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Science News for October 5, 2006


Male contraceptive study expands to 4 US cities

The IVD is a long-term contraceptive designed as an alternative to vasectomy, blocking sperm by plugging the vas deferens. The new device aims to be more appealing than traditional methods, but reversibility studies in men are still unknown.

SourceMale Contraception Information Project·DateOct 5, 2006

Brain cell and face perception research wins Eppendorf/Science Prize

Doris Tsao's research has shown that specific regions in the monkey brain are dedicated to recognizing faces, with neurons responding strongly to human and monkey faces. Her findings suggest that each face-recognizing neuron is tuned to respond to specific facial characteristics, allowing for the reconstruction of any face.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateOct 5, 2006
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.

Researchers lift a corner of the veil of depression

Scientists have identified a crucial role of TPH2 protein in regulating serotonin levels, which may be linked to the development of depression and manic depression. The study suggests that variations in the TPH2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing these psychiatric disorders.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 5, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA data captures El Niño's return in the Pacific

NASA's Aqua and Jason satellites have observed a general warming of ocean temperatures and a rise in sea surface heights in the central and eastern Pacific along the equator, indicating El Niño development. The current El Niño signal is far less dramatic than that seen during the start of the last major El Niño episode in 1997-1998.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2006

Astronomers see inside a quasar for the first time

For the first time, astronomers have looked inside quasars and seen evidence of black holes. They measured the size of the accretion disk around a smaller area emitting X-rays, providing further confirmation that quasars are made up of super-massive black holes and heated disks.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 5, 2006

Novel workflow language tackles climate change computing challenge

A new workflow language, Martlet, enables the analysis of large datasets in a changing environment by adjusting to data requirements at runtime. This approach has potential for use in various e-Science applications and demonstrates how core computer science can be used to meet exciting challenges.

SourceResearch Councils UK·DateOct 5, 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.

Researchers identify a key regulator for skin stem cells

Researchers have identified Tcf3, a transcription factor that regulates skin stem cells, as a key repressor switch. Activating this gene can prevent skin stem cells from maturing into adult skin cells, potentially providing insights for lab-grown stem cells and therapies.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 5, 2006

New data reinforce safety profile of ENBREL® (etanercept)

New data reinforce the safety profile of ENBREL, confirming its efficacy for up to 2.5 years with no significant increase in adverse events. The study also shows that patients who experience interruption in treatment can regain similar positive efficacy results after re-initiating therapy.

SourceKetchum UK·DateOct 5, 2006

Blood cells linked to heart attacks, other inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a biochemical signaling pathway between blood platelets and monocytes that triggers production of Cox-2, an enzyme involved in heart attack, stroke, and other inflammatory diseases. This finding offers hope for developing new drugs to modify Cox-2 production and prevent or lessen the severity of these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 5, 2006

Human brain region functions like digital computer, says CU-Boulder professor

A region of the human brain believed to be critical to intellectual abilities functions much like a digital computer, according to CU-Boulder Professor Randall O'Reilly. The prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia operate by turning electrical signals into binary states and flexibly manipulating them, similar to digital computers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2006

A means to an end: Telomere maintenance and bone marrow failure

A new study reveals a molecular mechanism underlying bone marrow failure in X-linked human disease, dyskeratosis congenita. Telomere maintenance defects are caused by reduced telomerase RNA, contradicting previous hypotheses about ribosome biogenesis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 5, 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.

Latest influenza science and recommendations presented in new release

The Journal of Infectious Diseases has published a supplement offering current information on pandemic and seasonal influenza, featuring leading experts discussing research and recommendations. The article highlights key findings on disease surveillance, vaccine manufacturing, and public health response plans.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 5, 2006

New technique boosts size of proteins that can be analyzed

Cornell researchers have extended a top-down approach to analyze larger proteins containing over 2,000 amino acids, providing more efficient identification and revealing protein modifications. The new technique rivals the commonly used bottom-up approach, offering a complete picture of each protein and its modifications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2006
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.

