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Science News for June 25, 2007


Bioelectronics

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry have developed a novel, noninvasive sensor that couples ion streams directly to microelectronic devices using direct cell–chip contact. This breakthrough enables selective measurement techniques for diagnostics and drug research without destroying the cells.

SourceWiley·DateJun 25, 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.

Whites underestmate the costs of being black, study finds

A study by Ohio State University found that most white Americans believe living as a black person would cost less than $10,000, but would need $1 million to give up television. This suggests a lack of understanding about persistent racial disparities in the US, including lower income and wealth for blacks.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·DateJun 25, 2007

New genetic marker characterizes aggressiveness of cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered a new genetic marker called let-7, which appears to define different stages of cancer. The study found that high levels of let-7 expression are associated with less aggressive cancer, while low levels are linked to poor prognosis.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2007

Disease outbreak detection, retinal gene therapy

Researchers developed network models that detect localized outbreaks better and are more resilient to unexpected shifts in healthcare utilization. Retinal gene therapy also improves visual cortex responses to light stimulation, even after prolonged blindness, in congenitally blind patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

Scientists call for global push to advance research in synthetic biology

Scientists from leading institutions worldwide issue a statement highlighting the critical importance of synthetic biology, citing its potential to solve eco-safe energy issues, outbreaks of malaria, and more. The Ilulissat Statement emphasizes the need for an international effort to advance research while developing protective measures.

SourceCornell University·DateJun 25, 2007

Down in the mouth?

Bisphosphonates may cause osteonecrosis of the jaws in patients taking these medications. Women should inform their dentists if they take bisphosphonates to reduce risk. Meanwhile, Burning Mouth Syndrome can be caused by xerostomia, and treatment depends on the patient's condition.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·DateJun 25, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Can you hear me now? Stem cells enhance hearing recovery

Researchers have shown that bone marrow stem cells can speed up hearing recovery in rats with damaged inner ears. The stem cells repaired the injured cochlear fibrocytes, leading to faster recovery of high-frequency hearing, and improved hearing by 23% compared to natural regeneration.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 25, 2007

Gender may play role in recovery from pneumonia after ozone exposure

Researchers found that mice exposed to ozone before infection died more often than those breathed filtered air. Female mice were also less likely to survive pneumonia exposure compared to males, regardless of genetic variation. The study suggests considering the impact of environmental pollutants on health by gender.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 25, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Obesity associated with a lower risk of tuberculosis in older Chinese population

A study of over 42,000 individuals aged 65 and older in Hong Kong found that obese or overweight participants had a significantly lower risk of developing active tuberculosis compared to those at a normal weight. The researchers suggest that obesity may be associated with a lower risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in the elderly population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2007

OHSU scientists find antidepressant, bone loss link

Two studies by OHSU scientists found that elderly men taking SSRIs have lower bone mineral density, while elderly women taking the drugs experience a higher rate of yearly bone loss. The researchers caution against drawing conclusions about causality but suggest screening and extra protection may be needed.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2007

Ground gas gizmo boosts brownfield building

A new invention, Gasclam, can continuously monitor underground methane levels, allowing for more efficient brownfield development. This technology could lead to increased construction on previously restricted sites.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJun 25, 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.

Human-like altruism shown in chimpanzees

New study reveals chimpanzees act altruistically toward genetically unrelated conspecifics, even when no reward is expected. This finding suggests the evolutionary roots of human altruism may be deeper than previously thought, reaching back to the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 25, 2007

A new technique for building nanodevices in the lab

Researchers create microscopic devices as small as 10 nanometers, enabling simultaneous real-time atomic imaging and potential applications in sensors, electronics, and DNA sequencing. The new technique surpasses traditional methods, producing reliable metal nanostructures with novel mechanical properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 25, 2007

Personal comments by physicians distract from patient needs

A University of Rochester investigation found that physician self-disclosures have no benefits and may disrupt patient information flow. Most physicians believed self-disclosure was a good idea for building relationships, but the study showed it was actually doctor-centered and beneficial to the physician, not the patient.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2007

