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Science News for April 24, 2007


Scientists unravel clue in cortisol production

Researchers found that cortisol production is cyclic in nature, involving rhythmic binding and unbinding of a protein essential to its production. This process starts with a signal from the hypothalamus, causing adrenal cells to increase cAMP production.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Endocrinology·DateApr 24, 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.

Towards rational vaccine design

A study published in Immunology Letters describes new ways of inducing immune responses through selective B cell priming, suggesting a potential approach to rational vaccine design. This discovery could have significant practical implications for vaccination development.

SourceElsevier·JournalImmunology Letters·DateApr 24, 2007

Corn, oats, cherries and red wine's high melatonin content can help delay aging

A study by the Spanish Ageing Research Network found that melatonin, naturally present in food sources like corn, oats, and cherries, delays oxidative damage and inflammatory processes typical of old age. Daily melatonin intake could prevent or delay illnesses related to aging, such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalFrontiers in Bioscience-Landmark·DateApr 24, 2007

Moonlighting enzyme linked to neurodegenerative disease

Researchers identify mutations in moonlighting enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) that contribute to the reduction of frataxin production, leading to increased severity of Friedreich's ataxia. The study suggests DLD as a potential target for therapies of this condition.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 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.

You don't have to be smart to be rich, study finds

A nationwide study by Ohio State University's Jay Zagorsky found that people with below-average intelligence are just as wealthy as those with higher IQ scores. However, high-IQ individuals tend to earn higher incomes but struggle with financial difficulties such as maxed-out credit cards and missed bill payments.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIntelligence·DateApr 24, 2007

Sea snails break the law

Scientists have found that a group of sea snails can regain the lost larval stage, breaking Dollo's Law. This discovery suggests that animals may carry the potential for evolutionary change around with them.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiological Bulletin·DateApr 24, 2007

Stretching DNA to the limit

A Duke University team develops a method to measure DNA mechanical properties upon irradiation, revealing unraveling of the double helix and crosslinking of bases. This work establishes a relationship between DNA nanomechanics and damage, paving the way for DNA diagnostics.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateApr 24, 2007

Ultrasound upgrade produces images that work like 3-D movies

Researchers at Duke University have developed an ultrasound imaging software that enables the display of real-time stereo image pairs, improving early diagnosis of birth defects and surgeons' depth perception during medical procedures. The technology has potential to be upgraded in existing 3D scanners with minor software changes.

SourceDuke University·JournalUltrasonic Imaging·DateApr 24, 2007
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.

Revamped experiment could detect elusive particle, physicists say

Physicists at the University of Florida propose a redesign to improve the detection of axions, a candidate for dark matter. The new design uses Fabry-Perot cavities to produce more photons, increasing the experiment's sensitivity by a factor of 10 compared to solar-based experiments.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 24, 2007

Researchers find ways to reduce side effects in the treatment of damaging protein plaques

A team of researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia has found that carboranes can stabilize transthyretin protein and prevent harmful plaque formation without causing negative side effects. This discovery holds promise for developing new, safer treatments for diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2007

U of M professor awarded the Gold Medal Award 2007

Eli Coleman, a University of Minnesota professor and director of the Program in Human Sexuality, received the Gold Medal Award 2007 from the World Association for Sexual Health. He has published extensively on topics like sexual orientation and compulsive sexual behavior.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateApr 24, 2007

High insulin levels impair intestinal metabolic function

Researchers at the University of Alberta found a connection between high insulin levels and impaired intestinal lipid metabolism in an animal model, supporting the role of intestinal metabolic dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Excessive insulin slows chylomicron removal from the bloodstream, leading to blockages and heart problems.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateApr 24, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

FDA causes unnecessary scare about common painkillers

The FDA has added 'black box' warnings to all prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, despite evidence showing naproxen is safe. This decision ignores the risk differences between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with Voltaren carrying the highest risk of heart attack.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalTrials·DateApr 24, 2007

Turtles are loyal in feeding as well as in breeding

Marine turtles migrate hundreds of miles to foraging sites, equally loyal as nesting sites, according to University of Exeter research. The study tracked twenty green and loggerhead turtles, finding they return to same feeding grounds up to five years later.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateApr 24, 2007

Richard Lifton awarded at WCN 2007

Richard Lifton was honored with the prestigious Alfred Newton Richards Award at the WCN 2007, recognized for his outstanding basic research in nephrology. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of renal and cardiovascular disease.

SourceInternational Society of Nephrology·DateApr 24, 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.

