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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 153


Page 153 of 203

Plastic with changeable conductivity developed by chemical engineer

Dr. Yueh-Lin Loo at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a plastic with changeable conductivity, which can be altered during manufacturing to meet the needs of future electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to flexible, inexpensive wiring in products such as military camouflage and foldable electronic displays.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateApr 9, 2007
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.

Many women undertreated for ovarian cancer

A recent study found that one-third of ovarian cancer patients in the US fail to receive recommended comprehensive surgical treatment. Factors associated with undertreatment include age, race, and insurance status. The study highlights the need for increased access to specialized care from gynecologic oncologists.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 9, 2007

Evolution of symbiosis

Researchers discovered that a single adenine deletion in a bacterial promoter can lead to reduced heat-shock gene expression in aphids, affecting their tolerance to high temperatures. This mutation appears to confer a selective advantage under cooler conditions, allowing it to be maintained in populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2007

Eating with our eyes: Why people eat less at unbused tables

A Cornell University study found that graduate students ate 27% less chicken wings when they could see leftover bones accumulating on their table, compared to tables where food was cleared. The study suggests using environmental cues like empty glasses or bottles to curb overeating and overdrinking at social gatherings.

SourceCornell University·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateApr 9, 2007

Smoking and caffeine may protect against Parkinson's disease

A study found that people who smoked and drank coffee were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease, which may be due to genetic or environmental factors. However, the risks of smoking and caffeine consumption should not be taken to avoid the disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 9, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trees to offset the carbon footprint?

A new study suggests that tropical rainforests are crucial in slowing down global warming, while planting trees in mid- and high-latitude locations could exacerbate climate change. The research confirms that forests in these regions would not only fail to mitigate the effects of global warming but also potentially increase temperatures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Diabetes may be associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment

Research suggests individuals with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, which affects thinking and learning abilities. The study found that diabetes was associated with a significantly increased risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment, particularly in African-American and Hispanic populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 9, 2007

Pitt study notes decline in male births in the US and Japan

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reports a significant decline in the number of male births in the US and Japan over the past three decades. The researchers found that the decline is equivalent to 135,000 fewer white males in the US and 127,000 fewer males in Japan, with environmental factors such as prenatal expo...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 9, 2007

Nanotextured implant materials: blending in, not fighting back

Biomedical engineers create implant materials with nanostructured surface textures that mimic the natural lining of blood vessels. The results show rapid colonization of endothelial cells, preventing overgrowth of smooth muscle cells and reducing restenosis.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateApr 9, 2007

Restless legs syndrome increases risk of heart disease

A study published in Neurology found that blood pressure rates during periodic leg movements rose significantly in people with untreated RLS, increasing cardiovascular risk. The study also showed that age and disease history are key factors contributing to these increased blood pressure changes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 9, 2007
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.

Mouse FH knockout resembles human renal cell cancer

A mouse model has been developed to study the relationship between hypoxia and cancer progression in renal cell cancer. The researchers observed that Fh1-deficient mice developed clonal and proliferative renal cysts with characteristic overexpression of HIF, leading to renal failure.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 9, 2007

Managing and preventing obesity in Canadian adults and children

The 2006 Canadian clinical practice guidelines on managing and preventing obesity in adults and children provide a multifaceted approach to weight management. Key findings include the importance of physical activity strategies, behavior modification counseling, and public policy initiatives.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 9, 2007

Tropical forests -- Earth's air conditioner

New study suggests tropical forests are efficient at cooling the planet due to their ability to store large amounts of carbon and produce reflective clouds. In contrast, forests in snowy areas can warm the Earth by absorbing sunlight that would otherwise be reflected back into space.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2007

Lavery and Armstrong receive major NIH grant for podiatry

Lawrence Lavery and David Armstrong have received a major NIH grant to study methods for treating diabetic foot ulcers and evaluating compliance and health economic outcomes. The two-year study will utilize advanced techniques such as activity monitoring and healing prediction.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·DateApr 9, 2007

Chance of hysterectomy predicted by multi-year study

A new UCSF study predicts a woman's chance of undergoing a hysterectomy based on symptoms and medical history. The study found that women with a combination of symptoms, lack of symptom resolution, and previous GNRH agonist use are more likely to undergo the procedure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateApr 9, 2007
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.

