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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 5


Page 5 of 16

Fetal surgeon shows for first time that laser procedure may treat vasa previa

A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateDec 18, 2007

Study examines imaging procedures for diagnosing blood clots in the lung

Researchers compared computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to conventional lungs scans for excluding pulmonary embolism. While CTPA detected more clots, it also resulted in a higher rate of venous thromboembolism diagnoses. The study suggests that CTPA may be a safe and reliable alternative to ventilation-perfusion scanning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 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.

Weather, risky business for some

A new research project funded by the National Science Foundation aims to improve weather models and analysis for industries such as food, clothing, and energy. The goal is to educate meteorologists on how to apply weather forecasts to real-world business decisions.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 18, 2007

Plant geneticists find veritas in vino

Researchers have sequenced the high-quality draft genome of a Pinot Noir grape, providing insights into its relatively small genome and heterozygosity. The discovery offers a treasure trove of variation to investigate gene characteristics and evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 18, 2007

UT-Houston's Northrup and colleagues uncover genetic link to spina bifida

Researchers at UT-Houston have discovered an association between genes regulating glucose metabolism and spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the spine. The study found variants in three glucose metabolism genes were linked to an increased risk of spina bifida.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateDec 18, 2007
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

FDA approves Bystolic, a novel beta blocker

Bystolic is a once-daily medication that can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments to reduce blood pressure. It selectively blocks the effects of adrenaline at the heart and vasodilates blood vessels, offering a low incidence of traditional beta blocker side effects.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Inc.·DateDec 18, 2007

Safer, more accurate radiation therapy for expecting mothers

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed new modeling tools to create accurate computer simulations of the human body during pregnancy. This breakthrough enables safer and more effective radiation therapy and nuclear medicine imaging procedures for expecting mothers.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateDec 18, 2007

Move over, silicon: Advances pave way for powerful carbon-based electronics

Researchers have created a practical technique to replace silicon with graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, allowing for 10 times better information processing and radio transmission capabilities. This breakthrough could lead to the development of high-performance wireless devices within a few years.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 18, 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.

No need for reduced alcohol consumption in later life

Two studies from the Peninsula Medical School found that moderate drinking is fine for over 65s, with some cases showing better cognitive and general health than abstinence. The research showed no increased risks of physical disability, mortality, or depression among moderate drinkers.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 18, 2007

A single bone mineral density test predicts 'silent' spinal fractures years later

A bone mineral density test given 15 years earlier predicted a woman's risk of developing fractures to her spine over time. More than half of the women with low BMD and existing spinal fractures developed new fractures over the 15-year study period, highlighting the importance of BMD testing for women over 50.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 2007

Intergalactic 'shot in the dark' shocks astronomers

A team of astronomers discovered a long-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) in the middle of nowhere, thousands of light-years from the nearest galaxy. The GRB's afterglow was bright and fast-fading, but there was no dense gas or dust to absorb its light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 18, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why diving marine mammals resist brain damage from low oxygen

A study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, found that certain marine mammals have evolved to protect their brains from conditions of low oxygen. The amounts and kinds of globins in the brain correlate with physical activity patterns of various wild mammals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateDec 18, 2007

IOF applauds NOS on NICE Guidance appeal success and urges continued efforts

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) applauds the National Osteoporosis Society's (NOS) success in appealing the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's (NICE) Guidance on osteoporotic fracture prevention. IOF calls for continued efforts to ensure clinically appropriate treatments are made available.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalBone·DateDec 18, 2007

Family ties that bind: Maternal grandparents are more involved in the lives of their grandchildren

A recent study found that maternal grandparents were more likely to maintain daily or weekly contact with their grandchildren than paternal grandparents. The research suggests psychological mechanisms rooted in evolutionary history, where women are always related by maternity, making family ties through the mother more significant.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateDec 18, 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.

Colon cancer screenings may not pay off and could pose harm to some

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that colon cancer screenings may bring little benefit and pose harm to certain patients. The 'payoff time' method estimates the minimum time required for screening benefits to outweigh harms, revealing a significant gap in current guidelines.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 18, 2007

Z-shaped incision enhances minimally invasive surgery

Researchers at Penn State developed a novel surgical technique using a Z-shaped incision to access the stomach, promising reduced bleeding and complication rates. The technique has potential applications in minimally invasive surgeries, such as intestinal bypass surgery and organ biopsies.

SourcePenn State·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateDec 17, 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 strategy to cut heart attack risk is effective in initial test

A new drug has been found safe and effective at reducing levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol by up to 40 percent, a promising approach for treating high cholesterol and related conditions. The drug accelerates the natural process of ridding the body of LDL, offering an alternative to statins and potentially complementing their use.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2007

Robotic device appears useful for surgical removal of cancer involving the tonsils

A new robotic surgery technique called transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been shown to be effective in removing tonsil cancer with minimal complications and improved patient outcomes. In a study of 27 patients, surgeons successfully removed all cancerous tissues in 93% of cases, with an average surgery time of one hour and 43 minutes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 17, 2007

MIT works toward engineered blood vessels

Engineered blood vessels could be transplanted into tissues such as the kidneys, liver, heart or any other organs that require large amounts of vascular tissue. The researchers created a surface template to grow capillary tubes aligned in a specific direction using nano-scale patterning.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 17, 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.

Constipation most common cause of children's abdominal pain

A new study by University of Iowa researcher Vera Loening-Baucke found that acute and chronic constipation accounted for nearly half of all cases of acute abdominal pain in children. The study recommends that physicians perform a simple rectal examination to diagnose constipation as a cause of abdominal pain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 17, 2007

MU study looks at social structure of prison communities

A University of Missouri researcher studied peer relationships among inmates to understand the social structure of California prisons. He found that respect is rooted in perceived similarities and is conveyed through various behaviors, such as eye contact and physical orientation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 17, 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.

