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Science News Archive October 2006 - Page 11


Page 11 of 17

NSF awards Pitt $1 million to develop cybersecurity professionals

The NSF-funded scholarship program will support four cohorts of SIS graduate students in the SAIS track, aiming to address the growing need for IA professionals. Graduates will be qualified to manage large networks and infrastructures, with a focus on diversity and underrepresented groups.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 13, 2006

More Internet users may be taking phishing bait than thought

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that up to 14% of targeted internet users respond to phishing attacks, revealing a much higher success rate than previously reported. Simulated phishing tactics were used to elicit online information from eBay customers, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance.

SourceIndiana University·DateOct 13, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mental tests reveal fall risk for older Australians

A pioneering study has found that people with lower or declining cognitive ability are at greater risk of falling. The research, which followed over 500 participants aged 70 over eight years, identified women and multiple fallers as being more likely to experience falls.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 13, 2006

Nerve cell software keeps track of brain change

HCA-Vision allows researchers to reliably measure significant features of cells' appearance as they change in response to drugs, biochemicals or diseases like dementia. The software enables significant speed improvements over manual tracing methods, accelerating brain research.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateOct 13, 2006

UA researchers find smallest cellular genome

Scientists found that the bacterium Carsonella ruddii has the fewest genes of any cell, with only 182 protein-coding genes in its tiny genome. This discovery provides new insights into bacterial evolution and suggests that some genes may have been transferred to the insect's genome.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2006

Down syndrome: It's not just the age factor

Research by Markus Neuhäuser and Sven Krackow found that the number and age of existing siblings significantly influence Down Syndrome risk. The study suggests that older mothers with a larger gap between pregnancies are more likely to have children with developmental defects.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateOct 12, 2006

Stroke rates falling in the West

Research finds stroke incidence decreasing in Perth by 43%, largely due to prevention strategies and reduced risk factors like hypertension and smoking. The study suggests successful implementation of healthy lifestyles is contributing to the decline.

SourceResearch Australia·DateOct 12, 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 make nanosheets that mimic protein formation

University of Michigan researchers successfully assembled nanoparticles into free-floating sheets using cadmium telluride crystals, a material used in solar cells. The discovery establishes a key connection between proteins and nanoparticles, enabling the development of novel materials for drug delivery, energy, and more.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2006

Penn researchers provide insights into how the immune system avoids attacking itself

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a breakthrough discovery about how T cells become active or inactive. They found that small fatty acids called diacylglycerols (DAGs) play a critical role in this process, and that enzymes called diacylglycerol kinases can make T cells tolerant to foreign substa...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 12, 2006

NIH director announces 2007 Pioneer Award competition

The NIH is launching a new round of competition for the Pioneer Award, which supports creative scientists tackling major biomedical challenges. The award provides $2.5 million in funding over five years and aims to stimulate innovative research directions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateOct 12, 2006

Caterpillars tell us how bacteria cause disease

Researchers have discovered a way to sort through large numbers of bacterial gene sequences by testing them in caterpillars, allowing pinpointing of virulence genes. The new technique, Rapid Virulence Annotation (RVA), is helping bridge the knowledge gap in post-genomic era.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateOct 12, 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.

How can we make nanoscale capacitors even smaller?

UCSB researchers discovered that a 'dielectric dead layer' at the metal-insulator interface limits the size of thin-film capacitors. The team found metals with good screening properties can improve capacitance properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2006

Mayo discovers protein as potential tactic to prevent tumors

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a protein pair that could be used to prevent tumors. The study found that CDK2 modifies FOXO1 in damaged cells, triggering apoptosis and potentially halting cancer cell growth. This breakthrough provides new hope for the development of targeted anti-tumor therapies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2006

Physicians have cure for senior's medication bill woes

A recent Mount Sinai School of Medicine study suggests that physicians are crucial in helping low-income and uninsured seniors save money on prescription drugs. By prescribing generic versions of cardiovascular medications, doctors can significantly reduce medication costs for patients and Medicare beneficiaries.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateOct 12, 2006

Tissue geometry plays crucial role in breast cell invasion

The study reveals that tissue geometry controls the morphogenesis of breasts and other organs by defining local cellular branching microenvironments. This finding may reveal mechanisms to control cancer invasion and metastasis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 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.

