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Science News for July 19, 2007


Mathematical model identifies genes which battle hepatitis C

A joint research by Dr. Leonid Brodsky and Dr. Milton Taylor identified 37 genes out of 22,000 possible genes which fight the hepatitis C virus. The study's mathematical model can be applied to identify key genes in patient response to treatment, potentially leading to more effective medications.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 19, 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.

Pediatric ritalin use may affect developing brain, new study suggests

A new study by Weill Cornell Medical College found that young rats given Ritalin injections from week-old age showed significant brain changes linked to higher executive functioning and addiction. Changes resolved with time, but the findings suggest doctors must be careful in diagnosing ADHD before prescribing Ritalin.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·DateJul 19, 2007

'Preconditioning' helps protect brain's blood vessels from stroke

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered that preconditioning, a process where the brain is challenged with a small noxious stimulus, can shield blood vessels from stroke injury. This study found a 68% reduction in stroke intensity and a 114% boost in blood flow in areas unaffected by the stroke.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·DateJul 19, 2007

Restless legs genetics on the move

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified three genes associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by an urge to move and paresthesia in the legs. The findings provide new insights into the genetic causes of RLS, which affects up to 10% of people over 65 years old.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 19, 2007

JCI table of contents: July 19, 2007

A study on mucins reveals their crucial role in protecting the gut from bacterial infection. In contrast, lupus research identifies shared signaling networks active in B cells from genetically distinct mouse models. Meanwhile, a new study shows that blocking ERK1/2 activation can prevent congenital heart defects in mice with Noonan syn...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UGA study explains why anti-smoking ads backfire or succeed

A new UGA study explains how anti-smoking ads can either backfire or be effective, finding that youth are more likely to smoke when exposed to messages about their friends listening. The researchers suggest that health campaigns should focus on changing social norms and designing multi-year efforts with a nuanced approach.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCommunication Research·DateJul 19, 2007

Study links manic depression with brain tissue loss

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that people with bipolar disorder experience accelerated brain tissue loss, particularly in areas controlling memory, face recognition, and coordination. The study shows that repeated episodes of illness can lead to greater brain loss and decline in mental ability.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 19, 2007

Molecular detectors may refine cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new method to detect subtle differences in leukemia cells using molecular probes called aptamers. This technique has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients by providing more precise and personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2007

New proteomics research promises to revolutionize biomedical discovery

A research team led by Dr. Benoit Coulombe has developed a powerful proteomics approach to infer putative functions of previously uncharacterized proteins by identifying their interaction partners. The study reveals an intricate network of protein interactions that connect together 436 different proteins.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 19, 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.

Probing biology's dark matter

A new microfluidics device has enabled researchers to analyze a rare bacteria found in the human mouth and sequence over 1,000 genes from an unstudied group of bacteria, known as TM7. This breakthrough technology holds promise for advancing microbial ecology and discovering new species.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2007

Self-injury found to be common in high-school students

A new study suggests that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common occurrence among high school students, with nearly half of teens experiencing NSSI in the past year. The most common reasons for engaging in NSSI include regulating emotional states and managing situations.

SourceLifespan·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 19, 2007

2 drugs better than 1 in lowering blood pressure

The combination of aliskiren and valsartan significantly lowers blood pressure in patients with hypertension, with a mean drop of 12.2mm Hg compared to 9.0mm Hg for monotherapy. However, the treatment is limited by potential life-threatening side effects, including hyperkalemia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 19, 2007

Scientists a step closer to understanding how anaesthetics work in the brain

Researchers have identified a specific amino acid in the potassium channel protein that blocks anaesthetic activation, paving the way for targeted anaesthetics with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of how anaesthetics work and the development of new, more specific alternatives.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2007

Genomic analysis uncovers new targets for HIV vaccine

Researchers have discovered three gene variants in HIV-infected patients that may help fight off the virus and delay AIDS onset. The genes, particularly HLA-C, could be key targets for an HIV vaccine designed to boost immune system control.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 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.

