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Science News Archive April 2007 - Page 12


Page 12 of 17

New study zeroes in on genetic roots of Alzheimer's

Researchers at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation discovered that ApoE4 attaches to a receptor on brain cells, leading to protein fragment formation and cell death. This finding may lead to new pathways for developing Alzheimer's therapeutics.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·DateApr 10, 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.

Misusing vitamin to foil drug test may be toxic; plus, it doesn't work

Researchers report on patients who suffered toxic side effects from taking excessive doses of niacin, a common vitamin used to pass urine drug tests. The study warns against this practice due to the risks of liver toxicity, hypoglycemia, and other serious health issues.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 10, 2007

Surfing the blues -- Internet questionnaire can accurately identify depression

A Chinese online tool for assessing depression has been found to be both accurate and reproducible, offering a potential solution for identifying the growing number of people suffering from depression. The Internet-based Self-assessment Program for Depression (ISP-D) was tested on 579 subjects, revealing that 31% had major depressive d...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateApr 10, 2007

Fellowships aim to cultivate young theoretical physicists

The LHC Theory Initiative has announced its first-ever $40,000 graduate fellowship awards to stimulate young talent in particle physics. The recipients, Randall Kelly and Jonathan Walsh, will use the funds to support their research on higher-order corrections and simulation tools.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateApr 10, 2007

'Fusion' protein found by Johns Hopkins researchers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a protein required for neighboring cells to fuse and become one super cell. The Solitary protein coordinates the movement of molecular delivery trucks and marks where the cell barrier needs to be broken, directing the building of a delivery road.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 10, 2007
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Experimental flu vaccine appears promising in early tests

A new experimental flu vaccine produced using insect cells has shown promising results in early testing, demonstrating safety and immunogenic response in healthy adults. The vaccine, made using recombinant DNA techniques, offers a potential alternative to traditional egg-based vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 10, 2007

Different approach needed to protect brains of premature infants

A study found vulnerabilities in premature infants' brains similar to those in mature brains, but also identified a significant difference that suggests different treatments are needed. Damage occurs mainly in white matter, which connects brain regions, and can lead to behavioral problems and developmental delay.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateApr 10, 2007

Study finds dietary fat interacts with genes

Researchers found that for people with a specific genetic variant, dietary fat intake was not significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) or risk of obesity. However, consuming monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like olive oil may help lower the likelihood of obesity in these individuals.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateApr 10, 2007

NASA data show earthquakes may quickly boost regional volcanoes

Scientists found strong evidence that a major earthquake can cause a nearly immediate increase in regional volcanic activity. The intensity of two ongoing eruptions on Indonesia's Java Island increased sharply following a powerful earthquake, and the increased activity persisted for about nine days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 10, 2007
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.

Malpractice study -- Juries sympathize more with doctors

A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia law professor Philip Peters found that juries often side with doctors over patients in medical malpractice cases. The research suggests that defendants' hired experts are more successful at persuading juries, leading to better outcomes for them.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMichigan Law Review·DateApr 10, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stress may help cancer cells resist treatment, research shows

Scientists from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that stress hormone epinephrine can cause changes in prostate and breast cancer cells, making them resistant to cell death. This link between stress and cancer has been suggested but previously unexplored, with potential implications for patients and researchers.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 10, 2007

FSU anthropologist finds earliest evidence of maize farming in Mexico

Ancient farmers in Mexico cultivated early forms of maize around 5,300 B.C., 1,200 years earlier than previously thought. This finding expands knowledge on the transition to agriculture in Mesoamerica and sheds light on the rise of complex societies.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 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.

CT imaging with use of novel contrast agent may predict heart attack in waiting

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new imaging technology using multi-detector computed tomography (CT) and a novel contrast agent N1177 to detect high-risk plaque. This may help physicians diagnose a heart attack before it occurs, preventing cardiac events.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 9, 2007

Pitt alumnus and professor put a face on Internet communication with personalized icon software

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new approach to online communication called FaceAlive Icons, which uses personalized images to convey emotions. The program allows users to alter their facial expressions and improve personal communication in emails, text messages, and online forums.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Visual Languages & Computing·DateApr 9, 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.

MIT model helps researchers 'see' brain development

Researchers developed a tool to analyze brain folds using computer graphics techniques, providing insights into cortical development. The model may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of autism and other neurological diseases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 9, 2007

Cocoa, but not tea, may lower blood pressure

A meta-analysis of 10 previous studies found that consuming cocoa products reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications. However, drinking tea was not associated with a reduction in blood pressure in any of the trials.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 9, 2007

Study examines calorie restriction and glycemic load

A new study has found that calorie-restricted diets with low or high glycemic loads result in comparable long-term weight loss. Participants lost an average of 8% of their original body weight, regardless of diet type, after one year on a 30% calorie-restricted diet.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 9, 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.

Learning from both ends of the stethoscope

A systematic review of studies published over four decades confirms that good doctor-patient communication significantly impacts patient outcomes, including resolution of chronic headaches and improved blood pressure readings. The review highlights the importance of clarifying instructions and checking for understanding to ensure effec...

SourceIndiana University·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 9, 2007

Marine scientists monitor longest mammal migration

Researchers found humpback whales migrating up to 8,300 kilometers to warmer waters during winter, with the longest distance recorded at 5,100 miles from Central America to Antarctica. The study validates a long-held assumption about humpback whale migration patterns.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 9, 2007

Progress against sarcoma

Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the origins of synovial sarcoma, a deadly cancer that affects young adults. By engineering mice to develop this cancer, scientists discovered that it originates from muscle cell precursors known as myoblasts.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 9, 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.

