Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2007


Page 15 of 17

Other highlights in the April 4 JNCI

Testicular cancer survivors have a higher risk of dying from noncancer causes, including infections and circulatory diseases. Chemotherapy treatment in the 1970s also increases this risk. Researchers highlight the need for additional long-term follow-up studies to better understand secondary complications.

Weighing the financial risks of nuclear power plants

A new study analyzing US nuclear reactors finds a range of electricity costs from 3 cents to 14 cents per kilowatt hour, with higher costs attributed to poor plant operation and security concerns. The study suggests that new technologies and safer reactors may not mitigate the financial risks associated with nuclear power.

Dieting does not work, UCLA researchers report

A study of 31 long-term diet studies found that only a small minority of participants achieved sustained weight loss, while the majority regained weight. Exercise was found to be a key factor in maintaining weight loss, and dieting may even lead to negative health effects.

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.

Transfusion expert urges wider use of filtered blood

A University of Rochester study concludes that filtering white cells from donor blood before a transfusion is much safer for patients and long overdue as a national standard. The practice reduces post-surgical infection rates by 30%, saving lives and reducing costs nationwide.

Fighting for their attention

In a population of bottlenose dolphins in Fiordland, New Zealand, males form complex alliances and coalitions to compete for female choice, rather than coercing females into mating. This phenomenon challenges traditional views on male-female relationships in dolphins, offering insights into the evolution of social behavior.

AACR establishes new lecture in honor of Princess Takamatsu

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) established a new lecture in honor of Princess Takamatsu, recognizing Webster K. Cavenee's groundbreaking research on genetic mechanisms of cancer predisposition. Cavenee will present his inaugural lecture on April 17, highlighting the importance of collaborations in cancer research.

Life-long learning -- nature provides natural inspiration for education

Biomimetics applies natural adaptations to teach students about interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer, promoting a holistic approach to science education. Researchers use biomimetic product development to integrate scientific, social, economic, and ecological aspects, increasing understanding of interconnected subjects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly discovered 'platform' for processing dietary fat

Researchers have identified a protein on the inner surfaces of capillaries that delivers dietary fat to enzymes for entry into cells, revolutionizing our understanding of lipid processing. The discovery has implications for patients with chylomicronemia, a condition in which the body's ability to process dietary fat is impaired.

Cure for cancer one step closer

The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank has collected its first batches of cancer tissue, providing a valuable resource for researchers to study the cause, progression, and potential treatment of cancer. This step forward in cancer research is expected to lead to significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

Want to monitor climate change? P-p-p-pick up a penguin!

Researchers used king penguins as bio-indicators to study the impact of climate change on fish availability and foraging behavior. By analyzing heart rate and energy expenditure data, scientists found correlations between energetic costs and food scarcity, providing insights into the pressure exerted by king penguins on their ecosystem.

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.

Researchers discover connection between allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases

A new study identifies a connection between allergic diseases like eczema and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that these conditions may trigger each other through immune system dysfunction. The researchers are now investigating specific triggers and exploring potential treatments, including drugs that can counter autoimmune responses.

World-renowned chemist honored with inaugural lectureship

Danishefsky's work has provided major fundamental advances in organic synthesis and impacted the treatment of cancer, with novel compounds currently in clinical trials. He is recognized as one of the world's leading chemists and a celebrated researcher, with numerous awards and honors including the Wolf Prize in Chemistry.

PSA is poor predictor of lethal prostate cancer

New study finds that PSA measurement is associated with prostate cancer prognosis but poorly predicts lethal cancer. Researchers emphasize the need for improved surveillance strategies to identify life-threatening tumors.

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.

Media bias distorts details of past earthquakes

A recent study found that media accounts of past earthquakes, such as the M7.6 Bhuj, India earthquake of 2001, can be misleading due to a natural bias towards dramatic effects. The research compared written accounts with ground-based surveys and concluded that the media bias can be significant, particularly at stronger shaking levels.

Secondhand smoke proves to be no 'joke' on oral health

A study published by the American Academy of Periodontology found that subjects with periodontitis exposed to secondhand smoke experienced greater bone loss than those not exposed. This highlights the devastating effects of secondhand smoke on oral health, emphasizing the importance of smoke-free environments.

In young mice, gregariousness seems to reside in the genes

A groundbreaking study found that genetic background influences the extent of young mice's gregariousness, with more socially predisposed animals seeking social interaction. The researchers also identified associations between mouse vocalizations and the nature of their social interactions.

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.

Research explains how lead exposure produces learning deficits

Research reveals lead exposure reduces new neuron birth and survival, and alters their development in the hippocampus, a crucial region for learning and memory. This impairment affects the formation of new connections between neurons, leading to decreased communication and learning abilities.

Mammograms for women in their 40s should be based on individual

The American College of Physicians recommends that mammography screening decisions be made on a case-by-case basis, considering each woman's individual cancer risk and preference. The new guidelines acknowledge the benefits and harms of screening, recommending periodic assessment of breast cancer risk to inform decision-making.

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.

