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Science News for March 12, 2007


A single-photon server with just one atom

Researchers have developed a system that uses a single trapped atom to generate high-quality single photons, which can be controlled and made indistinguishable for quantum computing. The 'single-photon server' has the potential to revolutionize quantum information processing by enabling deterministic atom-photon entanglement experiments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 12, 2007

US adults now discovering the secrets of probiotics

A recent survey reveals that almost half of US adults have never heard of probiotics, but many show interest in trying them due to intestinal health concerns. The study highlights the growing awareness and potential benefits of probiotic supplements in preventing and managing gastrointestinal issues.

SourceBiocodex, Inc.·DateMar 12, 2007

HIV in late childhood and adolescence a growing problem

A new study reveals that up to 1 in 10 infected infants may survive into late childhood or early adolescence without diagnosis or treatment. Late diagnosis can significantly affect their future health and long-term survival, emphasizing the need for accessible and sympathetic HIV testing and treatment services.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 12, 2007

Patients should be alert for obesity surgery complication

Wernicke encephalopathy, a serious neurological condition, is increasingly reported after obesity surgery due to vitamin deficiency and vomiting. Patients should be alert for symptoms such as confusion, lack of coordination, and visual changes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeurology·DateMar 12, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study confirms imaging compound identifies amyloid-beta in human brain

A team led by Massachusetts General Hospital confirms that Pittsburgh Compound B binds to amyloid-beta protein in the human brain, a key step in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. The findings support using PET imaging with PiB to track treatment results and emphasize the need for clinical symptom evaluation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMar 12, 2007

Perceived attractiveness driven by link between gender and gender-specific roles

Researchers at New York University and Texas A&M University found that perceived attractiveness depends on the compatibility of biological sex and gendered cues. Female targets were judged more attractive when perceived as feminine, while male targets were more attractive when perceived as masculine.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2007

Smithsonian scientists report new carbon dioxide study

A new study reveals that elevated CO2 levels stimulate soils to release carbon dioxide, rather than store it. The research found that soil loss due to decomposition offsets gains in plant biomass, suggesting that soils may not be a reliable carbon sink under high CO2 conditions.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 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.

UW launches study testing adult stem cells for heart damage repair

The University of Wisconsin is conducting a clinical trial using adult stem cells to treat severe coronary artery disease. The study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of blood-derived selected stem cells in improving symptoms and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateMar 12, 2007

What makes employees voluntarily leave -- or keep -- their jobs

New research from the University of Washington suggests that understanding why employees choose to stay in their jobs is crucial for retaining good workers. The 'unfolding model' explains why employees leave, while 'job embeddedness' describes forces that keep workers engaged.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMar 12, 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.

Study: Long legs are more efficient

A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology suggests that longer legs are more efficient due to reduced force production and lower energy cost. According to the LiMB model developed by Herman Pontzer, this is because longer limbs require less force to move, resulting in decreased energy expenditure.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 12, 2007

New technologies coming too fast for Indian farmers

A sociocultural anthropologist found that Indian farmers' inability to test new genetically modified crops led to a breakdown in traditional farming methods. The speed of change, number of choices in the seed market, and desire for novelty resulted in fads, not testing.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMar 12, 2007

Researchers address developing countries' water and sanitation needs

A team of researchers led by Susan Cozzens is working to improve water supply and sanitation in developing countries. They aim to create new approaches to water supply and sanitation, focusing on storing, treating, and disinfecting water, as well as developing sanitation systems that minimize pathogen release.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 12, 2007

NIH names Clinical Trial Units for the Microbicide Trials Network

The Microbicide Trials Network will conduct 17 clinical trials over seven years to determine if topical microbicides can prevent the sexual transmission of HIV in women. The network, supported by NIH, brings together international investigators and community partners to develop and evaluate microbicides.

SourceMicrobicide Trials Network·DateMar 12, 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.

