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Science News Archive December 2007


Page 15 of 16

'Magma P.I.' unearths clues to how crust was sculpted

Geologist Bruce Marsh proposes that magma channels fractured the Earth's surface, providing a 'template' for later erosion to create valleys and mountain ranges. The discovery in Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys dates back at least 180 million years, shedding light on land-surface evolution.

Rise in serious head injuries among snowboarders and skiers

Serious head injuries among alpine skiers and snowboarders have increased over the past 15 years, with faster speeds and jumping maneuvers being a major contributor. Helmet use has been shown to reduce the risk of serious brain injuries by 22-60%.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New ramelteon data presented at AARC

A new study presented at AARC found that ramelteon did not exacerbate respiratory depressant effects in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study showed significant increases in total sleep time and sleep efficiency with ramelteon compared to placebo.

Exercising our immune system

Research finds that elite rowers show a significant reduction in lactoferrin concentration after five months of sedentary lifestyle, but experience an increase in salivary proteins following moderate and high-intensity exercise. This study aims to test the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on the immune system.

Brain abnormalities discovered in people who have trouble reading fast

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with trouble reading quickly exhibit brain abnormalities in their white matter. The researchers discovered a specific type of dyslexia affecting these individuals, which was linked to disruptions in their white matter fibers.

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.

New upper limit defined for normal ALT in adolescent males

A study of adolescent offenders found a new upper limit for ALT that is more sensitive for diagnosing liver disease. The findings suggest targeted interventions for at-risk youths, who are high-risk for HCV infection and obesity-related liver disease.

Simple two-in-one test signals high risk after a heart attack

A new study found that a two-in-one test examining the nervous system and heart's electrical system can identify patients at highest risk of cardiac arrest or death after a heart attack. The REFINE study revealed that combining findings from one simple test makes it significantly more likely to identify high-risk patients.

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 3, 2007

Researchers at Karolinska Institute have identified a new source of dopamine cells that provided marked benefit when transplanted into mice with Parkinson's-like disease. Wnt5a-treated neural stem cells may be an efficient and safe source for DA cell replacement therapy in individuals with PD.

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.

New map outlines risk of zebra mussel invasion

A new study suggests that nearly 60% of the US is at high risk for zebra mussel invasion due to low calcium levels in streams and lakes. The invasive species could spread rapidly through connecting waterways and recreational boating, causing millions of dollars in damage and ecological harm.

Internists say pay-for-performance programs must put patients first

The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need to balance performance incentives with patient-centered care. Pay-for-performance programs may neglect complex patient needs, particularly for elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions. ACP advocates for a more nuanced approach that prioritizes patient welfare and preferences.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Slow reading in dyslexia tied to disorganized brain tracts

Researchers found that disorganized white matter in the brain, particularly circuitous connections and poor organization, may cause slow reading in individuals with dyslexia. The study suggests that white-matter integrity and organization play a crucial role in reading fluency.

Job picture for 2006 chemistry grads reasonably good, C&EN reports

The job situation for 2006 chemistry graduates is 'reasonably good' according to the American Chemical Society. The median salary for full-time, permanent employment for bachelor's graduates remained at $35,000. However, salaries for master's and Ph.D. graduates experienced significant declines.

James Webb Space Telescope marks successful completion

The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully completed its preliminary design review, verifying the integrated performance of its Optical Telescope Element. The telescope, set to be the premier space observatory of the next decade, will study various phases in the universe's history.

Story ideas from the Journal of Lipid Research

Two studies found that genetic variants in metabolic genes impact cholesterol metabolism, while Crohn's disease contributes to atherosclerosis. Researchers also identified a potential treatment for bile acid disorders using FXR targeted therapies.

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.

How to help baby like fruits and veggies

Research from the Monell Center found that breast-feeding confers an advantage in acceptance of foods during weaning, especially if mothers regularly eat those foods. Repeated opportunities to taste fruits and vegetables enhance acceptance and intake, even for formula-fed infants.

Uninsured, others less likely to receive breast cancer test

A study by American Cancer Society researchers found significant disparities in breast cancer diagnosis, particularly among uninsured and African American women. They are more likely to miss axillary lymph node assessments, which help determine stage and guide treatment decisions.

MIT sculpts 3-D particles with light

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to create three-dimensional microparticles using ultraviolet light, offering unprecedented control over size, shape, and texture. The particles can be designed with specific chemical properties, such as porosity, making them suitable for use in medical diagnostics and tissue engineering.

JCI table of contents: Dec. 3, 2007

A new study published in JCI Journal has found that CP-31398, a compound that binds to mutant forms of the p53 protein, can prevent and treat UV light–induced skin cancers in mice. The study also demonstrated that CP-31398 increased p53 function in human skin cancer cells expressing a mutant form of p53.

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.

