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Science News Archive July 2007


Page 9 of 16

Pediatricians say advice to obese kids and families falls on deaf ears

A Saint Louis University study finds that pediatricians' efforts to encourage lifestyle changes in obese patients and their families are often futile due to a lack of motivation. Doctors recognize the challenges of changing patterns of behavior in low-income households with limited access to healthy food and time for physical activity.

Evidence found for novel brain cell communication

Scientists found evidence of a new type of communication between nerve cells in the brain, which may be linked to epilepsy. The discovery suggests that excitatory nerve cells are coupled together by gap junctions, potentially leading to cross-talk and altered brain function.

Immune system 'escape hatch' gives cancer cells traction

Scientists have identified a specific pathway, reactive-oxygen species (ROS), that allows cancer cells to evade the immune system. By targeting this pathway, researchers hope to develop new therapies that can break through the 'escape hatch' and accelerate or slow down T-cell activity.

Eye test causes severe lethargy in infants

Researchers warn of a rare but serious complication associated with eye tests in infants. Apraclonidine eyedrops used to diagnose Horner syndrome can lead to severe lethargy lasting up to 10 hours, requiring hospital admission and oxygen administration.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Diabetics experience more complications following trauma

A study published in Archives of Surgery found that diabetics spend more days in the intensive care unit and have more complications during hospitalization for trauma. Diabetics are also less likely to be discharged home and require skilled nursing care after discharge.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 17, 2007

A review of type 2 diabetes treatment found older agents have similar or superior effects on glycemic control and intermediate endpoints compared to newer, pricier medications. Gonorrhea is becoming resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, leading to recommendations for alternative treatments.

New publication presents latest in HIV/TB treatment, research

The new publication provides up-to-date recommendations for clinicians treating patients with both HIV and TB, emphasizing the urgent challenge of integrating these two complex diseases. Key articles focus on treatment options, diagnostic tools, and prevention strategies, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between experts.

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.

Patients not complying with treatment a universal problem

Non-compliance with dermatologic treatment is a widespread issue, and physicians can improve compliance by establishing strong patient-physician relations, choosing suitable medications, and using effective education materials. Research shows that addressing non-adherence can lead to better success for patients with psoriasis and other...

Philadelphia ecologist receives top Mongolia honor

Dr. Clyde Goulden, a veteran scientist, received Mongolia's Friendship Medal for his climate change studies contributing to the global understanding of global warming. He has developed relations between the U.S. and Mongolia and promoted environmental research in the country.

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.

Study identifies energy efficiency as reason for evolution of upright walking

A new study suggests that walking on two legs, or bipedalism, evolved because it used less energy than quadrupedal knucklewalking. Researchers collected metabolic, kinematic and kinetic data from chimpanzees and humans walking on a treadmill, finding that humans only used one-quarter of the energy as chimpanzees when walking upright.

NRL scientists demonstrate efficient electrical spin injection into silicon

Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have successfully injected spin-polarized electrons from a ferromagnetic metal contact into silicon, producing a large electron spin polarization. This achievement is crucial for developing devices that rely on electron spin rather than electron charge, known as semiconductor spintronics.

What determines the speed at which birds fly?

A study analyzing 138 bird species reveals that maximum flight speed is not solely determined by aerodynamic scaling rules. The authors found that flight speed also reflects the evolutionary history of the species, with species from the same group tending to fly at similar speeds.

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.

Would you like fries with that?

Researchers propose a 'value meal' approach to decrease medication costs while increasing benefits from expensive cancer drugs. By taking certain medications with meals or grapefruit juice, patients may use up to 80% of the prescribed dose and reduce side effects.

Nasal cannula may be viable treatment for sufferers of sleep apnea

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that nasal insufflation using a nasal cannula significantly reduced symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea. The treatment, known as TNI, delivered warm, humidified air at a high flow rate, showing marked improvements in patients with both mild and severe disorders.

Outwitting pesky parasites

Scientists identified molecular markers linked to two root-knot nematode resistance genes, enabling breeders to efficiently screen for resistant plants. This breakthrough allows for faster and cost-effective development of root-knot resistant soybean crops.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new plant-bacterial symbiotic mechanism promising

A team of researchers has discovered a new plant-bacterial symbiotic mechanism that allows certain leguminous plants to fix nitrogen more efficiently. This finding has significant implications for agriculture, particularly in tropical countries, and could lead to increased crop yields while reducing fertilizer use.

Gene discovered for type 1 diabetes in children

Researchers have identified a new gene, KIAA0350, associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes in children. The study used genome-wide association to analyze DNA samples from 1,046 children with the disease and found a significant link between a specific genetic variant and the development of type 1 diabetes.

MIT IDs mechanism behind fear

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a molecular mechanism that governs the formation of fears stemming from traumatic events. Inhibiting a kinase called Cdk5 facilitates the extinction of fear, while increased activity persists fear learned in a particular context.

A decisive step toward a cure for insulin dependent diabetes

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have identified a new gene involved in type 1 diabetes, bringing the total to five genes responsible for the disease. The discovery using high-density DNA microchip technology provides a promising step towards developing effective treatments and prevention methods.

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.

Tumor painting revolutionizes fight against cancer

Researchers developed a new cancer treatment called Chlorotoxin:Cy5.5, which can illuminate tumor cells in the operating room, making it easier for surgeons to remove all cancerous cells without injuring surrounding healthy tissue. This technology has the potential to improve cancer therapy and save lives.

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.

Tennis elbow procedure demonstrates long-term success

A new study published by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that arthroscopic treatment of tennis elbow provides excellent long-term pain relief and functional restoration. The procedure demonstrated a high success rate, with 93% of patients satisfied and no repeat surgeries or injections required.

