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Science News for July 5, 2007


Paracetamol overdoses drop without package size legislation

A Canadian study found that paracetamol overdose rates decreased significantly between 1995 and 2004, with a notable drop in hospitalizations among young women and Aboriginal populations. The lack of package size restrictions in Canada contributed to this decline, contrasting with the UK's successful implementation of smaller pack sizes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 5, 2007

New imaging method clarifies nutrient cycle

USC researchers applied nanoscale imaging to study Anabaena oscillarioides, clarifying the mechanism of nitrogen fixation. The study revealed a key step in the nutrient cycle, allowing for better understanding of global carbon and nitrogen dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 5, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Amoebae control cheating by keeping it in the family

A study from Rice University reveals that cooperative single-celled amoebae use family ties to prevent cheaters from undermining their colonies' health. By associating with kin, the amoebae's social system prevents the spread of selfish mutants.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2007

Engineered blood vessels function like native tissue

Researchers at University at Buffalo developed a method to isolate functional smooth muscle cells from bone marrow, which can be used in regenerative medicine for cardiovascular applications. The engineered blood vessels function similarly to native tissue, demonstrating potential as an alternative to venous grafts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJul 5, 2007

Tracing Parkinson's lethal mechanism

In mice and human patients, researchers found that crippling of protective enzyme Prx2 leads to death of dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson's disease. Activating Prx2 prevents neuronal loss, suggesting it as a beneficial target for PD treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2007

Protein's role in lipid absorption may be important to future weight-loss strategies

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that protein CD36 facilitates the uptake of fatty acids and cholesterol in the proximal part of the intestine. The team believes that targeting this process may provide a useful tool for obesity treatment, as animals without CD36 absorb fat less efficiently and eat less.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 5, 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.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection

Several phase II and III trials investigate anti-retroviral drug combinations for pre-exposure prophylaxis among at-risk populations. The implementation of such a program requires careful planning and substantial resources to ensure access, minimize risk behavior, and prevent drug-resistant strains.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2007

Stopping the HIV pandemic in children

Early HIV testing for exposed infants can prevent infection before AIDS or death, allowing for prophylaxis or treatment implementation. Universal availability of prophylaxis or treatment is crucial, but poses challenges such as long-term toxic effects of anti-retroviral treatment.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2007

K-State researcher working on a way to make snack foods with extra fiber

A Kansas State University researcher has created a way to make fiber-enriched flour that tastes like regular flour, enabling the production of healthier snacking alternatives. The process uses extrusion processing to add varying levels of bran, resulting in improved dough quality and increased soluble dietary fiber.

SourceKansas State University·DateJul 5, 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.

From the corner of the eye: Paying attention to attention

Researchers distinguish between two classes of brain cells with distinct roles in visual attention and highlight mechanisms by which they mediate attention. They found that neurons respond more strongly when attention is directed to the stimulus in their receptive fields, with narrow-spiking cells firing more frequently under attention.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2007

The new 'look' of superconductivity

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have observed two-dimensional equilibrium patterns in lead samples when in its superconducting state, below 7.2 Kelvin. These complex patterns differ from the long-held textbook model proposed by Lev Landau and represent a significant contribution to the field of superconductivity.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateJul 5, 2007

Which is the chattier gender?

A study of nearly 400 university students found women spoke an average of 16,215 words per day, while men averaged 15,669. The difference was not statistically significant, and individual variations were large.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Research ends debate over benefits of butterfly defenses

Research reveals that butterfly mimicry benefits both species involved, as predators avoid eating the most unpalatable species but still learn to distinguish between them. The study provides insight into how insects evolve to resemble one another and change their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2007

NIEHS researchers identify enzyme critical in DNA replication

DNA polymerase epsilon plays a primary role in replicating leading strand of DNA in bakers yeast, influencing genome stability and responses to environmental stress. The discovery advances understanding of DNA replication in higher organisms like humans.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007

Do women really talk more than men?

