Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 6, 2007


Protein protects brain against compound in lead poisoning, liver disease

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that protein PEPT2 shields the brain from a naturally occurring but toxic compound found in lead poisoning and liver diseases. The study found that mice lacking PEPT2 died sooner and had higher concentrations of the toxin in their cerebrospinal fluid.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateDec 6, 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.

Dam the Red Sea and release gigawatts

Damming the Red Sea could solve the region's growing energy demands and alleviate oil supply tensions through hydroelectric power. However, such a massive project may cause untold ecological harm and displace countless people from their homes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateDec 6, 2007

Chemoprevention, naturally: Findings on plant-derived cancer medicines

Research presents findings on plant-derived cancer medicines, highlighting the potential of black raspberry gel in preventing or slowing the growth of oral premalignant tumors. The study demonstrates that the gel slows or reduces lesion progression in about two-thirds of study participants, with no reported side effects.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 6, 2007

Ultrafast optical shutter is switched entirely by laser light

A team of physicists from Vanderbilt University and the University of Konstanz in Germany have used a laser with 12-femtosecond pulses to switch vanadium dioxide film between reflective and transparent states. The transition occurs faster than previously thought, with the film shifting back and forth in under 100 femtoseconds.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateDec 6, 2007
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.

Scripps research scientists discover chemical triggers for aggression in mice

Researchers identified specific chemical compounds that triggered aggressive behavior in male mice, shedding light on the neurological basis of behaviors. The study focused on high molecular weight proteins, which were found to activate sensory neurons in the vomeronasal organ, mediating aggressive responses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2007

New direction for chance discovery?

The chance discovery field is shifting towards a new direction, focusing on interaction, visualization, and abduction to tackle complex problems and predict future trends. By analyzing implicit symptoms in data, researchers aim to identify risks and benefits, enabling better decision-making.

SourceIOS Press·JournalInternational Journal of Knowledge-based and Intelligent Engineering Systems·DateDec 6, 2007

Extensive failure of 3 main HIV drugs is slow in routine clinical practice

A study of 7916 patients found that the cumulative risk of triple-class failure was estimated at 9.2% by 10 years, with evidence suggesting a decrease in this rate over time. Despite extensive failure, many patients retained some virological activity post-failure, and the risk of death was lower than expected.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 6, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 6, 2007

Researchers have identified immunomodulatory anticancer drugs lenalidomide and pomalidomide as effective therapies for inducing fetal hemoglobin production in sickle-cell disease patients. Additionally, a new compound has been discovered to treat protein-losing enteropathy, a condition causing excessive protein loss from the gut.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2007

Fresh-cut produce washing practices can minimize food-borne illness risks

Researchers found that reusing water in produce washing processes compromises sanitizer efficacy and affects product quality. The study provides specific information on how wash operation variables impact water quality and product quality, offering new tools for enhancing food safety and quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 6, 2007

'Hellish' hot springs yield greenhouse gas-eating bug

Scientists have discovered a new species of bacteria that consumes methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in the geothermal field Hell's Gate in New Zealand. The 'methanotrophic' bacterium is hardy and can thrive in acidic environments, making it a promising candidate for reducing methane emissions from various sources.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 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.

Strawberry fields ripe for the picking

Researchers compared three strawberry production systems to determine consumer preference, finding that cold-climate plasticulture and advanced matted row systems were most popular. Consumers were willing to pay more for fresh berries from their preferred system, with quality characteristics like firmness differing among the production...

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 6, 2007

Professor Strauf's research is Nature Photonics’ cover article

Strauf's research enables high-efficiency single photon generation, paving the way for scalable quantum computation. The team developed a novel microcavity structure and electrical gates to achieve a net single photon generation rate of 100 MHz.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 6, 2007

Hinode mission delves into solar mysteries

The Hinode space mission has made groundbreaking discoveries about the Sun's surface and atmosphere, shedding light on long-standing mysteries. Researchers found evidence of Alfvén waves, which could heat the corona to extreme temperatures and accelerate the solar wind.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2007

Economists: Reduce fish catch now for bigger net profits later

A ground-breaking study finds that allowing fish numbers to rise leads to higher profits, contradicting the assumption that maximizing fishing profits will lead to stock depletion. The study's results suggest a win-win scenario for fisheries and the global marine environment.

SourceAustralian National University, Crawford School of Economics and Government·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2007

Like humans, monkey see, monkey plan, monkey do

Cotton-top tamarins display grasps consistent with end-state comfort in experiments, suggesting sophisticated motor planning. The results challenge previous attributions of nonhuman species' cognitive abilities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 6, 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.

Research on HIV-1 resistance in Old World monkeys

Matt Stremlau's research identified the factor responsible for blocking HIV-1 infection in Old World monkey cells, providing insights into innate immunity to viruses. The protein TRIM5alpha causes the rapid disassembly of the viral capsid core, rendering the virus ineffective.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateDec 6, 2007

Anticancer drugs might be of benefit to sickle-cell patients

Researchers discover that lenalidomide and pomalidomide can increase fetal hemoglobin production in people with sickle-cell disease, potentially providing a new therapy. These findings also suggest the possibility of using these drugs to treat other beta-hemoglobinopathies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 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.

