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Science News for July 31, 2007


Cell damage caused by brushing may help keep gums healthy

Research at the Medical College of Georgia found that regular brushing can cause minor cell damage, leading to increased calcium influx and triggering internal membrane repair. This process may promote gum health by stimulating collagen growth and strengthening tissue response to mechanical stress.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 31, 2007

Rare example of Darwinism seen in action

A research team, including UC Riverside biologists, has found experimental evidence supporting a theory of genetic conflict in the reproduction of fish that bear placentas. The conflict is likened to an

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2007

Circumstellar space: Where stars are born

In the circumstellar environment, newly formed elements make compounds and life takes off for the first time. The shells around dying stars enable a chemistry that produced grains older than our sun itself.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJul 31, 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.

Scientists move closer to bio-engineered bladders

Researchers at the University of York have developed urothelial cell sheets that regenerate to repair damage, paving the way for engineered bladders. Pharmaceutical companies will soon be able to test therapies using these models.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJul 31, 2007

National blood donor pool significantly smaller than previously thought

A new study reveals that only 37% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, with approximately 60 million fewer individuals being eligible than previously thought. The lower donor pool estimate is based on a more stringent model that excludes high-risk individuals and those with chronic diseases.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalTransfusion·DateJul 31, 2007

Measuring nectar from eucalypts

A study found that mature forest produces almost 10 times as much sugar per hectare than recently logged forest, but overall honey yields are still high due to extensive flowering. Nectar production in young trees regrowing after logging is not significantly affected, contradicting beekeepers' concerns.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·DateJul 31, 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.

Chickens dieting to help Delaware waterways

Researchers at the University of Delaware have confirmed that a natural enzyme called phytase has helped Delaware chickens digest more phosphorus, reducing output in chicken manure. As a result, phosphorus loads to the environment have been reduced by some 2 million to 3 million pounds per year.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJul 31, 2007

Nanotechnology helps scientists make bendy sensors for hydrogen vehicles

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed flexible hydrogen sensors using single-walled carbon nanotubes, exhibiting high sensitivity and fast response time. The sensors can detect 1% hydrogen concentration in room temperature within 3 seconds and withstand bending and relaxation multiple times.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 31, 2007

Climate change threatens Siberian forests

A University of Leicester study found that climate change contributes to forest fires in Central Siberia, with temperatures rising by almost two degrees Celsius. The changing climate has led to an earlier onset of spring, affecting the timing of plant growth and carbon uptake.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 31, 2007

Hydrogen peroxide could cause absorbable sutures to come apart, UT Southwestern researchers report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that hydrogen peroxide decreases the tensile strength of absorbable sutures. In contrast, cleaning with distilled water did not harm their strength. The study suggests that patients using hydrogen peroxide on such sutures may be at risk for weakened healing and hypertrophic scars.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJul 31, 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.

Screening for fragile skin

Australian White Dorper breeders are utilizing a newly developed DNA test to identify and manage the genetic disorder dermatosparaxis, which causes extreme skin fragility. The disease has been reported in other breeds and can result in death or euthanasia if left unchecked.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·DateJul 31, 2007

Defining the active site of Bax

Scientists at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have discovered the long-sought-after homo-oligomerization domain of Bax, a key regulator of apoptosis. This finding provides new insights into the protein's structure and function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 31, 2007

UF to lead research on life-threatening fungus

The University of Florida is leading a $9 million NIH-funded research project to better understand the life-threatening Aspergillus fungus, which affects cancer patients and transplant recipients. The repository will support research on developing accurate tests for detection, with goals to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJul 31, 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.

Child abuse, neglect rise dramatically when Army parents deploy to combat

A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect rates nearly double when soldier-parents deploy for combat tours, leaving mothers at home to care for the children. The rate of physical abuse nearly doubles, and neglect increases four times higher in these cases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 31, 2007

Under magnetic force, nanoparticles may deliver gene therapy

Researchers have developed a biodegradable nanoparticle delivery system that uses magnetic forces to target specific cells in the body. The system has shown promise in reducing cell proliferation and delivering anti-growth genes to stents, which could help maintain blood flow.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 31, 2007

Reducing inflammation plays key role in type 1 diabetes therapy

A new triple combination therapy has been successful in abolishing adverse autoimmunity against insulin-producing cells in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes. The treatment eliminated inflammation and restored normal blood glucose levels by blocking its effects on fat and muscle tissues.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2007

UK childhood cancer survival falling behind the rest of Europe

Children with cancer in the UK have shorter survival rates compared to other European countries due to inadequate surveillance and care. Experts recommend rigorous assessment of routine surveillance and primary care to improve childhood cancer outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 31, 2007

Why do people have sex?

A comprehensive study by University of Texas researchers reveals 237 complex motivations for human sex, including physical, emotional, and insecurity-based factors. The findings challenge common assumptions about the simplicity of human sexuality.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJul 31, 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 therapy rescues motor neurons in ALS model

A team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that stem cells engineered to secrete a key growth factor can protect motor neurons characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but not restore muscle connections. The study demonstrates promise for cell-based therapies in diseases with few treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2007

Reading a face is tricky business

A Northwestern University study found that electrical activity in the brain is altered within 200 milliseconds when viewing subliminal emotional expressions, leading to biased ratings of facial expressions. Those with anxiety tend to exhibit stronger brain responses to fear-primed expressions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJul 31, 2007

Investigating antibiotic use in acute care patients

Research by Dr James Chin and colleagues reveals that antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria but also maintain a pool of resistant genes within microbial communities. This means that subsequent therapy with another antibiotic may be ineffective due to increased resistance.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·DateJul 31, 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.

