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Science News Archive 2007


Page 101 of 203

Smoking associated with lower Parkinson's disease risk

A pooled analysis of data from previous studies suggests that cigarette smoking is associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease. Current and long-term smokers had the lowest risk, while those who quit smoking up to 25 years prior to diagnosis also showed a significant decrease in risk.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Less is more' online

A study by MU researchers found that people pay more attention to pictures selected from a small array of choices than from a large array. Participants who chose from six thumbnail pictures remembered the pictures with 99 percent accuracy, while those who chose from 24 only remembered with 89 percent accuracy.

New gene mutation identified in common type of dementia

Researchers have identified a new gene mutation in the progranulin gene associated with frontotemporal dementia. The mutation leads to a loss of protein production, which can cause brain cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the disease and may lead to the development of new therapies.

Global warring

A new study finds that climate change and temperature fluctuations significantly correlate with warfare frequency in eastern China over the last millennium. The research reveals that cooling temperatures impact agriculture, leading to shortages of essential resources and potentially triggering armed conflicts.

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.

Scientists follow familiar TRAIL to new cancer therapy

Scientists have identified a new cancer therapy that sensitizes human cancer cells to a promising treatment, combining tumor necrosis factor death receptor ligand with multikinase inhibitor sorafenib. The combination enhances the potency and effectiveness of this treatment, overcoming resistance in some cancer cells.

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that (modern) swing

A Duke University study found that female white-crowned sparrows prefer newer versions of their love song, indicating a shift in mate selection and territorial behavior. The researchers used controlled laboratory tests to assess bird responses to different song versions, revealing subtle yet significant differences.

Penn researchers discover how microRNAs control protein synthesis

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that miRNAs regulate gene expression by associating with the Argonaute2 (Ago2) protein. This interaction inhibits protein production, highlighting a crucial role for Ago2 in the miRNA pathway.

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.

Fat horses face health problems

A study conducted by Virginia Tech researchers found that 51% of evaluated horses were overweight or obese, posing serious health problems like laminitis and hyperinsulinemia. The study suggests changes in horse care practices can help mitigate these risks.

Selenium supplements linked with increased risk for diabetes in 8-year study

A large national study found that selenium supplements may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while a leading researcher advises against taking excessive selenium supplements. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 participants and found higher risks among those with higher blood selenium levels at the start of the study.

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.

Average major league baseball career 5.6 years, says new study

A new study by University of Colorado at Boulder researchers found that the average Major League Baseball player career lasts 5.6 years, with one in five position players having a single-year career. The study also revealed that a player's chance of ending their career is at least 11 percent at every point in their career.

Invisible gases form most organic haze in urban, rural areas

A new study by researchers at CU-Boulder finds that reactive gases, not direct emissions of particulates, form the bulk of organic haze. The study reveals that aerosols formed chemically in the air account for about two-thirds of total organic haze in urban areas and over 90% in rural areas.

Delays in cancer diagnosis for children remain poorly understood

A review of published literature found that delays in childhood cancer diagnosis are short but the impact on prognosis remains unclear. The study suggests that delays can be attributed to gatekeeper-type healthcare systems, clinical presentation, stage of disease, and parent/patient factors.

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.

Tomorrow's green nanofactories

Angela Belcher's research with viruses is developing faster, better, cheaper, and environmentally-friendly electronic devices. Her nanofactories generate little waste, grow at room temperature, and promise to be inexpensive and largely biodegradable.

New way to target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria found

Scientists have found a key weakness in the enzyme that helps bacteria swap genes for drug resistance, allowing them to block the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes. Bisphosphonates, widely prescribed for bone loss, can annihilate antibiotic-resistant bacteria in laboratory cultures.

New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease

The new criteria focus on a clinical core of early and significant episodic memory impairment, incorporating biomarker-based tests. Validation studies are necessary to optimize sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

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.

Hormone inhibitor promising for hard-to-treat prostate cancer

A new drug candidate, abiraterone, has shown significant anti-tumor activity in early trials for patients with advanced prostate cancer whose tumors have continued to grow despite medical or surgical castration. The drug reduced PSA levels and shrunk tumors in both pre- and post-chemotherapy patients.

Pumpkin: A fairytale end to insulin injections?

Researchers found that pumpkin extract promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting insulin levels and reducing the need for daily insulin injections. The extract's protective effect is attributed to antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, which may provide a new source of medication for diabetics.

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.

Size and positioning of floral anthers facilitates

The sizes and positions of floral anthers facilitate pollen collection by buzz-pollinating bees, according to Dr. Endress's work. Slight genetic changes can affect flower morphology and pollinator compatibility, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions.

Double identities lie behind chromosome disorders

A new study reveals an alternative distribution mechanism in female sex cells that cause chromosome disorders, leading to infertility and irregular numbers of chromosomes. This fundamental mechanism may help explain the common occurrence of such disorders in females.

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.

A gene that protects from kidney disease

Researchers have identified a gene, GLIS2, that protects against a serious kidney disease called nephronopthisis. Mutations in this gene cause the disease, which leads to kidney degeneration and failure.

