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Science News for February 27, 2007


Vitamin D deficiency widespread during pregnancy

A study found that vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in northern latitudes and darker-skinned individuals. Vitamin D stores are largely reliant on maternal vitamin D status, highlighting the need for improved public health measures.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateFeb 27, 2007

TU Delft proves that seismic noise measurements work in practice

Researchers from TU Delft have successfully applied seismic interferometry to extract information from seismic noise, which can be used to search for new oil fields. The method has shown promising results in a desert in the Middle East.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 27, 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.

First direct electric link between neurons and light-sensitive nanoparticle films created

Scientists at UTMB and University of Michigan develop direct electrical link between nerve cells and photovoltaic nanoparticle films, enabling light-stimulated nerve-signaling devices. This breakthrough could lead to creation of a nanoparticle-based artificial retina with unprecedented flexibility, compactness, and reliability.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 27, 2007

RAND study finds walking more likely in neighborhoods with more 4-way intersections

A RAND Corporation study found that neighborhoods with more four-way intersections and diverse businesses encourage walking. However, the impact of these factors on walking is not particularly strong, especially when housing density is low. The study suggests that urban design recommendations can help create walkable communities.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2007

UW scientists unlock major number theory puzzle

Researchers at UW-Madison crack long-standing problem of mock theta functions using Harmonic Maass Forms. The discovery is invaluable in resolving open questions in number theory and enables applications to physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

City ants take the heat

Researchers discovered that ants in São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, have adapted to higher temperatures. The findings suggest a link between urban heat islands and the physiological adjustments of species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 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.

UT-Houston scientists develop new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells

Researchers at UT-Houston's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine have developed a new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells, also known as the 'stem cells of the lungs'. These cells can potentially be used to treat pulmonary genetic diseases and lung trauma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

New insights into autoimmunity and depression

A study found that anti-ribosomal P antibodies, associated with SLE, induce depressive behavior in mice by interacting with the limbic system. Fluoxetine treatment reversed this effect, but haloperidol had no significant impact.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 27, 2007

The link between rheumatoid arthritis and cancer

Patients with RA have double the risk of death from cancer compared to the general population. However, RA patients do not have an increased risk of developing cancer. A long-term study found a 40% increase in mortality among those who suffered both RA and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 27, 2007

NSF funds new Rutgers plant biomaterials initiative

The two-year project aims to create cost-effective, bio-based materials to replace petroleum-derived plastics, benefiting American farmers. Rutgers researchers will develop 'hybrid' materials combining naturally occurring plant substances with synthetic degradable polymer biomaterials.

SourceRutgers University·DateFeb 27, 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.

Universities in £1.5M drive to cut cost of solar power

Researchers in Manchester and London are working on a £1.5m project to create more efficient solar cells using inexpensive materials and novel fabrication methods. The goal is to produce demonstration hybrid solar cells with the potential to be mass-produced and achieve an energy conversion efficiency of ten percent.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateFeb 27, 2007

Nanotech promises big things for poor -- but will promises be kept?

Nanotechnology has the potential to provide less-industrialized countries with powerful new tools for diagnosing and treating disease. The technology could revolutionize health care in developing countries by making treatments more readily available for diseases that claim millions of lives annually.

SourceWoodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program·DateFeb 27, 2007

How do I love me? New study presents a twist on the conventional narcissist

A new study published in Psychological Science presents a twist on the conventional understanding of narcissism. Researchers found that narcissists actually view themselves positively in agentic domains, such as status and dominance, but not in communal domains like kindness and emotional intimacy.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 27, 2007

Eating ice cream may help women to conceive, but low-fat dairy foods may increase infertility risk

Researchers found that consuming whole fat milk and eating ice cream reduces the risk of anovulatory infertility in women trying to become pregnant. In contrast, a diet consisting of low-fat dairy products increases the risk by up to 85%. Women are advised to switch from low-fat to high-fat dairy foods to improve fertility.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateFeb 27, 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.

