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Science News for June 10, 2008


Link between migranes and sleep disorders in children

Research finds a strong correlation between migraines and sleep disorders in children, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and tooth grinding. Children with migraines are twice as likely to have OSA and experience shorter REM sleep, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep issues in pediatric headache management.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008

Dartmouth launches network security study

A team of Dartmouth researchers is launching the Dartmouth Internet Security Testbed (DIST) to examine live network activity and develop methods for detecting malicious activity. The project will provide valuable insights into securing wireless networks, improving network security technology and practices for all internet users.

SourceDartmouth College·DateJun 10, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

GLAST ready to go!

The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) is scheduled to launch on a United Launch Alliance's Delta II Heavy rocket on June 11. The launch window opens at 11:45 a.m.-1:40 p.m. EDT, pending weather conditions. GLAST will survey the universe over an energy range of 20 million electron volts to over 300 billion electron volts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 10, 2008

Children with Down Syndrome sleep poorly and have more fragmented sleep

A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that children with Down Syndrome have more fragmented sleep and frequent awakenings compared to typically developing children. The study suggests that this may be an independent issue and may impact cognitive, behavioral, and physical growth.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

CT lung cancer screening no cure-all for smokers

A new study suggests that CT lung cancer screening can increase lung cancer detection by 37% and reduce mortality by 28%, but has limited impact on all-cause mortality. Quitting smoking is still the most effective way to reduce risk of death from various causes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

New research shows room for improvement in health news

Researchers found that media reports on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) were often inaccurate or incomplete, lacking information on side-effects and costs. The study suggests clearer communication between scientists and journalists is crucial for accurate news reports.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2008

Permafrost threatened by rapid retreat of Arctic sea ice, NCAR study finds

A new study by NCAR researchers warns that rapid sea ice loss in the Arctic could lead to accelerated land warming and permafrost thaw, posing significant risks to sensitive ecosystems and human infrastructure. The study finds that a period of abrupt sea-ice loss could initiate significant emissions of greenhouse gases from Arctic soils.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

'Addicted' cells provide early cancer diagnosis

Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institute have detected chemical differences in genes that can lead to colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of cancer by altering epigenetic code in healthy tissues.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJun 10, 2008

New study reveals large scale conservation essential

A recent study published in Conservation Letters found that many animal species need broad landscape-level conservation to survive due to ecological processes. The research identified 20% of threatened amphibians and 40% of threatened freshwater turtles relying on conservation action at a large scale.

SourceConservation International·JournalConservation Letters·DateJun 10, 2008

Mammography facility characteristics associated with accuracy of screening

A study found that certain mammography facility characteristics, such as breast imaging specialists and screening/diagnostic services, are associated with improved interpretive accuracy. The analysis of 44 facilities performed over 484,463 screenings revealed variations in cancer detection rates between locations.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 10, 2008

Tamoxifen might be effective in the treatment of Leishmania amazonensis infections

Researchers from the University of São Paulo found tamoxifen to be an effective treatment against Leishmania amazonensis, one of the species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. In a rodent model, infected mice treated with tamoxifen showed significant parasite burden reduction and delayed skin ulcer development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Gender affects reaction to HIV-prevention materials

Women were more likely than men to approach gender-matched brochures and retain information from them. The study found significant gender differences in exposure to the intervention, including women reading more brochures and retaining more information.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateJun 10, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Caloric intake negatively influences healthy adults' sleep patterns

A recent study found a positive correlation between total energy intake and awakenings during sleep, as well as apnea-hypopnea index. Healthy adults who consume high amounts of calories before bedtime may experience increased sleep fragmentation, which can disrupt their overall health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008

Study finds virginity pledges may help postpone intercourse among youth

A study by RAND Corporation found that adolescents who made virginity pledges were less likely to engage in sexual activity than similar youth who did not make a pledge. The study suggests that virginity pledges may be appropriate as one component of an overall sex education effort.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 10, 2008

