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Science News Archive January 2007 - Page 7


Page 7 of 13

Clues to the cause of difficulty with swallowing in children

Researchers at UCSD found fibrosis and remodeling in pediatric EE patients similar to airway remodeling in asthma. These changes increase blood vessel adhesion molecules, leading to inflammation in the esophagus.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 17, 2007

A new generation of medicinal products

Researchers have created a new generation of medicinal products using biodegradable materials, allowing for controlled release and reduced side effects. The novel synthetic process enables the production of diverse polymers, increasing the chances of finding an appropriate excipient for various active substances.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2007

THEMIS mission fields 5 probes to solve mystery of auroral substorms

The Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission uses a constellation of 5 space probes to track the origin of magnetic storms and their impact on aurorae. The probes will observe over 30 substorms and coordinate with ground-based cameras to discover the time history of these events.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 17, 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.

Research removes major obstacle from mass production of tiny circuits

A Princeton-led team has developed a method to eliminate tiny air bubbles that form during the mass production of smaller, cheaper microchips. This breakthrough in nanoimprint lithography will enable the creation of more efficient and cost-effective computer chips, with features as small as a billionth of a meter.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNanotechnology·DateJan 17, 2007

British women's binge drinking clearly defined by age and education

A large cohort study in the UK finds that British women's binge drinking habits are defined by their age and education level. Women with higher education tend to reduce their binge drinking as they age, while those with lower education levels increase their binge drinking risk, particularly after the age of 40.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 17, 2007

Studies yield insight into the numerical brain

Two studies in Neuron shed significant light on how the brain processes numerical information and how it develops in children. The research found that the parietal cortex activates during perception of both abstract quantities and numerical symbols, suggesting an important role for this region in processing quantitative information.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 17, 2007

Study uncovers a lethal secret of 1918 influenza virus

Researchers found that the 1918 flu virus triggers a deadly respiratory infection by attacking the lungs, leading to death. The study provides insight into how the virus killed so quickly and efficiently, offering potential clues for developing novel antiviral strategies.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateJan 17, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New software could help people with multiple prescriptions

A new software program is being developed to help patients with multiple prescriptions by creating a calendar-like printout every time a prescription is filled. The goal is to reduce confusion about which pill is which and when to take medication, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and compliance.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 17, 2007

Delft nano-detector very promising for remote cosmic realms

A miniscule detector developed by Merlijn Hajenius at Delft University of Technology has shown promising results for studying cosmic radiation and its impact on the universe. The detector, which uses a superconductor to detect terahertz frequencies, offers new insights into star systems and planetary birth.

SourceDelft University of Technology·DateJan 17, 2007

CAMH study sheds light on motherhood, marriage and mental illness

A CAMH study found that previously married mothers had higher rates of depressive disorders and alcohol abuse compared to married or never-married mothers. The study also showed that single mothers who were never married and currently married mothers have similar prevalence rates of psychiatric and substance use disorders.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2007

Redundancies boost mental health problems for those who keep their jobs

Research in Finland found that enforced redundancies boost mental health problems among those who keep their jobs, with men being 64% more likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs than those without job losses. Women working in downsized organizations were 12% more likely to receive these prescriptions.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 17, 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.

More women students choose engineering -- but not as a career

A new study reveals that while more women are studying engineering, they often use it as a launchpad for other careers due to teaching methods and a male-dominated environment. Women value their novelty status but hold traditionally stereotypical views of themselves outside the profession.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 17, 2007

UCLA and NYU microbiologists crack genome of a parasite that causes a common STD

The team of scientists deciphered the genome of Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled parasite causing trichomoniasis, which affects an estimated 170 million people annually. The large genome contains nearly 26,000 confirmed genes, providing new insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2007

Training breathing muscles improves swimming muscles' performance

Researchers found that resistance-breathing training and endurance respiratory muscle training improved swimming endurance by 33-38% and breathing capacity. The study also showed significant improvements in underwater scuba swimming time by 66%.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 17, 2007

More aid required for chronic conditions in low income countries

Global health experts highlight the need for more international assistance to address chronic non-communicable conditions in low and middle income countries. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer cause more deaths than infectious diseases, yet receive less funding.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 17, 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.

