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Science News for December 2, 2007


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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateDec 2, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 2, 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.

Natural compound in broccoli could treat devastating genetic skin disorder

Researchers have identified a natural compound, sulforaphane, found in broccoli that may treat a genetic skin disorder called epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). Sulforaphane has been shown to induce the production of missing keratins in basal epidermis, potentially restoring skin integrity in EBS patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 2, 2007

Were the first stars dark?

A new study suggests that the universe's first stars were dark, invisible 'dark stars' powered by dark matter. These massive stars could be billions of years old and would generate gamma rays, neutrinos, and antimatter.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 2, 2007

One bad apple: Consumers prefer perfect produce

A study by Chengyan Yue found that consumers prefer conventionally grown apples with minimal blemishes due to their better appearance. Organic apple producers must weigh the trade-off between cosmetic damage and production costs in their decisions.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 2, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How cells keep in shape

Researchers at EMBL and AMOLF discovered a new experimental approach to study microtubule end tracking proteins, which are crucial for cell shape development. The study sheds light on the interaction between proteins and the cell's skeleton, revealing how +TIPs recognize dynamic microtubule ends.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 2007

Mutant sperm guide clinicians to new diseases

A recent study published in Nature Genetics analyzed mutant sperm cells to identify genes involved in disease, revealing that duplications are less frequent than deletions in certain regions. The findings suggest improved diagnosis for genomic diseases and a new approach to predicting disease-causing variants.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 2, 2007

Lupus gene finding prompts call for more DNA samples

Researchers have identified a key Lupus gene that increases risk by 50%, prompting a need for more patient DNA samples. The OX40L variant is crucial in the immune system and may hold the key to diagnosing and treating the disease.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 2, 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.

Low-carb diet reduces inflammation and blood saturated fat in metabolic syndrome

A low-carb diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and blood saturated fat levels in patients with metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study found that reducing carbohydrate intake led to greater improvements in inflammatory markers compared to a low-fat diet.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalLipids·DateDec 2, 2007

Southern farmers realize profits from highbush blueberries

A recent study by the University of Georgia found that southern highbush blueberries have a viable and profitable industry potential. With a 92% chance of profit margin, farmers can expect positive returns on investment, leading to increased production and job creation.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 2, 2007

A real attention grabber

Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have developed a new method to measure covert attention, shedding light on how the brain directs attention. By recording muscle activity in the neck, scientists can now detect when someone's eyes are not moving but still focusing on something.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 2, 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.

Newly-identified exercise gene could help with depression

Researchers at Yale University discovered a novel gene, VGF, that plays a crucial role in exercise-induced antidepressant effects. The study found that enhancing VGF expression can function like a powerful anti-depressant, providing a potential new treatment target for depression.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 2, 2007

'Smart' flower bulbs pull themselves to deeper ground

Researchers discovered that some flower bulbs can move down into the ground in search of better growing conditions. Exposure to blue light triggers this movement, which is achieved through a hydraulic shift in cortical cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateDec 2, 2007