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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 6


Page 6 of 16

Study examines factors associated with survival in advanced laryngeal cancer

The study analyzed data from a national cancer registry and found that type of treatment, sex, race, and insurance status are significantly associated with survival rates among patients with advanced laryngeal cancer. Total laryngectomy was found to be the most effective treatment in increasing survival likelihood.

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

New property found in ancient mineral lodestone

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a surprising new electronic property in magnetite, a well-studied magnetic mineral, by using nanofabrication methods. They were able to get the material to revert from an insulator to a conductor at temperatures colder than minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 17, 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.

Massage may help ease pain and anxiety after surgery

A 20-minute evening back massage was found to decrease pain intensity and unpleasantness, as well as anxiety, in patients undergoing major surgery. The study suggests that massage may act through multiple mechanisms, including relieving anxiety and generating mood-boosting endorphins.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateDec 17, 2007

Teachers play critical role in adolescent health promotion efforts

A study found that teachers provide valuable information to schools about adolescent health issues due to their daily interactions with students. Teachers are concerned about handling mental health and behavioral problems but desire additional staff development workshops.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of School Health·DateDec 17, 2007

Overexcited neurons not good for cell health

A Northwestern University study found that overexcited neurons can cause protein damage in muscle cells due to neurotransmitter imbalance. This imbalance can lead to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 17, 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.

Monkeys can perform mental addition

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that monkeys can perform mental arithmetic, solving problems with accuracy and speed similar to those of college students. The study suggests that basic arithmetic may be part of our shared evolutionary past.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 17, 2007

Neuronal circuits able to rewire on the fly to sharpen senses

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Pitt describe a mechanism called dynamic connectivity, where neuronal circuits are rewired in response to specific patterns of stimuli. This process allows for more keenly sensed stimuli, such as recognizing scents, by filtering out noise and enhancing contrast.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 16, 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.

Survival shortened when ER/PR negative breast cancer spreads to the brain

Two studies from Mayo Clinic found that ER/PR negative breast cancers have the worst overall outcomes when spreading to the brain, resulting in shorter median survival times. Women with triple negative tumors and HER2+ tumors without estrogen or progesterone receptors have poor outcomes due to aggressive brain metastasis.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateDec 16, 2007

New approach for attacking lupus identified

Researchers have discovered two new targets for drugs aimed at controlling lupus by regulating the balance between inflammatory and antiviral effects of interferons. By blocking specific kinases in the calcium-signaling pathway, they were able to suppress STAT1 activation and preserve antiviral effects.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 16, 2007

Drug combination shrinks breast cancer metastases in brain

A combination of lapatinib and capecitabine significantly shrinks brain metastases in patients with aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer, with 10 patients experiencing a 50% reduction. The study's findings offer new hope for treatment options for women with advanced breast cancer who develop brain metastases.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 16, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Indonesia's 'Lost World' reveals more surprises

Scientists discover two new mammal species, a tiny possum and giant rat, in the remote Foja Mountains. The region is also home to numerous rare and little-known bird species, including the 'lost' Bird of Paradise.

SourceConservation International·DateDec 16, 2007

AASM approves home sleep testing to detect sleep apnea

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved home sleep testing as a tool to detect moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in select adults. Home sleep tests are recommended for adults between 18 and 65 with high pretest probability of OSA and no comorbid medical conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 15, 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.

Cedars-Sinai studying whether omega-3 fatty acids can help depression

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are conducting a five-year study to test the safety and effectiveness of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) as treatments for major depressive disorder. The study aims to determine whether these two omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate symptoms of depression in adults.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateDec 14, 2007

Retirees spending freely

A study by University College London found that retired households in Britain now spend similarly on goods and services as younger people, with an increase in leisure activities like holidays. This marks a significant shift from previous stereotypes of older consumers.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 14, 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.

Aging gracefully requires taking out the trash

Researchers found that boosting autophagy in fruit flies prevented the age-dependent accumulation of cellular damage in neurons and promoted longevity. Boosting autophagy facilitated the removal of damaged molecules that accumulate during cellular aging, which is critical for neurons to stay healthy and functioning.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalAutophagy·DateDec 14, 2007

MIT to lead ambitious lunar mission

The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission will precisely map the moon's gravitational pull, revealing differences in density of the moon's crust and mantle. The detailed information gained will facilitate future manned or unmanned missions to land on the moon.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 14, 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.

The dirty work of health care information technology

A study found that 20% of lab tests accounted for 99% of results, making it easier to develop a common language for lab tests, such as LOINC. This standardization can bridge gaps in health data and improve healthcare information technology.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateDec 14, 2007

Identification of new genes shows a complex path to cell death

Researchers at UMass Medical School discovered a complex pathway that allows cells to survive and die through autophagy, a process previously misunderstood. The study sheds light on the relationship between autophagy and cell death, with potential implications for cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's treatments.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 14, 2007

Awards to be presented at 46th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will present eight awards to recognize outstanding achievements in aerospace science and engineering. The recipients include Helen Reed, Andrew Arena, Alan Tribble, Ryan Starkey, Wayne Sand, Vigor Yang, and six graduate students for their research endeavors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateDec 14, 2007

Heavy traffic makes breathing a burden in children

Exposure to traffic pollution may increase respiratory problems and reduce lung volumes in children with asthma. Living in areas with high road density also increased respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children, even if they didn't have pre-existing conditions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 14, 2007

