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Science News Archive May 2006


Page 15 of 15

Image guided biopsy may help patients avoid kidney removal

A new study suggests that renal biopsy can help patients avoid kidney removal by identifying benign tumors that don't require surgery. The procedure is safe and effective, with only minor complications reported in the 407 biopsies performed.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protowings may have helped bird ancestors cover rough terrain

Researchers found that juvenile birds, like chukar partridges, use a form of locomotion called 'wing-assisted incline running' (WAIR) to climb steep slopes. This behavior may have been crucial for the evolution of flight in birds, as it would have provided an advantage when pursuing prey or escaping predators.

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.

Medical journals should ban drug adverts, say researchers

Researchers argue that medical journals' reliance on pharmaceutical advertising compromises their credibility, as advertisements often prioritize profitable drugs over others. They propose that journals consider alternative revenue sources to maintain objectivity.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Simple formula predicts blood needs in heart surgery

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new formula to predict blood needs in heart surgery, focusing on patient age, weight, and kidney function. The simplified scoring system identifies risk factors for transfusion, aiming to reduce hospital resources and staff time.

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.

National survey estimates prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adolescents

A national survey found that approximately 134,071 US adolescents have type 2 diabetes, with 39,005 having the condition and 2,769,736 having impaired fasting glucose levels. The study suggests a significant public health concern among this age group due to the high conversion rate from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes.

Medical journals should ban drug advertisements, say researchers

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center argue that medical journals should ban drug advertisements due to their potential influence on prescribing practices. The authors found that pharmaceutical ads in top medical journals reach a targeted audience and generate high returns for drug companies.

Rapid lung function decline raises risk of death and hospitalization

Patients with advanced COPD and rapid lung function decline are 10 times more likely to die than those with normal lung function. The study found that 25% of the population fell into the high-mortality category, with 40 times higher hospitalization rates for those in advanced stages.

Image-guided biopsy can help patients avoid unnecessary kidney removal

The study found that more than 60% of patients experienced a change in their treatment plan due to biopsy results, while as many as 75 unnecessary kidney removals were potentially avoided. The image-guided biopsy technique showed higher success rates compared to old techniques, allowing for better tissue sampling and accurate diagnosis.

JCI table of contents: May 1, 2006

Researchers identify EP1R as a key player in failed asthma treatments, revealing its interaction with beta2-adrenergic receptors. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing selective drugs to treat severe asthma in individuals who don't respond to current therapies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Enzyme inhibitor may help lower cholesterol and unclog arteries

A study found that HDL from CETP-deficient individuals promotes enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages through an apoE- and ABCG1-dependent pathway. This finding raises hope for using a CETP inhibitor to elevate HDL levels and reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis.

Obesity levels in US are grossly underestimated

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people in the US tend to underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, leading to inaccurate obesity rates. The research suggests that Southern states have the highest levels of obesity, with Texas and Mississippi topping the list for men and women.

Minimally invasive approach can take the pain out of herniated disks

Researchers are developing a minimally invasive procedure to treat herniated disks, eliminating the need for incision. The new approach uses X-ray guidance to insert a needle directly into the disk, removing the problematic nucleus and providing relief from pressure on nearby nerves and inflammation.

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.

MIT nanoparticles may help detect, treat tumors

Researchers have developed a technique using iron oxide nanoparticles to group together in cancerous tumors, creating masses detectable by MRI machines. This method has the potential to replace traditional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy with fewer side effects.

Perfectionist fathers can reinforce tendencies

A Penn State study found that perfectionist fathers can reinforce negative eating habits in their sons and daughters, which can lead to anorexia and other clinical illnesses. The researchers suggest that treating maladaptive eating disorders requires a focus on the patient's relational network, including communication with parents.

Maternal difficulties may increase risk of behavior problems in children

A study of over 2,700 children found that maternal mental health problems, substance abuse, and domestic violence can contribute to behavioral issues in children. As the number of reported difficulties increases, so does the risk of aggression, anxiety, depression, inattention, and hyperactivity in kids.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for May 2, 2006

A study of 80 moderately obese patients found that laparoscopic gastric banding led to a significant average weight loss of 21.6 percent, compared to 5.5 percent in the nonsurgical group. Lifestyle modification can also achieve up to 10 percent weight loss.

Freezing kidney tumors is a safe alternative to surgery

Researchers found that freezing kidney tumors using percutaneous cryoablation destroyed 95% of tumors in short-term follow-up. The treatment is performed through small skin nicks and can be done under general anesthesia, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.

CT and ultrasound equally valuable in diagnosing pelvic pain in women

A study of 157 women with acute pelvic pain found that both CT scans and ultrasounds were highly sensitive and accurate in diagnosing the condition. The researchers concluded that patients are unlikely being over-imaged, and that both imaging techniques can be used effectively in emergency settings.

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.

