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Science News for December 21, 2007


Cancer stem cells: know thine enemy

Researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center have identified cancer stem cells as a potential cause of brain tumors. The study aims to develop more accurate and specific cancer diagnoses using these stem cells.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNeuroscience·DateDec 21, 2007

UT-ORNL researchers take step toward understanding superconductivity

Researchers at UT-ORNL have made progress toward understanding high-temperature superconductivity by studying the behavior of electrons in materials like PLCCO. They found evidence suggesting that magnetism plays a role in creating pairs of electrons, which are crucial for this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature·DateDec 21, 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.

Most breast cancer surgeons don't talk to patients about reconstruction options, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that only a third of breast cancer patients discussed reconstruction options with their surgeon. Women who did discuss reconstruction were four times more likely to choose a mastectomy, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making in surgical choices.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateDec 21, 2007

Light powered platinum more targeted and 80 times more powerful than similar cancer treatments

Researchers have discovered a new platinum-based compound that is up to 80 times more powerful than current anti-cancer drugs and can target cancer cells with high accuracy using light activation. The compound's stability and non-toxicity in the dark make it an attractive alternative for treating surface cancers.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mars rovers find new evidence of 'habitable niche'

Cornell researchers have discovered silica-rich deposits in Spirit's wake on Mars, providing new evidence for a once-habitable environment. These findings are significant as they suggest a 'local habitable niche' on the planet's surface, supporting microbial life-like conditions.

SourceCornell University·DateDec 21, 2007

ASGE offers guidelines on endoscopic treatment of dyspepsia

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has issued guidelines for treating dyspepsia, a condition affecting a fourth of the population. For patients over 50 with symptoms or alarm features, endoscopy is recommended to diagnose structural disease such as peptic ulcer disease and malignancy.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateDec 21, 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.

Can a vibrating mouse prevent computer-related injuries?

Researchers at Cornell University found that vibrating mice can signal users to take breaks, but may not change behavior. Ergonomic products like undulating chairs and movable arms for monitors show promise in reducing workplace injuries and improving comfort.

SourceCornell University·DateDec 21, 2007

A helping hand from the grandparents

A team of scientists has discovered that older adults in the Seychelles warbler population help raise their children's grandchildren, providing an alternative route for co-operative breeding. This behavior is thought to be an effective strategy for birds prevented from breeding due to habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolution·DateDec 21, 2007

MIT, others ask 'What would E.T. see?'

A team of astronomers has figured out what alien astronomers might see when studying Earth using current and future telescopes. They found that a great deal of information about a planet can be gleaned from its brightness and color changes over time, revealing its rotation rate and weather systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 21, 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.

MIT, Harvard offer solution to Mars enigma

Scientists have discovered a possible explanation for Mars' limestone-free climate: sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gas interfered with carbonate rock formation, but led to the creation of silicates and sulfites instead.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2007

Reconstruction surgery rarely discussed with breast cancer patients

Most general surgeons fail to discuss breast reconstruction with breast cancer patients before surgery. Researchers found only 33% of eligible patients had this conversation. Younger, more educated patients were more likely to have the discussion, leading to greater willingness to consider mastectomy.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 21, 2007

Cornell researchers prove how plants transport sugars

Cornell researchers have proven the polymer trap model theory of sugar transport in plants, which could lead to increased photosynthetic rates and carbon dioxide intake. The study uses genetic engineering to silence genes involved in sucrose polymerization, resulting in a buildup of sugars in leaves.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 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.

Cornell researcher seeks clues to how tuberculosis infects cells

A Cornell research team used gene chips to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis and found that the bacteria's genes are activated after being engulfed by a macrophage. The study also compared the responses of M. tuberculosis to BCG, finding that BCG may be less capable of protecting itself once inside a macrophage.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 21, 2007

Major study concludes that global warming is killing off coral

A major new study published in Science warns that global warming and acidification are triggering widespread coral disease and stifling coral growth. The researchers argue that drastic action is needed from world leaders to protect coral reefs, which support 100 million people and generate billions of dollars in tourism.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2007

Songbirds offer clues to highly practiced motor skills in humans

Scientists have found that natural variation is a built-in mechanism to allow the nervous system to explore and maintain motor skills, even in highly practiced skills like those seen in top athletes and musicians. This discovery has implications for rehabilitating patients following strokes and other damage to the nervous system.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateDec 21, 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.

Scoring system identifies MDS patients who have low-risk disease but a poor prognosis

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new scoring system that identifies Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) patients with low-risk disease but poor prospects of survival. The system, applied to 856 patients treated between 1976 and 2005, found that older age, low platelet counts, anemia, and p...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalLeukemia·DateDec 21, 2007

Orphaned children fare better in foster care than in institutions

A study of 136 abandoned Romanian children found that those placed in foster care had significantly better intellectual development than those remaining in institutions. The research suggests that early intervention can help prevent long-term developmental problems.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2007