Public health and cancer prevention: Success and future challenges in cancer policy

Researchers explore ways to translate cancer prevention science into public health policy, highlighting the need for effective tobacco control measures. Boosting taxes, comprehensive advertising bans, smoke-free laws, and strengthening cigarette package warnings have been found to be effective in reducing tobacco consumption, but flawe...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 6, 2007

Hinode reveals new insights about the origin of solar wind

Hinode satellite data sheds light on sun's magnetic field and solar wind formation, revealing Alfvén waves play a critical role in driving the solar wind. Magnetic reconnection and convective motions also contribute to its creation.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2007

Making emergency artery repair safer

Catheters equipped with balloons, lasers, and miniature drills can treat tears in arteries, improving safety for emergency repairs. The technology has reduced the risk of life-threatening bleeding from vessel punctures during angioplasty procedures.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiology·DateDec 6, 2007
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Fluoridated water for Queensland ... at last

The Queensland Government's decision will ensure 80% of residents drink fluoridated water within two years and over 90% by 2012. Fluoride introduction is expected to reduce dental decay by up to 65% compared to non-fluoridated areas.

SourceResearch Australia·DateDec 6, 2007

Free software brings affordability, transparency to mathematics

The open-source tool Sage has won international recognition for its user-friendly tools and collaborative features, making powerful number-crunching accessible to mathematicians worldwide. With features like collaborative online worksheets, Sage is poised to replace commercial software commonly used in mathematics education and research.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 6, 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.

Patients need to know that nuclear medicine procedures can trigger radiation alarms

A study highlights the need for improved patient information and counseling on nuclear medicine procedures, which can trigger radiation alarms in public places. Healthcare professionals, especially those in outpatient facilities, require formal training and standardization of instructions to ensure patient safety.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 6, 2007

Study of African traditional medicine will begin world-first clinical trial

Researchers are studying the safety and effectiveness of African plants used by traditional healers for treating various ailments, including AIDS and respiratory infections. The study aims to uncover the medicinal properties and potential benefits of these plants, with a focus on South Africa's vast botanical diversity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateDec 6, 2007

Subliminal smells bias perception about a person's likeability

Research from Northwestern University suggests that humans can pick up infinitesimal scents that affect whether we like or dislike someone. Study participants who were unaware of barely perceptible odors showed biased judgments on face likability, while those who could detect the scent made conscious decisions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 6, 2007

A new approach to study flu drug resistance

Researchers developed a new method to assess the danger of flu drug resistance emergence, combining human infection data with a mathematical framework. The study found that immune response plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of resistant infections spreading.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 6, 2007
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.

New software to aid early detection of infectious disease outbreaks

The new software TranStat analyzes infectious disease data to determine the probability of transmission between individuals. This information helps health officials develop effective strategies to contain outbreaks and conduct further studies in real-time.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateDec 6, 2007

Doctors failing to diagnose HIV early in UK Africans

Researchers call for GPs to be more proactive in offering HIV testing to higher-risk groups, citing low rates of early diagnosis and serious consequences. The study found that half of surveyed HIV-positive Africans were diagnosed late, despite above-average use of healthcare services.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalAIDS·DateDec 6, 2007

PET and bioluminescent imaging aid evaluation of stem cells' potential for new ways to treat disease

Researchers used PET imaging and bioluminescence to track stem cell behavior in small animal models, determining their fate and potential applications in treating heart diseases, brain disorders, and cancer. The unique combination of these imaging techniques offers a reliable method for labeling stem cells.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 6, 2007
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

St. Jude finds mechanism for faulty protein disposal

Researchers identify key cellular components that carry out protein disposal and shed light on how proteasome inhibitors interfere with this process. The discovery could lead to novel cancer drugs targeting the protein disposal mechanism.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 6, 2007

MIT creates new oil-repelling material

Researchers at MIT have developed a simple process to manufacture materials that strongly repel oils, which could be used in aviation, space travel, and hazardous waste cleanup. The material's unique microfiber structure allows it to cushion droplets of liquid, preventing them from wetting the surface.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2007

New, rare and threatened species discovered in Ghana

Scientists have discovered significant populations of new, rare, and threatened species in Ghana's Atewa Range Forest Reserve, underscoring the area's high biological diversity. The findings include Critically Endangered frog and butterfly species, as well as eight new species of katydids.

SourceConservation International·DateDec 6, 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.

Kids eat more fruits, vegetables when schools offer salad bar

A UCLA study found that introducing a lunch salad bar in elementary schools significantly increased low-income students' daily fruit and vegetable intake, with a notable decline in unhealthy fats. The program's success highlights the importance of accessible healthy food options in promoting healthier eating habits among children.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateDec 6, 2007

Tiny pest-eating insect fights fruit flies

A study by Jean Pierre Kapongo found that Muscidifurax raptor is an effective biocontrol agent for controlling fruit flies in vineyards. This method reduces the need for chemical pesticides, benefiting the environment and promoting agricultural sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 6, 2007

Revolutionary work in mathematics is awarded

Drs. Stefano Bianchini and Alberto Bressan's paper on nonlinear hyperbolic systems has solved a 50-year-old problem, proving the existence and uniqueness of solutions as viscosity tends to zero. Their work has far-reaching implications for various physical phenomena, including fluid dynamics and astrophysics.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateDec 6, 2007
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.

Scientists issue Bali climate change warning

More than 200 leading climate scientists have warned the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Bali Climate Declaration calls on governments to limit global warming to below 2 degrees C by stabilising CO2 levels at well below 450ppm CO2e.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateDec 6, 2007

Caffeine cream tones thighs

A Brazilian study found that a 7 percent caffeine solution cream reduced thigh circumference by over 80% and hip measurements by nearly 68%. However, the effect on cellulite was less clear, with imaging showing little change. The researchers speculate that the trial may not have been long enough for the cream to act on cellulite.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology·DateDec 6, 2007