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Science News Archive August 2007 - Page 3


Page 3 of 17

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
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.

Study suggests we remember the bad times better than the good

A study suggests that people tend to remember bad times more vividly than good times. This phenomenon is linked to increased activity in emotion-processing regions of the brain. The findings have implications for understanding autobiographical memory, eyewitness testimony, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 28, 2007

A gene for metastasis

Researchers discover that the L1-CAM gene is highly expressed in colorectal cancer cells that have spread to the liver, while normal colon tissue lacks this gene. This finding highlights the importance of L1-CAM in metastasis and opens new avenues for cancer research.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 28, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Treating diabetes during pregnancy can break link to childhood obesity

A Kaiser Permanente study shows that treating gestational diabetes during pregnancy lowers a child's risk of becoming obese, with children whose moms were treated having the same risk as those with normal blood sugar levels. High maternal sugar levels increase childhood obesity risk, but treatment reduces it.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 28, 2007

New resource will help develop biobased economy

The BioWeb is an Internet library of peer-reviewed papers and information related to bioenergy and bioproducts, providing valuable resources for scientists, students, and researchers. The project aims to strengthen American agriculture and develop environmentally friendly manufacturing products and technologies.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateAug 28, 2007

Novel method enables genomic screening of blood vessels from patient tissue

Scientists have developed a novel method for capturing and genome-wide screening of blood vessel cells in their actual disease state, advancing potential for genetic research. The technique allows for precise cell-specific information and has implications for diseases such as cancer and chronic wounds.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2007

High-risk behaviors could lead to HIV epidemic in Afghanistan

A study in Kabul found alarmingly high rates of risky injecting and sexual behaviors among injection drug users, with 50% sharing syringes and 76% engaging in paid sex. The incidence of Hepatitis C infection was also high, potentially foreshadowing an increase in HIV rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateAug 28, 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.

Switching goals

Researchers found that evolving to complex goals accelerates speedup in simulations, suggesting a possible shortcut to optimization. The study's findings have practical implications for engineering fields and computer science.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2007

Not all risk is created equal

Researchers identified different areas of risk-taking based on ancestral challenges, finding that fertility risks are the least taken and social status-related risks are the most. Men were consistently more risk-takers than women across various domains.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateAug 28, 2007

UNC study questions FDA genetic-screening guidelines for cancer drug

Researchers at the University of North Carolina analyzed data from nine studies and found that patients with a specific gene variation had a greater risk of side effects when taking medium or high doses of irinotecan. The study suggests that the FDA should modify its guidelines to reflect this finding.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 28, 2007

Greenhouse gases likely drove near-record US warmth in 2006

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that greenhouse gases played a significant role in the near-record US warmth in 2006. The research team found that greenhouse gas increases enhanced the probability of record-breaking temperatures by approximately 15-fold, making El Nino an unlikely contributor.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 28, 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.

Novel MS drug shows promise in 2 lethal leukemias

Researchers discovered that an experimental multiple sclerosis drug, fingolimod, may also help patients with certain lethal forms of leukemia. The study found that the drug prevents cancer cell development and kills leukemia cells in mouse models, suggesting a promising new approach for treating resistant cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 28, 2007

Facial transplantation may be a safer option, study shows

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Louisville found that facial transplant outcomes differ significantly from previous data on kidney and hand transplants. They suggest a more optimistic view of face transplantation, with lower rates of acute and chronic rejection.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 28, 2007

'Mighty mice' made mightier

A recent study discovered that mice lacking the protein myostatin and overproducing follistatin have four times more muscle mass than normal mice. This finding offers new avenues for enhancing muscle growth in patients with muscular dystrophy and other wasting diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2007

Hypnosis reduces pain and costs in breast cancer surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that hypnosis prior to breast cancer surgery reduced the amount of anesthesia used during the operation, as well as levels of pain and other side effects reported afterwards. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions, and lower surgical costs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 28, 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.

