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Science News for April 12, 2007


New class of HIV drug attacks previously untargeted enzyme

A new class of anti-HIV drugs has proven effective in a clinical trial by inhibiting the integrase enzyme, leading to a significant drop in HIV RNA levels and an increase in CD4 cells. The study suggests that this drug could become an important component of combination treatment regimens for heavily pretreated patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 12, 2007

LSU professors monkey around with the Rhesus Macaque genome

The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the rhesus macaque genome, shedding light on the evolutionary relationship between humans and chimps. The findings also reveal the significance of mobile elements in shaping genomes and their impact on diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2007

Quantum dot lasers -- 1 dot makes all the difference

Researchers have built micrometer-sized solid-state lasers where a single quantum dot plays a dominant role in device performance. Correctly tuned, these microlasers switch on at energies in the sub-microwatt range, enabling highly efficient optical devices for telecommunications and computing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 12, 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.

Low education predicts lower quality of life for prostate cancer patients

Men with lower educational levels experience a significant drop in quality of life after prostate cancer treatment compared to those with more education. The study controlled for various factors, including income and healthcare access, to show that low education alone is associated with lower quality of life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer·DateApr 12, 2007

Lip-read me now, hear me better later

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that individuals who lip-read a speaker's face are better at identifying words in noisy sentences when they hear the same speaker again. This suggests that watching a person speak can create a familiar pattern of speech characteristics, making it easier to recognize and hear them later.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 12, 2007

Rhesus macaque genome may hold clues for human health and evolution

The draft sequence of the rhesus macaque genome will enable researchers to study disease progression at the genetic level, providing insights into human health and evolution. The findings also reveal unique aspects of the macaque's immune system response and genome organization.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2007

2 heads are better than 1: 2 dysfunctional DNA repair pathways kill tumor cells

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that inhibiting the ATM protein can kill tumor cells with dysfunctional DNA repair pathways. Individuals with one mutant copy of a key gene are also at increased risk of developing cancer, as their remaining gene becomes mutated in specific cell types.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 12, 2007

Link found between immune system and high plasma lipid levels

The study found an unexpected link between the immune system and elevated lipids in mice, suggesting a potential new avenue for studying coronary heart disease. The researchers discovered that altering T cell expression levels significantly impacted cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 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.

Cluster sees tsunamis in space

The Cluster constellation provides new insights into 'space tsunamis' disrupting aurora displays. Substorms, three-dimensional physical phenomena, affect GPS signals and are studied using data from multiple satellites.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalAnnales Geophysicae·DateApr 12, 2007

Soft tissue taken from Tyrannosaurus rex fossil yields original protein

A team of scientists led by Dr. Mary Schweitzer confirmed the presence of original protein fragments in soft tissue from a 68 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil. The discovery uses mass spectrometry to analyze ancient proteins, providing new insights into fossil preservation and potential medical applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2007

Quantum secrets of photosynthesis revealed

A study by Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley reveals that quantum mechanical effects enable nearly instantaneous energy transfer in photosynthesis. Quantum beats, coherent electronic oscillations, play a crucial role in the process.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2007

Aggie physicists unite with Ivy League to develop anthrax detection method

Researchers create femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques via CARS (FAST-CARS) to detect anthrax spores, using ultrashort pulses to minimize background noise. The technique can identify bacterial endospores in real-time, with potential applications in monitoring glucose levels and scanning the atmosphere.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2007

Technology reveals 'lock and key' proteins behind diseases

Researchers at University of Toronto developed a device to test for proteins involved in human health and disease, revealing potential targets for pharmaceutical applications. The study identified six new protein interactors that regulate ABC transporter function, providing insights into diseases like cystic fibrosis and drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 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.

OHSU Cancer Institute, 1 of largest in GIST study and Gleevec

Researchers found that patients who received Gleevec after surgery were significantly less likely to have cancer recurrence compared to those who didn't receive it. The study showed a 97% survival rate for patients on Gleevec, with only mild side effects reported.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateApr 12, 2007

Mass weddings -- NIST's new efficient 2-photon source

Physicists at NIST have devised a system to generate paired photons with great efficiency over a wide range of energy, reducing noise from extraneous photons. The new microstructured optical fiber increases light intensity, making pair production more likely.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 12, 2007

UCLA study finds severe shortage of Latino dentists

A UCLA study found a nearly 80% decline in the number of Latino graduates from dental schools between 1982 and 1999, despite a 42.7% increase in the Latino population. This shortage will result in fewer dentists serving Spanish-speaking populations, with limited ability to bridge language gaps.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Dental Education·DateApr 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.

