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Science News for May 9, 2006


College freshmen at high risk for chlamydia infection

A recent screening conducted by student health centers revealed a 13% prevalence rate of chlamydia among college freshmen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the importance of providing regular chlamydia education, screening, and testing services to all students, particularly high-risk groups.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·DateMay 9, 2006

Impaired vision common in US

A recent study estimates that 1 in 8 individuals aged 12+ in the US have impaired vision, with a prevalence of 6.4%. The majority can achieve good corrected visual acuity, but disparities exist among certain groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 9, 2006

Nature vs Nintendo: Video games or national parks

A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found a significant correlation between the rise of video games and internet use, as well as rising fuel prices, and a decline in U.S. national park visits. The study suggests that increased home entertainment activity may be contributing to a decrease in outdoor activities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Environmental Planning and Management·DateMay 9, 2006
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Copying nature could save us energy, study shows

A recent study compared how natural 'machines' and man-made technologies overcome similar problems, revealing that only 5% of natural machines rely on energy in the same way. Instead, insects, plants, birds, and mammals use the structure and organization of their body parts and behavior to solve problems.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 9, 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 method confirms importance of fungi in Arctic nitrogen cycle

A new study has quantified the role of mycorrhizal fungi in nitrogen cycling for the first time using a mass balance approach. The researchers found that 61-86% of the nitrogen in plants at an Arctic site entered through fungal symbionts, shedding light on the importance of these organisms in arctic tundra ecosystems.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalEcology·DateMay 9, 2006

How Internet addiction is affecting lives

Internet addiction is increasingly affecting people's lives, leading to negative consequences such as divorce and physical symptoms like cyber shakes. Recognizing this addiction will allow for appropriate treatment, enabling therapists to address technological addictions and their associated issues.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPerspectives In Psychiatric Care·DateMay 9, 2006
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.

Evolutionary forces explain why women live longer than men

Research suggests that women live longer than men due to the biological imperative of attracting mates, with males competing aggressively for female attention. This competition leads to riskier behavior and physiology, ultimately shortening male lifespans relative to females.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHuman Nature·DateMay 9, 2006

Europe wide study to examine causes of asthma

A Europe-wide study aims to identify the key factors contributing to asthma development, with a long-term goal of prevention. The GABRIEL project will analyze genetic and environmental interactions, including the role of urbanization and industrial agents, to better understand this complex disease.

SourceImperial College London·DateMay 9, 2006

Study identifies substances in grapefruit juice that interact dangerously with some drugs

A study led by Dr. Paul Watkins found that grapefruit juice contains furanocoumarins, which inhibit an intestinal enzyme and cause interactions with certain medications. Removing these compounds from grapefruit juice eliminates the interaction, suggesting a new approach to managing medication side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 9, 2006

Indoor air purifiers that produce even small amounts of ozone may be risky for health

A recent study by the University of California - Irvine has found that indoor air purifiers producing even small amounts of ozone can exceed public health standards. This increases exposure to ozone levels in excess of health guidelines for people operating these devices indoors, potentially worsening respiratory issues such as asthma.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMay 9, 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.

OHSU study says stem cell 'fusion' occurs in tumors

Scientists at OHSU School of Medicine found that bone marrow-derived cells fuse with intestinal stem cells in both normal and diseased tissue, promoting tumor growth and cancer development. This discovery has implications for understanding the balance between rapid regeneration and cancer risk.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2006

Tropical depression: Hurricane linked to long-term mental distress

Researchers found that exposure to hurricane-related stressful events can lead to long-term mental health problems, particularly for those with prior stressful experiences or pre-existing symptoms. The study suggests that assessment of prior experiences and psychological well-being is crucial for identifying disaster victims at risk.

SourceFlorida State University·DateMay 9, 2006

Pediatricians fail to screen for autism, Hopkins study finds

A Hopkins study found that pediatricians rarely screen patients for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with 62% citing a lack of knowledge about screening tools. Screening for ASD is crucial to prevent poorer outcomes in children with developmental disorders, but current national efforts may not be effective.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMay 9, 2006

Ghrelin: A player in diabetes but not obesity?

A recent study found that blocking ghrelin may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control in mice, potentially providing a new approach for treating type 2 diabetes. However, the study also raised concerns about potential long-term risks of increasing ATP production by pancreatic cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 9, 2006

Gene linked to rare disease activates fat breakdown

The gene CGI-58 boosts the activity of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) up to 20-fold, solving a puzzle in lipid storage disease CDS. This activation limits lipid accumulation and restores normal fat breakdown.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 9, 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.

Study examines impact of optional regulations on heart attack treatment

A University of Iowa and VA study found that certificate of need programs limit the growth of high-cost medical services but do not harm patients. Hospitals with higher volume rates for certain procedures tend to perform better, suggesting a potential role for regulatory policies in ensuring quality care.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAMA·DateMay 9, 2006

Tibet provides passage for chemicals to reach the stratosphere

Researchers found that thunderstorms over Tibet transport nearly three times more water vapor into the lower stratosphere than those in India. The study also reveals that Tibetan storms are responsible for transporting carbon monoxide to the upper atmosphere, affecting air pollution.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2006
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NYU algorithm enhances ability to detect cancer genes

The NYU algorithm uses Bayesian statistics to pinpoint tumor suppressor genes in cancer genomes. By analyzing segmental deletions and spatial relations, the algorithm detects genes that were previously unknown or overlooked.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 9, 2006

Imbalance may trigger advance from fatty liver to liver failure

Researchers found that a disproportionate ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine in cell membranes undermines membrane integrity and influences progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Maintaining a healthy ratio may provide new approaches for managing the condition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 9, 2006

Illinois professor to address global warming at book launching

Climate scientist Michael Schlesinger warns of catastrophic consequences of inaction on global warming, citing the shutdown of Atlantic thermohaline circulation. The professor's book emphasizes human-induced climate change and its devastating impact on sea levels and coastal cities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 9, 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.

Do testosterone patches help women with under-active pituitary glands?

A 12-month study found that testosterone patches improved bone density, body composition, and cognitive function in women with low testosterone levels resulting from hypopituitarism. The patches showed few side effects, making them a potential treatment option for these women.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 9, 2006

Summer sun safety

A recent study published in Dermatologic Surgery reveals a significant link between summer sun exposure and the development of melanoma. Sun protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing are necessary to prevent skin cancer, despite controversy surrounding current guidelines.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Surgery·DateMay 9, 2006