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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 10


Page 10 of 16

Immigrant patients less likely to report family history of cancer

A new study found that immigrant patients in the US are less likely to report a family history of cancer, which may impact access to cancer prevention and screening services. The study's findings suggest that immigrants' cultural norms and communication barriers may inhibit reporting of family health histories.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 10, 2007

MIT instrument finds surprises at solar system's edge

The Voyager 2 spacecraft has detected a strong magnetic field in the interstellar region, distorting the bubble of outflowing gas from the sun. Additionally, the temperature was found to be ten times cooler than expected just outside the boundary, sparking new explanations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 10, 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.

Growth factor receptor affects prostate cancer progression

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a mouse model to study prostate cancer progression, revealing the role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in initiating cancer. The study identified key genes involved in cell plasticity and discovered a new marker for human prostate cancer.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 10, 2007

New study shows world's protected areas threatened by climate change

A new study reveals that more than half of the world's protected areas are at risk from climate change, with severe extinctions and altered landscapes predicted. Countries such as Benin, Bhutan, and Ecuador face the greatest threats, highlighting the urgent need for consistent data to develop solutions.

SourceConservation International·DateDec 10, 2007

To keep mouths safe, don't just wear a mouthguard; keep it clean

According to a study published in the General Dentistry journal, mouthguards can harbor large numbers of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This can lead to life-threatening infectious/inflammatory diseases. Proper mouthguard maintenance, including regular cleaning and storage, is crucial to prevent disease transmission.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateDec 10, 2007

Researchers led by Penn vet uncover the delicate protein balance behind the immune system response

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified the pathways that lead to the production of Interleukin 10 (IL-10), a major anti-inflammatory factor. Modulating messenger molecules like IL-27 and IL-6 could increase IL-10 concentrations, tempering overactive immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 10, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To catch a panda

A MSU Ph.D. candidate is tracking up to four wild pandas in the Sichuan Province of China using advanced global positioning systems to map their habitat preferences, providing crucial data for conservation efforts.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 10, 2007

Arsenic contamination lacks one-size-fits-all remedy

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that arsenic-tainted wells require tailored treatment approaches, depending on their source and geology. Chlorine disinfection can effectively control pathogenic bacteria but may not address all types of arsenic contamination.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateDec 10, 2007

Explosives at the microscopic scale produce shocking results

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and MIT have created a quantum molecular dynamics simulation of a shocked explosive, revealing its chemical decomposition and transformation into a semi-metallic state. The study provides new insights into the microscopic properties of explosives during detonation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 10, 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.

Cancer risks of eating red and processed meat

A new study published in PLoS Medicine found that consuming high amounts of red and processed meats increases the risk of developing bowel and lung cancer. The research, conducted by Amanda Cross and colleagues, analyzed data from a large US diet and health study involving nearly half a million men and women aged 50-71.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 10, 2007

MIT sorts cells with beams of light

Researchers at MIT have developed a system that uses beams of light to sort cells, allowing for precise separation based on specific cell characteristics. This technology could enable genetic screening, clinical testing, and cloning research with increased efficiency and reduced costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateDec 10, 2007

Threatened birds may be rarer than geographic range maps suggest

A recent study published in Conservation Biology found that threatened bird species tend to have their ranges overestimated by 40-70% compared to actual surveys. This overestimation is particularly pronounced for narrow-ranging and specialized species, which are also more vulnerable to extinction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalConservation Biology·DateDec 10, 2007
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New drug candidate knocks out resistant form of chronic myeloid leukemia

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute have discovered a new drug candidate, SGX393, effective against highly resistant mutations in CML. Combining SGX393 with existing drugs Sprycel and Tasigna suppresses resistant growth, raising the possibility of 'cocktail' therapies to prevent drug resistance.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateDec 10, 2007

Researchers combat slowing yields with targeted fertilizer applications

In northwest India, a study found that applying site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increased average rice grain yields by 17% compared to traditional farming practices. The approach also led to improved nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, with profits rising about 14%.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateDec 10, 2007

Living longer with obesity means heavier burden for hospitals

New studies from Purdue University find that living longer with obesity leads to longer hospital stays and more avoidable trips to the hospital. The research also suggests that addressing obesity at a younger age can help prevent chronic health problems.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 10, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Employees with workplace flexibility have healthier lifestyle habits

A study by Joseph G. Grzywacz found that employees who perceive flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles and are more likely to start positive behaviors. The study analyzed data from a large multinational pharmaceutical company, which recognized its commitment to flexibility as a family-friendly employer.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 10, 2007

Morphine: A comfort measure for the dying or pain control for the living?

A study found that many cancer patients with metastatic disease incorrectly believe opioids are only for dying patients. Morphine can improve pain management and quality of life for living patients. Experts stress the importance of professional confidence in opioid use to change these beliefs.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateDec 10, 2007

Patients, dentists differ on smile ratings, JADA study

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that patients were more satisfied with their own smiles than dentists, rating them an average 59.1 on a 100-point scale. The researchers suggest that this disparity may be due to differences in perception and assessment methods.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateDec 10, 2007

Massive study finds parenting practices don't suffer during divorce

A large study found no differences in parenting practices between recently divorced and married parents, contrary to accepted wisdom. Researchers argue that existing strength-based programs can effectively support divorced parents by building on their existing strengths.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalFamily Relations·DateDec 10, 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.

