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Science News Archive May 2006


Page 4 of 15

Research reveals control of potent immune regulator

The study found that pro-inflammatory cytokines increase positive regulators of IFNg production while shutting down negative regulators like TGFb, which lowers IFNg levels. This fine balance ensures healthy NK cell activity and prevents autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Live via satellite: Scientists to track Caspian Sea sturgeons

Scientists track Caspian Sea sturgeons using satellite technology for the first time, providing critical data for conservation efforts. The study aims to learn more about species biology and behavior, challenging long-held assumptions and contributing to better management of endangered populations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New genetic test for breast cancer

A new clinical trial called TAILORx aims to determine whether chemotherapy is necessary for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study will use OncotypeDXTM, a genetic test that estimates a patient's risk of recurrence and predicts treatment outcomes.

Poor adolescents more likely to be overweight today than 30 years ago

The prevalence of overweight adolescents has doubled in the past three decades, with poor teens experiencing faster weight gain and higher rates of physical inactivity. Increasing sweetened beverage consumption is a significant contributing factor, particularly among poor adolescents.

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.

Researchers release draft final report on New Orleans levees

A 700-page report suggests key mechanisms for levee failures in the US, built upon data and field investigations supported by National Science Foundation grants. The Berkeley-led team's findings aim to improve emergency planning and response strategies for natural disasters.

Robotic joystick reveals how brain controls movement

The study suggests that motor learning involves different time scales and implies that slow learning is key to maintaining motor skills in stroke patients. The research team hopes to tailor therapy strategies to target slow-learning systems, improving recovery of muscle control after brain injuries.

Genetic tug of war determines sexual differentiation

Researchers found that the Wnt4 and Fgf9 genes are initially balanced before Sry triggers a cascade leading to testis formation. In contrast, an imbalance between these signals determines sex determination in vertebrates.

Beyond the hype and the scare stories, how safe are nanoparticles?

A recent study calculates the risks of nanotechnology, emphasizing the need for rational work to understand and minimize adverse effects. The research highlights the importance of managing exposure to manufactured nano-sized particles, particularly through respiratory or skin routes.

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.

When it comes to privacy, gender matters

A study found that nearly a quarter of men and women consider minimal video capture a privacy violation, with women expressing greater concern than men. Women were also more likely to be uneasy about their images being viewed at off-campus locations or in public places.

Proteus mirabilis will give up its genetic secrets at ASM meeting

Researchers have gained insights into the genetic mechanisms of Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium causing kidney stones and complicated urinary tract infections. The complete genome sequence, including 3,693 genes and 4.063 megabases of DNA, will help scientists identify potential targets for new vaccines.

Study finds no link between marijuana use and lung cancer

A recent study by the American Thoracic Society found that marijuana smoking does not increase the risk of lung cancer or head and neck cancers. Heavy marijuana users, who smoked over 22,000 joints, did not have an increased risk of developing cancer.

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.

Diabetes, heart disease can herald early GI cancers

Research suggests that diabetes may be a marker of early pancreatic cancer, with studies showing increased rates of colon, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers in patients with diabetes. Additionally, women with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of developing colorectal adenomas and advanced adenoma.

MIT 'seeing machine' offers hope to blind

The MIT 'seeing machine' allows visually challenged people to see images, videos, and text through a desktop device. In a pilot clinical trial, 60% of participants accurately interpreted visual language and navigated a virtual environment with the help of the device.

Treatment for anorexia nervosa appears to have improved outcome

Research reveals improved treatment outcomes for individuals with anorexia nervosa, including increased fertility and reduced long-term mortality. The study highlights the importance of biologically driven avoidance behavior in the development of the disorder.

Benefits of screening colonoscopy in very elderly may be limited

A study found that colonoscopy screening in very elderly patients results in only a small gain in life expectancy, suggesting the benefit may be smaller than previously believed. The prevalence of advanced neoplasia increased with age, but the average extension of life expectancy was much lower in the elderly groups.

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.

US ports vulnerable to devastating earthquake damage

A new project led by Georgia Tech aims to develop strategies to help ports manage seismic risk more effectively. The team will evaluate methods of preventing damage using large-scale tests and investigate applying similar approaches to managing risks from other natural hazards.

Mary-Claire King to receive the 2006 Weizmann Women & Science Award

Dr. Mary-Claire King has made significant contributions to the understanding of inherited breast cancer, discovering the BRCA1 gene that predisposes individuals to this widespread disease. Her work also explores human genetic diversity and evolution, as well as the application of genomics to human rights problems.

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.

'Mercury sponge' technology goes from lab to market

The SAMMS technology can selectively remove metal contaminants without creating hazardous waste or by-products, with initial targets including coal-fired power plants and municipal facilities. In tests, 99.9% of mercury was successfully removed from simulated wastewater, meeting EPA discharge limits.

Early treatment favored for multiple sclerosis

Research suggests that initiating MS therapy with an immunomodulating drug as soon as possible following a diagnosis can significantly reduce future disease activity and progression of disability. Studies have shown that delaying treatment is associated with more progression of disability and larger volumes of disease damage.