On target

Researchers have identified IL6 as a protein that stimulates tumor growth when activated by Ras, leading to increased blood vessel formation. Suppressing IL6 activity has shown promising results in fighting tumor formation in preclinical models.

Potential new target for cancer found

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered that the overactive Ras gene is responsible for above-normal secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which drives tumor growth. Inhibiting IL-6 production reduces new blood vessel creation, crucial for tumor development and nourishment.

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.

Mayo Clinic real-time 3-D ultrasound speeds patient recovery

Mayo Clinic physicians have developed a new technique using real-time 3-D ultrasound to block nerve function in selected areas of the body prior to surgery. This allows patients to recover faster and with less need for pain medication. The technique has been successfully used in over 150 surgeries, showing improved outcomes for patients.

Co-operation between GSF and clinic improves outlook for sarcoma patients

A phase III study of 341 high-risk patients with deep, local sarcomas shows significant improvement in tumour response and survival rates when treated with a combination of chemotherapy and local, deep hyperthermia. The combined therapy has been applied to patients before surgery, demonstrating its effectiveness.

E-shop till you drop

A research team used Data Envelopment Analysis to evaluate the success of internet shops, finding that efficient websites like Jcrew and Abercrombie can serve as role models for less effective sites. By reducing inputs or increasing outputs, these non-efficient sites can improve their performance and competitiveness.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

The gobbling dwarf that exploded

Researchers discovered clear changes in interstellar material absorption, indicating the existence of gaseous shells around a white dwarf. The system was likely composed of a white dwarf feeding on its red giant companion, leading to the supernova explosion. This finding strongly supports the Type Ia supernova scenario.

On a wire or in a fiber, a wave is a wave

Surface plasmon polaritons move as waves and follow conventional optics' rules, limiting their size. Researchers developed a comprehensive theory to control SPPs, providing a bridge between nanoscale electronics and photonics.

Depression lingers for female heart attack victims

A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing reveals that women who have suffered heart attacks experience higher rates of lingering depressive symptoms compared to their male counterparts. Women scored lower in physical and social functioning after one year, with 14.3% experiencing worsening depression.

Selenium supplements may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

A randomized clinical trial found that selenium supplementation increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 55%, with higher levels associated with a greater risk. The study suggests that taking high doses of selenium may have detrimental effects in well-nourished populations.

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.

International Polar Year scientists instruct teachers on global climate change

During the International Polar Year, University of Alaska Fairbanks hosts summer institutes to train K-12 teachers on climate change. Seven UAF scientists provide hands-on lessons, translating scientific research into classroom useable content. The goal is to energize youth about science and promote Alaska's Grade Level Expectations.

Chromosome glue repairs damaged DNA

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way chromosomes are repaired after damage, contrary to the long-held view that cohesion only occurs during cell division. The discovery shows cohesin reactsivate when DNA breaks, allowing cells to fix damaged sister chromatids.

Venous thromboembolism risk among hospitalized patients

A study estimates nearly one-third of hospitalized US patients are vulnerable to VTE, which can lead to dire complications. Researchers stress the need for reinforcing national guidelines and monitoring compliance with hospital protocols for VTE prevention, as well as educating outpatients on preventive measures.

The origin of perennial water-ice at the South Pole of Mars

Researchers suggest that perennial water-ice deposits at Mars' South Pole are juggled between the North and South Poles every 51,000 years due to precession. Water vapour is transported from the North Pole to the South Pole, where it re-condenses and freezes, forming a thick layer.

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.

For primates, tourism can be less fun than a barrel of monkeys

A 19-year study found that primate tourism practices can lead to adult aggression, disease transmission, and increased infant mortality. The study suggests that range restriction and provisioning for tourists contribute to the problem, making them an inappropriate management strategy.

Democrats may be hurt by anti-war divisions in 2008

Research suggests that anti-war activists are divided between supporting the Democratic Party and others, potentially complicating their electoral prospects. The study found that grassroots activists support the Democrats at a rate of around 40%, while non-Democratic activists work with organizations like United for Peace and Justice.

Researchers studying fantasy baseball and 'competitive fandom'

Researchers studying fantasy baseball aim to comprehend expert and novice players' approaches, as well as their learning processes. They analyze three leagues with varying levels of expertise, gathering insights into player strategies, community connections, and the role of technology in gaming.

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.

Groin injuries averted by preseason injury prevention

A preseason groin injury prevention program reduced groin injuries by 28% in professional soccer players, with a significant decrease in acute injuries. The program's success was attributed to multidisciplinary efforts and has the potential to become widely adopted in professional soccer teams.

How plants learned to respond to changing environments

Researchers discovered how plants evolved to respond to environmental changes by repressing growth, a process integrated by the plant growth hormone gibberellin. The ability emerged in flowering plants 300 million years ago and is linked to major stages in their evolution.

Domestic violence, psychological distress are recipe for higher unemployment

A new study from the University of Washington finds that domestic violence and psychological distress can lead to increased unemployment, especially among adolescent mothers. The research followed 234 women for 13 years and found that those with high levels of psychological distress were more likely to be unemployed.

Safer shipping by predicting sand wave behavior

Dutch researcher Joris van den Berg developed a mathematical model to predict sand wave movement, improving safety for shipping and offshore infrastructure. The model simplified equations, enabling quick predictions of interventions like dredging and potentially unlocking studies on sand waves and banks.

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.

New lens device will shrink huge light waves to pinpoints

Scientists at the University of Michigan developed a lens-like device that focuses electromagnetic waves down to tiny points, removing wavelength limitations for data storage and sensing applications. The breakthrough enables CD storage to hold up to one hundred times more information using terahertz radiation.