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Science News for March 27, 2006


From Europa to the lab, a new recipe for oxygen on icy moons

A new study at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reveals a four-step process to produce oxygen in frigid environments, challenging previous models. Oxygen isotopes measured during experiments showed that intermediate species of hydrogen-oxygen permeate the ice film.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 27, 2006

Ultrasound and algae team up to clean mercury from sediments

A new method using ultrasound and genetically modified algae can remove up to 60% of mercury from contaminated water, according to Ohio State University researchers. The technique uses ultrasonic waves to release mercury from sediments, which is then absorbed by the algae, leaving the sediment clean.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 27, 2006

Prescription flip-side: Guidelines for medication withdrawal

The guidelines aim to help physicians decide when to stop taking medications in older adults. They consider factors such as life expectancy, the time until benefits are realized, goals of care, and treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 27, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coal-based jet fuel poised for next step

Researchers have developed a coal-based jet fuel, provisionally designated JP900, which produces almost the same Btu as conventional fuels. The fuel has improved flash point, lower viscosity, and higher smoke point, making it suitable for existing engines and interest both commercial and military users.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 27, 2006

Delay in surgery decreases survival for bladder cancer patients

A study by U-M researchers found that patients with delayed surgery (more than 93 days) had worse survival rates and lower three-year survival rates compared to those with timely surgery. Scheduling issues were the most common cause of delay, which can lead to micrometastases and poor outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMar 27, 2006

Inducing melanoma for cancer vaccine development

A new mouse model has been developed to induce melanoma with a defined cancer antigen, closely mimicking human tumors. This model allows for detailed immunological analyses before and after vaccination, which may lead to a better understanding of spontaneous melanoma regressions and the optimization of cancer vaccine timing.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 27, 2006

Growing body of research links lead to osteoporosis

A growing body of research suggests that lead exposure in childhood accelerates bone growth, but ultimately prevents optimal peak bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Clinical study aims to better understand the role of lead in bone development and loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMar 27, 2006
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Bernard Fisher receives AACR Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Bernard Fisher's pioneering research on tumor metastasis and clinical trials has transformed the management of breast cancer. His systematic studies revealed that a combination of lumpectomy and radiation therapy is equally effective as total mastectomy, changing the way physicians approach patient care.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 27, 2006

Consumers would rather have a simple decision making process than more options

Research by Alexander Chernev found that consumers tend to opt for larger assortments when choosing where to shop, but this preference reverses when the focus is on minimizing decision complexity. Ultimately, offering too many options can lead to a decrease in overall probability of purchase.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 27, 2006

Asleep or awake we retain memory

Research shows brain activity persists and evolves with time after learning new information, integrating recent memories through dynamic processing. The findings challenge the idea that sleep is essential for strengthening memories.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2006

Study identifies the main causes of maternal death in developing countries

A study by WHO found that haemorrhage was the leading cause of maternal death in Africa and Asia, while high blood pressure was responsible for most maternal deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. The review highlights the need for increased emphasis on programs to prevent and treat postpartum haemorrhage.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 27, 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.

Sumatra megaquake defied theory

A massive earthquake off the coast of Sumatra challenged long-held assumptions about quakes and subduction zones. The Great Sumatra-Andaman earthquake surpassed a magnitude 9 threshold, which contradicts theory that such large quakes occur at subduction zones with young, fast-moving crust.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateMar 27, 2006

UC Berkeley study finds in utero arsenic exposure tied to lung disease and cancer in adults

A UC Berkeley study found that children born with high levels of in utero arsenic exposure have a significantly higher risk of developing lung diseases such as bronchiectasis and lung cancer. The study, which analyzed death certificates from Chilean cities, revealed a 46 times higher death rate from bronchiectasis and seven times highe...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 27, 2006

High-dose vitamin C as a cancer therapy

Researchers report three cases of advanced cancers with long survival times after high-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy. The study suggests that high-dose intravenous vitamin C should be reassessed as a potential cancer treatment option.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 27, 2006

Researchers find better prostate cancer indicators

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers identified 8 genes with significant under-expression and 3 with over-expression, strongly implicating them in prostate cancer development and progression. The findings suggest that these genes may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting prostate cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 27, 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.