A study published in Science debunks the popular stereotype that females use more words than men, revealing both sexes use an average of 16,000 words per day. The research used a digital voice recorder to track daily interactions over eight years and analyzed transcripts from nearly 400 university students.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007

International AIDS society conference, Sydney

The International AIDS Society conference in Sydney drew a record number of 5,000 delegates and featured a new biomedical prevention track, reflecting increasing interest in microbicides and other innovative approaches.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 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.

Holograms make for better vision tests

Researchers developed a one-step test using holograms to diagnose astigmatic error, a key factor in prescribing glasses. The new technique is simpler and faster than traditional methods, which involve multiple lenses and complex processes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 5, 2007

How pain distracts the brain

Researchers identified the lateral occipital complex as a region affected by both working memory load and pain, but found that pain influences visual processing through the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. This modulation affects accuracy in recognizing images.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2007

Chemical in brain acts like a fuel gauge

Researchers at USC have found that norepinephrine transmits a 'low blood sugar' message from the hindbrain to the paraventricular hypothalamus, triggering the release of energy stores to replace missing sugars. This discovery provides new insights into glucose sensing mechanisms in the brain and may hold potential for treating diabetic...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 5, 2007

Challenges to development of an AIDS vaccine

HIV's uniformly fatal outcome and absence of natural immunity pose significant hurdles for vaccine design. The authors call for increased funding for research and clinical trials to address these challenges and accelerate progress in finding an effective AIDS vaccine.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2007
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.

Sea anemone genome provides new view of our multi-celled ancestors

The sea anemone genome shows similarities with the human genome, providing a new view of our common ancestors. The study found that many genes are conserved across species, allowing scientists to infer features of the ancestral genetic blueprint for animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007

Why liver cancer is more prevalent in males than in females

Research at University of California, San Diego reveals that male mice produce more IL-6 in response to liver injury, leading to a higher incidence of liver cancer. The study suggests therapies targeting IL-6 production or estrogen-like compounds may reduce liver cancer risk in males.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007

Cancer on the agenda of the Portuguese EU Council Presidency

Cancer is a major cause of disease and mortality worldwide, requiring a strong political signal for alliance and concerted actions. The Round Table on Health Strategies in the European Union will focus on creating capacity building for effective policies and programs to address cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateJul 5, 2007
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.

South Asian Scots have increased risk of heart attacks

A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that South Asian Scots are more likely to suffer a heart attack than the rest of the Scottish population. The research, which linked census data to hospital discharge records, revealed an 80% higher incidence of heart attacks among South Asian women and a 45% higher incidence among men.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 5, 2007

Soil particles found to boost prion's capacity to infect

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that soil particles can increase the infectious nature of rogue proteins causing CWD. Binding to common soil minerals like montmorillonite significantly increases oral transmissibility, with a nearly 700-fold difference observed.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 5, 2007

Biomedical engineers use electric pulses to destroy cancer cells

Researchers at Virginia Tech and UC Berkeley developed irreversible electroporation (IRE) to target cancer cells, successfully abling tissue in rat livers. IRE preserves vessel architecture and kills cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalTechnology in Cancer Research & Treatment·DateJul 5, 2007

Etravirine effective at HIV supression: DUET trials 1 and 2

A new NNRTI etravirine has been shown to be effective in suppressing HIV viral load in treatment-experienced patients with documented resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The DUET trials 1 and 2 found that 56% and 62% of patients achieved viral loads below 50 copies/mL, respectively.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 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.

Coaching computer canines in clambering

Researchers at USC are training a new breed of robotic dog, called LittleDog, to navigate challenging terrain. After 15 months of experimentation, the dogs can now move, albeit slowly, and will be trained to run faster in the next phase of the study.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJul 5, 2007

UF scientists work to develop simple bladder cancer test

Researchers identified promising biomarkers in urine samples, including one linked to liver and ovarian cancer. The goal is to create a simple, fast, and noninvasive test for early detection, potentially avoiding painful procedures.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 5, 2007

Stanford researchers find brain pathway of depression in rats

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a unifying principle explaining how different causes and treatments for depression converge. Changes in electrical signal flow through the brain circuit appear to be the cause of depression-related behavior.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 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.

