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Science News for May 31, 2006


Researchers conduct training in disaster mental health

Researchers are developing a new field in disaster mental health training to address the emotional needs of victims, first responders, and others affected by disasters. With funding from the DOH Grant, they have already trained 168 community-based mental health professionals and plan to expand their reach.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMay 31, 2006

Tests for 'face-blindness' reveal disorder may not be so rare

Studies conducted by Harvard researchers reveal that prosopagnosia, or 'face-blindness,' may be more common than previously thought, affecting up to 2% of the general public. The condition can lead to social isolation and difficulty recognizing familiar faces, prompting individuals to rely on non-facial traits for recognition.

SourceHarvard University·DateMay 31, 2006

Damaged Iraq marshes show renewed signs of life

Researchers found that over 40% of the marshes have been reflooded and native species are recovering, with growth in giant reeds and rare bird sightings reported. However, challenges remain, including water supply issues and potential environmental threats from oil exploration.

SourceDuke University·JournalBioScience·DateMay 31, 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.

Study finds ways to improve detection of blood clots in the lung

Researchers compared accuracy of three diagnostic methods for pulmonary embolism, finding chest CT with leg CT scan detects clots in 90% of patients. The study suggests that imaging technologies greatly expand our ability to diagnose and treat disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 31, 2006

Striking the right balance between excitation and inhibition

A study by Martyn Goulding and colleagues reveals that the Notch receptor protein determines whether a single progenitor cell produces excitatory or inhibitory neurons. The researchers found that activated Notch promotes excitatory neuron formation, while low levels of Notch lead to inhibitory neuron development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 31, 2006

Rhesus monkeys in Nepal may provide new alternative for HIV/AIDS research

Researchers found that Nepali rhesus macaques are genetically similar to Indian-origin animals, which could provide a new alternative for HIV/AIDS research. The study suggests that these animals may be representative of Nepali rhesus macaques in general, and their use in research could help address conservation concerns.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateMay 31, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AGU journal highlights - 31 May 2006

Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters highlight climate change impacts on Mars, with data from orbiting spacecraft and rovers revealing a hemispheric dichotomy. In the Arctic, sea ice reduction is linked to inflows from the Pacific Ocean, while the Indian Ocean experiences decadal variability in its circulation. Scientists st...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 31, 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.

Virginia Tech student selected to meet Nobel Laureates

A Virginia Tech student is selected to meet with Nobel laureates to discuss his research on bioremediation using bacteria-mineral interaction. The study aims to understand the fundamental reactions that dictate how bacteria interact with minerals, potentially leading to a safe and cost-effective means of environmental remediation.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 31, 2006

Ocean-drilling scientists cite history of Arctic climate change

Scientists from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program have recovered sediments that indicate prevailing ice conditions during the last 14-16 million years. The study also found evidence of ice in the Arctic Ocean dating back 45 million years, while temperatures rose to subtropical levels 55 million years ago.

SourceIntegrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 2006

Colorful, rare-patterned male guppies have survival advantage in the wild

Male guppies with rare color patterns have a highly significant survival advantage in the wild, surviving at 84% rate compared to 69% for common-patterned males. This phenomenon is linked to frequency-dependent survival, where rarity confers an advantage over common variants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 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.

Genetically altered mice no longer like cocaine

Researchers genetically altered mice to resist cocaine's effects, discovering that blocking dopamine transporters is crucial for producing a high. The study aims to find drugs that prevent cocaine from binding to transporters while allowing the transporter protein to function.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2006

Discovery may speed forest biotechnology

Researchers have identified the genes CO and FT responsible for tree flowering and reproduction, which could lead to faster breeding programs and strategies. This breakthrough may also help predict how trees will respond to climate change.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2006

Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute new study on pregnant women & iron

A recent study by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute found that pregnant women who are not anemic should take iron supplements weekly, rather than daily. This approach reduces the risk of iron overload and birth complications, while still providing benefits for iron supplementation.

SourceChildren's Hospital & Research Center Oakland·JournalArchives of Medical Research·DateMay 31, 2006

Where we change our mind

Researchers Wako Yoshida and Shin Ishii explored how different cortical regions function in solving partially observable decision-making problems. They found that the anterior prefrontal cortex is involved in belief maintenance, while the medial prefrontal cortex is involved in belief back-track processes.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 31, 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.