Born dead: Over 3 million stillbirths every year

A study of 103 countries found an estimated 3.2 million stillbirths worldwide each year, with rates ranging from 5 per 1000 in rich countries to 32 per 1000 in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The true figure is likely higher due to under-reporting.

MRI accurate and safe for diagnosing ureteral reflux

A new study finds that MRI cystography is an accurate and safe alternative to conventional X-ray cystography for diagnosing ureteral reflux. The researchers discovered that MRI can detect scarring of the kidneys and loss of kidney tissue, related to the extent of kidney damage from VUR, better than conventional X-ray cystography.

Shared theories on thought could lead to smart machines

A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) workshop has led to the creation of a shared framework for artificial intelligence in machines. This agreement enables machines to interpret commands with near human common sense, potentially transforming manufacturing processes.

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.

Deviant peer groups and street gangs

A Université de Montréal study found that boys identified as hyperactive, fearless, and not prosocial at age six are 6 times more likely to join a deviant peer group. Family adversity also increases the risk of early gang affiliation.

Onset of psychosis may be delayed by medication

Researchers found that medication may delay the onset of psychosis in schizophrenia patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes and reduced symptoms. The study suggests that early recognition and treatment can help prevent or delay the development of full-blown psychosis in individuals with prodromal symptoms.

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.

Children living near major roads face higher asthma risk

A recent study has found that children living within 75 meters of a major road are at a 50% greater risk of having had asthma symptoms in the past year. The research also showed that higher traffic volumes on roads were related to increased rates of asthma, with risk decreasing further away from the road.

Higher strength MRI can help patients avoid arthroscopy for shoulder injuries

A recent study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that higher strength MRI can detect shoulder cartilage tears with high accuracy, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat the condition without surgery. This non-invasive approach has significant benefits for patients, especially athletes who are prone to such injuries.

The Lancet Neonatal Series at one year of age – has anything changed?

Despite positive changes, reducing neonatal deaths and improving newborn health in high-mortality countries remains a significant challenge. The Lancet Neonatal Series emphasizes the need for governments, partners, and donors to work together to develop country action plans and invest strategically in maternal, neonatal, and child care.

Melatonin improves mood in winter depression

A study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that low-dose melatonin taken in the afternoon can help most people with winter depression whose bodily rhythms are out of sync. The treatment was found to be effective for those who were naturally 'night owls', while morning larks responded better to taking melatonin in the morning.

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.

Study reports newborn screening tests can save both lives and money

A cost-effectiveness study found that six out of eight newborn screening tests were not only cost-effective but also cost-saving. The tests identified rare disorders such as hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria, which can have significant impacts on children's health and development.

T cell 'brakes' lost during human evolution

Research reveals that human T cells lack expression of certain 'Siglec' molecules, which regulate T cell activation in nonhuman primates. This absence may contribute to the disparity in disease susceptibility between humans and great apes. The study highlights the potential for Siglecs to act as a 'brake' on T cell activation.

30-year study of type 1 diabetes finds no improvement in heart disease rates

A 30-year study published in the journal Diabetes found that type 1 diabetics showed improved mortality and morbidity rates for certain complications, but cardiovascular disease rates remained unchanged. The study suggests that focusing solely on blood-glucose control is insufficient to prevent long-term complications of type 1 diabetes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Combined contrast enhanced MRI shows promise

A new study reveals that combined contrast enhanced MRI (CCE-MRI) closely matches the staging of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using conventional pathology. CCE-MRI offers a safer alternative to invasive liver biopsy, directly visualizing fibrosis and detecting liver cancers simultaneously.

Liver transplants can be successful in HIV patients with Hepatitis B

A study found that patients with HIV-HBV coinfection can successfully undergo liver transplantation without progression of viral disease, even in the setting of lamivudine resistance. Controlling HBV is crucial for survival, and ongoing monitoring will be essential to minimize liver-related complications.

UCI researchers to study health effects of exercise in children

Researchers will investigate the biological processes linking exercise with disease in children, examining how exercise impacts growth, development, and immune function. The goal is to develop effective exercise programs to lower obesity rates and improve health outcomes for children with chronic diseases.

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.

Co-workers hoard their best ideas

A McMaster University study found that employees are more willing to share knowledge with trusted colleagues who treat them fairly. The reluctance to share knowledge leads to a contagious tendency to hide important information, causing productivity to suffer.

Scientists solve 30-year-old mystery of mutant mouse's kidney woes

Researchers discovered a single base pair change in the aquaporin-2 protein gene, leading to improper distribution and resulting in up to 30 times more urine being produced. This study provides new insights into congenital progressive hydronephrosis, a condition that can lead to kidney failure and death if left untreated.

New MRI clues identify stroke victims at risk of skull hemorrhaging

A study analyzed MRIs of 24 patients with ischemic stroke to identify signs at increased risk for skull hemorrhaging. The researchers found that patients with parenchymal enhancement or hyperintense MCA sign may be at higher risk for developing hemorrhagic complications after tPA treatment.