Stevens joins IDS Scheer's Innovation and Education Network

Stevens Institute of Technology has joined the IDS Scheer Innovation and Education Network, allowing for the application of its academic research to industry. The network aims to generate a constant stream of ideas for innovations and support education initiatives in Business Process Management (BPM).

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJul 5, 2007

Malaria-resistant mosquitoes battle disease with 'molecular warhead'

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered why some mosquitoes are resistant to malaria, focusing on a protein called TEP1. The study found that genetic differences in TEP1 manifest in a region dubbed the 'warhead', which grabs onto malarial parasites.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2007

Study finds wives have greater power in marriage problem-solving behavior

A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that wives exhibit greater situational power and domineering behaviors during problem-solving discussions in marriage. The study of 72 married couples revealed that wives were more likely to draw favorable responses from their husbands, indicating a healthy marriage dynamic.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJul 5, 2007

New drugs which target different steps in HIV replication cycle

Researchers analyze success of HIV entry inhibitors, highlighting need for new classes due to increasing resistance and toxicity concerns. The study concludes that blocking HIV entry by fusion inhibitors and coreceptor antagonists holds major promise for developing a new antiretroviral drug class.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2007

Birds take cues from their competitors

A new study reveals that female birds of two migrant flycatcher species can acquire a novel preference for nesting sites based on the apparent attraction of competing resident tits. This finding suggests that individual animals use information and make decisions, even from other species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 5, 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.

AIAA to present awards at 43rd Joint Propulsion Conference

The AIAA will present several awards at the upcoming conference, including the Wyld Propulsion Award to Frederick Boorady for his contributions to liquid propulsion technologies. The Ground Testing Award will be given to Frank Steinle for his work in experimental aerodynamics and ground testing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJul 5, 2007

MU researchers make discovery in molecular mechanics of phototropism

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia made a groundbreaking discovery in the molecular mechanisms of phototropism, which is crucial for plant growth towards or away from light. The study focused on the protein NPH3 and its phosphorylation, finding that it plays a key role in regulating phototropic signaling.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2007

Prion propagates in foreign host

Researchers have successfully propagated a prion from one organism into another, expanding our understanding of these infectious proteins and their role in fatal neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery opens up new avenues for studying prion propagation and highlights the need to search for additional prions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 5, 2007

Fossil DNA illuminates life

Researchers found genetic material from plants and insects in ancient ice cores, contradicting previous theories about southern Greenland's climate. The discovery provides evidence of forest cover and mild winters, dating back around 450,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 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.

Study advances vCJD prion detection

Scientists have developed a method to amplify vCJD prions from human brain tissue extracts, enabling recognition by existing detection methods. This breakthrough could aid in confirming whether someone is infected with variant CJD, crucial for preventing further disease spread through infected blood donations.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJul 5, 2007

Executive stock options tied to higher fraud rates, says new INFORMS-published study

A new INFORMS-published study reveals that executive stock options significantly increase the likelihood of financial misrepresentation. Approximately 1 in 10 corporate financial restatements are linked to fraud and illegal practices, with a 9% chance of misrepresentation over five years.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOrganization Science·DateJul 5, 2007

Insight into neural stem cells has implications for designing therapies

Adult neural stem cells give rise to three major brain cell types, but are specified to produce specific subtypes of neurons. The discovery suggests that creating specific neuron types may require replacing combinations of different neuronal types for effective reestablishment of neural function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007

Novel genetics research advances possibility of HIV vaccine

Scientists have discovered how the HIV virus evades the human immune system, revealing a predictable pattern of mutations that can inform the design of an effective vaccine. The study's findings hold tremendous promise for global HIV efforts and could complement smaller functional studies with population-based approaches.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 5, 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.

Fame sells

A study by Erik Hunter and Per Davidsson found that celebrity involvement is key to a product's success compared to traditional endorsement marketing. Celebrity entrepreneurs add value to products, making them more appealing to consumers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business·DateJul 5, 2007

Chickens also orient themselves by the Earth's magnetic field

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that domestic chickens possess a magnetic sense of direction, orienting themselves by the Earth's magnetic field. This ability is thought to have evolved before migration and may be common to all birds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2007