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Science News for April 11, 2007


3-D solar cells boost efficiency while reducing size, weight and complexity

Researchers have developed unique three-dimensional solar cells that capture nearly all of the light that strikes them, increasing efficiency and reducing size, weight and mechanical complexity. The new cells could also enable improvements in photovoltaic coating materials and change the way solar cells are designed.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJOM·DateApr 11, 2007

AACR to present distinguished public service awards at 2007 Annual Meeting

The American Association for Cancer Research will present the AACR Distinguished Service Award and the AACR Public Service Award to Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach, Dr. Harold P. Freeman, and Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., recognizing their outstanding contributions to leadership, education, and advocacy in cancer research. The awards will ...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 11, 2007

MiniBooNE findings clarify the behavior of neutrinos

The MiniBooNE experiment has confirmed the behavior of neutrinos, clarifying their fundamental properties. The study ruled out the presence of a fourth, 'sterile' type of neutrino, which was initially suggested by earlier experiments like LSND.

SourceYale University·DateApr 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.

A genetic 'gang of 4' drives spread of breast cancer

A genetic 'gang of 4' drives the spread of breast cancer to the lungs by promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Researchers discovered that silencing these genes can effectively reduce cancer growth and metastasis in mice.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2007

Massive gene screening points way to more effective chemotherapy

Researchers used a high-throughput technology to screen human genes for biological activity and identified 87 genes that affect chemotherapy drug paclitaxel's sensitivity in lung-cancer cells. Blocking these genes increased cell sensitivity by up to 10,000 times.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2007

Poor diet puts teenagers' health at risk

A recent study by Deakin University found that Australian teenagers eat fast food daily, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Only one-third of teens consume a variety of foods from the five food groups every day.

SourceResearch Australia·DateApr 11, 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.

Pump design could give new hope to heart patients

A new counter-flow heart pump being developed by Queensland University of Technology has the potential to support both chambers of the heart simultaneously, reducing mortality rates. Clinical studies have shown that permanent left heart pumps can reduce mortality risk by up to 47%.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalArtificial Organs·DateApr 11, 2007

Liver regeneration may be simpler than previously thought

Researchers have discovered that liver regeneration is driven by an increase in cell multiplication through regular cell divisions, rather than relying on embryonic-like processes. This finding could lead to more effective ways to stimulate liver growth and potentially improve treatment options for patients with liver diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2007

Level-headed: Economics experiment finds taste for equality

A new study published in Nature found that participants in a game were willing to reduce their own earnings to increase another player's income, demonstrating a preference for economic equality. The results suggest that egalitarian motives underlie human cooperation and reciprocity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Space data unveils evidence of ancient mega-lake in northern Darfur

Researchers from Boston University used satellite topographic data to discover an ancient mega-lake in the Darfur province of northwestern Sudan. The lake, which existed for a long period when rainfall was plentiful, holds significant implications for improving knowledge of continental climate change and regional palaeohydrology.

SourceBoston University·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateApr 11, 2007

UCLA study challenges conventional treatment

A UCLA study suggests that lactate may be a key fuel for the brain after traumatic injury, potentially replacing glucose. Researchers found that the brain takes up and utilizes lactate more than at any other time after injury, making it a faster and more efficient source of energy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateApr 11, 2007

Researchers create smallest organic light-emitters

Researchers created microscopic 'nanolamps' using electrospinning, a technique that produces extremely small fibers made of ruthenium and polyethylene oxide. The fibers emit orange light when excited by low voltage, making them useful for applications in sensing, microscopy, and flat-panel displays.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 11, 2007

Genes set scene for metastasis

Biologists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center identified a set of genes working together to remodel blood vessels and promote breast cancer spread to the lungs. Targeting these genes with drug combinations may prove useful in treating metastatic breast cancer.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 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.

