Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2007 - Page 11


Page 11 of 16

Mice cloned from skin cells

Researchers at Rockefeller University have cloned healthy mice from adult stem cells, a breakthrough that could lead to new therapies and treatments. The successful cloning rate was 1.6% when using female skin stem cells, but higher when using male stem cells, opening up potential for future human applications.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2007

American culture in conflict with traditional values of Hispanic male immigrants

A recent study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that Hispanic male immigrants prioritize traditional family values and 'familismo' when making decisions about family planning. The research recommends using this cultural concept to encourage open communication and safe-sex practices among couples.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateFeb 12, 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.

Journal theme issue highlights advances in eye disease genetics

Research on ophthalmic genetics has identified genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa, corneal dystrophies, and other eye diseases, offering insights into heredity and molecular genetics. Collaboration between scientists is expected to answer questions about gene functions and benefit patients

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 12, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bank supervision may actually drive corruption, says economist

New research by Brown University Professor Ross Levine finds that powerful supervisory agencies actually lower bank lending integrity. Instead, strategies focusing on accurate information disclosure enhance efficiency and reduce corruption. The study suggests 90% of countries implementing Basel II regulations may face bad outcomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Monetary Economics·DateFeb 12, 2007

Smithsonian receives $8M HSBC grant

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute will expand its research capability with a new Global Earth Observatory system, increasing the quality of scientific data across 20 large-scale research plots in 17 countries. The grant will enable the Center for Tropical Forest Science to compare climate change and forest carbon data.

SourceSmithsonian·DateFeb 12, 2007

Early switch to an aromatase inhibitor increases survival

A new study reveals that breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen who switch to an aromatase inhibitor within three years experience significant improvements in survival rates. The treatment demonstrates a clear survival benefit without an increased risk of death from other causes.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 12, 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.

MSU expert: See scientists run -- for school board

Michigan State University professor Jon Miller is advocating for scientists to take on school board roles to enhance science literacy and educational quality. He believes scientists can bring valuable expertise and strategic thinking to the role, making a significant impact on public schools.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 12, 2007

Modeling lung cancer

A new mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer validates MEK inhibitors as a potential treatment option. The model, developed by Dr. Martin McMahon and colleagues, shows that MEK inhibition can halt tumor progression in early-stage lung tumors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 12, 2007

Putting an old drug to a new use

Scientists have found that nifedipine, commonly used for high blood pressure, can reverse iron overload in mouse models and may treat similar conditions in humans. The compound helps mobilize iron from stores in the liver and enhances its excretion into the urine.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 12, 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.

Habitat matters -- 'Walkable' communities may make elders healthier

Researchers found that living in more walkable neighborhoods increases a person's chance of walking for exercise, with a 30- to 600-fold increase compared to less walkable areas. This could lead to better health outcomes for older adults struggling with obesity.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 12, 2007

Winners of the 2006 AAAS Science Journalism Awards

The winners of the 2006 AAAS Science Journalism Awards were recognized for their exceptional reporting on Alzheimer's disease, climate change, and innovative research. Stacey Burling won for her compelling story on the life and death of an Alzheimer's patient, while Michelle Nijhuis was honored for her series on climate change in the A...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 12, 2007

New study shows naps may reduce coronary mortality

A large prospective study suggests that midday napping reduced coronary mortality by about one third among men and women. Researchers found that people who regularly took siestas had a 37% lower coronary mortality than those not taking siestas.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2007

Romance, schmomance -- natural selection continues even after sex

A new study suggests that human males have evolved mechanisms to outcompete rivals for fertilization, even after sex. This phenomenon, dubbed 'sperm competition,' can lead to increased sperm count and more aggressive sexual behavior in response to perceived infidelity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 12, 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.

High rates of latent TB infection found in Russian health workers

A study by Queen Mary College researchers found nearly 40% of doctors in one Russian city had latent TB infection, with rates higher among those working in TB clinics. The study highlights the need for regular occupational health screening to control TB spread and address drug resistance issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2007

Hopkins scientists uncover cause of antipsychotic drug weight gain

Researchers found that antipsychotic drugs increase AMPK activity in the brain, triggering increased appetite. Blocking a specific histamine receptor reduces AMPK levels and appetite, offering hope for new, weight-neutral treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 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.

Walking tall: UH student working on space suit redesign for NASA

A University of Houston student is working on a space suit redesign that prioritizes stability and locomotion for astronauts. Her research focuses on reducing the weight and improving the mobility of the space suit, which will enable astronauts to navigate the lunar terrain more easily.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 12, 2007

Long-term marijuana smoking leads to respiratory complaints

A new study by Yale University researchers found a link between long-term marijuana smoking and respiratory complications, including obstructive lung disease. The study's findings suggest that patients should be advised of the potential negative impact on overall lung health despite methodological limitations.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2007

Lubricant's role in keeping joints limber comes into sharper focus

Researchers at Duke University have found that lubricin helps reduce friction and maintain joint cartilage integrity, suggesting its potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis. The study used precise measurement of biomechanical properties to compare lubricin-deficient joints to normal ones.

SourceDuke University·DateFeb 12, 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.

What recognizes what in plant disease resistance?

