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Science News for July 3, 2007


Stem cell procedure successfully treats amyloidosis patients

Researchers from Boston University Medical Center successfully treat patients with immunoglobulin-light chain amyloidosis who did not respond to initial treatment. A tandem approach of high-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation shows improved overall survival and quality of life for these patients.

SourceBoston University·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2007

Many insomniacs turn to valerian and melatonin to help them sleep

A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 5.9% of respondents used valerian and 5.2% used melatonin to treat insomnia. However, a clinical practice review committee did not find beneficial effects for these supplements in treating insomnia symptoms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 3, 2007

Periodontal bacteria found in amniotic fluid

Researchers discovered periodontal bacteria, including P. Gingivalis, in the amniotic fluid of 30% of pregnant women with threatened premature labor. The presence of these bacteria may pose a risk to both mothers and babies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateJul 3, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

From clinical cancer research: rethinking therapeutic cancer vaccine trials

Researchers argue that traditional cancer vaccine trial endpoints may be misguided, focusing instead on patient survival and response to subsequent treatments. The study suggests that vaccines can prime the immune system, keeping tumors in check and enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent therapies.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 3, 2007

'Sundried tide' -- silent, natural disaster

Researchers have identified a silent, natural disaster that silently wipes out coral reefs on clear sunny days during extreme low tides. The study reveals that these events are highly predictable and can be anticipated through alignment of weather patterns and tidal charts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMarine Biology·DateJul 3, 2007

Getting old is a costly business

A study of over 3 million Italians found that men over 65 pay more for prescriptions than women, with costs escalating sharply after age 65. The research model developed in the study can help policymakers better allocate resources for prescription costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 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.

Today's waste, tomorrow's fuel

Researchers at Cardiff University are developing cost-effective methods to recycle platinum and other precious metals from road dust and vehicle exhausts. This innovative approach aims to produce clean fuel cells, minimizing waste and creating reliable, greener energy.

SourceCardiff University·DateJul 3, 2007

Blood clotting protein may inhibit spinal cord regeneration

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discovered that fibrinogen inhibits neural cell growth in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. The study found that fibrinogen's binding to beta 3 integrin receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor prevents axonal growth, which is necessary for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 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.

Inhaling from just 1 cigarette can lead to nicotine addiction

A new study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that 10% of youth who smoke cigarettes are addicted within two days of first inhaling from a cigarette. Adolescents who smoke even just a few cigarettes per month suffer withdrawal symptoms when deprived of nicotine.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 3, 2007

Alzheimer's prevention role discovered for prions

Researchers have identified a protective role for normal prion proteins in preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. High levels of PrPc reduced beta amyloid formation, while low or absent levels allowed it to return.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2007

Color is in the eye of the beholder

A recent study examines the remarkable two-tone color of pumpkin seed oil using imaging and CIE chromaticity coordinates. The observed color shift from red to green is attributed to changes in oil layer thickness and unique human retina cell characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJul 3, 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.

Reducing the cost of sleep disorders

The project aims to develop a cost-effective solution to reduce the financial burden of sleep disorders on the Australian healthcare system. The new web-based intelligent decision support system will enable more accurate diagnoses and help determine if a night at the sleep centre is necessary.

SourceResearch Australia·DateJul 3, 2007

Risk-taking in infertility treatment correlates with women's negative moods

A study of women's moods during IVF found a strong relationship between negative mood and multiple embryo transfer. Women with more negative moods perceived lower chances of multiple pregnancies and rated their choices as riskier. This research aims to improve understanding of emotional health during IVF treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 3, 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.

Cardiac surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis

Researchers found that hospital mortality increased significantly according to the Child-Pugh classification, with a mortality rate of 10 percent for those with class A, 18 percent for those with class B, and 67 percent for those with class C. Postoperative complications were also higher in class B and C than in class A.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2007

UT study reveals inaccuracies in cardiac PET-CT imaging, finds fixes

A UT study found that cardiac PET-CT scanners incorrectly indicate coronary artery disease in up to 40% of patients due to software flaws. The researchers developed a solution to address the issue, resulting in accurate images of blood flow in the heart.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 3, 2007

Reap what your ancestors sowed

A new model developed by Dr. Sam Brown recognizes the impact of durable goods on cooperation, showing that cheaters can increase without immediate consequences but ultimately face costs when others follow suit. This research has far-reaching implications for fields like ecology, economics, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2007
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.

Fat kills cancer

Researchers have successfully engineered mesenchymal stem cells from human fat tissue into 'suicide genes' that seek out and destroy tumors. This gene therapy approach inhibits tumor growth by up to 68.5% in nude mice, showing promise as a novel cancer treatment strategy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 3, 2007

Cloning the male genome may help infertile men

Researchers at Weill Medical College have successfully cloned a mouse genome, paving the way for potential treatment of low sperm count in infertile men. The technique involves replicating the male genome, which could increase chances of conception and reduce embryo wastage.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 3, 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.

Studies show antidepressants not linked to birth defects

Two studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine found taking SSRIs during pregnancy increases the risk of rare birth defects, including withdrawal symptoms and pulmonary hypertension. However, most birth defects were not associated with antidepressant use.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 3, 2007

Faulty cell membrane repair causes heart disease

Researchers identify dysferlin as crucial for resealing heart muscle cell membranes, leading to cardiomyopathy in mice. Exercise exacerbates damage in mice with dysferlin deficiency, highlighting potential treatment target.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 3, 2007

Male or female factor infertility -- men suffer just the same

A recent study by Cardiff University found that social stress and marital stress increase over time for men with male factor infertility, while mental health decreases. Despite the common misconception that men experience more emotional distress when infertile, the research shows that men in all four categories suffer equally.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 3, 2007

Narcoleptics have a high frequency of REM sleep without atonia

A study published in the journal SLEEP found that narcoleptics have a high frequency of REM sleep without atonia, leading to abnormal muscle activity. In contrast, patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) had a higher percentage of REM sleep without atonia but lower REM density.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 3, 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.

Penn State study suggests ways to improve US rail safety

A new Penn State study suggests ways to improve US rail safety by addressing inadequate security measures, improving coordination between agencies and leveraging the role of railroad police. The report recommends comprehensive legislation, increased funding for security efforts and enhanced training for personnel.

SourcePenn State·DateJul 3, 2007