Depression screening for cancer patients too often falls between the cracks

A study found that depression screening in cancer patients is inadequate, with only half of veterans with lung cancer receiving screening. Lung cancer has a high association with depression, and early detection can improve quality of life during treatment. Clinicians need to prioritize depression screening even for end-stage cancer cases.

SourceIndiana University·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateDec 10, 2007

High blood pressure associated with risk for mild cognitive impairment

Research findings suggest a significant association between high blood pressure and the development of mild cognitive impairment. Approximately 9.9 out of every 1,000 elderly individuals without dementia develop this condition yearly, with 10-12% progressing to Alzheimer's disease each year.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateDec 10, 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.

Substance abuse in Somali combatants; and more

A study in PLOS Medicine found that Somali combatants' excessive use of khat, a stimulant with amphetamine-like effects, is prevalent across southern and central Somalia. The study also revealed high levels of cannabis and other drug use among combatants, posing significant challenges for post-conflict reintegration programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 10, 2007

For the fruit fly, everything changes after sex

Researchers at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology have identified a molecular switch responsible for the behavioral changes in female fruit flies after mating. The discovery could lead to new approaches for controlling reproductive behaviors in agricultural pests and human disease carriers.

SourceResearch Institute of Molecular Pathology·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2007
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Voyager 2 proves solar system is squashed

Voyager 2 has entered the heliosheath, a vast region at the edge of our solar system where the solar wind meets interstellar space. The spacecraft's Plasma Science instrument provided direct measurements of the solar wind, revealing an unusual shock wave with lower temperatures than predicted.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 10, 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.

News briefs from the December issue of Chest

Researchers found that good continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment compliance significantly reduced blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, oral prednisolone was shown to be equally effective as intravenous administration for treating COPD exacerbations, with the latter being preferred due t...

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateDec 10, 2007

Chemicals used as fire retardants could be harmful, UC-Riverside researchers say

UC Riverside scientists warn that chemicals used to slow the spread of fires in consumer goods, such as televisions and sofas, can be found in high concentrations in human blood and breast milk. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may pose a health risk, particularly for infants and toddlers.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNeurochemical Research·DateDec 10, 2007

Scientists develop new measure of 'socioclimactic' risk

A new analysis provides quantitative information on socioclimatic risk for each nation, integrating global climate models and socioeconomic indicators of poverty, wealth, and population. Countries face high exposure in at least one category, with major greenhouse gas-emitting nations like China, India, and the US facing substantial exp...

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 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.

Vaccine shows promise in preventing mono

A new study suggests that a vaccine targeting Epstein-Barr virus may prevent infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as “mono” or “glandular fever.” The vaccine was found to reduce the proportion of symptomatic EBV infections from 10% in control groups to 2% in vaccinated individuals.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 10, 2007

Psychiatrists: Least religious but most interested in patients' religion

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that psychiatrists are less religious than other physicians but more comfortable addressing patients' spiritual concerns. Psychiatrists are twice as likely to discuss spiritual issues with patients and more likely to encourage patients in their own religious ideas.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 10, 2007
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.

Genome study places modern humans in the evolutionary fast lane

A recent genome study found that positive selection has occurred at a rate roughly 100 times higher in the past 5,000 years compared to other periods of human evolution. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison anthropologist John Hawks, identified 1,800 genes with recent genetic changes, driven by major cultural shifts such a...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2007

Ice Ages and rivers may have affected gorilla diversification

A genetic study suggests that gorilla populations' geographic variation may be tied to Ice Age climate change and river barriers. Regional differences in gorillas were shaped by 'refugia' that harbored suitable habitat remnants.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 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.

Scientists discover new role for miRNA in leukemia

A new study reveals microRNAs can directly control a protein's function, preventing immature blood cells from maturing and contributing to the development of blast-crisis CML. Altering microRNA levels may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for CML patients who don't respond to targeted agents.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 9, 2007

Neurons in the frontal lobe may be responsible for rational decision-making

Research suggests that neurons in the frontal lobe encode economic value in a 'menu invariant' way, enabling transitive preferences. This finding provides a key insight into the neural circuits underlying decision-making and may shed light on choice deficits associated with frontal lobe damage.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 9, 2007

In fruit flies, homosexuality is biological but not hard-wired

A team of neurobiologists has discovered a gene controlling fruit fly homosexuality and found it can be turned on and off within hours using genetic manipulation or drugs. The research provides insight into the biological basis of sexual orientation and may one day enable the domestication of insects like fruit flies for useful purposes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 9, 2007

Complete response with oblimersen combination improves survival of CLL patients

A Phase III clinical trial shows that patients with relapsed CLL who achieve complete response with oblimersen combination therapy live significantly longer than those treated with chemotherapy alone. The median survival time for oblimersen-treated patients is estimated to exceed 49 months, whereas it was 35 months for those on F/C alone.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 2007

Vaccine improves event-free survival for leukemia patients

A peptide vaccine for leukemia improved event-free survival by 8.7 months compared to non-responders, with 36% of responders experiencing complete cytogenetic remission. The vaccine targets cancer cells and induces a specific immune response in patients with HLA-A2

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 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.

Dasatinib, Nilotinib show strong early results as frontline therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia

Two drugs, dasatinib and nilotinib, are showing promising results as frontline therapy for newly diagnosed CML patients with high complete cytogenetic response rates of approximately 90% at 6 months. The treatments target a greater variety of genetic variations than imatinib, which has increased the 5-year survival rate for CML patient...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 2007