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Science News for November 10, 2006


Hopkins researchers discover how brain protein might control memory

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a brain protein called Arc controls how brain cells learn and associate behaviors, leading to improved long-term memory. The study also sheds light on the mechanisms behind certain addictive behaviors, such as drug addiction.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateNov 10, 2006

Newly identified biomarker detects and regulates spread of brain tumors

Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute have identified a novel biomarker called 'soluble attractin' that is elevated in patients with malignant astrocytomas. This protein plays a key role in the migration and recurrence of brain tumors, making it a promising target for future therapeutic intervention.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 10, 2006

Raiding for women in the pre-Hispanic Southwest?

Researchers analyzed human remains from grave sites and found high ratios of female-to-male remains at certain sites, suggesting the practice of raiding women was common. Many female remains showed signs of abuse, providing insight into the impact of warfare on local communities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateNov 10, 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.

Hospital discharge instructions for mild brain injury faulty

A study found that only 14 of 15 hospitals provided inadequate discharge information, with most instruction sheets written at a high reading level. The researchers propose an evidence-based emergency department discharge form to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of brain hemorrhage or swelling.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBrain Injury·DateNov 10, 2006

Neural networking nanotubes

Researchers developed carbon nanotube films that can stimulate nerve cells without damage, enabling potential use in pain management and muscle control. The technology bridges the gap between biology and electronics, offering new possibilities for biomedical devices.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 10, 2006

Cloudy day won't rain on laser communications

Researchers use digital signal processing methods to eliminate echoes and scatter, enabling high-speed data transfer through the atmosphere. The approach provides fiber optic quality signals for improved air-to-air and ground-to-air communication links.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 10, 2006

Health inequalities are a growing problem worldwide

The study reveals substantial global health inequalities influenced by geography, with countries like sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan facing higher child mortality rates. The authors found a four-fold difference in poverty levels and less investment in human resources between these countries and their low-mortality counterparts.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 10, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Key to acute lung injury lies in Ang2 protein

Researchers at Yale University found that Ang2 protein levels are higher in patients with acute lung injury and pulmonary edema. The study suggests that modulating Ang2 levels may help control acute lung injury, offering new potential therapeutic targets.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 10, 2006

Next flu pandemic: What to do until the vaccine arrives?

Researchers are urging more study on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing and hand washing during annual flu season. The lack of comprehensive data on community epidemiologic data hinders the design of effective interventions, making it crucial to prepare for potential pandemic flu.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 2006

Firefighters face increased risk for certain cancers

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that firefighters are twice as likely to develop testicular cancer and have higher rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 110,000 firefighters and confirmed previous findings on multiple myeloma risk.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 10, 2006

Patients respond well to first study to test higher doses of an anti-cancer drug

Researchers have found that a new anti-cancer drug, BB-10901, is well-tolerated at higher doses than previously used, with patients responding to treatment and experiencing durable complete responses. The drug targets cancer cells expressing CD56, leading to clinical activity and stable disease in some patients.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateNov 10, 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.

One signal elicits thousands of answers

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a technology to identify and quantify specific protein phosphorylation sites in response to stimuli. They discovered 6,600 phosphorylation sites in 2,244 proteins, with 90% being unknown, and created the Phosida database to share their findings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 10, 2006

ESSP launches project on the effects of global environmental change on human health

The ESSP launched a new research initiative to identify and quantify health risks posed by global environmental change, aiming to develop cost-effective adaptation strategies. Climate and land-use changes pose significant health threats, including malaria, malnutrition, skin cancer, and immune system depression.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateNov 10, 2006

New biomarkers for lupus found

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified micro-ribonucleic acids (micro-RNAs) as potential biomarkers for lupus. The study found significant differences in micro-RNA expression between lupus patients and healthy controls, with certain micro-RNAs linked to histone deacetylases and the development of lupus.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 10, 2006

Scientists design a PSA-activated protoxin that kills prostate cancer

Scientists have developed a protoxin that targets and kills prostate cancer cells using the protein PSA made by prostate cancer. The therapy shows promise in treating locally recurrent or advanced prostate cancer, with potential to reduce enlarged prostate size. A phase I clinical trial is currently underway.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateNov 10, 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.

HIV/AIDS linked to extensively drug resistant TB

A study by Yale researchers found that extensively drug resistant TB is prevalent among HIV co-infected patients in South Africa, with high mortality rates reported. The study suggests urgent intervention is necessary to address this global health issue, which threatens the success of TB and HIV treatment programs.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 10, 2006

Progress made in HIV vaccine development

Two candidate vaccines have shown promise in a recent study, demonstrating an immune response in healthy adults and inducing positive CD4 T cell responses. The combination of DNA priming and rAd5 boosting may lead to higher levels of T cell responses and improved vaccine efficacy.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 10, 2006

Free article by Nobel Laureate in November MCP

Dr. Andrew Z. Fire's article in November MCP explores the development of an assay to observe protein interactions in vivo, confirming previously documented interactions and discovering new ones in C. elegans. The study also identifies key associations between RNA interference and nonsense mediated decay pathways.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateNov 10, 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.

Mysterious 'neural noise' actually primes brain for peak performance

Researchers at University of Rochester discovered that neural noise enhances brain's processing and enables decision-making in uncertain environments. The 'noise' is actually the brain's optimal format for running Bayesian computations, making it easier to compute complex answers.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 10, 2006