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Science News Archive October 2006


Page 15 of 17

Rutgers-led group lands $2.55 million to advance high school biology and math

A Rutgers-led group has been awarded a $2.55 million grant to develop instructional materials that integrate mathematics and biology in high school courses. The project aims to close the gap between math and biology instruction by creating modules that address key topics such as gene mapping, population trends, and public health.

A tumor suppressor that promotes cancer cell growth?

A recent study found that the tumor suppressor gene H-REV107-1 stimulates growth in non-small cell lung carcinomas via mitogenic signaling. In contrast to expected function, cytoplasmic localization of H-REV107-1 correlates with decreased patient survival.

Raytheon engineer wins USC software honor

Gary D. Thomas, a Raytheon engineer, has been honored by the USC Center for Systems and Software Engineering (CSSE) for his seminal contributions to systems and software cost models. His work on COCOMO, a widely used tool for estimating costs and time required for software development, has had a lasting impact on the field.

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.

Alaska study offers strategies to mitigate climate warming

The University of Alaska Fairbanks study proposes four policy strategies to sustain people and the environment in a dramatically warming climate. The first strategy focuses on adaptability, while the second emphasizes biological diversity as a buffer from change.

Researchers develop technologies to devour food pathogens

Researchers have developed a laser-based technology that can rapidly detect and identify many types of bacteria, making it three times faster and one-tenth as expensive as current methods. A second innovation uses chlorine dioxide gas to kill pathogens on produce, offering a highly effective and efficient solution.

Tabletop experiment yields bubbly surprise

Researchers at the University of Chicago have made a groundbreaking discovery in air bubble behavior, revealing that they can tear apart instead of pinching off. This phenomenon has significant implications for our understanding of fluid dynamics and the equations that govern it.

Discovery of the first resistance gene to rice yellow mottle virus

The research team identified a single recessive gene, Rymv1, which confers resistance to the virus by blocking its interaction with the host protein. The discovery could lead to the development of resistant rice varieties, reducing yield losses and improving food security.

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.

Hopkins researchers uncover critical player in cell communication

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a critical protein player in cell communication, which controls calcium flow into cells. This finding sheds new light on the rare cognitive disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome, associated with overly social behavior and spatial learning defects.

Chandra reviews black hole musical: Epic but off-key

Scientists have detected loops and rings of hot gas surrounding the supermassive black hole, indicating periodic eruptions that generate pressure waves and sound. The sound waves are found to be more discordant and complex than previously detected, with a range of frequencies below middle C.

Tropics source of much of world's biodiversity

A new study reveals that tropical regions are both a cradle and a museum of biodiversity, with many species originating in the tropics and spreading to higher latitudes. The research suggests that preserving tropical ecosystems is crucial for maintaining global biodiversity.

Novel pathway regulates timing of brain cell development

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a novel pathway that influences the timing of nerve-cell production, favoring neuron over astrocyte formation. This discovery may provide insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drug can reduce severe bleeding in mothers who have just given birth

A study published in The Lancet found that oral misoprostol significantly reduces maternal hemorrhage and postpartum blood loss in women giving birth in rural, developing communities. This life-saving treatment has the potential to prevent up to half of maternal deaths from pregnancy-related causes.

New study finds chocolate chip cookies lower cholesterol

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that eating two Right Direction Cookies daily lowered LDL cholesterol by ten percent and improved lipid subfraction profile. The cookies' combination of psyllium and plant sterols helps shift LDL particles toward a less atherogenic pattern, reducing cardiovascular risk.

UD scientists use carbon nanotube networks to detect defects in composites

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method to detect defects in composite materials using a network of carbon nanotubes. The discovery has significant implications for predicting the lifespan of composite materials and ensuring their safety in various applications, including commercial airliners.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Discovery in the evolution of the immune system absorbing cells

Researchers find that fish and amphibian B cells exhibit strong phagocytosis in both in vivo and vitro experiments. This discovery suggests an evolutionary relationship between macrophages and B cells, with implications for understanding human immune systems.

Method could help carbon nanotubes become commercially viable

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to sort single-walled carbon nanotubes by their diameter and electronic structure, overcoming the problem of structural heterogeneity that has limited their widespread use. This method, which exploits subtle differences in buoyant densities, promises to enable the produ...

EURYI to showcase the future of European science in Prague

The 3rd European Young Investigator Award (EURYI) ceremony honors 25 young researchers from across Europe for their groundbreaking research. The awardees will receive a diploma and €1.25 million in project funding to turn their scientific ideas into reality.

UTSA awarded $3.1 million for cyber-security program development

The University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security has been awarded a three-year, $3.1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security to establish cyber-security training and development programs for states and communities. UTSA's CIAS addresses technical and policy issues in information ass...

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.

NSF awards Harvard Forest $4.9 million to study landscape change

Harvard University's Harvard Forest has received a $4.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study landscape change in New England. The six-year project will examine the drivers and consequences of forest responses to natural and human disturbances, with potential applications for regional land protection and management.

Alaskans feel the heat of global warming

A new study reveals that most Alaskans, regardless of political affiliation, share a common concern about the impacts of global warming. Key findings include major impacts on sea ice, permafrost, coastal erosion, and forest fires, as well as significant threats to local communities, families, and the environment.

Feminist view of the body

This study examines the feminist perspective on the body, using Merleau-Ponty's theory as a framework. The researchers explore gender differences and propose that language consists of imposed rules and standards.

