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Science News for August 29, 2007


Flaxseed shows potential to reduce hot flashes

A pilot study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that flaxseed therapy decreased hot flashes in postmenopausal women by 50% and improved their quality of life. The study also showed improvements in mood, joint pain, and overall health.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the Society for Integrative Oncology·DateAug 29, 2007

Rovers begin new observations on changing Martian atmosphere

Scientists using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer instrument have observed fluctuations in argon composition of the Martian atmosphere. The study reveals a constant change in the ratio of argon to carbon dioxide as winter sets in at one of the poles, indicating mixing between polar air and tropics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateAug 29, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Supersonic 'rain' falls on newborn star

Astronomers have discovered five Earth-oceans' worth of water falling onto a protoplanetary disk around an extremely young star, IRAS 4B. The 'disk-accretion shock' mechanism is responsible for the formation of planetary systems, and this finding provides valuable insights into the early stages of our solar system's life.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 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.

Cannibalistic signals help mammalian embryos develop normally

Autophagy plays a crucial role in removing dying embryonic stem cells during normal development, preventing detrimental inflammation. The study found that mouse embryos lacking autophagy genes had impaired signals for engulfment by healthy cells, leading to abnormal development.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateAug 29, 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.

Transgenic maize is more susceptible to aphids

A study by Cristina Faria and colleagues found that transgenic Bt maize lines are more susceptible to the aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis than conventional maize. However, this increased susceptibility may be beneficial in regions where aphids are a major problem, as they can aid in controlling caterpillars.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2007

ZIP codes and property values predict obesity rates

Researchers found a strong correlation between median home prices and local obesity rates, with 2% drop for every $100,000 increase. The study also revealed six-fold disparities in obesity rates across the Seattle metropolitan area, with disadvantaged areas affected the most.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 29, 2007

Researchers aim to make Internet bandwidth a global currency

A novel peer-to-peer video sharing application is being used to explore a next-generation model for safe and legal electronic commerce. The platform rewards users for uploading content, allowing them to download faster and more securely. Researchers envision a global marketplace where bandwidth is the primary currency.

SourceHarvard University·DateAug 29, 2007

Flies prefer fizzy drinks

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that fruit flies have taste cells specific to carbonation, which encourages them to consume food with growing microorganisms. The discovery suggests that other animals may have taste receptors tuned to important chemicals in their environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 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.

Discovery could help stop malaria at its source -- the mosquito

Researchers discovered that heparan sulfate is a receptor for the malaria parasite, allowing it quick transport through the body. This finding could lead to an environmentally safe and inexpensive way to block infection in mosquitoes, preventing malaria spread without drug side effects.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 29, 2007

Smoking turns on genes -- permanently

Researchers identified genes that are irreversibly activated by smoking, leading to increased lung cancer risk in former smokers. The study's findings provide insight into why former smokers remain susceptible to lung cancer despite quitting.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateAug 29, 2007

Biologic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and the risk of cancer

A study of 13,001 RA patients reveals that biologic treatment increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, but not other types of cancer. The research suggests that current biologic therapy may be safe for RA patients, providing reassurance for those considering treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateAug 29, 2007

U-M researchers dispute widely held ideas about stem cells

Researchers at University of Michigan dispute the immortal strand hypothesis, which suggests adult stem cells minimize genetic mutations through a non-random DNA segregation process. They found no evidence supporting this idea in blood-forming mouse stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 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.

Device helps patients survive, regain function til transplant

A new generation of implanted heart-assisting pump has shown excellent survival rates and significant improvements in patient quality of life. The device, called the HeartMate II, helped 75% of patients stay alive for at least six months or until a donor heart became available.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 29, 2007

Inhaling nitric oxide helps transplant success

A new study found that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation reduces hospital stays and improves blood-clotting and liver-enzyme activity. The treatment also protects transplanted livers from cell death, promising relief for donor-organ shortages.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 29, 2007

Amber specimen captures ancient chemical battle

A study by Oregon State University researchers identified a soldier beetle preserved in amber, showcasing an ancient chemical defense response. The discovery indicates that this type of protective mechanism has been around for over 100 million years.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateAug 29, 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.

Volcanoes key to Earth's oxygen atmosphere

The emergence of oxygen-producing cyanobacteria released oxygen at levels similar to today, but it had nowhere to go. Terrestrial volcanoes later arose and dominated, increasing oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2007

NASA study will help stop stowaways to Mars

A recent NASA study used gene sequencing to detect a vast array of bacteria in clean rooms, including newly discovered species. The findings will aid in improving cleaning and sterilization methods to prevent false-positive results in detecting extraterrestrial life.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalFEMS Microbiology Ecology·DateAug 29, 2007

1 in 8 World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers developed post-traumatic stress disorder

New findings from the WTC health registry show that post-traumatic stress disorder affected 12.4% of rescue and recovery workers, with volunteer workers having the highest rate. The prevalence of PTSD varied significantly by occupation, with workers from non-emergency occupations such as construction suffering particularly high rates.

