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Science News Archive October 2006


Page 11 of 17

NSF awards Pitt $1 million to develop cybersecurity professionals

The NSF-funded scholarship program will support four cohorts of SIS graduate students in the SAIS track, aiming to address the growing need for IA professionals. Graduates will be qualified to manage large networks and infrastructures, with a focus on diversity and underrepresented groups.

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.

More Internet users may be taking phishing bait than thought

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that up to 14% of targeted internet users respond to phishing attacks, revealing a much higher success rate than previously reported. Simulated phishing tactics were used to elicit online information from eBay customers, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance.

Mental tests reveal fall risk for older Australians

A pioneering study has found that people with lower or declining cognitive ability are at greater risk of falling. The research, which followed over 500 participants aged 70 over eight years, identified women and multiple fallers as being more likely to experience falls.

Nerve cell software keeps track of brain change

HCA-Vision allows researchers to reliably measure significant features of cells' appearance as they change in response to drugs, biochemicals or diseases like dementia. The software enables significant speed improvements over manual tracing methods, accelerating brain research.

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.

UA researchers find smallest cellular genome

Scientists found that the bacterium Carsonella ruddii has the fewest genes of any cell, with only 182 protein-coding genes in its tiny genome. This discovery provides new insights into bacterial evolution and suggests that some genes may have been transferred to the insect's genome.

Down syndrome: It's not just the age factor

Research by Markus Neuhäuser and Sven Krackow found that the number and age of existing siblings significantly influence Down Syndrome risk. The study suggests that older mothers with a larger gap between pregnancies are more likely to have children with developmental defects.

Stroke rates falling in the West

Research finds stroke incidence decreasing in Perth by 43%, largely due to prevention strategies and reduced risk factors like hypertension and smoking. The study suggests successful implementation of healthy lifestyles is contributing to the decline.

Researchers make nanosheets that mimic protein formation

University of Michigan researchers successfully assembled nanoparticles into free-floating sheets using cadmium telluride crystals, a material used in solar cells. The discovery establishes a key connection between proteins and nanoparticles, enabling the development of novel materials for drug delivery, energy, and more.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIH director announces 2007 Pioneer Award competition

The NIH is launching a new round of competition for the Pioneer Award, which supports creative scientists tackling major biomedical challenges. The award provides $2.5 million in funding over five years and aims to stimulate innovative research directions.

Caterpillars tell us how bacteria cause disease

Researchers have discovered a way to sort through large numbers of bacterial gene sequences by testing them in caterpillars, allowing pinpointing of virulence genes. The new technique, Rapid Virulence Annotation (RVA), is helping bridge the knowledge gap in post-genomic era.

How can we make nanoscale capacitors even smaller?

UCSB researchers discovered that a 'dielectric dead layer' at the metal-insulator interface limits the size of thin-film capacitors. The team found metals with good screening properties can improve capacitance properties.

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.

Mayo discovers protein as potential tactic to prevent tumors

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a protein pair that could be used to prevent tumors. The study found that CDK2 modifies FOXO1 in damaged cells, triggering apoptosis and potentially halting cancer cell growth. This breakthrough provides new hope for the development of targeted anti-tumor therapies.

Physicians have cure for senior's medication bill woes

A recent Mount Sinai School of Medicine study suggests that physicians are crucial in helping low-income and uninsured seniors save money on prescription drugs. By prescribing generic versions of cardiovascular medications, doctors can significantly reduce medication costs for patients and Medicare beneficiaries.

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.

Extreme environment changes fish appearance

Researchers studied environmental changes on fish appearance, finding restricted food and temperature shifts can dramatically alter morphology. The study has implications for conserving species, suggesting that habitat preservation is crucial to maintaining unique characteristics.

Molecular 'signature' protects cells from viruses

Cells use a molecular signature to distinguish their own RNA from viral RNA, triggering an immune response and cell suicide. This discovery opens up new possibilities for therapy, including using triphosphate-end RNAs to trigger anti-viral responses and gene therapy.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Day and night temps measured on an extrasolar planet

A team of astronomers has measured the temperature variation across the surface of a giant gas planet, Upsilon Andromeda b, for the first time. The study reveals that the planet's hot side reaches temperatures of 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit, while its dark side is frigid.

Mayo Clinic study could lead to safer pesticides

A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a unique enzyme residue in greenbugs and aphids that could be targeted by a new generation of pesticides. This discovery opens the door to creating safer pesticides that would not harm humans and animals.

JCI table of contents: Oct. 12, 2006

Researchers discovered that caveolin-3 inhibits myostatin signaling, preventing muscle wasting. Additionally, elevated PTTG1 levels triggered mitotic mischief, causing aneuploidy in thyroid cancer cells. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to potential therapies for muscular dystrophy and thyroid cancer.

Killing resistant germs

Researchers have successfully synthesized platensimycin, a new antibiotic that inhibits bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis and paralyzes Gram-positive bacterial strains. This breakthrough offers hope against multiresistant bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium.

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.

