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Science News for December 27, 2007


Cardiac stem cell therapy closer to reality

Researchers have made significant progress in cardiac stem cell therapy, exploring novel delivery methods and strategies to improve cell survival. These advancements aim to overcome the challenges of poor vascular supply and inflammation after a heart attack, paving the way for more effective treatments.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 27, 2007

Subliminal messages can influence us in surprising ways

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that subliminal exposure to a national flag image can moderate political attitudes, voting intentions, and actual voting in general elections. The studies showed that participants exposed to the subliminal message tended to adopt more centrist views and voted for central parties.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 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.

Overeating and obesity triggered by lack of BDNF

Researchers at Tufts University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical for mediating satiety in adult mice. Mice with deleted BDNF genes ate more and became heavier, highlighting the protein's role in energy balance.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateDec 27, 2007

Deep-sea species' loss could lead to oceans' collapse, study suggests

A new report suggests that preserving deep-sea biodiversity is crucial for the health of oceans. Researchers found that sites with a higher diversity of nematode worms support exponentially higher rates of ecosystem processes and increased efficiency. This study highlights the importance of protecting the world's most critical ecosystem.

SourceCell Press·DateDec 27, 2007

U of M researchers discover fast-acting cyanide antidote

Researchers developed a fast-acting antidote to cyanide poisoning that works in under three minutes and can be taken orally, giving emergency responders more time to respond. The new antidote has been tested on animals and shows exceptional effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 27, 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.

Taxol with avastin produces noteworthy results

The study showed significant benefits of Avastin with Taxol in treating metastatic breast cancer, nearly doubling the time between chemotherapy initiation and tumor progression. This achievement demonstrates Avastin's potential as an antiangiogenic agent in breast cancer therapy.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 27, 2007

Study maps life in extreme environments

A team of biologists has developed a model mapping the control circuit governing a whole free-living organism, allowing for accurate prediction of cell dynamics and adaptation to environmental stresses. The study, based on Halobacterium salinarum, provides insights into how cells make stable decisions in response to their environments.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell·DateDec 27, 2007

New research tools are too complex for easy answers, researchers say

Researchers warn that powerful molecular tools in cancer research can lead to misleading conclusions due to the complexity of generated data. The team highlights the need for better understanding of the challenges in analyzing these genomic and proteomic technologies.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateDec 27, 2007

Cone-Beam CT faster, potentially more accurate than conventional mammography

Researchers discovered that cone-beam breast CT provides exceptional tissue contrast and can reduce examination time with comparable radiation dose to conventional 2D mammography. The study found well-resolved images of skin, adipose, and glandular regions, as well as clear detection of microcalcifications within cancers.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 27, 2007
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Copy number variation may stem from replication misstep

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a new mechanism, called Fork Stalling and Template Switching, which causes DNA copy number variation. This process stalls when there is a problem with the DNA, switching to a different template before returning to the original area.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateDec 27, 2007

Baumann lab identifies elusive telomere RNA subunit in single cell model

The Baumann lab has identified the long-sought telomerase RNA gene in a single-cell research model, providing a critical tool for studying telomerase in human cells. This breakthrough sheds light on the correlations between telomere shortening and various diseases, including cancer and coronary heart disease.

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

Cell-death receptor links cancer susceptibility and inflammation

Researchers found a connection between TRAIL's receptor and cancer susceptibility, as well as inflammation and cancer via TRAIL. Mouse models with TRAIL receptor knock-out developed larger tumors after exposure to carcinogens or radiation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 27, 2007

NIEHS awards DISCOVER grants

The NIEHS is awarding a total of $6.8 million to three new research centers called DISCOVER, which will bridge the gap between basic research and clinical treatment of diseases caused by environmental factors.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateDec 27, 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.