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Science News Archive 2007


Page 39 of 203

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope gets 'SpaceWired'

The James Webb Space Telescope will utilize the advanced SpaceWire technology to improve communication between its components, allowing for higher data collection rates and enhanced scientific discovery. This enables the telescope to study more of the universe with its 66 million detector pixels.

Stanford researchers get precise picture of cell target for drugs

Researchers have determined the precise picture of cell target for drugs, giving them greater control over treatment. The high-resolution structure of a human G-protein-coupled receptor, such as beta 2-adrenergic receptor, can direct the future design of drugs that precisely bind to specific receptors.

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.

Yale receives $8.4 million to study DNA repair in cancer cells

The Yale School of Medicine researchers are studying how cancer cells mend their own chromosomes and DNA after damage caused by radiation and chemotherapy. They hope to create an 'Achilles heel' for cancer cells that would make them more vulnerable to traditional cancer therapies.

U of I scientist does nutritional detective work in Botswana

University of Illinois scientist Karen Chapman-Novakofski conducted a nutritional study in Botswana, revealing that the elderly lack variety in their diet and have limited access to milk, fruits, and vegetables. The research aims to inform policy changes and support healthy eating habits for this vulnerable population.

Primates in peril

The report highlights the devastating impact of habitat loss, hunting, and climate change on primates, with 114 species threatened with extinction. The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates list reveals that these animals are crucial to maintaining ecosystem balance, making their survival critical for the health of our planet.

Romantic fiction shows medical romance flourishes in emergency settings

Research by Dr Brendan Kelly found that medical romance novels often feature primary care and emergency settings, with common plot pairings including male doctor with female doctor or nurse. The novels highlight the romantic possibilities of these settings and suggest an urgent need for training programs to include romance education.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Agricultural soil erosion is not adding to global warming

Researchers found that erosion acts as a sink for atmospheric carbon, capturing about 1.5% of annual fossil-fuel emissions worldwide. This challenges previous estimates suggesting soil erosion could be a significant source or sink of carbon.

Drug that lowers blood pressure might help prevent Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that valsartan, an antihypertensive medication, reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in mouse brains, a key feature of Alzheimer's. The study suggests that treating high blood pressure with certain medications may help prevent or slow the progression of AD.

Scientists discover tiny RNAs play a big role in controlling genes

Researchers at Yale University's Stem Cell Center discovered piRNAs, a recently identified class of tiny RNAs, play a crucial role in regulating gene function and stem cell fate. The study found over 13,000 piRNAs in fruit flies, revealing their importance in controlling chromatin and gene expression.

U-M scientists find new causes for neurodegeneration

University of Michigan scientists found a significant connection between the lipid PI(3,5)P2 and neuronal health, revealing potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Lowered levels of this signaling molecule lead to massive neurodegeneration in mice.

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.

Meteor no longer prime suspect in great extinction

A new study suggests that the Great Dying 250 million years ago may have been caused by creeping environmental stress from volcanic eruptions and global warming. The research finds that organisms in the deep ocean died first, followed by those on ocean shelves and reefs, supporting a model that attributes the extinction to enormous vol...

Combination targets: some drugs may work best when they work together

Researchers have discovered that combining targeted therapies can be more effective than single drugs, particularly when targeting multiple pathways such as the MAPK and PI3-kinase pathways. This approach may help overcome drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes for various types of cancer, including lung and breast cancer.

Inhaled steriods used as preventive treatment post-Sept. 11

A new study found that inhaled corticosteroids can significantly reduce respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in NYC firefighters two years after the World Trade Center collapse. The treatment was found to be effective in preventing asthma-like illnesses and improving quality of life among firefighters.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Stanford/Packard researchers find disease genes hidden in discarded data

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have discovered over a dozen new obesity-related genes by analyzing 49 independent experiments. The team used a comparison approach to identify reliable performers, gaining insights into fundamental importance.

Decoding effects of toxins on embryo development

Zebrafish embryos exposed to 11 common pollutants showed distinct gene-expression profiles, allowing researchers to identify individual toxins. The new method offers a potential solution for evaluating developmental toxicity of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

Daylight savings time disrupts humans' natural circadian rhythm

A new study finds that daylight saving time (DST) significantly disrupts the human circadian clock's seasonal adjustment. Researchers analyzed sleep patterns of over 55,000 people in Central Europe and found that DST timing fails to adapt, leading to significant disruptions in daily rhythms.

Georgetown leads major effort to combat disparities in DC stroke care

Researchers will investigate barriers to treating ischemic strokes and explore the effectiveness of patient navigators and imaging studies to address disparities in DC hospitals. The projects aim to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for medically underserved communities.

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.

Bird flu finds children's lungs faster

Researchers found that avian influenza viruses can infect children's cells more easily than adults' due to the widespread distribution of sialic acid receptors in children's lower respiratory tract. This may explain why avian H5N1 viruses can infect human upper respiratory tracts despite lacking traditional receptors.

Gauging parent knowledge about teens' substance use

Detailed statistics show that 82% of parents accurately evaluated cigarette smoking, 86% accurately reported alcohol use, and 86% accurately reported marijuana use. However, only 72% accurately reported illicit drug use. Parents can use this knowledge to help themselves cope with teenage substance use.

University ranking systems seriously flawed

A study in BMC Medicine critiques university ranking systems for being misleading and invalid, citing discrepancies between top lists from Shanghai and Times Higher Education. The authors argue that such flaws can harm science and education, highlighting the need for global collaboration to standardize data.

