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Science News for September 12, 2006


ACS Weekly PressPac -- September 6, 2006

Researchers have developed high-efficiency 'plastic' solar cells with potential efficiencies of up to 15 percent, paving the way for wider use. Additionally, scientists have created compounds that block bacterial communication signals, offering a powerful strategy against deadly infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 12, 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.

Dairy is necessary, even for lactose-intolerant children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that lactose-intolerant children consume three servings of dairy per day to meet their daily allowance of milk and dairy products. Choosing products with live active cultures, such as yogurt or hard cheeses, can help alleviate symptoms and provide adequate calcium for bone growth.

SourceDairy Council of California·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 12, 2006

Do green markets actually lead to improvements in environmental quality?

A recent study by Matthew J. Kotchen found that green markets can crowd out private voluntary donations in sufficiently large economies. This is because consumers' willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products can increase the level of giving, but also discourage direct donations to environmental causes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateSep 12, 2006

MIT device could prevent epileptic seizures

Researchers at MIT are developing a device that can detect and prevent epileptic seizures by measuring brain activity. The new technology builds on an existing therapy and could be refined to work with a headband or baseball cap. If successful, it would allow more patients to use the therapy on demand.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEpilepsy & Behavior·DateSep 12, 2006

Genomatix appoints distributor for the growing Chinese market

Genomatix Software GmbH has appointed a distributor in China, Beijing ZGZ Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., to expand its market presence. This partnership is significant for Genomatix, with over 1,800 researchers in China subscribed to its free services.

SourceGenomatix Software GmbH·DateSep 12, 2006

Black-white IQ gap has narrowed

Researchers found that the cognitive ability gap between blacks and whites has decreased significantly since 1972, with blacks making notable gains in cognitive tests. The study's findings suggest a possible correlation between social equality progress and IQ gains, potentially indicating further improvements.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 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.

Effect of direct-to-consumer drug ads unexpected

A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising of Vioxx increased the proportion of osteoarthritis patient visits for which a prescription was written for Vioxx. However, Celebrex ads were associated with higher rates of Vioxx prescribing, but not significant changes in Celebrex prescriptions.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 12, 2006

Violence in the home leads to higher rates of childhood bullying

A study by University of Washington researchers found that children exposed to intimate partner violence at home are more likely to engage in physical and relational bullying. The study also highlights the importance of early identification and intervention to break the cycle of violence.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 12, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Round-the-clock monitoring by UH contributes to air quality study

The University of Houston's Moody Tower Atmospheric Chemistry Facility conducts round-the-clock monitoring for the Texas Air Quality Study-II. Researchers collect data on various pollutants, including ozone-forming compounds, and develop a Gulf Coast Air Quality Model to improve air quality predictions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 12, 2006

Cold shot

Scientists have developed a new technique to detect uranium in contaminated soil by freezing the sample and blasting it with an ultraviolet laser. This method, known as cryogenic fluorescence spectroscopy, allows for sharper resolution of spectral fingerprints and detection of different forms of uranium.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 12, 2006

Faculty member earns $300,000 grant for hurricane damage research

Florida Tech associate professor Dr. Jean-Paul Pinelli has received a $300,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop a wireless sensor network monitoring wind impacts on structures. The three-year research project will provide full-scale data on wind-induced structural stress during hurricanes.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateSep 12, 2006
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Transplant cures rats' type 2 diabetes without need for immune suppression drugs

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine successfully transplanted pig pancreatic primordia into rats with type 2 diabetes, curing the condition without the need for immune suppression drugs. The approach, similar to one that cured type 1 diabetes in previous studies, uses embryonic cells to produce insulin.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalTransplant Immunology·DateSep 12, 2006

Pre-clinical study suggests how steroid can reverse post-traumatic stress

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a natural stress hormone corticosterone can decrease the fearful response associated with reliving traumatic memories in mice. The study showed that this hormone enhances new memories competing with fearful memories, thereby decreasing their negative emotional significance.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateSep 12, 2006

Black-Bone Silky Fowl: An odd bird with meat to crow about

Researchers have discovered that the Black-Bone Silky Fowl has significantly higher carnosine levels than other chicken breeds, which may contribute to its long-standing use in traditional Chinese medicine. The study found that carnosine makes up 0.45% of the muscle tissue in Black-Bones, compared to 0.22% in White Plymouth Rocks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 12, 2006

Using microbes to fuel the US hydrogen economy

Researchers have found that Thermatoga neapolitana bacteria can produce hydrogen efficiently in a moderately low-oxygen environment. This breakthrough could enable the large-scale production of hydrogen from agricultural resources, paving the way for a clean energy future.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateSep 12, 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.