AACR launches new magazine to focus on people and progress in cancer

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is launching a new magazine, CR, to address the public's need for understandable information about cancer research and policy. The magazine aims to put a human face on cancer research by sharing stories of survivors and their experiences.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 27, 2006
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Powerful new tool for studying brain development

The BGEM Web site provides a growing collection of tens of thousands of images showing where and when specific genes are expressed during brain development. This information is linked to up-to-date data on genes, including their function, location, and DNA sequence.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2006

'Accelerated evolution' converts RNA enzyme to DNA enzyme in vitro

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute demonstrate that RNA enzymes can be evolved into DNA enzymes with the same catalytic function, challenging existing understanding of life's origins. The study offers fresh insights into the evolutionary conversion process and its potential implications for our understanding of life.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateMar 27, 2006

Growth hormone is made in the brain, report scientists

Researchers found that more growth hormone is produced in females than males and in adults, with the hormone responding to estrogen. The study has implications for menopausal women using estrogen replacement therapy and athletes taking growth hormone and anabolic steroids.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 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.

Sweet chemistry: Symposium explores sugar alternatives, science of taste

Researchers are developing new artificial sweeteners and non-calorie sweetness enhancers to reduce health risks associated with high sugar consumption. The ACS symposium highlights potential breakthroughs in treating taste disorders, identifying supertasters at risk of colon cancer, and creating safe natural sweeteners.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 27, 2006

Getting ACL tears to heal themselves

Researchers have created a growth-factor-rich gel that regenerates the knee ligament, with a 40% increase in strength. The treatment uses platelet-rich blood plasma and collagen hydrogel to bridge the gap between torn ligament ends.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateMar 27, 2006

Computer model maps strengths, weaknesses of nanotubes

Researchers developed a predictive tool to analyze nanotube breaks based on four key variables, including load level, temperature, and chirality. The model creates a strength map plotting the likelihood of breakage and its underlying mechanisms.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2006
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

3-D imaging to enable clean energy technologies

Scientists use ECVT to visualize the density of materials inside reactors, enabling real-time management. This technology can help develop more efficient processes for converting coal to liquid fuels and chemicals.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 27, 2006

Minimal cocktail for growing human embryonic stem cells established

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can be grown using a simple mix called hESC cocktail, or HESCO, containing purified human factors. The recipe maintains normal cell chromosome profiles and supports differentiation into all three basic cell lineages.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2006

Sherry Lansing and Janet Woodcock receive AACR public service awards

AACR Public Service Awards recognize Sherry Lansing and Janet Woodcock's dedication to advancing cancer research. Lansing, former Paramount CEO, has raised millions for cancer research through her non-profit advocacy group Stop Cancer, while Woodcock, FDA deputy commissioner, streamlines cancer medicine oversight.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 27, 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.

Modeling the chemical reactions of nanoparticles

Brookhaven scientists have developed a method to create well-defined nanoparticles of metal compounds for catalytic interest. This new approach, reactive layer assisted deposition (RLAD), enables researchers to understand the atomic structures of these particles and their reactivity on the nano scale.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMar 27, 2006

'Bad' enzymes may wear white hats after stroke

A team from Harvard Medical School found that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) helps remodel brain tissue seven to 14 days after a stroke, potentially aiding recovery. High levels of MMPs were detected in the peri-infarct cortex, an area involved in stroke recovery.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 27, 2006

Rice bioengineers pioneer techniques for knee repair

Researchers at Rice University have developed a self-assembly method to grow dime-sized disks of cartilage with properties approaching native tissue. The technique uses only donor cells, eliminating rejection risks, and has been refined to produce virtually identical cartilage in terms of mechanical and biochemical makeup.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMar 27, 2006
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.

Should we ban consumer drug ads? - Press release from PLoS Medicine

Authors debate the benefits and harms of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Some argue it can promote underused, life-saving medications, while others claim it raises patients' expectations, increases the quality of care, but also delivers flawed information that may lead to premature adoption of new drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 27, 2006