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Science News Archive February 2007 - Page 14


Page 14 of 16

2 new studies back vitamin D for cancer prevention

New studies using meta-analysis found a significant link between high vitamin D levels and reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancers. Individuals with the highest blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D had the lowest risk of these cancers, with potential protective effects achievable through diet, supplements, or sunlight exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateFeb 6, 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.

Methane bubbling through seafloor creates undersea hills

Researchers propose an alternative hypothesis for pingo-like features forming underwater: methane hydrate decomposing beneath the seafloor releases gas, squeezing up sediments. Geologic fieldwork and chemical analysis suggest warming seafloor sediment triggers decomposition of buried hydrates.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 6, 2007

Study analyzes heart attack mortality risk associated with Hodgkin disease treatments

A study analyzing Hodgkin disease treatment found that patients are at increased risk of fatal heart attacks for at least 25 years after treatment. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in long-term survivors, with myocardial infarction being the most common cause.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 6, 2007

Nanotechnology key to China's future economic success

China's growing investment in nanoscience aims to capture a significant share of the $3 trillion global nanotech market. The country plans to increase its research and development capabilities over the next 15 years, with a focus on emerging technologies like nanotechnology.

SourceWoodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program·DateFeb 6, 2007

Selectivity is ultimate aphrodisiac

A new study found that those who desire all potential partners equally are less likely to be desired in return, while those who have a special connection with one person are more likely to receive romantic interest. Researchers used speed-dating methodology to observe initial attraction and discovered that being too selective can be a ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Male sweat boosts women's hormone levels

A new study by UC Berkeley scientists finds that male sweat contains a chemical called androstadienone, which increases cortisol levels and affects women's hormonal balance. The study suggests that inhaling this chemical could be used to raise cortisol levels in patients with diseases like Addison's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateFeb 6, 2007

Immigration slows rate of racial and ethnic intermarriages

A new study finds that immigration has contributed to declines in interracial marriages in the US, particularly among Hispanic and Asian Americans. Education plays a key role in defining who participates in interracial marriages, with highly educated individuals more likely to cross racial lines to marry. African American intermarriage...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 6, 2007

No reliable risk factors found for CA-MRSA

Studies by LA BioMed researchers found that close contacts of patients with CA-MRSA infection may be at higher risk of acquiring an infection. The findings suggest that CA-MRSA strains are more transmissible than traditional S. aureus strains, emphasizing the need for cautious treatment and contact isolation.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 6, 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.

Power-boosting signal in muscle declines with age

Aging animals show reduced AMPK activity in skeletal muscle, leading to decreased mitochondrial function and increased intracellular fat content. This decline contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 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.

Prevalence of overactive bladder is overestimated

A recent study suggests that overactive bladder is less common in Finland than previously thought. The condition was identified in 6.5% of men and 9.3% of women, with urinary frequency and nocturia being more prevalent among those with the condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2007

Vitamins: Science doesn't always match policy

Renowned nutrition expert Dr. Irwin Rosenberg emphasizes the need for more research on vitamins and minerals, highlighting the limitations of current evidence. He advocates for standardized regulations on multivitamin products to ensure customer safety and informed marketing.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 6, 2007

New player in commitment to life as a fat cell

Researchers discover xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) as a key player in early fat cell development, suggesting potential for new obesity treatment. XOR inhibition blocks fat formation and improves metabolic outcomes in mice.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2007

Growth factors given with chemotherapy associated with increased risk of blood diseases

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women with breast cancer who received growth factors during chemotherapy had a higher risk of developing leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. The absolute risk is small, but it should be considered when making treatment decisions.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 6, 2007

Aging population is causing major increase in the cancer burden warn experts

A new report by the European Society for Medical Oncology warns that Europe's aging population is driving a major increase in cancer cases and deaths. The report estimates that there were 3.2 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2006, with lung cancer remaining the leading cause of death.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2007
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Other highlights in the February 7 JNCI

A new study found that hairy cell leukemia survivors have an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including Hodgkin lymphoma and thyroid cancer. Meanwhile, a new test may be able to identify patients with a specific type of gene mutation that indicates an inherited form of colorectal cancer or potential response to certain drugs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 6, 2007

Navigable nanotransport

Researchers have developed a novel approach for the direct synthesis of polymeric nanocapsules with surface elements that can recognize specific target cells. The method uses disk-shaped monomers with polymerizable groups, which link together to form hollow spheres with uniform sizes and tailored surfaces.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 6, 2007

Human's ecological footprint in 2015 and Amazonia revealed

A recent study finds that human population size and affluence are the primary drivers of environmental stressors, whereas urbanization, economic structure, and age of population have limited impact. The researchers used global average productivity to compare environmental tradeoffs and human-induced stressors in the environment.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 6, 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.

Action video games sharpen vision 20 percent

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that playing action video games for 30 hours per week improved spatial resolution and visual acuity. The study showed significant improvements in identifying letters presented in clutter, even beyond the part of the visual field where players typically engage with the game.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2007

Man-made proteins could be more useful than real ones

Researchers have constructed a protein out of amino acids not found in natural proteins, discovering they can form a complex, stable structure resembling a natural protein. This finding could help scientists design effective drugs that won't be degraded by enzymes or targeted by the immune system.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 6, 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.

