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Science News Archive April 2007


Page 1 of 17

Pistachios lower cholesterol, provide antioxidants

Researchers found that pistachio amounts of 1.5 ounces reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 11.6% and total cholesterol by 8.4%, while the higher dose showed significant reductions in lipoprotein ratios. Pistachios also increased antioxidants in the blood, which may help reduce inflammation.

Exercise can cut coronary artery disease risk for some with MS

A study found that exercise can improve aerobic fitness and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis. After an eight-week aerobic cycling regimen, participants showed significant improvements in aerobic fitness, triglyceride levels, and resting blood pressure.

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.

Teens with migraine at greater risk of suicide

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that teens with migraine headaches are at a higher risk of suicide and more likely to experience other psychiatric disorders such as depression and panic disorder. The research highlights the importance of screening for psychiatric disorders in teens with chronic daily headaches.

Famous Galápagos tortoise, Lonesome George, may not be alone

Researchers at Yale University have identified a tortoise with half its genes in common with Lonesome George, the famous Galápagos tortoise. The discovery raises hopes for a conservation success story and potentially sets up a captive breeding program to recover the species.

Drama can help educate and motivate, research shows

A play about substance abuse was successful in prompting audience members to participate in prevention activities. After seeing the play, participants were more likely to talk about substance abuse, donate money to organizations, and volunteer time.

1 in 3 HIV positive gay men report unprotected sex

A community survey of gay men in London, Manchester, and Brighton found that nearly one-third of HIV-positive men reported having unprotected sex, while almost one-fifth of HIV-negative men also engaged in this behavior. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to boost HIV diagnosis and curb risk behaviors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Corals -- More complex than you?

Corals have been found to possess a large and complex genetic repertoire, with estimates suggesting up to 25,000 genes. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the evolution of complex features such as the nervous and immune systems in vertebrates.

Simple screening can help decrease teen risk behaviors

A new study reveals that a simple and brief screening measure can quickly identify the broad range of risk behaviors found among adolescents. The adolescent risk inventory (ARI) identifies behavior problems that may prevent teens from engaging in other risky behaviors.

Resistant HIV quickly hides in infants' cells

A study found that drug-resistant HIV can quickly establish itself in infants' CD4+ T cells, making it difficult for future treatments to be effective. Protease inhibitors were still effective in controlling the virus, but resistance testing is crucial for choosing appropriate treatment.

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.

Mice with a migraine show signs of brain damage

Research in mice shows migraines can lead to brain damage, with areas of the brain experiencing oxygen shortage. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing migraines through avoiding triggers and using prescribed medications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

HIVMA opposes The Gambia's unproven AIDS remedy

The HIV Medicine Association strongly opposes The Gambia's use of an unproven herbal remedy for treating HIV/AIDS. The organization urges patients to resume taking their prescribed antiretroviral medications, which have been shown to save lives in Africa.

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

The journal ACS Chemical Biology explores recent discoveries in cellular function, including the inhibition of new blood vessel formation using an antifungal drug. Nanoparticles are also shown to enhance the delivery of short interfering RNAs to cells, potentially aiding clinical applications.

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.

Washington University's Yixin Chen receives prestigious Microsoft award

Yixin Chen, an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis, has been awarded the prestigious Microsoft New Faculty Fellowship for his groundbreaking work on nonlinear optimization. The fellowship provides $200,000 in cash and resources to support his research, which aims to apply computational methods to medical operation...

What people say may not be what they know

Two researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia argue that talk may not reflect true knowledge, highlighting the importance of observing non-verbal behavior. By recognizing social relationships and political influences on verbal answers, scientists can uncover ecologically useful knowledge from local environmental knowledge.

Study puts us one step closer to understanding the function of sleep

Researchers have discovered a way to induce slow waves typical of deep sleep using transcranial magnetic stimulation, which could lead to treatments for insomnia and improve memory consolidation. The study suggests that artificial slow waves may reduce brain overload and energy consumption during sleep.

Lonesome George is not alone among Galápagos tortoises

Researchers have discovered a genetically pure Pinta tortoise, potentially leading to species recovery for the endangered giant Galápagos tortoise. The findings offer hope that Lonesome George's legacy can be transformed from an enduring symbol of rarity into a conservation success story.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

US conservation efforts bring more marine turtles to UK

Conservation efforts in US and Mexico may be increasing loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles visiting UK waters. The research team attributes the increase to protective measures, such as turtle excluder devices in fishing nets.

Hearts of male and female rainbow trout are different

A new study found significant sex differences in cardiac performance and metabolism in rainbow trout. Female trout prefer carbohydrates and tolerate lower oxygen levels better than males. The study also revealed distinct layer structures in the ventricle, with males having a larger epicardium-to-endocardium ratio.

More research needed to involve families in psychosocial interventions

Researchers found that family-oriented psychosocial interventions have a small but promising effect on the emotional well-being of patients and their family members. The studies showed varying results, with some factors influencing the outcome, highlighting the need for further research to develop effective methods.

How to look at dinosaur tracks

Researchers provide a guide for geologists to account for various factors, including erosion types and surface conditions, when examining dinosaur tracks. They describe different levels of preservation, such as true tracks and undertracks, which reveal the squishing and displacement of sand when dinosaurs took steps.

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.

