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Science News Archive November 2006 - Page 6


Page 6 of 16

Twin star explosions fascinate astronomers

Astronomers have observed a rare phenomenon of two supernovas occurring simultaneously in the same galaxy, with implications for our understanding of galaxy mergers. The high frequency of supernovas in NGC 1316 suggests that massive star formation may be driving this activity.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 20, 2006

Male chimpanzees prefer mating with old females

Male chimpanzees show a preference for mating with older females, a stark contrast to human behavior where younger females are often preferred. This finding suggests that long-term pair bonding and menopause may have evolved in the human lineage after diverging from chimpanzees.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 20, 2006

Important factors in compliance with HIV regimens identified; and more

A systematic review of HIV medication adherence factors reveals common barriers in both developed and developing countries, as well as unique challenges in resource-constrained settings. Facilitators of adherence include having a sense of self-worth, simplicity of regimens, and reminder tools, but no such facilitators were identified i...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

Carnegie and its inventors awarded new patent for diamond work

The Carnegie Institution has been granted a patent for the manufacture of hard, single-crystal diamonds through a Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPCVD) process. The inventors' work has led to diamonds with increased hardness and enhanced optical characteristics.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateNov 20, 2006

Touch tracking bypasses mind control

Researchers found that touch tracking bypasses the brain's cognitive system, allowing participants to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. This breakthrough could help individuals with coordination problems improve their hand movements.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 20, 2006

Women are diagnosed with PTSD more than men, says research

A review of 290 studies found that women are more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD despite males experiencing more traumatic events on average. Women's higher PTSD rates were linked to sexual trauma and emotional responses to traumatic events.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateNov 19, 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.

Chemical exchanges show wasps are bad losers

Researchers have discovered that female wasps release a potent gas when losing fights over larvae, which could help control crop-destroying pests. This finding has great potential for applied spin-offs in biological control.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateNov 19, 2006

A quantum (computer) step

Researchers at the University of Utah have demonstrated a way to read data stored in the magnetic spins of phosphorus atoms, a major obstacle for building a particular kind of quantum computer. This breakthrough could lead to the development of superfast computers based on quantum physics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 19, 2006

Fighting like a girl or boy determined by gene in fruit flies

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that a gene called 'fruitless' is responsible for sex-specific behaviors in fruit flies, including fighting patterns. The findings provide a new model for understanding the biology of aggression and its neural circuitry.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2006

Starting over: Wnt reactivates dormant limb regeneration program

A research team at the Salk Institute has successfully regenerated a wing in a chick embryo by activating Wnt signaling, a powerful system controlling vertebrate regeneration. The study opens up new areas of research into the ability of stem cells to build new human body tissues and parts.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 17, 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.

Disclosure of advertising tactics reduces odds kids will drink

A weeklong intervention in schools reduced adolescents' inclination to drink by teaching them critical thinking skills and strategies to question alcohol ads. The program, led by Penn State's Marvin E. Goldberg, equipped students with persuasion knowledge and processed advertising messages.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateNov 17, 2006

Targeting leukemic stem cells by Bcl-2 inhibition

Researchers have found that the experimental drug ABT-737 can destroy AML blast, progenitor and stem cells, potentially providing a new way to treat cancer. Combining ABT-737 with another agent may overcome resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 17, 2006

Carnegie Mellon's Granger Morgan pens op-ed

Morgan argues that legislators should impose regulations to prevent the construction of long-lived conventional coal plants. The US electricity industry plans to build 154 new plants in the next 24 years, with 50 slated for construction within five years.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Deserving Poor' or 'Greedy Geezers'? New book debunks aging crisis

The authors argue that with collective pension and health insurance programs in place, individuals can avert poor health, finances, and employer age discrimination. Aging Nation offers a new aging policy framework based on the interconnectedness of lives across generations.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateNov 17, 2006

Yeast model shows promise as Alzheimer's test

A new research tool developed by Susan Liebman may provide a means for treating the earliest stage of Alzheimer's disease. The yeast model system detects A-beta small aggregate formation, allowing for high-throughput screening of compounds to inhibit aggregation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalBMC Biology·DateNov 17, 2006

UGA professor finds that confusion about Calories is nothing new

A UGA professor studied the origins of Calories, a unit measuring food energy. He found that there is controversy about who invented the Calorie, with different sources citing Frenchmen P.A. Favre and J.T. Silbermann, German physician Julius Mayer, and French chemist Nicholas Clement as contributors to its development.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 17, 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.

Origins of life

Scientists from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School have developed an approach to investigate ocean reefs, which are considered the core of most living organisms. The new study has shed light on how stromatolites form and offers a new way to explore the origins of these living records.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeology·DateNov 17, 2006

Award-winning science

Michael Hernandez, a junior at University of Miami, won Outstanding Student Poster in geosciences category at SACNAS national conference. His research compared CHAMP radio occultations with global model forecasts during the 2005 hurricane season.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateNov 17, 2006

Tβ4 is essential for coronary vessel development report

A study published in Nature demonstrated TB4's ability to regenerate coronary vessels in mice, a finding that could lead to new treatments for human heart disease. TB4 may prevent loss of heart muscle cells and restore blood flow, providing a much-needed treatment modality.

SourceFinancial Relations Board·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2006
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.

Does natural selection drive the evolution of cancer?

