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Science News Archive July 2007


Page 11 of 16

5 OHSU faculty members singled out for honors

Five Oregon Health & Science University faculty members have been honored with the 2007 OHSU Faculty Senate Awards. The winners include Michael Danilchik for groundbreaking research on early morphogenesis, William Hersh for developing a respected academic program in biomedical informatics, Carol Christlieb for exceptional service to nu...

Insights into anemia control in dialysis patients

A study reveals that hemoglobin levels vary among dialysis patients due to negative feedback control systems and individual sensitivity to ESA treatment. The analysis suggests optimizing treatment systems on a rational basis to reduce variation in hemoglobin values and stabilize dose regimens.

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.

When it comes to walking, it's all good, says Mayo Clinic researcher

A study by Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine found that high-intensity interval walking may protect against high blood pressure and decreased muscle strength in older adults. Walking is a legitimate mode of exercise that doesn't require special equipment or membership, according to Dr. James Levine.

New use for a cell toxin found to inhibit survival proteins in cancer cells

Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a modified version of antimycin that selectively kills cancer cells with high levels of survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. The compound's unique mechanism provides a therapeutic window, making it a potential targeted molecular therapy to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness.

A stepwise retreat: How immune cells catch pathogens

Immune cells use filopodia to catch pathogens, with the internal scaffolds growing and shrinking through actin filaments. Researchers tracked the dynamic behavior of these structures for the first time in three dimensions, revealing discrete steps of retraction and a possible molecular mechanism underlying it.

Scaling up HIV prevention programs is cost effective

Researchers found that each doubling of a program's scale can reduce costs by around a third, making it a cost-effective strategy to prevent more HIV infections. Larger prevention programs use money more efficiently than smaller ones, with some large programs being ten times more efficient.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uninsured adults increase medicare costs

Research at Harvard Medical School found that uninsured adults before age 65 require more intensive and costlier care than those with private insurance. This can lead to costly complications and reduced health needs after age 65.

Could targeted food taxes improve health?

A daily pint of milk reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome by 62%, while regular dairy consumption lowers the risk by 56%. The study found that around one in seven men had the syndrome at entry into the study, with those who consumed more dairy produce having a lower risk.

How the brain and an iPhone differ

A team of UO researchers found that human memory has a four-item limit, varying from person to person, with high IQ individuals able to think about more things at once. The study contradicts the assumption that those who can remember more items have clearer memories.

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.

Sour taste make you pucker? It may be in your genes

A twin study published by Monell Chemical Senses Center found that genes account for 53% of the variation in sour taste sensitivity, suggesting a genetic component to individual differences. This discovery may help identify the elusive taste receptor for sourness and inform strategies for promoting healthy eating.

Longest study finds reef fish need longer break

Researchers found that commercially important species take a quarter of a century to recover fully, while ecological equilibrium takes even longer to achieve. Fish recovery rates vary among species due to competition for resources.

Larger HIV prevention programs are cheaper

A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research found that larger HIV prevention programs in low and middle-income countries can reduce unit costs of prevention services by up to a third. By rapidly scaling up well-run existing programs, the study suggests that more HIV infections may be averted.

Network model predicts risk of death in sickle cell disease

Researchers developed a predictive model using Bayesian network modeling to estimate sickle cell disease severity and predict mortality risk. The model identified laboratory markers and clinical events contributing to the risk of death, providing a personalized disease severity score for therapeutic decisions.

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.

Isis -- open-access focus section about Science and Law

The 'Focus: Science and Law' section in Isis explores the intersection of science and law, examining how courts shape scientific theories and practices. Scholars discuss topics such as intellectual property legislation, witness testimony verification, and the commercialization of research.

Plants uptake antibiotics

Food crops like corn, lettuce, and potato take up antibiotics from soils treated with manure containing the antibiotic Sulfamethazine. This raises concerns about the potential for contamination of the human food supply, particularly among vulnerable populations like young children who may experience allergic reactions.

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.

Ago2 and hematopoiesis

Researchers found Ago2 necessary for normal blood cell development, but its role is independent of slicer activity. Ago2 regulates miRNA biogenesis in blood cells through translational control.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Class of medications may offer alternative option for treating type 2 diabetes

A meta-analysis of 29 studies found that incretin-based therapy improves glycemia, particularly postprandial glycemia, and has a favorable or neutral effect on weight. However, glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues are associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects, while DPP4 inhibitors have an increased risk of infection.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

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.