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Science News Archive May 2007


Page 2 of 20

Mule deer moms rescue other fawns

A study by the University of Alberta found that mule deer mothers respond to distress calls from both their own and other species' fawns, often putting themselves at risk. This behavior defies traditional explanations for parental care and suggests a more primal instinct for survival.

An 'elegant' idea proves its worth 25 years later

High-dose sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate treatment has saved an estimated 80 percent of patients with urea cycle disorders, mostly children. The treatment uses the body's natural chemicals to eliminate nitrogen, reducing toxic effects.

Molecular motors may speed nutrient processing

Researchers discovered that molecular motors play a crucial role in shedding membrane from the tips of microvilli, speeding up nutrient processing. This finding has implications for understanding gastrointestinal physiology and potential new treatments for diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For many insects, winter survival is in the genes

Researchers discovered nearly a dozen additional heat-shock proteins that help insects survive cold temperatures. These proteins are essential for insect survival during diapause, a hibernation-like state that allows them to withstand low temperatures.

XO-3b: Supersized planet or oasis in the 'brown dwarf desert'?

Researchers have found a massive exoplanet, XO-3b, which orbits its star in less than four days and is 13 times the mass of Jupiter. The planet's unusual characteristics, including its elliptical orbit and size, raise questions about its classification as a brown dwarf.

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.

Evolution of animal personalities

Researchers propose that animal personalities evolve due to trade-offs between current and future reproduction, with cautious individuals investing more in future opportunities. This leads to populations with consistently risk-averse or risk-prone personality traits.

Limiting stroke damage is focus of study

Researchers are focusing on preventing further brain damage after a stroke, targeting the penumbra region where blood flow is reduced by 60%. They hope to restore normal electrical activity in neurons and promote recovery. Dr. Sergei Kirov's study uses real-time microscopical imaging and pharmaceuticals to stop anoxic depolarization.

Better insight into brain anatomical structures

Researchers have developed a new, biocompatible MRI contrast agent using manganese oxide nanoparticles that produces clear images of mouse brains. The agent allows for high-contrast views of brain anatomy and has potential applications in diagnosing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Swabs not reliable for detecting lead dust in homes

A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that LeadCheck Swabs are prone to high error rates, detecting 64% of hazardous concentrations of lead in dust as safe. The swab test is not reliable for determining if house dust contains lead above EPA standards.

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.

UCL scientist develops a measure of distraction

A new test measures subjects' accuracy and reaction times under distractions, filtering out easily distracted candidates. The test correlates with the 'Cognitive Failures Questionnaire', providing an objective assessment of distractibility.

JRRD releases single-topic issue on pain and pain management

This article discusses various aspects of pain management, including the impact of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on patient satisfaction. The study found that patients with both conditions were more likely to have a chronic medical condition and greater physical and psychosocial stressors.

Survey shows asthma not controlled in majority of patients

A survey of 1,812 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma found that the disease was not controlled in 55 percent, despite regular health care visits. Uncontrolled asthmatics were more likely to experience severe symptoms and hospitalizations.

Moths mimic sounds to survive

Researchers discovered that tiger moths use ultrasonic clicks to warn bats of their bad taste, allowing them to survive in a predator-rich environment. The study provides the first definitive evidence of acoustic mimicry as a defensive strategy.

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.

The general public lacks basic medical knowledge

A study found that only 32% of adults possess minimal medical knowledge of serious health conditions, despite higher education or personal experience not providing significant improvement. This lack of awareness poses a risk to early detection and treatment outcomes, as well as public health costs and behavior.

Old idea spawns new way to study dark matter

Researchers employed a new technique to estimate dark matter location and calculate its mass, shedding light on the galactic halo's composition. The method revealed two massive dark objects, one with 7 times the sun's mass, in the Milky Way's outer reaches.

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.

Galaxy cluster takes it to the extreme

Astronomers discover a bright arc of extremely hot gas in a massive galaxy cluster, suggesting an exceptionally dramatic event, such as a collision between two clusters. The temperature and mass of the cluster make it a giant among giants, with a quadrillion suns' worth of mass bound by its hot gas.

Talking sex on the factory floor in China

Young women in urban China want more information on contraception but need private and anonymous access due to judgmental attitudes. A pilot workplace intervention showed promising results with popular information leaflets, but low uptake of free family planning services.

NASA embarks on cutting-edge polar exploration and research

NASA is supporting cutting-edge research at the Earth's polar regions with $18 million in funding for 33 scientific investigations. These studies focus on ice flow, air pollution, sea ice impact on ocean ecosystems, and glacier thickness measurement.

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.

Arithmetic is child's play

Researchers found that children can solve large number problems without mastering place value or addition facts, using their natural sense of number to perform approximations. This talent can be built upon in the classroom to enhance interest and understanding in elementary mathematics.

How E. coli evolves to adapt to changing acidity

Researchers found that E. coli groups exposed to fluctuating pH levels exhibited generalist fitness patterns, with no significant cost in any environment. The bacteria adapted to specific environments, but the varied pH conditions didn't hinder adaptation.

