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Science News for December 19, 2006


Commodity promotion programs -- What's the beef?

Parke Wilde's analysis reveals that checkoff programs, such as 'Got Milk?' and 'Pork. The other white meat?', promote calorie-heavy foods like bacon cheeseburgers and barbecue pork ribs, which contradict the Dietary Guidelines' emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

SourceTufts University·JournalObesity·DateDec 19, 2006

Electrical activity alters language used by nerve cells

Researchers discovered that the chemical language of nerve cells is determined by electrical activity in the developing nervous system. This finding suggests modifying nerve activity could be a treatment for various brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2006
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.

Allergy drug slows pancreatic tumor growth in preclinical studies

A study at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that combining cromolyn with chemotherapy reduced pancreatic tumor growth by 85% compared to control animals. The combination also increased the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 19, 2006

Study gives clues about how deadly bacterium gains foothold

A team of University of Iowa researchers has made significant progress in understanding how the deadly Francisella tularensis bacterium evades the human immune system. The study found that the bacteria can inhibit the ability of white blood cells called neutrophils to kill it, allowing it to replicate and cause harm.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateDec 19, 2006

Mental exercise helps maintain some seniors' thinking skills

A new study found that short-term cognitive training can offset the expected decline in older adults' thinking skills, with benefits persisting for up to five years. The study showed improved performance in everyday tasks such as meal preparation and managing finances.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalJAMA·DateDec 19, 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.

History-hunting geneticists can still follow familiar trail

University of Florida researchers validate the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to study ancient migrations and population sizes. By analyzing correlations between mtDNA diversity and protein variation, they demonstrate that mtDNA remains a useful tool for understanding population dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2006

Deal or no deal? Need for immediate reward linked to more active brain region

Researchers found that individuals with a preference for immediate rewards had more active ventral striatum regions, which may indicate risk for addictions and gambling problems. The study suggests that understanding individual differences in ventral striatal sensitivity could aid efforts to treat impulsive behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateDec 19, 2006

Access to prior mammograms helps radiologists detect breast cancer

A study found that viewing prior mammograms alongside current mammograms significantly improves radiologist performance and reduces unnecessary recalls. The use of prior mammograms recorded on film in comparison with digital mammograms poses a challenge, but limiting their availability may balance medical benefits with effort.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 19, 2006

Other highlights in the December 20 JNCI

Researchers found that breast cancer stem cells are relatively resistant to radiotherapy and can even increase in number after multiple treatments. In contrast, statin use is associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer, according to a large prospective study.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 19, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds the air rich with bacteria

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found an innovative DNA test to catalog airborne microbes. The research revealed a diverse bacterial population in Texas cities, which could aid in bioterrorism surveillance and climate change tracking.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2006

Plant biologist seeks molecular differences between rice and its mimic

A plant evolutionary biologist is conducting genetic studies on red rice to understand molecular differences with cultivated rice, which could lead to eradication of the weed. Researchers are testing hypotheses that red rice may have originated from feral or hybridized wild species, and will use this knowledge to develop control methods.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateDec 19, 2006
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.

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

Recent studies have made significant advancements in understanding HIV, bacterial quorum sensing, and cancer treatment. Researchers have discovered innovative strategies to combat HIV resistance and develop novel genetic circuits for industrial applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 19, 2006

Batfish to the rescue!

A rare species of batfish has emerged as a potential savior for coral reefs, consuming large amounts of seaweed that were choking the reef. By removing a cage, scientists observed the batfish cleaning up most of the weed in just five days and completely clearing it in eight weeks.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 19, 2006

Climate change has surprising effect on endangered naked carp

The study found that naked carp respond to increased lake salinity by taking a 'metabolic holiday', drastically reducing oxygen consumption and kidney function. They also adjust their feeding behavior and store more fat, but if the lake continues to dehydrate, these benefits may change to pathology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateDec 19, 2006
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.

AGU journal highlights -- Dec. 19, 2006

Scientists analyzed data from a devastating 2006 Java earthquake that triggered a tsunami, leading to the development of an early warning system for earthquakes. Researchers also studied tectonic processes causing subsidence in Louisiana, while investigating ways to monitor volcanic explosivity through ground deformation near vents.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 19, 2006
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.

Getting people to move -- challenges in promoting physical activity

Researchers highlight the challenges of promoting physical activity in a sedentary society, citing political and systemic barriers. The authors emphasize the need for a public health infrastructure to support physical activity promotion, given its substantial protection against obesity and chronic disease.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 19, 2006

New technologies for heart disease: Are drug-eluting stents worth the cost?

Recent studies have investigated the cost-effectiveness of drug-eluting stents compared to bare-metal stents. Two articles found that drug-eluting stents were used more frequently in private hospitals, but studies' quality and funding sources influenced their conclusions. The clinical indications for PCI have also been questioned due t...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 19, 2006

Study finds that rich retirees are the main losers from inflation

A study by Matthias Doepke and Martin Schneider found that even mild inflation can lead to substantial redistribution of nominal assets, with younger, middle-class households benefiting the most. Rich retirees are expected to lose nearly 60% of their household-sector losses due to inflation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateDec 19, 2006

Blood transfusions raise heart patients' infection and death risk -- especially women

A new study suggests that blood transfusions during heart bypass surgery may be linked to a higher risk of developing potentially dangerous infections and dying in the first few months after operation. Women are more likely to receive blood transfusions than men, which may explain their increased mortality risk.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateDec 19, 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.

Non-drug treatments for dementia show promise, experts say

Researchers suggest that mental training and physical activity can protect against declines in cognition, including memory, language, and abstract reasoning. A recent study involving over 3,000 participants found immediate improvements in memory and sustained benefits after five years.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA·DateDec 19, 2006

Human-chimp difference may be bigger

Researchers found 56% of gene families studied across five species have grown or shrunk, suggesting frequent evolutionary changes. Humans gained 689 genes through gene duplication and lost 86 since diverging from chimps.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 19, 2006
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.

Testosterone therapy may prevent Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at USC discovered a link between low testosterone and the development of an Alzheimer's-like disease in mice. Testosterone treatment slowed progression of the disease, predicting potential benefits for humans.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateDec 19, 2006

Higher occurrence of Parkinson's linked to low LDL cholesterol

A study by Dr. Xuemei Huang found that participants with lower LDL cholesterol had a 3.5-fold higher occurrence of Parkinson's disease compared to those with higher LDL levels. The results suggest a link between low LDL cholesterol and an increased risk of developing the neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMovement Disorders·DateDec 19, 2006