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Science News for February 26, 2007


A first glimpse of the influenza replication machine

Scientists have produced the first 3-dimensional image of a key influenza protein, revealing insights into transmission between birds and humans. The study sheds light on how polymerase mutations contribute to avian flu's ability to jump species barriers.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 26, 2007

Mistaken identity? When a white marlin may not always be a white marlin

A team of scientists has confirmed the existence of an enigmatic billfish species, the roundscale spearfish, which overlaps with the distribution of the white marlin. The discovery raises concerns about the true numbers of threatened white marlin populations and suggests that recent population assessments may have been overestimated.

SourceGuy Harvey Research Institute, Nova Southeastern University·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateFeb 26, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cholesterol in stroke patients exceeds national guidelines

A study of 1,040 stroke patients found that 27% had cholesterol levels higher than recommended by national guidelines. Despite this, only 7% were at their ideal level for preventing future strokes and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of regular testing and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 26, 2007

MGH research award helps women establish scientific careers

The program provides competitive two-year grants to women junior researchers balancing family responsibilities with research demands. Recipients have remained at MGH, received academic promotions, and secured over $51 million in outside research funding.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

Fruit flies may pave way to new treatments for age-related heart disease

A collaborative study by Sanford Burnham Prebys and UC San Diego found that mutations in a molecular channel in fly hearts caused arrhythmias similar to those found in humans. The researchers believe that understanding the regulation of this channel could lead to new treatments for age-related heart disease.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2007

Smoking may be a risk factor for tuberculosis

A meta-analysis of 24 studies found that smokers are 40-60% more likely to develop tuberculosis disease after infection, with a 73% increased risk of becoming infected. Smoking may also decrease immune response or damage airway cilia, increasing TB risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 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.

NSAIDs modulate biomarker panel for esophageal adenocarcinoma

Research suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus. The study found a significant protective effect in patients with multiple genetic abnormalities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

A climate-change amplifying mechanism

A feedback mechanism between North Atlantic and tropical hydrology of Central America amplifies the effects of climate change on oceanic circulation. This mechanism, highlighted by scientists at CEREGE1, shows that changes in oceanic circulation influence global water cycle patterns and climatic equator shifts.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2007

Smoking increases risk of TB infection, says new study

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that smoking significantly increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection. Smokers have a 73% greater chance of becoming infected than non-smokers, and if infected, are 50% more likely to develop active TB disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

Diesel exposure model reduces allergy risk assessment errors

Researchers have developed a new diesel exposure model that improves accuracy in assessing air pollution risks, particularly for children. The model takes into account complex factors such as elevation and traffic volume to create 'buffers' around specific sample sites.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateFeb 26, 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.

Study of atomic movement may influence design of pharmaceuticals

Researchers at the University of Liverpool designed a unique crystal structure to capture atomic movement, which may impact future pharmaceutical designs. The study aims to improve chemical reaction control, enabling more environmentally friendly production methods.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2007

Children with cancer risk fragile bones

Children with cancer are vulnerable to bone fragility, exacerbated by sedentary behaviors and treatment side effects. Early management through exercise and bisphosphonates can mitigate this risk.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 26, 2007

Discovery of chemical profiles for infectious diarrhea

Academics have identified significant differences in chemical composition between healthy faeces and faeces from patients with infectious diarrhoea, such as Clostridium difficile. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a rapid diagnosis device, saving time and money.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 26, 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.

Opening windows effective way of preventing transmission of TB

A study found that natural ventilation through opening windows can reduce airborne disease transmission, including TB, in resource-poor settings. The researchers compared this to mechanically-ventilated rooms and found that natural ventilation provided higher rates of ventilation, reducing the risk of infection.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

New insights into high-temperature superconductors

Researchers found that pressure and oxygen isotopes have a similar effect on electronic properties of high-temperature superconductors, with vibrations in the lattice structure playing a crucial role in their superconductivity. The study reveals new insights into the behavior of these mysterious materials.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2007

Mellow in Europe, crazy in America

A UVM study reveals that reed canarygrass's invasive power comes from its history of multiple introductions and interbreeding with European strains, allowing it to adapt quickly to new conditions. This phenomenon has significant implications for the potential invasiveness of other horticultural and agricultural plants.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2007

Patients with type 1 diabetes don't wake in response to hypoglycemia

A study of patients with type 1 diabetes and healthy individuals found that only one patient with T1DM woke up in response to hypoglycemia, compared to ten healthy control participants. The researchers also discovered that increases in plasma epinephrine concentration preceded polysomnographic signs of wakefulness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 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.