Don't trust experts' forecasts, O.R. study says

A new study by INFORMS found that experts' unaided judgment forecasts are only slightly more accurate than those of newcomers. The study shows that the chances of success for both experts and novices are around 28%, with a difference of less than 4 percentage points.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInterfaces·DateAug 28, 2007

Sex is thirst-quenching for female beetles

A study by Dr. Martin Edvardsson found that dehydrated female beetles mate more frequently with males to obtain water from their seminal fluid, a strategy that benefits the male by extending the time before fertilization competition resumes. The research sheds new light on the role of 'nuptial gifts' in insect courtship and mating.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateAug 28, 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.

Molecules line up to make the tiniest of wires

A team of researchers has created an innovative method for producing tiny conductive nano-wires on silicon chips using self-assembling molecules. The process can produce nano-wires that are 5,000 times longer than they are wide, meeting the need for connecting smaller transistors and electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 28, 2007

Shrinking giants, exploding dwarves

Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have observed a rare and detailed view of a Type Ia supernova event, revealing the remnants of a red giant star that fed a white dwarf. This unique observation supports a widely accepted model of these explosions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2007

Virginia Tech faculty members earn IBM awards

Faculty members Kirk Cameron, Wu-Chun Feng, and Dimitrios Nikolopoulos have received IBM Faculty Awards for their exceptional work in plant phylogeny, software productivity, and computing environments. The awards aim to promote collaboration between researchers and foster growth in strategic disciplines.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 28, 2007

Neutron stars warp space-time, U-M astronomers observe

Researchers have observed the properties of neutron stars, including their sizes and masses, using a new technique that exploits Einstein's general theory of relativity. The study provides insights into the extreme conditions within these ultradense objects.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2007

Different method of evaluating the urinary tract system reduces radiation dose

A recent study found that a split-bolus CT urography technique can reduce both radiation dose and number of images produced, while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. This new method has the potential to replace traditional excretory urography protocols for diagnosing urinary tract abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 28, 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.

Controlling bandwidth in the clouds

Researchers at UCSD have designed a new algorithm that enables distributed rate limiting to enforce global bandwidth rate limits and dynamically shift allocations based on current network demand. The flow proportional share algorithm uses TCP to estimate bandwidth demand, providing fairness and practicality for deployment nationwide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 28, 2007

Other highlights in the Aug. 28 JNCI

Researchers identify specific H. pylori strains associated with precancerous gastric lesions, potentially underestimating the risk of gastric cancer. Meanwhile, a gene called OGR1 is found to suppress prostate cancer metastasis in mice, suggesting its potential as a novel metastasis suppressor gene.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 28, 2007

Gamma globulin effective in treating eye infections caused by adenoviruses

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found gamma globulin to be highly effective against adenovirus-mediated eye infections, including conjunctivitis. The treatment showed significant antiviral activity and minimal toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateAug 28, 2007

Men choose romance over success

A new study by Catherine Mosher and Sharon Danoff-Burg found that college men are more likely than women to prioritize a romantic relationship over achieving their career and education goals. The researchers also discovered that men derive more emotional support from opposite-sex relationships than same-sex friendships.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateAug 28, 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.

New MRI finding sheds light on multiple sclerosis disease progressio

Researchers have identified a new abnormality related to disease progression and disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that T1-weighted MR images of the brains of MS patients often depict bright areas called hyperintense lesions, which were more likely to be present in patients with secondary-progressive MS.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 28, 2007

Scientists identify embryonic stem cells by appearance alone

Researchers have successfully identified reprogrammed cells in mice without using genetic markers, simplifying the process and potentially yielding a bountiful supply of custom human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough brings human stem cell therapies closer to reality and eliminates one major hurdle to reprogramming human cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 27, 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.

