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Science News for September 1, 2006


Increase in drug development for killer diseases is not enough

Despite an increase in drug development for killer diseases, researchers argue that more incentives and access guarantees are needed to address the lack of economic demand. The rise of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is also cited as a contributing factor.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 1, 2006

Bipolar disorder exacts twice depression's toll in workplace

A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that bipolar disorder exacts twice as much toll on workplace productivity as major depression, costing nearly half as much in lost wages. The researchers attribute this disparity to bipolar disorder's more severe depressive episodes rather than its manic periods.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2006

Genome info from 'plant destroyers' could save trees, beans and chocolate

The genome sequences of P. ramorum and P. sojae could lead to strategies to combat these destructive plant pathogens. Phytophthora species cause significant losses in various crops, including soybeans, oak trees, and cocoa beans, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in economic damage annually.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 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.

Women on oxygen therapy for COPD more likely to die than men

A study by Maria-Christina L. Machado and colleagues found that women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use long-term oxygen therapy have a 54% increased risk of death compared to men. The primary risk factor for developing COPD is smoking.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 1, 2006

Estrens might not be the answer for osteoporosis

A new study questions the use of estrens as estrogen-like molecules for treating osteoporosis. Estrens improved bone strength in mice, but also caused adverse effects on reproductive organs and human breast cancer cells. Further clinical trials are needed to determine their safety.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2006

Soldiers' wives are tougher than their husbands think

Research finds British Army wives more resilient than their husbands in military life, with 88% wanting them to stay after deployment. Despite work-life tensions, wives prioritize financial security and feel better equipped to cope than husbands.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 1, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are genomic technologies the answer to world hunger?

Genomic technologies hold potential to improve nutritional content and resistance of food crops, but their impact on world hunger depends on efficient exchange of knowledge and experience. Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for harnessing these technologies.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 1, 2006

Impact of forest certification in developing countries examined

A recent study examines the effectiveness of forest certification programs in developing countries, finding that existing demand from North American and European markets has not significantly influenced forest management choices. The book argues that increased commercial support is needed for improved environmental and social practices.

SourceYale University·DateSep 1, 2006

UCLA/LSU study details nutritional value of salad

A new UCLA/LSU study found that consuming salad and raw vegetables is associated with higher concentrations of essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamins C and E, and carotene in the bloodstream. The research suggests that including one serving of salad or raw vegetables per day can significantly boost nutrient intake.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateSep 1, 2006

Is liver damage down the TRAIL for a promising cancer therapy?

Researchers found that TRAIL can enhance hepatocyte cell death initiated by signaling through Fas, potentially leading to liver damage. The study has important clinical implications as liver cells expressing Fas are present during inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 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.

Highlights from the September 2006 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

According to researchers at the US Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute, most Americans do not meet daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. The new MyPyramid recommendations are 2 to 6 ½ cups per day, with only 17 percent of women age 51-70 meeting their combined recommendation. Salad consumption is p...

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateSep 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: September 1, 2006

Researchers found that estrens improved bone strength in mice with osteoporosis but also had adverse effects on reproductive organs and human breast cancer cells. This study suggests caution is needed for the development of estrens as a treatment for osteoporosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2006

Katie Lee Joel joins Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods program

Katie Lee Joel joins forces with experts to promote low-phosphorus cooking, sharing six new recipes to honor her grandfather's memory and help patients manage chronic kidney disease. The Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods program aims to show that kidney-friendly foods don't have to be boring.

SourcePorter Novelli·DateSep 1, 2006

Mayo clinic discovers new type of sleep apnea

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a new type of sleep apnea called complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apneas. Complex sleep apnea patients often appear to have obstructive sleep apnea but do not fully respond to CPAP machines.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 1, 2006
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.

Low vitamin E intake during pregnancy can lead to childhood asthma

Research suggests that children whose mothers had low vitamin E intake during pregnancy are more likely to develop wheezing and asthma by age five. Vitamin E exposure was found to have a dual effect on lung function and airway inflammation, with effects differing between early and later pregnancy.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 1, 2006

'Portion distortion' may contribute to expanding waistlines, study reports

A study by Rutgers University found that portion distortion, where consumers perceive large portions as normal serving sizes, may contribute to expanding waistlines. The research suggests that efforts to educate the public on limiting excess calories from foods like salad dressing have been successful.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateSep 1, 2006

When preventing pre-eclampsia, a little carbon monoxide goes a long way

Researchers found that carbon monoxide can prevent placental cell death caused by oxidative stress injury in a study published in The American Journal of Pathology. This finding suggests that carbon monoxide may be a possible treatment modality for pre-eclampsia, which affects 5-7% of pregnancies.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 1, 2006

New parks to protect animals seen as feasible

Researchers found that conservation measures appear feasible in gap locations with large tracts of habitat and sparse human populations. However, difficulties may arise near coasts and in regions with agricultural interests, highlighting the need for further efforts to establish new protected areas.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 1, 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.

Mature muscle fibers can revert to become cancerous, researchers find

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that mature muscle fibers, rather than their less-developed neighbors, are the tissues that turn malignant in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This breakthrough provides insight into how the cancer arises and offers a new model for analyzing its genetic causes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2006

New findings could lead to vaccine for severe malaria

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Makerere University in Uganda have identified how the malaria parasite conceals itself in the placenta, paving the way for a potential vaccine. The study found that several receptors on the placenta are involved in binding to the parasite, contrary to previous laboratory studies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2006

'Stress and the city': Urban birds keep cool

European blackbirds born in cities exhibit a reduced stress response compared to those from forests, which may be the result of urban-specific selection pressures. This adaptation helps them thrive in concrete habitats around the globe.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEcology·DateSep 1, 2006
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

MRI more accurately determines cancer spread into breast ducts

A new study shows MRI is better than MDCT for determining breast cancer's intraductal component, allowing surgeons to achieve a cancer-free surgical margin. MRI correctly identified 33 of 44 cases with an intraductal component, outperforming MDCT in sensitivity and underestimation accuracy.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 1, 2006

The lower the blood pressure the better

A new study published in the Lancet found that aggressive treatment to lower blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. The research, which involved over 160,000 individuals in 50 countries, highlights the importance of driving blood pressure down to very low levels rather than choosing specific medications.

SourceResearch Australia·DateSep 1, 2006