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Science News Archive April 2007


Page 13 of 17

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.

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...

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

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.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington University surgeon develops treatment for foot deformity

A new treatment developed by a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine has shown early success in correcting congenital vertical talus with minimal surgery. The treatment involves gentle manipulation and long leg casts to gradually correct the deformity.

Scientists must improve communication tactics, Science article proclaims

Experts Chris Mooney and Matthew Nisbet argue that scientists should apply research on framing and other social sciences to improve their communication skills. By shaping public perception of complex issues, scientists can make knowledge more personally relevant to diverse segments of the public.

Leanest teens are biggest energy users and consumers

The study found that despite being lean, many teenagers have poor eating habits, with low intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Encouraging physical activity can help promote healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers identify gene involved in dog size

A study led by the National Human Genome Research Institute identified a key genetic variant associated with small size in dogs. The IGF-1 gene was found to play a strong role in regulating body size across various breeds, offering potential insights into skeletal body size programming in humans and disease susceptibility.

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.

Cambridge to host first city-wide wireless sensor network

Researchers at Harvard University and BBN Technologies are creating a city-wide wireless sensor network called CitySense, the world's first of its kind. The network will focus on monitoring air pollution and weather conditions, collecting data on a scale never before attempted.

AIBS honors outstanding contributions to the biological sciences

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) honored several individuals and groups in 2007 for their significant contributions to the field of biology. The Distinguished Scientist Award was presented to Simon A. Levin, Princeton University, for his research on biodiversity loss and environmental protection.

Tumors stopped from spreading to new sites

Researchers found that TGF-beta inhibitors can block lung metastases in breast cancer mice treated with radiation or doxorubicin. Monitoring TGF-beta levels could identify at-risk patients for metastatic cancer progression.

RAND panel identifies key components of public health emergency preparedness

The RAND Corporation's expert panel identifies key components of public health emergency preparedness, including a coordinated rapid-response capability, adequate public health worker and volunteer numbers, and regular testing. The report emphasizes the importance of community engagement and clear definitions to ensure readiness.

$13.8M e-science effort will try to tame data torrents

A team of researchers is building a prototype system to automate scientific workflows, addressing the growing issue of data analysis overload in various fields like climatology and high-energy physics. The Windward project integrates AI and grid computing to create an efficient workflow management system.

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.