MIT's assistive robot adapts to people, new places

Researchers at MIT have developed a humanoid robot called Domo that can adapt to new environments, grasp objects, and interact with humans. The robot learns from its experiences and can perform tasks like putting away dishes, which could help elderly or wheelchair-bound people.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 11, 2007

Global momentum for smoke-free indoor environments at tipping point

Over a dozen countries have adopted national indoor smoke-free policies, including Ireland and New Zealand, making progress in protecting people from second-hand smoke. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has helped galvanize global commitment to clean-air policies and tobacco control initiatives.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2007

Study of coastal disasters yields surprising findings, arresting images

A Princeton University research team studied the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, discovering that hurricanes and tsunamis can inflict similar forces on structures. The team's findings suggest that storm surges, in particular, can cause significant damage to buildings and bridges.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateApr 11, 2007

Study finds drug helps PTSD nightmares

A study found that a generic drug called prazosin improves sleep quality and reduces trauma nightmares in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The drug, already used for high blood pressure and prostate problems, was shown to improve overall well-being and functioning.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 11, 2007

Earthshaking images

Engineers at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering used a virtual building to test the impact of the 1994 Northridge earthquake on a 275-ton structure. The virtual model allowed researchers to visualize data from over 600 sensors, gaining new insights into structure performance and enabling 'what if' simulations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 11, 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.

3 proteins may play important role in nerve-cell repair

Research found that increasing levels of three proteins on nerve cells can stimulate growth of new extensions, up to 3x longer than normal. This could lead to improved treatment for stroke, brain, and spinal cord injuries as well as neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2007

NASA predicts nongreen plants on other planets

Researchers used Earth-based light data to identify dominant photosynthesis colors for extrasolar planets, narrowing the range of expected colors. This new approach will guide future space telescope designs to study habitable planets and detect alien life.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAstrobiology·DateApr 11, 2007

Spanish doctors more likely to drink and drive

A recent study published in BMC Public Health reveals a disturbingly high prevalence of self-reported drinking and driving among Spanish doctors and nurses. These health professionals are found to be more likely to engage in drink driving, with men being twice as likely to drive while intoxicated compared to women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 11, 2007

Aflac expands decade-long partnership with AACR

Aflac has expanded its support for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), providing funding for four young investigators in pediatric cancer research through the AACR-Aflac Career Development Award. The awards also enhance education for early-career scientists attending the AACR Annual Meeting.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 11, 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.

Study pries into ovarian cancer's deadly secrets

Researchers develop genetically engineered mice with defects in Wnt/â-catenin and PI3K/Pten signaling pathways, leading to rapid tumor development and metastasis. The study aims to improve early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 11, 2007

NASA's GLAST mission one step closer to launch

GLAST will study extreme objects, detecting thousands of new gamma-ray sources and extending knowledge of dark matter. Environmental testing begins after successful integration of components, ensuring the spacecraft can survive launch and space conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 11, 2007

Anti-wrinkle compound causes pathological reaction in skin cells

A commonly used anti-aging compound has been found to cause a pathological reaction in skin cells, slowing down cell division and inducing the death of fibroblasts. Researchers are now urging caution and calling for more research into the compound's pharmacological and toxicological effects.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateApr 11, 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.

NASA aims to clear up mystery of elusive clouds at edge of space

The Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft aims to probe mysterious polar mesospheric clouds that dot the edge of space, providing insight into climate change indicators. The mission will analyze cloud formation, size, and composition using three instruments.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 11, 2007

Weizmann Institute scientists discover a key player in embryonic muscle development

Researchers identify protein WIP as crucial for cell fusion, shedding light on muscle development; potential applications include regenerating muscle tissue with stem cells. The study's findings have implications for understanding various cellular processes and may lead to new treatments or therapies.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 11, 2007

Long-standing neutrino question resolved

The MiniBooNE experiment resolves a long-standing question about neutrino behavior, contradicting earlier DOE findings. Researchers now push the search for sterile neutrinos with LENS project, potentially altering our understanding of particle physics.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 11, 2007

MiniBooNE opens the box

The MiniBooNE experiment resolves questions raised by the LSND [3] experiment in the 1990s that appeared to contradict findings of other neutrino experiments worldwide. The results conclusively show that the LSND results could not be due to simple neutrino oscillation, clarifying the overall picture of how neutrinos behave.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateApr 11, 2007
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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