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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 169


Page 169 of 203

Molecular differences between early and advanced melanomas could provide new drug targets

Scientists have discovered that a cell-signaling molecule Akt plays a key role in the progression of melanomas from non-invasive to invasive cancers. Understanding this molecular difference could lead to new targets for treating advanced stage melanoma, with a survival rate of 98% for radial melanomas on the surface of the skin.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2007

Chromium 6: A killer compound with an improbable trigger

Brown University researchers found that naturally occurring vitamin C reacts with chromium 6 to cause massive DNA damage, leading to cancer. The study suggests that even low doses of chromium 6 combined with vitamin C can produce significant genetic mutations.

SourceBrown University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 12, 2007

Genetic pathways to curable and incurable forms of pancreatic cancer identified

A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that a specific sequence of genetic mutations determines the behavior of cystic pancreatic cancer, which has a 50% long-term survival rate. The research found that cells with this mutation are resistant to TGFb's tumor-promoting properties, contributing to their improved survival.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 12, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists develop plans for ultimate microscope

Researchers at University of Sheffield have developed a new technique to enhance x-ray microscope images, enabling the capture of high-resolution 3D images of any molecular structure. They aim to develop the ultimate x-ray microscope with computer-aided image processing and potentially replace lenses with solid-state optical microscopes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateMar 12, 2007

People with psychiatric illness at disadvantage for cardiovascular care

A Canadian Medical Association Journal study reveals patients with psychiatric illness have a higher mortality rate and limited access to circulatory disease procedures like heart disease and stroke treatment. The study highlights existing barriers to healthcare equity for individuals with mental health conditions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 12, 2007

Color analysis rapidly predicts carbon content of soil

Scientists discovered that soil color can be as accurate as laboratory tests in predicting carbon content. The study found that typical description colors done by a soil scientist were nearly as effective in predicting SOC values as the more expensive method of deriving colors by a chroma meter.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 12, 2007

Research finds music training 'tunes' human auditory system

Research finds that music training fine-tunes brainstem's sensitivity to speech sounds, benefiting learning activities, and potentially improving sound encoding skills. The study suggests a dynamic relationship between the brainstem and neocortex, allowing basic sensory circuitry to be malleable.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 12, 2007
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.

Rings made of little rods

Researchers at Rice University discovered that gold nanorods can spontaneously self-assemble into ring-shaped structures within seconds. The rings are made of tiny gold rods and form due to the condensation of water droplets onto a solution of the rods in a nonpolar solvent.

SourceWiley·DateMar 12, 2007

Tonga quake not conducive to tsunami

A recent study found that a magnitude 8.0 earthquake in Tonga was likely a slab-tearing event, which explains why the resulting tsunami was relatively small and caused no damage. The researchers deployed seven seismograph stations to record aftershocks beneath the surface, providing insights into the nature of earthquakes in the region.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMar 12, 2007

Study reveals how some molecules inhibit growth of lung cancer cells

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute mapped the structures of small molecules and mutated protein receptors in non-small cell lung cancer cells. They found that two inhibitors bind more tightly to specific mutations, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 12, 2007
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.

Malaria: The right vaccine in the right place?

A new study found that the most commonly used malaria vaccine may not be effective against the prevalent strain in Mali. The researchers discovered that only 16% of infections were caused by the strain included in the vaccine, highlighting the importance of testing vaccines in diverse populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 12, 2007

Framingham study shows parents who live long pass on

Research from the Framingham Heart Study found that people with long-lived parents are more likely to avoid high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors in middle age. Long-lived parents also conferred a lower risk of cardiovascular disease over time.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

Hackers get bum rap for corporate America's digital delinquency

A recent study by Phil Howard and Kris Erickson found that 60% of breached-record incidents between 1980 and 2006 were caused by organizational mismanagement, such as missing or stolen hardware. The number of reported incidents more than tripled in 2005 and 2006 after California's pioneering Notice of Security Breach law took effect.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateMar 12, 2007

Anxiety disorders surprisingly common yet often untreated

A new study finds anxiety to be as prevalent as depression, affecting nearly 20% of patients in primary care. The GAD-7 screening tool identifies undiagnosed anxiety disorders, highlighting the importance of physician assessment.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

These legs were made for fighting

Human ancestors used short legs to gain a fighting advantage, helping males compete for females. The study analyzed nine primate species and found that shorter legs correlated with higher aggression indicators, including body weight and canine tooth size ratios.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEvolution·DateMar 11, 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.

Fermions do not travel together, theory proved

Scientists have demonstrated that fermions, particles predicted by quantum mechanics to avoid close proximity, indeed exhibit an 'anti-bunching' effect, repelling each other due to quantum interferences. This finding enables the detection of correlations between atoms and advances our understanding of matter at the quantum scale.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2007

Creation of a magnetic field in a turbulent fluid

Researchers successfully created a magnetic field in a highly turbulent flow of liquid sodium, exhibiting remarkable similarities with cosmic magnetic fields. This breakthrough advances our understanding of the mechanisms behind the formation of natural magnetic fields.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 2007

Climate shifts -- probability of randomness

Researchers calculated the probability of periodicity in climate shifts, finding that they hit a beat 70% of the time. Simulations showed that if climate shifts were truly random, the actual regularity would likely be lower, making them unpredictable.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate of the Past·DateMar 9, 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.