Pitt professor designs less-risky reactor for clean, safe energy

University of Pittsburgh professor Goetz Veser has created a safer alternative to traditional reactors by designing microreactors that can handle explosive reactions without explosions. These reactors use platinum catalysts and silicon chips with tiny channels to control the reaction and minimize pollutants like nitrogen oxides.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateSep 12, 2006

Brown team creates uncanny cell replicas for treatment, research

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to create plastic replicas of real cells, which can support cell growth and potentially be used in laboratories and hospitals. The replicas could help scientists understand nerve growth and repair damaged tissue, and may eventually be used to regenerate nerves in patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalLangmuir·DateSep 12, 2006

New VEE virus protein structure marks first step to developing effective therapy

Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have determined the precise structure of the VEE virus protein required for replication. This achievement marks an important step toward developing effective drug therapies against the virus, which can cause widespread infections and death in Central and South America.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalStructure·DateSep 12, 2006

National study compares delivery methods of schizophrenia medicines

A new five-year study will determine whether biweekly physician visits and injectable drugs can improve medication compliance among schizophrenia patients. Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of injectable risperidone microspheres to standard oral antipsychotics.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 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.

ASTRO awards $240,000 to four cancer researchers

The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has awarded $240,000 in grants to four young cancer researchers. The recipients, Andy J. Minn, Roberto Diaz, Max Diehn, and Aaron C. Spalding, will use the funding to conduct research in radiation oncology, biology, physics, or outcomes research.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 12, 2006

Spam filter design to benefit from internet routing data

The study identifies two techniques for combating spam: improving Internet routing infrastructure security and developing algorithms to identify botnets. The researchers found that network-level properties, such as route hijacking, can be used to identify spammers and improve spam filtering.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateSep 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.

Reducing side effects of painkillers

Researchers at Cardiff University have found a link between low nitric oxide levels and increased risk of heart attack and stroke in patients taking NSAIDs. Lower nitric oxide levels may make individuals more susceptible to cardiovascular side effects from these medications.

SourceCardiff University·JournalBlood·DateSep 12, 2006

JAMA study provides clues to cause of sudden cardiac death in teens

A new study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that genetic defects, particularly those related to Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), are significant risk factors for sudden cardiac death in teenagers. The study also identified changes in puberty among teens with LQTS as a predictor of life-threatening events.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 12, 2006
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

MIT forges greener path to iron production

Researchers at MIT have developed a new, eco-friendly way to produce iron by molten oxide electrolysis (MOE), which eliminates greenhouse gases and generates only oxygen. The process has the potential to increase iron productivities up to 10 times that of aluminum production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 12, 2006

Updated sleep apnea screening recommended for commercial drivers

The American College of Chest Physicians, along with the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation, has released updated recommendations for screening and managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. The guidelines aim to identify drivers at h...

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 12, 2006

UC Davis researchers find added benefit of statins in those at high risk for heart disease, diabetes

Study suggests that statins may be beneficial for preventing complications of metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. The researchers found marked reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improvements in vascular health in patients treated with statins.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 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.

Scientists and engineers simulate jet colliding with World Trade Center

Researchers used a high-performance computer to create a simulation of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center's North Tower, revealing the destruction of nearly 25% of the building's columns. The simulation aims to improve understanding of aircraft collisions and structural damage, with potential applications in designing safer buil...

SourcePurdue University·DateSep 12, 2006

Team depression care reduces suicidal thoughts in older adults

A team-based approach to treating depression in primary care significantly reduces suicidal thoughts in older adults, with patients receiving IMPACT care being half as likely to report suicidal thoughts even up to 12 months after treatment. The study also shows improved physical functioning and quality of life for patients.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 12, 2006

Penn study suggests a new type of pain reliever that may benefit the heart

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that deleting an inflammation enzyme in mice slowed the development of atherosclerosis. The study suggests that a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may benefit the heart and reduce its risk of disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2006

MRI can track survival of pancreatic islets after transplantation

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital successfully tracked transplanted pancreatic islets using MRI, revealing complex factors behind islet loss and potential causes of rejection. The study could lead to improved outcomes for patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDiabetes·DateSep 12, 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.

Nicotine lessens symptoms of depression in nonsmokers

Researchers found that nicotine patches reduced depression symptoms in nonsmoking participants, possibly by stimulating brain chemicals. The study suggests manipulating nicotine's effects could lead to new treatments for depression.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateSep 12, 2006