Extreme environment changes fish appearance

Researchers studied environmental changes on fish appearance, finding restricted food and temperature shifts can dramatically alter morphology. The study has implications for conserving species, suggesting that habitat preservation is crucial to maintaining unique characteristics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 12, 2006

Molecular 'signature' protects cells from viruses

Cells use a molecular signature to distinguish their own RNA from viral RNA, triggering an immune response and cell suicide. This discovery opens up new possibilities for therapy, including using triphosphate-end RNAs to trigger anti-viral responses and gene therapy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 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.

Day and night temps measured on an extrasolar planet

A team of astronomers has measured the temperature variation across the surface of a giant gas planet, Upsilon Andromeda b, for the first time. The study reveals that the planet's hot side reaches temperatures of 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit, while its dark side is frigid.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2006

Mayo Clinic study could lead to safer pesticides

A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a unique enzyme residue in greenbugs and aphids that could be targeted by a new generation of pesticides. This discovery opens the door to creating safer pesticides that would not harm humans and animals.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateOct 12, 2006

JCI table of contents: Oct. 12, 2006

Researchers discovered that caveolin-3 inhibits myostatin signaling, preventing muscle wasting. Additionally, elevated PTTG1 levels triggered mitotic mischief, causing aneuploidy in thyroid cancer cells. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to potential therapies for muscular dystrophy and thyroid cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2006

Killing resistant germs

Researchers have successfully synthesized platensimycin, a new antibiotic that inhibits bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis and paralyzes Gram-positive bacterial strains. This breakthrough offers hope against multiresistant bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium.

SourceWiley·DateOct 12, 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.

It's 2006, but 'coming out' is still difficult for Korean American daughters

A University of Illinois study finds that Korean-American lesbian daughters often struggle with 'coming out' due to Confucian and Christian values imposed by their parents. The study, conducted by Ramona Oswald and master's degree candidate Grace Chung, aims to provide culturally competent support for these families.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of GLBT Family Studies·DateOct 12, 2006

Leading reason for corneal transplants comes into focus

Scientists have mapped a common form of Fuchs corneal dystrophy to chromosome 18, shedding light on its genetic origins. The discovery has implications for developing gene therapies to treat the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 12, 2006

New method edges closer to holy grail of modern chemistry

University of Chicago chemist David Mazziotti has developed a new method for determining electron behavior in atoms and molecules, achieving accuracy rates of 95-100%. This breakthrough could have wide applications in various chemical phenomena, including fuel efficiency, ozone depletion, and medicine design.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 12, 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.

New research to cut animal testing

Researchers at The University of Manchester are developing new techniques using cultured human cells to identify carcinogens and reduce the need for animal testing. The project aims to increase confidence in pre-animal tests and minimize false positives.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateOct 12, 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.

Molecular spintronic action confirmed in nanostructure

Researchers at NIST have confirmed the presence and action of specific molecules in a nanoscale test structure, enabling magnetic switching behavior. The use of organic molecules preserves electron spins, allowing for potentially superior properties compared to conventional electronics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 12, 2006

Shrinking ponds signal warmer, dryer Alaska

A study of 50 years of remotely sensed imagery reveals dramatic reductions in arctic ponds in Alaska, linked to recent climate warming. The shrinking ponds may impact waterfowl production and climate regulation, highlighting the need for land managers to address these changes.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateOct 12, 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.

Algae provide new clues to cancer

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a link between cell size and growth in algae, which may provide new clues to cancer. They found that cells need specific proteins to divide on schedule once they reach a critical size.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 12, 2006

Fossilized liquid assembly: Nanomaterials research tool

Researchers create experimental models of hierarchical topologies by mixing components in a fluid and then 'freezing' them in place. This method allows for the study of self-assembly at the nano-scale, enabling diverse industries to generate new materials with enhanced properties such as super adhesion and low friction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateOct 12, 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.

