Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 17, 2006


Study identifies new role for breast cancer susceptibility gene

A study has identified a new role for the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 in regulating intercellular signaling and tumor suppression. Researchers found that BRCA1 promotes survival of neighboring blood vessel cells and formation of capillary-like structures, contributing to accelerated tumor growth.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 17, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Animation can be outlet for victimized children, a tool for research

A new program called Clover allows children to create animated vignettes about their personal stories, teaching empathy in teachers. Research shows that most pre-service teachers lack empathy for victimized students, highlighting the need for training.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalContemporary Educational Psychology·DateJul 17, 2006

Freedom to choose won't make you happier

A study by Cornell and University of Chicago researchers reveals that personal responsibility, not the ability to make choices, determines satisfaction. When options are similar or unclear, choosing doesn't lead to increased happiness.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 17, 2006

Being overweight as a teen associated with premature death in adulthood

A new Harvard study reveals that being overweight as a teenager is associated with an increased risk of premature death in younger and middle-aged women. The research found that even moderately overweight adolescents faced a higher risk of mortality.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 17, 2006

Online surveys are less effective than phone surveys

Research suggests that online surveys can yield different results compared to phone surveys, as typing and speaking activate distinct cognitive and motor systems. This can compromise the validity of attitude changes over time, making it crucial for researchers to match response modes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 17, 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.

Scientists coax nerve fibers to regrow after spinal cord injury

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Michigan have developed a treatment that helps spinal cord nerves regrow after injury. Using an enzyme called sialidase, they increased the number of new nerve fibers in injured rats by more than twice, compared to untreated controls.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2006

Molecular DNA switch found to be the same for all life

Researchers have identified a common molecular machinery for initiating DNA replication in all three domains of life: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. This finding suggests that DNA replication is an ancient event that evolved millions of years ago.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 17, 2006
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.

UF scientists reverse muscle contractions in mouse model of muscular dystrophy

Researchers used gene therapy to eliminate disabling muscle contractions in a mouse model of the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. The approach corrected myotonia, or muscle hyperexcitability, and eliminated muscle contractions as early as four weeks after injection.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2006

Study supports 'urgent' need for worldwide ban on lead-based paint

A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that over 75% of consumer paints in India, Malaysia, and China had dangerously high lead levels, exceeding U.S. regulations. The team calls for an urgent worldwide ban on lead-based paint to prevent future public health problems.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 17, 2006

Medication plus behavior changes helps obese adolescents lose weight

A study found that adding medication to behavior therapy significantly improves weight loss and reduces disease risk factors in obese adolescents. The treatment group lost an average of 14 pounds, while the control group gained four pounds, with notable improvements in triglyceride levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 17, 2006
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.

Mitral valve surgery may be safe option for elderly patients

Researchers found that the death rate from mitral valve surgery decreased dramatically among elderly patients, with five-year survival rates of 91-97% for different age groups. The study also showed improved feasibility and benefits of correcting a leaking mitral valve in older patients.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 17, 2006

Nutritional knowledge improves lunch lady image

A Penn State study found that providing nutritional information at the point of service increases student satisfaction with food quality, but not ambiance or cost. The researchers also noted that students who were more empowered to make informed choices had higher ratings for service personnel.

SourcePenn State·DateJul 17, 2006

Effects of nutrition on learning

A study published in PLOS Biology found that zebra finch siblings reared on lower-quality diets showed improved growth rates after switching to a normal diet, but at the cost of impaired learning performance. Compensatory growth, rather than diet quality itself, was linked to poor cognitive ability in adulthood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 17, 2006

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet, July 18, 2006

A study of female nurses found that a higher body mass index at age 18 was associated with greater risk for death than a normal BMI. Meanwhile, severely obese adolescents who received diet drug sibutramine along with behavior therapy lost an average of 14 pounds and improved heart risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 17, 2006
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.

MIT creates fiber webs that see

Researchers at MIT developed mesh-like webs of light-detecting fibers, measuring direction, intensity, and phase of light without lenses or filters. The fiber constructs can generate rough images of objects, providing a new approach to situational awareness and interactive technology.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 17, 2006

Discovery of agile molecular motors could aid in treating motor neuron diseases

The discovery of agile molecular motors could lead to better ways to treat motor neuron diseases, which destroy motor neurons and control voluntary muscles. The proteins, dynein and dynactin, are able to move back and forth along a microtubule, providing the necessary maneuvering ability for effective long distance transport.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 17, 2006

High altitude broadband is the platform for the future

The CAPANINA project demonstrates how wireless and optical communications can be relayed from high-altitude platforms (HAPs) to bring low-cost broadband connections to remote areas. The system promises data rates 2,000 times faster than traditional modems, with applications ranging from disaster management to environmental monitoring.

