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Science News Archive July 2007


Page 6 of 16

Low literacy equals early death sentence

A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine reveals that older people with inadequate health literacy had a 50 percent higher mortality rate over five years than those with adequate reading skills. Low health literacy was the top predictor of mortality after smoking, surpassing income and years of education.

Did pterosaurs feed by skimming?

Scientists from PLOS Biology overturned the previously held belief that pterosaurs fed by skimming, revealing that drag forces would have imposed too great an energetic cost. The findings suggest that even smaller pterosaurs lacked necessary adaptations for skim-feeding, explaining its rarity in modern birds.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Unintended pregnancy predicts feelings that parenting is a burden

Research at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that pregnant women's feelings about pregnancy are crucial in shaping their toddlers' attachment security. Mothers who struggled with pregnancy acceptance were more likely to feel overwhelmed by parenthood, highlighting the need for supportive policies and social services.

Studies affirm need for influenza and measles vaccinations in HIV-infected patients

Two new studies emphasize the importance of delivering measles and influenza vaccines to HIV-infected individuals. Measles vaccine administered at age 9 months showed limited protection in HIV-infected children, highlighting the need for supplementary vaccinations to maintain immunity. In contrast, rates of influenza vaccination among ...

Study sheds light on why humans walk on two legs

Researchers studied chimpanzees trained on treadmills and found that bipedalism used about 75% less energy and burned 75% fewer calories than quadrupedal walking. The team also discovered that some chimps walked on two legs with similar energy expenditure to knucklewalking.

'Closing the front door' on homelessness

A two-pronged approach is showing success in preventing and ending homelessness by helping those currently homeless while closing the front door on homelessness. The special issue outlines innovative strategies for specific groups at high risk, including veterans, individuals with substance use and mental health conditions, and vulnera...

Patients with TB should be more involved in decisions about their treatment

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that TB patients often take their medications under difficult conditions, highlighting the need for support systems tailored to their needs. Patient involvement in decision-making is crucial to improve treatment adherence and reduce the global disease burden of tuberculosis.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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Nicotine rush hinges on sugar in neurons

A University of Southern California study reveals that sugar molecules attached to the surface of the receptor act as a hinge, opening a gate in the cell membrane and transmitting news of nicotine's arrival. The research also identifies a water molecule deep in the receptor's core, which may enable the receptor to alter its shape.

A novel molecular dictator 'with a conscience' discovered

UNSW researchers have uncovered a naturally occurring mechanism to control 'bad' cells causing blood vessel blockages while leaving 'good' cells unaffected. This discovery could benefit those undergoing heart surgery or haemodialysis by targeting specific gene suppressors like YY1.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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European Patent Office launches patent information service in Russia

The European Patent Office has launched a patent information service in Russia, providing free access to millions of patent documents and stimulating competition and innovation. Russian researchers can now easily find state-of-the-art information, identify new research challenges, and collaborate with foreign partners.

How do newcomers make changes in long-standing groups?

Research in PSPB finds that newcomers' statements arouse less agreement and more negativity than those from old-timers, making it harder for them to bring about positive change. However, authors suggest that newcomers can gain more influence by showing commitment to their group identity.

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Researchers plumb mysteries of Antarctic Mountains

Scientists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory report that the Transantarctic Mountains formed from the remnants of a gigantic high plateau. The study reveals that the adjacent land sank, and glaciers accentuated the topography, leading to peaks up to 4.5 kilometers high.

Cancer research summaries

A retrospective study published in The Lancet found no excess risk of cancer among individuals who received blood products from donors with previously diagnosed cancers. The study included over 12,000 exposed individuals and 342,082 unexposed individuals, concluding that long-term cancer survivors might be a safe donor group.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Magnetic tape analysis 'sees' tampering in detail

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has improved a real-time magnetic microscopy system to analyze magnetic audio and video tapes with four times the resolution previously available. This faster and more accurate system reduces risk of contaminating tapes and offers enhanced forensic capabilities.

Yearly mammograms protect breast cancer survivors

A study by the Cancer Research Network found that regular post-therapy surveillance lowers the rate of death from breast cancer in older women. The researchers examined nearly 2,000 patients age 65 and older with stage I and II breast cancer and found that annual mammograms can decrease death rates.

Improvement following ADHD treatment sustained in most children

A major follow-up study found that most children treated for ADHD showed sustained improvement after three years, but behavioral problems persisted. Children who responded well to medication initially were more likely to deteriorate over time, highlighting the need for continued treatment.

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Evaluations aim to advance translation technology

NIST researchers evaluated prototype two-way translation systems in laboratory and outdoor tests with English-speaking U.S. Marines and Iraqi Arabic speakers. The TRANSTAC program focuses on English and Iraqi Arabic translation capabilities, aiming to improve field translators and enable real-time communication in critical situations.

One species, many genomes

Researchers found nearly four percent of Arabidopsis genes are variable and some are non-functional, revealing a highly adaptable plant with a streamlined genome. The study suggests that environmental conditions drive gene variation, enabling plants to adapt to different climates.

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.

Groundbreaking research changing geological map of Canada

Researchers from the University of Alberta have discovered that portions of Canada collided at least 500 million years earlier than thought. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of how North America's continental fragments assembled billions of years ago.

A sense of crisis is imperative for recycling efforts to work

A sense of urgency and patriotism are essential for successful recycling efforts, according to a new study in Historical Research. Increased recycling rates were seen after World War I and II, but declined after the conflicts ended due to post-war consumerism.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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