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Science News for June 5, 2007


Born to lose: How birth weight affects adult health and success

A new study links birth weight with adult health and socioeconomic success, finding that low birth weight increases the risk of poor health, lower earnings, and reduced educational attainment. The study analyzed over 35 years of data on more than 12,000 individuals from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJun 5, 2007

Economic impact of hunger affects all Americans

A new study by Brandeis University and Harvard University finds that the US pays over $90 billion annually for the economic costs of hunger. The average American household pays around $800 per year for hunger-related expenses.

SourceBrandeis University·DateJun 5, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The insect vector always bites twice

The study found that antibodies against arthropod saliva can indicate exposure to bites, allowing for improved assessment of disease transmission risk in endemic areas. This research aims to develop simple and effective prevention tools using immunogenic salivary proteins.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJun 5, 2007

Uncovering the molecular basis of obesity

Researchers have identified a molecular link between spontaneous physical activity and food intake in mice, which could help explain individual variations in weight gain. The discovery of Bsx, a molecule regulating NPY and AgRP hormones, may lead to new ways to prevent obesity and related diseases.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 5, 2007

Extra pay does not improve hospital performance

A study found that paying hospitals extra money for following treatment guidelines didn't improve patient outcomes. However, providing hospitals with the necessary information to improve care did lead to better results.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 5, 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.

The bee that would be queen

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered evidence that honeybees use a phylogenetically old molecular cascade to develop queens and workers. The findings, published in PLoS ONE, show that the TOR pathway is directly linked to nutrient-induced development, enabling two distinct phenotypes to evolve.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 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.

Better chemistry through living models

Scientists at PNNL will receive $1.98 million to study enzymes that convert chemicals to energy, potentially leading to new, affordable materials for hydrogen fuel cells. The goal is to replace expensive platinum with abundant, inexpensive metals like iron and molybdenum.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 5, 2007

Ports could hasten freight traffic by doubling up on crane trips

Double cycling, a technique that loads and unloads ships simultaneously, has the potential to increase port efficiency by up to 20% and reduce crane trips by half. By loading and unloading containers at the same time, trucks can drop off one container while picking up another, reducing the need for additional truck trips.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalTransportation Science·DateJun 5, 2007

Breakthrough for treatment of fatal heart condition

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a mechanism to prevent cardiac hypertrophy by increasing the levels of REST protein, halting the progression of the fatal heart condition. This finding offers a new approach to treating the cause of heart hypertrophy rather than its symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateJun 5, 2007
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.

HiRISE releases 1,200 images, launches viewer tool on Web site

The University of Arizona's HiRISE team has released over 1,200 Mars images to the Planetary Data System, making them available to the public through a user-friendly viewer tool. The images reveal hundreds of important discoveries about Mars, including crater impacts and dust avalanches.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJun 5, 2007

Glowing dye improves cancer removal in kidney

A new imaging technique using Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye helps surgeons precisely remove cancerous tumors from the kidney while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. This innovation allows for more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJun 5, 2007

Hormone helps mice 'hibernate,' survive starvation

Researchers found that a key hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) enables starving mice to alter their metabolism and induce a hibernation-like state, conserving energy. This discovery opens up new avenues for treating human obesity and metabolic disorders.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 5, 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.

CIRM awards $3.79 million to Burnham Institute

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded $3.79 million to the Burnham Institute for the development of a shared laboratory and expansion of its training courses in human embryonic stem cell research. This funding will support the Institute's partner institutes and researchers, including those at the San Diego Consorti...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateJun 5, 2007

Cisplatin is more effective than carboplatin for treating nonsmall cell lung cancer

A review of nine randomized trials shows that patients treated with cisplatin lived slightly longer than those treated with carboplatin, with a median survival of 9.1 months compared to 8.4 months. However, the difference in survival was not statistically significant for all patient groups.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 5, 2007

Stray penguins probably reached northern waters by fishing boat

A Humboldt penguin was found in Alaskan waters, and researchers believe it was brought there by being kept as a pet on a fishing boat. The penguins were probably kept by the crews of the vessels, which would have traveled far north from their native southern waters.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Wilson Journal of Ornithology·DateJun 5, 2007

Pre-treatment blood test could guide lung cancer therapy

A multi-center team has discovered a 'signature' of proteins in the blood that predicts which non-small-cell lung cancer patients will live longer when treated with targeted therapies. The findings could help physicians decide which patients to treat with drugs known as EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 5, 2007

The fisherman is a predator like any other

Researchers found that fishermen's movement patterns are comparable to those of natural predators, such as albatross or seals. This convergence suggests that fishermen are not solely economic agents but part of the ecosystem, influencing fish stock management and requiring an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 5, 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.

