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Science News for September 12, 2005


Unusual RNAs linked to chronic leukemia, may help treat it

Chronic leukemia affects 9,700 Americans annually, with unusual microRNAs enabling damaged cells to survive. Researchers discovered that miR-15 and miR-16 play a crucial role in controlling Bcl-2 levels, leading to tumor growth.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2005

A new structural view of organic electronic devices

Researchers from NIST and UC Berkeley use NEXAFS spectroscopy to track chemical reactions, molecular reordering, and defect formation in organic electronic devices. The study reveals the importance of film structure and composition on charge carrier movement, offering a new tool for improving device performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 12, 2005

New study shows link between heavy drinking and atrial fibrillation

A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals a significant link between heavy drinking and atrial fibrillation. The research, which analyzed data from 16,415 individuals, found that men who drank 35 or more alcoholic beverages per week had a 45% increased risk of developing the hazardous heart rhythm.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateSep 12, 2005
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.

Yale study reconciles two models of schizophrenia

A new Yale study reconciles two long-standing models of schizophrenia: the dopamine hypothesis and the PCP Model. Researchers found that drugs like ketamine, which block glutamate receptors, produce a more complete schizophrenia-like state than amphetamine.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 12, 2005

Star-shaped metal clip takes novel approach to closing artery punctures

A novel star-shaped metal clip, StarClose, seals arterial punctures in humans, stopping bleeding in just 37 seconds. The device's success rate is 92%, outpacing traditional closure methods which require patient rest for four hours.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateSep 12, 2005

Native plant eaters have gourmet palates

Research at Georgia Tech suggests that native plant eaters prefer exotic meals over native plants, contradicting the enemy release hypothesis. This finding supports the 'new associations' hypothesis, which states that newly introduced plants may lack defenses against native consumers due to their evolutionary history.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 12, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Morphology of fossil salamanders reflects climate change

Researchers analyzed fossil records of Tiger Salamander to track morphological traits over the last 3,000 years. The study found that paedomorphic individuals were smaller than terrestrial adults during the Medieval Warm Period, reflecting a response to warm and dry climate conditions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateSep 12, 2005

Free HIV medicines must be given to all, not just to some

Limiting free antiretroviral medicine access to only treatment-naïve patients puts patients at risk of adverse effects and can slow treatment enrollment. Human rights issues arise when some individuals are denied medication due to financial constraints, potentially leading to their demise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 12, 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.

Childhood cancer survivors face social challenges

Childhood cancer survivors are more likely to experience academic problems, social isolation, and difficulties with friendships. Researchers found that these issues affect up to 46% of survivors, particularly those with brain cancers, leukemia, or neuroblastoma.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 12, 2005

Adverse birth outcomes associated with homelessness and substance abuse

Researchers found that homeless mothers are 2.9 times more likely to have a pre-term delivery, while those with substance abuse are 6.9 times more likely to give birth to an infant weighing less than 2000 grams. This highlights the urgent need for healthcare support and interventions for these vulnerable populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 12, 2005

Immune system has evolved to prevent autoimmune disease

A new model of the immune system predicts that chronic infections can lead to autoimmune diseases. Researchers developed a biologically-plausible strategy for the immune system to react more quickly and effectively against disease.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 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.

Risks of having a cardiac death or heart attack after non-cardiac surgery

A review by Devereaux and colleagues highlights the risks of non-cardiac surgery, with 500,000 to 900,000 patients experiencing cardiac events each year. The authors discuss methods for estimating risk pre-operatively and communicating these findings to clinicians.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 12, 2005

Rensselaer researchers create tiny magnetic diamonds on the nanoscale

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a technique to make magnetic diamond particles, which could find use in medicine and information technology. The tiny magnets have several advantages over metal counterparts, including being lightweight, stable, simple to process, and less expensive.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 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.

Consumption of soy may reduce risk of fracture in postmenopausal women

A large prospective cohort study of 24,403 postmenopausal women found that higher soy intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of fracture. Soy protein and isoflavone intakes were inversely related to fracture risk, with a notable reduction among those in the highest intake groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 12, 2005

Women heart attack sufferers face longer hospital delays than men, says new study

A new study reveals that women who suffer from heart attacks are more likely to experience longer hospital delays compared to their male counterparts. The study, which analyzed data from six major hospitals in Dublin, found that women were medically assessed an average of 30 minutes after arrival, while men received medical attention i...

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateSep 12, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Postmortem data support link between gene and schizophrenia

A study has found a significant connection between the CAPON gene and schizophrenia, with brain samples from patients showing higher levels of the short form of the protein. This increase was predominantly seen in individuals with variants of the CAPON gene previously linked to schizophrenia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 12, 2005

Research shows how water may enhance nanocatalysis

A recent study found that a single water molecule can catalytically enhance the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide at low temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to new channels of reactivity using polar molecules like water.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 2005

Combination treatment enhances tetanus vaccination

Researchers found that a natural product of vitamin A can regulate immunity and enhance vaccine response when combined with PIC. The combination resulted in a four to seven times better immune response compared to individual treatments.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2005

Common pesticide may reduce fertility in women

Researchers found that MXC alters estrogen-regulated gene Hoxa10 in the reproductive tract, reducing embryo implantation ability. Exposure to MXC has been shown to induce abnormalities in female reproductive tract development and function.