Iyengar yoga can promote well-being in women breast cancer survivors

A study by Washington State University found that Iyengar yoga reduces demands of illness and stimulates lower lymphocyte NF-?B activation in breast cancer survivors, indicating improved immune function and quality of life. The practice has also been shown to decrease physical and emotional burdens associated with cancer survivorship.

BCM, Rice make major advance in structural biology

Scientists from BCM and Rice University discover a new way to analyze protein movement, making it easier to classify and scrutinize active sites implicated in cancer and other diseases. The breakthrough uses a mathematical algorithm in conjunction with X-ray crystallography to narrow down possible ways a protein might flex and bend.

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.

A cherry on top: Tart cherries may alter heart/diabetes factors

Researchers found that rats fed tart cherries had lower cholesterol, blood sugar, fat storage in the liver, oxidative stress, and improved fat handling. The study suggests a potential benefit from anthocyanin-rich foods like tart cherries for heart disease and diabetes prevention.

Pistachios may calm acute stress reaction

A Penn State study found that eating pistachios reduced the body's response to stress in individuals with high cholesterol but normal blood pressure. The 3-ounce pistachio diet was most effective in reducing systolic blood pressure and improving vascular relaxation.

'Supermap' of avian flu yields new info on source/spread

Researchers created a supermap of the H5N1 virus using genetic, geographic, and evolutionary data to predict future outbreaks. The map revealed no significant association between mutations in surface proteins HA and NA and specific host types.

Hawaiian treasure, macadamia nuts good for the heart

A study by Penn State researchers found that incorporating macadamia nuts into a heart-healthy diet can reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The Healthy Heart diet with macadamia nuts was compared to a standard American diet in a controlled feeding study.

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.

When cookies catch the cooties

A study by Duke University researchers found that products in clear packaging are vulnerable to negative properties being transferred from nearby products. This phenomenon, called 'product contagion,' can lead consumers to perceive affected products as less appealing.

Was Bristol Channel hit by a tsunami?

A team of researchers has found conclusive evidence of tsunamis in the Bristol Channel, which they attribute to a catastrophic wave erosion event that occurred on January 30, 1607. The study uses established catalogues of geomorphic features to demonstrate the impact of tsunamis on coastal landscapes.

Researchers to visit site of 2004, 2005 Indonesian quakes

Researchers from Oregon State University will travel to Indonesia to collect piston core samples from the seafloor, analyzing evidence of past earthquakes and tsunamis on the Sunda subduction zone. They aim to recreate the seismic history of the region, shedding light on devastating natural disasters.

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes similar at molecular level

Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes share a common molecular mechanism, involving amyloid fibrils with a universal 'molecular zipper' structure. This finding could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatment options through 'structure-based drug design'.

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.

Exercise science principles strengthen swallowing rehabilitation

Dysphagia affects 18 million Americans, leading to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and death. Exercise science principles can help restore fundamental function using mouth and throat muscles. Researchers propose more emphasis on theories like resistance training, repetitions, and biofeedback to optimize rehabilitation ...

Widowhood's economic consequences harshest on minority women

A recent study found that minority women experience a significant financial penalty after widowhood, with Black women suffering a loss five times greater than their White counterparts. The report highlights the importance of considering these economic consequences in social security and pension policies.

Children play key role in forging close communities

A study by Dr. Susie Weller and Professor Irene Brugel found that children actively forge neighbourly relationships and connections for their parents, strengthening local communities and making areas feel safe. The researchers also discovered local differences in which children travel unaccompanied without adults.

Statin treatment improves spatial memory in mouse models of Alzheimer's

Treatment with Simvastatin significantly improved spatial memory in mice genetically bred to have an Alzheimer's-like disease, with more pronounced effects in males. The study found that statin increased levels of nNOS, a substance that causes dilation of blood vessels and improves circulation to the brain.

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.

Artificial snot enhances electronic nose

Using an artificial snot coating mimics natural nose mucus to improve odour discrimination, allowing electronic noses to detect a wider range of smells. The device is compact, affordable, and faster than conventional methods.

Arctic ice retreating more quickly than computer models project

A new study finds that Arctic sea ice is retreating more quickly than computer models project, with the actual rate being 30 years ahead of schedule. The research indicates that greenhouse gases may be playing a significantly greater role in ice loss than previously thought.

Leslie R. Brunell receives ASCE Educator of the Year Award

Leslie R. Brunell, a lecturer at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been named ASCE Educator of the Year for her energy and care in the classroom. Her success in arranging student project sponsorships and internships with major engineering firms is also recognized.

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 VERITAS telescope array may help find 'dark matter'

The new VERITAS telescope array will enable the detection of an increased number of gamma ray sources, potentially including indirect dark matter detection. The instrument's sensitive instrumentation has an energy threshold of about 100 GeV and can identify sources with an intensity of about 1 photon per minute.

Largest ever grant for University of Copenhagenhagen

The University of Copenhagen will receive a massive DKK 600 million grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to establish a cutting-edge protein research center. This significant investment aims to boost research into proteins and their role in human health, potentially leading to new medicines.

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.

Ape gestures offer clues to the evolution of human communication

Researchers found bonobos and chimpanzees use manual gestures more flexibly than facial expressions and vocalizations. The study suggests bonobos engage in multi-modal communication, combining gestures with facial expressions and vocalizations to convey a message.