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Science News for January 10, 2007


Cartilage discovery offers arthritis hope

Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of cartilage's collagen fibrils, a key factor in osteoarthritis. The discovery could lead to treatments that prevent fibril deterioration and ultimately alleviate joint pain.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2007

Penn researchers demonstrate ability of new therapy to treat severely elevated cholesterol levels

Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have shown a 51% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The new therapy, which targets the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, also decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 10, 2007

Tumor-free breast tissue can have precancerous changes

Researchers found DNA methylation in normal-appearing areas of the breast near tumors, suggesting a potential marker for early cancer detection. Abnormal methylation levels were also identified in three other genes, which may help estimate a woman's risk of cancer recurrence.

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 10, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Destructive enzyme shows a benevolent side

Research reveals that PMR1 enzyme forms temporary shelters in stressed cells to protect mRNA, allowing protein production to resume when stress ends. This protective mechanism may help cancer cells evade cancer therapies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateJan 10, 2007

Wheat can fatally starve insect predators

A newly identified wheat gene produces proteins that bind to the stomach lining of Hessian fly larvae, causing them to starve. The gene's role in creating resistance to Hessian flies was a surprise to researchers, who found that it triggers a localized defense response that reduces energy costs for the plant.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular Plant Pathology·DateJan 10, 2007

Study gives us a new perspective on the powerful

A study found that possessing power impairs an individual's ability to adjust to another person's perspective and interpret emotions. Researchers discovered that individuals with high power levels are more likely to prioritize their own viewpoints, leading to decreased empathy.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 10, 2007

Delay in use of nevirapine-based AIDS treatment can improve outcomes

A new study suggests that delaying the use of nevirapine-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least six months after labor can improve treatment outcomes among HIV-infected women. The study found that women who started ART within six months of giving birth had a higher rate of treatment failure compared to those who delayed t...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

Study finds major variation in Medicare Rx drug costs

A new study from Michigan Medicine finds significant variation in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs across states, even with lowest-cost plans. Seniors may face costs differing by thousands of dollars for the same medications, and within a state, the difference can be $10,000 or more.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 10, 2007

High school physics enrollment hits record high

The number of US high school students taking physics has increased to a record high, with more than 30% of seniors enrolling in physics classes. Physics bachelor's degree recipients are also on the rise, with a 31% increase since 2000 and a significantly higher likelihood of pursuing advanced degrees.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJan 10, 2007

People with mental health disabilities fare worse in discrimination lawsuits

A national study by Duke University researchers found that people with psychiatric disabilities are less likely to receive monetary awards or job-related benefits in court cases. They also report feeling less treated fairly and receiving less respect during the legal process compared to those with physical disabilities.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJan 10, 2007

Radiation degrades nuclear waste-containing materials faster than expected

A team from the University of Cambridge and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reported that minerals intended to entrap nuclear waste may break down within 1,400 years due to radiation. The study used NMR to show that plutonium incorporation into mineral zircon rapidly degrades its crystal structure.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2007

UK and US Arabs: Semi-detached 'foreigners' or committed citizens?

A new study finds that UK and US Arab activists define themselves as members of multiple communities and express attachment to their countries of origin. They also value the rights and security offered by their adopted lands and advocate for mutual accommodation and respect between different groups.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 10, 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.

Rosenzweig to head Leducq Foundation cardiovascular research grant

Anthony Rosenzweig and European coordinator Timothy Aitman will lead a five-year, $6 million Leducq Foundation grant to investigate the intersection of heart failure and metabolic disease. The team will focus on understanding common molecular mechanisms contributing to both conditions.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateJan 10, 2007

Micro molecules can identify pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified a unique pattern of microRNAs in pancreatic tumor tissue, suggesting a new way to diagnose and treat the disease. The findings may lead to more effective early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJan 10, 2007

A beneficial suicide

Researchers discovered that neutrophils can form web-like structures called NETs outside cells, composed of nucleic acid and enzymes that catch bacteria and kill them. This process is equally effective as devouring bacteria, showcasing the neutrophil's role in defense even after death.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 10, 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.

Automated system installs pavement markers

A new automated system installs raised pavement markers (RPMs) along lane stripes while in motion, reducing risk to workers and drivers. The system is less labor-intensive, faster, and safer than manual placement, using less fuel and causing less wear on equipment.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 10, 2007

Response to anti-HIV therapy improved if treatment begins six months after preventive regimen

Researchers found that starting HIV treatment at least six months after a single dose of nevirapine during labor improves response rates. Women who started treatment sooner had reduced effectiveness of ART, while those delayed had comparable outcomes to placebo group.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 10, 2007

Children's packed lunches: Are they even worse than Turkey Twizzlers?

A study by the University of Bristol revealed that children's packed lunches are often lacking in essential nutrients like potassium and zinc. In contrast, school meals tend to provide higher intakes of protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as lower sugar and saturated fat content.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 10, 2007
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New findings blow a decade of assumptions out of the water

Researchers found that the Pacific and Indian oceans receive twice as much nitrogen fixing as previously thought, indicating a more stable global picture of nitrogen fixation than initially assumed. This discovery suggests that major fluctuations in ocean nitrogen are unlikely and may be mitigated by climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2007

Chandra discovers light echo from the Milky Way's black hole

Astronomers have discovered a powerful outburst from the giant black hole at the Milky Way's center using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The light echo revealed by the X-ray echo was about 1,000 times brighter and lasted well over 1,000 times longer than recent outbursts.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·DateJan 10, 2007

We're sorry this is late; we really meant to post it sooner

Research by Dr. Piers Steel reveals that perfectionism is not the root cause of procrastination, but rather a lack of confidence and expectancy. The study estimates that 15-20% of the population are procrastinators, with costs extending beyond poor work performance to financial and health implications. Steel's Temporal Motivational The...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 10, 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.

Beavers helping frogs, toads survive

A University of Alberta study shows that beaver dams create suitable breeding habitats for frogs and toads, with approximately 5,000 species recorded at 54 beaver ponds. The beavers' presence enhances the development and growth rates of frog and toad larvae.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 10, 2007

Physicians need to be advocates for prisoners' health

Inadequate treatment of mental illness and addiction in the community contributes to rising incarceration rates. Effective therapy like mental health services and substance abuse programs can reduce recidivism. Physicians are urged to campaign for humane treatment alternatives.

SourceLifespan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

Weight concerns more impairing for those with Body dysmorphic disorder

Researchers at Bradley Hospital and Brown Medical School found that individuals with BDD who have weight concerns experience more overall areas of body image concern, poorer social functioning, and higher levels of comorbidity. Weight-related preoccupations in BDD sufferers are associated with even higher levels of distress and impairm...

SourceLifespan·JournalEating Behaviors·DateJan 10, 2007