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Science News Archive November 2006


Page 14 of 16

Which type of whooping cough vaccine should be used?

A study analyzing Saskatchewan's pertussis incidence between 1995-2005 found lower rates among children with whole-cell pertussis or a combination of whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines. The findings contradict recent reports, suggesting reconsidering the optimal immunization strategy against pertussis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists crack rhino horn riddle

A new study at Ohio University sheds light on the structural materials that form the horn's characteristic shape, explaining its curved tip. The team discovered dark patches made of calcium and melanin in the middle, which harden the core and protect it from sun damage.

Einstein researchers demonstrate a novel approach to treating AIDS

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine successfully targeted and destroyed HIV-infected cells in mice using radioimmunotherapy. The treatment aims to eliminate the virus-infected cells that make infections chronic, potentially leading to a cure for HIV-infected patients.

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.

Rice's Connexions wins $1.7 million from Hewlett Foundation

Connexions, a revolutionary open-source publishing platform, has received a third-phase $1.7 million grant to become more self-sustaining through new revenue streams, including book sales and licensing its platform to companies for corporate training.

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.

The LouseBuster kills

A chemical-free device invented by University of Utah biologists eradicates head lice infestations on children by killing eggs and lice, a promising cure for the condition. The LouseBuster uses hot air to dry out lice and nits, making it an effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments.

Hospital costs for children with flu may be higher than thought

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports that hospital costs for influenza-related admissions in children are significantly higher than previously thought, with costs ranging from $7,000 to $40,000. The study supports the economic case for annual flu vaccinations, especially for high-risk conditions.

Many weather factors needed for accurate climate change predictions

Researchers at Purdue University found that considering all interactions among temperature, radiation, precipitation, and land use can aid humans in preparing for extreme shifts in weather patterns. They discovered that a lack of precipitation will have the most dramatic effect on living conditions in the future.

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.

Stress, childhood trauma linked to chronic fatigue syndrome in adults

Research finds childhood traumatic events and emotional instability are associated with CFS, which affects daily activities and interferes with rest. Higher overall trauma scores increase the risk of CFS by 3-8 times, with emotional neglect and sexual abuse during childhood linked to worse symptoms.

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.

Group decisions: From compromise to leadership in pigeon homing

A study on pigeon homing found that birds flying in pairs take more efficient routes home than alone, suggesting navigational benefits. The researchers discovered that compromise and leadership emerge from simple forces acting on the pigeons' behavior, resolving conflicts between individual preferences.

Men with prostate cancer avoid radiation due to misconceptions

A study found that patients base their treatment choice on cultural and personal prejudices, with false beliefs about radiation's impact being a major concern. Patients were also anxious about the terminology used in radiation therapy, evoking feelings more related to war than a cure.

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.

Mutant gene causes severe kidney disease in infants

Researchers identified a previously unknown cause of severe kidney disease in children: recessive mutations in the PLCE1 gene. Early diagnosis and treatment may reverse some cases of nephrotic syndrome in infants. The study provides promising results, suggesting that some infants with PLCE1 mutations can respond to steroid treatment.

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.

Proteins may predict lung transplant rejection

A study has identified three proteins that can predict chronic lung rejection in transplant patients, offering new hope for early intervention and prevention. The proteins, which form a 'biosignature' of organ rejection, were found using advanced high-tech tools and analysis techniques.

Growth factor stimulates rapid extension of key motor neurons in brain

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) enhances the growth of corticospinal motor neuron axons, a critical population affected by ALS. IGF-1 stimulation increases axon outgrowth speed and extent, paving the way for potential treatments.

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.

Researchers study effects of Aricept in pediatric brain cancer survivors

Researchers are evaluating the use of Aricept to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems in pediatric brain cancer survivors who have received cranial radiation. The study, which will enroll 35 patients ages 8-17, aims to assess whether the drug can help maintain baseline cognitive abilities and social relationships.

Researchers writing story of the 'alcoholic lung'

Researchers found that chronic alcohol abuse disrupts the protective barrier in the lungs, making it harder for the body to handle fluid accumulation. This can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia and ARDS.

