Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 3, 2006


New radiation protection technique results in reduced physician exposure

A new device allows physicians to monitor patients and control exam table movement safely behind a lead plastic shield, reducing radiation exposure by 90% to the head, arms, and legs. This technique preserves physicians' ability to perform procedures without heavy lead gowns, extending their career longevity.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 3, 2006

Man-made climate change

A new study reveals a 3.5% weakening of the Walker circulation since the mid-1800s, with potential for another 10% reduction by 2100 due to human activities. The slowdown may intensify and impact El Niño events and marine productivity in tropical oceans.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature·DateMay 3, 2006
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Key root-development pathway mapped using advanced genomic technique

A team of researchers has mapped the key root-development pathway in Arabidopsis using an advanced genomic technique, revealing eight direct targets and numerous indirectly affected genes. The study provides new insights into plant development and function, shedding light on the complex regulatory network governing root growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 3, 2006

Few gay man regret disclosing HIV status to friends, family

A recent study published in AIDS Education and Prevention found that few HIV-positive gay men regret sharing their diagnosis with friends and family. In fact, only 4.2% of participants reported regret after disclosing their status to at least one social network member.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAIDS Education and Prevention·DateMay 3, 2006

PMS – a fact of life or all in the mind?

A study by Professor Ussher reveals that societal expectations of femininity and the 'monstrous feminine' can lead to self-policing practices, causing distress in premenstrual phase. Women in lesbian relationships reported less distress, suggesting a need for women-centred psychological interventions.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateMay 3, 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.

Pandemic challenges for Asia-Pacific region

The Asia-Pacific region is facing challenges in pandemic preparedness, with some countries lacking comprehensive operational guidance manuals. However, countries like Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand have developed robust plans to respond to pandemic influenza, drawing from their experience with SARS.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateMay 3, 2006

WWU receives $720,000 for 5-year harbor seal study

Researchers at WWU are studying the impact of harbor seals on rockfish populations in northern Puget Sound. The five-year grant will provide baseline data on harbor seal numbers and diets, shedding light on the effect of these marine mammals on the region's fish populations.

SourceWestern Washington University·DateMay 3, 2006

Salk scientists untangle steroid hormone signaling in plants

Researchers at the Salk Institute have clarified the response pathway to steroid hormone brassinolide, a key element in plant growth. The study reveals that BES1 is activated in the nucleus after BIN2 inhibition, leading to gene activation and promoting plant growth.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 3, 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.

Hormones may affect how brain listens, Emory study finds

An Emory study found that estrogen affects the selectivity of gene expression in response to song and beeps. Hormone-treated female white-throated sparrows responded with mating moves to seductive male songs but ignored synthetic beeps, while untreated females showed no reaction.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateMay 3, 2006

Mutant mice show key autism traits

Researchers found that mutant mice displayed major abnormalities in social interactions, including reduced interest in new mice and impaired nest-forming behavior. The mice also showed hyperactivity, anxiety-like behaviors, seizures, and decreased learning, all characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2006
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The brain's motivation station

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study how brain regions involved in reward processing interact with memory. They found that cues to high-reward scenes activated both the mesolimbic region and the hippocampus, leading to better memory performance for high-value scenes.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 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.

Study shows newborns with jaundice at no greater risk

Researchers studied 140 infants with mild bilirubin levels and found no significant differences in IQ, behavior, or neurological diagnoses compared to control group. The study suggests proper treatment can prevent long-term neurological issues, providing reassurance for parents.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 3, 2006

Inhibiting cell process may give cancer drug a boost

Researchers found that inhibiting myosin light chain kinase with ML-7 induces cell suicide in breast and prostate cancer cells. Combination with etoposide treatment reduces tumor growth by 88.5% and 79.1%, offering new target for cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateMay 3, 2006

New treatment allow patients to return to pre-injury activity

A new treatment using ultrasound-guided injections of hyperosmolar dextrose has shown promising results in treating chronic tendon pain. The study found that 43 out of 53 tendons were successfully treated, allowing patients to return to their normal pre-injury activities.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 3, 2006

New kind of drug could increase number who quit smoking

A new type of medication, varenicline, is being developed to target the neurobiological mechanism of nicotine dependence. Trials have shown promising results, with short-term and long-term quit rates significantly higher than those achieved with existing medications or placebos.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateMay 3, 2006

The secret lives of sea slugs

Biologists observed sea slug navigation, feeding, mating, and egg-laying behavior, shedding light on its complex nervous system. The study confirms that many wild behaviors are similar to laboratory observations, providing new insights into sensory systems and neural controls.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalBiological Bulletin·DateMay 3, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New findings help pinpoint autism's genetic roots

Researchers identified a gene mutation linked to autism, revealing physical abnormalities in the brain that mimic some cases of autism. The study found altered nerve cell structure and function, potentially leading to sensory overload.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2006

Slowdown in tropical Pacific flow pinned on climate change

A study found a 3.5% slowdown in the Walker circulation, which drives trade winds and ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in wind-forced ocean flow by up to 20% by 2100, impacting marine life and fishing regions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature·DateMay 3, 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.

Tequila! Chemists help assure quality of popular Mexican beverage

Researchers analyze 31 pure agave tequilas and 25 mixed-tequila samples using ion and gas chromatography, identifying distinct chemical profiles. A new screening test using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy may be used to identify fake tequilas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 3, 2006