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Science News Archive October 2006


Page 5 of 17

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Remote-control MRI exam performed over the Internet

Researchers have developed a remote-control mechanism for controlling an MRI machine via the internet, resulting in superior image quality compared to traditional onsite scanning. This technology enables specialized skills in MRI to be implemented remotely, improving patient care and accessibility.

Cougar predation key to ecosystem health

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that cougar predation has a significant impact on the environment, leading to severe ecological damage and loss of biodiversity in Zion National Park. The 'trophic cascade' effect, where the decline of a major predator leads to changes in herbivore populations and behavior, is ev...

Women's skin tone influences perception of beauty, health and age

A new study found that even skin tone is associated with higher ratings for attractiveness and health, while uneven skin tone leads to older perceptions. The research used three-dimensional imaging and morphing software to analyze facial skin color distribution in 169 Caucasian women.

Pulmonary hypertension discriminates by race, gender

African-American women have the highest mortality rate for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), according to a new study. The study found that racial disparities exist in IPAH mortality and morbidity, with African-American women exhibiting the highest mortality rate when compared with all other groups.

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.

SRI medication effective in treating compulsive hoarding patients

A study of 79 patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compulsive hoarding syndrome found that serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) medication, paroxetine, significantly improved symptoms. Compulsive hoarding is a psychiatric disorder characterized by failure to discard objects due to anxiety and excessive clutter.

Flu vaccine appears safe for young children

A large safety study found that the flu vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of serious conditions in young children. The study analyzed data on over 45,000 children who received the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine between 1991 and 2003.

Racial disparities high in Medicare plans

A new study from Harvard Medical School and Brown Medical School shows that racial disparities in care cannot be attributed to low-performing health plans. The research found that high-performing plans and low-performing plans have comparable levels of disparities in key health measures.

Always keeping a safe distance

Researchers at MPI-CBG defined the distance between Kinesin-1 and microtubules, explaining how it avoids collisions. This finding sheds light on refined motor proteins' ability to navigate cells efficiently.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find 'zip code' spurs cargo transport in neurons

Researchers at Brown University have identified a peptide that can spur cargo transport in nerve cells, shedding light on the complex intracellular transport system inside nerve cells. The discovery could help scientists better understand nerve cell function and test possible therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

American research finds twins more likely to have premature menopause

A study of over 800 twin pairs found that premature ovarian failure was three to five times greater in twins at ages 40 and 45 compared to the general population. This finding applies to both identical and non-identical twins, with a significant association observed between twin disparities in menopausal ages.

Racial disparities universal in Medicare health plans, study finds

A recent study from Brown Medical School and Harvard Medical School found significant racial disparities in Medicare managed care plans, even among high-performing plans. Blacks were more likely to have poor control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels compared to whites.

Ultraviolet light reveals secrets of nanoscale electronic materials

Researchers have developed a technique to measure precise conditions for electrically polarized ultrathin materials, revealing the ferroelectric state in next-generation memory chips and devices. The study shows that these materials can retain their properties at room temperature with thicknesses as thin as 4 nanometers.

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.

Study demonstrated AMITIZA (lubiprostone) showed efficacy

The study demonstrated that AMITIZA increased fluid secretion in the intestine, improving symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation. Patients experienced significant improvements in constipation severity and abdominal bloating and discomfort for up to 12 months.

Bargain or waste of money? Consumers don't always agree

In a study published in the Journal of Marketing, Erica Okada found that consumers who have bought an older model are similarly hesitant to upgrade to a new version, even if it offers enhanced features. This is because they incur a psychological cost when closing their mental account of previous consumption.

Groups and grumps: Study identifies 'sociality' neurons

Researchers identified 'sociality' neurons in bird brains, which promote positive affiliation and are more active in gregarious species. The study's findings have implications for understanding social behavior in animals, including humans.

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.

Racial disparity in breast cancer outcome linked to aggressive tumors

A new study found that African-American patients with breast cancer have more aggressive tumors and poorer outcomes due to differences in tumor biology. The research controlled for healthcare access biases and found that African-American race was independently associated with poor survival rates.

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.

Depression symptoms less likely in kids with accurate self-perceptions

A Florida State University study found that kids with realistic perceptions of social acceptance are better equipped to handle negative feelings, reducing depressive symptoms. The researchers discovered a self-perpetuating cycle where inaccurate perceptions lead to depression, and depression worsens accuracy.

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.

Vegetables, not fruit, help fight memory problems in old age

A study found that eating at least 2.8 servings of vegetables daily slows the rate of cognitive change in older adults by 40%, equivalent to about five years of younger age. Green leafy vegetables had the strongest association with slowing cognitive decline.

Diversity promotes cooperation among microbes

Researchers found that diverse cooperators evolved to use different nutrient resources, reducing competition and increasing biofilm success. This diversity leads to smaller cheats populations and larger biofilm groups.

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.

Further evidence that moderate drinking reduces men's heart attack risk

A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that moderate drinking reduces men's heart attack risk. Among men with healthy lifestyles, those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol had a 40-60 percent reduced risk of heart attack compared to non-drinkers and very light drinkers.

Gut check

A CU-Boulder research team has discovered over 200 suspected parasite burrows in a well-preserved duck-billed dinosaur, indicating the presence of tiny worms similar to annelids and nematodes. The findings provide evidence for interactions between dinosaurs and invertebrates.