Personalized diets may offer relief to advanced cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Alberta found that advanced cancer patients experience unique and persistent taste and smell abnormalities, leading to malnutrition and poor quality of life. A personalized diet tailored to an individual's needs may improve their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateMar 9, 2007

When your brain talks, your muscles don't always listen

As people age, their neurons must speak more loudly to muscles to achieve precise control, leading to poorer physical responses and increased falls. Exercise, such as weight training, can increase firing rates and preserve motor capacity in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMar 9, 2007

Bacterial walls come tumbling down

Scientists have detailed images of a bacterial cell wall target that could aid in designing new antibiotics to treat deadly infections. The images, published in the journal Science, show an antibiotic called moenomycin binding to the enzyme, providing a new understanding of its structure and function.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2007

APL-built microscopic instrument aboard Air Force Academy satellite

The Flat Plasma Spectrometer (FlaPS) is a tiny analyzer developed by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to study plasma depletions in the ionosphere. The spectrometer's small size and low power consumption make it ideal for large-scale missions, enabling dozens of instruments to be carried on microsatellites.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 9, 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.

Gold nanorods assemble themselves into rings

Gold nanorods spontaneously form rings due to condensation of water droplets on their surface, changing optical and electromagnetic properties. The discovery could lead to development of novel nanodevices such as highly sensitive sensors and invisible objects.

SourceRice University·DateMar 9, 2007

UCL scientist receives Max Planck Research Award 2007

Professor Ray Dolan of UCL Institute of Neurology received the prestigious Max Planck Research Award 2007 for his groundbreaking research on neuromodulation and behaviour. The award will support his investigation into neurochemical mechanisms underlying emotional learning and decision-making in humans.

SourceUniversity College London·DateMar 9, 2007

Diabetes, depression together increase risk for heart patients

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that having both type 2 diabetes and depression significantly increases the risk of death for heart patients. This is because individuals with diabetes who also experience depression may be less motivated to follow their self-care regimen, thereby putting them at a higher risk.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMar 9, 2007
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.

Super small nanoelectrodes can probe microscale environments

Researchers have developed nanoelectrodes that can be used for electrochemical and biochemical sensing within living cells. The probes, which are 100 nanometers in diameter, can be controlled precisely where they penetrate a cell or pinpoint smaller structures like the nucleus or mitochondrion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 9, 2007

UCF research to make spyplanes smarter, keep troops safe

The UCF research aims to make small unmanned spyplanes smarter by allowing them to communicate with each other, follow targets and hand off tracking. The project enables real-time data transmission of 3D images, providing valuable intelligence to troops on battlefields.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMar 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.

Stealth camouflage at night

Researchers have confirmed that cuttlefish employ night camouflage to adapt quickly to microhabitats on temperate rock reefs. The ability is key to their nighttime predator/prey interactions and fine-tuned visual system, allowing them to dominate the dark environment.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·DateMar 9, 2007

Gene variations contribute to aggression and anger in women

Researchers found genetic markers associated with lower scores in tests measuring anger, hostility, and aggression in women. The study identified two alterations in the serotonin receptor 2C gene promoter region linked to increased risk of hypertension, glucose metabolism, and heart diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMar 9, 2007

Therapeutic peptide frees the protein p73 to kill tumor cells

Researchers have discovered a peptide that can free the protein p73, which induces tumor cell death, and effectively kills both p53-sufficient and p53-deficient human tumor cell lines. The study suggests targeting the p73-mediated pathway could provide a new avenue for developing anticancer therapeutics.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2007

Cholesterol could be key to treating fetal alcohol syndrome

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that adding cholesterol to zebrafish embryos exposed to small amounts of alcohol restored normal development. Fetal alcohol syndrome affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and lowered mental functioning.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateMar 8, 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.

Research strengthens link between smoking, pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Michigan State University found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produced by burning tobacco interfere with cell communication, promoting pancreatic cancer. PAHs do not initiate cancer but contribute to its promotion.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateMar 8, 2007

Psychologists find pursuit of happiness not a straight path

Recent studies show that major changes in life circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, or illness, can have long-term impact on happiness levels. Happiness levels can change over time, and individual differences play an important role in adaptation processes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMar 8, 2007

Earth-moving achievements by UH geoscientists recognized

Five UH geosciences professors are recognized for their outstanding achievements in various fields of study. Janok Bhattacharya receives the Grover E. Murray Memorial Distinguished Educator Award, while Aibing Li receives a $450,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award supporting research and education integration. Fred Hilterman...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 8, 2007

Mercury contamination of fish warrants worldwide public warning

A worldwide general warning is warranted due to the significant health risks posed by mercury-contaminated fish, particularly for children and women of childbearing age. The Madison Declaration on Mercury Pollution highlights the need for effective national and international policies to combat this global problem.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAMBIO·DateMar 8, 2007

NT researchers discover breakthrough in malaria treatment

Researchers have discovered a new treatment for malaria, which showed that longer-acting drugs can prevent patients from getting sick again within six weeks. The study found that combining two drugs increased the effectiveness of treatment and reduced the risk of relapse.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 8, 2007
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.

Tracking sperm whales and jumbo squid

Researchers successfully tag sperm whales and jumbo squid swimming together, providing new insights into the diving behavior of both species. The study, published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, raises questions about the feeding habits and hunting strategies of sperm whales and their prey.

SourceStanford University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 8, 2007

Gamma-ray burst challenges theory

The study of gamma-ray burst (GRB) 060729 reveals a wider energy release and potential magnetar powering some GRBs. The XRT detected the GRB's afterglow for over 125 days, defying expectations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 8, 2007
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.

Metacognition: Faced with a test, rats can check their knowledge first

Researchers found that rats can judge whether they have enough information to pass a test, opting out more frequently when the task is difficult. This ability broadens our understanding of cognitive skills in animals and may provide opportunities for studying metacognition's neuroanatomical mechanisms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 8, 2007