Use of bright lighting may improve dementia symptoms for elderly persons

A study found that bright lighting reduced cognitive deterioration by 5% and improved functional limitations by 53%. Melatonin also improved sleep and reduced depressive symptoms. The combination of light and melatonin had a positive effect on mood, while individual use of melatonin was associated with adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Essential dental treatment safe for pregnant women, says ADA journal study

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women can receive safe dental treatment between 13-21 weeks gestation. The research showed no significant increase in adverse outcomes from periodontal treatment and essential dental care during this time frame.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateJun 10, 2008

Also in the June 10 JNCI

A novel small molecule inhibitor reduced both endogenous and drug-induced resistance to chemotherapy in a mouse model of melanoma. Low melatonin levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a prospective case-control study.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Consistent sleep aids children's performance on auditory attention task

A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that children who consistently get enough sleep perform better on an auditory attention task. Brain responses recorded from children with low sleep variability were better able to discriminate between frequent and infrequent tones.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008

Tune-deaf people may hear a sour note unconsciously

Researchers found that individuals with tune deafness, an auditory processing disorder, can detect incorrect notes without conscious awareness. This discovery may help scientists study consciousness using genetic research tools.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2008

Study recommends development of standards for pediatric doses in nuclear medicine

A recent survey of pediatric hospitals reveals a lack of universally applied standards for administering radiopharmaceutical doses to children. Experts recommend establishing guidelines that balance high-quality image resolution with low radiation exposure, taking into account each child's unique profile.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008

Perfect vision but blind to light

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered that eliminating a third light sensor called melanopsin leaves mammals' circadian clocks blind to light but preserves perfect vision. This finding may lead to new treatments for jet lag, insomnia, and depression by resetting the body's biological clock.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New research links smoking and body mass index to hearing loss

A large European study found that smoking, obesity, and occupational noise are risk factors for age-related hearing loss. In contrast, moderate alcohol consumption was seen to have a protective effect. The study involved 4083 participants and confirmed the importance of avoiding excessive noise exposure.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateJun 10, 2008

Golf cart injuries on the rise

Golf cart-related injuries have increased by over 130% between 1990 and 2006, with falls being the most common cause. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and safety measures to prevent these types of injuries, particularly among children.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

'HiCy' drug regimen reverses ms symptoms in selected patients

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tested a high-dose regimen of cyclophosphamide on nine MS patients, showing a 40% reduction in disability scores and an 87% improvement in physical and mental function. The 'HiCy' treatment appears to clear out the immune system and allow nerve cells to repair themselves.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJun 10, 2008

Researchers update risk-of-death charts

The updated charts show a person's risk of dying from a given cause within the next 10 years, taking into account their age, sex, and smoking status. The charts provide two key elements: the magnitude of the risk and context to help people understand where to focus risk reduction efforts.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Extended driving impairs nocturnal driving performance

Research suggests that extended driving at night can impair an individual's driving performance and increase the risk of accidents. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends getting between seven and eight hours of nightly sleep to ensure safe driving.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008

U of M researchers discover gene linked to adult-onset obesity

Researchers at U of M have discovered a gene, Girk4, associated with adult-onset obesity in mice. The gene's disruption leads to increased food intake and energy expenditure in the hypothalamus, mirroring human obesity patterns.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

First national study to examine golf cart-related injuries

A new national study examines the rising number of golf cart-related injuries, finding a 132% increase over 17 years. The majority of these injuries occurred at sports and recreational facilities, but those on the street were more likely to result in concussions and hospitalizations.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008

The symbolic monkey? Token-mediated economic choices in tufted capuchins

In a study published in PLOS ONE, capuchin monkeys were found to reason about symbols in economic choices, showing a preference for items A and C over B, both with tokens and actual foods. This suggests that these animals can comprehend and use symbols, although their symbolic competence may differ from that of humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2008