Selenium-protein deficiency raises prostate cancer risk

Research using transgenic mice found that lower levels of selenoproteins accelerate prostate cancer development, highlighting the importance of selenium-containing proteins in preventing cancer. Further research is needed to understand how selenium supplements can maximize benefits.

Late-breaking Digestive Disease Week news

A phase 3 clinical study found that nearly half of patients with advanced illness experienced laxation within four hours of receiving methylnaltrexone, and over 70% responded by the end of the first week. The treatment also showed no diminishment of analgesia due to medication.

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.

Sleeping less linked to weight gain

A large study of 68,183 middle-aged women found that those who slept 5 hours or less per night were more likely to experience major weight gain and become obese over 16 years. The researchers didn't find a link between sleep duration and physical activity levels.

DOE JGI finishes 100th microbial genome

The DOE JGI has completed its 100th microbial genome sequencing, marking a significant achievement in the field of microbiology. This milestone allows researchers to explore and expand their understanding of microorganisms' metabolic profiles and environmental implications.

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.

Characteristics of caregivers may increase symptoms in dementia patients

A study of nearly 6,000 dementia patients and their caregivers found that younger, less educated, and more depressed caregivers were associated with higher levels of behavioral symptoms. Understanding the link between caregiver characteristics and patient behaviors may lead to more effective treatment options.

Mayo Clinic studies find association between acid reflux and esophageal cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a significant association between acid reflux and esophageal cancer, with patients who experience acid reflux having a 30- to 125-fold increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. The study also discovered susceptibility genes in familial Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Alcohol abuse increases the risk of suffering from pneumonia

A study published in Chest Journal found that alcohol abuse increases the risk of pneumonia, with decreased immune system activity being a key factor. The consequences of this study could have a significant impact on a high number of people, particularly in Spain where alcohol is a major cause of death.

Virtual colon screenings examined

Computed Tomographic Colonography (CTC) screening found extra-colonic abnormalities in approximately 16 percent of asymptomatic patients. The most common findings were coronary artery calcifications and non-calcified pulmonary nodules. CTC was also compared to optical colonoscopy (OC) for detecting polyps, with comparable accuracy in i...

How did continents split? Geology study shows new picture

A new study provides an explanation for continental plate breakups, showing that they often occur along preexisting lines of weakness created during earlier collisions. The research uses geochemical fingerprinting to demonstrate this principle, shedding light on the history of the Rheic Ocean.

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.

ST. John's Wort relieves bladder pain in animal models

Researchers found that St. John's Wort increased bladder contraction intervals in rats with bladder inflammation, reducing bladder hyperactivity and associated pain. The study suggests that the herbal supplement may be a viable treatment option for women suffering from interstitial cystitis, affecting 700,000 Americans.

APS physics tip sheet #62

Researchers have designed a new quantum processor core that keeps qubits active all the time, enabling faster calculations and making quantum computers more efficient. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in fields like molecular biology, biophysics, and materials science.

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.

RNA interference stops colon cancer spread in mice

Researchers used small interfering RNAs to block the spread of human colorectal cancer cells in laboratory mice, achieving a major reduction in liver cancer growth. The treatment also showed potential for increased cancer cell killing when combined with standard chemotherapeutic agents.

Botox: Its not just for wrinkles anymore

Researchers found Botox injections to improve urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in men with enlarged prostates. The treatment reduced prostate size through apoptosis, improving urine flow and decreasing residual urine.

New techniques ease colon cancer procedures for patients

A novel colonoscope using the NeoGuide System reduces looping and discomfort during colonoscopies, while entonox sedation provides effective pain relief and faster recovery. These advancements increase rates of colorectal cancer screening and improve patient satisfaction.

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.

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.

Ecologists home in on how sperm whales find their prey

Researchers tracked sperm whales using acoustic recording tags, finding that they produced 'buzzes' to locate cephalopods like squid during deep dives. This non-invasive method provides insight into the timing of prey detection and capture during dives.

Obesity linked to all types of breast cancer

Researchers found that women who gained more than 60 pounds during adulthood were almost twice as likely to have ductal type tumors and more than 1.5 times more likely to have lobular type cancers. The risk for metastatic disease increased with weight gain, particularly among those who gained over 60 pounds.

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.

Drug discovery team to explore newly discovered deep-sea reefs

Researchers have found diverse ecosystems and promising biological samples at newly discovered deep-sea reefs off Miami and Bimini. The team aims to explore these areas to identify factors responsible for their incredible diversity and potentially find new medicines.

MIT studies undersea channels for oil recovery

Researchers are re-creating submarine channel formation to understand their internal structure and improve oil recovery efficiency. The experiments have yielded counterintuitive results, revealing behaviors that differ from surface rivers due to differences in density.

Lead exposure leads to brain cell loss and damage years later

A new study has found a significant link between lead exposure and long-term brain cell loss and damage. Researchers measured the brains of former employees exposed to lead in their workplaces, finding those with higher levels had smaller brain volumes and more damage.

Women with COPD can fare worse than men

A study of 85 women with COPD found they had lower lung function, more trouble breathing, and a worse quality of life compared to men. The researchers suggest that comprehensive assessments can lead to improved treatment outcomes for all COPD patients

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.