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Science News for April 14, 2005


JCI table of contents May 1, 2005

Research reveals that nitrite is a potent inhibitor of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the liver and heart, limiting cell death and preserving organ function. Additionally, adipocyte-derived collagen VI promotes early tumor growth in breast cancer, while EBV proteins drive immune responses in multiple sclerosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2005

Of mice and men's (and women's) contraceptives

A study on the MSY2 protein found that its absence in mice leads to male and female infertility. The researchers aim to develop new non-hormonal contraceptives using Contrin, a human equivalent of MSY2. This discovery holds promise for targeted fertility treatments and could lead to innovative contraceptive options.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2005

$3.5 million grant funds new national center at the University of Oregon

The center aims to provide a national overview of how young adults with disabilities fare after leaving school, collecting and interpreting data to inform program improvements. The grant partners with OSEP, National Dropout Prevention Center, and other organizations to support states in implementing best practices.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Exercise variety - not intensity - appears to reduce some Alzheimer's disease risk

A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that participating in a variety of physical activities may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The research found that individuals who engaged in multiple activities had a lower risk of dementia compared to those who participated in fewer activities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 14, 2005

Purdue miniature cooling device will have military, computer uses

Mechanical engineers at Purdue University have created micro-channel heat sinks that can cool electronic components, enabling faster performance and better functionality. The devices are being developed to address the growing need for efficient cooling in advanced laser systems, microwave radar, and future computers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateApr 14, 2005

Physicists demonstrate quantum mechanical nature of heat flow

Researchers at Northwestern University show that a magnetic field can be used to increase or decrease the flow of heat through an Andreev interferometer. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, demonstrate the quantum mechanical nature of heat flow and its relationship with electron charge.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 14, 2005

Obesity linked to risk of severe headaches

Chronic daily headaches are more prevalent in obese and morbidly obese people than those with normal body weight, the study found. Obese individuals reported severe pain and missed more work days due to headaches.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Drug may help MS patients with laughing, crying spells

A new MS drug, AVP-923, has shown significant improvement in reducing pseudobulbar affect episodes, with 84% of patients reporting betterment compared to 49% on placebo. The treatment also led to overall improvements in quality of life and reduction in pain.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005

AGU Journal highlights - 14 April 2005

Researchers reassess Martian landslides using recent images and propose alternative gravity-driven explanation. Ocean color tracking reveals 50-year dataset for phytoplankton abundance estimation. Aerosol concentrations in China's atmosphere reduce daily surface solar radiation since 1961, according to Geophysical Research Letters papers.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 14, 2005

'The Breda three': Decision-taking postponed by guilt

Hinke Piersma's research explores the interaction between political decision-making and public debate regarding 'the Breda three', four prisoners who became two in 1979. The discussion increasingly focused on integrity, as the Dutch population was criticized for failing to protect Jewish compatriots during WWII.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 14, 2005

Master gene controls healing of 'skin' in fruit flies and mammals

A study published in Science identifies the master gene grainyhead as essential for wound repair in both fruit flies and mice. The researchers found that grainyhead is required to activate genes involved in cuticle repair, which then regenerate injured patches of skin.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Independent voice rises to help consumers navigate health care

A network of non-profit groups in California is providing critical assistance to low-income consumers struggling with insurance problems, resolving 62% of issues. The Health Consumer Alliance helps consumers choose coverage, navigate public programs, and reduces costs, morbidity, and litigation

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Community Health·DateApr 14, 2005

Cost-effectiveness of drugs may vary across borders

A new study assesses the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceuticals in different countries, highlighting the importance of considering location-specific factors. The findings emphasize that economic evaluations are not transferable across borders, requiring repeated studies to determine cost-effectiveness.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalValue in Health·DateApr 14, 2005

Researcher sheds light on ghostwriting in medical journals

A Georgetown University researcher reveals hidden sponsorship of articles and lectures in medical journals, compromising patient care. A public database is needed to disclose conflicts of interest.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 14, 2005

Nitrite says NO to ischemia/reperfusion injury

Researchers found that nitrite therapy reduces cell death and preserves organ function in mouse models of I/R injury. Nitrite may serve as a therapeutic treatment for I/R disease, particularly in preventing organ dysfunction following surgery or transplantation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pessimism and depression increase dementia risk

A study by Mayo Clinic investigators found that pessimism and depression are associated with a higher risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,500 individuals, suggests that personality traits may play a role in the development of cognitive impairment 30-40 years later.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateApr 14, 2005

Bright arctic light can lead to migraine

A recent study conducted in Norway found that bright Arctic light can trigger migraines in women with aura. The research revealed that nearly half of those with migraine with aura experienced more frequent attacks during the summer light season than during the polar winter season.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005