HIV in prisons, road deaths in Africa

In two Thai prisons, Médecins Sans Frontières successfully delivered HIV prevention and treatment programs, showing comparable clinical outcomes with other settings. Meanwhile, research highlights the need for increased surveillance and efforts to address escalating road traffic injuries in Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 25, 2007

Scientists identify first gene linked to scoliosis

Researchers have discovered the CHD7 gene, which underlies scoliosis, a condition characterized by C- and S-shaped curves. The study's findings suggest that a defect in the gene leads to reduced production of the CHD7 protein, correlating with the onset of scoliosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 25, 2007
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

World's first X-ray free electron laser is on course to completion

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) will be the world's first X-ray free electron laser, producing pulses of light one billion times brighter than current sources. The device will enable scientists to discover new states of matter and probe chemical reactions in real-time.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 25, 2007

March of the giant penguins

Two newly discovered species of giant prehistoric penguins lived in equatorial Peru during the Eocene epoch, contradicting previous hypotheses on penguin evolution and climate change. The species, Icadyptes salasi and Perudyptes devriesi, stood up to 5 feet tall and had unique beak features.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

Takeda's investigational DPP-4 inhibitor demonstrated efficacy

Alogliptin, a highly selective DPP-4 inhibitor, demonstrated significant reductions in mean 4-hour plasma glucose levels across multiple doses. The study also showed sustained inhibition of plasma DPP-4 activity and improved glucose control without increased risk of hypoglycemia.

SourceTakeda Pharmaceuticals North America·DateJun 25, 2007

Study finds estrogen therapy gives aging brain cells a boost

A new study conducted at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that cyclical estrogen injections protected brain cells from age-related deterioration. The research suggests that a critical window of opportunity exists in which estrogen therapy may be helpful in preventing memory loss, and that timing is crucial.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

New adjuvant treatments for breast cancer prove cost-effective

Two new studies found that switching to exemestane and adding trastuzumab improves disease-free survival and life expectancy in early breast cancer patients, at minimal additional cost. The treatments have been projected to save thousands of dollars per patient over their lifetime.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 25, 2007

Portion-control dishes may help obese diabetics lose weight

Researchers found that using portion-control dishes led to an average weight loss of 1.8% among participants, compared to 0.1% for those receiving usual care. Additionally, more patients using the dishes experienced a decrease in diabetes medication use after six months.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

Virginia Tech researchers to study poplar tree as model biomass crop

The project aims to identify protein-protein interactions associated with biomass production in poplar wood, which could make large-scale production more economically feasible. Researchers will use genomics and computational biology techniques to study the molecular biology of poplar cell wall-related biomass production.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJun 25, 2007

Substance in tree bark could lead to new lung-cancer treatment

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered how the compound beta-lapachone kills certain cancer cells, leading to a new paradigm for treating non-small cell lung cancer. Beta-lapachone interacts with an enzyme called NQO1, present in high levels in non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumors.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2007

Gut check: Tracking the ecosystem within us

Researchers tracked microbial ecosystems in 14 healthy infants using DNA microarray technology, finding wide variation in gut flora composition and dynamics. The study reveals that Bifidobacteria are scarce in breast-fed babies until several months after birth, contradicting previous studies.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 25, 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.

Meditate to concentrate

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that mindfulness training enhanced performance and attention in subjects. Even new meditators saw improvements in just weeks, with benefits extending to executive functioning skills.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateJun 25, 2007

Study finds connection between teenage violence and domestic violence

Researchers at the University of Washington have found a significant link between teenage violence and domestic violence in young adulthood. Adolescents who exhibit violent behavior over time are more likely to engage in domestic violence, with nearly twice as many women as men perpetrating abuse in the past year.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalViolence and Victims·DateJun 25, 2007

Penn named newest Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Disease Center of Excellence

The Penn Udall Center will focus on dementia and Parkinson's disease, with objectives including developing a new rating scale for activities of daily living and studying the neural basis of cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease. The center aims to improve care and treatment for patients and train physicians.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 25, 2007

Personal disclosures by physicians are common, may disrupt patient care

A study of primary care physician interactions found that self-disclosures were made about one-third of the time, but most were not useful to patients. Only three instances were coded as useful, providing education or support. In contrast, eight disclosures were considered disruptive, interrupting the patient-physician relationship.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.