Researchers develop new strategy for the treatment of CML

Scientists identified an approach to boost the activity of dasatinib, a potent anti-cancer agent, by combining it with PD184352. This combination resulted in increased apoptosis in leukemia cells, particularly those resistant to imatinib mesylate.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalBlood·DateJan 17, 2007

Parasite infection may benefit MS patients

A recent study suggests that parasite infection may alter the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) by affecting the immune response. MS patients with a parasite infection showed fewer clinical relapses and less disability compared to uninfected controls.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 17, 2007

Toward more effective paleolgenetic analysis

Paleogenetic research requires well-preserved archeological material, but treatment and storage conditions can deteriorate DNA. A new study shows that treating fossils like biological samples during excavation and after improves DNA amplification rates.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2007

Prussian Blue for information storage

Researchers created a compound that can switch between magnetic states upon light exposure, enabling binary information storage on an atomic scale. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-small data storage devices for future computers.

SourceCNRS·DateJan 17, 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.

Water theory is watertight, researchers say

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory has confirmed a long-standing theoretical prediction about water's behavior on hydrophobic surfaces. They found a thin layer of depleted water at the interface, contradicting previous findings of nanobubbles.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 17, 2007

Built-in molecular brakes curb the sniffles

Researchers discovered a new protein, Carabin, that acts as an internal brake to limit the immune system's response, preventing excessive inflammation. This discovery may have potential applications in stopping unwanted immune reactions, such as organ rejection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 17, 2007

VISTA camera takes to the air

The VISTA camera, Europe's largest infrared camera, will survey large areas of the southern sky at near-infrared wavelengths, studying cool objects, dust, and high-redshift galaxies. The camera's 67 million pixels will enable it to map the infrared sky faster than any previous telescope.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateJan 17, 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.

Researchers develop new method for fighting leukemia

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center created a new method to improve leukemia treatment by triggering programmed cell death in cancer cells. The study found that combining agents like ABT-737 with those that reduce Mcl-1 levels can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and induce apoptosis.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 16, 2007

High rate of overweight and obesity found in children having surgery

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that nearly one-third of children having surgery are overweight or obese, with more than half qualifying as obese. This increases their risk of experiencing problems during and after surgery, as well as future health issues such as type II diabetes and breathing problems.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJan 16, 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.

Small molecule offers big hope against cancer

Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that dichloroacetate (DCA) can normalize mitochondrial function in various cancers, leading to a significant decrease in tumor growth. DCA's unique mechanism may allow it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 16, 2007

No benefit to increasing dose intensity of chemotherapy in osteosarcoma, study finds

A randomized trial found that increasing chemotherapy dose intensity did not improve survival rates in patients with osteosarcoma. However, the dose-intensive regimen showed better tumor cell death and lower risks of certain side effects. The study challenges the use of histologic response as a key predictor factor for treatment outcomes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 16, 2007

FDA approves LIALDA™ (mesalamine)

The FDA has approved LIALDA (mesalamine), the first oral once-daily mesalamine for patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Clinical trials found LIALDA effective in inducing remission compared to placebo after eight weeks of treatment.

SourceGolinHarris International·DateJan 16, 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.

Einstein's tea leaves inspire new blood separation technique

Scientists have developed a method to rapidly separate blood plasma without moving parts, leveraging the phenomenon of tea leaves accumulating at the center of a stirred teacup. This technique could significantly speed up medical tests, such as cholesterol level checks and glucose testing for diabetics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJan 16, 2007

Step on the gas -- New fuel cell design adds control, reduces complexity

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new fuel cell design that allows for precise control over power output and reduces complexity. The system uses a novel approach to regulate hydrogen flow, enabling efficient water management and higher power production.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalChemical Engineering Science·DateJan 16, 2007

New fat, same old problem with an added twist?

A new study conducted at Brandeis University and Malaysia found that a modified fat replacing trans fat causes an increase in blood glucose levels and depresses insulin in humans. The researchers discovered that this interesterified fat had a similar impact on cholesterol levels as trans fat, but with weaker effects.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2007

Chemical switch triggers critical cell activities

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that a simple chemical link called a thioester bond acts like a switch to control the handoff of a protein called NEDD8 between enzymes E1 and E2. This switch triggers a biochemical cascade that keeps cells alive and functioning normally, including regulating cell division.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateJan 16, 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.

Journal studies find relationship between delirium, dementia

A special section of The Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences explores the relationship between delirium and dementia, finding potential biomarkers for delirium and a link between anesthesia and long-term delirium. Delirium is a common complication in older adults, affecting over 4 million individuals in the US each year.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJan 16, 2007

Antivirals effectively curb influenza virus

Researchers found antiviral drugs highly effective in preventing seasonal flu illness, with oseltamivir at 81% efficacy. Treatment also reduced infectiousness, particularly with oseltamivir, but further studies are needed to confirm results.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 16, 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.