Researchers propose that natural selection drives the evolution of cancer, with tumor cells constantly evolving through mutation and selection. This understanding could lead to new therapeutic strategies, such as targeting benign cells to outcompete malignant ones.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateNov 17, 2006

Study explores cause of exercise intolerance in heart failure patients

Researchers found that diastolic heart failure patients have severely reduced exercise tolerance despite normal leg blood flow, suggesting other factors such as muscle oxygen use contribute to symptoms. The study suggests targeting these additional factors could help develop effective treatments for this common form of heart failure.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 17, 2006

Setting the stage to find drugs against SARS

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have characterized a component of the SARS virus that will be the target of new anti-SARS drugs. By determining the concentration at which individual proteinase molecules form active dimers, scientists can search for compounds that bind to the active form of the enzyme.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalBiochemistry·DateNov 17, 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.

Recognized innovation

Dr. Liana Talaue-McManus and Dr. John W. McManus, researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, were named Associates of the World Technology Network for their innovative work in marine science and technology.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateNov 17, 2006

Critical pairing

Scientists discover that the structure of the bases, rather than the backbone, is critical in developing genetic material. They created molecules with alternative bases and found that only one pair was strong enough to form specific base pairs.

SourceWiley·DateNov 17, 2006

Woodruff Foundation gives major boost to Emory University's strategic plan

The Woodruff Foundation is contributing $261.5 million to support Emory University's modernization of outpatient care facilities and strategic priorities. The gift includes funds for a new Emory Clinic complex, renovation of administrative buildings, and investment in initiatives related to the university's vision.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·DateNov 17, 2006
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Shorter post-operative recovery stay following outpatient tonsillectomy is safe, cost-efficient

A new UCLA study found that pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomies can be safely discharged after a short post-operative recovery period at an outpatient surgery center. The study, which reviewed nearly 800 patient records, showed no increased complications with average discharge times of 1 hour and 47 minutes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·DateNov 17, 2006

Rice chemists create, grow nanotube seeds

Rice University chemists have successfully created and grown carbon nanotube seeds, which can be used to produce large quantities of pure nanotubes. The breakthrough offers significant potential for various materials applications, including energy storage and electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 17, 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.

Florida Tech professor receives grant for sensing technology and robotics

Dr. Charles Bostater's grant will develop an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on remote sensing systems and robotic platforms, including detection of unexploded ordnance and humanitarian de-mining in marine environments. Selected students from US and European universities will receive stipends to travel to international institutions.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateNov 16, 2006

World Health Organization in the era of Margaret Chan

Margaret Chan takes over as WHO Director-General on January 4, 2007, with a daunting task of prioritizing programs amidst widespread failures in malaria, tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, child mortality, and maternal health. The Lancet Editorial highlights her need to create an operational team that commands confidence from member states.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 16, 2006

Stevens professor wins Online Learning Best Practices Award

Professor Steven Savitz, a champion of web conferencing and online teaching quality, won the USDLA's Bronze Prize for Best Practices. His three-year study found that faculty with deep online experience can significantly increase student positive response.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateNov 16, 2006

UCLA researchers unravel a mystery about DNA

Researchers at UCLA and Rutgers University have solved the mystery of DNA transcription, revealing a new mechanism involving the 'scrunching' of DNA during transcription. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in combating bacterial diseases that kill millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 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.

New HIV statistics indicate increasing toll of AIDS on African American community

The African-American community is facing a disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS, with over half of all new diagnoses among this group. The National Minority AIDS Council recommends five policy solutions to address this disparity, including eliminating stigma against black MSM and reducing the role of injection drug use in sustaining the...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateNov 16, 2006

Two sides of the same coin: Money spurs changes for better and worse

A new study found that money brings about self-sufficiency, allowing people to work harder and independently, but also making them less socially insensitive. The researchers discovered that subtle reminders of money led to participants working longer without asking for help and being less helpful towards others.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 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.

Science Grid This Week goes international

The publication provides news and information about grid computing projects and collaborations worldwide, highlighting the use of grid technology in scientific research. International Science Grid This Week is a collaboration between Open Science Grid and Enabling Grids for E-sciencE projects.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateNov 16, 2006

Dark energy existed in infant universe

Researchers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope found dark energy was present and accelerating the universe's expansion at least 9 billion years ago. This discovery provides a crucial clue to understanding dark energy's strength and permanence.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateNov 16, 2006
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.

New maps emphasize the human factor in wildfire management

A University of Wisconsin-Madison team developed a map that incorporates environmental and human factors to pinpoint areas most vulnerable to devastating wildfires. The map highlights the critical role humans play in causing fires, particularly near wildland-urban interfaces.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateNov 16, 2006

Hormone replacement therapy may improve trip down memory lane

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System suggests that hormone therapy may help retain certain memory functions in postmenopausal women. The research found increased brain activity in the prefrontal cortex of participants taking combined estrogen-progestin hormone therapy, compared to those on placebo.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 16, 2006
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.

Research suggests beta agonists may alter the immune system

New research suggests that beta-agonist medications used in asthma treatment can increase type 2 T cell accumulation, potentially worsening related diseases. The study's findings highlight the need for anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in moderate to severe asthma treatment.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 16, 2006

ADAPT safety results now published

The study found a potential increased risk of cardiovascular events among elderly individuals taking naproxen, while celecoxib showed no significant risk. The results contribute to the larger body of evidence on the safety of these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Clinical Trials·DateNov 16, 2006