Smoking and caffeine inversely associated with Parkinson's disease

Individuals with Parkinson's disease are less likely to smoke or consume high doses of caffeine than their family members. Smoking, caffeine consumption, and NSAID use were found to be inversely associated with Parkinson's disease, with no link between NSAID use observed.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 9, 2007

UCLA mathematics department receives award

The UCLA Mathematics Department has been recognized by the American Mathematical Society for its outstanding program in mathematics education, with a focus on undergraduate and graduate training programs, precollege mathematics education, and research initiatives.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 9, 2007

Mouse model advances understanding of synovial sarcoma

Scientists have developed a mouse model for synovial sarcoma, revealing that the tumor arises from skeletal muscle precursor cells called myoblasts. The study also showed that expression of a chimeric fusion protein called SYT-SSX in these cells is sufficient to induce synovial sarcoma with 100% penetrance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 9, 2007

Epilepsy drug with new method of action is safe, effective

A study published in Neurology found that retigabine, a new epilepsy drug with a unique mechanism of action, is both safe and effective. In the study, participants who received the highest dose of retigabine experienced an average reduction of 35% in seizure frequency compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 9, 2007
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.

How do the rules of immunity change during chronic infections?

Scientists at The Wistar Institute found that CD8 T cells generated to fight chronic infections operate under a different maintenance scheme than those in acute infections. These cells have a rapid turnover and are dependent on the virus for their continuation, which could be manipulated to design new therapeutic options.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 9, 2007

Bronfman gift to Mount Sinai catalyzes genomics-based medicine

A $12.5 million grant from Charles Bronfman will establish the Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, transforming medical practice with genomics-based strategies for disease detection and treatment. The gift will seed a $30 million initiative to advance personalized medicine at Mount Sinai.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2007

High-res images spell new era in Earth sciences

Researchers adapt oil industry technology to image the core-mantle boundary at 2,900 kilometers beneath Central and North America, providing detailed views of the lower mantle. The technique helps understand Earth's internal heat engine and giant cycle of heat production and transfer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2007

PneuStep -- MRI-safe motor makes robotic biopsies possible

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a motor that can safely power remote-controlled robotic medical devices for cancer biopsies and therapies guided by magnetic resonance imaging. The motor, dubbed PneuStep, is made entirely out of plastics, ceramics, and rubber and is driven by light and air.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateApr 6, 2007
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.

Researchers move closer to switching nuclear isomer decay on and off

Livermore researchers have made the most accurate measurement of a nuclear isomer's excitation energy, a crucial step towards controlling its decay. This breakthrough could enable the use of isomers as high-energy density storage systems like batteries, and has implications for quantum computing, general relativity testing, and more.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2007

MIT M. Nafi Toksoz honored by seismologists

The Seismological Society of America honors MIT's M. Nafi Toksoz for his 40-year investment in the field, defining seismology and its practice. He has mentored over 100 postdoctoral students, promoting a research environment at MIT.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 6, 2007

Deflecting damage: Flexible electronics aid brain injury research

Researchers at Princeton University developed flexible electronic membranes to replicate brain injuries in the lab without damaging electrodes. The membranes enable precise measurements of cellular activity before and after traumatic brain injury, providing valuable insights into functional damage.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateApr 6, 2007

Drug used to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child damages DNA

Recent studies have found that the antiretroviral drug AZT causes genetic damage that may increase future cancer risk. Animal studies demonstrated increased rates of tumors and gene changes associated with human cancer, while human studies observed mutations and chromosomal damage in newborns exposed to NRTIs in utero.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental and Molecular Mutagenesis·DateApr 6, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UAF researchers garner $6.5 million in NSF grants

Four UAF researchers have been awarded significant funding from the National Science Foundation for projects studying the Arctic circumpolar region. The research, including studies on climate change, boreal forests and winter precipitation, aims to better understand the structure of the stratospheric vortex and its impact on ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateApr 6, 2007

Combined imaging approach may provide better identification of difficult-to-diagnose brain clots

A combined imaging approach that combines standard MRI scans with specialized contrast-enhanced techniques may provide more effective diagnoses in patients with difficult-to-detect blood clots in veins of the brain. This approach could lead to better understanding of the disease process and potentially alter treatment regimens.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateApr 6, 2007

Partners of cancer survivors at risk for depression

A new study examines partners of cancer survivors who underwent blood and marrow transplant, finding equal levels of mental health impairment, but with differing treatment outcomes and social support

