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Science News for February 20, 2007


Photo software creates 3-D world

Researchers developed Photo Tourism software that maps multiple photos into a 3D virtual world, solving the problem of navigating large photo collections. The technology has potential for real estate, museums, hotels, archaeologists, biologists, military, and sports enthusiasts to create interactive visual representations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 20, 2007

A chemotherapy drug packs a one-two punch

New research by Rockefeller University shows that bortezomib can kill multiple myeloma cells in a way that elicits an immune response, potentially enhancing patients' immunity to tumors. The treatment works by exposing heat shock proteins on dying cells, which then activate dendritic cells to present antigens to memory and killer T cells.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalBlood·DateFeb 20, 2007

Deep in the ocean, a clam that acts like a plant

Scientists have sequenced the genome of symbiotic bacteria in giant clams living near hydrothermal vents, revealing a unique chemosynthetic process that allows them to thrive in dark depths. The bacteria fix carbon and produce nutrients for the clam, similar to how chloroplasts work in photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Economic future of Afghanistan grounded in copper

A British Geological Survey project aims to alleviate poverty in Afghanistan by developing the country's mineral resources, particularly copper. The Aynak Copper Deposit, located south of Kabul, holds significant potential with estimated grades of 2.3% copper.

SourceBritish Geological Survey·DateFeb 20, 2007

Under pressure, vanadium won't turn down the volume

Researchers at Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory found a unique phase transition in vanadium crystals under high pressure, changing shape but not volume. This discovery has significant implications for superconducting materials and challenges previous theories on element stability.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2007

Batten down the hatches against HIV

Carbon nanotubes successfully deliver RNA fragments that shut off genes for HIV-specific receptors on human T-cells. This approach significantly slows down HIV infection by blocking the virus's entry points.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 20, 2007

New research finds that a natural family planning method is as effective as the contraceptive pill

A new study found that a natural family planning method called symptothermal method (STM) is as effective as the contraceptive pill in preventing unplanned pregnancies when used correctly. The STM method uses two indicators to identify the fertile phase in a woman's menstrual cycle and has an unintended pregnancy rate of 0.4% per year.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateFeb 20, 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.

Childhood cancer survivors at increased risk of sarcoma

A study found that childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing secondary sarcomas, such as soft tissue sarcomas and osteosarcoma, with an average latency period of 11 years after primary diagnosis. Radiation therapy is associated with this increased risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 20, 2007

Pollution control technology wins Royal Society award

A new technology using nano-porous fibres has been awarded the Royal Society's Brian Mercer Award for Innovation, with early trials showing significant energy savings and potential to reduce environmental impact. The technology could be used in various industries, including beverage production and petrol filling stations.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateFeb 20, 2007

Bacteria research offers hope for new vaccine against meningococci

Researchers developed a new system to monitor disease dynamics in mice infected with meningococci, offering insights into the disease's progression and potential for improved vaccines. The study found that modified bacteria lacking certain adhesins could not attach to mucous linings, providing a clearer picture of infection processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2007

MU researchers track personality traits to learn more about alcoholism

A long-term study at MU found that individuals from alcoholic homes retain higher levels of neuroticism and psychoticism, increasing the risk of alcohol dependency. The researchers monitored participants' personality traits over two decades, revealing a decrease in emotional stability for those with family histories of alcoholism.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateFeb 20, 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.

Case Western Reserve University study looks at mental and physical health of caregivers

A recent study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers with strong cultural beliefs and religious practices can shield themselves from mental health difficulties, however elevated cortisol levels indicate a risk of physical problems. Caregivers with stronger positive cultural beliefs about caring for elders were more l...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 2007

Other highlights in the Feb. 21 JNCI

A new screening protocol has been identified that can detect Lynch syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age. The screening procedure detected mutations in 69 patients and identified at least 57 HNPCC patients who would not have been screened under current testing practices.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 20, 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.

Gene hunters close in on Lou Gehrig’s disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 34 unique genetic variations associated with sporadic ALS, bringing them closer to developing treatments. The study scanned the entire genome of 276 subjects with ALS and found that these genetic variants are more common in individuals with the disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2007

Novel test identifies lymphoma patients likely to respond to new therapy

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a genetic signature that identifies cases of lymphoma susceptible to new molecular targeted therapy. The study found that tumors with this signature are killed by the new therapy, while those without it are resistant.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 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.

Tamoxifen yields long-term reduction in breast cancer risk

Two randomized clinical trials found tamoxifen reduces ER-positive breast cancer risk by 27% and 39%. Long-term benefits persist even after stopping tamoxifen use, with reduced side effects.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 20, 2007

BC biologists identify alternative brain cancer treatment

Boston College biologists identify KetoCal as an effective alternative therapy for malignant brain cancer, slowing tumor growth and enhancing health in mice. The study found that KetoCal decreased tumor growth by 35-65% and improved survival rates compared to standard diets.

SourceBoston College·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateFeb 20, 2007

Local interventions have little effect on metapopulation stability

Local interventions, such as adding fruitflies to a population, do not affect the dynamics and stability of the fruitfly metapopulation. Computer simulations confirm that constant local perturbations have no detectable effect on metapopulation stability across various ecological scenarios.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2007

Living in densely populated areas linked to lower body mass

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that living in densely populated, pedestrian-friendly areas is associated with lower body mass index levels. Researchers discovered that access to public transit, proximity to commercial goods and services, and population density are inversely related to BMI levels.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateFeb 20, 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.

New research finds people and pigeons see eye to eye

A study by University of New Hampshire professor Brett Gibson found that humans and pigeons primarily rely on corners of an object to recognize it, rather than shading and color. This similarity in visual processing could lead to future technological advancements, such as small visual prosthetics for the visually impaired.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2007

Pregnancy hormone key to repairing nerve cell damage

Researchers discover that pregnancy-related hormone prolactin encourages spontaneous production of myelin, a fatty substance coating nerve cells, potentially leading to treatment for MS. Prolactin therapy aims to promote repair and improve symptoms in people with MS.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·DateFeb 20, 2007

Cancer drug can extend survival in patients with deadly brain tumors

Researchers found that dual therapy with Avastin and chemotherapy agent irinotecan halted tumor growth up to twice as long as comparative therapies, offering a significant advance in treatment for aggressive gliomas. The study's findings may lead to new options for patients with the poorest possible prognosis.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 20, 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.

Protein key to organ growth

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that the protein TCTP plays a key role in regulating cell size and proliferation in fruit flies. When TCTP levels are reduced, cells grow abnormally small, leading to reduced lifespan.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 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.

Gene profiling predicts resistance to breast cancer drug Herceptin

Researchers used gene chips to profile tumors before treatment and found markers that identified breast cancer subtypes resistant to Herceptin. They discovered that IGF-1R expression was associated with a lower response rate, and that resistant tumors continued to over-express the HER2 growth factor protein.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 20, 2007