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Science News for April 5, 2007


Heart attack death rates not higher at Iowa's rural hospitals

A study of 119 Iowa hospitals found that rural hospitals do not have higher death rates for heart attack care, contrary to previous research. The study used a more sensitive analytic method to control for biases and found comparable patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2007

Weak immune response critical to disease that causes most infant hospitalizations

Researchers at UTMB overturned the long-held medical dogma on RSV, finding that an inadequate immune reaction is associated with severe infections. The study's findings have major implications for developing therapies and treating viral respiratory infections during infancy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 5, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceThe Parkinson's Institute·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 5, 2007
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.

Jefferson immunology researchers show blood-brain barrier damage could affect MS severity

Immunology researchers at Jefferson University have found that blood-brain barrier damage correlates with multiple sclerosis (MS) severity. The study used mice models and found that permeability changes are critical in disease development, with even mice lacking immune system components able to develop disease.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceRuder Finn Public Relations·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 5, 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.

Slick and springy: Brown research reveals protein's role in joints

New research led by Gregory Jay at Brown University shows that protein lubricin, not just hyaluronate, is crucial for protecting joints from wear and reducing arthritis risk. The study found that adding lubricin to supplements could restore elasticity in synovial fluid.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceHarvard University·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateApr 5, 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.

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 5, 2007

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.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 5, 2007

$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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 5, 2007

Penn researchers show how nanocylinders deliver medicine better than nanospheres

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to deliver medicine more effectively using cylindrical-shaped carriers. The study found that these nanocylinders sustainably delivered an anticancer drug for up to one week, killing more cancer cells and shrinking tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 5, 2007

Study recommends universal newborn screening for cystic fibrosis

A new study in The Lancet suggests that universal newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is associated with lower treatment costs and reduced hospital admissions. This could lead to cost savings that offset the costs of the screening program, making it a more viable option globally.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 5, 2007
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.

Females do best if they wait a while

A study by researchers at the University of Bristol found that female woodhoopoes that started breeding later in life produced more offspring than those that started earlier. The researchers attributed this to a high mortality rate among young females, suggesting they were not yet in optimal condition to breed.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2007

Fascinating spider silk

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have successfully produced genetically engineered spider silk protein using genetic engineering, revealing crucial insights into the spinning process. The study found that the interaction between hydrophilic and lipophilic properties of the proteins plays a key role in thread formation.

SourceWiley·DateApr 5, 2007

Why small dogs are small

Researchers have identified a piece of doggy DNA that reduces growth in small breeds, ensuring they stay small. The study found a haplotype in all breeds of small dogs, suggesting it is a major contributor to body size.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007

JCI table of contents -- April 5, 2007

Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that treatment with TGF-beta inhibitors may help prevent cancer metastasis in patients. Additionally, a study from the University of Michigan discovered that a negative feedback pathway involving leptin receptor signaling may contribute to leptin resistance in obese individuals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 5, 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.

Need oxygen? Cells know how to spend and save

Researchers discovered how cells fine-tune oxygen use to make do with limited availability. They found that under stress, cells replace one protein with an energy-efficient substitute to maintain power production.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2007

Biofuels: More than just ethanol

The study found that certain biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and hybrid poplar, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to gasoline and diesel. These crops also offset the largest amounts of fossil fuels reduced emissions when used for electricity generation via biomass gasification.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 5, 2007

New research in Psychological Science

Researchers found that adults exhibit a 'curse-of-knowledge bias' when reasoning about false beliefs, with their own knowledge influencing their ability to reason. Additionally, age affects false memory development, with children showing improved performance at older ages. The study also discovered a circadian rhythm in central process...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2007

Delayed breeding is not necessarily costly to lifetime reproductive success

Researchers analyzed 24 years of data from a cooperative bird species, finding that delayed breeding was not costly to lifetime reproductive success for females. In contrast, males showed reduced reproductive success due to shorter breeding careers. The study challenges the long-held assumption that delayed breeding is always detrimental.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2007

The plague as a weapon?

Bubonic plague has a mortality rate of 50-90 ty, while pneumonic plague can be fatal in most cases. A Yersinia Pestis strain in Madagascar shows multiple antimicrobial resistance, making treatment challenging.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 5, 2007
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.

Ibuprofen puts high risk cardiac patients at risk

A new study found that ibuprofen significantly raises the risk of heart attacks in high-risk cardiovascular patients taking aspirin for osteoarthritis. The Mount Sinai researchers' findings underscore the importance of considering NSAID interactions with aspirin in these patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateApr 5, 2007