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Science News for August 9, 2007


NIH scientists target future pandemic strains of H5N1 avian influenza

A team of scientists at NIAID has developed a strategy to generate vaccines and therapeutic antibodies that can target predicted H5N1 mutants before they emerge. By identifying key mutations in the HA protein, they created vaccines and isolated new antibodies that could neutralize both bird- and human-adapted forms of the virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007

JCI table of contents: Aug. 9, 2007

A study published in JCI reveals that Gq/G11-mediated signaling plays a crucial role in transmitting TSH-induced signals, regulating thyroid gland function. Mice lacking the alpha-subunits of both Gq and G11 exhibited reduced thyroid gland function and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 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.

Rain forest protection works in Peru

A regional study of Peru's Amazon found that land-use policies have kept large-scale rain forest damage in check, but recent disturbances increased near roads, with forests protected by the government being more secure than those without conservation designations.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007

'Heroes of Chemistry' honored for medical, energy, environmental breakthroughs

Twenty-two researchers honored for developing new antipsychotic medication, cost-effective polyester production process, iron-overload treatment, corn-based products, and innovative packaging solutions. The ACS awards recognize industrial chemists whose work has led to significant improvements in human welfare and progress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 9, 2007

OHSU turns mouse into factory for human liver cells

Researchers at OHSU have created a technique to produce human liver cells in mice, which can be used to test how pharmaceuticals are metabolized. This innovation has the potential to change the way drugs are tested and could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases such as hepatitis C and malaria.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 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.

A unique arrangement for egg cell division

A team of scientists from EMBL has uncovered the assembly mechanism of a bipolar spindle in oocytes, allowing them to accurately separate chromosomes. This process is crucial for proper egg development and fertilization.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateAug 9, 2007

Render smoke and fog without being a computation hog

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a method called 'radiance caching' to efficiently render images with smoke, fog, and other visual effects. This approach cuts computational time and energy by reusing previously computed lighting values.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 9, 2007

Arctic climate study reveals impact of industrial soot

A new research published in Science magazine reveals a significant increase in black carbon in Arctic snow during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to industrial pollution. The study, led by Drs. Joe McConnell and Ross Edwards, found that soot concentrations rose substantially, leading to changes in Arctic climate forcing.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 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.

Bioengineering to prevent iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired school performance, and decreased productivity. Genetic engineering can increase iron content in staple crops like rice and improve bioavailability by introducing genes that break down phytate.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2007

Nationwide data highlight encouraging trends, 'staggering' costs of ESRD

Recent progress in preventing and treating end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the US is cause for cautious optimism, with improvements in survival expectations and increased use of fistulas for hemodialysis. However, skyrocketing costs are a major concern, with Medicare costs reaching $20.1 billion in 2004.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 9, 2007

Climate change and permafrost thaw alter greenhouse gas emissions in northern wetlands

Permafrost thaw accelerates rates of melting in northern ecosystems, leading to complex impacts on greenhouse gas fluxes from peatlands. While initial degradation may result in increased carbon sequestration, high methane emissions will eventually outweigh this reduction, posing a significant challenge for climate change mitigation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 9, 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.

New molecular regulators of hyperthyroidism and goiter

A study published in JCI Journals reveals that Gq/G11-mediated signaling plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid gland function. Mice lacking these proteins had impaired thyroid function and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for hyperthyroidism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2007

Pathway links inflammation, angiogenesis and breast cancer

A study by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has identified a link between inflammatory protein Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) and breast cancer, highlighting a new pathway for potential clinical interventions. The research found that TNFa activates an enzyme that inactivates tumor-suppressing genes...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateAug 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.

A woman who heard voices with her own speech impairments

A woman who suffered a brain bleed and aphasia due to a bicycle accident began hearing her own thoughts aloud and hallucinating hospital staff's voices. Her symptoms improved with treatment, but her experiences suggest that auditory hallucinations can arise from neurological conditions affecting speech processing.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2007

Ultrafast laser spectrometer measures heat flow through molecules

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has developed an ultrafast thermal measurement technique capable of exploring heat transport in extended molecules. The study found that heating a molecule can cause its atoms to shake and twist, and that heat moves ballistically through the molecule at a constant velocity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007

deCODE discovers cause of major subtype of glaucoma

Scientists identified two SNPs in the LOXL1 gene that confer high risk of exfoliation glaucoma, a devastating eye disease. The variants account for virtually all cases of the condition, offering a promising target for therapy and potential elimination of the disease.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 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.

