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Science News for May 17, 2006


Moderate stress during pregnancy does not harm child development

Research finds that moderate stress during pregnancy may be associated with children being more advanced in mental and motor development at age 2. However, this effect is not seen in the children's ability to regulate their emotions or behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2006

Mild maternal stress may actually help children mature

A recent study published in Child Development found that moderate maternal stress during pregnancy is associated with improved early childhood development. The research followed 137 women and their children, revealing that prenatal stress did not hinder temperaments or behavior regulation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2006

Water shortages in Northeast linked to human activity

A recent study found that factors such as development, population growth, and failing water supply systems contribute significantly to water emergencies in Rockland County, N.Y. The researchers' findings suggest that the balance between water demand and supply is becoming increasingly fragile due to human activities.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·DateMay 17, 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.

Tobacco smoke linked to allergic rhinitis in infants

Infants exposed to 20 or more cigarettes a day are three times more likely to develop allergic rhinitis by their first birthday. Environmental tobacco smoke puts harmful particulates in the air that can lead to serious allergic conditions like asthma.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMay 17, 2006

New Medicare plan 'doughnut hole' to affect seriously ill seniors

A new Medicare plan will create a significant gap in coverage for seriously ill patients, leaving them to pay out of pocket for expensive medications. This can lead to reduced treatment options and economic implications for healthcare providers.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 17, 2006

The brain's executive is an 'event planner'

Researchers discovered that neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex process information for future events to generate action plans, enabling monkeys to plan complex behaviors. The study provides new insights into the central function of behavioral planning in this higher brain region.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 17, 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.

Toddlers learn better through interactive video

Researchers found that toddlers prefer learning from videos with two-way interaction and social cues, such as eye contact. The study suggests using interactive video in educational television for young children, providing a more engaging and effective learning experience.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2006

Ancient tomb sheds new light on Egyptian colonialism

A recent study reveals that both Egyptian and Nubian officials participated in the administration of Nubia during this time. The findings challenge traditional ideas of unidirectional change and modification of a subordinate population by a socially dominant group.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 17, 2006

Flick of whiskers helps tease out brain's 'shadow' signaling system

Researchers have discovered that astrocytes become activated when their whiskers are stimulated, sending signals to the brain. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that astrocytes don't communicate much and suggests they may be part of everyday brain function.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 17, 2006

An injury that heals

A study found that biopsy procedures doubled a woman's chances of becoming pregnant during the next round of IVF. The researchers suggest that mild distress from the procedure may provoke a response making conditions in the uterus favorable for implantation.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·DateMay 17, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

South Pacific plant may be missing link in evolution of flowering plants

Researchers discover unique egg-forming structure in Amborella, potentially linking flowering plants to extinct gymnosperm ancestors. The novel embryo sac configuration could be a relic of intense evolutionary activity, shedding light on the origin and evolution of flowering plants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2006

One in 50 teenagers still wet the bed

A study of over 16,500 children aged 5-19 found that 1 in 50 teenagers still experience bedwetting. The researchers found that children with severe bedwetting problems are more likely to continue experiencing problems into adulthood. Mild bedwetting is more common among younger children, but severe problems increase with age.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalBJU International·DateMay 17, 2006

Trio of Neptunes and their belt

Three tiny companions orbiting HD 69830 have been discovered by astronomers using the ESO's HARPS instrument. The newly found planets have minimum masses between 10 and 18 times the mass of Earth, with one located in the habitable zone.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2006

Dolphins at risk

A recent surge in dolphin deaths off the Zanzibar archipelago has sparked debate about pollution, underwater noise, and the impact of offshore industries. Dr. Jonathan David calls for mitigation measures to protect dolphin populations and suggests innovative solutions to minimize harm.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalWater and Environment Journal·DateMay 17, 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.

Bedsores and bald hides: Novel roles revealed for a 'scaffolding' protein

A study published in Nature sheds light on how the body repairs wounds, revealing that a 'scaffolding' protein plays a crucial role in signaling proteins that lead to new protein manufacture and cell growth. Additionally, research in Genes and Development reveals a novel role for this protein in promoting hair follicle growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2006

In the loop: Scientists reveal how signals travel through rat's whiskers

Researchers discovered that signals from rat whiskers travel through distinct regions in the thalamus along separate pathways for movement, touch, and complex signals. These pathways function within parallel feedback loops, enabling the brain to implement new behaviors by building on lower-level sensory inputs.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·DateMay 17, 2006

Holes in heart not a common cause of stroke in general population, study finds

A new study from the Mayo Clinic contradicts previous research suggesting a link between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and stroke risk. The study found that traditional cardiovascular risk factors are more important than PFOs in causing cryptogenic strokes in older adults, while younger patients may have a higher risk associated with PFOs.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 17, 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.