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center prostate SPORE grant renewed

The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center's Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant has been renewed for an additional five years. The grant will fund translational research projects aimed at identifying biomarkers to predict response to therapy and developing non-invasive imaging options for diagnosis and treatment.

Park your car and walk to store, school, work

A new comprehensive study by Saint Louis University researchers has identified the top 10 features of activity-friendly communities, which can help improve public health. The study's findings emphasize the importance of designing communities that encourage physical activity, such as mixed-use development, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

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.

Newly discovered proteins associated with cystic fibrosis

Researchers have identified unique expression domains for two proteins, SPLUNC1 and SPLUNC2, in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The discovery could help understand the immune system's role in the disease and potentially prevent lung damage.

Space sunshade might be feasible in global warming emergency

A space sunshade, proposed by University of Arizona astronomer Roger Angel, could balance the heating effect of a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The constellation of small spacecraft would form a long, cylindrical cloud with about 10 percent of sunlight diverted away from Earth.

Learning how nature splits water

Scientists have derived the precise structure of a catalyst composed of four manganese atoms and one calcium atom that drives water-splitting reactions. The high-resolution structure holds promise for developing clean energy technologies that rely on sunlight to split water, enabling the production of hydrogen fuel.

Your genes may hold key to how sick you get from the flu

Researchers found that mice with a genetic predisposition to severe flu symptoms mount an enhanced immune response in the lungs compared to those with milder disease. The study aims to identify genes controlling inflammation variation during influenza infection and may help determine who would benefit most from limited vaccine supply.

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.

Signal protein shows promise for blocking tumor promoters in skin cells

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that signal protein Srcasm can block tumor-promoting molecules in skin cells, potentially leading to targeted gene therapy for certain cancers. By increasing Srcasm levels, researchers may be able to reverse uncontrolled cell growth caused by activated Src kinases.

Beetle feet stick to their promises

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Metals Research develop adhesive material mimicking beetle feet's microhairs for improved adhesion. The material exhibits excellent performance, lasting hundreds of applications and showing benefits such as no visible marks or need for cleaning.

Floating and spiky

Researchers use computer simulations to study the effect of adhesive patch size and density on cell adhesion. They found that protrusion height is the most critical factor, with small increases leading to faster adhesion rates.

Mental health problems threaten the knowledge economy

Research shows that mental health problems lead to greater levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among workers in the service sector. The study found that investing in mental health treatment and prevention can result in significant cost savings for governments.

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.

Penn researcher shows that DNA gets kinky easily at the nanoscale

Researchers used atomic force microscopy to study DNA's flexibility, finding it can bend into tight structures without large forces. The findings shed light on molecular properties viewed at different magnifications and have implications for cell biology and gene regulation.

Stem cells engage in dialogue with the cells that regulate their futures

Researchers discovered that stem cells communicate with niche cells through the Notch pathway, leading to increased niche cell production and larger stem cell populations. This two-way dialogue enables stem cells to maintain an active niche, which is essential for their self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cells.

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.

Neuron cell stickiness may hold key to evolution of the human brain

A study reveals human-specific sequence changes in DNA sequences regulating nerve cell adhesion molecules, leading to the uniquely human features of brain development and function. The researchers identified accelerated evolution of conserved noncoding sequences near genes involved in neuronal cell adhesion.

How fish mend a broken heart

Researchers found that zebrafish have progenitor cells and an epicardium that can restore wounded heart muscle. The study's findings suggest that these mechanisms could be utilized for therapies, potentially improving the regenerative capacity of mammalian hearts.

Accelerating loss of ocean species threatens human well-being

A study finds that the loss of ocean species accelerates the collapse of entire ecosystems, reducing productivity and stability. The research projects the collapse of all currently fished seafoods by 2050, highlighting the need for sustainable management and biodiversity conservation.

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.

Link identified between age, cardiovascular disease

Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that aging blood vessels lose elasticity due to a breakdown in cellular signaling. A complex enzymatic process explains how this occurs, involving phosphorylation and ceramide synthesis. Diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help slow down this natural process.