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Science News Archive October 2006 - Page 10


Page 10 of 17

Most beachgoers accurately report their sun habits

A recent study found that most adult beachgoers accurately reported their sun habits, with moderate to substantial agreement between self-report measures and objective procedures. The study used a novel sunscreen-swabbing procedure in real-world conditions, providing valuable insights into the validity of self-report sun habits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateOct 16, 2006

Listening to the sound of skin cancer

Researchers have developed a new method to detect metastasizing melanoma cells in the blood using photoacoustic detection, which can identify as few as 10 cancer cells. The technique uses laser techniques and ultrasound methods to emit noise from cancer cells, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 16, 2006

Warning about strategic manipulation of Internet forums appears in October Management Insights

A new study examines the implications of internet forum manipulation on policy decisions, R&D investments, and consumer trust. Strategic manipulation of online forums can have significant effects on both consumers and firms, highlighting the need for investments in technologies that discourage online manipulation.

Mass vaccination unnecessary in the event of a large bioterrorist US smallpox attack

A recent study suggests that prompt surveillance and containment of victims would be sufficient to thwart an epidemic in the event of a large bioterrorist US smallpox attack. Researchers found that mass pre-vaccination of the general population may not be necessary, as the benefits of vaccination are outweighed by potential side effects.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 16, 2006

Vax and Pax: Taking turns to build an eye

Researchers found that Vax2 protein shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm in response to Sonic hedgehog signaling molecule. In its nuclear state, Vax2 represses Pax6, allowing optic nerve development. In contrast, Pax6 regulates retinal fate. This coordination is crucial for proper eye development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2006

New engineered drug may offer prolonged arthritis relief

Researchers at Duke University have devised a new way to prolong the effects of an anti-inflammatory drug, potentially making it useful for providing longer-lasting treatment for osteoarthritis. The modified drug could last for several weeks rather than just hours, offering a significant clinical gain and fewer negative side effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateOct 14, 2006

Research holds promise for herpes vaccine

A Montana State University researcher has made significant breakthroughs in developing a live vaccine against genital herpes. The study found that mice vaccinated with a genetically-modified herpes simplex virus type 1 showed no signs of disease after exposure to the wild-type strain.

SourceMontana State University·JournalVirology Journal·DateOct 13, 2006

A boost for solar cells with photon fusion

Researchers develop innovative process to combine low-energy photons in sunlight into higher-energy shortwave photons, boosting solar cells' efficiency. This breakthrough could enable the use of previously lost light energy, leading to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2006

Detecting microalgae in coastal waters

Researchers aim to develop a laser fluorometer that detects multiple target pigments, distinguishing between different types of algae in turbid coastal waters. The tool will characterize microalgal populations rapidly and easily, helping to identify potentially harmful species during red tides.

Giant pandas see in color

New research at Georgia Tech and Zoo Atlanta shows that giant pandas can discriminate between colors and various shades of gray. The study found that both pandas were able to choose the correct colored pipe in tests, indicating they have some sort of color vision.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLearning & Behavior·DateOct 13, 2006