons modify their yodels when switching territories, adopting a new call to signal dominance. This unique behavior has significant implications for conservation efforts and may inform the development of non-invasive bird identification methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 7, 2006

'Shuttling' protein possibly key to resilience of cancer cells

A 'shuttling' protein, ATF2, previously confined to the nucleus of healthy cells, has been found to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm in cancer cells. This shuttling is controlled by the presence of another protein, c-Jun, and may play a key role in cancer's resistance to treatment.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 7, 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.

Efficiency, not more doctors, is the prescription for aging population

Researchers suggest that increasing efficiency in medical practice and directing resources to effective care can reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patients with severe chronic illnesses receive excessive physician care, which may do more harm than good.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 7, 2006

Experience backs early heart valve replacement

A study of 170 patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation found that those who underwent early surgery lived longer and had better health outcomes compared to those who waited. The results support current guidelines for treatment, which recommend surgery for asymptomatic and moderately symptomatic patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 7, 2006

Liquid crystals show promise in controlling embryonic stem cells

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have created a liquid crystal-based cell culture system to control the uncontrolled differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. The system uses mechanical strain to guide stem cells along well-defined lineages, enabling real-time monitoring and reducing the mixture of cells of little medic...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 7, 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.

Research reveals hidden magnetism in superconductivity

Los Alamos scientists uncover new relationship between magnetism and unconventional superconductivity in complex materials. They demonstrate that magnetism can be made to reappear in the presence of an applied magnetic field, expanding our understanding of high-temperature superconductors.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2006

Controlling your (nerve) impulses

The study reveals that ion channels collaborate through a third protein called ankyrin-G to control electrical signals in the brain. This mechanism is present in all vertebrates but lacking in invertebrates, suggesting its importance for higher brain abilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMar 7, 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.

Johns Hopkins scientists exploit novel route to reverse enlarged hearts in obese mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that injecting ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) into obese mice with leptin deficiency or resistance reduced their heart muscle walls by up to a third and the size of the left ventricle by 41%. This breakthrough suggests a novel brain-signaling pathway for obesity-related heart failure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2006

Mars radar missions seek data on water, ice caps, crust

The Mars Express and NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions are providing valuable insights into Mars' upper interior. The combination of radars on the two missions will directly map the structure of the upper portions of the interior, revealing information about water, ice caps, and crust deformation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 2006

Researchers find ways heat-loving microbes create energy

A study by Washington University researchers reveals that heat-loving microbes create energy through various reactions, including the use of sulfur and hydrogen. The findings hold clues to the origin of life on Earth, suggesting a high-temperature environment as the likely last common ancestor.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemical Geology·DateMar 6, 2006

A high-speed camera records turbulence

A research team led by Professor Eberhard Bodenschatz has experimentally tested two theories on how particles separate in strong turbulence. The results, which agree with George Batchelor's predictions but not the Richardson-Obukhov law, suggest that particles move more slowly away from each other than previously assumed.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 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.

Anemone genes reveal versatile building blocks for body plans

Researchers isolated genes from the starlet sea anemone to understand body-plan patterning. They found that two types of proteins encoded by these genes are expressed differently in anemones compared to bilateral animals like flies and frogs, suggesting an ancient function for this signaling system.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 6, 2006

Scientists issue unprecedented forecast of next sunspot cycle

The NCAR team predicts that Cycle 24 will produce larger-than-usual sunspots, affecting satellite orbits and power systems. Scientists developed a model tracking subsurface movements of sunspot remnants for more than 98% accurate forecasts.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2006

Experimental atomic clock uses ytterbium 'pancakes'

Scientists at NIST have developed an experimental atomic clock using ytterbium 'pancakes' that could be more stable and accurate than current time standards. The new design holds thousands of atoms in a lattice made of intersecting laser beams, which is also applicable to other atoms with even-numbered atomic masses.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2006

Advance hastens practicality of superconductors

Researchers have developed a method to estimate oxygen levels in grain boundaries of superconductors, which can enhance their critical current density. This technique, called pressure-induced oxygen relaxation, could make it easier to manufacture reliable ceramic superconductors.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 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.

New research shows bats have complex skills to deal with 'clutter'

Researchers discovered that bats employ sophisticated techniques to locate prey in cluttered environments, including adjusting the timing and frequency of their ultrasonic pulses. By analyzing high-speed camera footage and audio recordings, the team found that bats 'strobe' the air with sound to distinguish insects from background noise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 6, 2006

Hurricanes, other vortices seize energy via 'hostile takeovers'

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Los Alamos National Laboratory found that large fluid vortices raid their smaller neighbors in an energy grab, sustaining a steady-state inverse energy cascade. This phenomenon forms a food-chain of vortices, with larger ones preying on smaller ones.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2006