Biofeedback treats one type of chronic constipation

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that biofeedback treatment can correct bowel function in nearly 80% of patients with dyssynergic defecation. The study compared biofeedback to standard treatment of laxatives, diet, and exercise, and found that biofeedback was significantly more effective in improving muscle function.

University of Alaska Fairbanks awarded $3.8M for bird flu research

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will collect and test over 8,000 samples from Alaska and Russia to understand the genetic changes of flu viruses and their success in animal hosts. The research aims to develop new knowledge on the ecology of the influenza virus and its impact on bird populations.

Kennedy Krieger Institute launches first national online autism registry

The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is a national online autism registry launched by Kennedy Krieger Institute to accelerate autism research. IAN connects parents of children with autism to local and national research studies, collecting valuable data and facilitating the search for causes, treatments, and a cure.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Engineers create 'optical cloaking' design for invisibility

Engineers at Purdue University developed a theoretical design for an optical cloaking device that guides light around objects, making them invisible. The device works only for specific wavelengths and has limitations, but the researchers believe it's possible to create a cloak for all colors of visible light.

New placenta screening for high-risk pregnancies

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto have developed a non-invasive screening test to detect placental damage in high-risk pregnancies. The test, which combines ultrasound and blood tests, can identify abnormal placental function at 16-23 weeks gestation, allowing for early intervention and improved pregnancy outcomes.

Recent declines in breast cancer mortality greatest in women under 70

A new study reveals that recent declines in breast cancer mortality rates have been most significant among women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors and women younger than 70. These groups experienced a 38% decline in mortality from breast cancer, compared to a 19% decline for ER-negative tumors.

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.

New homes rise from rubbish

Researchers have created a building block made almost entirely of recycled glass, metal slag, and other waste products, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry. The 'Bitublock' is estimated to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and use an estimated 400,000 tonnes of crushed glass annually.

NICS announces 6 new leaders in australian health care

The National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS) has awarded six Fellowships to support the development of experts and leaders in evidence implementation. The fellows will work on projects addressing gaps between evidence and practice in areas such as stroke rehabilitation, mental health, and Indigenous health.

'Self-healing' house in Greece will dare to defy nature

A £9.5 million European Union-funded project will build a self-healing house in Greece with unique walls that contain wireless sensors and can repair cracks using nano polymer particles. The system aims to alert residents straight away if there are any problems, potentially saving lives.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for April 3, 2007

The American College of Physicians released a guideline for mammography screening in women between ages 40 and 49, emphasizing the need for individualized decision-making based on risk factors. The guidelines also highlight the uncertainty surrounding long-term effects of false-positive screening results on women's behavior.

Is there such a thing as too much sugar?

A study published in JCI Journals found that glucose reperfusion triggers more extensive neuronal death in hypoglycemic mice than prolonged hypoglycemia itself. Gradual increase of blood glucose levels may be a better approach to treat individuals in hypoglycemic coma, but the findings are subject to further clarification.

New guideline for screening mammography for women 40 to 49 years of age

The American College of Physicians recommends that clinicians assess each woman's breast cancer risk profile before making a decision about screening mammography. Women between 40-49 years old should weigh the potential benefits and harms of screening, discussing their concerns with their doctor to make an informed choice.

Laser goes tubing for faster body-fluid tests

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created a laser-based technique that measures multiple chemicals in body fluids in under 60 seconds, offering non-destructive and fast testing capabilities. The technique uses Raman spectroscopy and low-refractive-index tubes to improve signal strength and accuracy.

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.

Drug reduces daily 'off' time for Parkinson patients

Researchers found that taking the prolonged release version of ropinirole with levodopa significantly reduced daily 'off' time by 2.1 hours compared to the placebo group. Additionally, those taking ropinirole showed improvements in troublesome Parkinson symptoms, quality of life, and motor function.

Stevens and Connecticut Innovations agree to investment of $500,000 in SPOC Inc.

SPOC Inc. has developed a proprietary point-of-care medical diagnostic system that pinpoints specific myofascial trigger points causing pain, revolutionizing neck and back pain diagnosis and treatment practices. The investment from Stevens Institute of Technology and Connecticut Innovations will help commercialize the product.

Flexible electronics could find applications as sensors, artificial muscles

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed flexible electronic structures that can bend, expand, and manipulate devices, paving the way for applications in sensors and artificial muscles. These structures were created by forming single-crystalline semiconductor nanoribbons in stretchable geometrical configurations.

Delft researchers predict 'nanobattery' performance

Researchers at Delft University of Technology used neutron-diffraction research to study the effects of nanostructuring on Li-ion battery performance. They found that the phase balance changes significantly when electrode particles are scaled down, leading to reduced battery performance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

JCI table of contents: April 2, 2007

Researchers found that hypoglycemic neuronal death is triggered by glucose reperfusion and activation of NADPH oxidase. Treatment with CD40Ig allows rats to accept heart grafts from non-genetically identical donors by enhancing regulatory immune cells.

Genes found for successful smoking cessation

Researchers found that specific genes distinguish smokers who quit from those who struggle with addiction, suggesting a biological basis for success. The study could lead to personalized treatment plans tailored to individual genetic profiles.

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.