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Science News Archive November 2006 - Page 14


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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 6, 2006

Hecht honored with AACR-Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation Award

Dr. Stephen S. Hecht is recognized for over three decades of research on tobacco carcinogenesis, identifying nicotine's role in lung cancer formation. His work has led to the development of biomarkers for exposure to tobacco smoke and informed public policies on smoking restriction.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 6, 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.

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.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Morphology·DateNov 6, 2006

Protein structure initiative launches new resources for the scientific community

The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) has established a materials repository and knowledgebase to share resources with the scientific community. The PSI-Materials Repository will store and ship clones of proteins, while the Knowledgebase will provide access to structural information and experimental details.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateNov 6, 2006

Household transmission of SARS: Lessons learned

Household transmission accounted for 20% of SARS cases in Toronto. Risk factors included prolonged illness duration, poor hand hygiene, and inadequate respiratory protection.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 6, 2006

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.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 6, 2006
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.

Comprehensive model is first to map protein folding at atomic level

Scientists at Harvard University have developed a computer model that can fully map and predict how small proteins fold into three-dimensional shapes. The model tracks protein folding for up to 10 microseconds, significantly longer than previous methods.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 6, 2006

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 6, 2006

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGlobal and Planetary Change·DateNov 6, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 6, 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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 6, 2006

Disparities in breast cancer treatment shown for women with disabilities

A study found that women with disabilities are less likely to receive standard breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy after diagnosis. Despite this, they have a 29% higher risk of dying from breast cancer, indicating the need for more accessible and equitable treatment options.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 6, 2006

Bacteria in small sea life yield new way to make potential cancer drugs

Researchers developed a novel method to produce small chemicals from symbiotic bacteria found in sea squirts, which have anticancer properties. The ability to manipulate these chemicals using genetic pathways opens possibilities for developing new cancer and HIV treatments.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 5, 2006

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateNov 5, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 5, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 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.

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.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateNov 3, 2006
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.

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.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 3, 2006

Early-stage immune system control of HIV may depend on inherited factors

Researchers found that specific HLA Class I/HIV viral fragment combinations are associated with a more powerful antiviral response. The study suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in determining how well an individual's immune system controls HIV during early infection.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2006
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 3, 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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceUnited Nations University·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 3, 2006

Report calls for using heated chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery to optimize patient survival

A consensus statement published in Annals of Surgical Oncology calls for heated chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery to optimize patient survival. The treatment, known as HIPEC, has shown promising results with a median survival of greater than 20 months compared to six-month survival with traditional intravenous chemotherapy.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateNov 3, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 3, 2006

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2006

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 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.

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.

SourceSeaWeb·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2006

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAging Cell·DateNov 2, 2006