ESC releases updated Guidelines for the Management of Stable Angina Pectoris

The European Society of Cardiology has released updated guidelines for managing stable angina pectoris, providing recommendations on treatment methods and risk stratification. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of life for European populations affected by cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 31, 2006

Moderate alcohol intake associated with better mental function in older women

Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with better mental performance and reduced risk of dementia in older women. Women who reported drinking up to two or three drinks per day performed better on measures of global cognitive function, particularly in verbal skills.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeuroepidemiology·DateMay 31, 2006

Amnesiac study offers insights into how working memory works

A new study offers insights into the role of the hippocampus in forming and recalling memories, particularly for working memory. The researchers found that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in connecting related pieces of information, but not necessarily in long-term memory.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateMay 31, 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.

Vaccinate or not? Treat or not? Study looks at tricky health decisions

A new study explores how people make medical decisions, revealing that stepping into others' shoes can lead to better choices. By considering multiple perspectives, including those of doctors, parents, and medical directors, participants made treatment decisions that were more informed than their own self-interest would suggest.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 31, 2006

New mechanism explains glucose effect on wakefulness

A new mechanism explains how glucose inhibits neurons that regulate wakefulness, revealing a role for previously unknown potassium ion channels. Glucose levels affect the firing rate of these neurons, shedding light on cellular pathways regulating vigilance states and energy balance.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 31, 2006

North Pole's ancient past holds lessons for future global warming

Scientists discovered ancient plant life in core samples from the Arctic Ocean, revealing that sea surface temperatures reached 23°C during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum, a period similar to current global warming. The findings suggest that carbon dioxide levels played a crucial role in past and present climate changes.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 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.

When a child's heart stops, onset time of abnormal rhythms is crucial

Abnormal rhythms were found to occur 27% of the time during cardiac arrests in children, with initial shockable rhythms having better outcomes than those developing later. Prompt defibrillator shocks improved survival rates, but subsequent VF had poor outcomes due to underlying heart disease or late diagnosis.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 31, 2006

Sectarianism is problem for religious right political partnerships according to new survey at UCSD

A new survey at UCSD reveals that sectarianism in conservative religious groups holds back coalition formation on the right. The study found that members of these groups who favor a larger role for religious leaders in politics are less sectarian, bringing good news for supporters of the religious right.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateMay 31, 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.

Sun's past strength took toll on tropical glaciers, worsens today's outlook

A study by the University of Alberta and international partners reveals that past changes in solar radiation have already affected tropical glaciers. Future climate change poses a significant threat to water resources in these regions, as high-altitude glaciers continue to melt rapidly.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2006

Climate history rewritten: Arctic ice an early arrival

New evidence from a 430-meter sediment core reveals glaciers in the Arctic Ocean formed simultaneously with those in Antarctica, rewriting climate history. The discovery underscores the role of greenhouse gases in driving global climate change.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 2006

Growing diabetes epidemic: Patient/physician disconnect on disease management

A nationwide survey shows a significant gap in understanding of type 2 diabetes management, with patients feeling knowledgeable about their condition but not following treatment regimens as prescribed. The Diabetes Roundtable advocates for a team-centered approach involving patients, physicians, and educators to improve care outcomes.

SourcePorter Novelli·DateMay 31, 2006

3-D insulator loses a dimension to enter magnetic 'Flatland'

Researchers found that barium copper silicate transforms from a nonmagnetic, disordered insulator to a magnetic, ordered condensate under extreme cold and high magnetic fields. The material loses dimensionality at the quantum critical point, with electron spins interacting only in two dimensions.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 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.

Sinking levees

Researchers mapped subsidence in New Orleans using satellite radar imagery, revealing areas where land is sinking at alarming rates. The study highlights the need for revised reconstruction plans and more durable levees to address the growing threat of flooding.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 2006

Chronic stress, depression and cortisol levels are potential risk indicators for periodontal disease

A study by the American Academy of Periodontology reveals that chronic stress, depression, and elevated cortisol levels are potential risk indicators for periodontal disease in adults aged 50 and older. Short-term psychological stress was linked to elevated plaque levels, while long-term physical stress was associated with gingivitis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateMay 31, 2006

Promising new metamaterial could transform ultrasound imaging

Researchers developed an ultrasonic metamaterial that captures sound wave's fine details and expands instead of compresses like natural materials. This allows for higher modulation of the acoustic wave, enabling better ultrasound image resolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 31, 2006

Lurking lung cancer alleles

A recent study identified 64 genetic variants associated with lung cancer development, including changes in proteins expressed by the genes. These findings suggest that a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors contributes to lung cancer susceptibility, while tobacco smoke remains the leading risk factor.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 31, 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.