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.

Extra-aggressive form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis identified

A subset of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been found to have a short duration of symptoms before diagnosis and an accelerated clinical course to end-stage disease. This 'rapid progressor' group is characterized by distinct gene expression patterns, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions.

NASA researcher finds days of snow melting on the rise in Greenland

A NASA-funded project using satellite observations has shown an increase in days of snow melting on Greenland's ice sheet over the past 18 years. The resulting data helps scientists understand the speed of glacier flow and how much water will pour into the surrounding ocean.

Climate change signal detected in the Indian Ocean

Scientists have identified a climate change signal in the Indian Ocean near Australia, with ocean temperatures rising by two degrees Celsius. The research linked this warming to changes in atmospheric conditions and human activity, including aerosol production and greenhouse gases.

'Virtual autopsy' helps identify drowning as cause of death

A study published in Radiology found that MDCT can aid forensics teams in determining if a person has drowned by demonstrating airway froth and sediment. The procedure may provide support for the diagnosis of drowning when other causes have been excluded.

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.

Eavesdropping comes naturally to young song sparrows

Researchers found that young birds learned more than half of their songs by eavesdropping on adult tutors interacting with another bird. Direct interaction with a tutor accounted for only 19% of the songs, highlighting the role of eavesdropping in song learning.

Researchers use MRI to predict recovery after spinal cord injury

A study published in Radiology found that MRI can predict full or partial recovery of patients with acute spinal cord injuries by assessing MR images within 48 hours. The severity of MSCC, bleeding, and cord swelling are key indicators of a poor prognosis, while their absence indicates a good chance for neurological recovery.

Focused ultrasound relieves fibroid symptoms in women

A multicenter clinical trial found that magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) effectively shrinks uterine fibroids and significantly relieves symptoms in women. The optimized protocol allowed treatment of a greater fibroid volume, resulting in even greater symptomatic relief.

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.

Researchers create new nanotechnology field

A University of Alberta research team has created a novel way to control the quantum state of an electron's spin using plasmonics principles in spintronics technology. This new technology, called spinplasmonics, may lead to revolutionary advances in computer electronics and other areas.

Access to alcohol among middle school children

A study of over 3,700 middle school students found that most obtain alcohol from their parents' homes, with one-third of users getting it from family members. The research highlights the importance of parental involvement in preventing underage drinking.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Dentists need more training in oral cancer detection

A University of Illinois Chicago study found that over 92% of Illinois dentists perform oral cancer examinations, but many lack proper training and techniques, leading to incomplete screenings. The study emphasizes the need for additional training and increased vigilance in detecting oral cancers.

Workplace bullying 50 percent higher in the US than Scandinavia

New research reveals US employees experience up to 50% more bullying than Scandinavian workers, with negative effects on non-bullied employees also widespread. The study highlights organizational and cultural structures that enable and reward bullying, stressing individualism over collaboration.

A new zest for life

Research shows that treating subclinical hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone improves symptoms, cholesterol levels, and reduces heart disease risk. Patients experience increased energy, weight loss, and improved quality of life.

Dr. Héctor J. Sussmann to be awarded the W.T. and Idalia Reid Prize

The 2007 W.T. and Idalia Reid Prize will be awarded to Dr. Héctor J. Sussmann for his fundamental contributions to nonlinear control theory. He will receive an engraved medal, a $10,000 cash prize, and deliver the Reid Prize Lecture at the SIAM Conference on Control and Its Applications.

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.

New study suggests potential for a broadly-protective HIV vaccine

Researchers at USU have developed a new HIV vaccine that induces broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies, capable of neutralizing all 48 tested strains. The study provides encouraging results for vaccine development, showing the feasibility of eliciting cross-reactive antibodies against multiple viral strains.

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.

Hubble photographs grand spiral galaxy Messier 81

The Hubble Space Telescope provides a detailed view of Messier 81, revealing young blue stars and glowing regions of fluorescent gas. The galaxy's central black hole is 15 times the mass of the Milky Way's black hole.

Decapitation and rebirth

A newly excavated headless skeleton from Nasca, Peru provides important new data on ancient decapitation practices. The analysis suggests that decapitation was part of powerful rituals aimed at ensuring fertility and the continuation of life and rebirth of the community.

Economists put much higher value on loss of loved ones than courts

Researchers found that courts currently provide inadequate financial compensation for grieving families, with average annual damages ranging from £21,000 to £312,000. The study used statistical tools in happiness research to estimate the real loss felt by individuals, revealing significant gender differences in grief.

Innovative device to treat brain cancer shows promise in early studies

The Novo-TTF device has been shown to disrupt tumor growth by interfering with cell division of cancerous cells, causing them to stop proliferating and die off. In a pilot trial, 10 patients with recurring GBM experienced improved survival rates, with median overall survival doubling compared to historical data.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Lonnie Thompson to receive National Medal Of Science

Lonnie Thompson, a renowned glaciologist, will receive the National Medal of Science for his groundbreaking research on global climate change. His team has provided irrefutable evidence that the last half-century was the warmest period in recorded history.