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Science News for June 26, 2007


Transparent transistors to bring future displays, 'e-paper'

Researchers have developed transparent transistors and circuits using nanowires, promising applications in e-paper, flexible color screens, and smart cards. The breakthrough enables fully transparent and flexible displays with high performance levels.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 26, 2007

Sweden's early baby boom provides lessons for US

Sweden's baby boom highlights the need for efficient care services for older adults in the US, with a focus on moderate needs. The country's system of local, service-based care helps keep seniors independent longer.

SourceTemple University·JournalAgeing and Society·DateJun 26, 2007

Drugs used to fight cancer-related bone problems boost odds of jaw- or face-bone disease

A large-scale comparative study has found that treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates increases the risk of jaw or facial bone disease or infection. After six years, about 5.5% of bisphosphonate users had undergone facial or jaw bone surgery or been diagnosed with inflammation of the jaw bone, compared to 0.3% of non-users.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 26, 2007

Carnegie Mellon U. chemists advance organic semiconductor processing

Researchers found that adding grease to certain plastics improves their electrical conductivity, enabling flexible switches for transistors and displays. The discovery outlines a chemical process to produce next-generation tiny switches, promising breakthroughs in plastic electronics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 26, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why do power couples migrate to metropolitan areas? Actually, they don't

A new study challenges prior research on power couple migration patterns. Researchers found that college-educated singles are more likely to move to big cities where they meet and marry other educated individuals. This finding has implications for city planners seeking to attract a well-educated workforce. Power couples with only one c...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateJun 26, 2007

Place of death shifting for children with complex chronic conditions

A study found that the percentage of deaths from complex chronic conditions occurring at home increased significantly between 1989 and 2003, especially for infants and adolescents. This shift may be attributed to advances in home-based medical technology and changes in attitudes towards pediatric palliative care and hospice services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 26, 2007
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.

UC Davis is partner in new $125 million federal bioenergy research center

The Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) will focus on biofuels derived from plant matter, with UC Davis' expertise in deciphering plant cell walls and microbes. The $125 million center aims to achieve measurable success within five years by tackling scientific problems hindering cost-effective conversion.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 26, 2007

A small leak will sink a great ship

Researchers found a small molecule, microRNA, essential for controlling floral organs' identity in plants. This discovery contradicts the long-held ABC model of floral organ development, suggesting a more complex temporal control mechanism.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 26, 2007

Increasing physical activity with a little boost

A study by Temple University found that personalized mail feedback programs were more effective in increasing physical activity levels compared to phone-based counseling. Participants who received print-based feedback showed significant improvements in physical activity, with an average of 160 minutes per week.

SourceTemple University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 26, 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.

Gene variant increases risk for alcoholism following childhood abuse

A new study found that a specific gene variant, MAOA-LPR low activity allele, increases the risk of alcoholism and antisocial behavior in women who experienced childhood sexual abuse. This genetic variation is associated with hyperactivation of the hippocampus when retrieving negative emotional information.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 26, 2007
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.

New reovirus isolated

A new reovirus has been isolated from bats and can cause a serious but non-fatal respiratory illness in humans. The virus, named Melaka, is closely related to two other bat-borne reoviruses and can be transmitted between people.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2007

Story ideas from Molecular & Cellular Proteomics

The studies identified new proteins involved in coronary heart disease, clusterin responsible for colorectal cancer progression, and potential biomarkers for esophageal cancer detection. These findings may lead to improved diagnosis and therapies for these diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJun 26, 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.

Gene deficiency is a protective barrier to obesity

Researchers found that mice without CD38 were protected from high-fat diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. The study suggests that a CD38 deficiency has a protective effect against obesity, highlighting the importance of genes in regulating body weight.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 26, 2007

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with breast cancer rates

The incidence of early stage metastatic breast cancers is increasing, attributed to changes in clinical practice. Sentinel lymph node biopsies often detect small numbers of tumor cells that do not necessarily indicate cancer spread.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 26, 2007

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

Recent studies from ACS Chemical Biology reveal new insights into how cells die when chemicals bind to DNA, fast ways to create novel molecules, thyroid hormone regulation, and the regulation of attaching proteins to membranes. The journal provides a platform for exploring cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJun 26, 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.