Displaced adolescent girls benefit from group therapy

Researchers found group interpersonal psychotherapy effective in reducing depressive symptoms among adolescent girls affected by war and displacement. In contrast, the same treatment was less effective for boys. The study suggests that additional interventions may be needed to address depression and anxiety in boys.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateJul 31, 2007

High rates of PTSD and depression found among adults displaced by war in Uganda

A survey of adults displaced by war in northern Uganda found high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study also showed that individuals with PTSD symptoms were more likely to favor violent means to end the conflict, while those with depression symptoms were less likely to identify nonviolence as a solution.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 31, 2007

Screening MRI allows detection of more breast cancers in high-risk women

A multicenter study compared screening methods in high-risk women, finding that MRI accurately identifies tumors missed by mammography and ultrasound. The study suggests that women at high risk for breast cancer can benefit from undergoing screening MRI to detect more cancers.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 31, 2007

Researchers find older folks don't get the joke

Older adults experience cognitive decline that affects their ability to comprehend humor, according to Washington University researchers. However, this decline does not mean they cannot understand humor, and previous experiences, preferences, and personality play a significant role in humor comprehension.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateJul 31, 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.

Expert challenges earthquake theory behind Indonesian mud volcano

A leading expert challenges the theory that an Indonesian mud volcano was triggered by an earthquake. Professor Richard Davies of Durham University's Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems says drilling operations are more likely to be responsible.

SourceDurham University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 31, 2007

Huntington's disease study shows animal models on target

Researchers found a marked resemblance between molecular etiology of neurons in animal models and humans with HD, making them relevant for studying the disease and testing treatments. The study's findings have important consequences for preclinical drug testing.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 31, 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.

MicroRNA conflict resolution

Researchers developed a cell-free system to investigate microRNA function, providing unprecedented insight into how miRNAs repress translation. The study resolves the current conflict over miRNA action by showing that miRNAs recruit complexes containing Ago2 and GW182 proteins.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 31, 2007

New UD tissue-engineering research focuses on vocal cords

A new University of Delaware research project aims to engineer functional vocal cord tissue to replace scarred, rigid tissue. The team is developing novel biomaterials that mimic the molecular composition and mechanical responsiveness of natural extracellular matrices, with the goal of improving pliability and preventing scarring.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJul 31, 2007

Gold nanoparticles may pan out as tool for cancer diagnosis

Researchers at Purdue University have created gold nanoparticles that can identify marker proteins on breast cancer cells, offering a potential tool for better diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The technology has the potential to provide high-quality data at a lower cost than existing methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 31, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

OVATION expands drug development pipeline

A clinical trial is underway to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous carbamazepine in adult patients with epilepsy. The new treatment aims to provide an alternative to oral therapy during hospitalization or when oral administration is not feasible.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateJul 31, 2007

Hearing skills of barn owls could map way to find problems in humans

A University of Oregon research team has found that barn owls' exceptional spatial hearing abilities can help pinpoint problems in the human brain, including those related to hearing and behavior. The study used infrared monitoring to track changes in pupil dilation responses influenced by sound sources around an owl.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2007

CAD increases accuracy of diagnosing liver fibrosis

A recent study found that magnetic resonance CAD significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis, outperforming experienced radiologists in detection and grading.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 31, 2007

High rates of HIV infection documented among young Nepalese girls sex-trafficked to India

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study documents high rates of HIV infection among young Nepalese girls trafficked to India, with 60.6% infected among those trafficked prior to age 15. The study highlights the dire health consequences of sex trafficking and the need for improved prevention measures.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 31, 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.

MIT aims for kinder, gentler scallop dredge

The new dredge, which uses jets of water to lift scallops off the seafloor without physically contacting it, caught 50-60% of a normal catch rate in field tests. This technology has the potential to reduce damage to marine habitat and catch essential fish species.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 31, 2007

New databases put wings on search for bipolar risk genes

The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers a comprehensive resource for researchers to identify genes linked to bipolar disorder, utilizing over 5,000 patients' clinical data and DNA samples. This database complements existing genetic data and enables researchers to correlate specific symptoms with genetic material.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 31, 2007

Study helps explain how HIV becomes AIDS

A new UC Irvine study suggests that co-infection of multiple HIV particles may be the key to preventing deadly strains from emerging and triggering the onset of AIDS. By blocking this process, scientists might be able to ward off AIDS, keeping patients healthy despite carrying the virus.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJul 31, 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.

Testing the force of a shark's bite

Researchers have developed a 3D computer model to analyze the cranial mechanics and bite force of the Great White Shark. The study used high-resolution simulations to estimate the maximum forces that Great Whites can exert, with implications for protecting submarine cables and communication systems.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·DateJul 31, 2007

Imaging technique accurate in aneurysm detection and therapy planning

MDCT angiography is highly accurate in depicting intracranial aneurysms, outperforming digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in diagnostic accuracy. The technique can quickly determine the possibility of using minimally invasive treatment rather than open surgery.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 31, 2007

MGH researchers confirm that bone marrow restores fertility in female mice

Researchers at MGH confirm that bone marrow transplantation after chemotherapy restores fertility in female mice, with donor-derived egg cells observed but not involved in fertilization. The study also reveals that resuming mating and bone marrow transplants shortly after chemotherapy improve fertility rates.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 31, 2007