It's 2006, but 'coming out' is still difficult for Korean American daughters

A University of Illinois study finds that Korean-American lesbian daughters often struggle with 'coming out' due to Confucian and Christian values imposed by their parents. The study, conducted by Ramona Oswald and master's degree candidate Grace Chung, aims to provide culturally competent support for these families.

New method edges closer to holy grail of modern chemistry

University of Chicago chemist David Mazziotti has developed a new method for determining electron behavior in atoms and molecules, achieving accuracy rates of 95-100%. This breakthrough could have wide applications in various chemical phenomena, including fuel efficiency, ozone depletion, and medicine design.

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.

New research to cut animal testing

Researchers at The University of Manchester are developing new techniques using cultured human cells to identify carcinogens and reduce the need for animal testing. The project aims to increase confidence in pre-animal tests and minimize false positives.

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.

Molecular spintronic action confirmed in nanostructure

Researchers at NIST have confirmed the presence and action of specific molecules in a nanoscale test structure, enabling magnetic switching behavior. The use of organic molecules preserves electron spins, allowing for potentially superior properties compared to conventional electronics.

Shrinking ponds signal warmer, dryer Alaska

A study of 50 years of remotely sensed imagery reveals dramatic reductions in arctic ponds in Alaska, linked to recent climate warming. The shrinking ponds may impact waterfowl production and climate regulation, highlighting the need for land managers to address these changes.

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.

Algae provide new clues to cancer

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a link between cell size and growth in algae, which may provide new clues to cancer. They found that cells need specific proteins to divide on schedule once they reach a critical size.

Fossilized liquid assembly: Nanomaterials research tool

Researchers create experimental models of hierarchical topologies by mixing components in a fluid and then 'freezing' them in place. This method allows for the study of self-assembly at the nano-scale, enabling diverse industries to generate new materials with enhanced properties such as super adhesion and low friction.

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.

A new approach to the treatment of malaria in pregnant women in West Africa

A new approach to treating malaria in pregnant women in West Africa has been found to be both safe and effective. The study, published in The Lancet, used the drug amodiaquine, either alone or in combination with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, to almost completely eliminate the malaria parasite without serious side effects.

Comparing chimp, human DNA

Researchers identified 202 'highly accelerated regions' of DNA that have undergone rapid evolution since humans and chimps diverged, with most not coding for genes. These regions are conserved across multiple species, suggesting they play important roles in controlling gene expression and development.

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.

Polarized particles join toolbox for building unique structures

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created polarized Janus particles that spontaneously self-assemble into clusters with specific shapes and distributions of electric charge. The clusters can exhibit unique properties, such as a flywheel-like shape that can revolve around a polar axle.

Updates on pandemic flu vaccine trials to be presented at 44th annual IDSA meeting

Researchers found that a prime-boost strategy using different subtypes of H5N1 vaccines significantly boosted immune responses in individuals with prior exposure. Additionally, an intradermal approach to delivering the vaccine showed promise but did not improve the immune response. These findings suggest pre-pandemic priming with exist...

Comparing chimp and human DNA

A new study published in PLoS Genetics has identified specific DNA regions that have accelerated their evolution in humans compared to chimpanzees. These 'Human Accelerated Regions' (HARs) are located near genes involved in growth and development, suggesting they may play important roles in human evolution.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

First detailed pictures of asteroid reveal bizarre system

Researchers have discovered a binary asteroid system where two asteroids orbit around each other, creating a unique and fascinating phenomenon. The larger object is spinning so fast that it has been flattened into a flying saucer shape, with the lowest points on the surface actually forming the highest ridges.

Few clues about African ancestry to be found in mitochondrial DNA

Researchers found that more than half of African American mitochondrial DNA sequences matched multiple sub-Saharan ethnic groups, making it difficult to determine ancestral origins. Only a few percent of the sequences were exact matches to a single African ethnic group's mitochondrial DNA.

USC-led study suggests little benefit from antipsychotics in Alzheimer's

A nationwide study led by USC professor Lon Schneider found that most Alzheimer's patients prescribed antipsychotic drugs discontinue use due to severe side effects, despite showing some effectiveness in managing delusions and agitation. The study suggests that these medications should be used with caution and only when necessary.

A ruler of gold and DNA

A team of scientists created a molecular ruler using gold nanoparticles and DNA to measure protein-DNA interactions at high resolution. This tool promises to accelerate research into genetic information processing by detecting initial protein-DNA binding interactions.

Saturn's rings show evidence of a modern-day collision

Scientists have observed a continuously changing feature in Saturn's innermost ring, the D ring, which indicates a recent comet or asteroid collision. The findings suggest that Saturn's rings are not eternal but dynamic systems that can change over time.

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.

Antipsychotic medications used to treat Alzheimer's patients found lacking

A large-scale clinical trial funded by the NIH found that commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications for Alzheimer's patients with delusions and aggression have limited effectiveness, while increasing the risk of severe side effects. The study suggested that alternative treatments may be more suitable for this vulnerable population.