Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2007 - Page 13


Page 13 of 17

Diabetes may be associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment

Research suggests individuals with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, which affects thinking and learning abilities. The study found that diabetes was associated with a significantly increased risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment, particularly in African-American and Hispanic populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 9, 2007

Pitt study notes decline in male births in the US and Japan

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reports a significant decline in the number of male births in the US and Japan over the past three decades. The researchers found that the decline is equivalent to 135,000 fewer white males in the US and 127,000 fewer males in Japan, with environmental factors such as prenatal expo...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 9, 2007

Nanotextured implant materials: blending in, not fighting back

Biomedical engineers create implant materials with nanostructured surface textures that mimic the natural lining of blood vessels. The results show rapid colonization of endothelial cells, preventing overgrowth of smooth muscle cells and reducing restenosis.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·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.

Restless legs syndrome increases risk of heart disease

A study published in Neurology found that blood pressure rates during periodic leg movements rose significantly in people with untreated RLS, increasing cardiovascular risk. The study also showed that age and disease history are key factors contributing to these increased blood pressure changes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 9, 2007

Mouse FH knockout resembles human renal cell cancer

A mouse model has been developed to study the relationship between hypoxia and cancer progression in renal cell cancer. The researchers observed that Fh1-deficient mice developed clonal and proliferative renal cysts with characteristic overexpression of HIF, leading to renal failure.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 9, 2007

Managing and preventing obesity in Canadian adults and children

The 2006 Canadian clinical practice guidelines on managing and preventing obesity in adults and children provide a multifaceted approach to weight management. Key findings include the importance of physical activity strategies, behavior modification counseling, and public policy initiatives.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 9, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tropical forests -- Earth's air conditioner

New study suggests tropical forests are efficient at cooling the planet due to their ability to store large amounts of carbon and produce reflective clouds. In contrast, forests in snowy areas can warm the Earth by absorbing sunlight that would otherwise be reflected back into space.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2007

Lavery and Armstrong receive major NIH grant for podiatry

Lawrence Lavery and David Armstrong have received a major NIH grant to study methods for treating diabetic foot ulcers and evaluating compliance and health economic outcomes. The two-year study will utilize advanced techniques such as activity monitoring and healing prediction.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·DateApr 9, 2007

Chance of hysterectomy predicted by multi-year study

A new UCSF study predicts a woman's chance of undergoing a hysterectomy based on symptoms and medical history. The study found that women with a combination of symptoms, lack of symptom resolution, and previous GNRH agonist use are more likely to undergo the procedure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateApr 9, 2007

Smoking and caffeine inversely associated with Parkinson's disease

Individuals with Parkinson's disease are less likely to smoke or consume high doses of caffeine than their family members. Smoking, caffeine consumption, and NSAID use were found to be inversely associated with Parkinson's disease, with no link between NSAID use observed.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 9, 2007

UCLA mathematics department receives award

The UCLA Mathematics Department has been recognized by the American Mathematical Society for its outstanding program in mathematics education, with a focus on undergraduate and graduate training programs, precollege mathematics education, and research initiatives.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 9, 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.

Mouse model advances understanding of synovial sarcoma

Scientists have developed a mouse model for synovial sarcoma, revealing that the tumor arises from skeletal muscle precursor cells called myoblasts. The study also showed that expression of a chimeric fusion protein called SYT-SSX in these cells is sufficient to induce synovial sarcoma with 100% penetrance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 9, 2007

Epilepsy drug with new method of action is safe, effective

A study published in Neurology found that retigabine, a new epilepsy drug with a unique mechanism of action, is both safe and effective. In the study, participants who received the highest dose of retigabine experienced an average reduction of 35% in seizure frequency compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 9, 2007

How do the rules of immunity change during chronic infections?

Scientists at The Wistar Institute found that CD8 T cells generated to fight chronic infections operate under a different maintenance scheme than those in acute infections. These cells have a rapid turnover and are dependent on the virus for their continuation, which could be manipulated to design new therapeutic options.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 9, 2007

Bronfman gift to Mount Sinai catalyzes genomics-based medicine

A $12.5 million grant from Charles Bronfman will establish the Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, transforming medical practice with genomics-based strategies for disease detection and treatment. The gift will seed a $30 million initiative to advance personalized medicine at Mount Sinai.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

High-res images spell new era in Earth sciences

Researchers adapt oil industry technology to image the core-mantle boundary at 2,900 kilometers beneath Central and North America, providing detailed views of the lower mantle. The technique helps understand Earth's internal heat engine and giant cycle of heat production and transfer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2007

PneuStep -- MRI-safe motor makes robotic biopsies possible

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a motor that can safely power remote-controlled robotic medical devices for cancer biopsies and therapies guided by magnetic resonance imaging. The motor, dubbed PneuStep, is made entirely out of plastics, ceramics, and rubber and is driven by light and air.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateApr 6, 2007

Researchers move closer to switching nuclear isomer decay on and off

Livermore researchers have made the most accurate measurement of a nuclear isomer's excitation energy, a crucial step towards controlling its decay. This breakthrough could enable the use of isomers as high-energy density storage systems like batteries, and has implications for quantum computing, general relativity testing, and more.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2007

MIT M. Nafi Toksoz honored by seismologists

The Seismological Society of America honors MIT's M. Nafi Toksoz for his 40-year investment in the field, defining seismology and its practice. He has mentored over 100 postdoctoral students, promoting a research environment at MIT.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 6, 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.

Deflecting damage: Flexible electronics aid brain injury research

Researchers at Princeton University developed flexible electronic membranes to replicate brain injuries in the lab without damaging electrodes. The membranes enable precise measurements of cellular activity before and after traumatic brain injury, providing valuable insights into functional damage.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateApr 6, 2007

Drug used to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child damages DNA

Recent studies have found that the antiretroviral drug AZT causes genetic damage that may increase future cancer risk. Animal studies demonstrated increased rates of tumors and gene changes associated with human cancer, while human studies observed mutations and chromosomal damage in newborns exposed to NRTIs in utero.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental and Molecular Mutagenesis·DateApr 6, 2007

UAF researchers garner $6.5 million in NSF grants

Four UAF researchers have been awarded significant funding from the National Science Foundation for projects studying the Arctic circumpolar region. The research, including studies on climate change, boreal forests and winter precipitation, aims to better understand the structure of the stratospheric vortex and its impact on ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateApr 6, 2007

Combined imaging approach may provide better identification of difficult-to-diagnose brain clots

A combined imaging approach that combines standard MRI scans with specialized contrast-enhanced techniques may provide more effective diagnoses in patients with difficult-to-detect blood clots in veins of the brain. This approach could lead to better understanding of the disease process and potentially alter treatment regimens.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateApr 6, 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.

Partners of cancer survivors at risk for depression

A new study examines partners of cancer survivors who underwent blood and marrow transplant, finding equal levels of mental health impairment, but with differing treatment outcomes and social support

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 6, 2007

Super-cool MIT work could expose quantum behavior

MIT researchers have cooled a dime-sized mirror to 0.8 degrees Kelvin, a temperature that would take 13 billion years for it to circle the Earth. The team hopes to use this technique to observe quantum behavior in large objects, which is currently only possible at extremely low temperatures.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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