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Science News for June 1, 2007


Smithsonian scientists connect climate change, origins of agriculture in Mexico

New evidence from Mexico's Central Balsas valley links crop domestication in the New World to local environmental history. Agriculture originated during a warm, wet period following the last ice age, and its effects on the environment are still evident today.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2007

Blood test may help signal tumor's remission, return in throat cancer patients

A blood test detecting tumor-related proteins may help monitor treatment effectiveness and predict cancer recurrence. Patients with low protein levels were more likely to remain in remission, while those with high increases were at higher risk of cancer return.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 1, 2007

VA tops private hospitals in infection-control study

A survey of over 500 US healthcare centers found that VA hospitals more frequently adopted recommendations for preventing central venous catheter infections, including maximal sterile barrier precautions and chlorhexidine gluconate use. This may be attributed to centralized purchasing and communication within the VA.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJun 1, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cigarette smoke alters DNA in sperm, genetic damage could pass to offspring

New research shows that cigarette smoke can cause changes in the DNA sequence of sperm cells, altering the genetic composition of offspring. The study found that male mice exposed to cigarette smoke had higher rates of genetic mutations than non-smoking mice, with the duration of exposure increasing the likelihood of damage.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 1, 2007

TB test offers patients quicker and easier diagnosis

A new test for diagnosing TB has been developed, offering a quick and simple alternative to existing methods. The test involves taking three sputum samples from a patient over the course of one day, enabling the detection of traces of mycobacterium tuberculosis with high accuracy.

SourceImperial College London·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 1, 2007

Threats to wild tigers growing

The wild tiger's population has declined by 41% over the past decade due to habitat loss and trade in tiger parts. Successful conservation programs, such as those in India and Nepal, have shown promise in protecting the species.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJun 1, 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.

Nursing home placement associated with accelerated cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

A new study finds that people with Alzheimer's disease experience accelerated cognitive decline after being placed in a nursing home. However, those with prior adult day care experience fare better during the transition. The research suggests that experience in day care programs may help prepare individuals for institutional living.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2007

Study tests oral insulin to prevent type 1 diabetes

Researchers are testing an oral insulin capsule taken by mouth once a day to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes in people at risk. The study's goal is to identify ways to rein in the autoimmune attack on beta cells, potentially preventing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJun 1, 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.

MU physicist says testing technique for gravitomagnetic field is ineffective

A MU physicist argues that the Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) technique is not effective in measuring the gravitomagnetic field. The LLR method relies on processing data with two sets of mathematical equations, but it can introduce errors due to gauge freedom and insufficient analytic control.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2007

Getting the word out: Babies are born to be breastfed

A community intervention campaign in Herkimer County increased comfort with breastfeeding in public, from 54% to 69% among men and 35% to 46% among women. The project aims to reduce obesity risk in infants through improved cultural acceptance of breastfeeding.

SourceCornell University·DateJun 1, 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.

Cells re-energize to come back from the brink of death

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that cancer cells can increase GAPDH production to counteract the backup self-destruct program CICD, allowing them to survive and thrive. The finding suggests that blocking this enzyme could kill abnormal cells, providing a basis for novel anti-cancer drugs.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·DateJun 1, 2007

Journal Sleep: Longer CPAP use at night can normalize one's daytime functioning

A recent study published in the SLEEP journal found that patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for longer periods at night experienced improved daytime functioning and reduced sleepiness. The study, conducted by Dr. Terri E. Weaver, suggests that a greater percentage of p...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 1, 2007

Innovative smallpox vaccine research study to be conducted at Case Medical Center

A nationwide research study is being conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to determine the safety and effectiveness of a new smallpox vaccine. The vaccine, IMVAMUNE, contains a weakened form of the live-virus, which may minimize side effects for all individuals, including those with compromised immune systems.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 1, 2007

JCI table of contents -- June 1, 2007

Researchers found that pregnant women's exposure to the flu vaccine stimulates the development of immune cells in their babies. The study used a new technique to detect antigen-specific T cells and showed that B and T cell responses occur in utero following maternal vaccination against influenza.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 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.