A new approach to the treatment of malaria in pregnant women in West Africa

A new approach to treating malaria in pregnant women in West Africa has been found to be both safe and effective. The study, published in The Lancet, used the drug amodiaquine, either alone or in combination with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, to almost completely eliminate the malaria parasite without serious side effects.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 12, 2006

Comparing chimp, human DNA

Researchers identified 202 'highly accelerated regions' of DNA that have undergone rapid evolution since humans and chimps diverged, with most not coding for genes. These regions are conserved across multiple species, suggesting they play important roles in controlling gene expression and development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 12, 2006

Waste not, want not: Role for caveolin-3 in muscular dystrophy

A study reveals that caveolin-3 helps prevent muscle wasting in muscular dystrophy by blocking myostatin signaling. Inhibiting myostatin rescued the muscle wasting in mice, suggesting a promising therapy for certain types of muscular dystrophy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2006
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.

Polarized particles join toolbox for building unique structures

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created polarized Janus particles that spontaneously self-assemble into clusters with specific shapes and distributions of electric charge. The clusters can exhibit unique properties, such as a flywheel-like shape that can revolve around a polar axle.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 12, 2006

Updates on pandemic flu vaccine trials to be presented at 44th annual IDSA meeting

Researchers found that a prime-boost strategy using different subtypes of H5N1 vaccines significantly boosted immune responses in individuals with prior exposure. Additionally, an intradermal approach to delivering the vaccine showed promise but did not improve the immune response. These findings suggest pre-pandemic priming with exist...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalVaccine·DateOct 12, 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.

Comparing chimp and human DNA

A new study published in PLoS Genetics has identified specific DNA regions that have accelerated their evolution in humans compared to chimpanzees. These 'Human Accelerated Regions' (HARs) are located near genes involved in growth and development, suggesting they may play important roles in human evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 12, 2006

First detailed pictures of asteroid reveal bizarre system

Researchers have discovered a binary asteroid system where two asteroids orbit around each other, creating a unique and fascinating phenomenon. The larger object is spinning so fast that it has been flattened into a flying saucer shape, with the lowest points on the surface actually forming the highest ridges.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2006

Few clues about African ancestry to be found in mitochondrial DNA

Researchers found that more than half of African American mitochondrial DNA sequences matched multiple sub-Saharan ethnic groups, making it difficult to determine ancestral origins. Only a few percent of the sequences were exact matches to a single African ethnic group's mitochondrial DNA.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateOct 11, 2006

USC-led study suggests little benefit from antipsychotics in Alzheimer's

A nationwide study led by USC professor Lon Schneider found that most Alzheimer's patients prescribed antipsychotic drugs discontinue use due to severe side effects, despite showing some effectiveness in managing delusions and agitation. The study suggests that these medications should be used with caution and only when necessary.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 11, 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.

A ruler of gold and DNA

A team of scientists created a molecular ruler using gold nanoparticles and DNA to measure protein-DNA interactions at high resolution. This tool promises to accelerate research into genetic information processing by detecting initial protein-DNA binding interactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 11, 2006

Saturn's rings show evidence of a modern-day collision

Scientists have observed a continuously changing feature in Saturn's innermost ring, the D ring, which indicates a recent comet or asteroid collision. The findings suggest that Saturn's rings are not eternal but dynamic systems that can change over time.

SourceCassini Imaging Central Laboratory for Operations (CICLOPS)·DateOct 11, 2006

Antipsychotic medications used to treat Alzheimer's patients found lacking

A large-scale clinical trial funded by the NIH found that commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications for Alzheimer's patients with delusions and aggression have limited effectiveness, while increasing the risk of severe side effects. The study suggested that alternative treatments may be more suitable for this vulnerable population.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 11, 2006