Inaugural award honors collaborative team science

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded its inaugural Team Science Award to a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital. The award recognizes their groundbreaking discovery of gene fusions in prostate cancer, which has significan...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 12, 2007

Treasure trove of fossils found in Kendall County cave

A fossil trove discovered in a Kendall County cave may rewrite the region's geological history. The site preserves nearly-pristine plant spores, leaves, and scorpion parts, including needles from conifers dated to be the oldest ever found in North America.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateApr 12, 2007

Learning visual prosthesis at the Hanover Fair

Researchers at Bonn University have developed a software system called the Retina Encoder, which helps the brain interpret signals from retinal implants. The system learns to translate camera signals into a language that the brain understands, allowing blind subjects to perceive contours and orientation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateApr 12, 2007

U of M study shows physical activity reduces risk of hypertension in young adults

A new University of Minnesota study reveals that young adults who engage in regular physical activity have a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure within 15 years. The research found that participants who exercised five times a week and expended 300 calories per session experienced a significant reduction in hypertension risk.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 12, 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.

Bacteria control how infectious they become, study finds

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that bacteria can turn genes on or off to control their infectiousness. The proteins NusG and RfaH play a crucial role in this process, with NusG regulating nearly all gene expression in bacteria and RfaH controlling specific sequences of the genome during transcription.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 12, 2007

Macaque genome analysis will help find human disease genes

Researchers analyzed the macaque genome to identify genes that have evolved in humans compared to other primates, finding significant changes in hair and immune system genes. The study also identified genetic variations on the X chromosome, providing insights into human evolution and disease gene identification.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 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.

JRRD news tips -- Wheelchairs, lower limb prosthesis, TBI and more

Research reveals that athletes with acute lateral ankle sprains have significantly weaker balance ability when their eyes are closed. Wheelchair provision varies by demographic characteristics, with disparities found in the standard of care within the Veterans Health Administration. Near-infrared spectroscopy measures cerebral oxygenat...

SourceJournal of Rehabilitation Research·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateApr 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.

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.

Bovine tuberculosis could spread by human-human contact

A cluster of six cases in central England suggests that human-to-human transmission can occur through social links and shared environments. Genetic fingerprinting identified the source case, which was linked to unpasteurized milk consumption, emphasizing the importance of disease prevention measures.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 12, 2007

School bullying affects majority of elementary students

A simple questionnaire identified bullying behaviors in most elementary students, highlighting the need for early intervention and education. The study suggests that promoting positive peer pressure and attitude change can be effective in reducing bullying.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 12, 2007

Protein fragments sequenced in 68 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex

Researchers have successfully sequenced tiny pieces of collagen protein from a 68 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, closely matching amino acid sequences found in present-day chickens. The findings support the long-debated proposal that birds and dinosaurs are evolutionarily related.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2007

Medical students should be taught about rape

A recent report highlights the need for medical professionals to be trained in managing rape and sexual assault cases, particularly in the UK. The editorial argues that teaching future doctors about this topic could improve victim responses and increase convictions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 12, 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.

Chandra sees remarkable eclipse of black hole

Scientists confirm size of hot gas disk around supermassive black hole, measuring its size as seven times the distance between Earth and Sun. The disk is found to be 10 times smaller than predicted event horizon, consistent with theoretical predictions.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 12, 2007

International Best Cases Competition returns to Vancouver

The Franz Edelman Award recognizes outstanding operations research-based projects that have transformed companies, industries, and lives. This year's competition features five finalists from major organizations, including Coca-Cola Enterprises, U.S. Coast Guard, Hewlett-Packard, Chrysler Group, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 12, 2007

Electrons caught in the act of tunneling

Researchers have successfully observed electrons tunnelling through the binding potential of an atom nucleus under the influence of laser light. This breakthrough allows scientists to study electron movement in real-time and has implications for microelectronics and radiation therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2007
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.

Global burden of childhood deafness overlooked

A recent analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS) and subsequent Global Burden of Disease Initiative (GBDI) reveals that childhood deafness is overlooked in disease control priorities. An estimated 718,000 infants worldwide suffer from permanent bilateral hearing impairment annually.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 12, 2007

JCI table of contents: April 12, 2007

A study found that inhibiting the protein ATM can kill cancer cells with dysfunctional DNA repair pathways, offering hope for a new treatment. Additionally, researchers discovered that inhibiting the protein CaMKII can drive leukemic cells to mature and die, providing an alternative strategy for treating acute promyleocytic leukemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 12, 2007

Gene that governs toxin production in deadly mold found

Scientists have identified a key gene, LaeA, that governs the mold's ability to produce toxic compounds. The discovery opens new avenues for treating Aspergillus fumigatus infection, which has a 60-90% mortality rate in immunocompromised individuals.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 12, 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.

Analysis of rhesus monkey genome uncovers genetic differences with humans, chimps

The rhesus macaque genome sequence comparison with the chimpanzee and human genomes revealed significant genetic differences, including genes involved in hair formation, immune response, and membrane proteins. The study also identified nearly 200 key player genes that may contribute to differences among primate species.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2007