New clue into how diet and exercise enhance longevity

A study published in Science found that maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise can extend lifespan by reducing insulin-like signaling in the brain. The researchers discovered that mice with reduced insulin receptor substrates lived 18% longer, while also showing improved metabolic health.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2007

Rural communities revived by energy

A study funded by ESRC found that community renewable energy projects are largely based in the countryside, revitalizing local economies and alleviating poverty. The projects generate energy renewably at a local level, involving wind turbines, solar panels, and shared heating systems.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 19, 2007

Genetic diversity in honeybee colonies boosts productivity

A study by Cornell scientists found that genetically diverse honeybee colonies produced 30% more comb, stored 39% more food, and maintained foraging levels 27-78% higher than genetically uniform colonies. These colonies also gained weight due to sophisticated communication mechanisms like waggle dancing.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2007

Protein protects anti-cancer gene from chemical shutdown

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that a protein called IKK-alpha protects an important cell defense mechanism from silencing in skin cancers. The protein prevents DNA methylation, which normally silences the checkpoint gene 14-3-3-sigma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 19, 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.

Alternative farming cleans up water

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that alternative cropping systems reduced nitrate levels in surface and ground water by 41-62% compared to conventional farming practices. Increasing cropping system biodiversity can improve water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 19, 2007

MIT IDs link between brain tumor proteins

MIT scientists have discovered a connection between two proteins found in brain tumors that could help treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Attacking both EGFRvIII and c-Met simultaneously is more effective than targeting either protein alone, offering new hope for treating this deadly disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2007

Antibody-altering protein found in developing B cells

Developing B cells produce the antibody-altering protein AID, which directs and strengthens their response to disease pathogens. This discovery may offer new research directions for understanding autoimmunity and other diseases.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalImmunity·DateJul 19, 2007

Obesity found to be a risk factor for multiple myeloma

A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that obesity is a significant risk factor for developing multiple myeloma. The research, which analyzed data from over 100,000 participants, discovered that individuals with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) were more likely to develop the disease.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJul 19, 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.

Charting ever-changing genomes

Researchers developed a method to catalog genetic variations in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing regions targeted by natural selection. The study found that one out of 10 genes is very different and many gene families were shaped by evolution. The data have been placed in a publicly accessible database.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2007

Protein pulling -- Learning how proteins fold by pulling them apart

Scientists have developed a novel approach to probing protein folding energy, revealing the slope and height of the energy barrier proteins must overcome. This method has the potential to shed light on how amino acid sequences affect protein function and how diseases arise from misfolding.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 19, 2007

Mucins stand guard against gut infections

Researchers have discovered that cell surface mucin 1 (Muc1) is a key component of the gut's defense against bacterial infections. Mice infected with Campylobacter jejuni were found to be more susceptible to intestinal damage without Muc1, highlighting its critical role in preventing infection spread.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 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.

Prostate drug doesn't limit sexual function in most men

A large study of over 17,000 men found that finasteride caused a small decrease in sexual function, but this effect diminished over time. The researchers concluded that finasteride is unlikely to cause significant sexual dysfunction for most men taking the drug.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 19, 2007

Coming soon -- Protein synthesis without amino acids?

Chinese researchers report a convenient method for synthesizing short protein chains using inexpensive starting materials and a simple cobalt complex catalyst. The new technique, similar to olefin polymerization, could be ideal for industrial production and may lead to the creation of polypeptides that were previously inaccessible.

SourceWiley·DateJul 19, 2007

Rise of dinosaurs in Late Triassic more gradual than once thought

Fossils discovered in New Mexico reveal that dinosaurs and their predecessors lived side by side for 15-20 million years. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of dinosaur precursors and challenge long-held theories about the pace of changeover.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 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.

Tiny brain, normal life

A 44-year-old man with a tiny brain and massive ventricular enlargement led a normal life despite mild leg weakness and cognitive impairments. He underwent various treatments, including shunt insertions and neuroendoscopic procedures, to manage his symptoms.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 19, 2007

Reducing insulin signaling in the brain can prolong lifespan

A new study finds that reducing insulin signaling in the brain can lead to a longer lifespan, with genetically engineered mice living up to 18% longer. This breakthrough suggests that diet and exercise may be key to preventing age-related diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2007

Scientists solve checkers

Researchers solved checkers by creating a computer program that cannot be beaten, using 500 billion positions and superior processing capabilities. The program, Chinook, may play to a draw but will never lose.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2007

NASA researchers find satellite data can warn of famine

A NASA researcher has developed a new method to anticipate food shortages brought on by drought using satellite remote sensing of crop growth and food prices. The model can help government and humanitarian aid officials plan and respond to drought-induced food price increases, reducing the risk of famine.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalLand Economics·DateJul 19, 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.

Removing predators could offset seabird 'bycatch' losses

A study by CSIRO Australia suggests that removing invasive predators from island breeding colonies could offset 'bycatch' losses, saving more seabirds at a lower cost. This approach could be an effective means of conservation, particularly for species affected by fishing and invasive species.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 19, 2007