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Science News for May 29, 2007


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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2007
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.

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMay 29, 2007

'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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 29, 2007

Help for pediatricians in treating behavioral health problems only partially successful

A follow-up study found that pediatricians' behavioral health treatment methods showed only partial success, despite receiving structured interventions, FDA warnings, and mental health reforms. The interventions, including newsletters and resource guides, aimed to increase education on anxiety and depression recognition, collaboration ...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 29, 2007
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.

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 29, 2007

New research shows sharks use their noses and bodies to locate smells

New research reveals that sharks rely on both olfactory systems and lateral lines to track odor sources, particularly in dark waters. This discovery sheds light on animal navigation underwater and has implications for the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 29, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMay 29, 2007
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateMay 29, 2007
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.

Study questions risks of anti-bleeding drug during heart surgery

A recent study suggests that aprotinin can reduce bleeding during heart surgery without increasing the risk of complications. The study found no increase in heart attack risk among patients receiving aprotinin, while the risk of stroke was 35% lower.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2007
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.

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.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateMay 29, 2007

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.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceOhio State University·DateMay 29, 2007

Brain activity reflects differences in types of anxiety

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that brain activity patterns differ between two types of anxiety: anxious apprehension (verbal rumination, worry) and anxious arousal (intense fear, panic). The study used fMRI to identify distinct brain regions active in each type of anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychophysiology·DateMay 29, 2007

Urgent need for guidance on mobile phone use in clinical care

Healthcare systems are increasingly relying on mobile communication technology to improve care, but little guidance exists on its safe use. The UK and US are leading the way in applying this technology, but existing guidance is limited in scope and often fails to address key concerns.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalGlobal Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare·DateMay 29, 2007
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Story ideas from the Journal of Lipid Research

Researchers have found a link between low HDL cholesterol and heart disease, suggesting that defective ABCA1 protein may play a role. Additionally, studies have shown that type 2 diabetes patients accumulate high levels of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein in the blood, which can contribute to heart disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMay 29, 2007