Special physical therapy technique successful for chronic back pain

A new physical therapy technique, Souchard's global postural re-education, has shown significant improvement in chronic back pain patients. The method involves stretching and strengthening of para-spinal muscles to correct posture and decompress the spinal canal, resulting in pain relief for 92% of participants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Toxic flame retardant accumulates in dolphins

Researchers discovered that the alpha isomer of toxic flame retardant HBCD accumulates in dolphin blubber due to its inability to be metabolized by enzymes. The beta and gamma isomers are broken down by cytochrome P450, leading to their exclusion from fat-rich tissues.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 14, 2005

New treatment 'roadmap' improves odds for unusual brain aneurysm

Researchers developed a classification system to treat thrombotic aneurysms, finding that one-third can be treated surgically with conventional clipping. The study also discovered that bypass and occlusion procedures yield more favorable results for unclippable aneurysms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeurosurgery·DateApr 14, 2005

Fat may affect electrical impulses in brain, heart

Researchers found that palmitate, a saturated fatty acid, can attach to proteins regulating bioelectricity in cells. This attachment affects the transmission of electrical impulses in nerve and heart cells, with potential health implications.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

New treatment for hereditary breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a new treatment that uses a chemical to prevent PARP repair, making recombination essential for cancer cell growth. This approach shows promise as a potential breakthrough for women with hereditary breast cancer.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2005

Liverpool scientist discovers new layer of the Earth

Dr Christine Thomas has discovered a previously undetected seismic layer near the Earth's core-mantle boundary, allowing researchers to measure internal temperatures and study whole mantle convection. The new layer enables scientists to examine the fate of subducted lithosphere and hot material rising from the core-mantle boundary.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2005

A big fat contribution to breast tumor growth

Researchers found that collagen VI from adipocytes stimulates the proliferation and survival of malignant cells in breast tumors. The study suggests a potential link between increased adiposity and breast cancer risk, highlighting the role of extracellular matrix proteins in tumor behavior.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2005

Northwestern Memorial researchers release study on smart-pump technology

A Northwestern Memorial study finds that smart pump technology alone has limited potential to improve patient safety, but integrating it with EHRs and other technologies can significantly reduce errors. The hospital is developing a robust two-way communication system to verify physician orders in real-time.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Medical journal editors condemn ghostwriting

A recent editorial in the Journal of General Internal Medicine condemns the practice of ghostwriting in medical journals, citing issues with authorship and financial relationships. The authors highlight the need for transparency and accountability in academic publishing to maintain public trust.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 14, 2005

Researchers find new giant amphibian fossils in Africa

Researchers have discovered two new species of giant amphibians in Africa, which are similar to crocodiles in shape. The findings suggest that climate change over 250 million years ago had a dramatic effect on species survival and evolution.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2005

Fatter pigs due to cooling

Pigs can become lethargic in high temperatures, leading to poor growth rates. Providing extra cooling measures such as water baths or misting systems can help reduce heat stress and increase feed intake.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 14, 2005

Umeå researchers have mapped the dams of the world

A global study reveals that 172 of the world's largest rivers are regulated by dams, affecting ecosystems globally. The highest impacted regions include temperate forests and savannahs, while Australia has the largest proportion of free-flowing rivers.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2005

Ibuprofen may lower risk of Parkinson's disease

A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that long-term use of ibuprofen may lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research found a 35% lower risk among ibuprofen users compared to non-users, with risks decreasing depending on weekly dosage.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

The impact of its environment on a quantum computer

Researchers at University College London have discovered how a well-specified bath affects the qubits in a crystal, which behaves as a primitive quantum computer. The study suggests that the effect can be controlled by radio waves and temperature of the bath, paving the way for stable quantum computing.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2005

Evidence of short-term changes in sea level found in coral record

Researchers have discovered evidence of large fluctuations in sea levels over thousands of years, not just during glacial periods, using a new method of dating corals. This finding suggests that sea levels may be more variable than previously thought, with changes occurring on shorter time scales.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2005

Golfers' yips may be movement disorder

A study of 20 male golfers with and without the yips found that those with yips had abnormal muscle activity in their forearms before impact. Golfers with yips were also older and had higher handicaps than those without yips, who had fewer errors and made more putts.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005

Hormone aids recovery in rats with hemorrhagic stroke

A new study found that erythropoietin reduced inflammation and cell death, improving functional recovery after hemorrhagic stroke in rats. The treatment also showed decreases in brain water content and increases in behavioral recovery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Vitamin E loss through smoking increases health risks

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that smoking depletes vitamin E levels 13% faster than non-smokers, increasing health risks. The research also reveals an interactive relationship between vitamins C and E, highlighting the importance of adequate levels of both antioxidants to prevent disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 14, 2005