The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy by Dr. Harry Preuss

The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy highlights safe and effective supplements like HCA, MCT, green tea extract, and chromium that can aid in weight loss. Dr. Preuss separates the good from the bad and lists natural weight-loss aids available on the market.

SourceRandom House/Broadway Books·DateFeb 26, 2007

Is most published research really false?

Researchers debate the validity of published research findings, exploring the role of replication in confirming hypotheses. New models suggest that probabilities for accepting false research findings depend on benefits and harms, sparking discussion on acceptable levels of error.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

Genes and genius: Researchers confirm association between gene and intelligence

A study led by Danielle M. Dick found that variations in the CHRM2 gene can influence performance IQ scores, which measure visual-motor coordination, spatial perception, and abstract problem-solving skills. The researchers used DNA samples from over 2,150 individuals and found cumulative effects of good versus bad genetic variations.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalOpen Behavioral Genetics·DateFeb 26, 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.

What do we know about asthma in Africa?

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has significantly increased in Ghana between 1993 and 2003. According to a study, the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchospasm and atopy doubled over this period, posing concerns for public health in West Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

UC Davis researchers discover key to body's ability to detect subtle temperature changes

Researchers at UC Davis have made a groundbreaking discovery about the body's temperature sensing capabilities. By reassembling subunits from different ion channels, they found that there are more than six channel types responsible for sensing temperature, which could help solve the mystery of thermosensitivity in animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateFeb 26, 2007

ASU embarks on innovative fuel cell project

Researchers at ASU are working on a new fuel cell technology designed for large-scale power generation, which can efficiently generate electrical power while minimizing heat management needs. The team aims to develop a membrane that operates at high temperatures, reducing size, weight, and costs.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 26, 2007

New therapeutic target for Alzheimer's could lead to drugs without side effects

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a new therapeutic target, casein kinase 1, which may lead to treatments for Alzheimer's disease that don't cause harmful side effects. By blocking casein kinase 1, production of beta-amyloid proteins can be reduced without affecting Notch signaling.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2007
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How T lymphocytes attack

Researchers used two-photon microscopy to visualize T lymphocyte infiltration into solid tumours in real-time. T lymphocytes target tumour cells by recognizing the antigen and binding with enzymes, ultimately leading to cell death.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

New imaging technique tracks traffic patterns of white blood cells

Researchers developed a new imaging technique to capture the movement of white blood cells in real-time, allowing for a better understanding of Sickle Cell disease. The technique, called digital multi-channel videomicroscopy, has the potential to aid investigations and develop therapeutics for this debilitating disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 26, 2007

Gene therapy shows promise as treatment for diseased limbs

A Phase I clinical trial suggests gene therapy is a safe treatment option for patients with poor circulation and blocked blood vessels in their lower limbs. The study found that almost half of patients reported complete resolution of chronic pain and over a quarter experienced complete healing of chronic wounds after one year.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateFeb 26, 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.

Carnegie Mellon researchers study harmful particulates

Carnegie Mellon researchers identify improved control of livestock feed, efficient nitrogen use, and low-emission fertilizers as effective strategies for reducing ammonia emissions. These measures can save $8,000 per ton in winter, making them a cheaper alternative to controlling sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 26, 2007

Do Internet cafés facilitate unsafe sex?

A recent survey in Peru found that men who have had anal sex without a condom in an internet café were more likely to meet their partners online. This raises concerns about the use of internet cafés as a venue for unsafe sex and potential HIV transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 26, 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.

