Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2007


Page 5 of 17

Cortex area thinner in youth with Alzheimer's-related gene

A brain imaging study found that a specific gene variant associated with Alzheimer's disease is linked to thinner brain structures in youth, which may increase the risk of mental decline. The ApoE4 variant affects learning and memory hubs, but its impact on intellectual ability appears harmless.

Livestock interventions can protect lives, livelihoods

Researchers found that de-stocking livestock and receiving cash helped families feed themselves, maintain core herds, and access vital services during droughts. This approach supported local economies and reduced the need for humanitarian assistance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biodiesel won't drive down global warming

A new study found that biodiesel from rapeseed could emit nearly the same amount of CO2 equivalents as conventional diesel. However, switching to tree farming for rapeseed production could significantly reduce emissions compared to petroleum diesel.

Doubt cast on routine screening to pick up overweight and obese schoolchildren

New research questions the effectiveness of routine screening for overweight and obese schoolchildren, citing limited evidence that preventive approaches or current treatments drive down long-term obesity rates. Instead, weight monitoring is seen as useful for gathering information on obesity trends and informing resource allocation.

McDonald and SNO team win Benjamin Franklin Medal

Art McDonald and his SNO team have won the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics for their discovery that neutrinos change flavour and have mass, modifying the Standard Model of particle physics. The award recognizes their outstanding scientific achievement in understanding the nature of matter and the universe.

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.

Deactivating protein may protect nerve fibers in MS

A study published in PNAS reveals that deactivating the protein cyclophilin D can protect nerve fibers in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Researchers hope to develop drugs that target this protein to treat the progressive form of MS, which affects half of all patients.

A steady, high-fat diet is bad, but the news gets worse

Researchers at the University of Calgary found that a single high-fat meal can make people more prone to physical harm from stress. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, compared the stress responses of students who consumed a fast-food breakfast versus those who ate a low-fat breakfast.

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.

How to manage forests in hurricane impact zones

The study reports on a case-based approach to managing forest ecosystems before and after hurricanes, considering risk assessment and outcome mitigation strategies. Key findings include the importance of stand spacing, tree height, and species selection in reducing hurricane damage, as well as the need for long-term recovery plans.

New virus discovered

A new virus has been identified as the cause of death in three organ transplant recipients in Australia, who received organs from the same donor. The virus is related to known strains of lymphocytic choreomeningitis virus but has a distinct genetic sequence that could not be detected with existing diagnostic methods.

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.

Ireland Cancer Center researchers advance lung cancer treatment

The study found that lung cancer cells can become resistant to novel targeted agents by undergoing a miniscule molecular change in the EGFR protein. Researchers developed compounds to overcome resistance with innovative combinations of medications, which showed promise in preventing further resistance.

When are minimum-legal-drinking-age and beer-tax policies the most effective?

Researchers analyzed data from 48 US states between 1975 and 2001 to determine the impact of minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) and beer taxes on youth traffic fatalities. The study found that raising MLDA or beer taxes in isolation led to fewer youth-traffic fatalities, but that these effects were more pronounced when other policies we...

Does migraine protect your memory?

A community-based study found that women with a lifetime history of migraine performed worse on cognitive tests initially but showed a 17% less decline in performance over time compared to those without migraines. Lifestyle factors such as diet and behavior may play a role in protecting memory.

More nutritious, less toxic

Dartmouth-led research reveals that animals fed nutritious food have lower concentrations of methylmercury, a neurotoxin that can accumulate to hazardous levels. This discovery suggests ways to slow methylmercury's passage up the food chain to fish, potentially reducing its toxicity.

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.

Clemson bioengineer gets national boost

Xuejun Wen aims to repair spinal cord nerves using tissue engineering and implantable bridging devices. His research has the potential to improve lives and generate commercial interest.

Class of PCB's causes developmental abnormalities in rat pups

Researchers found that a specific class of PCB causes significant developmental abnormalities in rat pups whose mothers were exposed to the toxicant during pregnancy and early nursing. The study suggests that non-coplanar PCBs may be particularly hazardous due to their stability and prevalence in environmental samples.

New report explores nanotechnology's future

A new report explores nanotechnology's future, focusing on its potential to address the energy crisis, improve medical treatments, and provide clean water. Experts predict significant benefits in areas like cancer treatment, artificial tissues, and clean energy production.

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.

Obesity increases workers' compensation costs

Workers with obesity filed twice the number of workers' compensation claims, had seven times higher medical costs, and lost 13 times more days of work compared to non-obese workers. Obesity was also linked to higher risk jobs and more severe injuries.

How much nitrogen is too much for corn?

Researchers have developed a rapid test that accurately predicts nitrogen levels in corn soil, enabling growers to optimize fertilizer use. This test has the potential to reduce economic and environmental costs associated with excessive nitrogen application.

Cataract surgery: Wait times and quality of life

Patients who received cataract surgery within 6 weeks experienced better visual outcomes and fewer adverse events compared to those who waited longer. The optimal wait time for cataract surgery remains unclear due to mixed results between 6 weeks and 6 months.

