Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 13, 2007


Periodontal diseases may aggravate pre-diabetic characteristics

Researchers found that periodontal disease can cause pre-diabetic characteristics and contribute to the progression of Type 2 diabetes. The study used rat models to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and pre-diabetes, highlighting the importance of oral health in preventing diabetes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateMar 13, 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.

Penn study on olfactory nerve cells shows why we smell better when we sniff

Researchers found that both chemical and mechanical stimuli trigger the same messenger molecule, cAMP, in olfactory nerve cells. This suggests that mechanosensitivity exists in all mammals, including humans, without a septal organ, enhancing our ability to smell and synchronizing breathing with inhaling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 13, 2007

UCSF policy expert presents recommendation for health coverage

A UCSF policy expert proposes a hybrid single-payer plan to provide universal healthcare, covering catastrophic accidents and chronic illnesses. The plan aims to improve equity and efficiency by incorporating aspects of both single-payer models and PPOs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateMar 13, 2007

Star family seen through dusty fog

A team of German astronomers has identified a new globular cluster in the Milky Way, comprising approximately 100,000 stars. The discovery is significant as it provides unique laboratory conditions to investigate various aspects of astrophysics and sheds light on the formation and evolution of galaxies.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 13, 2007

Health care system for aging nerve cells

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that disabling Ret-receptors in mice leads to earlier death of dopaminergic neurons, similar to Parkinson's disease. The loss of these neurons is a hallmark of the disease, and the study suggests that preserving this function may be crucial for preventing neurodegeneration.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 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.

Geologist troubleshoots silica problem at geothermal plants

Researchers created a model to better understand silica scaling in geothermal wells, providing accurate indicators of its impact. The study aims to control silica scaling and reduce maintenance costs for geothermal power plants, potentially increasing the adoption of this clean energy source.

SourceOhio University·DateMar 13, 2007

A short walk helps smokers quit

A short walk can significantly reduce cravings for cigarettes in smokers, helping them manage withdrawal symptoms and resist the urge to smoke. Moderate exercise can be as effective as a drug in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it a valuable tool for quitting smoking.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAddiction·DateMar 13, 2007

Confusion over right-of-way may be adding to pedestrian road trauma

A study by the University of New South Wales found that 78% of pedestrian collisions occur when pedestrians are crossing roads without marked crossings, and many people misunderstand right-of-way rules at intersections. The researchers suggest that better education and awareness are needed to reduce road trauma.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMar 13, 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.

Keeping the body in sync -- the stability of cellular clocks

The stability of cellular oscillators depends on specific biochemical processes, reflecting recent association studies. The researchers' mathematical model identified the molecular parameters responsible for the stability of internal body clocks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMar 13, 2007

Obese patients run higher risk of post-operative complications

A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that obese patients have a higher risk of post-operative complications, including heart attack, wound infection, nerve injury, and urinary tract infection. The study found that morbidly obese patients had a death rate nearly twice as high as non-obese patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalWorld Journal of Surgery·DateMar 13, 2007

Videotaped confessions can create bias against suspect, study finds

A recent study by Daniel Lassiter found that videotaped confessions focusing exclusively on the suspect can lead judges and law enforcement officers to consider the statements as voluntary. This 'camera-perspective bias' affects trial participants' perceptions, potentially influencing wrongful convictions. The research aims to prevent ...

SourceOhio University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mechanisms involved with tumor relapse identified

Interferon gamma has been found to play a role in tumor relapse, a development that may lead to the creation of targeted vaccines. This finding is significant as it could help induce specific immune responses in patients, potentially preventing tumor growth and relapse.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMar 13, 2007

US businesses not prepared for aging workforce

A national study by Boston College found that over a quarter of US businesses are unprepared for the effects of an aging workforce. Many companies lack strategies to encourage late-career workers to stay past retirement age and face significant HR challenges, including recruiting competent job applicants and management skill shortages.

SourceBoston College·DateMar 13, 2007
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Prefrontal cortex loses neurons during adolescence

Researchers found that adolescence leads to a significant loss of neurons in the ventral prefrontal cortex, particularly in females, which challenges current models of brain development. This finding has implications for understanding human psychopathologies like schizophrenia and depression that often arise during late adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNeuroscience·DateMar 13, 2007

Making sense of the world through a cochlear implant

Researchers used MRI scans to simulate everyday experience of people with cochlear implants, finding the angular gyrus plays a key role in decoding distorted sentences. In noisy environments, other brain regions are engaged to help interpret predictable speech.