Choosing dry or wet food for cats makes little difference

A University of Missouri-Columbia study found that weight gain, not the type of diet, is a key factor in developing diabetes in cats. The researchers compared glucose-tolerance tests between cats fed dry food and those fed canned food, finding no significant difference.

Young chimps top adult humans in numerical memory

Researchers found that young chimpanzees possess an extraordinary working memory capability for numerical recollection, surpassing that of human adults. This surprising ability is reminiscent of 'eidetic imagery,' a special skill present in some normal human children.

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.

Stop smoking services are reducing the UK's health gap, shows study

A recent study by the University of Bath found that smokers from poorer areas are using NHS stop smoking services and successfully quitting at a higher rate than those from more affluent communities. The overall proportion of smokers from disadvantaged areas accessing these services is also higher, suggesting that the NHS stop smoking ...

Tethered to chip, energy supply that drives sperm could power 'nanobot'

Scientists at Cornell's Baker Institute of Animal Health have successfully assembled and functioned a human-made device that mimics the biological pathway powering sperm, which could be used to release drugs or perform mechanical functions inside the body. The device uses a nickel-NTA chip to replicate the glycolysis pathway, allowing ...

Humans not the major target of Shiga toxin

Researchers found that bacteria carrying Shiga toxin have an evolutionary advantage against bacterial predators when co-cultured with Tetrahymena. The Shiga toxin kills Tetrahymena by binding to its surface receptor, and removing this receptor can prevent killing.

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.

Promising approach to a more effective sunscreen

Researchers discovered a promising new agent, CP-31398, that restores mutant p53 tumor suppressor function and inhibits skin cancer growth in mice exposed to UVB light. The findings suggest potential for this approach as a sunscreen component for preventing and treating UV light-induced skin cancers.

Replacing the cells lost in Parkinson disease

Researchers have discovered a novel method to produce dopamine cells for Parkinson's disease treatment by cultivating ventral midbrain neural stem cells with Wnt5a. This approach yielded substantial recovery in mice with PD-like disease, without tumor development.

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.

Purified bacterial extract sprayed into lungs ramps up innate immune system

A purified bacterial extract spray administered to laboratory mice provided powerful protection against all four major classes of pathogens, including anthrax and bubonic plague. The treatment was shown to stimulate a healthy immune response and increase antimicrobial polypeptides in the lung lining fluid.

Rates of anxiety, mood disorders high in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina

A study of 1,043 residents found that almost half had evidence of an anxiety or mood disorder five to seven months after the hurricane. The rate was highest among New Orleans residents, who were more likely to develop such disorders following physical adversity, property loss, and stressors associated with the slow government response.

Best treatment identified to reduce deadly Staph infections

A new study found that benzethonium chloride is more effective in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria than other antibacterial products. The compound kills common types of non-hospital MRSA bacteria better than others, with a genuine bactericidal effect against all four tested strains.

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.

Giardia loses its hold on intestinal tissue after 'tonic shock'

Researchers discovered Giardia's attachment mechanism relies on an osmotic suction cup, which can be disrupted by 'tonic shock'. The parasite's grip on intestinal tissue can be broken using a timed pattern of high and low tonicity, suggesting new treatment options.

Climate change predicted to drive trees northward

A comprehensive study finds that climate change could lead to significant shifts in North American tree ranges, with potential decreases of up to 58% if species cannot disperse. The research used an extensive data-gathering effort and simulated two climate change scenarios.

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.

New smartpen and paper to help teach blind college students

A new smartpen and paper technology developed by Livescribe aims to enable blind college students to learn complex STEM subjects like physics, calculus, and biology. The technology allows students to explore diagrams and figures through touch and audio, making it more accessible and interactive.

Modifying an anti-cancer drug makes it more specific

Researchers at Rice University have engineered a modified form of the anti-cancer drug imatinib, known as WBZ_4, which targets specific cancer-causing proteins without affecting normal bodily functions. This new compound shows promise in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with reduced risk of heart toxicity.

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.

Fossils excavated from Bahamian blue hole may give clues of early life

The discovery of well-preserved fossils in a blue hole off the coast of the Bahamas provides insights into early life on isolated islands. Fossilized bones of land-lubbing crocodiles and tortoises, as well as plant fossils, have been found, shedding light on the impact of human arrival on island ecosystems.

Red alert: Wild strawberries may reduce cancer risk

A recent study by Dr. Shiow Y. Wang found that seven types of wild strawberries contain higher antioxidant levels and more potential to reduce cancer risk. The antioxidants in these 'super seven' strawberries may be useful in developing cultivars with greater anticancer potential.

Buyer beware: Stressed plants won't survive shipping

Research by Dr. Terri W. Starman identified the strongest survivors of postharvest experiences among popular garden plants marketed to consumers. High-quality plants may look healthy but decline in quality within a week, with most becoming unmarketable after three weeks.

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.