New genes identified in childhood fever-related seizures

Researchers have localized two new genes associated with febrile seizures in infancy and childhood, which could improve the understanding, treatment, and prevention of this disorder. The study found that chromosome 3 was shared by all family members who had febrile seizures, while a modifier gene on chromosome 18 may also be involved.

Earth's first rainforest unearthed

The discovery of a 300-million-year-old rainforest fossil has transformed our understanding of the ecology of the Earth's first rainforests. The fossilized forest, covering over 10,000 hectares, provides a unique snapshot of tropical rainforests 300 million years ago.

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.

'Junk' DNA now looks like powerful regulator, Stanford researcher finds

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of California-Santa Cruz found nearly 10,000 identical genetic snippets that play a role in controlling when genes turn on and off. These 'regulatory jungles' are abundant near genes involved in cell migration and organ development.

Rescue workers in disasters suffer long-term health consequences

A study of Dutch rescue workers who responded to a fireworks explosion found increased rates of sick leave due to musculoskeletal and respiratory problems that persisted for 3-4 years after the disaster. Psychological symptoms, however, returned to pre-disaster levels within 2-3 years.

A new study links a stomach microbe to asthma prevention

A recent study found that a virulent strain of H. pylori may help protect children from developing asthma, with those carrying the strain being 40% less likely to have had asthma before age 15. The microbe was also associated with protection against ragweed and other allergies in younger adults.

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.

Landmark papers on pediatric MS research and care

The International Pediatric MS Study Group has published a supplement on pediatric MS research and care, highlighting the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The study group aims to improve understanding of MS in children and adolescents, and its management, with the goal of enhancing international collaborative research.

Mosquito genes explain response to climate change

Researchers have produced the first chromosomal map that shows regions of chromosomes that activate – and are apparently evolving – in animals in response to climate change. The map allows for identification of specific genes controlling seasonal development, which will help predict animal survival and disease-carrying vector movement.

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.

Why GNEP can't jump to the future

A new study by the Institute for Policy Studies reveals significant concerns about GNEP's practicability and potential waste disposal issues. The report concludes that the program is unlikely to succeed due to unprecedented radioactive waste generation and unmanageable risks.

Does execution by lethal injection involve conscious asphyxiation?

A new study published in PLoS Medicine raises questions about the humanity of lethal injection protocols. The authors found that prisoners may be conscious and experience pain during execution, potentially leading to death by asphyxiation. This challenges the conventional view of lethal injection as a peaceful and painless death.

Spousal choices can influence the risk of developing alcoholism

A new study examines the impact of spousal similarity on alcohol dependence (AD) risk. Assortative mating increases AD frequency, while reciprocal spousal interaction appears to protect against AD after accounting for assortative mating. This finding suggests that having an AD spouse may reduce the likelihood of developing AD.

Buried, residual oil is still affecting wildlife decades after a spill

Researchers found that burrowing behavior, escape response, and population abundance of salt marsh fiddler crabs are significantly altered when exposed to leftover oil compounds from a 1969 spill. The study provides clear evidence for the long-term impacts of oil pollution on marine ecosystems.

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 reps use friendship to influence doctors

A former drug rep reveals how sales forces use tactics like finely-tuned doses of friendship, free samples, and lavish gifts to manipulate physicians into selling their drugs. This manipulation can lead to increased prescribing of targeted medications, often at the expense of more effective alternatives.

Drug reps use friendship to influence doctors, says faculty member

A Georgetown University expert reveals how drug reps manipulate physicians with finely-tuned doses of friendship and financial incentives. The authors found that friendly doctors are the easiest to influence, while those who refuse are often wooed with gifts and flattery.

NIH awards $7.39 million to Burnham neurobiologists

A team of researchers at the Burnham Institute will investigate neuron-glia communication in development, with a focus on demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The five-year study aims to resolve how glial cells function in the normal brain and provide new insights into the mechanisms of demyelinating diseases.

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.

Overcrowded hospitals may risk adverse events on busiest days

A new study suggests that hospitals operating at or over their capacity may be at increased risk of adverse events. The research found a correlation between high workloads and adverse events in one of the four studied hospitals, highlighting the need for safety systems to cope with periods of high stress.

Did drug reps encourage doctors to prescribe gabapentin for nonapproved uses?

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that detailed visits by drug representatives can lead to increased prescribing of gabapentin for non-approved uses. Doctors reported a substantial proportion of visits contained messages on non-approved uses, with many stating an intention to increase their use of the drug.

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.

Study finds school environment can moderate student aggression

A large-scale study found that school environment plays a significant role in modulating student aggression. Supportive decision-making and cultural sensitivity training have been shown to reduce aggressive behavior, suggesting that schools can impact students' aggressive tendencies. The study's findings highlight the importance of cre...

The emerging fate of the Neandertals

Research by Erik Trinkaus suggests that early modern Europeans exhibited Neandertal traits, reflecting both African and Neandertal ancestry. The analysis indicates a small behavioral difference between groups, suggesting they saw each other as social equals.

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.