The ace perceptual skills of tennis pros

Researchers found that tennis players perform better in tasks requiring temporal processing, such as speed discrimination and detecting motion. However, the effects were small, suggesting that these skills are also used in daily life. Training these basic perceptual tasks may lead to improved tennis performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Scenes of nature trump technology in reducing low-level stress

A new study by the University of Washington found that natural scenes can reduce heart rate and decrease stress faster than technological representations. When participants spent more time looking at a natural scene through a window, their heart rates decreased faster, whereas this effect was not observed when watching a similar scene ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJun 10, 2008

Common bowel problem linked to chili pepper pain receptor

A new study by Imperial College London found that people with IBS have a higher number of TRPV1 nerve fibers, which can cause abdominal pain and bloating. The study suggests that blocking this receptor could lead to new therapies for treating IBS symptoms.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGut·DateJun 10, 2008

The cause of all hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II cases has been established

Researchers at the University of Montreal have established the cause of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II, a severe disorder characterized by loss of sensation in limbs. The WNK1/HSN2 isoform has been identified as the underlying gene mutation, allowing for the development of animal models and potential pain treatments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Insured but poorly protected: 25 million adults are underinsured

A new study by the Commonwealth Fund estimates that 25.2 million adults in the US are underinsured, facing high out-of-pocket medical expenses and financial stress. This number has increased by 60% since 2003, with middle and higher-income families hit hardest.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 10, 2008

Study: Quick responses to influenza outbreaks reduces illness and death

A new study found that prompt initiation of chemoprophylaxis within five days of detecting an influenza outbreak significantly reduces the duration and severity of outbreaks in long-term care facilities. This approach leads to fewer cases (6.2 vs. 10.5 per 100 residents) and deaths (0.45 vs. 3.3 per 100 ill residents).

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Worldwide mission to solve iron deficiency

A global mission to address iron deficiency is underway with a focus on increasing iron content in cereal grains like rice and wheat. Dr Alex Johnson's project aims to improve iron delivery from leaves to seeds, benefiting developing countries where iron deficiency affects 30% of the world's population.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateJun 10, 2008

Study of guanacos launched in Chile

A WCS study in Chile's Karukinka reserve aims to understand guanaco movements and habitat impact. The research will help restore overland migrations of guanacos, critical for biodiversity in Latin America.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateJun 10, 2008

Sleep problems linked to obesity, lower quality of life in school-aged children

A study published at SLEEP 2008 found that school-aged children who are obese have poorer sleep quality and higher rates of daytime sleepiness compared to their overweight or healthy weight peers. The researchers also discovered a significant association between increased weight and lower quality of life scores in children.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 10, 2008

Prevalence of pre-cancerous masses in the colon same in patients in their 40s and 50s

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health discovered that the prevalence of pre-cancerous masses in the colon is similar between patients aged 40-49 and 50-59. The study suggests that starting colon cancer screening at age 40 may help decrease its prevalence and save more people from the disease.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 10, 2008
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.

Cutting-edge weapons result of prehistoric experimentation

University of Missouri researchers found a significant variation in projectile points indicating experimental research by prehistoric artisans. The study suggests that the introduction of the bow and arrow technology prompted innovative thinking and experimentation to improve performance.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 10, 2008

Cancer-killing viruses influence tumor blood-vessel growth

Researchers found that oncolytic viruses designed to kill cancer cells can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels to tumors, leading to regrowth and immune cell eradication. The study suggests a strategy to design combination therapies that inhibit this effect and enhance viral therapy efficacy.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJun 10, 2008

Anti-estrogen drug therapy reduces risk of invasive breast cancer in older women

A new analysis of raloxifene, a medication approved for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, found it reduces the risk of invasive, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women by at least 50% for up to 8 years. The drug is also effective in reducing the risk of spine fractures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 10, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Physical activity -- not just a 'walk in the park'

Research published in BMC Public Health found that living near green spaces does not encourage people to engage in physical activities like walking or cycling. In fact, those with more green space nearby tend to walk and cycle less frequently due to convenience factors.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 10, 2008
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.