1 of deep ocean's most turbulent areas has big impact on climate

A new study reveals that undersea mountain ranges, like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, generate significant turbulent mixing in the Atlantic Ocean. This mixing affects the overall balance of warm and cold water temperatures, controlling the strength of the Gulf Stream and its impact on global climate patterns.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2007

Evolution is driven by gene regulation

Yale researchers found that gene regulation plays a crucial role in shaping differences between species. By mapping DNA binding sites and analyzing regulatory regions, they discovered functional differences in yeast species, shedding light on the balance between gene content and regulation.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007

Some women benefit more from exercise when emphasis is on health, not appearance

Researchers found that women with social physique anxiety who took an exercise class focusing on health benefits enjoyed the workout and reported improved attitudes towards future participation. In contrast, those taught by instructors emphasizing appearance reported lower enjoyment and engagement.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateAug 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.

Computers expose the physics of NASCAR

Researchers at the University of Washington developed software that allows for real-time visualization of air flow around speeding cars, creating a new effect for racing coverage. The technology uses Navier-Stokes equations to simulate complex systems quickly, enabling interactive simulations in video games and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 9, 2007

Chromatin remodeling complex connected to DNA damage control

A connection between DNA damage control and chromatin remodeling has been discovered, opening new avenues for cancer treatment. The study reveals that phosphorylation of a chromatin remodeling complex regulates checkpoint pathways but not DNA repair pathways.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateAug 9, 2007

Hormone regulates fondness for food

Scientists have discovered that leptin controls our fondness for food by activating brain regions responsible for rewarding emotions and desires. The study found that individuals deficient in leptin show strong responses to food pictures, even after eating, whereas treatment with leptin normalizes these responses.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007

Most seniors now have drug coverage, U-M study shows

A new study by the University of Michigan has found that over 90% of Americans age 65 and older now have prescription drug coverage, up from 75% in 2004. The study also revealed that poor seniors are as likely to have coverage as wealthy elders, with many citing few or no drugs as the reason for not obtaining coverage.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 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.

Seat belt injuries could signal more serious trauma in children

Children involved in car accidents with ill-fitting seatbelts are at higher risk for 'seat-belt syndrome,' a complex of spine and abdomen injuries. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs of more serious injury, such as spinal cord or vertebral fractures.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·DateAug 9, 2007

Researchers directly deposit gold nanoparticles in suspension

Researchers have successfully used a nanofountain probe to directly deposit gold nanoparticles, 15 nanometers in diameter, onto silicon substrates. This novel technique enables better control over resultant patterns and simplifies the fabrication of functional structures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 9, 2007

Researchers suggest TB screening for all international adoptees

A study by University of Alberta researchers suggests that all children adopted from outside North America should be screened for tuberculosis. The study found that 40% of foreign-born children under five years old with TB in Canada were international adoptees, highlighting the importance of systematic screening.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 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.

Emory physicist opens new window on glass puzzle

Researchers led by Eric Weeks found that glasses are solid-like because they can't move when the sample chamber is thinner than typical group size. The study uses particles rather than atoms to directly observe how confinement influences glass transition, providing a simple framework for understanding other questions about glass.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 9, 2007

Research shows skeleton to be endocrine organ

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that the skeleton acts as an endocrine organ, releasing osteocalcin to regulate blood sugar and fat deposition. This hormone boosts insulin sensitivity and enhances insulin-producing cells, preventing type 2 diabetes in mice.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateAug 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.

Genetic variation helps to understand predisposition to schizophrenia

Researchers discovered a genetic variation that causes overexpression of Neuregulin 1 type 4 in the human brain, which may contribute to schizophrenia. This study provides new insight into the disease's underlying biology and could lead to improved therapies.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 9, 2007

Swarming starlings help probe plasma, crowds and stock market

Researchers at University of Warwick develop a technique to detect ordered patterns in plasma, crowds and birds using mutual information, outperforming traditional statistical tools. The new tool could uncover patterns in stock market behavior and provide insights into complex systems.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 9, 2007

Scuppering pirates improves Internet audio

A new digital watermarking system protects music and media files from online pirates while ensuring high-quality playback for legitimate users. The system, developed by researchers at the University of Ottawa, embeds an image within the audio file to prevent piracy without compromising sound quality.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Media and Communication·DateAug 9, 2007

Cities incite thunderstorms, researchers find

A study by Princeton University engineers reveals that cities can increase the intensity of summer thunderstorms, with rainfall up to 30% higher than surrounding areas. The researchers also found that urban environments can alter a storm's life cycle and lead to more flash flooding.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 9, 2007
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.

Antioxidant overload may underlie a heritable human disease

A study reveals that excessive natural antioxidants can lead to reductive stress and heart failure in mice with a specific human mutation. The findings suggest that targeting the antioxidant pathway through a particular enzyme may modify the phenotype of the disease in humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 9, 2007

Stanford researchers find culprit in aging muscles that heal poorly

Researchers found that Wnt protein impairs communication between stem cells and damaged muscles in older adults. This impairment leads to slower healing times and poorer tissue repair. The discovery opens doors to potential treatments for various tissues, including skin, gut, bone marrow, and even brain.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007