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Science News for December 14, 2007


Cedars-Sinai studying whether omega-3 fatty acids can help depression

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are conducting a five-year study to test the safety and effectiveness of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) as treatments for major depressive disorder. The study aims to determine whether these two omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate symptoms of depression in adults.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateDec 14, 2007

Retirees spending freely

A study by University College London found that retired households in Britain now spend similarly on goods and services as younger people, with an increase in leisure activities like holidays. This marks a significant shift from previous stereotypes of older consumers.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 14, 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.

Aging gracefully requires taking out the trash

Researchers found that boosting autophagy in fruit flies prevented the age-dependent accumulation of cellular damage in neurons and promoted longevity. Boosting autophagy facilitated the removal of damaged molecules that accumulate during cellular aging, which is critical for neurons to stay healthy and functioning.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalAutophagy·DateDec 14, 2007

MIT to lead ambitious lunar mission

The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission will precisely map the moon's gravitational pull, revealing differences in density of the moon's crust and mantle. The detailed information gained will facilitate future manned or unmanned missions to land on the moon.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 14, 2007

The dirty work of health care information technology

A study found that 20% of lab tests accounted for 99% of results, making it easier to develop a common language for lab tests, such as LOINC. This standardization can bridge gaps in health data and improve healthcare information technology.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateDec 14, 2007
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Identification of new genes shows a complex path to cell death

Researchers at UMass Medical School discovered a complex pathway that allows cells to survive and die through autophagy, a process previously misunderstood. The study sheds light on the relationship between autophagy and cell death, with potential implications for cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's treatments.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 14, 2007

Awards to be presented at 46th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will present eight awards to recognize outstanding achievements in aerospace science and engineering. The recipients include Helen Reed, Andrew Arena, Alan Tribble, Ryan Starkey, Wayne Sand, Vigor Yang, and six graduate students for their research endeavors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateDec 14, 2007

Heavy traffic makes breathing a burden in children

Exposure to traffic pollution may increase respiratory problems and reduce lung volumes in children with asthma. Living in areas with high road density also increased respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children, even if they didn't have pre-existing conditions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 14, 2007

Cholesterol fine tunes hearing

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that cholesterol levels in outer hair cell membranes impact hearing. Depleting cholesterol resulted in hearing loss, while adding it initially increased hearing but later led to a decline.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2007

When disease discriminates: Women and COPD

Women are more prone to developing COPD due to exposure to risk factors like cigarette smoke, leading to distinct manifestations of the disease. They also experience different symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment outcomes compared to men.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 14, 2007
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Coral reefs unlikely to survive in acid oceans

Scientists warn that coral reefs will struggle to survive in increasingly acidic ocean waters due to rising carbon emissions, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The Great Barrier Reef is among the first victims of this acidification, which could lead to its collapse by mid-century.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2007

Newer, simpler fixes restore corroded pipelines

Two studies demonstrate the value of repair systems for internal defects, with fiberglass-composite repairs showing wide variation in quality. Thin, precurved steel lamina effectively repair external corrosion without compromising pipes' strength.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalExperimental Techniques·DateDec 14, 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.

Lymphoma drug used to treat skin disorders

A study published in Dermatologic Therapy reveals that rituximab effectively treats blistering skin diseases, including paraneoplastic pemphigus, by targeting abnormal immune responses. The drug's efficacy is being explored for other serious dermatological disorders, but its indications are still being defined.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Therapy·DateDec 14, 2007

Workplace opportunities and stresses are both increasing

A UK study finds that modern employment practices can damage employees' well-being, particularly among administrative staff. Women's family relationships are more adversely affected by these pressures, which also lead to anxiety about childcare arrangements. ICT surveillance is a new source of stress in the workplace.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 14, 2007

Health needs higher for kids of abused moms

A study by Group Health Research Institute found that children of mothers with a history of abuse have higher health care needs, including increased costs for mental health services. The research highlights the importance of screening women for intimate partner violence and providing interventions to minimize its effects on families.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 14, 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.

Therapy can reduce tics and Tourette syndrome

A review of research indicates that psychosocial treatments like habit-reversal training and exposure and response prevention can effectively reduce tics in people with chronic tic disorders. These behavioral methods meet evidence-based standards as successful alternatives to medication.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·DateDec 14, 2007

Where have all the lake eels gone? Queen's prof asks

A new international study will determine whether American eel population decline is caused by chemical pollution in Lake Ontario. The research aims to identify the impact of toxic chemicals on eel populations, habitats, and human consumers.

SourceQueen's University·DateDec 14, 2007

Breathless babies: Preemies' lung function shows prolonged impairment

Research shows preemies' reduced lung function persists beyond infancy, contributing to increased risk of respiratory illnesses. Maternal tobacco smoking also linked to lower lung function in both full-term and preterm infants.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 14, 2007

How molecular muscles help cells divide

Researchers at Yale University discovered how molecular muscles assemble a 'contractile ring' to divide cells, using a 'search, capture, pull and release' mechanism. The mechanism involves protein clusters on the inside of the cell membrane that grow and connect, forming a condensed ring.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2007