Eduardo Slatopolsky honored with 2007 ISN Amgen International Prize

Eduardo Slatopolsky has been recognized for his pioneering experimental research in mineral metabolism, leading to improved treatment of patients with renal failure worldwide. He was awarded the ISN Amgen International Prize for Therapeutic Advancement in Nephrology in 2007.

SourceInternational Society of Nephrology·DateApr 24, 2007

UD receives $1.9 million for new spintronics center

The University of Delaware has been awarded a $1.9 million grant to establish a Center for Spintronics and Biodetection, which aims to harness the magnetic properties of electrons to encode and process data. The center will focus on developing highly sensitive sensors that can detect tiny magnetic fields generated by nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateApr 24, 2007

Hot flashes -- Studies explore the role of genes, obesity and alcohol

Researchers found genetic polymorphisms associated with hormone levels, including lower progesterone levels and increased testosterone, linked to hotter flashes. Obesity was also linked to higher testosterone and lower estrogen levels, while moderate alcohol consumption reduced hot flash severity in some women.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateApr 24, 2007
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 model describes avalanche behavior of superfluid helium

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model that explains the avalanche-like behavior of superfluid helium. The model balances interaction and disorder, revealing a high-temperature synchronous regime and a low-temperature asynchronous regime.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 24, 2007

HIV infection appears to increases the risk of heart attack

Researchers found HIV-infected patients had a higher incidence of heart attacks and major cardiovascular risk factors compared to noninfected patients. The study's findings indicate that HIV-infected individuals should be assessed for cardiovascular risks and that strategies to modify those risks are urgently needed.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 24, 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.

NIDCD director to be named first recipient of Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Battey's dedication to the chemical senses has led to significant contributions, including leadership in trans-NIH scientific efforts and support of promising young investigators. He will receive the Distinguished Service Award from AChemS for his record of outstanding service.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·DateApr 24, 2007

PFOA and PFOS detected in newborns

Researchers detected PFOA and PFOS in nearly all newborn umbilical cord blood samples, with concentrations lower than those found in adults. The study suggests a strong association between the two compounds, despite their different industrial sources.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 24, 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.

The power of speaking ladylike

A new study by Dr. Carmelia Suleiman explores the role of gender in media interviews with politicians Bill and Hillary Clinton. Researchers found that language choices and habits in conversation were influenced more by the interviewers' perspectives than the interviewees' genders.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psycholinguistic Research·DateApr 24, 2007

Pharmacists' workload contributes to errors

A new study by University of Arizona College of Pharmacy researchers found that pharmacists' workloads increase the potential for medication errors. The study analyzed data from 672 pharmacies and found that each additional prescription filled per hour increased the risk of dispensing potentially harmful combinations of medications.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, College of Pharmacy·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 24, 2007

Key found to kill cystic fibrosis superbug

Researchers have discovered a weakness in the armour that protects B. cenocepacia from antibiotics, identifying a key sugar required for its protection. This finding may lead to novel molecules to disrupt its synthesis and develop new treatments.

SourceCanadian Institutes of Health Research·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateApr 24, 2007
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Sleep strengthens your memory

Research found that sleep strengthens memory by protecting and consolidating information, leading to improved recall rates compared to wakefulness without interference. Sleep also helped individuals handle competing information more effectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 24, 2007

Stanford scientists make major breakthrough in regenerative medicine

Researchers identified a regenerative process in the sea squirt that could be applied to humans, allowing damaged organs to repair themselves. This breakthrough has major implications for regenerative medicine, potentially treating conditions such as missing limbs and scarred hearts.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 24, 2007

Meeting the ethanol challenge: Scientists use supercomputer to target cellulose bottleneck

A team of scientists has conducted molecular simulations to understand the cellulose enzyme complex's role in breaking down tightly bound cellulose into sugars. By discovering key steps in this process, researchers can develop protein engineering strategies to speed up the reaction and produce ethanol more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProtein Engineering Design and Selection·DateApr 24, 2007

Study of planarians offers insight into germ cell development

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has made significant discoveries about germ cell development in planarians, a tiny flatworm species. They found that planarians express a key gene, nanos, which plays a critical role in germ cell formation and maintenance, similar to mammals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 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.

Discovery of new family of pseudo-metallic chemicals

A new discovery by a University of Missouri-Columbia research team allows scientists to manipulate molecules to give them metal-like properties, creating a new pseudo-element. This 'pseudo-metal' can be adjusted for various uses and may change the way scientists think about attacking disease or building electronics.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 24, 2007