MIT bioengineer advances survival, promise of adult stem cells

Researchers have developed a technique to encourage survival and growth of adult stem cells, found in many tissues, which hold great promise for treating injuries and some diseases. The study's findings suggest that by manipulating the environment surrounding the cells, certain growth factors can protect them from pro-death signals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalStem Cells·DateFeb 27, 2007

New research explores the role of ethnicity in breastfeeding peer counseling

A study found that focused support increased breastfeeding rates among Latina women, with those receiving peer counseling being 10-66 times more likely to nurse exclusively at 2 months postpartum. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address ethnic disparities in breastfeeding promotion.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Human Lactation·DateFeb 27, 2007

Public welcomes workers with intellectual disabilities, Queen's poll finds

A Queen's University poll found that 65% of respondents believe workers with intellectual disabilities should work alongside those without ID, while 71.1% note a lack of job training programs as a major obstacle to workplace inclusion. The study suggests that public attitudes are not a barrier to keeping workers with ID in the workplace.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateFeb 27, 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.

New guide to sharks and rays of Indonesia

A five-year survey of catches at local fish markets provided the first detailed description of Indonesia's shark and ray fauna. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research published a 330-page field guide, Economically Important Sharks and Rays of Indonesia, featuring over 20 new species.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateFeb 27, 2007

Brain works more chaotically than previously thought

The brain's information processing is more chaotic than previously thought, with neurons releasing chemical messengers along their entire length. This challenges traditional understanding of neuronal communication and may lead to new medical drug development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2007

MRI identifies 'hidden' fat that puts adolescents at risk for disease

A new study uses MRI to measure intra-abdominal fat, a type of fat that can predispose children to adult diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The study found strong correlations between single-slice MRI measurements and clinical measures, suggesting that this method could be useful in monitoring adolescents at risk.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 27, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CNSE reports breakthrough in production of exposed images using ASML EUV R&D lithography tool

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has successfully produced the world's first exposed images using the ASML EUV research and development tool. This achievement supports the R&D programs of the $600M International Venture for Nanolithography consortium, which includes global industry-university collaborations.

SourceAlbany NanoTech College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering·DateFeb 27, 2007

Cancer cells forming blood vessels send their copper to the edge

Researchers discovered that cancer cells forming blood vessels exhibit a distinct distribution of cellular copper, which may help explain how copper-reducing cancer therapy works. This finding has implications for understanding the regulation of metal ion content in metal-binding proteins and could lead to new cancer therapies.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

New DNA study helps explain unique diversity among Melanesians

A new DNA study has identified significant genetic differences among Melanesian populations, tied to their island of origin and language spoken. The research, led by Temple University professor Jonathan Friedlaender, sheds light on the unique diversity of this region.

SourceTemple University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2007

HPV infection common among females in US

A national study estimates that approximately 1 in 4 U.S. females between 14 and 59 years old may have HPV infection, with the highest prevalence among younger women. The study also found a significant trend for increasing HPV prevalence with age, followed by a decline through 59 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 27, 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.

Benefits of more homework vary across nations, grades

A study found that benefits of increased homework vary widely across nations, grades, and quality of schools. In the US, there is a negative relationship between higher homework amounts and student achievement in elementary schools, but only a small benefit in middle schools.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 27, 2007

Unique tomatoes tops in disease-fighting antioxidants

Researchers discovered that eating spaghetti with sauce made from orange-colored Tangerine tomatoes increased levels of cis-lycopene, a beneficial compound, in participants' blood. The study found that the body absorbed more cis-lycopene from Tangerine tomatoes than from red tomatoes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 27, 2007

Brain maps online

Researchers at UC Davis have created digital brain atlases with high-resolution whole-brain images, enabling virtual microscopy for comparison of healthy brains with those affected by neurological diseases. The online platform allows users to explore and analyze brain data using free downloadable tools.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuroImage·DateFeb 27, 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.

Mailman School of PH professor creates first searchable database of Indian patents

A dataset of all published Indian patent applications and patents has been created, providing a searchable platform for stakeholders. The database aims to ensure that patent applications are thoroughly scrutinized, protecting the interests of patients in developing countries while preserving incentives for pharmaceutical R&D.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2007

Nectar is not a simple soft drink

Researchers discovered that plant nectar contains secondary compounds, including nicotine, which repel pollinators and attract 'nectar thieves'. This finding suggests that plants may produce nectar to increase genetic diversity by attracting more visitors despite the potential risk of poisoning insects.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 27, 2007