Cholesterol fine tunes hearing

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that cholesterol levels in outer hair cell membranes impact hearing. Depleting cholesterol resulted in hearing loss, while adding it initially increased hearing but later led to a decline.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2007
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

When disease discriminates: Women and COPD

Women are more prone to developing COPD due to exposure to risk factors like cigarette smoke, leading to distinct manifestations of the disease. They also experience different symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment outcomes compared to men.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 14, 2007

Coral reefs unlikely to survive in acid oceans

Scientists warn that coral reefs will struggle to survive in increasingly acidic ocean waters due to rising carbon emissions, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The Great Barrier Reef is among the first victims of this acidification, which could lead to its collapse by mid-century.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2007

Newer, simpler fixes restore corroded pipelines

Two studies demonstrate the value of repair systems for internal defects, with fiberglass-composite repairs showing wide variation in quality. Thin, precurved steel lamina effectively repair external corrosion without compromising pipes' strength.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalExperimental Techniques·DateDec 14, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Lymphoma drug used to treat skin disorders

A study published in Dermatologic Therapy reveals that rituximab effectively treats blistering skin diseases, including paraneoplastic pemphigus, by targeting abnormal immune responses. The drug's efficacy is being explored for other serious dermatological disorders, but its indications are still being defined.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Therapy·DateDec 14, 2007

Workplace opportunities and stresses are both increasing

A UK study finds that modern employment practices can damage employees' well-being, particularly among administrative staff. Women's family relationships are more adversely affected by these pressures, which also lead to anxiety about childcare arrangements. ICT surveillance is a new source of stress in the workplace.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 14, 2007

Health needs higher for kids of abused moms

A study by Group Health Research Institute found that children of mothers with a history of abuse have higher health care needs, including increased costs for mental health services. The research highlights the importance of screening women for intimate partner violence and providing interventions to minimize its effects on families.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 14, 2007

Therapy can reduce tics and Tourette syndrome

A review of research indicates that psychosocial treatments like habit-reversal training and exposure and response prevention can effectively reduce tics in people with chronic tic disorders. These behavioral methods meet evidence-based standards as successful alternatives to medication.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·DateDec 14, 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.

Where have all the lake eels gone? Queen's prof asks

A new international study will determine whether American eel population decline is caused by chemical pollution in Lake Ontario. The research aims to identify the impact of toxic chemicals on eel populations, habitats, and human consumers.

SourceQueen's University·DateDec 14, 2007

Breathless babies: Preemies' lung function shows prolonged impairment

Research shows preemies' reduced lung function persists beyond infancy, contributing to increased risk of respiratory illnesses. Maternal tobacco smoking also linked to lower lung function in both full-term and preterm infants.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 14, 2007

How molecular muscles help cells divide

Researchers at Yale University discovered how molecular muscles assemble a 'contractile ring' to divide cells, using a 'search, capture, pull and release' mechanism. The mechanism involves protein clusters on the inside of the cell membrane that grow and connect, forming a condensed ring.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 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.

Fish farms drive wild salmon populations toward extinction

A study reveals that fish farms are causing a severe decline in wild salmon populations by infecting them with sea lice, which can lead to a 99% collapse of the population within four years. This has serious implications for the entire ecosystem, as salmon play a crucial role in supporting various industries and wildlife.

SourceSeaWeb·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2007

Evolution with a restricted number of genes

Researchers have shed new light on the role of RNA polymerase II in gene expression, revealing a complex mechanism that allows for efficient use of existing genes. The study found that phosphorylation of serine 7 at the carboxyterminal domain is essential for processing and maturation of specific gene products.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 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.

Losses of long-established genes contribute to human evolution

Researchers found 26 losses of long-established genes in the human lineage, including 16 previously unknown cases. The study identified a gene for acyltransferase-3 that was lost in humans but still functional in chimpanzees and possibly gorillas.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 13, 2007

Reversible data transfers from light to sound

A team of researchers at Duke University has successfully transferred encoded information from a laser beam to sound waves and back again, opening the door for ultra-fast optical communications networks. The new method uses stimulated Brillouin scattering to create acoustic vibrations that can retain data for brief intervals.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2007

MicroRNA regulates cancer stem cells

Researchers discovered a genetic switch that regulates critical properties of cancer stem cells using microRNAs. Activating this switch, let-7, can push cancer stem cells to differentiate and lose their tumorigenic abilities, offering a novel approach to targeting these cells with therapeutic RNAs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 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.

Predicting post-traumatic stress disorders in deployed veterans

A Canadian study found that one-third of veterans who were deployed more than once experienced probable clinical depression, while 30% of those deployed only once were affected. The research also revealed that younger, single soldiers and those with multiple deployments were more likely to have PTSD and severe symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2007

New research alters concept of how circadian clock functions

Scientists at University of Cambridge identified a signalling molecule governing plant circadian clock response to environmental changes. This discovery alters the current understanding of the circadian clock and may have significant implications for agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2007

Penn researchers shine the light of venus to learn how the herpes virus invades cells

University of Pennsylvania researchers have uncovered the key step in how herpes simplex virus, HSV-1, invades healthy cells using cooperating proteins on its outer coat. The study used biomolecular complementation with a fluorescent protein called Venus to demonstrate the effectiveness of monitoring protein interactions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2007