World Health Organization's plan to monitor HIV drug resistance in Botswana likely to fail

A new UCLA study warns that the World Health Organization's (WHO) plan to track transmitted HIV drug resistance in Botswana may not be effective due to a high detection threshold. The researchers suggest revising the threshold to around 3 percent to detect resistance earlier and provide more accurate information on the situation in Bot...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 16, 2007

Research advances on nanotech workplace health and safety

Researchers have made progress in nanotech workplace safety, including new instrumentation and innovative exposure control methods. However, critical questions about worker safety remain unanswered, highlighting the need for further study to ensure safe nano-workplaces today and in the future.

SourceWoodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program·DateJan 16, 2007

New angiogenesis inhibitor has promise for treating deadly brain tumor

AZD2171, a new angiogenesis inhibitor, has shown significant promise in treating glioblastomas by reducing tumor size and alleviating debilitating brain swelling. The treatment also appears to normalize blood vessels, creating a window of opportunity for other therapies to be more effective.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 16, 2007

Dangerous wheat disease jumps Red Sea

A new form of stem rust, Ug99, has jumped from eastern Africa to Yemen, infecting wheat in the Arabian Peninsula and spreading rapidly. The disease is predicted to reach vast wheat-growing areas of North Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and India.

SourceInternational Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)·DateJan 16, 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.

Alpine bird numbers on the slide due to high-altitude ski runs

Researchers found that ski pistes above tree line have fewer species and lower bird numbers compared to natural grassland at similar altitudes. Ecologists warn of potentially serious threat to wildlife habitat conservation in the Alps.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 16, 2007

Lead with a poisonous electron shield

French researchers applied quantum chemistry to enzyme models and found that lead's electron shield causes toxic effects in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, brain, and blood. The complexation agents used as antidotes may not be lead-specific, removing other important metal cations from the body.

SourceWiley·DateJan 16, 2007

Scientists map key landmarks in human genome

Scientists have developed a powerful method for charting nucleosome positions in the human genome, which could help uncover clues for cancer and other diseases. The technique successfully pinpointed the location of nucleosomes in thousands of promoter regions across seven human cell lines.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 16, 2007

Brain tumor researchers find their 'niche'

A study by St. Jude researchers found that brain tumors arise from cancer stem cells living in microscopic protective niches formed by blood vessels, disrupting these niches may block tumor growth. The team showed that targeting blood vessel cells could eliminate CSCs and prevent tumor reappearance following treatment.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 16, 2007

Quantum biology -- Powerful computer models reveal key biological mechanism

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a powerful computer model to explain the mechanism of an intein, a type of protein that cuts itself out of host proteins. The study uses quantum mechanics to reveal new insights into the reaction's behavior and potential applications in nanotechnology.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 16, 2007
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Stem cell marker identified in head and neck cancer

Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center and Stanford University have identified a stem cell marker in head and neck tumors, which may help develop targeted therapies. The study found that cells expressing the CD44 marker can grow into new tumors, suggesting a potential target for cancer treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2007

Survey shows strong support for offshore wind power

A survey conducted by University of Delaware researchers found that over 90% of Delawareans support offshore wind power, even with increased electric bills. The study suggests that increasing public awareness and concern about climate change may contribute to this strong support.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJan 16, 2007

'Beavertail' surgery helps tongue cancer patients

A new surgical technique, 'beavertail' surgery, has given back the ability to swallow to patients with tongue cancer. The procedure involves modifying an existing technique by adding a 'jellyroll' of fat and connective tissue to replace diseased tongue tissue.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateJan 16, 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.

Heart rhythm genes possible factors in SIDS

Two studies reveal that nearly 10% of SIDS victims have mutations in genes associated with potentially lethal heart rhythms. Researchers identify several genetic contributors and propose strategies for identifying infant carriers before death.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateJan 16, 2007

Getting one's protein in a bunch -- When quality control fails in cells

A team of researchers found the cellular mechanism that prevents protein mutations and accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new insights into neurological disease origins and potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2007

Napoleon's mysterious death unmasked, UT Southwestern researcher says

A new investigation into Napoleon's cause of death reveals that he died of a very advanced case of gastric cancer stemming from an ulcer-causing bacterial infection. The analysis suggests that gastrointestinal bleeding was the likely immediate cause of death and points to a poor prognosis for patients with such advanced cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology &#38 Hepatology·DateJan 16, 2007

Link found between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer

A new study by Harvard researchers has linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Men with periodontal disease had a 63% higher risk of developing the disease compared to those without it, after adjusting for other factors.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 16, 2007