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Science News for March 2, 2007


Reactions to 'false-positive' prostate cancer screenings assessed

Men who receive false-positive prostate cancer results experience heightened anxiety about their risk of developing the disease and report issues with sexual function. The study emphasizes the importance of discussing the pros and cons of screening with patients to minimize adverse effects on quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalUrology·DateMar 2, 2007

Fish extinctions alter critical nutrients in water, study shows

Computer simulations reveal that freshwater fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Overfishing could lead to declines in nutrient cycling, highlighting the importance of conserving key species.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 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.

Genome sequencing reveals key to viable ethanol production

Waste products like grass clippings and wood chips can be converted into ethanol using gene-tweaked bacteria. The discovery reveals how a bacterium selects enzymes to break down specific biomasses, enabling more efficient ethanol production.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2007

Emory algorithm improves kidney transplant chances for sensitized patients

Researchers at Emory University have developed an algorithm that can predict which sensitized patients on the national waiting list for kidney transplants are compatible with a given donor. This new method, based on innovative technology, has increased transplant rates from 15% to 25% in highly sensitized patients.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 2, 2007

Regulation of heart procedures fall short of expectations

A new study by Dr. Vivian Ho found that Certificate of Need regulations have minor benefits for open heart surgery but no benefits for angioplasty. The regulations may inadvertently increase the number of procedures performed to meet minimum volume quotas.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Health Care Finance and Economics·DateMar 2, 2007

Conflicting signals can confuse rescue robots

Researchers at NIST found that multiple robots' radio transmissions can interfere with each other, degrading search and rescue performance. The study identified ways to improve urban search and rescue wireless communications, including changes in frequency coordination and transmission protocols.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMar 2, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A key to male fertility

Scientists at IGBMC have identified SHP protein as a major player in controlling testosterone synthesis and differentiation of germ cells in mouse testes. Mice without SHP protein reproduced earlier than controls, suggesting its role in regulating sexual maturity.

SourceCNRS·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 2, 2007

Genes and stressed-out parents lead to shy kids

New research reveals that shyness in children may be linked to the interaction between genes and stressful family environments. A genetic variant associated with stress sensitivity is more prevalent among shy children raised by stressed-out parents.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMar 2, 2007

NIST 'micro-rack' measures cell mechanical properties

Researchers at NIST created a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) cell-stretcher to measure living cell mechanical properties like adhesion and elasticity. The device can study bulk mechanical properties of single cells while they spread and adhere to substrates.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateMar 2, 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.

Quantum effects make the difference

Scientists have discovered a new phase transition in metal YbRh2Si2 at absolute zero, revealing additional changes to electronic properties. This study extends our understanding of phase transitions and is relevant to complex systems like high-temperature superconductors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2007

Heatwave on the top of the world

Researchers from French and international institutions have discovered that global warming has also affected the ice cap on Mount Everest. By analyzing air bubbles trapped in ice cores, they found a marked decrease in gas content in 20th-century ice, indicating recent increases in summer melts.

SourceCNRS·JournalClimate of the Past·DateMar 2, 2007

Biology professor helps others go with the flow of dam removal

A biology professor at Northern Arizona University is developing ways to help rivers rebound to their natural ecosystems after dams are removed. Her team has successfully restored Fossil Creek's ecosystem, serving as a national case study in dam decommissioning.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScientific American·DateMar 2, 2007

Delicate relation between single spins

Researchers access interaction between single magnetic adatoms on a metal surface by comparing experimental results with detailed theoretical analysis. They observe novel magnetic state for chain of three cobalt adatoms and improve understanding of fundamental interactions between single spins.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 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.

Physicists reveal water's secrets in journal Science

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new method to simulate the hidden properties of water, resolving long-standing ambiguities in its structure and behavior. The study uses quantum mechanics to predict the properties of liquid water, opening up new avenues for understanding its applications in various fields.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2007

Outcomes for patients with hepatitis B who need liver transplants

The study found that survival rates for patients with hepatitis B who need liver transplants are similar between those with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the higher likelihood of transplantation, 5-year survival rates were comparable between the two groups. The findings suggest that antiviral therapy may have bene...