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 6, 2007

Super-cool MIT work could expose quantum behavior

MIT researchers have cooled a dime-sized mirror to 0.8 degrees Kelvin, a temperature that would take 13 billion years for it to circle the Earth. The team hopes to use this technique to observe quantum behavior in large objects, which is currently only possible at extremely low temperatures.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2007
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Heart attack death rates not higher at Iowa's rural hospitals

A study of 119 Iowa hospitals found that rural hospitals do not have higher death rates for heart attack care, contrary to previous research. The study used a more sensitive analytic method to control for biases and found comparable patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateApr 5, 2007

Mutation improves memory, may lead to memory-enhancing pill

A gene mutation in mice results in enhanced long-term memory, pointing to a potential target for developing a drug to treat memory loss. The mutation affects the phosphorylation of a protein involved in regulating gene expression, leading to improved performance in memory tests.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2007

Weak immune response critical to disease that causes most infant hospitalizations

Researchers at UTMB overturned the long-held medical dogma on RSV, finding that an inadequate immune reaction is associated with severe infections. The study's findings have major implications for developing therapies and treating viral respiratory infections during infancy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 5, 2007
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.

Networking around the clock

A Brandeis University study shows that the circadian neuronal network in fruit flies functions as a dynamic system that enables insects to adjust their behavior according to seasonal changes. The researchers discovered that two groups of neurons, morning cells and evening cells, alternate as master clocks depending on day length and se...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2007

UC Davis study finds high arsenic levels in herbal kelp supplements

A recent study by UC Davis researchers found elevated arsenic levels in eight out of nine commercially available herbal kelp supplements, exceeding acceptable tolerance levels. The study highlights the need for standardization and labeling of dietary supplements to prevent potential health dangers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 5, 2007

Statins linked to lower risk of infection

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that statins significantly reduce the risk of sepsis in patients undergoing kidney dialysis. The study, published in JAMA, followed 1041 patients for 10 years and found a 41-case risk in the statin group compared to 110 cases in the non-statin group.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 2007

Nanogenerator provides continuous power by harvesting energy from the environment

Researchers have developed a prototype nanogenerator that produces continuous direct-current electricity by harvesting mechanical energy from environmental sources. The device uses arrays of vertically-aligned zinc oxide nanowires to generate power, which could be used to power nanometer-scale devices such as biosensors and robots.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Scientists decode genome of oral pathogen

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have decoded the genome of Streptococcus sanguinis, a bacteria normally present in healthy human mouths that can cause deadly heart infections. The findings provide unique insight into its complex life cycle, metabolism, and ability to invade host tissues.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateApr 5, 2007

Researchers identify gene that plays key role in size of dogs

A study published in Science found a mutation in the IGF1 gene that affects body-size differences among dog breeds and may also play a key role in determining human body size. The researchers analyzed DNA from over 3,000 dogs of different breeds to identify genes linked to size variations.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007
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.

New studies link the environment to Parkinson's disease

Research highlights the role of pesticides, toxic agents, and inflammation in Parkinson's development, while also exploring potential neuroprotective agents like nicotine. The findings aim to better understand the disease process and develop preventive measures.

SourceThe Parkinson's Institute·DateApr 5, 2007

Dog DNA study yields clues to diverse size of breeds

A new study published in Science has identified a single gene that may determine whether dogs are big or small, providing insights into the diversity of breeds. The research team used over 3,200 dog DNA samples to pinpoint this major gene, which is thought to have resulted in the appearance of smaller dogs in the population.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

More flight than fancy?

Females may be more astute at choosing a mate, favoring mates with longer tails that signal aerodynamic abilities rather than attractive ornaments. Tail length is linked to natural selection, not sexual selection.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2007

Study demonstrates remarkable power of social norms

Researchers found that people tend to deviate from the norm in one direction before adjusting back when given information about their deviation. This 'boomerang effect' can offset positive behavioral changes and render marketing strategies ineffective.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2007

Treatment-induced growth factor causes cancer progression

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have linked treatment-induced TGF-beta levels to increased circulating cancer cells and tumor metastases in a mouse model of breast cancer. Blocking TGF-beta may be clinically useful in combination with primary therapies.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 5, 2007
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.

Jefferson immunology researchers show blood-brain barrier damage could affect MS severity

Immunology researchers at Jefferson University have found that blood-brain barrier damage correlates with multiple sclerosis (MS) severity. The study used mice models and found that permeability changes are critical in disease development, with even mice lacking immune system components able to develop disease.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2007