SourceWellcome Trust·DateMar 13, 2007

New species of snapper discovered in Brazil

A new species of snapper, Lutjanus alexandrei, has been discovered in the Abrolhos region of Brazil's South Atlantic Ocean. The species was previously mistaken for a dog snapper and was found to have distinct markings and color.

SourceConservation International·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 13, 2007

New cell type identified in cancer development

Scientists have discovered a new type of cell that plays a role in cancer development, which can either remain benign or become malignant depending on environmental cues. The finding may help define the role of cancer stem cells in tumor growth and recurrence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 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.

Insomnia drug can improve brain function

A new study reports that zolpidem, an insomnia drug, temporarily improved brain function in a patient with akinetic mutism. The patient was able to communicate and perform basic functions after receiving the drug for insomnia. PET scans revealed increased brain activity in areas involved in motivation and cognitive processing.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 13, 2007

Protein overexpression at heart of heart failure

Increased expression of an accessory subunit of L-type calcium channels is linked to altered channel behavior in human heart failure. Researchers have identified a causal role for this protein overexpression in the development of cardiac dysfunction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2007

AIUM honors ultrasound pioneers at the 2007 AIUM Annual Convention

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine honored several individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of medical diagnostic ultrasound. The awards, including the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award and the Distinguished Sonographer Award, were presented at the 2007 AIUM Annual Convention in New York City.

SourceAmerican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

Aging boosts chances that a family line will be long-lived

A new study suggests that aging has evolved as a strategy to allow family lines to persist longer. By concentrating cellular damage in one individual, the rest of the line can continue to reproduce without harm. This asymmetric reproduction method may be favored by evolution due to its potential to increase longevity.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 13, 2007

1-parent households double risk of childhood sexual abuse

Children raised in one-parent households are at a higher risk for childhood sexual abuse, according to a study. The risk is particularly high in lower-income families where the single parent may be absent more frequently, making children more vulnerable to predators.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 13, 2007

Belly fat may drive inflammatory processes associated with disease

Visceral fat cells secrete inflammatory molecules that increase systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. The study found high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in obese patients, supporting the notion that visceral fat contributes to metabolic problems.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 13, 2007

New Washington study shows OB anesthesia equally safe when provided by CRNAs or anesthesiologists

A new study published in Nursing Research found that obstetrical anesthesia is extremely safe, with no difference in safety between hospitals staffed by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) or anesthesiologists. The study analyzed data from over 134,000 patients and found similar complication rates for both groups.

SourceAmerican Association of Nurse Anesthetists·JournalNursing Research·DateMar 13, 2007

Physicists tailor magnetic pairings in nanoscale semiconductors

Researchers at Stanford and Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science built a nanoscale semiconductor system that demonstrates the two-channel Kondo effect. By tuning the coupling between two sets of mobile electrons, they created a state where the magnetic atom cannot decide which set to pair with, leading to a conductance that depends s...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 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.

Global ocean sampling expedition

A new study using global ocean samples has revealed a vast array of microbial diversity, with the largest genomic dataset ever compiled. This massive data set includes over 6 billion base pairs of genetic material from marine microbes, which have been classified into thousands of distinct families.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2007

How long is a child a child?

A fossil juvenile from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, dated to approximately 160,000 years ago, showed a modern human life history profile at almost 8 years of age. This finding suggests that prolonged childhood development may be linked to the origins of social and biological changes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2007

Darwin's famous finches and Venter's marine microbes

Scientists have analyzed vast amounts of marine microbial DNA, predicting over 6 million proteins and discovering hundreds of new gene families. The study provides a glimpse into the diverse world of protein families and their role in biology.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 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.

First new waterborne aquaculture drug in 20 years approved

The USGS has developed a new waterborne aquaculture drug, 35% PEROX-AID, which was recently approved by the FDA for use in treating three major freshwater fish diseases. The approval is expected to benefit both commercial and public aquaculture industries, reducing losses estimated at $100 million annually.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateMar 13, 2007

Fossil shows human growth at least 160,000 years ago

A 160,000-year-old fossil found in Morocco reveals human growth patterns that are more similar to those of living humans than previously thought. The study used X-ray images to analyze tooth growth and eruption age, suggesting a relatively long childhood existed at least 160,000 years ago.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2007