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Science News for October 27, 2006


A Wellcome brain gain for world leading neuroscience lab

The Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging at UCL will further bolster the reputation of a laboratory renowned for its research into neural cognition and common neurological diseases. The centre aims to study the functional architecture of the human brain to identify core mechanisms causing common human neurological diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust·DateOct 27, 2006

New Web-based system leads to better, more timely data

A new web-based system, ThermoML, has demonstrated improved data quality and access for researchers in thermodynamics. The system catches and corrects errors in about 10% of journal articles, enhancing the overall research experience.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Chemical & Engineering Data·DateOct 27, 2006

Many adults with psychiatric disorders may also have undiagnosed ADHD

A study found that adults with depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or anxiety disorder are at risk of having undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with 32.0% comorbid in those with depression and 21.2% in those with bipolar disorder. Researchers analyzed medical claims data to identify this comorbidity.

SourcePorter Novelli·DateOct 27, 2006

Bee genome information housed at Texas A&M University

The research aims to make it simpler to select and propagate honey bees resistant to parasites and disease, enabling more accurate identification of Africanized honey bees. The genome data can also lead to medical breakthroughs in humans and new technological innovations for agriculture.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateOct 27, 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.

Child pornography link to abuse of children unclear

A standardized way to evaluate the risk posed by someone who collects kiddie porn on the Internet is still in development. Forensic psychiatrists face challenges in assessing the possession of internet child pornography without offending or predicting future abuse.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateOct 27, 2006

Study shows cognitive decline is often undetected

A study by Sharon Inouye found that 39% of hospitalized older adults experience subtle cognitive decline, known as recoverable cognitive dysfunction. The condition can be screened for and prevented or treated with interventions.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 27, 2006

New hybrid microscope probes nano-electronics

A new scanning microscopy technique, SPIM, combines high spatial resolution with sensitivity to subtle electrical activity, enabling the visualization of both electronic and physical patterns in devices. The method has been successfully validated by comparing its images with atomic force microscopy scans.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 27, 2006

Looking to a new era in bee research

The honey bee genome sequencing project has generated exciting results, providing new insights into diverse topics in honey bee biology, including neurobiology and caste determination. The project's findings have also shed light on disease-resistant pathways and metabolic adaptations to an all-floral diet.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInsect Molecular Biology·DateOct 27, 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.

Researchers find that bumblebees' flower choice matters

Researchers studying bumblebee behavior have found that the bees' foraging patterns can predict successful seed production. The team has developed an unparalleled data set by testing various combinations of plant species on their reproductive patterns, revealing that adjacent flowers differ markedly in their mating patterns.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateOct 27, 2006

Laurie Garrett on health workers sentenced to die in Libya

The imminent executions of six foreign health workers in Libya will have severe repercussions for the global healthcare community. The case has garnered widespread criticism from the scientific and medical fields, highlighting the importance of protecting healthcare workers' rights.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 27, 2006

New insight into cell division

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin have explained the molecular principles of cell division control mechanisms. The study found that checkpoint kinases interact with a different category of proteins involved in developing the cell division spindle.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 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.

Award to help MSU math prof add up really big solutions

Andrew Christlieb, a Michigan State University assistant professor of mathematics, has been awarded $300,000 over three years to study questions of plasma physics and develop new methods for solving complex problems. His research aims to improve the speed and accuracy of computer models used in simulations of complex systems.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 27, 2006

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis is emerging threat

Researchers found highly resistant strains of TB in a rural area of South Africa, associated with high death rates in HIV-infected patients. The study highlights the need for action to tackle the problem of resistant strains that could jeopardize tuberculosis control and mortality prevention.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 27, 2006

Discovery of gamma rays from the edge of a black hole

Astrophysicists discover gamma-ray variability on days around M87's central black hole, revealing emission region size of approximately 0.000001% of the galaxy's size. This discovery confirms M87 as a unique extragalactic source and hints at novel production mechanisms for high-energy particles.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2006

Finding the right mix: A biomaterial blend library

Researchers developed a method to construct scaffold libraries made from controlled polymer blend compositions, which can predict the behavior of thousands of possible tyrosine-derived blends. This innovative line of research aims to develop rapid and inexpensive methods to optimize biomaterial properties.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateOct 27, 2006

Nightmares, demons and slaves: Study explores painful metaphors of workplace bullying

A recent study published in Management Communication Quarterly found that employees experiencing workplace bullying often use painful metaphors such as 'nightmares' and 'slaves' to describe their experiences. The research suggests that emotion can serve as a warning sign, encouraging earlier intervention and organizational prevention.

SourceSAGE·JournalManagement Communication Quarterly·DateOct 27, 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.

Unique imaging uncovers the invisible world where surfaces meet

Using advanced imaging techniques, a physicist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is uncovering new insights into how surfaces interact with contaminants and toxic substances. By detecting molecular vibrations and analyzing electron behavior, she aims to develop new ways to monitor and control air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateOct 27, 2006

Scientists' cell discovery unearths evolutionary clues

Researchers have produced the first molecular 'dictionary' of social amoeba species, revealing a major trend in the evolution of increased cell specialization and organism size. The study provides a powerful tool to examine molecular mechanisms driving evolution and development.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2006

Saving salivary glands from the collateral damage of radiation therapy

Targeted overexpression of HSP25 protects salivary gland function by maintaining gland weight, salivary flow rate, and salivary fluid composition. HSP25 also preserves expression of aquaporin 5, crucial for water transport in salivary glands. These findings suggest a novel radioprotective strategy against radiation-induced salivary gla...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 27, 2006
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.

Profiles of serial killers have limitations

The FBI's profiling method for serial killers is criticized for its limitations, particularly in cases involving women and non-Caucasian offenders. Experts argue that crime scenes often exhibit both organized and disorganized components, making it challenging to develop accurate profiles.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateOct 27, 2006

UC Davis scientists' groundbreaking research: Mate-attracting chemicals

Researchers at UC Davis have successfully engineered fruit flies to respond to the scent of silkworm moths, a breakthrough that could lead to designing better chemicals to attract insects. The findings have important implications for agricultural pest control and medical entomology, with potential applications in suppressing insect com...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2006
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.

Turning a nuclear spotlight on illegal weapons material

Researchers at NIST have developed a highly sensitive technique called delayed neutron activation analysis to improve the detection of nuclear materials. The technique can detect trace amounts of uranium-235 and plutonium-239 in less than three minutes, making it crucial for homeland security.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 27, 2006

Prominent hypertension specialists question results of TROPHY study on hypertension

Two editorials in the American Journal of Hypertension argue that the TROPHY study is flawed due to its unusual definition of incident hypertension. The studies caution that the treatment may not be effective in preventing the development of hypertension, and instead suggest that it could cause a slow unmasking of high blood pressure.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateOct 27, 2006