Enzyme delivered in smaller package protects cells from radiation damage

Researchers developed a smaller gene therapy vector to deliver a radioprotective enzyme systemically, sparing healthy tissue from radiation damage. The minicircle plasmid conferred undiminished radioprotection to cells, suggesting improved treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJun 1, 2007

An apple peel a day might keep cancer at bay

Cornell researchers identified a dozen triterpenoids in apple peel with potent anti-proliferative activities against human liver, colon, and breast cancer cells. The compounds may be responsible for the anti-cancer properties of whole apples.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 1, 2007

Brain inflammation may be friend, not foe, for Alzheimer's patients

A recent study found that a key inflammatory regulator in the brain acts as a protector against Alzheimer's disease, helping to remove toxic clumps called plaques. The research used genetically engineered mice with pinpoint control over inflammation levels, revealing that higher IL-1beta activity actually reduced plaque buildup.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 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.

Systems characterization of cell surface receptors

Researchers employ a module-based systems theory approach to explore the design principles of signal transduction and transport receptors. The study reveals that endocytosis and other receptor/ligand properties can be described by just a few control parameters, including avidity and consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 1, 2007
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Adding medication improves recovery for elderly with depression, says Pitt School of Medicine study

A Pitt School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adding a medication to a standard treatment regimen for major depressive disorder in the elderly improves chances of recovery. The study showed that recovery rates increased from 40% to 60% when adding a second drug to the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2007

Treatment outcomes of patients with HIV and tuberculosis

A retrospective study of 700 patients found that HIV-infected individuals had significantly higher TB relapse rates compared to those without the virus. The study also showed that shorter treatment regimens may lead to more frequent relapses in HIV-infected patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 1, 2007

Highlights from the June 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Researchers found that nearly 7% of children who didn't drink sugar-sweetened beverages between meals were overweight at 4½ years old, compared to 15.4% of those who consumed them frequently. The American Dietetic Association also issues updated guidelines encouraging environmentally responsible nutrition practices.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJun 1, 2007

Human ancestors learned to walk upright in the trees, say experts

Scientists at the University of Liverpool discovered that humans' ability to walk upright developed from ancestors foraging for food in forest tree tops. They found that this trait evolved before walking on all fours on open land, and was later adapted for life on the ground.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 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.

Agent slows aging in mice

A study published in Aging Cell found that male mice fed a normal diet and NDGA showed significantly longer survival than control mice. However, no significant difference was observed in female mice. The researchers are now conducting further studies to confirm the results and determine the potential of NDGA as an anti-aging agent.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAging Cell·DateJun 1, 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.

Journal Sleep: Advanced cancer patients have less quality sleep

Patients with stage four cancer have less quality sleep, which is linked to functional performance, mental health, and pain status. Poor sleep quality can be a critical factor in cancer treatment, highlighting the need for effective symptom management.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 1, 2007

Pregnant mom's exposure to flu vaccine kick-starts fetal immune system

Researchers detected anti-Fluzone antibodies in 40% of cord blood specimens, establishing B and T cell responses to antigens occur in utero following maternal vaccination. This finding has significant implications for understanding when immune responses to environmental exposures begin.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2007

How to rip and tear a fluid

A team of researchers from Penn State created a viscoelastic mixture that exhibits fluid-like behavior at slow speeds, solid-like behavior at intermediate speeds, and heals itself after tearing. The study provides new insights into how materials switch between these states.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2007
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.

UC Santa Cruz researchers achieve atomic spectroscopy on a chip

Researchers at UCSC have achieved atomic spectroscopy on a chip, enabling compact and portable applications in laser frequency stabilization and quantum information processing. The technology has potential implications for gas detection sensors and quantum optics experiments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 1, 2007

Cellular message movement captured on video

Scientists have observed paxillin moving from cell surface hubs to the nucleus, highlighting its role in signaling and controlled cell growth. This discovery sheds light on paxillin's interactions with other proteins and its potential involvement in diseases such as cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJun 1, 2007

Lilly studies try to shed light on impact of race

Two Lilly studies analyzed data from African-American and Hispanic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), suggesting race may not significantly impact treatment efficacy. The studies provided insight into the safety profiles of ALIMTA and GEMZAR in diverse populations, paving the way for further research.

SourceCPR Worldwide·DateJun 1, 2007

Long-distance record -- 'Quantum keys' sent 200 kilometers

Researchers from NIST, NTT Corp., and Stanford University have set a record for sending 'quantum keys' over a 200-kilometer fiber-optic link. The experiment demonstrated the feasibility of practical inter-city terrestrial quantum communications networks and long-range wireless systems using communication satellites.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 1, 2007

When HIV and liver disease co-exist

The co-infection of HIV and viral hepatitis is a growing concern, with recent studies showing increasing rates of liver disease and related deaths among those with HIV. Hepatologists are discussing the best approaches to treating these patients, including the use of new agents and consideration of liver transplantation.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJun 1, 2007
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.