SourceUniversity of York·DateJul 17, 2006

Mutations point the way to new leukemia drugs

Researchers discovered a mutation in the MPL gene that activates the JAK-STAT pathway, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and leukemia. The new finding offers potential targets for drugs targeting the JAK-STAT pathway, which may be effective against leukemias caused by either the MPL or JAK2 mutations.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 17, 2006

Scientists isolate leukemia stem cells in a model of human leukemia

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute isolated leukemia stem cells from a mouse model, showing they are surprisingly different from normal blood stem cells. This finding may lead to the development of drugs that selectively target these cells, which could improve treatment outcomes for leukemia patients.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

$1.4 million grant helps professor see the light

Rick Cote, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at UNH, has received a $1.4 million grant from the NIH to study the central enzyme that controls initial steps of vision. His research aims to understand how genetic or environmental defects in the visual pathway can cause vision loss or total blindness.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateJul 17, 2006

Decline in concentration, decision-making and problem-solving

A new Mayo Clinic study finds that executive function, including concentration, decision-making, and higher-order problem solving, deteriorates after memory decline in Alzheimer's disease progression. This decline can cause people to become more impaired in daily activities.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateJul 17, 2006

Diabetes drug shows promise in treating Alzheimer's

Research suggests that pioglitazone HCl may reduce Alzheimer's progression by decreasing the body's inflammatory reaction to amyloid plaque, a toxic component of the disease. The study showed promising results without serious side effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJul 17, 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.

Gatekeeping: Penn researchers find new way to open ion channels in cell membranes

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a new way to open ion channels in cell membranes by using an enzyme found in brown recluse spider venom. This discovery introduces a new paradigm for understanding the gating of ion channels and lays the groundwork for designing new drugs to control ion-channel act...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2006

Anxious adults judge facial cues faster, but less accurately

A new study reveals that highly anxious individuals can quickly detect changes in facial expressions, but often misinterpret their emotional meaning. This heightened sensitivity can perpetuate a cycle of conflict and misunderstanding in personal relationships.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality·DateJul 17, 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.

Routine HIV testing widely supported in Botswana

A cross-sectional study of 1,268 adults in Botswana found that routine HIV testing is widely accepted and may reduce barriers to testing. The authors emphasize the importance of informed consent and human rights safeguards to protect individuals from discrimination and violence related to testing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 17, 2006

You argue when you care

A new study from the Journal of Consumer Research explains why loyal customers get defensive when their brands are criticized. Highly committed consumers produce more counterarguments in response to criticism as a way to reduce cognitive discomfort and negative arousal.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 17, 2006

ISU researchers test combustion for NASA

Researchers at Iowa State University are testing combustion for NASA using a new technology called electric particulate suspension. The goal is to understand how powders burn and ignite under various conditions, which could lead to improved fire safety and the development of a new safety standard.

SourceIowa State University·DateJul 17, 2006

Study compares treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis

A randomized, double-blind trial found PUVA therapy to be more effective than NB-UVB in treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Patients treated with PUVA achieved skin clearance in a significantly shorter number of treatments and had a higher rate of sustained clearance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 17, 2006
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

OHSU surgeons challenge age-old practice

Researchers at OHSU are testing a new device called the U-plate to aid in repairing broken ribs. The study aims to identify individuals who benefit most from surgical repair versus nonsurgical therapy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateJul 17, 2006

Melanoma may be over-diagnosed

Researchers have defined normal melanocyte numbers in sun-exposed skin, distinguishing sun damage from early melanoma. This finding allows for less tissue removal and trauma to the skin.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 17, 2006

Structure determined for p53 tumor suppressor protein as bound to DNA for anti-cancer activity

Researchers at The Wistar Institute successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of the p53 protein bound as a dimer to DNA, revealing new insights into its anti-cancer activity. The study's findings suggest that the interface between the two proteins in the dimer is crucial for proper functioning and binding to DNA.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 17, 2006

Study: Elders with dementia can tap into memory stores to give advice

Researchers found that older adults with moderate to severe dementia can provide coherent and informative advice on topics like marriage, children, and church. The ability to offer advice is preserved even as memory and focus decline, suggesting that knowledge accumulated in younger years remains intact.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateJul 17, 2006

What does it take to maintain a normal body weight?

Individuals who maintain a normal weight without a history of obesity exhibit consistent behaviors, such as limiting fast food consumption and sustaining high levels of physical activity. In contrast, those who struggle to maintain their weight report a lack of consistency in their lifestyle habits.

SourceLifespan·DateJul 17, 2006
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.

Illicit trade led to modern globalization

A study by Emily Erikson and Peter Bearman found that private trade using company resources in the East India Trading Company contributed to the emergence of modern capitalist markets. The researchers analyzed data from 4,572 voyages between 1601 and 1833, revealing how captains and seamen used their cargo holds to sustain illicit trad...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJul 17, 2006

Radio wand may help detect sponges left in surgery patients

A handheld radio wand scanning device was tested on eight surgery patients and detected all tagged sponges with 100% accuracy. The device improved patient safety by reducing the risk of retained foreign objects, but human error remains a concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJul 17, 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.

JRRD tipsheet: Focus on spinal cord injury, gait, stroke, power mobility and more

The JRRD tipsheet focuses on the latest research and best practices for managing spinal cord injury, gait disorders, stroke recovery, and power mobility. Studies investigate functional electrical stimulation for controlling seated posture, terrain's impact on gait characteristics, and the effect of restricted spinal motion on gait.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 17, 2006