Drug industry increasingly influences breast cancer research

A study found that pharmaceutical industry-sponsored breast cancer trials are more likely to report positive results than non-sponsored studies. These trials also tend to use single-arm designs, targeting patients with advanced disease, which may not answer questions about optimal treatment outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 26, 2007

Garlic does not appear to lower cholesterol levels

A six-month study found that three forms of garlic, including raw and commercial supplements, did not significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults. The results suggest that garlic may have other beneficial health effects, but its ability to lower LDL cholesterol is uncertain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

Early Europeans unable to stomach milk

Scientists at UCL and Mainz University found that the gene controlling milk digestion was missing from Neolithic skeletons. However, through exposure to milk, lactose tolerance evolved extremely rapidly in European populations. Today, over ninety percent of northern Europeans can digest milk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 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.

The influence of the menstrual cycle on the female brain

A study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging identified the neural networks involved in processing reward-related functions modulated by female gonadal steroid hormones. The research found that women exhibit increased reactivity in regions dealing with emotions, such as the amygdalo-hippocampal region, during the follicular phase.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2007

Ingredient in Big Macs and sodas can stabilize

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have found that a plant extract can be used to stabilize gold nanoparticles, making them nontoxic and stable enough for injection or oral administration. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize cancer detection and treatment using nanomedicine.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSmall·DateFeb 26, 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.

Positive results more likely from industry-funded breast cancer trials

Researchers from UNC and Dana Farber Cancer Institute found that industry-funded breast cancer trials are more likely to have positive outcomes compared to non-pharmaceutical funded studies. The study also revealed significant differences in clinical trial design and outcome between industry-supported and non-industry studies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCancer·DateFeb 26, 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.

South Pole Telescope achieves first light

The South Pole Telescope has achieved its first light, successfully collecting test observations and paving the way for cosmological research. The $19.2 million telescope is designed to pierce the mystery of dark energy, which drives the universe's evolution.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 26, 2007

Stanford study drives stake through claims that garlic lowers cholesterol levels

The Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a six-month study on the effects of garlic on cholesterol levels. Despite decades of conflicting studies, the researchers found that consuming raw garlic or two popular supplements did not lower LDL cholesterol levels among adults with moderately high cholesterol levels.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

How do marine turtles return to the same beach to lay their eggs?

Researchers have discovered that marine turtles use a relatively simple navigation system involving the Earth's magnetic field to return to the same egg-laying site. This allows them to correct any deflection caused by ocean currents, but may also cause them to wander at sea during adverse conditions.

SourceCNRS·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 26, 2007

Does age affect a pilot's ability to fly?

A study of 118 pilots aged 40-69 found that experts demonstrated improved performance over time, outperforming younger pilots in traffic avoidance and scanning cockpit instruments. Pilots with advanced FAA ratings showed the least decline in skills, suggesting a 'crystallized intelligence' mechanism.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 26, 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.

Sox17 required for steps from embryonic to heart muscle cell

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine identify Sox17 as critical for transforming embryonic stem cells into cardiac mesoderm, the precursor to heart muscle. The discovery provides insight into generating cardiac muscle more effectively from embryonic stem cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2007

Usefulness of cardiovascular disease test questioned

Adding CRP testing to routine assessments would increase Americans eligible for treatment by 2-25 million, mostly low-risk individuals. The medical community should focus on treating high-risk patients before expanding to low-risk populations.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

Depression increases health risks in heart failure patients

A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that depression is independently associated with worse outcomes in heart failure patients. Symptoms of depression were common in this population and depressed patients were over 50% more likely to die or be hospitalized for their heart condition than non-depressed patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2007

Early sex may lead teens to delinquency, study shows

A national study found that adolescents who had sex early showed a 20 percent increase in delinquent acts one year later compared to those whose first sexual experience occurred at the average age for their school. In contrast, those teens who waited longer than average to have sex had delinquency rates 50 percent lower.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateFeb 26, 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.

Manual dishwashing study digs up dirt on dish cleanliness

A new study at Ohio State University has found that manual dishwashing can be made more efficient and effective by using cooler-than-recommended water and different sanitizing techniques. The researchers discovered that certain foods, such as cheese and milk, can harbor bacteria when dried onto dishware, while lipstick has antimicrobia...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2007