Execution by lethal injection is not humane or painless suggests study

A recent study by Leonidas Koniaris and colleagues found that lethal injection methods in the US are often inadequate, leading to unnecessary suffering. The study analysed data from executions in Texas and Virginia, as well as autopsy toxicology reports, revealing low concentrations of thiopental in the blood of executed inmates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Women not given same tests for stroke

A recent study found that women with ischemic stroke are less likely to receive diagnostic tests than men, despite having worse outcomes. Sixty-two percent of all deaths from stroke in the US occur in women, highlighting a need for increased access to tests and education.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2005

Scientists discover how Ebola virus infects cells

Researchers identified cathepsin B and L as essential enzymes for Ebola virus reproduction, shedding light on its infection mechanism. Inhibiting these enzymes could lead to the development of a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy against multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2005

Examining the serotonin transporter gene and family function

A Swedish study found that adolescents with a specific genetic variation in the serotonin transporter gene and poor family relationships are more likely to engage in high-intoxication frequency. Conversely, a favorable family environment can protect against genetic vulnerability. The study suggests an interaction between genetic and en...

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateApr 14, 2005

Prostate cancer therapy - study suggests new molecular screening theory

Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research found that Smad7 protein levels may predict therapy response to 2-ME compound. The study suggests that artificially lowering Smad7 levels in prostate cancer cells reduces the compound's ability to cause cell death, leading to potential breakthroughs in personalized cancer treatment.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2005
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Stanford gut check shows diversity of intestinal ecosystem

The Stanford study used molecular techniques to survey the inhabitants of the lower digestive tract, finding a diverse range of bacterial species. The researchers discovered nearly two-thirds of identified bacteria were novel, highlighting the complexity of the intestinal ecosystem.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2005

New study explains process leading to many proteins from one gene

A new study has shed light on the process of alternative splicing, which allows one gene to produce multiple proteins. Researchers discovered that tandem repeats between exons are highly correlated with the process, enabling them to predict genes that can re-arrange and potentially leading to disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBioinformatics·DateApr 14, 2005

It's not all in your head

A large study defines premature ejaculation by measuring average times to ejaculation with stopwatches and patient-reported subjective factors. The research suggests that IELT may not be sufficient for diagnosis and that subjective factors like lack of control are valid indicators.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateApr 14, 2005

Third-person perspective is helpful in meeting goals

Researchers found that viewing past events from a third-person perspective can accentuate changes made, increasing motivation to pursue personal goals. This shift in perspective also influences behavior, with individuals who recall awkward social situations from a third-person view exhibiting improved social skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 14, 2005
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.

Better bubbling slurry

The study found that improving catalyst particle surface characteristics increases reaction rate efficiency and reduces expensive catalyst needed. Catalyst particles adhere better to gas bubbles with these modifications, resulting in increased efficiency.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateApr 14, 2005

Cancer research could lead to improved detection methods

University scientists have discovered ways to detect areas of instability in DNA that can lead to cancer. By applying this technology to pre-cancerous lesions, they've found that DNA damage occurs very early in the carcinogenic process, highlighting those at risk of developing cancer.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2005

Psychological reasoning begins earlier than had been thought, study shows

A study published in Science found that infants as young as 15 months can reason about what others believe, challenging the long-held view of when children develop this cognitive skill. The research involved a non-verbal experiment where babies looked longer when they expected an actor to search for a toy in a different box.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2005

Obesity common among Chinese adults

A recent study found a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and overweight among Chinese adults, with increased risk factors in northern China and urban residents compared to rural areas. The findings suggest that economic development and lifestyle changes may contribute to the growing obesity crisis in China.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2005

The chemistry of popcorn: It's all about 'pop-ability'

A recent study published by the American Chemical Society has identified a critical crystalline structure in popcorn kernels that affects their popping performance. The researchers found that stronger, more highly ordered crystalline structures tend to maximize moisture retention and lead to better popping quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateApr 14, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Doing a spin with DNA

Topoisomerase IB helps unwind DNA during cell division to reduce torsional forces that can delay or stop cell division. The study's findings may lead to improved cancer treatments by enhancing the enzyme's functionality.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2005

Drug can reduce bodyweight and cardiovascular risk factors in obese people

A study of over 1,500 participants found that rimonabant treatment led to significant weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors. Patients who received the drug experienced a sustained pattern of weight loss and reductions in waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2005

Study shows surprising decreased surgical infection risk after age 65

Researchers found a surprising decrease in surgical infection risk after age 65, peaking at 65-74 years. The study analyzed 144,485 patients and found the highest rates of infections for gastrointestinal, cardiothoracic, and vascular procedures.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 14, 2005