Adhering to clinical guidelines decreases blood clots in the elderly

A multifaceted intervention increased adherence to clinical guidelines for preventing deep-vein blood clots among elderly patients. The study found that implementing evidence-based guidelines resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of DVT, with 91% fewer cases before and after guideline implementation.

Large community spirometry screening proves successful

A year-long study in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area identified a large proportion of subjects with significant impairment and encouraged smokers to quit. Fourteen percent of those tested had severe or very severe impairment, highlighting the need for public health intervention.

Far more than a meteor killed dinos

A team of paleontologists proposes that the Chicxulub meteor impact was not the sole cause of the dinosaurs' demise. Instead, they suggest that a series of massive meteor impacts, volcanic eruptions, and climate change culminated in the end of the Cretaceous Period.

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.

Anxiety disorders linked to physical conditions

A study of 4,181 adults found anxiety disorders independently associated with several physical conditions, increasing disability risk. Anxiety disorders were also linked to poorer quality of life in individuals with both conditions.

San Jacinto fault is younger than thought, rises in seismic importance

A new study reveals the San Jacinto fault is no older than 1.1-1.3 million years, with its slip rate likely faster than previously thought. The fault's long-term motion may be as high as 20 millimeters per year, making it a significant contributor to seismic hazards in southern California.

Blue eyes -- A clue to paternity

Researchers found that blue-eyed men rate blue-eyed female models as more attractive than brown-eyed models. In a second study, blue-eyed men were more likely to have romantic partners of the same eye color.

Should patients undergoing surgery get ASA?

A national survey of Canadian surgeons found marked variability in the use of blood thinner ASA in non-cardiac surgery, with many surgeons uncertain about its benefits and risks. The researchers call for a randomized controlled trial to address the issue.

Obesity a growing problem in the Indo-Asian population

A study estimated 25% of Pakistan's population is overweight or obese, with 10% classified as obese. Lower BMI cutoff values may be needed to accurately identify conditions and healthy targets due to associated risks of hypertension and diabetes.

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.

Drug combo improves survival in patients with COPD

A combination of inhaled salmeterol and fluticasone propionate has been shown to reduce the risk of dying by up to 17.5% in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment also improves quality of life and reduces exacerbations.

SAGE partners with the Society for Gynecologic Investigation

SAGE Publications will begin publishing Reproductive Sciences on behalf of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI), advancing knowledge in reproductive biology. The journal, formerly known as the Journal of SGI, has an impact factor of 2.887 and is ranked 8th among obstetrics and gynecology journals.

New evidence of early horse domestication

Researchers have discovered phosphorus-enriched soils at the Krasnyi Yar site, which matches what would be expected from horse manure. The finding suggests that horses were domesticated in northern Kazakhstan around 5,600 years ago, supporting the theory of early horse domestication.

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.

Global warming and your health

Climate change threatens human health with heat-related illnesses, polluted air and water, flood-related accidents, and threats to food supplies. The most vulnerable populations will be hardest hit, such as children, elders, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals.

Plutonium or greenhouse gases? Weighing the energy options

A new study suggests that increasing nuclear power production by a factor of three to ten could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but comes with significant drawbacks including massive nuclear waste generation and proliferation risks. The study's author emphasizes the need for a complete picture when choosing energy sources.

Researchers report initial success in promising approach to prevent tooth decay

Researchers have created a new smart anti-microbial treatment called STAMP that can selectively target and kill cavity-causing bacteria without harming good bacteria. The treatment uses a specific pheromone to locate the bacteria and an anti-microbial bomb to eliminate it, offering a promising approach to preventing tooth decay.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

AMITIZA (lubiprostone) Phase III constipation trial results

In a Phase III trial, AMITIZA demonstrated significant improvements in chronic constipation symptoms, including reduced straining, bloating, and discomfort. The study showed efficacy across IBS-C and non-IBS-C patients, with fewer adverse events reported in the placebo group.

Circadian gene helps the brain predict mealtime

Researchers have identified a critical gene in the circadian time-keeping system that enables animals to predict mealtime. The Period 2 gene plays a key role in the brain's ability to anticipate food availability, but not its effect on physiological coordination outside the central nervous system.

Further investment for genomics announced

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is investing £17 million in its three genomics research centers: CESAGen, EGENIS, and Innogen. These funding announcements will support interdisciplinary research on the social, economic, and policy aspects of genomics from 2007 to 2012.

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.

Diabetes gene carries similar risk to obesity

A study by University College London researchers found that carrying a common variant of the TCF7L2 gene increases the risk of developing diabetes by 50%, similar to being clinically obese. The genetic variant is present in nearly two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes.

Sunflower speciation highlights roles for transposable elements in evolution

Researchers found that three sunflower species arose from hybridization have massive proliferation of genetic elements, contradicting theory for diploid species. This discovery provides insight into the activation and proliferation of transposable elements in plants, particularly under abiotic stress conditions.

Healthy men who drink moderately have reduced risk of heart attack

A recent study found that moderate drinking may be associated with a reduced risk of heart attack in healthy men. The research, conducted on 8,867 healthy men, suggests that even light drinkers have a lower risk than those who do not drink at all. Moderate drinking was linked to increased levels of HDL or 'good' cholesterol in the blood.

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.