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.

Seismologists detect a sunken slab of ocean floor deep in the Earth

Scientists have discovered a subducted slab of oceanic lithosphere at the base of the Earth's mantle, providing direct evidence for its presence. The finding reveals new insights into the processes driving tectonic plate movement, suggesting that ancient seafloor can sink to the bottom of the mantle.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2006

Bush's response to 9/11 mirrors Wilson era

The article examines how George W. Bush's response to 9/11 mirrored the diplomatic approach of President Woodrow Wilson during his era. The author, Lloyd E. Ambrosius, draws parallels between the two leaders' strategies, highlighting similarities in their use of international organizations and multilateral cooperation.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDiplomatic History·DateMay 17, 2006

Slab of sunken ocean floor found deep within Earth

A team of seismologists detected a slab of sunken ocean floor at the Earth's core-mantle boundary, shedding light on mechanisms that give rise to volcanoes and earthquakes. The discovery suggests whole mantle circulation and provides new insights into the movement of tectonic plates.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2006
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Targeting lung cancer

Researchers engineered mice with mutated EGFR genes that can be turned on or off to study lung tumorigenesis and treatment responses. Mutations in EGFR drive lung tumors into regression by inhibiting the gene or turning it off.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 17, 2006

Healthy human immune system cells can respond to HIV-1

Researchers identified 37 HIV-1 protein fragments that triggered an immune response in cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Healthy donors responded with large quantities of interferon gamma, while infected patients showed only a small proportion of cells mounting an adequate response.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMedical Immunology·DateMay 17, 2006

How do children learn about science and God?

A literature review reveals children learn about objective nonobservables like germs through matter-of-fact discussions. They also contribute to their understanding and appear more confident in scientific subjects than spiritual ones.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2006

UC Davis researchers reveal apples' protective ways

UC Davis researchers found that apple extract protects cells from damage and death by interfering with cellular communication. The study reveals a molecular mechanism for the antioxidant effects of flavonoids in apples, distinct from other fruits like grapes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateMay 17, 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.

Length of deprivation in infants affects intellectual development for years

Researchers found that children who experienced institutional deprivation showed an IQ deficit of about 15 points, even after reunification. The study suggests that early deprivation can lead to 'developmental programming' and that some children may experience continued progress into adolescence.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2006

Fabled equatorial icecaps to disappear

The Rwenzori Mountains, home to one of four remaining tropical ice fields outside the Andes, are experiencing substantial reduction in glacial cover due to increasing air temperature over the last four decades. Glaciers are receding tens of meters each year, with less than one square kilometer of glacier ice remaining.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 17, 2006

Polycystic kidney disease: MRI provides an early alert to progression

Researchers developed an MRI technique to measure cysts and kidneys in individuals with autosomal dominant PKD. The study found that both small and large cysts grew at steady rates, correlating with losses in kidney function.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 17, 2006

Rep. Sherwood Boehlert to receive award from AIBS

Congressman Boehlert will receive the award for his strong advocacy of science and funding for agencies like the National Science Foundation. The presentation will take place at the AIBS Annual Meeting on May 24, addressing biodiversity and policy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateMay 17, 2006
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Is brain size linked to two common gene variants?

A recent UCLA study found no association between the MCPH1 and ASPM gene variants and differences in brain size. The researchers used MRI scans to measure brain size in 120 healthy individuals and identified those with these genetic variations, but their findings suggest caution when interpreting evolutionary advantages of these variants.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 17, 2006

Wal-Mart equals higher poverty rates

A recent study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals a link between Wal-Mart's expansion and increased poverty rates in local communities. The authors found that the arrival of large retail chains like Wal-Mart leads to the displacement of small businesses, resulting in reduced local leadership capacity.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMay 17, 2006

Brain study yields insight into machinery of prejudice

Researchers found that the ventral mPFC region is more engaged when considering people like oneself, while the dorsal region is more active for dissimilar individuals. The study suggests that focusing on shared similarity between groups can help reduce prejudice.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 17, 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.

Broccoli, cauliflower and genetic cancer

A study published in Carcinogenesis reveals that sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli and cauliflower, can inhibit the development of hereditary colon cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor proliferation. The researchers found that mice fed with an SFN-supplemented diet developed significantly fewer and smaller tumors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateMay 17, 2006

Human and chimp genomes reveal new twist on origin of species

The study found that the two species split no more than 6.3 million years ago and probably less than 5.4 million years ago, suggesting an initial split followed by later hybridization before a final separation. Genome analysis revealed big surprises, with major implications for human evolution.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2006