First-ever CANADA-HOPE Scholarships awarded

The CANADA-HOPE Scholarship Program aims to improve the health of people in developing countries through research. The three recipients will study healthy aging, organ damage and stroke research in Canada before returning to their home institutions to establish productive research programs.

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.

Identifying the 'nuclear' in nuclear medicine as high benefit

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging emphasizes the beneficial aspects of nuclear medicine, a highly effective diagnostic and treatment method. Every major hospital has a nuclear medicine department, performing over 19 million procedures annually, increasing by 15% from four years ago.

Worms under stress

Researchers found nematodes' life cycle affects pollution sensitivity, with sexually-reproducing strains more vulnerable. Temperature changes trigger genome shifts and alter gene regulation, impacting population growth.

Breakthrough by MUHC researcher has major implications

A recent study by Dr. Robert Koenekoop and colleagues has identified the CEP290 gene as the most common cause of Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a form of congenital blindness. The discovery could lead to improved screening and treatment options for affected children.

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.

Scientists show drug can counteract muscular dystrophy in mice

Researchers demonstrate that trichostatin A can counteract muscular dystrophy in mice by promoting muscle regeneration and upregulating follistatin, a key protein involved in muscle development. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the drug in larger animals before it can be tested in humans.

Study sheds light on how young adult children of immigrants assimilate

A study by UC Irvine sociologists finds that certain groups of U.S.-born children of immigrants, such as those of Mexican, Haitian, and West Indian descent, face lower levels of education, income, and higher incarceration rates. The study confirms the critical importance of education in overcoming these challenges.

Increasing the odds of the sweep

Astronomers confirm two exoplanets using ESO's Very Large Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope data. The discoveries provide strong evidence for at least 6 billion Jupiter-sized planets in the Milky Way, including five new ultra-short-period planet types.

New drug blocks influenza, including bird flu virus

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a novel peptide that effectively blocks influenza viruses, including deadly avian influenza, from entering host cells. The new finding offers a potential tool for preventing and treating influenza, which is losing its potency due to evolution.

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.

Black tea soothes away stress

A study by University College London researchers found that black tea consumption reduced cortisol levels and blood platelet activation after stressful events. The study, published in Psychopharmacology, suggests that drinking black tea may speed up recovery from daily stresses.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Ice Age North Atlantic temperatures, tropical oceans linked

Research finds rapid changes in North Atlantic Ocean salinity linked to sudden shifts in Greenland temperatures and tropical rainfall patterns during the last ice age. This provides evidence that climate change can have a direct and rapid impact on ocean circulation and chemistry.

Study suggests earlier crop plantings could curb future yields

A new study suggests that earlier corn plantings in the US Corn Belt may lead to a decrease in crop yields in the future. Farmers have been planting seeds around two weeks earlier than they did 30 years ago, but this trend may not be sustainable due to seasonal limitations.

Tufts launches university-wide center to enhance learning and teaching

The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) will apply current research on learning and cognitive psychology to improve teaching and assessment. The program aims to address the gap in supporting students with diverse learning styles and developing critical thinking, creative, social, and practical reasoning skills.

Marie-Antoinette: The French revelation

Historian Simon Burrows disputes popular narrative that Queen's love life sparked revolution, citing evidence of scandalous pamphlets appearing after its start. The queen was unfairly maligned with lavish spending and plotting against the revolution, while sex allegations were baseless.

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.

Tibetan refugees face human rights abuses: Study

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals high rates of physical and mental hardship among Tibetan refugees crossing the Himalayan range. Researchers found over half faced persecution at the hands of Chinese and Nepalese authorities, with reports of torture, extortion, and sexual assault.

Biophysical Society awards Quhuan Li a visiting student travel grant

Biophysicist Quhuan Li to visit Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation laboratory for three months, learn flow-enhanced cell adhesion techniques and set up systems at her home university. The Biophysical Society's award supports international collaboration and knowledge sharing in biophysics

U of I study: Parent's conversational style contributes to child's security

A University of Illinois study found that parents' conversational styles contribute to their children's secure attachment, sense of self-worth, and eventual social competence. Elaborative conversations, characterized by rich detail and background information, foster memory development and promote a sense of shared history with the parent.

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.

Fantastic Voyage: A new nanoscale view of the biological world

A new technique called multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry (MIMS) allows researchers to image and quantify molecules at a subcellular level. This enables the tracking of individual donor cells after transplantation and the measurement of cancer treatment drug efficacy within cells.

Can further studies lower the cost of preserving vision?

Two large clinical trials show ranibizumab's effectiveness in treating neovascular macular degeneration, but its high cost raises questions about the value of comparing it to bevacizumab, a cheaper alternative. Bevacizumab, originally designed for cancer treatment, also appears to be effective in treating this eye disease.

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.

Food or its expectation sparks brain's hunger centers

Researchers discovered that food anticipation activates key hunger centers in the brain, while satiety circuits respond to the first bites of food. The study sheds light on the intricate processes governing appetite regulation and suggests a potential link between hormones like leptin and brain activity.

Pine tree bark reduces diabetic microangiopathy

A study published in Angiology found that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant extract from pine tree bark, significantly improved blood flow and reduced swelling in patients with diabetic microangiopathy. Blood flow improvements were 34% when lying down and 68% when standing up.

Studies identify food sources of disease and drug resistance

Two studies reveal that contaminated carrots are a source of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection, while exposure to antibiotic-treated poultry increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria. The findings highlight the need for improved food safety regulations and hygiene practices to prevent such outbreaks.

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.