Improved imaging for identifying breast cancer in overweight women

Researchers found that SPECT/CT imaging enhances sentinel node identification in overweight patients with breast cancer. The study suggests this improved technique can reduce the need for unnecessary surgery and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2007

Taking heart failure to the MAT1

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that the MAT1 gene plays a crucial role in regulating energy production in heart cells. Researchers found that infant mice lacking MAT1 developed catastrophic heart failure, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining cardiac function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2007

Do cigarette warning labels work -- results from 4 countries

A multi-country study found that more prominent text messages and graphic pictures on cigarette packages are effective in affecting smokers' behaviors. The study analyzed data from four countries and found that recent changes in health warnings were associated with increased effectiveness, while US warnings had the least impact.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

Blindness from smoking terrifies teens, but few realize the two are linked

Research reveals that teenagers are more fearful of losing their sight than lung cancer or stroke, yet only a small percentage understand the link between smoking and blindness. The study found that just 5% of respondents correctly identified the risk, with even fewer among smokers.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 5, 2007

Risk of preterm birth appears to vary by season

A recent study found that women conceiving in spring are most vulnerable to preterm birth, with rates increasing from summer (8.4%) to winter and fall. The research analyzed data from over 75,000 deliveries and suggests that seasonal variations in immune system exposure may play a role in preterm birth risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·DateFeb 5, 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.

Human proteins evolving slowly thanks to multitasking genes

Scientists have discovered that human proteins evolve slowly due to dual coding regions in their DNA, which slows down the rate of evolution. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective gene therapy techniques and potentially treat genetic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007

Loneliness associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease

A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that individuals experiencing loneliness are at a significantly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted over four years, analyzed data from 823 older adults and revealed that loneliness was associated with a 51% increased risk of developi...

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 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.

March of Dimes commits additional $3M to prematurity research

The March of Dimes has allocated $3 million to support eight scientists' research on predicting and preventing preterm birth. Five projects focus on immune responses, while others investigate the role of genetic factors, circadian rhythms, and potassium balance.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateFeb 5, 2007

Alzheimer's gene raises newborns' cerebral palsy risk

Researchers discovered that APOE genotypes increase susceptibility to cerebral palsy in newborns. The study found a threefold-elevated risk for children with quadriplegia/triplegia and more severe motor impairment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 5, 2007

Autism may not be the only childhood psychiatric disorder on the rise

The incidence of autism and two other childhood neuropsychiatric disorders increased significantly among Danish children between 1990 and 2004. This trend suggests a broader pattern in childhood mental illness, with the exception of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2007

Evolutionary influences on proteins

Researchers found that splice-enhancer domains, which code for specific amino acids, influence protein evolution and are subject to selective pressure. Smaller exons near intron-exon boundaries also evolve more slowly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007

MU researcher to study volcanism with under-ocean sensors

A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is deploying sensors on a mid-ocean ridge to capture rare underwater data, providing valuable insights into volcanic activity and its effects on ocean chemistry. The project aims to improve our understanding of the Earth's oceans, which cover over 70% of the planet.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateFeb 5, 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.

Environmental toxicants like lead, mercury target stem cells

A study published in PLoS Biology finds that low levels of toxic substances cause critical stem cells to prematurely shut down. The research identifies a common molecular trigger for the effects of toxicant exposure, offering new insights into damage caused by toxicant exposure and potential methods to evaluate chemical safety.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007

Contraceptives and the poor; plus new findings on cryptococcosis

Researchers found that the poorest people in developing countries are least likely to use contraception, with significant regional variations. The authors emphasize the need for governments and international health organizations to focus on providing contraceptive services to those with very low incomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2007

Loneliness associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease

A study of 823 individuals with an average age of 80 found that loneliness was associated with a 51% increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that loneliness may contribute to the risk of dementia through mechanisms other than Alzheimer's disease pathology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 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.

Rong Li Lab demonstrates the process of mammalian egg maturation

The Rong Li lab team has identified a crucial pathway controlling asymmetric meiotic cell division in mouse oocytes, allowing for genomic reduction while maintaining essential building blocks. This finding provides insights into the molecular signals driving egg maturation and its significance for reproductive health.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 5, 2007

Stents benefit people at high risk of stroke

A study by Wei-Jian Jiang found that successful stent placement reduces the risk of stroke for individuals with severe artery blockage. The risk was comparable to those with moderate blockage, suggesting that stents may not be beneficial for all patients at high risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 5, 2007

World's oldest rocks show how Earth may have dodged frozen fate of Mars

A team of researchers has discovered that ancient rocks from Quebec, Canada, contain iron carbonates believed to have formed in an atmosphere with extremely high CO2 levels. This suggests that high concentrations of greenhouse gases may have helped Earth avoid global freezing in its youth.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 5, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for February 6, 2007

The number of very elderly beginning dialysis increased from 1996 to 2003, with one-year survival rates remaining at around 50%. Ambulatory techniques for diagnosing sleep apnea were found to be as effective as polysomnography.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2007

Male-killing bacteria makes female butterflies more promiscuous

A study by University College London finds that male-killing bacteria active in many insect species, including butterflies, increase female promiscuity and reduce male effort during mating. In the absence of males, females become more sexually rampant, while males exhibit signs of fatigue and reduced sperm quality.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007

Scientists find why conductance of nanowires vary

Scientists at Georgia Tech have found that the electrical conductance of metal nanowires varies due to a pair of atoms, known as a dimer, shuttling back and forth between the bulk electrical leads. This discovery has significant implications for the development of nanotechnology and nanodevices.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 5, 2007

Bioengineering efficient antibiotic biosynthesis in E. coli

Researchers used bioassay-guided evolution to identify more efficient antibiotic-producing mutants in Escherichia coli, reconstituting the biosynthetic pathways of sugars to yield a new antibiotic. This approach opens doors for harnessing genetics to investigate polyketide synthases and biosynthetic engineering.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007