PSA doubling predicts prostate cancer recurrence

A detectable PSA level is first indicator of recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, with a doubling time of less than three months indicating imminent death from prostate cancer. Patients with longer doubling times are at significant risk for disease recurrence and cancer-specific death.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 9, 2007

UCSD researchers discover variants of natural tumor suppressor

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have identified two variants of the natural tumor suppressor enzyme PHLPP, which control three different disease pathways. The findings suggest that therapies targeting PHLPP1 could improve insulin regulation in diabetes, while therapies targeting PHLPP2 could enhance cell survival in heart and ne...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 9, 2007

Treatment of asthma: Stepping up treatment and also stepping it down

Researchers analyzed data from 397 adults and children, finding that most asthma flare-ups led to step-up in medication doses. Fewer patients experienced step-down therapy changes when symptoms subsided, highlighting the need for more flexible treatment approaches for asthma patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 9, 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.

1 donor cornea may treat 3 patients

Researchers successfully transplanted a single donor cornea into three patients with different eye conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of customized component corneal transplantation. The procedure allows for optimal use of available donor tissue, particularly in countries with limited quality and quantity of donor corneas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateApr 9, 2007

Invasive grass may impede forest regeneration

The invasive grass Microstegium vimineum can impede the regeneration of woody species in southern US forests by blocking sunlight and seeds. Researchers found that M. vimineum biomass increased significantly after forest canopy disturbances, leading to a decline in native species richness.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateApr 9, 2007

RNA splicing factor implicated in ovarian tumor cell growth

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that knocking down a specific RNA-binding protein can inhibit ovarian tumor cell growth and invasiveness. The study suggests this protein could be a new target for diagnosis or treatment of ovarian and other cancers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalOncogene·DateApr 9, 2007

The sturdier sex? -- Study by Pittsburgh scientists finds female stem cells work better

A study by Pittsburgh scientists found that female stem cells have a greater ability to regenerate skeletal muscle tissue than male cells. The researchers isolated female and male muscle-derived stem cells and tested their regenerative capabilities in dystrophic mice. Female stem cells were more efficient at regenerating skeletal muscl...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 9, 2007
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New study sheds light on long-term effects of logging after wildfire

A new study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that logging after a wildfire can lead to high fuel accumulation, regardless of whether the site is logged or unlogged. The research showed that logging residue contributed to four times more fine fuels on the ground, while logging caused fewer snags and large woody debris.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateApr 9, 2007

Doctors aggressively treat early heart attacks, research shows

A new study found that doctors are treating patients with early symptoms of a heart attack with the same level of urgency as those with later-confirmed cases. This suggests that doctors are using alternative data sources, such as patient history and electrocardiogram results, to make treatment decisions.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateApr 9, 2007

New guidelines to address growing obesity epidemic

The new guidelines recommend measuring waist circumference in all adults to assess risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Health professionals are advised to incorporate this measurement into their toolkit for managing overweight and obese patients.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 9, 2007

Researchers question validity of many research meta-analyses

A recent study by Drs. John Ioannidis and Thomas Trikalinos found that many meta-analyses employ asymmetry tests to detect publication bias, but these tests are often not statistically valid. As a result, the findings of these meta-analyses may be misleading or incorrect.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 9, 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.

'Combination' Lyme disease vaccine proteins patented

Researchers create combination proteins that trigger a stronger immune response against Lyme disease, potentially leading to more effective vaccines. The new proteins can also be used as diagnostic reagents to distinguish between disease-causing and harmless strains of bacteria.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateApr 9, 2007

Scripps research study shows humans and plants share common regulatory pathway

The Scripps Research Institute study provides new evidence that Nod1, a key player in the human immune system, shares similarities with plant Resistance proteins. These proteins protect plants from various pathogens, revealing a common regulatory pathway between humans and plants.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2007

Plastic with changeable conductivity developed by chemical engineer

Dr. Yueh-Lin Loo at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a plastic with changeable conductivity, which can be altered during manufacturing to meet the needs of future electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to flexible, inexpensive wiring in products such as military camouflage and foldable electronic displays.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateApr 9, 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.

Many women undertreated for ovarian cancer

A recent study found that one-third of ovarian cancer patients in the US fail to receive recommended comprehensive surgical treatment. Factors associated with undertreatment include age, race, and insurance status. The study highlights the need for increased access to specialized care from gynecologic oncologists.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 9, 2007

Evolution of symbiosis

Researchers discovered that a single adenine deletion in a bacterial promoter can lead to reduced heat-shock gene expression in aphids, affecting their tolerance to high temperatures. This mutation appears to confer a selective advantage under cooler conditions, allowing it to be maintained in populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2007

Eating with our eyes: Why people eat less at unbused tables

A Cornell University study found that graduate students ate 27% less chicken wings when they could see leftover bones accumulating on their table, compared to tables where food was cleared. The study suggests using environmental cues like empty glasses or bottles to curb overeating and overdrinking at social gatherings.

SourceCornell University·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateApr 9, 2007

Smoking and caffeine may protect against Parkinson's disease

A study found that people who smoked and drank coffee were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease, which may be due to genetic or environmental factors. However, the risks of smoking and caffeine consumption should not be taken to avoid the disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 9, 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.

Trees to offset the carbon footprint?

A new study suggests that tropical rainforests are crucial in slowing down global warming, while planting trees in mid- and high-latitude locations could exacerbate climate change. The research confirms that forests in these regions would not only fail to mitigate the effects of global warming but also potentially increase temperatures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 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.