UGA study finds that violence costs nation $70 billion annually

The University of Georgia study reveals that violence incurs significant economic costs, with the majority falling on males aged 15 to 44. The research highlights the benefits of preventing interpersonal and self-inflicted violence through targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 5, 2007

Simulations unravel outer membrane transport mechanism

Using advanced computer simulations and X-ray data, researchers unraveled the complex interplay of proteins involved in outer membrane transport. The study revealed that TonB-dependent transporter (TBDT) is unable to withstand forces needed to pull the luminal domain away from the barrel.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 5, 2007

A new plant-bacterial symbiotic mechanism promising for crop applications

A team of researchers has revealed a new mode of communication between plants and bacteria that can form nodules on stems, enabling higher nitrogen fixation. This discovery calls into question the traditional model of molecular communication in rhizobia-legume symbiosis.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2007

Finding protection from tumor growth in unexpected places

A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that a specific enzyme helps protect against tumor growth by enhancing the immune response. Mice with high levels of this enzyme in their macrophages were resistant to melanoma and lymphoma, demonstrating its potential as a new cancer therapy.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 5, 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.

Other highlights from the June 6 JNCI

A prospective study found that aspirin use was associated with lower risk of cancer incidence and mortality, particularly among former and non-smokers. In contrast, integrin α7 gene mutations were identified in various cancers, including prostate and liver cancer, suggesting a potential role in cancer development.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 5, 2007

Origins of nervous system found in genes of sea sponge

Researchers discovered genes in a sea sponge that resemble those found in human synapses, suggesting the nervous system evolved earlier than previously thought. The study reveals that sponges have genetic components of synapses, indicating they may have interacted with each other similarly to humans and mice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2007

Bigger horns equal better genes

Researchers found a correlation between horn growth and genetic diversity in alpine ibex, with greater diversity associated with longer horn lengths. The study suggests that genetic quality becomes more apparent as the animal ages, supporting the mutation accumulation theory of ageing.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 5, 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.

Fire and structural safety a hot topic for engineers -- and the nation

Experts are gathering at Michigan State University to identify the nation's research and training needs in fire and structural safety. The university is unveiling a new structural fire testing facility, which will enable researchers to test beams, columns, and slabs under extreme heat conditions.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJun 5, 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.

Older men may not live as long if they have low testosterone

A new study by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has linked low testosterone levels to an increased risk of death in older men. The research followed nearly 800 men aged 50-91 for an average of 18 years and found that those with low testosterone had a 33% greater risk of death.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJun 5, 2007

A new understanding of crystal structure of actinide metals

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have discovered the crystal structure of curium under pressure, revealing new insights into magnetically stabilized crystals. The study uses electron energy-loss spectroscopy and density functional theory to understand the electronic and magnetic structure of Cm.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2007

Low libido in menopause linked to trouble sleeping

Research from Group Health finds a link between low libido during menopause and disrupted sleep patterns. Women experiencing reduced sexual desire are also more likely to report poor sleep quality and depression symptoms.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 5, 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.

Borderline personality disorder shows improvements with intensive psychotherapy

A new study reveals that intensive forms of talk therapy, particularly transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), can reduce symptoms and improve social functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP was found to show improvement in ten out of twelve domains studied, including reduced suicidal behaviors and i...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2007

Evolutionary relevance of retinoic acid-induced craniofacial malformations

Researchers study retinoic acid-induced craniofacial malformations in mouse embryos to uncover the underlying mechanisms. They observe that these defects can transform into jaw apparatus structures resembling those found in other species, suggesting a common regulatory signaling mechanism governing jaw development across evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 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.

Study identifies new regulator of fat metabolism

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key mechanism behind the turn of events when high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets cause demonstrable changes in metabolism and subsequent weight loss. FGF21, a liver hormone, is required to oxidize fatty acids and burn calories.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 5, 2007

New algorithms classify outcomes of nonsmall cell lung cancer patients

Two research teams developed models to predict NSCLC patient outcomes based on protein patterns. The new models, validated in independent groups, could help physicians decide treatment options for patients with NSCLC. Researchers identified a 25-signature proteomic signature associated with increased survival among NSCLC patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 5, 2007

Meningitis: effectiveness of preventive vaccination demonstrated

Researchers found that the polysaccharide vaccine can reduce meningitis cases by up to 72% in subsequent epidemics, making it an ideal tool for preventive vaccination strategy. A more cost-effective conjugated vaccine is also being developed to improve access to vaccines in African countries.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalVaccine·DateJun 5, 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.

Viable tiger populations, tiger trade incompatible

The wild tiger population has declined dramatically due to habitat loss and poaching, with only 7% of their historical range remaining. Experts warn that China's potential reopening of the tiger trade poses a new threat to the species' survival.

SourceWorld Wildlife Fund·JournalBioScience·DateJun 5, 2007

Dartmouth's alternative breast imaging techniques sort abnormal from normal tissue

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed three new electromagnetic imaging techniques that can effectively distinguish between healthy breast tissue and abnormal tissue. The study, which involved 150 women, found that the new methods offered a high contrast and increased accuracy in detecting breast cancer compared to convention...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalRadiology·DateJun 5, 2007