OHSU researchers reveal the science of shivering

Researchers at OHSU Neurological Sciences Institute have discovered the brain's wiring system that determines when to perform shivering as a defense against cold. The study reveals that this process involves parallel but distinct sensory pathways for conscious and subconscious cold detection.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2007

For babies with heart defects, death risk is far lower at most experienced hospitals

A national study suggests that infants with complex congenital heart defects have a lower risk of dying if treated at experienced hospitals. The study found significant differences in mortality rates depending on the number of procedures performed at each hospital, with centers treating more cases having lower mortality rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPediatric Cardiology·DateDec 17, 2007

Biochip mimics the body to reveal toxicity of industrial compounds

Researchers developed two biochips, MetaChip and DataChip, to test chemical and drug compound toxicity on human cells and organs without animal testing. The combined chips provide efficient and accurate way to screen compounds for toxicity earlier in the discovery process.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 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.

Study links success of invasive Argentine ants to diet shifts

Researchers found that Argentine ants' ability to switch from carnivorous to plant sap-loving creatures allowed them to rapidly spread throughout coastal California. The change in diet enabled the ants to thrive in irrigated residential communities where more plant material than insect protein is available.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2007

Poultry workers at increased risk of carrying antibiotic-resistant E. coli

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that poultry workers in the US are 32 times more likely to carry gentamicin-resistant E. coli bacteria than others outside the industry. The study highlights the importance of non-hospital environments in the origin of drug-resistant infections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 17, 2007

Moderate exercise cuts rate of metabolic syndrome

A new study from Duke University Medical Center shows that even a modest amount of brisk walking weekly can trim waistlines and cut the risk of metabolic syndrome. The research found that participants who exercised for at least 30 minutes a day, six days a week, saw significant benefits in reduced MetS scores.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateDec 17, 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.

Fundamental discovery by Einstein researchers reveals how fat is stored in cells

Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine identified two genes crucial for packaging fat into lipid droplets. Overexpressing these genes led to a significant increase in lipid droplet formation, while suppressing one of the genes resulted in a drastic reduction. This discovery could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and rela...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2007

Agent orange chemical, dioxin, attacks the mitochondria to cause cancer, says Penn research team

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified that dioxin targets the mitochondria, disrupting normal cellular function and promoting tumor progression. The study's findings suggest that understanding this mechanism could lead to new ways to block the propagation of mitochondrial stress signaling and inhibit cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2007

Cat fleas' journey into the vacuum is a 'one-way trip'

Researchers found that vacuuming is an effective way to kill fleas, with a high success rate in killing adult fleas (96%) and destroying younger stages (100%). The study suggests that the physical abuse caused by the vacuum's brushes and fans leads to flea death.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEntomologia Experimentalis et Applicata·DateDec 17, 2007

Where vets served affects frequency of ER visits but not hospital stays

A study by Indiana University found that veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War were 25% more likely to visit an emergency department than those who did not serve. The study also suggested that limited access to outpatient services or higher rates of accidents and injuries may be contributing factors.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 17, 2007

Study shows urban sprawl continues to gobble up land

A new study suggests that urban sprawl has continued to grow significantly in the US over the past few decades, particularly in exurban areas. The research found significant increases in fragmentation of land use patterns, with housing development juxtaposed with agricultural or forested areas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 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.

New mechanical insights into wound healing and scar tissue formation

Fibroblasts, key cells in wound healing, transform into powerful contractile cells through a mechanical process. This new understanding could help prevent fibrosis and improve tissue engineering by controlling the rigidity of cell cultures.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 17, 2007
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Hot spot on Enceladus causes plumes

A hot spot on Enceladus's south pole generates enough heat to eject ice and vapor plumes, indicating geological activity. The presence of water vapor and lack of sodium suggest a different mechanism may be at play, fueling questions about the moon's habitability.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateDec 17, 2007

CSHL scientists identify and repress breast cancer stem cells in mouse tissue

Researchers at CSHL have identified and repressed breast cancer stem cells in mouse tissue by manipulating microRNAs, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. The study found that the delivery of the microRNA let-7 to breast-tissue cells can help distinguish stem-like tumor-initiating cells from other cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 17, 2007

Tip sheet, Annals of Internal Medicine, Dec. 18, 2007, issue

The American College of Physicians has issued new clinical guidelines that recommend against routine screening for carotid artery stenosis. Meanwhile, the use of vitamin D as a standard treatment for chronic kidney disease remains unchanged despite concerns over its effectiveness. Additionally, experts have called for revisions to orga...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 17, 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.

MCG selected as RNA laboratory for worldwide diabetes study

The Medical College of Georgia Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine has been selected to isolate RNA and DNA from the blood of thousands of children involved in a worldwide study of the causes of type 1 diabetes. The TEDDY study aims to identify environmental triggers for diabetes in children with known high-risk genes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateDec 17, 2007

The blood-brain barrier: A misunderstood key to finding life-saving cures to brain disease

An international team of scientists proposes strategies to overcome obstacles posed by the blood-brain barrier, a gate-keeping system protecting the brain from toxins and letting in nutrients. The review article highlights the importance of understanding the blood-brain barrier in treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple s...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 17, 2007

UVA reports surprising findings related to myotonic muscular dystrophy

Researchers found that individuals with Type 1 myotonic muscular dystrophy overproduce the heart protein NKX2-5, yet experience similar cardiac problems. Reducing excessive NKX2-5 levels may protect against these issues, leading to potential diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 17, 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.