NASA'S Swift sees double supernova in galaxy

Astronomers have observed two Type II and Type Ia supernovae exploding in the same galaxy just 16 days apart. The rare event is unlikely to be related to anything unusual about the galaxy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 26, 2007

A new system for collaboration in cell communication

Researchers at IRB Barcelona identified a new signaling mechanism in Drosophila melanogaster that allows two independent groups of cells to collaborate and send signals to target cells. This mechanism is crucial for proper cell function and development.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2007

New research spares children the pain of the needle

A new study by researchers at the University of Nottingham found that oral antibiotic treatment can be as effective as injections in treating childhood pneumonia. The study involved 243 children and showed that oral treatment led to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and fewer oxygen therapy sessions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJun 26, 2007
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.

Bisphosphonate treatment is associated with jaw bone problems

Patients treated with bisphosphonates are at higher risk of jaw bone deterioration or infection. The use of intravenous bisphosphonates has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw or facial bones, a condition caused by poor blood supply to the area.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 26, 2007

More than just bare bones -- New research suggests emotions can affect recovery from hip surgery

A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found that patients' emotional well-being is a crucial factor in determining the success of hip surgery. The clinical test used to evaluate hip function was shown to be less effective than previously thought, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJun 26, 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.

Frog molecule could provide drug treatment for brain tumors

Researchers have identified a synthetic version of a frog-derived molecule that could provide a new treatment option for brain tumors. The molecule, known as Amphinase, targets the sugary coating on tumor cells and inactivates RNA within them, causing the tumor to die.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJun 26, 2007

Among youth in US, whites have highest incidence of diabetes

A study published in JAMA found that non-Hispanic white youth have the highest incidence of diabetes, with type 1 being the predominant kind. The study, which included over 2,400 multi-ethnic youth with newly diagnosed diabetes, also found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases worldwide during the past two decades.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 26, 2007

Other highlights in JNCI, June 26

Researchers investigated the effect of finasteride on sexual function in over 17,000 men, finding minimal impact. A new trial design aims to better evaluate targeted therapies by identifying a molecular cutoff point for responsive patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 26, 2007

Biotech breakthrough could end biodiesel's glycerin glut

Rice University researchers discovered a bacterium that ferments glycerin and produces ethanol, reducing operational costs by 40 percent. This biotech breakthrough could alleviate the industry's glycerin glut, forcing producers to shutter plants.

SourceRice University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Biotechnology·DateJun 26, 2007
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

UGA scientists receive $20M in federal bioenergy initiative

The University of Georgia has received a $20 million funding from the Department of Energy for its role in the Bioenergy Science Center. The center aims to reduce plant cell wall resistance and develop consolidated bioprocessing methods to convert biomass into biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateJun 26, 2007

Emergency department guidelines enhance quality patient care

University of Cincinnati researchers have created a unique online system to reduce medical errors and improve patient care in local hospital emergency departments. The initiative, called the Committee for Procedural Quality and Evidence-Based Practice (CPQE), covers numerous conditions from triage and diagnosis to treatment and discharge.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 26, 2007

Greenhouse gas burial

Researchers have found that deep coal seams can be used for permanent storage of carbon dioxide, displacing methane and potentially reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. The study suggests that unmineable coal seams could represent a vast sink for CO2 produced by industry.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateJun 26, 2007

MIT tool determines landslide risk in tropics

Engineers at MIT developed a simple system to determine an area's landslide risk using data on history of landslides, bedrock type, slope inclination, and vegetation growth. The tool is especially applicable to developing countries in Southeast Asia where detailed analysis has not been performed.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEngineering Geology·DateJun 26, 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.

Nanoparticles carry chemotherapy drug deeper into solid tumors

Researchers have developed a new drug delivery method using nanoparticles that carries the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin deeper into solid tumors, improving its effectiveness. This treatment approach resulted in increased tumor growth prevention and longer survival times for mice compared to traditional methods.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 26, 2007

Community Oncology explores pitched debate over anemia-fighting drugs

Scientists, oncologists, and critics explore the use of ESAs, which can boost oxygen-carrying red blood cells and improve quality of life, but may be overprescribed due to cost and drug company influence. The debate highlights the need for fair and balanced review of data to ensure patients' needs are met.

SourceElsevier·JournalCommunity Oncology·DateJun 26, 2007