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 2, 2007

Researchers find the mechanism by which cells resist chemotherapy

A team of researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona has identified the mechanism by which cancer cells resist chemotherapy. By understanding this pathway, scientists can develop strategies to make tumours more vulnerable to certain drugs, leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients with cancer.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 2, 2007

Hot tubs hurt fertility, UCSF study shows

A new study published in International Braz J Urol found that exposure to hot baths or hot tubs can lead to male infertility. However, the effects can be reversible if the practice is discontinued for at least three months. The study showed a significant increase in sperm motility among responders, with a mean increase of 491 percent a...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalInternational braz j urol·DateMar 2, 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.

Computer-designed molecule to clean up fluorocarbons?

Scientists at NIST have designed a computer-generated molecule that can cleanly remove fluorine from fluorocarbons. The new compound is designed to mimic the selectivity of enzymes and could potentially replace toxic organometallic compounds, which are currently used but highly inefficient.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateMar 2, 2007

Hispanic women at higher risk for heart disease

A new study by the American Heart Association found that Hispanic women have a similar heart disease risk to Caucasian women who are about a decade older. This challenges the long-held belief that Hispanic women have less heart disease than Caucasian women.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 2, 2007

Atomic clock signals may be best shared by fiber-optics

Researchers at JILA propose using fibers to transfer ultra-stable time and frequency signals, offering improved accuracy over traditional GPS methods. This technology could enable synchronization of components in advanced X-ray sources and link geographically distributed radio telescopes to produce a giant telescope's power.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 2, 2007

VLTI: Amber penetrates to the heart of the stars

The Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) equipped with AMBER has achieved unparalleled astronomical results, probing the formation stages of stars and detecting high-velocity jets in novae. The instrument's high angular resolution enables the observation of complex geometries and stellar winds.

SourceCNRS·DateMar 2, 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.

Cancer treatment targets tumor blood supply in patients

Researchers have successfully targeted the blood vessels that feed tumors, providing a new approach to treating cancer. The study used an antibody called J591 that selectively targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on tumors and not healthy tissues.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 2, 2007

Antidepressants improve post-stroke 'thinking outside the box'

A University of Iowa study found antidepressant treatment improves post-stroke cognitive abilities, including executive function, in stroke survivors. The improvements occurred 21 months after treatment ended and were independent of changes in depression.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 2, 2007

New medical finding: Treatment for gum disease could also help the heart

A new clinical trial has shown that intensive treatment for periodontitis, a common inflammatory gum disease, can improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that treating gum disease could be an important step in preventing cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 2, 2007

Erectile dysfunction drugs may trump nitroglycerin for heart protection

Researchers found that erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Levitra can reduce heart damage after a heart attack, while nitroglycerin failed to offer similar protection. The study suggests these drugs may have potential as adjunct therapy for patients undergoing high-risk procedures or experiencing cardiac arrest.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateMar 2, 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.

Economical and flexible

Organic transistors consume less energy than silicon transistors and can be constructed on flexible surfaces. Researchers linked p channel and n channel transistors in complementary circuits to save energy and create flexible electronic components.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2007

Atom 'noise' may help design quantum computers

Researchers at NIST have developed a technique that uses noise patterns in ultracold atoms to reveal hidden structural patterns, including spacing between atoms and cloud size. This method has the potential to aid in designing more efficient quantum computers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 2007

Frozen lightning: NIST's new nanoelectronic switch

Researchers at NIST have created a nanoscale electronic switch that can be turned on and off like a binary switch. The switch works by using silver whiskers to form a short circuit, which is easily detectable. Key benefits include high electrical resistance ratios and simplicity in engineering large arrays of switches.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 2, 2007

Rare cell prevents rampant brain activity

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a mechanism controlling how the brain maintains equilibrium in neuronal activity. A rare cell type, Martinotti cell, acts as a safety device by sending inhibitory signals to surrounding pyramid cells when activated excessively.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeuron·DateMar 2, 2007