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Science News for December 1, 2006


Highlights from the December 2006 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Research highlights the importance of meal preparation in improving diet quality among young adults. The study found that those involved in planning and cooking their meals consumed more fruits and vegetables and had better overall diet quality. Additionally, being served large portions of drinks at meals can increase calorie intake by...

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateDec 1, 2006

Math model predicts cancer behavior

A new computer simulation of tumor growth sets the stage for individualized cancer treatment. The model suggests that the microenvironment around tumor cells determines the tumor's ultimate cellular makeup and invasive potential.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2006

Treating obesity vital for public health, physicians say

The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, a state characterized by cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure, is a growing concern. Physicians emphasize the need for aggressive treatment and lifestyle modifications to prevent serious health problems.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateDec 1, 2006
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.

Older medication may be more cost-effective for some patients with schizophrenia

A new study suggests that older antipsychotic medication perphenazine is less expensive and equally effective as newer medications for treating schizophrenia. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found that total monthly health costs were up to 30% lower for patients taking perphenazine compared to those taking secon...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 1, 2006

Seagrass ecosystems at a 'global crisis'

Seagrasses are critical for coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for aquatic life and mitigating pollution impact. A global conservation effort is needed to protect these habitats.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalBioScience·DateDec 1, 2006

Silencing the cause of mad cow disease

A study published in JCI Journal shows that silencing the PrPc gene suppresses BSE and CJD accumulation, offering a new approach to treat these fatal diseases. The therapy delayed PrPsc accumulation in mice, providing potential hope for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2006
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.

DOE JGI releases IMG 2.0 with all genomes refreshed from RefSeq

The DOE JGI has released version 2.0 of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system, which features 1541 new public microbial, viral and eukaryotic genomes. Additionally, 177 in-house sequenced genomes have been added to the database, bringing the total number of genomes to 2301.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateDec 1, 2006

Gene therapy for erectile dysfunction shows promise in clinical trial

A clinical trial of gene transfer therapy for erectile dysfunction found significant and sustained improvements in patients who received a transfer gene called hMaxi-K. The therapy works by creating additional potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, relaxing the muscle and allowing blood flow required for an erection.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateDec 1, 2006

Synthetic cannabinoid may aid fertility in smokers

A study at the University at Buffalo found that synthetic cannabinoid AM-1346 can improve fertility in male smokers with poor semen quality, doubling fertilizing capacity. Researchers believe a communication imbalance between cannabinoid and cholinergic receptor systems may be responsible for nicotine-induced infertility.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateDec 1, 2006
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.

December issue of Frontiers

Researchers found that intermittent streams provide crucial habitats for coho salmon smolts, while the US Supreme Court's decisions may impact these ecosystems. Additionally, natural sacred sites like sacred groves can hold valuable insights into biodiversity management and conservation.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateDec 1, 2006

US teen pregnancy rates decline as result of improved contraceptive use

A recent study reveals that 86% of the decline in US teen pregnancy rates is attributed to improved contraceptive use, with most progress seen among older teens. The study suggests that public policies should promote access to accurate information on contraception and support responsible behaviors.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 1, 2006

Plants, plasmids and possibilities -- Methods permit functional gene studies in plants

Researchers create transgenic Arabidopsis plants by introducing genes into bacteria Agrobacterium, which then infect the plant cells. This method allows scientists to identify and characterize specific gene functions in plants. The technique enables the development of pest-resistant crops, vitamin-enriched foods, and more.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateDec 1, 2006
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.

Disability among older Americans continues significant decline

Chronic disability rates decline significantly among older adults from 1982 to 2004/2005, with greatest improvements seen in most severely impaired individuals. The rate of decline accelerates over time, indicating continued improvement in health and function.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2006

Southern California wildfires pose health risks to children

Researchers at USC discovered that children without asthma suffered from severe symptoms during the 2003 Southern California wildfires. The study found that wearing masks and staying indoors reduced health problems, suggesting simple protective measures can mitigate effects of wildfire smoke.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 1, 2006

Theory of oscillations may explain biological mysteries

New mathematical studies suggest that oscillating biological populations can synchronize due to interactions like predation and competition. This phenomenon, known as synchronized chaos, can lead to unpredictable opportunities for invaders in ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 1, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

African-Americans with prostate cancer more likely to have family history of prostate, breast cancer

Research from the Flint Men's Health Study found that African-American men with prostate cancer were more likely to report a family history of both diseases among siblings. This increased risk was particularly notable for having a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer and a sister diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting the importa...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalUrology·DateDec 1, 2006

Common PTSD drug is no more effective than placebo

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that guanfacine, a commonly prescribed medication for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is no more effective than a placebo. The study, led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, involved 63 male and female veterans who received either weekly dose...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 1, 2006

Multicenter study looks at colon polyps

A multicenter study found that medium-sized colon polyps (0.6-0.9 cm) are associated with a significant number of advanced adenomas and cancers. This raises questions about the effectiveness of observational screening methods, which do not remove polyps.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateDec 1, 2006
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Parkinson's approach with stem cells a promising first step

A groundbreaking study by neurologist Steven Goldman and his team used stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease in rats, achieving a remarkable improvement in symptoms. However, brain tumors appeared due to the stem cells' uncontrolled growth, prompting an urgent need to find solutions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: December 1, 2006

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the gene encoding prion protein, suppressing its accumulation in mice. This breakthrough provides hope for developing a new therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative disorders like CJD and BSE. Further research is ne...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2006
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.

New approach to BSE successful in lab

Researchers successfully tested a new method of treatment for fatal brain diseases like scrapie and Creutzfeld-Jakob, slowing disease progression by up to 97% in mice. The approach uses RNA interference to reduce production of the pathogenic prion protein.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2006

Pulmonary hypertension patients improve from combination therapy

A randomized, multi-center study found that adding inhaled iloprost to bosentan treatment increases exercise capability and reduces clinical deterioration in PAH patients. In some cases, the combination also improves diagnostic functional class by one stage.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 1, 2006