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Science News for September 28, 2006


Winds trigger increases in ozone destroying gases in upper stratosphere

A University of Colorado study found that winds in the polar upper stratospheric vortex led to record amounts of ozone-destroying nitrogen oxide gases in March 2006. This could have unanticipated climate consequences due to the destruction of ozone, which heats up the stratosphere.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 28, 2006

New angiogenesis finding may help fight cancer growth

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new compound that inhibits angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth. The compound, called NK-B, works by preventing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor and reducing receptor molecules that respond to VEGF.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 28, 2006

Ecology center awarded $21-million by National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation has renewed and increased funding for the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at UC Santa Barbara. The center will receive $18.4-million over five years, with an additional $2.6-million to advance research on managing complex ecological information.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateSep 28, 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.

Parasitic plants sniff out hosts

Researchers discovered that parasitic plants like Cuscuta pentagona sense and respond to volatile chemicals emitted by potential host plants. They found that dodder seedlings grew towards tomato plants in a specific direction, indicating a directed growth response.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2006

UF study: Live oak trees struggle for survival in growth areas

A new University of Florida study finds that live oaks are dying off as they are crowded and overshadowed by the encroachment of taller trees, threatening their survival. The study's co-authors mapped crown densities in Alachua County, Florida, revealing that sweet gum, black cherry, and magnolia are among the culprits.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateSep 28, 2006

Depressed stroke patients often not treated for depression

A recent study found that nearly one in five stroke survivors suffer from depression, with only 22% of those taking antidepressants being effective. Researchers hope to increase identification and treatment by educating physicians, patients, and families about the risk of depression after stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 28, 2006
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Scientists use an 'ice lolly' to find polar bacteria in their own backyard

Researchers have developed a technique to isolate bacteria that interact with ice, leading to the discovery of species with properties such as Ice Recrystallisation Inhibition (IRI) and temperature-modifying abilities. These findings hold potential for applications in industries like snow-making and waste-water purification.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateSep 28, 2006

High-resolution CT accurately diagnoses shin splints

A study conducted at the University of Messina found that high-resolution CT can accurately diagnose medial tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints, in distance runners. The study evaluated 41 subjects and found CT abnormalities in all painful tibiae of patients with shin splints.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 28, 2006

Watching how planets form

Astronomers used VISIR instrument to map infrared disc around young, massive star HD 97048, finding it at least 12 times larger than Neptune's orbit. The disc is flared and contains a large amount of gas, potentially hosting planetary embryos.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heart Rhythm Society publishes final recommendations for heart patients

The Heart Rhythm Society has published final recommendations for pacemaker and ICD performance, emphasizing greater transparency and patient safety. The guidelines include specific guidance for physicians, manufacturers, FDA officials, and Congress to prevent adverse events due to device malfunctions.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateSep 28, 2006

Psychologist increases preschooler compliance in study

A three-step prompting procedure, implemented consistently, significantly improves preschool child compliance. Instructors using the method report improved results when following a consistent approach, with children responding to instructions more effectively.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis·DateSep 28, 2006

The CNT-DNA wrap: A hefty hybrid for carbon nanotubes

Scientists at Lehigh University are studying single-walled CNTs wrapped with single-stranded DNA to improve sorting and placement. The DNA-CNT hybrid has proven effective in dispersion and holds promise for aiding in the critical task of placing tubes on substrates.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 28, 2006

Chemical genomic screening identifies novel therapeutic strategies for cancer

A new gene expression-based chemical genomic approach has identified potent inhibitors of androgen receptor signaling, including celastrol and gedunin, which may overcome prostate cancer treatment resistance. Additionally, rapamycin has been found to potentially reverse glucocorticoid resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 28, 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.

Genetic links to schizophrenia focus of international study

An international team, led by UCLA's Roel Ophoff, is conducting a four-year study on schizophrenia that will analyze the human genome of approximately 850 Dutch patients and 750 control subjects to pinpoint related genes. This approach aims to separate false clues from true genetic variants associated with the disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateSep 28, 2006

Leptin has powerful effect on reward center in the brain

A Yale University study reveals leptin's powerful effect on the brain's reward center, impacting appetite regulation. The hormone suppresses dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, linked to behaviors like obesity, drug addiction, and impulsivity.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 28, 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.

The 'Vicious Triangle' affecting productivity in our public services

Researchers from Oxford University have identified a 'vicious triangle' in the way central government assesses performance and need, leading to a Catch-22 situation for public service providers. This contradictory regime governs local authorities, causing confusion and inconsistent funding outcomes.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 28, 2006

Ethnic disparities in Medicare claims?

