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Science News for April 16, 2007


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.

Eating cured meats frequently can lead to lower lung function and potential COPD

A large cross-sectional survey found that frequent consumption of cured meats is associated with lower lung function test scores and increased odds of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study suggests that high dietary nitrite intake may be a novel risk factor for COPD.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Obesity may be linked to middle ear effusions in children

Research suggests a possible association between childhood obesity and otitis media with effusion, characterized by fluid buildup in the middle ear space. The study found higher body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol levels among children with otitis media with effusion compared to those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 16, 2007

Researchers discover gene crucial for nerve cell insulation

A defect in one copy of the EGR2 gene disrupts myelin production, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Researchers have deciphered a key sequence essential to myelin assembly, paving the way for new therapies.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateApr 16, 2007
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.

Brain structure changes years before memory loss begins

Researchers found brain structure changes in people who developed dementia or Alzheimer's disease up to four years before memory loss began. Those destined for MCI had lower cognitive test scores at the start of the study, even within normal ranges.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 16, 2007

20-year study shows significant rise in childhood obesity, especially among girls

A 20-year study reveals a significant rise in childhood obesity, especially among girls, with four-year-olds being six times more likely to have a BMI over 30 than their counterparts 20 years ago. Young girls are also more likely to be overweight or obese than boys, with nearly a third of ten-year-old girls having a BMI over 25.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateApr 16, 2007

AGU Journal Highlights -- April 16, 2007

Scientists have discovered that earthquake-induced gravity field changes can slowly recover to initial conditions, possibly due to simultaneous diffusion of mantle water. This self-healing system could significantly reduce permanent shifts in the Earth's rotation axis by earthquakes. Meanwhile, recent trends in Arctic Ocean mass distri...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 16, 2007

Winter flounder on the fast track to recovery

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are setting the winter flounder fishery on the fast track to recovery through stock enhancement. The study found that hatchery-raised fish must be as fit as wild fish to ensure success, and acclimatization cages can help reduce vulnerability to predators.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateApr 16, 2007

Pimp my meatballs -- collagen injections safeguard nutrients

A new study by researchers from the Agricultural University of Poznan in Poland found that collagen injections can help retain important nutrients like iodine and thiamine in meatballs. Thiamine is essential for energy conversion, while iodine deficiency can lead to severe health issues such as goiter and impaired mental development.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 16, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Johns Hopkins develops pancreas cancer risk model

A new computer software tool, PancPRO, helps genetic counselors and physicians predict the chance of carrying a gene for hereditary pancreas cancer and the lifetime risk of developing the disease. The model, developed by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers, calculates a percentage score of probability that a person carries a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 16, 2007

University of Alberta researchers unravel intricate animal patterns

University of Alberta researchers discovered that individual animal movements can influence the entire group, producing complex collective behaviors such as swarm formation and zig-zag group movements. By analyzing communication patterns, they found simple rules could produce intricate designs.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2007

Clinical studies evaluate potential treatments for mouth ulcers

A clinical study found that a cream commonly used to treat eczema may be effective in treating oral erosive lichen planus, a severe inflammatory condition. Another study showed limited benefit of pentoxifylline in treating recurrent apthous stomatitis, but the treatment was associated with significant adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 16, 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.

Homework -- Keeping children, parents and teachers together

A new interactive learning system called HOMEWORK has been shown to improve communication between parents, teachers, and learners. It integrates educational software with multimedia technologies, making numeracy learning more engaging and increasing participation and enjoyment in homework.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateApr 16, 2007

Massive coral death atrributed to earthquake

Coral reefs on Pulau Simeulue and Pulau Banyak were severely damaged due to the 2005 earthquake, with some species suffering up to 100% loss. However, despite initial mass mortality, some coral species are beginning to re-colonize shallow reef areas, offering hope for recovery.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateApr 16, 2007
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.

Rotavirus can spread beyond the intestine

A new study found that rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in children, can also be present systemically, with infectious virus detected in the blood of infected children. The presence of virus in the blood is directly related to the presence of antigen but independent of diarrhea.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Tip sheet Annals of Internal Medicine, April 17, 2007

A new meta-analysis of published research concludes that chondroitin has little effect on knee or hip pain caused by arthritis, while a clinical trial testing two different ways to treat Helicobacter pylori infection found sequential therapy cured the infection more often than standard treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Ancient amphibians evolved a bite before migrating to dry land

Researchers from Harvard University found that ancient aquatic amphibians developed the ability to feed on land before transitioning to terrestrial life. Analysis of skull bones reveals that these extinct animals captured prey by biting or sucking it into their mouth, with one key species showing signs of biting behavior.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 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.

Should primary care doctors assess safety of older drivers?

A recent editorial by Dr. Malaz Boustani suggests that primary care physicians should not assess the safety of older drivers due to resource constraints and potential conflicts of interest. The editorial is based on a survey of Canadian family physicians, who reported low confidence in assessing driving fitness.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007
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.