Eighteen percent of young women experience sexual victimization

A study by researchers at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found that 18% of young women experienced sexual victimization over a two-year period. The majority (66%) of these cases involved intimate partners, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies to address both types of victimization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMar 12, 2007

Men more likely to benefit from clot-busting stroke treatment

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that men are more likely than women to achieve functional independence after receiving clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) following a stroke. The study found that despite lower survival rates, men had better outcomes at three months post-treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 12, 2007

Obesity surgery can lead to memory loss, other problems

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that weight loss surgery can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, resulting in memory loss, confusion, and other neurological problems. The syndrome, known as Wernicke encephalopathy, affects the brain and nervous system when the body lacks sufficient thiamine.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 12, 2007

Expert centers prove cost-effective in managing ovarian cancer

A new study reveals that expert centers with extensive experience in managing cancer are more cost-effective over time, providing significantly longer quality-adjusted survival compared to less experienced medical centers. High-volume multidisciplinary centers also show better outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 12, 2007

Smithsonian study concludes Caribbean extinctions occurred 2M years after apparent cause

A new study by Smithsonian scientists suggests that environmental changes in the Caribbean led to extinctions 2 million years after the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. The research found that most coral and snail species died off a good 2 million years after the environmental change that caused their demise.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 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.

Sheffield scientists light up bacteria

Researchers create polymer-based sensor that detects bacterial contamination with fluorescent signals, reducing detection time from days to hours. The new technology has immediate applications in healthcare and battlefield conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateMar 12, 2007

Health-care inequities underscore racial disparities in prostate cancer

African-American men face significant barriers to timely diagnosis and screening due to constrained healthcare access, distrust of physicians, and socioeconomic disadvantages. The study reveals that knowledge about prostate cancer is comparable to that of white men, but lack of trust in medical care leads to irregular interactions and ...

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 12, 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.

Anti-fungal drug kills TB bug

Scientists have discovered that anti-fungal drugs can kill the TB bacteria, potentially effective against emerging drug-resistant strains. The study found that chemicals called azoles target a specific enzyme in the TB bacterium, leading to its death.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 12, 2007

Women and heart disease

A comprehensive review highlights clinically relevant differences in women and men's heart disease prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes. Young women with acute coronary syndrome face higher mortality rates than young men.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 12, 2007

Disease opened door to invading species in California

A new study reveals that a plant pathogen played a key role in allowing non-native grasses to invade California, dramatically changing the state's vast grassland ecosystem. The research suggests that diseases can facilitate the invasion of exotic species, which threatens biodiversity and ecological function.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 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.

Canadian breast cancer guidelines do not meet their objective

A population-based study found clinically significant variation in breast cancer treatment rates across Manitoba, suggesting the guidelines have not met their objective. The study's findings imply that guideline implementation is not a straightforward process and that other factors influence adoption.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 12, 2007

Study questions 'cancer stem cell' hypothesis in breast cancer

Researchers challenge the cancer stem cell hypothesis, suggesting that tumors arise from normal cells and genetic variation rather than a single abnormal stem cell. The study identifies two distinct populations of cancer cells that can be targeted with experimental drugs.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 12, 2007

Clinical Trials Units selected for newly restructured HIV/AIDS research networks

The NIAID has selected 60 U.S. and international institutions as HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) to conduct next-generation research on vaccines, prevention, and treatment. The CTUs will work together with clinical research networks to tackle critical research questions and accelerate progress against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 12, 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.

Pig study forces rethink of Pacific colonisation

Scientists analyzed DNA and tooth shape in modern and ancient pigs to contradict longstanding ideas about Pacific colonist origins. The research suggests that ancient humans may have traveled between islands before reaching New Guinea and eventually landing on Hawaii and French Polynesia.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2007

Molecular differences between early and advanced melanomas could provide new drug targets

Scientists have discovered that a cell-signaling molecule Akt plays a key role in the progression of melanomas from non-invasive to invasive cancers. Understanding this molecular difference could lead to new targets for treating advanced stage melanoma, with a survival rate of 98% for radial melanomas on the surface of the skin.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2007

Chromium 6: A killer compound with an improbable trigger

Brown University researchers found that naturally occurring vitamin C reacts with chromium 6 to cause massive DNA damage, leading to cancer. The study suggests that even low doses of chromium 6 combined with vitamin C can produce significant genetic mutations.