Emotionally ambivalent workers are more creative, innovative

Research by Christina Ting Fong found that emotionally ambivalent workers perform better on creativity tasks, as they interpret mixed emotions as a signal to draw upon creative thinking abilities. Managers can leverage this by maintaining odd working environments, similar to companies like IDEO and Disney.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateOct 5, 2006

Secondhand smoke in cars may lead to dangerous levels of contaminants for children

Researchers found that smoking in cars can produce unsafe levels of secondhand tobacco smoke, posing a significant risk to children's health. The study measured concentrations rated 'hazardous' by the EPA, highlighting the need for smoke-free environments for children both in cars and homes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 5, 2006

Penn researchers find Lou Gehrig's, FTD disease protein

Penn researchers identify misfolded TDP-43 as common pathologic protein linking frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, leading to new avenues of research into the relationship between the two disorders. The discovery has significant implications for developing effective treatments for these lethal diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2006

JCI table of contents: Oct. 5, 2006

Researchers discover RELM-beta's role in IBD, finding it activates macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory factors. Additionally, antibodies against BP180 cause blister formation in mice by activating the classical complement pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 5, 2006
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.

UAF professor awarded polar science education grant

University of Alaska Fairbanks Professor Larry Duffy has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to develop a new polar science education course. The two-year project will help increase students' and the public's understanding of polar science through an interdisciplinary approach.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateOct 5, 2006

Animals resistant to drunken behavior offer clues to alcoholism's roots

Researchers have discovered that animals with altered cytoskeletal structures are less susceptible to alcohol's intoxicating effects. A team of Italian researchers found mice lacking a gene that influences the cellular skeleton became less sensitive to ethanol exposure, leading to increased drinking and reduced neurological damage.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 5, 2006

First quantum teleportation between light and matter

Scientists successfully teleported the state of a light pulse to an ensemble of 10^12 atoms, marking the first transfer between objects of different nature. The experiment has significant implications for quantum computing and quantum cryptography.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 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 custody with abusive ex-spouse? Study shows how women decide

A University of Illinois study explores how abused women decide on child custody arrangements, revealing the complex interplay between fear, practical considerations, and family ideology. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique needs of parents with histories of violence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateOct 5, 2006

microRNA function in neurogenesis

Researchers found that microRNA-9a regulates neural development in fruit flies, controlling the precise production of sensory organ precursor cells. mir-9a also represses transcription factor Senseless to regulate neuronal precursor cell numbers in Drosophila and potentially in mammalian neurogenesis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 5, 2006
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

USC researchers discover breast cancer stem cells in bone marrow

Researchers found that nearly all tumor cells in the bone marrow of early-stage breast cancer patients have a putative breast cancer stem cell phenotype, increasing the risk of disease progression. This study provides evidence that these stem cells may be responsible for metastases and has significant implications for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 5, 2006

Scientists find 'chemo brain' no figment of the imagination

A new UCLA study shows that chemotherapy causes persistent changes in brain function, leading to cognitive symptoms like forgetfulness and confusion. PET scans reveal a link between chemo-brain symptoms and lower brain metabolism, suggesting that monitoring brain activity could help prevent these effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateOct 5, 2006

Images develop clinical applications for new DESI technology

Purdue researchers use new mass spectrometry technique to create high-resolution images of biological samples, enabling precise cancer detection and tissue removal. The technology has far-reaching applications in medicine, including the detection of diseases like cancer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 5, 2006

Fruit juice intake among preschool children not associated with weight

A new study published in Pediatrics found that consuming 100 percent fruit juices is not associated with overweight status among preschool children. The analysis of the largest government database on food consumption suggests that preschoolers are consuming appropriate amounts of juice, averaging 4.7 ounces per day.

SourceKellen Communications·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 5, 2006

Driving diversification

Researchers at UCSF discover spineless gene's role in controlling dendritic branching patterns in fruit fly neurons. The findings suggest the gene may convert primordial patterns for different neuron types, potentially contributing to neurological disorders like autism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 5, 2006
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Drug prevents postpartum hemorrhage in resource poor settings

A study found that misoprostol is an effective way to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in countries with limited hospital services. The drug significantly reduced the risk of acute postpartum hemorrhage and average blood loss, offering a cost-effective solution for resource-poor settings.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 5, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateOct 5, 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.

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.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2006

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.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateOct 5, 2006
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.

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 2006