Massey researchers induce cell death in leukemia

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center have induced cell death in leukemia cells using a combination of bortezomib and romidepsin or belinostat. The findings suggest potentiated lethality and additive effects in human CLL cells.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateApr 16, 2007

UCSF brain tumor vaccine trial shows promising results

A clinical trial at UCSF Brain Tumor Research Center has shown promising results using the vitespen vaccine to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells. The vaccine, made from a patient's own tumor, induced a tumor-specific immune response in all 12 study patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateApr 16, 2007

From silicon to the sea: Managing heat aboard modern ships

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are working to develop new cooling techniques to manage heat aboard modern ships. The project aims to reduce device temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius using novel electronic cooling systems, including liquid cooling and nanoparticle suspensions.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateApr 16, 2007

Smoking ban dramatically reduces air pollution in Irish pubs

A national smoking ban in Ireland resulted in a significant reduction in air pollution in pubs, with an 83 percent decrease in airborne carcinogens. The ban also improved the respiratory health of bar workers, particularly non-smoking employees, who showed improvements in cough and phlegm production.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Tennessee researcher earns Komen grant to study depression and breast cancer

A University of Tennessee researcher has been awarded a $296,000 Komen grant to conduct a groundbreaking study on treating depression in breast cancer patients using behavior therapy. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of two treatments: problem-solving therapy and brief behavior activation therapy.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateApr 16, 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.

MS drug helps reduce vision loss

Researchers found that natalizumab significantly reduces vision loss and likelihood of sustained vision loss in patients with relapsing MS. The drug's potential benefits must be weighed against its risks, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 16, 2007

Strong marriage helps couples deal with tempermental baby

A new study from Ohio State University found that couples with a strong marital relationship tend to handle temperamental babies better than those without. The study, which involved 97 couples, showed that poor coparenting relationships can have long-term effects on children's behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateApr 16, 2007

Wireless sensors limit earthquake damage

Shirley J. Dyke successfully tested wireless sensors in a simulated structural control setting, demonstrating their potential to reduce damage from earthquakes. The technology has the potential to enable less manpower requirements and far less remodeling of existing structures.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateApr 16, 2007

Researchers find 'large is smart' when it comes to cities

Researchers found that as cities grow, their creative output increases superlinearly, generating more wealth and innovation. This challenges traditional models of urban growth, suggesting large cities are a source of solutions rather than problems.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2007
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.

Prognosis -- predicting cancer risk in the long term

Researchers found that early age at first birth protects against ERPR-positive breast cancer, but not receptor-negative. Breastfeeding was protective for both subtypes, regardless of when a woman gave birth. Women who delay childbearing may benefit from breastfeeding to reduce their risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 16, 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.

Penn researchers find treatment for MS also reduces vision loss in MS patients

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that natalizumab reduces both visual loss and disability in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Vision loss is a common symptom of MS, and this study provides strong validation for a simple measure of visual function.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateApr 16, 2007

Study shows that indigenous people are not genetically prone to diabetes

A recent study by Dr Yin Paradies and colleagues reveals that indigenous people do not have a genetic predisposition to diabetes. The research shows that social factors such as poor diet, reduced physical activity, stress, and low birth weight contribute significantly to the high rates of diabetes among indigenous populations.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalPerspectives in Biology and Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

No sign that ethnic groups' genes cause diabetes, international research team says

The study analyzed existing genetic studies and found that non-genetic factors such as poverty, housing segregation, and poor diet are stronger indicators of diabetes than genes. The findings challenge the widely held thrifty genotype theory, which suggests that certain minority groups are genetically prone to diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPerspectives in Biology and Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Having elevated risk factors in young adulthood raises risk of coronary calcium later on

A new study by NHLBI found that elevated risk factors in young adulthood significantly increase the risk of developing coronary calcium, a predictor of heart disease. Young adults with above-optimal levels of risk factors are two to three times more likely to develop coronary calcium than those with lower levels.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2007

DOE commits $27.5M for uranium contaminant transport field studies

The Department of Energy has awarded $27.5 million for two field research studies to investigate contaminated groundwater at the Hanford Site in Washington and a uranium mill tailings site in Colorado. The studies aim to identify new approaches to resolve questions about subsurface contaminant movement.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateApr 16, 2007
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.

Scientists find major susceptibility genes for Crohn's disease

A consortium of Canadian and American researchers have identified three major genetic risk factors for Crohn's disease: PHOX2B, NCF4, and ATG16L1. These findings highlight biological pathways not previously thought to play a role in the disease, including altered reactive oxygen species production and autophagic processes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 16, 2007

Chromosomes tell tale of patient's risk for new, future cancer

Researchers found that Hodgkin's disease survivors with higher chromosomal aberrations are two-and-a-half times more likely to develop another type of cancer. Chromosomal breaks, particularly those on one chromosome arm, may serve as a biomarker for predicting second primary tumor risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 16, 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.