SourceBrown University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 12, 2007

Genetic pathways to curable and incurable forms of pancreatic cancer identified

A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that a specific sequence of genetic mutations determines the behavior of cystic pancreatic cancer, which has a 50% long-term survival rate. The research found that cells with this mutation are resistant to TGFb's tumor-promoting properties, contributing to their improved survival.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 12, 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.

Scientists develop plans for ultimate microscope

Researchers at University of Sheffield have developed a new technique to enhance x-ray microscope images, enabling the capture of high-resolution 3D images of any molecular structure. They aim to develop the ultimate x-ray microscope with computer-aided image processing and potentially replace lenses with solid-state optical microscopes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateMar 12, 2007

People with psychiatric illness at disadvantage for cardiovascular care

A Canadian Medical Association Journal study reveals patients with psychiatric illness have a higher mortality rate and limited access to circulatory disease procedures like heart disease and stroke treatment. The study highlights existing barriers to healthcare equity for individuals with mental health conditions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 12, 2007

Color analysis rapidly predicts carbon content of soil

Scientists discovered that soil color can be as accurate as laboratory tests in predicting carbon content. The study found that typical description colors done by a soil scientist were nearly as effective in predicting SOC values as the more expensive method of deriving colors by a chroma meter.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 12, 2007

Research finds music training 'tunes' human auditory system

Research finds that music training fine-tunes brainstem's sensitivity to speech sounds, benefiting learning activities, and potentially improving sound encoding skills. The study suggests a dynamic relationship between the brainstem and neocortex, allowing basic sensory circuitry to be malleable.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 12, 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.

Rings made of little rods

Researchers at Rice University discovered that gold nanorods can spontaneously self-assemble into ring-shaped structures within seconds. The rings are made of tiny gold rods and form due to the condensation of water droplets onto a solution of the rods in a nonpolar solvent.

SourceWiley·DateMar 12, 2007

Tonga quake not conducive to tsunami

A recent study found that a magnitude 8.0 earthquake in Tonga was likely a slab-tearing event, which explains why the resulting tsunami was relatively small and caused no damage. The researchers deployed seven seismograph stations to record aftershocks beneath the surface, providing insights into the nature of earthquakes in the region.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMar 12, 2007

Study reveals how some molecules inhibit growth of lung cancer cells

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute mapped the structures of small molecules and mutated protein receptors in non-small cell lung cancer cells. They found that two inhibitors bind more tightly to specific mutations, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 12, 2007

Malaria: The right vaccine in the right place?

A new study found that the most commonly used malaria vaccine may not be effective against the prevalent strain in Mali. The researchers discovered that only 16% of infections were caused by the strain included in the vaccine, highlighting the importance of testing vaccines in diverse populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

Framingham study shows parents who live long pass on

Research from the Framingham Heart Study found that people with long-lived parents are more likely to avoid high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors in middle age. Long-lived parents also conferred a lower risk of cardiovascular disease over time.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2007

Hackers get bum rap for corporate America's digital delinquency

A recent study by Phil Howard and Kris Erickson found that 60% of breached-record incidents between 1980 and 2006 were caused by organizational mismanagement, such as missing or stolen hardware. The number of reported incidents more than tripled in 2005 and 2006 after California's pioneering Notice of Security Breach law took effect.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateMar 12, 2007

Anxiety disorders surprisingly common yet often untreated

A new study finds anxiety to be as prevalent as depression, affecting nearly 20% of patients in primary care. The GAD-7 screening tool identifies undiagnosed anxiety disorders, highlighting the importance of physician assessment.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.