Analysis confirms benefits of combining trastuzumab and chemotherapy

A recent meta-analysis confirms that combining trastuzumab with chemotherapy reduces mortality by -34% and increases disease-free survival by 38% in women with operable HER-2 positive breast cancer. This treatment strategy also decreases the risk of locoregional and distant recurrences.

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.

Highlights from the July 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study found that Canadian fifth-graders prefer larger portions of snacks and fast food but smaller portions of vegetables, with a significant gender gap in portion sizes. The researchers also discovered that children who frequently eat at fast-food restaurants or watch TV while eating are more likely to consider large portions as 'us...

Electronic 'crowd behavior' revealed in semiconductors

Researchers at JILA discovered a previously unseen type of collective electronic behavior in semiconductors, shedding light on interactions between microscopic particles. The study used ultrafast lasers to analyze the phase shift of light, confirming the importance of collective exciton behavior and its superiority over simpler models.

Too many UK companies fail to see the point of history

A new study by Professor Michael Rowlinson reveals that nearly all UK and US companies produce historical accounts of themselves, but the quality is extremely variable. Many UK companies could improve the way they present their history to the public, which can impact consumers' views of their longevity and trustworthiness.

New Rhode Island Hospital study shows higher rates of trampoline injuries

A new Rhode Island Hospital study shows a significant increase in trampoline-related injuries, with 531,378 reported cases over the decade. The majority of injuries (71%) were to extremities and occurred on home trampolines, prompting researchers to urge parents not to purchase these equipment for their children.

Murat Arcak receives 2007 SIAG/CST Prize

Murat Arcak, a researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, received the 2007 SIAG/CST Prize for his work on passivity approach and robustness in largescale networks. His research has enhanced performance and robustness for wireless and biological networks.

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.

Research suggests fitness reduces inflammation

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers found that individuals with better parasympathetic tone had lower levels of inflammation, as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP). Exercise has been shown to improve parasympathetic tone, leading to a quicker heart-rate recovery after physical activity.

Cancer risk in HIV, transplant patients

A landmark study finds that HIV/AIDS patients are 11 times more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma, while transplant recipients face a similar increased risk for several types of cancer. Immune deficiency is the common factor driving these higher cancer rates in both groups.

Elevated CO2 in atmosphere weakens defenses of soybeans to herbivores

Research by the University of Illinois found that elevated CO2 levels increase the susceptibility of soybeans to Japanese beetles and enhance their invasive abilities. This study highlights the potential risks of climate change on crop defenses, particularly for highly usable crops like soybeans.

Chronic fatigue -- clues in the blood

A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases reveals 35 genes whose expression patterns correlate with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. These findings may provide clues about the disease's underlying nature and potential mechanisms.

Search engine mashup

A new search engine mashup uses intelligent virtual robots to scan data quickly, assessing keywords and context, and combining it with meta search tools to retrieve relevant results. This approach improves the precision rate and recall rate of traditional search engines.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Paracetamol overdoses drop without package size legislation

A Canadian study found that paracetamol overdose rates decreased significantly between 1995 and 2004, with a notable drop in hospitalizations among young women and Aboriginal populations. The lack of package size restrictions in Canada contributed to this decline, contrasting with the UK's successful implementation of smaller pack sizes.

New imaging method clarifies nutrient cycle

USC researchers applied nanoscale imaging to study Anabaena oscillarioides, clarifying the mechanism of nitrogen fixation. The study revealed a key step in the nutrient cycle, allowing for better understanding of global carbon and nitrogen dynamics.

Amoebae control cheating by keeping it in the family

A study from Rice University reveals that cooperative single-celled amoebae use family ties to prevent cheaters from undermining their colonies' health. By associating with kin, the amoebae's social system prevents the spread of selfish mutants.

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.

Engineered blood vessels function like native tissue

Researchers at University at Buffalo developed a method to isolate functional smooth muscle cells from bone marrow, which can be used in regenerative medicine for cardiovascular applications. The engineered blood vessels function similarly to native tissue, demonstrating potential as an alternative to venous grafts.

Tracing Parkinson's lethal mechanism

In mice and human patients, researchers found that crippling of protective enzyme Prx2 leads to death of dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson's disease. Activating Prx2 prevents neuronal loss, suggesting it as a beneficial target for PD treatment.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection

Several phase II and III trials investigate anti-retroviral drug combinations for pre-exposure prophylaxis among at-risk populations. The implementation of such a program requires careful planning and substantial resources to ensure access, minimize risk behavior, and prevent drug-resistant strains.

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.

Stopping the HIV pandemic in children

Early HIV testing for exposed infants can prevent infection before AIDS or death, allowing for prophylaxis or treatment implementation. Universal availability of prophylaxis or treatment is crucial, but poses challenges such as long-term toxic effects of anti-retroviral treatment.

K-State researcher working on a way to make snack foods with extra fiber

A Kansas State University researcher has created a way to make fiber-enriched flour that tastes like regular flour, enabling the production of healthier snacking alternatives. The process uses extrusion processing to add varying levels of bran, resulting in improved dough quality and increased soluble dietary fiber.