Same gene protects from 1 disease, opens door to another

Botanists at Oregon State University have discovered a single plant gene that causes resistance to one disease, while producing susceptibility to a different disease. This unusual phenomenon may help scientists better understand the pathways of genetic disease resistance and susceptibility in plants.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2007

Pitt's School of Medicine gets $16M for HIV structural biology center

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has been awarded a $16 million grant to establish the Pittsburgh Center for HIV Protein Interactions, which will investigate the life cycle of HIV. Researchers at the center will use advanced technologies to identify key virus-host interactions and develop new drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateAug 27, 2007

New study may explain Vioxx side effects

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx trigger life-threatening side effects by stimulating blood clotting. The researchers propose a solution by administering TF-reducing drugs alongside Cox-2 inhibitors to treat people safely

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 27, 2007

UCLA study identifies 'designer estrogen' as potential MS drug

Researchers have discovered a specific form of estrogen that can protect the brain from degeneration without increasing cancer risk. This 'designer estrogen' offers potential for treating multiple sclerosis and combating other age-related brain diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 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.

NASA: Astronomers pioneer new method for probing exotic matter

Astronomers have pioneered a new technique to measure the properties of neutron stars, allowing them to study the extreme conditions under which matter is packed. Using XMM-Newton and Suzaku satellites, scientists observed distorted space-time around three neutron stars, confirming predictions by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 27, 2007

Alcoholism and bad neighborhoods: a 2-way street

Research found a bidirectional relationship between alcohol dependence and neighborhood characteristics. Alcoholism leads to staying in or moving into disadvantaged neighborhoods, while recovery from alcoholism is protective against social drift. Living in poor neighborhoods has an adverse effect on alcoholic symptomatology over time.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateAug 27, 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.

Statin treatment may curb Alzheimer's brain changes

Researchers found that statin treatment may curb Alzheimer's brain changes, with a study comparing brain scans of people who took statins to those who did not. The study, published in Neurology, included 110 Group Health members aged 65-79 and provided the first direct evidence of statin's potential protective effect on the brain.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalNeurology·DateAug 27, 2007

MIT probes secret to bone's strength

New research from MIT reveals a unified explanation for bone's toughness, incorporating several previously proposed theories. The study finds that bone's atomistic structure plays a crucial role in a toughening mechanism that allows it to tolerate small cracks and maintain its strength.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalNanotechnology·DateAug 27, 2007

Smoking increases risks for head and neck cancers for men and women

A large prospective study confirmed strong associations between current and past cigarette smoking and malignancies of the head and neck in both genders. Smoking plays a greater role in developing head and neck cancer in women than men, with higher incidence rates and relative increases in risk.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 27, 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.

Conaway Lab demonstrates mechanism by which transcription factor controls gene expression

The Conaway Lab has discovered a critical role for the chromatin remodeling complex INO80 in activating transcription mediated by the transcription factor YY1. This finding provides new insights into how YY1 regulates gene expression, which is crucial for cell cycle control and may have implications for cancer therapy.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 27, 2007

Nanowire coating for bone implants, stents

Researchers have developed a nanowire coating on titanium that enhances muscle tissue adhesion for hip replacements and dental reconstructions. The material can also be easily sterilized using UV light or ethanol, making it suitable for hospital settings and food processing plants.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateAug 27, 2007

China's 1-child policy could backfire on its elderly

As China's population reaches 336 million over 60 by 2030, the country faces a growing burden of care for senior citizens. The one-child policy may leave some older Chinese without a family member to care for them, forcing them to rely on limited caregivers or facilities.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 27, 2007

U of M study: Early treatment can reverse heart damage

Researchers at U of M discovered that treating people with early cardiovascular abnormalities can slow progression and even reverse damage to the heart and blood vessels. The Rasmussen Disease Score helps doctors identify early signs, enabling targeted lifestyle counseling and drug treatment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 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.

New study finds married men do less housework than live-in boyfriends

A recent study by George Mason University found that married men report doing less housework than their live-in boyfriends. Couples with egalitarian views on gender tend to divide household chores equally, but even in these relationships, men still do more work.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateAug 27, 2007

Cornell team creates math model for circadian rhythm

Researchers at Cornell University have created a mathematical model to describe the internal clock in living beings, which regulates sleeping and waking patterns. The study proposes that an extra protein may be necessary for the circadian cycle to extend over 24 hours.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 27, 2007