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Science News for October 4, 2006


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.

SourceMWW Group·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2006

Experimental ragweed therapy offers allergy sufferers longer relief with fewer shots

A new study found that an investigational therapy reduced allergy symptoms in adults for at least a year after just six injections of the major ragweed allergen, Amb a 1, coupled to a unique DNA sequence. The therapy showed promise in reducing symptoms and improving quality-of-life scores compared to standard immunotherapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 4, 2006

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...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateOct 4, 2006

Hail to the hornworts: New plant family tree sheds light on evolution of life cycles

A new study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that hornworts are the key to understanding the evolution of land plants, with their life cycle patterns providing clues to how they transitioned from water to land. The findings shed light on the origin and diversification of land-based ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

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...

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceHarvard University·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceDecision Research·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 4, 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.

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.

SourceCanadian Institutes of Health Research·DateOct 4, 2006

Supernova radioisotopes show sun was born in star cluster, scientists say

Astronomers discover sun was born in a massive star cluster, challenging current theories on planetary formation. The researchers used radioactive isotopes from meteorites to calculate the distance and time of a nearby supernova, suggesting that hundreds or thousands of solar siblings may exist.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 4, 2006
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 4, 2006

NHGRI aims to make DNA sequencing faster, more cost effective

NHGRI aims to lower genome sequencing costs to $100,000 and eventually $1,000 or less, enabling personalized medicine. New grants support innovative sequencing technologies with potential to revolutionize biomedical research and healthcare.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateOct 4, 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.

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.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 4, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2006
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceTufts University·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 4, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAttachment & Human Development·DateOct 4, 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.

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateOct 4, 2006

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2006