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Science News for September 29, 2006


Australia, South Africa, short-listed for giant telescope

Australian and South African sites selected as top contenders to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope, with low man-made signals a key requirement. Both countries' sites offer stable ionospheric conditions and a good view of the southern sky, ideal for detecting cosmic radio waves.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateSep 29, 2006

Einstein's magnetic effect is measured on microscale

Researchers at NIST have measured the Einstein-de Haas effect in a ferromagnetic thin film, shedding light on magnetization dynamics and g-factor calculations. The study provides a proof-of-concept for using this effect to determine critical material properties for data storage and spintronics applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 29, 2006

Robot wheelchair may give patients more independence

The HLPR Chair system provides powered mobility and allows patients to move to and from beds, chairs, and toilets without assistance. It reduces caregiver and patient injuries through its lifting ability and center of gravity management.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateSep 29, 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.

Firefighter radios may fail during high-temp fires

New NIST study reveals portable radios can't withstand high-temp fires without protective gear, posing communication risks to firefighters. Radios inside pockets or gear fared better, but exposed components failed quickly.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateSep 29, 2006

Study identifies part of brain responsible for tone deafness

A new study has discovered that people with tone deafness lack white matter in the right inferior frontal gyrus, a key area for musical skills. The findings have implications for understanding normal music acquisition and diagnosing this lifelong disability.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBrain·DateSep 29, 2006

Hold the Hookah: Researcher warns against trendy tobacco use

A Georgetown University researcher warns of a growing epidemic of hookah smoking, citing equivalent toxic effects to cigarette smoking and a disproportionate impact on young women. Studies show that waterpipe tobacco smoke can penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract than cigarette smoke, increasing cancer risk.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 29, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacteria for better ice cream and artificial snow no longer depends on trek to poles

A new study by Queen's University biologist Virginia Walker has discovered a way to isolate bacteria that can create better ice cream and artificial snow from soil in more temperate environments. The technique, called ice affinity selection, involves forming an 'ice finger' to select for bacteria that gather on the surface of ice.

SourceQueen's University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateSep 29, 2006

An infectious agent of deception, exposed through proteomics

Researchers have identified a protein, STM3117, that helps Salmonella evade immune cells, allowing the bacteria to multiply inside macrophages. The discovery presents a promising target for developing new drugs, vaccines, and rapid diagnostics to combat food poisoning caused by Salmonella.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 29, 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.

Tamiflu significantly reduces the risk of death from influenza

A population-based surveillance study found that treatment with Tamiflu (oseltamivir) significantly reduced mortality from seasonal influenza in severely ill adults. The study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, showed a 71% reduction in death from influenza among treated patients.

SourceRoche Diagnostics·DateSep 29, 2006

Survey: Insecurity, Xenophobia extremely high in Iraq

The Iraqi public demonstrates the highest levels of intolerance to foreigners, with extraordinarily high levels of ethnic solidarity. Despite this, a majority of Iraqis (85%) believe democracy is the best form of government and their commitment seems genuine.

SourceAmerican Political Science Association·JournalPerspectives on Politics·DateSep 29, 2006

Study calls for 39 percent more family physicians

A new study by the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a 39% increase in family physicians to address the growing health care needs of Americans. The report asserts that without reform, millions will struggle to access high-quality primary care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·DateSep 29, 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.

Study defines effective microbicide design for HIV/AIDS prevention

Duke University researchers developed a computer model to predict the effectiveness of various microbicidal recipes in destroying HIV before it reaches body tissues. The study found that a thin coating of microbicide delivered to the vagina can significantly reduce HIV transmission.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 29, 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.

Many urinary stones can be treated without surgery

Researchers analyzed nine trials involving 693 patients and found that treatment with calcium-channel blockers or alpha blockers increased the chances of passing urinary stones by 65%, making these medications an effective alternative to surgery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 29, 2006

Emergency tests focus on lab radioactivity analyses

Government laboratories can quickly analyze radioactive samples but with variable accuracy and quality control procedures. The NIST tests found that measurement capability is generally accurate within 30% of the expected value.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2006

Thermal imaging shatters arousal gender gap myth

A McGill University study found no difference in time for men and women to reach peak arousal, contrary to previous assumptions. The use of thermal imaging technology allows for minimally invasive measurement of sexual arousal rates.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateSep 29, 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.

Preventive ovary removal linked to early death in younger women

Women under 45 who have both ovaries removed are at higher risk of death from hormone-related cancers and neurological diseases. The risk increases with age, suggesting that oestrogen may be protective at younger ages but less important after menopause.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 29, 2006

Rochester study shows ethnic disparities in medicare claims

A University of Rochester study found that African Americans and Latinos are more likely to over-report their last preventive screening test, potentially harming their health. The research highlights the need for accurate tracking of ethnic disparities in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateSep 29, 2006