Researchers discover novel mechanism of gene-for-gene resistance in plant immune system, providing insights into enhancing crop yield and combating agricultural losses. The study reveals that the N resistance protein recognizes pathogen Avr proteins through a different region on its Toll-interleukin-1 receptor homology domain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 12, 2007

Surgeons develop simpler way to cure atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation affects over 2.2 million US citizens, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and stroke risk; the new Cox-maze IV procedure offers a simpler alternative to traditional surgery with fewer complications

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateFeb 12, 2007

Simple 2-gene test sorts out similar gastrointestinal cancers

Researchers developed a simple and accurate two-gene test that distinguishes between gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) with near perfect accuracy. The Top Scoring Pair analysis approach has potential for wider application in individualized diagnosis and treatment of other types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2007
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Glaciers not on simple, upward trend of melting

Two of Greenland's largest glaciers experienced dramatic fluctuations in melting, dumping twice as much ice into the sea in less than a year before returning to near-normal rates. The sudden changes highlight the need for more accurate computer models to understand glacial behavior and predict future sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2007

More than meets the tongue

A recent study by JoAndrea Hoegg and Joseph W. Alba found that the color of a drink can significantly affect how it tastes, with tint dominating taste perception over other attributes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 12, 2007

Harvard team creates spray drying technique for TB vaccine

A novel spray drying method has been developed to preserve and deliver the most common tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, promising greater stability at room temperature and use in needle-free delivery. This technique could provide a better approach for vaccination against TB and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 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.

Researchers unearth 4,300-year-old chimpanzee technology

Archaeologists have uncovered stone 'hammers' dating back 4,300 years in the Taï rainforest, used by chimpanzees to crack nuts. The discovery confirms that some of humanity's behavioral hallmarks were inherited from a common ancestor with great apes.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2007

Ambivalent about who to vote for? You're more likely to be persuaded by a disreputable source

Researchers discovered that people with ambivalent opinions are more susceptible to persuasion from untrustworthy sources. In contrast, individuals with strong views tend to evaluate the credibility of messages before making a decision. The study's findings highlight the influence of others on consumer attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 12, 2007

Smoked cannabis reduces foot pain associated with HIV in placebo trial

In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, patients smoking cannabis experienced a 34 percent reduction in intense foot pain associated with HIV—twice the rate experienced by patients who smoked placebo. This study provides evidence for the therapeutic value of cannabis in managing HIV-associated sensory neuropathy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 12, 2007

Grape expectations for healthier wine

A new technique using ozone preserves grapes while boosting healthy compounds, potentially leading to hypoallergenic wines. The method shows promise for reducing sulphite use in winemaking, which can cause allergic reactions and affect the flavor of wine.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateFeb 11, 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.

Psychologists show that 'money changes everything'

Researchers found that people prefer waiting for monetary rewards over consumable ones due to the constant utility of money. This preference is due to inconstancy of desire for goods like beer, candy, and soda. The study has implications for savings, investments, and decision-making processes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 11, 2007

Extra cortisol protects women's mood under stress

Researchers found that cortisol can lessen emotional impact of stress in women, with a high dose providing protective effects. The study suggests potential for cortisol as a clinical tool to treat and prevent anxiety disorders.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2007

Manipulating nature: Scientists query wildlife birth-control method

Researchers warn that an immuno-contraception vaccine, which aims to control wildlife populations, is not fully effective and may manipulate natural reproduction in unpredictable ways. The vaccine also raises concerns about the potential for individuals who survive the vaccine to carry infectious diseases affecting other animals.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalReproduction·DateFeb 11, 2007

It's not easy being green

Researchers found that green consumers face difficulties deciding which product to buy due to conflicting values and lack of information. The study identifies three types of green consumers: selectors, translators, and exceptors, highlighting the need for practical help and incentives to promote sustainable practices.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 11, 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.

Cleft palate in fetal mice prevented by treating

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique to prevent cleft palates in fetal mice by injecting pregnant mothers with a small molecule. This breakthrough raises hopes that similar vaccination-type techniques may one day be used to prevent many types of human birth defects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2007

Technology captures tumors' genetic profile, guides cancer treatment

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute develop a practical method for screening tumors for cancer-related gene abnormalities, paving the way for personalized medicine. The technique uses high-throughput genotyping to detect important mutations in oncogenes with high accuracy and sensitivity.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 11, 2007

New mechanism for nutrient uptake discovered

Biologists at Carnegie Institution discover a new way plant cells regulate nutrient uptake through physical interaction between neighboring molecules, applicable across species. The discovery has potential applications from understanding human diseases like kidney function to engineering better crops.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2007

Physicists set 'speed limit' for future superconducting magnet

A research team at Northwestern University has identified Bi-2212 as a suitable material for the new wires needed to build a 30 Tesla magnet, a significant improvement over current materials. The findings set a speed limit for high-temperature superconductivity, which could enable powerful magnets without helium cooling requirements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 11, 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.

MIT: Storing CO2 below ground may prevent polluting above

Researchers develop mechanism for capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and injecting it into the ground, where it will be trapped naturally. The injected gas forms a plume that rises through permeable rock, eventually breaking into small bubbles or blobs that remain safely stored.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalWater Resources Research·DateFeb 9, 2007

First-degree fetal heart block may be reversible

Researchers at Yale University discovered a potential reversible cause of first-degree fetal heart block, which impairs the heart's electrical signaling. The PRIDE study found that early treatment with dexamethasone can reverse the condition, but it can progress rapidly to irreversible third-degree block.

SourceYale University·DateFeb 9, 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.

Folate and B12 may influence cognition in seniors

A new study from Tufts University found that high folate status and adequate vitamin B12 levels are associated with better cognitive function in seniors. Low vitamin B12 status was linked to increased cognitive impairment, while high serum folate was more detrimental when combined with low vitamin B12.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 9, 2007

Update on Tufts vitamin K research

Researchers at Tufts University have found that while older adults consume more vitamin K than younger adults, many still do not meet the recommended intake. High phylloquinone intake may be associated with better dietary habits and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but further research is needed.

SourceTufts University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care·DateFeb 9, 2007

MIT experts foresee efficient ethanol production

Researchers at MIT envision a future where cellulosic ethanol becomes a significant part of the US energy supply due to its abundance and favorable energy balance. Current challenges include improving plant material production per acre and fermentation efficiency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2007