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Science News for November 22, 2006


NIST test fans the flames for high-rise fire safety

The study found that positive pressure ventilation significantly reduced temperatures and smoke in corridors and stairwells, making them safer for occupants and responders. The experiment involved 11 NIST researchers and over 70 local staff, simulating real-world conditions to assess the effectiveness of PPV in multistory buildings.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateNov 22, 2006

Breaking the medical image communication barrier

A new grid computing system enables doctors to share high-resolution medical images quickly and securely across North America. This breakthrough improves diagnosis accuracy, allows for second opinions from specialists anywhere easily, and enhances monitoring of ongoing clinical research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 22, 2006

JCI table of contents: November 22, 2006

A study published in JCI found that overexpression of CaMKII altered sodium channel function, leading to increased susceptibility to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in mice. Additionally, proteasome composition differed between Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with CD showing increased degradation of an NF-kappa-B inhibitor.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 22, 2006

Parkinson's mutation stunts neurons

Researchers found that mutations in LRRK2 protein stunt neuron growth and branching, leading to dopamine-producing neuron loss and disease progression. The study provides a useful animal model for studying PD and discovering new treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 22, 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.

Sleep problems in overweight children appear fairly common

Research published in Obesity shows that one-fourth of overweight, inactive children tested positive for sleep-disordered breathing. After three months of vigorous exercise, the number of children with sleep disorders was cut in half, and even those who exercised less saw an improvement on a pediatric sleep questionnaire.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalObesity·DateNov 22, 2006

Pilot study successful in taming allergic reactions to food

In a groundbreaking pilot study, researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children with egg allergies can build up their bodies' resistance to eggs by gradually consuming increased quantities over time. The study's findings show promising results for the development of a meaningful therapy for food allergy sufferers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateNov 22, 2006

The 'Freakonomics of food'

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab shows that we tend to overeat due to cues around us, such as plate size and distractions. By using smaller plates or limiting food options, individuals can make easier changes to control their eating habits.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 22, 2006

Mass. General researchers identify master cardiac stem cell

Massachusetts General Hospital researchers have discovered a master cardiac stem cell capable of differentiating into three types of heart cells. This finding offers new prospects for drug discovery and genetically based models of human disease, as well as a novel strategy for the regeneration of cardiac muscle and associated structures.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateNov 22, 2006
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

21st century technology cracks alchemists' secret recipe

Researchers uncover the secret recipe behind Hessian crucibles, a 500-year-old alchemists' lab kit component that was previously unknown to be used in their manufacture. The discovery sheds light on the skill and ingenuity of ancient craftsmen who exploited modern materials centuries before they were understood scientifically.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateNov 22, 2006

Mind the gap

A team of scientists used high-energy X-rays to study the hydrophobic water gap, revealing its size and characteristics. The study provides new insights into protein folding and stability, which are crucial in biological systems.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2006

Decreased genital sensation in competitive women cyclists

Researchers at Yale University found that competitive female cyclists have reduced genital sensitivity. No negative effects were observed on sexual function or quality of life in the study's young, healthy participants.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateNov 22, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene linked to aggressive 'wet' age-related macular degeneration

Researchers at Yale University have found a gene variant that increases the risk of developing aggressive 'wet' age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in people over 50. The study found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the HTRA1 gene on chromosome 10 associated with greatly increased risk of wet AMD.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2006

Delft University of Technology shines light on atomic transistor

Researchers from Delft University of Technology successfully measured transport through a single atom in a transistor, offering insights into the behaviour of dopant atoms in silicon. The individual behaviour of dopant atoms is a stumbling block to further miniaturisation of electronics.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 22, 2006

Getting to the heart of the heart

A type of stem cell has been identified that gives rise to both myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, challenging previous notions of how the heart develops. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for congenital heart defects and damage caused by heart attacks.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateNov 22, 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.

Manchester signs counter-terrorism deal with Home Office

The University of Manchester will develop innovative new counter-terrorism technologies using £multi-million pounds in funding from the Home Office. The project aims to improve detection, identification and decontamination of chemical, biological and radiological materials.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateNov 22, 2006

Measuring fetal oxygen does not reduce Caesarean rate, researchers find

A multicenter study found that measuring fetal oxygen levels does not affect the rate of Caesarean section or the health of newborn babies. Researchers tested whether knowing fetal blood-oxygen levels made a difference in the rate of Caesarean section or condition of the newborn infant.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 22, 2006

On the cutting edge: Carbon nanotube cutlery

Scientists have created a prototype carbon nanotube knife that could revolutionize cell biology by enabling precise cuts and 3D images of cells. The device, which stretches between two electrochemically sharpened tungsten needles, has shown promising results in mechanical strength tests.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateNov 22, 2006

Technology for monitoring fetal oxygen during labor offers no apparent benefit

Researchers found that continuous fetal oxygen saturation monitoring had no significant effect on Caesarean delivery rates for both normal and abnormal fetal heart rates. The study enrolled over 5000 women across 14 hospitals, with no statistically meaningful differences in Caesarean deliveries between the groups.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 22, 2006
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.

University scoops $500K science and engineering prize

The University of Manchester won a $500,000 prize for its innovative approach to knowledge transfer and collaboration with industry. The university's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences was awarded the grant to support concept studies, short projects, and an incubator scheme for companies.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateNov 22, 2006

Coral reefs are increasingly vulnerable to angry oceans

A new model developed by researchers at the University of California - Santa Barbara predicts the survival of coral reefs based on their shape and size. The study found that table corals with broad flat tops are more susceptible to strong wave forces, while bushy or mounded corals are less vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateNov 22, 2006

Genetic variation: We're more different than we thought

New research reveals that at least 10% of human genes have variations in the number of DNA copies, influencing gene activity and function. This discovery changes the way scientists think about genetic diseases and human evolution.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 22, 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.

Spike in testicular cancer is focus

A new study aims to uncover the causes of the testicular cancer increase among 15-35 year old Caucasian men. The research will examine environmental hormone disruptors and genetic susceptibility as potential risk factors.

SourceYale University·DateNov 22, 2006

Genetics a key factor in premature infants' devastating eye disease

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that genetic factors contribute significantly to the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with 70% of the contribution attributed to genetics. The study identified gestational age and supplemental oxygen as significant independent contributing factors for ROP.

SourceYale University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 22, 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.

Zinc plays important role in brain circuitry

Researchers have demonstrated a central role for zinc in modulating signaling among neurons, shedding light on its presence in free ion pools. The findings show that manipulating synaptic zinc levels can affect neuronal action, highlighting the complexity of potential therapeutic interventions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 22, 2006

Plague proteome reveals proteins linked to infection

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered 176 proteins associated with plague virulence, offering promising leads for improved disease detection and treatment. The study's findings may also guide the development of new vaccines and therapies to combat the deadly disease.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateNov 22, 2006