A study published in BMC Health Services Research reveals ethnic disparities in preventive screening procedures are larger when estimated using Medicare claims, with the exception of PSA testing. Despite adjusting for various factors, minorities tend to report higher rates of receiving preventive procedures without a submitted claim.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateSep 28, 2006

Urgent and sustain action needed to prevent obstetric fistula

Over 3 million women in poor countries have unrepaired vesicovaginal fistulas, with 130,000 new cases developing annually in African nations. Specialist fistula repair centers are urgently needed to address this devastating complication of pregnancy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 28, 2006

Studying membranes at the nanoscale

Scientists have successfully mapped the chemical composition of lipid membranes at the nanoscale, shedding light on their dynamic behavior and structural organization. This breakthrough uses Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) to analyze membrane components, offering new insights into cell function and vulnerability to viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 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.

Entanglement unties a tough quantum computing problem

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a method to use entangled photons as part of the message stream, allowing for the use of highly efficient turbo codes. This breakthrough enables quantum computing systems to operate close to theoretical limits of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2006

Improbable 'buckyegg' hatched

Researchers at UC Davis and Virginia Tech successfully created an egg-shaped fullerene, or 'buckyegg', which opens up new possibilities for structures of fullerenes. The unexpected discovery was made by collaborating scientists who used special conditions to create a mixture of fullerenes with triterbium nitride inside.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 28, 2006
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

IU, Purdue selected for major NCI biomarker tools initiative

The IU and Purdue Analytical Proteomics Team has been awarded a grant to develop standardized proteomics methodologies to discover proteins relevant to cancer. The team will work with cancer researchers and clinicians at the IU School of Medicine, as well as experts in statistical and computer analysis.

SourceIndiana University·DateSep 28, 2006

Rheumatoid arthritis and sex differences

The study found that male sex influences RA mechanisms, with higher production of anti-CCP antibodies in families with affected male members. Female patients also exhibit differences in disease expression and response to treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 28, 2006

Gaining weight between pregnancies could lead to pregnancy complications

A new study found that an increase in body mass index (BMI) between first and second pregnancies is associated with adverse outcomes, including maternal complications and perinatal complications. Women who gained a modest amount of weight between pregnancies experienced increased risks of gestational diabetes and stillbirth.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 28, 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.

Science of Learning Center comes to UC San Diego

The Temporal Dynamics of Learning Center aims to improve teaching techniques and alter human lives through a better understanding of how humans learn. The center, funded by the National Science Foundation, will study the role of timing in learning and develop interdisciplinary research networks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 28, 2006

Mouse study reveals new clues about virulence of 1918 influenza virus

A comprehensive mouse study provides new clues about the virulence of the 1918 influenza virus. The research found that a hyperactive immune response triggered by the virus may contribute to its exceptional lethality. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for developing therapies against future flu pandemics.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2006

Gene transfer using mutant form of good cholesterol cuts vascular plaque and inflammation

Researchers developed a gene transfer method using the mutant form of apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I Milano) to treat vascular inflammation and plaque buildup. The study found that Apo A-I Milano gene transfer resulted in a 65% reduction in plaque buildup, compared to a 25% decrease with the normal HDL gene.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 28, 2006

Genetic 'roadmap' charts links between drugs and human disease

A new genetic 'roadmap' tool connects human diseases with potential drugs, revealing potential applications in cancer and other diseases. The Connectivity Map uses genomic signatures to predict molecular actions of novel therapeutic compounds and suggest ways existing drugs can be newly applied.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2006

Alberto Bressan awarded Antonio Feltrinelli Prize

Alberto Bressan has been selected to receive the Antonio Feltrinelli Prize for his groundbreaking research on hyperbolic conservation laws. The prize is awarded annually in the area of physical and mathematical sciences, recognizing achievements that contribute to the development of new mathematics.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 28, 2006
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.

New study reports on attacks against US abortion clinics

A new study by Indiana University researchers found that state laws protecting abortion clinics have had no impact on violent crimes against them. Surprisingly, data from 361 clinics showed 7% experiencing major or minor violence, with 44% experiencing harassment.

SourceIndiana University·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateSep 28, 2006

Cancer drug may be remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study finds that the cancer drug Gleevec, used to combat leukemia and gastrointestinal cancers, may also be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers tested Gleevec on mice with a condition similar to human rheumatoid arthritis and found it almost completely prevented disease development.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 28, 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.

Researchers show maps can be powerful tools in fighting poverty

Researchers created a 'Poverty Atlas' using geographic information system applications to visualize poverty-related indicators. The maps provide a visual context for understanding the connection between poverty and geography, including factors like climate, soil fertility, and access to transportation networks.

SourceColumbia Climate School·DateSep 28, 2006

AACR CEO Margaret Foti receives cancer service award

Margaret Foti, AACR CEO, receives the Association of American Cancer Institutes Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and advocacy in advancing cancer research. The AACR has grown to over 24,000 members under her tenure, and she has launched several high-quality journals in the field.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 28, 2006