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Science News for July 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.

Is milk thistle effective in cancer treatment?

A new special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies Journal presents research on milk thistle's liver-protective effects and its potential as an anticancer agent. The studies suggest that silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, can preserve liver function and provide clinical benefits for cancer patients.

SourceSAGE·JournalIntegrative Cancer Therapies·DateJul 10, 2007

Kaposi sarcoma arises independently from multiple cells

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that nearly 80% of Kaposi sarcoma tumors arose independently from multiple cells. This challenges the traditional understanding of cancer origins, suggesting that Kaposi sarcoma is not a true metastatic cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 2007

UCLA/VA develops tool to gauge quality of life of hepatitis B patients

Researchers measured the effect of hepatitis B on patients' quality of life, creating a new tool to better assess overall well-being. The study found that psychosocial impact affected many patients more than physical symptoms, underscoring the need for clinicians to consider social and psychological factors in treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHepatology·DateJul 10, 2007

Other highlights from the July 10 JNCI

Researchers developed a new drug delivery method using ultrasound to target cancer tumors, releasing chemotherapy drugs from nanobubbles. They found this approach was more effective at blocking tumor growth than other nanoparticle delivery methods. Vitamin D levels were also associated with reduced colon cancer risk in a separate study.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 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.

Homestake strikes gold again

The NSF has chosen Homestake as the site for a multipurpose deep underground science and engineering laboratory. The facility will host a comprehensive suite of experiments across various fields of science, including low background physics and particle physics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 10, 2007

More women authors and collaboration now the norm for communication faculty, MU study finds

A study by University of Missouri-Columbia researchers reveals a shift in the communication discipline towards more women authors and collaborative research. The study found that articles by female authors outnumbered those by men around 2000 and that single-authored articles have decreased significantly since the 1960s.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalReview of Communication·DateJul 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.

A first-principles model of early evolution

A new model of early evolution directly connects population fitness to protein properties, resolving a key molecular evolution mystery. The study finds that survival depends on the stability of the least stable proteins, leading to an uneven distribution of fold and gene family sizes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 10, 2007

Boosting key milk nutrients may help lower type 2 diabetes risk

A combination of calcium and vitamin D found in milk may offer protection against type 2 diabetes, with a 15% lower risk among individuals consuming the most dairy. Additionally, magnesium intake from milk products may also reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 15%.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 10, 2007

New blood test might offer early warning of deep belly fat

A new study found that measuring retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels in blood can indicate the amount of visceral fat surrounding abdominal organs. Elevated RBP4 concentrations are linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 10, 2007

Modified herpes virus keeps arteries 'free-flowing' following procedures

Researchers discovered a genetically engineered herpes simplex virus reduces smooth muscle cell proliferation and restores endothelial layer in arteries following angioplasty. This study provides an important step towards treating vascular disease with genetically engineered viruses.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 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.

Cicardian system suffers and protects from prenatal cocaine exposure

Researchers found that prenatal cocaine exposure in zebrafish altered neuronal development and acutely dysregulated the expression of circadian genes, including melatonin. Circadian factors may provide new therapeutic strategies to counteract developmental effects of prenatal cocaine exposure.

SourceBoston University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 10, 2007

'Stealth advertising' sliding under radar into TV newscasts

Researchers found that 90% of monitored newscasts included at least one instance of stealth advertising, with an average of 2.5 individual slots per newscast. The study aimed to gauge the extent of material with commercializing effects on newscasts and viewers.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalElectronic News·DateJul 10, 2007

Common rheumatoid arthritis treatment shows potential for diabetes prevention

A new study found that patients treated with HCQ were less likely to develop diabetes, and those who did were more likely to manage their disease without medications. The medication may also be suitable for people at high risk of developing diabetes as a preventive therapy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 10, 2007

'America's Best Hospitals' not always the best for heart attack patients

A Yale University study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that top-ranked hospitals may not necessarily provide better care for heart attack patients. The research compared death rates among patients treated at both ranked and non-ranked hospitals, revealing a surprising disparity between the two groups.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

The new wildlife refuge -- Golf courses?

Researchers suggest golf course habitats can be improved by creating diverse pond types that mimic natural wetlands, reducing chemical runoff and insect predators. Drying ponds in the fall also benefits amphibians by eliminating bullfrog tadpoles that outcompete other species.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 10, 2007

Carnegie Mellon researchers use Web images to add realism to edited photos

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed two systems that use web images to enhance edited photos. Photo Clip Art uses labeled images from LabelMe as clip art, while Scene Completion draws upon millions of photos from Flickr to fill in holes. These systems enable users to achieve realistic results with minimal skills.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 10, 2007

FDA finds no strong link between tomatoes and reduced cancer risk

The FDA review found no strong association between eating tomatoes and decreased cancer risk, but some limited evidence for associations with prostate, ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. The agency allowed qualified health claims for these four cancers, citing very limited and preliminary scientific research.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 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.

Study provides new data about the laws governing embryo development in organisms

A new study has identified a key genetic function involved in wing formation in fruit flies, providing insight into the internal laws regulating embryo development. The research uses mathematical modeling to simulate biological systems and confirms the stability of this gene network across evolution.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 10, 2007

Late nights may impact preteen behavior

A study by Elizabeth J. Susman found that kids who prefer evenings are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior, rule-breaking, and attention problems. Earlier puberty is linked to more antisocial behavior in boys and relational aggression in girls.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJul 10, 2007
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

QUT's top researchers honored with fellowships

Three QUT researchers, including Dr Joanne Voisey, have received Smart State Fellowships to develop a genetic test for schizophrenia diagnosis and a polymer bandage for treating burn-related scars. Dr Martens will work on purifying water using nano-technology.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJul 10, 2007

Simple interventions may increase prostate cancer screening

Researchers found that simple, low-literacy interventions increased discussions about prostate cancer and led to more men receiving screening tests. These findings suggest that empowering patients through patient interventions can effectively promote discussion of prostate cancer.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 10, 2007

Obesity rates continue to climb in the United States

The study found that 75 percent of US adults will be overweight by 2015, with minority groups and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds facing the greatest disparities. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the growing obesity crisis in the United States.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiologic Reviews·DateJul 10, 2007

Scientists find brown fat master switch

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a gene and protein known as PRDM16 that controls the production of brown fat, a type of adipose tissue that generates heat and counters obesity. The study suggests that turning up this switch in humans could be a new strategy for treating overweight and obesity.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 10, 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.

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.