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Science News for October 17, 2006


A natural chemical found in strawberries boosts memory in healthy mice

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that fisetin stimulates signaling pathways that enhance long-term memory in healthy mice. Fisetin was shown to induce differentiation of neural cells and activate a signaling pathway involved in memory formation, called long-term potentiation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 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.

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.

MIT designs portable 'lab on a chip'

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel micropump that enables the creation of fully portable 'lab on a chip' devices. This innovation promises to revolutionize biology and chemistry by allowing for rapid and efficient testing in any setting, with potential applications in military use, medical diagnoses, and first responders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 17, 2006

How much influence do medical publications have on your doctor? A great deal, says new SLU research

A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that heart failure drug use plummeted after two negative articles were published in prominent medical journals. The study showed that doctors quickly changed their treatment practices when confronted with potential safety risks, highlighting the significant influence of medical public...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJAMA·DateOct 17, 2006

USC groups present at Neuroscience 2006

Researchers at USC have made significant discoveries in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. A study found that hormone replacement therapy may lower Alzheimer's risk by as much as 50 percent in younger women. Additionally, a new treatment approach for ALS and Parkinson's disease has shown promising results, with exercise interventio...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 17, 2006

UCSD receives $52 million to lead Alzheimer's disease study

Researchers will focus on possible therapies aimed at affecting the peptide beta amyloid and the tau protein. The consortium's work will translate basic research knowledge into clinical trials of interventions that target Alzheimer's disease mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 17, 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.

How ants find their way

Researchers have discovered how wood ants use visual navigation strategies to find food, storing images of routes and landscapes in their memories. This study could lead to the development of autonomous robots by understanding how ants learn and navigate using visual cues.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateOct 17, 2006

Pediatric heart condition's origin, prevalence mirror adults

Researchers found that children with dilated cardiomyopathy are at the same risk of sudden cardiac death and need transplants as adults, with around 70% surviving past one year. The study identified myocarditis as a common cause of pediatric DCM, and infants were more likely to develop the condition.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateOct 17, 2006

U of MN earns $7.9 million NIH grant to expand neuroscience research

The University of Minnesota's Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) has received a $7.9 million NIH grant to expand its neuroscience research capabilities. The grant will enable more university researchers to access the center's state-of-the-art magnetic resonance equipment and methodology.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateOct 17, 2006

New MUHC study adds more evidence to clear measles mumps rubella vaccine as a risk factor for autism

A new MUHC study provides conclusive evidence that the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism spectrum disorders. The study's findings contradict previous molecular studies that falsely linked the vaccine to autism. The research team uncovered fundamental errors in these earlier studies, clearing the MMR vaccine of its link to autism.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 17, 2006

US Department of Transportation awards grant to Rutgers

Rutgers' Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) has won a $1 million per year federal grant through 2010. The center will advance U.S. technology and expertise in transportation through research, education, and technology transfer.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 17, 2006
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.

U of M identifies cell line that is resistant to retroviruses, including HIV

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a cell line resistant to retroviruses, including HIV, which is able to withstand infection and attack by the virus. This discovery provides a potential new target for developing more effective drugs to combat HIV and AIDS.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2006

Childhood cancer survivors may have low birth weight children

A study of childhood cancer survivors found that their children were more likely to be born early or underweight compared to siblings of cancer-free individuals. The risk was highest for children whose mothers received pelvic radiation as treatment.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 17, 2006

PNAS study reveals why organs fail following massive trauma

A nationwide team of researchers has discovered several new biochemical pathways that play a central role in post-trauma immune system and organ failure. The study identified the genetic and protein changes in specific immune cells that determine whether trauma is fatal, providing potential insights into many diseases involving human i...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2006

Experimental vaccine protects mice against deadly 1918 flu virus

Scientists have developed a vaccine that protects mice against the 1918 influenza virus, which killed 50 million people worldwide. The vaccine works by stimulating antibodies capable of neutralizing the virus, providing a potential solution to future pandemic flu strains.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2006
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Other highlights in the October 18 JNCI

A new study found that only 33.3% of patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer received the recommended extensive surgery, which reduces local recurrence and improves survival rates. Aspirin takers with a specific genetic variant showed lower risk of developing colorectal adenomas.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 17, 2006

New data hint at oncoming cocaine epidemic

New data from University of Florida researchers reveal a sharp increase in cocaine-related deaths in Florida, with nearly twice the number of deaths per 100,000 people in 2000 compared to 2005. The trend is particularly concerning in college towns and wealthy communities.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateOct 17, 2006

New dwarf buffalo discovered by chance in the Philippines

The discovery of Bubalus cebuensis, a new species of dwarf water buffalo, provides insights into island dwarfing and the evolutionary development of ancient mammals. The species is believed to have evolved from a large-sized continental ancestor to dwarf size in the oceanic Philippines.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateOct 17, 2006
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.

Biakker can say a lot in just a few words

Researchers have studied the Biak language, revealing its complex grammar and structure. The study found that context plays a significant role in shaping the language, influencing word types, sentence structure, and even direction terminology.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 17, 2006

Potential new therapeutic target for asthma, allergies and cancer

Researchers at VCU University have identified a new therapeutic target for asthma, allergies, and cancer by uncovering the transport mechanism of bioactive molecule S1P out of mast cells. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for these conditions.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2006

New study shows the benefits of eating fish greatly outweigh the risks

A comprehensive analysis of fish consumption found that moderate intake reduces risk of coronary heart disease by 36% and total mortality by 17%. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood also improve early brain development in infants, particularly when consumed by pregnant or nursing mothers.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateOct 17, 2006

Biofuel cells without the bio cells

Researchers at PNNL have successfully measured electrical charge shuttled by proteins removed from living cells, opening up possibilities for miniaturized bioreactors. The breakthrough could lead to the development of portable biofuel cells for powering small electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 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.

Our vision changes in the blink of an eye

A Queensland University of Technology study found that eye pressure and shape change with eyelid movement, especially in people with downward gaze. The research suggests a link between eyelid pressure and corneal astigmatism, potentially explaining vision changes in older age.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 17, 2006

Hospital Clínic starts a home-care program for bone marrow transplanted patients

The Hospital Clínic's at-home bone marrow transplant program has shown promising results in reducing febrile episodes and hospital readmissions. By treating patients in their homes, the program improves quality of life and reduces hospitalization expenses by half. The program is now a routine service for one out of three cancer patients.

SourceIDIBAPS - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 17, 2006

Researchers give name to ancient mystery creature

Researchers at the University of Alberta have named an ancient mammal found in Alberta, Canada, which lived about 60 million years ago. The creature, Horolodectes sunae, had powerful jaws and a unique tooth shape that resembles those of primitive relatives of ungulates, but was likely carnivorous.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateOct 17, 2006

Virtual colonoscopy effective in preventing colorectal cancer

A study published in Radiology found that virtual colonoscopy is an accurate screening method for colorectal cancer. The procedure was shown to be safer, faster, less costly, more convenient, and just as effective as optical colonoscopy in detecting polyps and cancers.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 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.

Gene linked to autism in families with more than one affected child

A version of a gene has been linked to autism in families where more than one child is affected. The variant, which impairs brain development, was found in people with autism spectrum disorders and their parents, but not in controls.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2006