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Science News for September 8, 2003


Telltale prostate cancer protein key to breast cancer, too

A new study has found that the protein EZH2 is linked to aggressive and deadly breast tumors, with higher levels corresponding to worse patient outcomes. The discovery may lead to a new test for determining breast cancer prognosis more precisely.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2003
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.

In place fabrication solves organic polymer shortcoming

Researchers have developed an innovative in-place fabrication method for conjugate conducting organic polymers, solving the long-standing problem of creating flexible circuits. This process enables the production of high-performance electronic devices, such as transistors and flexible displays.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 8, 2003

Molecule found to be critical for kidney development

The Notch molecule is found to be crucial for kidney development, particularly in the formation of podocytes. The study reveals that Notch signaling tells some cells to become podocytes from non-specialized epithelial cells. After a certain amount of time without Notch signaling, cells can recover and form podocytes again.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDevelopment·DateSep 8, 2003
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.

Stanford researchers study new antiviral approach to protect women from HIV

A genetically engineered strain of lactobacillus could significantly inhibit HIV infection in humans, offering a safe and long-lasting way to protect women. The research uses naturally colonizing bacteria to block and inactivate viruses before they reach host cells.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2003

Chemical & Engineering News 80th anniversary issue highlights periodic table

The American Chemical Society's 80th anniversary issue highlights the Periodic Table of Elements, exploring its role in everyday life and containing pertinent technical information. The special issue features essays from Nobel Prize winners, industry experts, and authors who helped discover elements.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 8, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

18F-FLT more accurate than 18F-FDG for differentiating unclear lung lesions

A study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that 18F-FLT PET scans are more accurate than 18F-FDG PET scans in differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous lung tumors. However, the researchers noted that 18F-FDG is still a reliable tool for staging tumors.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 8, 2003

Fat chance for hosts

A new study reveals that parasitic flatworms use light to locate hosts, while water temperature increases their swimming speed. The findings suggest that the larvae's movement is largely controlled by themselves rather than environmental factors.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateSep 8, 2003

How tea works against skin cancer

Researchers found that tea polyphenols interfere with signaling pathways inside cells that may order cells to divide and multiply. By inhibiting these pathways, polyphenols can prevent cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateSep 8, 2003

One-step HIV test may be cheaper, faster, less wasteful

Researchers have found that a one-step HIV test is the least expensive option, costing nearly $82 per person compared to two-step methods. The new method provides same-day results for both HIV-positive and negative clients, reducing waste and costs associated with return clinic visits.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 8, 2003
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Physics tip sheet #37

Researchers used computer simulations to study explosions in high-energy materials, predicting primary chemical reactions and mechanical stresses. Meanwhile, new models accurately predict lung crackle sounds, potentially aiding diagnosis of pulmonary dysfunctions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 8, 2003

Reverse reactions helps isolate important intermediate

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory isolated an important intermediate in a catalyst using reverse reactions, enabling the study of reaction mechanisms and potentially improving catalytic efficiency. The goal is to design new catalysts with enhanced reactivity and selectivity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateSep 8, 2003

Asthma patients cautioned about melatonin

Researchers found that higher melatonin levels in asthma patients at night lead to impaired lung function, suggesting all patients with asthma should avoid melatonin supplements until more is known about their safety. This study's findings support previous research linking melatonin to inflammation in asthma.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 8, 2003
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.

New Chemistry software automatically generates computer code

The Tensor Contraction Engine (TCE) is a new software that automatically generates computer code for complex molecules, reducing the workload for researchers. By generating efficient parallel programs, TCE can save time and computational resources for projects in computational chemistry and physics.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 8, 2003

Poor American families face 'eat or heat' dilemma

A new study reveals that poor American families struggle to balance heating costs with nutrition during the cold season. Despite a 10% calorie reduction, researchers argue that this may not be as detrimental to health as previously thought.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 8, 2003

NCCAM announces new research fellowship program

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has announced a new research fellowship program to support outstanding researchers in CAM. The fellowship aims to prepare the next generation of leaders in CAM research, with a focus on clinical, translational, and laboratory-based studies.

SourceNIH/National Institutes of Health·DateSep 8, 2003

Early nicotine use may lead to lasting addiction, study finds

A Duke University study found that adolescent rats who started using nicotine earlier had a higher rate of self-administration and continued to use the drug in adulthood. The researchers suggest that early nicotine exposure may cause lasting addiction by affecting brain development.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateSep 8, 2003
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.

Cranberries may help reduce stroke damage

Researchers found that cranberry extract can significantly reduce brain cell death after a simulated stroke. The study suggests that consuming cranberries may aid in recovery from stroke, particularly in its earliest stages.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2003

PET scans show cigarette smoke affects peripheral organs

Researchers used PET scans to study MAO B activity in smokers and nonsmokers. The findings show reduced MAO B activity in peripheral organs by one-third to almost one-half, potentially leading to medical consequences.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2003
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.

Imaging study reveals effect of smoking on peripheral organs

An imaging study has revealed that smoking significantly reduces MAO-B activity in the hearts, lungs, kidneys, and spleens of smokers, impacting overall organ health. The study used radiotracers to track enzyme levels in peripheral organs.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2003

UCSD researchers ID peptides that bind to Alzheimer's plaques

Researchers at UCSD have identified two peptide sequences that bind to abnormal beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. The peptides may be used for diagnostic tests or coupled with molecules to inhibit plaque toxicity, making them a promising new approach to the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateSep 8, 2003

Geneticists show ripple effects of gene mutations

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that changes to genes regulating olfactory behavior in fruit flies have far-reaching implications. The study used a model organism to quantify the extent of ripples in the genome affecting behavior, revealing that two-thirds of affected genes impact olfactory behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 8, 2003
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.

Study looks at indoor tanning among teens

A study of over 6,900 US teens found that indoor tanning is a significant issue among white teenagers, particularly among girls and those from the Midwest and South. The study highlights the risks of skin cancer and premature aging associated with UV radiation, leading to the development of prevention messages.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateSep 8, 2003

NIAID opens innovative treatment study for West Nile virus

The NIAID has launched a clinical trial to test an immunoglobulin product containing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) in treating severe WNV encephalitis. The study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of this treatment in preventing death or neurologic disability.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 8, 2003

New cholesterol fighter found in red wine

Scientists at the University of California, Davis have identified saponins in red wine as a potential cholesterol fighter. Saponins are found to contain higher levels in red wine than white wine and may work by binding to and preventing the absorption of cholesterol.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2003
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.

AAN Guideline: MRIs help diagnose multiple sclerosis faster

The American Academy of Neurology has introduced a new guideline that suggests MRI scans can be used to predict the development of multiple sclerosis in individuals who have had a single occurrence of MS symptoms. This allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce disease activity and severity.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 8, 2003

Understanding the impact of genetic technology

The Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGen) will research the impact of genomics on society, focusing on economics, innovation, ethics, regulation, risk, and responsibility. Researchers will study genetic technologies, their applications in clinical settings, and public understanding.

SourceCardiff University·DateSep 8, 2003

Lotion made from tea could help fight skin cancer

Researchers develop a lotion made from green tea polyphenols that can help prevent the formation of non-melanoma skin tumors and delay or block the skin's response to UV light. The treatment, designed for topical application after sun exposure, has shown promise in reducing the risk of skin cancer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2003

Brain cells found to hold key to growth of certain breast cancers

Researchers discover dermcidin protein in 10% of invasive breast tumors, contributing to faster cell growth and cachexia. The finding may lead to new treatments for breast cancer and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2003