SourceNew York City Health Department·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2007

Back to School: Cramming doesn't work in the long term

New study reveals that overlearning vocabulary through repeated drilling results in no long-term retention, while massing all study on a single topic into a single session reduces long-term retention. Breaks of at least a month between study sessions also improve learning outcomes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 29, 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.

Researchers find new taste in fruit flies: carbonated water

Fruit flies have been found to detect and be attracted to the taste of carbon dioxide dissolved in water, which may aid in scouting for nutritious food. This discovery suggests that humans may also be able to taste carbon dioxide, making their sense of taste more complex.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2007

The next generation: nanomagnets could replace semiconductors

University of Houston professor Dmitri Litvinov develops nanomagnetic computing systems that combine logic, memory, and data storage in a single system. This technology has the potential to revolutionize information processing with ultra-high density computing power.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 29, 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.

Discovery may pave the way for a new class of diabetes drugs

A multidisciplinary team led by UCSD researchers has determined the structure of MitoNEET, a protein that shows promise as a target for developing innovative diabetes drugs. The discovery provides insights into how these drugs may protect cells from oxidative stress and potentially offer greater specificity and fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2007

God thoughts influence your generosity: UBC study

Researchers at UBC find that priming people with 'god concepts' promotes altruism, regardless of whether participants identify as believers or not. The study also reveals that secular notions of civic responsibility promote cooperation and generosity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 29, 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.

First study examines newly-licensed RN work attitudes and intentions

A national study of newly-licensed RNs (NLRNs) in their first 18 months of employment found that poor management, stressful work conditions, and wanting to gain experience in a different clinical area were common reasons for leaving. The study aimed to understand factors promoting retention and turnover among NLRNs.

SourceAmerican Journal of Nursing·DateAug 29, 2007

NASA satellites eye coastal water quality

Researchers used NASA satellites to monitor water quality in Tampa Bay, finding accurate measurements of turbidity and clarity. The method can resolve questions about events leading to decreased water quality and inform resource management decisions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateAug 29, 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.

First orchid fossil puts showy blooms at some 80 million years old

Biologists have identified the first orchid fossil, dating back 76-84 million years, which suggests that showy blooms may have existed alongside dinosaurs. The discovery resolves a longstanding debate over orchid origins and provides direct evidence of pollination in the fossil record.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2007

New study determines when infants can think of out-of-sight objects

Researchers tested 19-month and 22-month-old infants on a wet toy to see if they could identify it based on verbal description. The study suggests that before age 2, infants can update their knowledge through verbal interaction, expanding their understanding of the world.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 29, 2007

Cocaine use related to level of education achieved

A recent study found that cocaine use in the US has decreased primarily among those with higher education levels, while non-high school graduates have shown little change. This disparity is attributed to better access to health information and resources among more educated individuals.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 29, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Genetics of imatinib resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) experience poor response to imatinib due to emerging drug-resistant clones. Research reveals signals from the bone marrow microenvironment can sustain viability of Ph+ ALL cells, enabling rapid resistance development.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 29, 2007

Neurotransmitter current not flowing through ion channels

Researchers at Cornell University found that ion channels in membrane-bound vesicles do not carry charged neurotransmitters out of the cell. Instead, positive sodium ions from the outside compensate for the charge, a process known as electrodiffusion.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 29, 2007

Elsevier partners with Tissue Viability Society

The partnership aims to widen the journal's audience, reducing reviewing time and increasing access to online features, including a comprehensive search engine and e-mail alerts. The Tissue Viability Society will continue to receive print copies as a benefit of membership.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Tissue Viability·DateAug 29, 2007

Brown study finds link between depression and household mold

A Brown University study has found a significant link between living in damp, moldy homes and depression. The research team analyzed data from nearly 6,000 European adults and found that perceptions of control over the housing environment, combined with mold-related health problems, contribute to an elevated risk for depression.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 29, 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.

Mayo Clinic research shows estrogen protects women's brains prior to menopause

The study found that women who had both ovaries removed but were treated with estrogen until age 50 did not have an increased risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. Women who had one or both ovaries removed before menopause faced a higher long-term risk of cognitive impairment or dementia compared to those who retained their ovaries.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateAug 29, 2007

Who will recover spontaneously from hepatitis C virus infection

Research finds patients with lower levels of HCV antibody titer tend to have a brighter clinical outcome. Co-infection by hepatitis B and A viruses is associated with a higher possibility of self recovery, possibly due to interference with virus replication.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 29, 2007

You're likely to order more calories at a 'healthy' restaurant

Researchers found that consumers estimate sandwiches contain 35% fewer calories when from healthy restaurants, leading to increased consumption of high-calorie beverages and sides. Encouraging people to examine health claims eliminates the 'health halo' effect, highlighting the need for quantitative food assessment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 29, 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.