SourceYale University·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 12, 2005
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.

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.

No single gene for ageing

The study highlights the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in determining human aging. While there is no single gene responsible for aging, genetics account for approximately 25% of how a person ages, with stress, environment, nutrition, lifestyle, and immunity also playing significant roles.

SourceThe Research Council of Norway·DateSep 12, 2005

Obese patients with coronary artery disease can consider bariatric surgery

Obese patients with coronary artery disease can benefit from bariatric surgery, which leads to significant weight loss and improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and sleep apnea. However, diet and exercise should remain the primary approach for weight management before considering surgery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateSep 12, 2005

Teachers are wary about using IT in the classroom

The study found that 70% of teachers incorporated computers into their classroom practices after working with researchers. Effective use of ICT enhances the teacher's role, improves the learning environment, and increases student engagement. However, many teachers lack confidence in using technology due to limited training.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 12, 2005

'Patient-choice' C-section rate rises 36%: HealthGrades study

A HealthGrades study reveals a significant rise in patient-choice C-sections, with rates varying widely across states. The study found that Arizona had the smallest increase, while Nevada saw the largest jump of 56.7%, highlighting the need for awareness and informed decision-making about these procedures.

SourceHealthGrades·DateSep 12, 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.

Drug-eluting stents succeed after bare metal stents fail

Researchers demonstrate that reducing trauma to the artery and using anti-clotting drugs are key to successful stent placement. The study's findings suggest an 8.5% true clinical restenosis rate after two years.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateSep 12, 2005

Millenium Development Goals ignore mental health

Mental disorders are a major cause of sickness, disability, and premature mortality in developing countries. Treating mental disorders is crucial to achieving goals such as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality, and improving maternal health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 12, 2005

Cellular antacids give vaccines a boost

Exposing cells to chloroquine prevents acidification of compartments, allowing proteins to escape and be broken down into smaller pieces displayed to cytolytic T cells. This boosts hepatitis B virus-specific T cell responses in up to 70% of vaccine recipients.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 12, 2005

NIST shielding data help launch shuttle

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided critical shielding data to NASA, enabling the resumption of space shuttle flights. The NIST system measures electromagnetic shielding characteristics in key locations, allowing NASA to set safe power levels on radar systems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateSep 12, 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.

PSA remains best indicator of prostate cancer progression

Men with high PSA levels prior to prostate removal surgery were significantly more likely to have advanced clinical stages of cancer and higher grade cancers in surgically removed tissue. Increasing PSA levels after surgery were also associated with increased risk of cancer recurrence.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateSep 12, 2005
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

$1.3 million NIH grant awarded to Florida Tech chemistry professor

Rokach's research focuses on designing and synthesizing radio- and photo-affinity ligand molecules to bind to the disease-causing enzyme, which contributes to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. The grant will support his work on identifying the structure of the enzyme.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateSep 12, 2005

Making practical markets for vaccines

A report on vaccine markets is criticized for favoring large firms and delaying access to effective vaccines. The author recommends using advanced purchase commitments as a complement to research funding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 12, 2005

Does surgery induce angiogenesis in dormant breast cancer?

The study found two relapse peaks after surgery for breast cancer, with 20% of premenopausal patients relapsing within 10 months. Calculations predict that surgery-induced angiogenesis accelerates disease by two years and produces early deaths among screened young women.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·DateSep 12, 2005
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.

Epigenetic activity silences Rb2/P130 gene in lung cancer

Researchers at Temple University have found a link between the Rb2/P130 gene and lung cancer, with epigenetic activity causing the gene to be silenced. A simple genetic test could identify cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions using this epigenetic state.

SourceTemple University·JournalOncogene·DateSep 12, 2005

Cancer gene MYC shown to activate gene involved in metastasis

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified the cancer gene MYC as activating the metastasis gene MTA1, a key regulator of tumor spread. Blocking this pathway may prevent metastasis and inform the development of new therapies.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2005

Risk factors for childhood obesity

A Canadian Medical Association Journal study finds that children living in low-income neighborhoods are at high risk of overweight and obesity. The research suggests that school programs promoting healthy lunches and physical activity could be effective preventive measures.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 12, 2005
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Genetic factors influence propensity to bone fractures in elderly

The study found that heritability of osteoporotic fractures is stronger than previously estimated, especially for early-occurring fractures. Genetic variation in liability to fracture differed considerably by type of fracture and age at fracture event.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 12, 2005