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.

Procedure helps to eliminate sleep apnea

Researchers found that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) eliminated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in approximately one quarter to one-third of patients. The procedure also reduced the mean apnea-hyponea index, with patients experiencing a more than half reduction in nonbreathing episodes.

GABRA2 genotype may moderate alcohol-psychotherapy outcomes

A new study found that individuals with a specific GABRA2 genotype may have fewer drinking days and better treatment response to psychotherapy. The findings suggest that genetic information could be used to match patients with the most effective treatments.

New research about smoking/addiction

Researchers found that vitamin supplements may improve lung function in smokers, while early antismoking classes could further enhance knowledge about tobacco's negative effects. Additionally, studies suggest that individuals who drink in moderation may have better lung health compared to abstainers.

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.

Smoked cannabis proven effective in treating neuropathic pain

A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that smoked cannabis eased pain induced in healthy volunteers. The results suggest a therapeutic window for cannabis analgesia, with moderate pain relief observed at a medium dose of 4% THC.

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.

Home computers to help researchers better understand universe

Cosmology@Home allows people worldwide to participate in cutting-edge cosmology research by donating their unused computing cycles. Participating computers calculate the observable predictions of millions of theoretical models with different parameters, which are then compared with actual data.

New research about new treatments/methods

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in various medical fields. A new tattooing procedure has improved the precision of VATS, while collaborative efforts have accelerated antibiotic timing. Modified Tai Chi exercises may also help patients with COPD, while human fibrin sealant shows promise for lung resection surgery.

NIEHS awards outstanding new environmental scientists

The NIEHS has awarded grants totaling $3.5 million to seven outstanding young environmental scientists. These researchers will investigate the mechanisms of environmental exposures and human biology, human pathophysiology, and human disease.

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.

New research about critical care

A new study found that the implementation of eICU tele-intensivist program in hospitals provided positive outcomes, including a decrease in mortality, ICU and hospital length of stays. Another study suggested that rural hospitals can save money by using tele-intensivist programs to reduce patients' hospital length of stay.

New research about gender differences

Asthma diaries found to improve self-efficacy and reduce doctor visits in women with severe asthma. Research also links iron deficiency to increased coughing in women and neck size to sleep apnea severity, especially in women. Furthermore, a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction is found in pre-menopausal women with obstructive sleep a...

Severely restricted diet linked to physical fitness into old age

Researchers found that severely restricting calories can maintain physical fitness into advanced age, reducing visceral fat and improving overall physical function assessments. This approach may slow the progression to physical disability and loss of independence.

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.

New research about COPD

Researchers found that patients with COPD commonly receive the same medication prescriptions, regardless of whether they've undergone spirometry testing. Modified Tai Chi exercises may also improve exercise capacities and quality of life in patients with COPD.

Promising new TB drug given special status by US and European regulators

A new TB drug, SQ109, has been given special status by the US and European regulators for its potential to combat drug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The orphan designation will accelerate clinical testing of the drug, which may lead to simpler and more effective treatment regimens for the disease.

Canadians welcome HPV vaccine -- but not at any price

A survey of Quebec residents found that most young women would accept an HPV vaccine if it was offered for free, with 91% agreeing to vaccination. However, acceptance dropped sharply when the vaccine's cost was mentioned, highlighting concerns about access to healthcare services.

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.

New sleep medicine research

Research studies found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients experience poor bedtime behaviors, fragmented sleep affects cholesterol levels, and first-night comfort determines CPAP compliance. Additionally, nightshift nurses are more likely to experience sleepiness despite receiving the same amount of sleep as dayshift counterparts.

Animal behavior study overturned

Researchers analyzed high-resolution data from loggers on wandering albatrosses' legs, showing they land on the water at simpler random intervals. This challenges previous findings about Lévy flight behavior in animals like deer and bumblebees.

'Twinkle' eye test could improve AMD diagnosis

A new 'Twinkle' eye test has been developed to detect vision loss in people with age-related macular disease (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The test relies on a visual illusion that can identify regions of the eye with vision loss, and its results indicate it could be a powerful diagnostic tool.

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.

Location, location, location

A study in Ecological Applications finds that cluster development reduces habitat loss, but the placement of housing developments around sensitive areas like lakeshores can exacerbate environmental effects. The researchers suggest that clusters must be located away from these areas to reduce impacts.

New research about cough

A new study has found a strong association between iron deficiency and idiopathic cough in women. Italian researchers evaluated 16 healthy, non-smoking women who suffered from chronic cough and were iron deficient, finding that these symptoms were strongly linked to extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness.

A new key to detecting deadly aortic aneurysms

Researchers identified a 41-gene signature in blood cells that distinguishes TAA patients from those without the disease with accuracy rates of 78-85%, paving the way for new detection and treatment methods.

Screeners' hands quicker than eyes

Researchers found that screeners are more accurate in visual searches when allowed to correct their choices, but errors rise for rare targets. The study suggests improving airport security and cancer screening by addressing execution errors and perception issues separately.

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.

Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute releases special report

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute has made significant advancements in understanding and combating malaria, with new discoveries including a potential transmission-blocking vaccine and improved treatments. The institute's research has the potential to save millions of lives worldwide.

Everglades phosphorus limits on the right track, but more is needed

A six-year study by Duke University scientists found that current phosphorus standards protect the Everglades, but high levels persist near outer edges. The researchers suggest a threshold protective zone of 12-15 micrograms per liter is more realistic for the changeable system.