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Science News for May 25, 2006


More effective reporting needed on spinal manipulation in children

A recent study found 14 cases of direct adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulation, including serious events like hemorrhage and paraplegia. The research team is now working on developing a more effective reporting system to collect data on outcomes, including harms.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateMay 25, 2006

New biomarkers for improving treatment of spondylarthritis

Researchers have identified new biomarkers that correlate with patient response to anti-TNFá therapy, improving the treatment of spondylarthritis. The study found changes in synovial tissue features, such as macrophage and PMN cell changes, associated with disease activity and treatment effectiveness.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 25, 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.

DNA: Bacteria's survival ration

A recent study found that bacteria can utilize DNA as a critical food source, enabling them to outcompete other microbes and survive longer. The study identified eight genes necessary for this process, known as nutritional competence, which could have applications in medical research and the development of genetic antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMay 25, 2006

Scientists predict how to detect a fourth dimension of space

Researchers predict that braneworld black holes, created in the early universe, have survived and can be detected by observing gamma-ray bursts passing near them. The signature of these black holes could provide evidence for a fourth dimension of space.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 25, 2006

Study outlines eruption at undersea volcano

Researchers observed eruptive activity at Northwest Rota-1 for three separate visits over two years, suggesting chronic eruptions. They used an underwater robot to observe explosive activity from 10 feet away, gaining clearer insights than possible on land.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Forsyth issues imperative for a vaccine against cavities

Dental caries is a widespread and increasing problem globally, with 5 billion people affected. Forsyth researchers aim to develop a vaccine targeting bacterial accumulation on teeth, with initial focus on mucosal vaccines for young children.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMay 25, 2006

Historic Colorado River streamflows reconstructed back to 1490

Researchers used tree-ring records and gauged streamflows to reconstruct historic Colorado River streamflows, dating back to 1490. The reconstructions suggest that droughts more severe than the recent 100-year period occurred in the past, with at least eight droughts similar in severity to the 2000-2004 drought.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 25, 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.

Parasitic worms used to fight bowel disease

Researchers found that parasites can modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests that improved hygiene may be responsible for the rise of IBD in developed societies.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 25, 2006

Theoretical blueprint for invisibility cloak reported

Researchers at Duke University have reported a theoretical blueprint for an invisibility cloak made of metamaterials. The cloak can hide objects so well that observers are unaware of their presence, similar to how water flows around a smooth rock in a river. This technology has potential applications in wireless communications and acou...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2006

Revolution in the fight against cancer & viruses

Researchers have developed a new approach to target different diseases using short interfering RNA (siRNA) with tailored cellular properties. Human trials for siRNA-based anti-cancer and anti-viral treatments are currently underway in the USA and Europe, offering promising results.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 25, 2006

A gene predisposing to pituitary tumors identified

Researchers identified mutations in the AIP gene as the underlying cause of pituitary adenoma predisposition. The discovery provides molecular tools for efficient identification of predisposed individuals, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of conditions like acromegaly and gigantism.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 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.

What lies beneath: LSU researchers explore Gulf floor

Researchers Harry Roberts and Bob Carney are studying the animals that live near oil and gas seeps in the Gulf, including bacteria that feed on hydrogen sulfide gas. They will use the Alvin submersible to take them down to the bottom of the Gulf, where they hope to discover new species and learn more about these unique communities.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateMay 25, 2006

Neuronal cell cultures kept on the straight and narrow

NIST researchers create a microfluidics technique to isolate and pattern neuronal cells on surfaces, allowing for the study of cell development and behavior. This breakthrough enables a variety of cell-geometry experiments, such as measuring the maximum gap between lines that can be bridged by neural axons and dendrites.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 25, 2006

Reconstructing a healthcare system in Iraq

A study conducted by Yale University researchers found that Iraqi nurses require improved working conditions, equipment, and financial support to ensure the success of the healthcare system. The nurses also emphasized the importance of respect from physicians, administrators, and society at large.

SourceYale University·JournalAdvances in Nursing Science·DateMay 25, 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.

Minerals go 'dark' near Earth's core

Researchers found that magnesiowüstite, a common mineral in the lower mantle, absorbs infrared light when compressed to extreme pressures. This suggests that radiation may not play a significant role in heat flow near Earth's core.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2006

First trial on life-threatening condition finds two surgical approaches have same results

A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 117 premature infants found that laparotomy and bowel resection and peritoneal drainage surgical approaches have essentially the same major outcomes in terms of patient survival. The study ends three decades of speculation and debate over which approach is more effective.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 25, 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.

Millennium development goals ignore health of indigenous people worldwide

The Lancet series highlights disparities in indigenous people's health worldwide, with lower life expectancy, higher rates of infectious diseases, and poor access to healthcare. Researchers are calling for greater respect and action to address these issues and preserve unique knowledge about ecosystems and medicines.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 25, 2006

Innocuous intestinal bacteria may be reservoir for resistance

Research reveals that non-pathogenic bacteria from cow manure share antibiotic-resistance genes with multi-drug resistant Salmonella strains on the same farm. Ecology appears to play a major role in the spread of drug resistance, rather than therapeutic antibiotic use.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 25, 2006

Gap between death rates for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants widening

The study found that Aboriginal infants had more preventable deaths and higher disparities in death rates compared to non-Aboriginal peers. The researchers emphasize the need for effective maternal and infant services to address these disparities and promote long-term Aboriginal health and well-being.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 25, 2006

Still more accurate after all these years

NIST researchers have developed a more accurate method for measuring distillation curves, which are crucial for characterizing fuel composition and performance. The new approach eliminates uncertainties and systematic errors, enabling better correlation with thermodynamic theory used in modern fuels and engines.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMay 25, 2006

Growing glowing nanowires to light up the nanoworld

NIST researchers have successfully grown gallium nitride alloy nanowires with intense ultraviolet and visible light emission. The wires' high light output and defect-free structure enable reliable room-temperature measurements, while their versatility makes them suitable for various devices, including sensors and transistors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 25, 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.

The tropics may be expanding

Researchers found a 2-degree widening of the tropics, with subtropical deserts expanding into midlatitude regions. Midlatitude temperatures warmed by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit over 26 years, suggesting a change in jet stream positions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2006

Virginia study urges early emphasis on science

A recent Virginia study suggests that US schools should prioritize an early emphasis on science to boost the number of future scientific leaders. The research found that students who expected to pursue science careers were more likely to earn degrees in life sciences or physical sciences and engineering.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2006

Ancient Etruscans unlikely ancestors of modern Tuscans, statistical testing reveals

Recent research using genetic data analysis and simulation software challenges the common assumption that modern residents of a region are direct descendants of their earlier inhabitants. The study suggests that the Etruscan population may have been more diverse or socially elite, leading to little overlap with modern Tuscans.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

Employers need highly skilled social science PhDs

The ESRC report reveals high demand for social science PhD holders in various sectors beyond academia. The study highlights the crucial importance of equipping UK social scientists with core research and professional skills.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 25, 2006