Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 25, 2007


Targeting tumors the natural way

Researchers developed a new tumor targeting strategy that leverages one of the body's natural antibodies and immune responses. The approach recognizes and kills only cancer cells displaying high levels of integrins, reducing the risk of harming healthy cells.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateMar 25, 2007

Linear arrays of nanotubes offer path to high-performance electronics

Researchers have developed an approach using dense arrays of aligned nanotubes as a thin-film semiconductor material for integration into electronic devices. The arrays can be transferred to unusual substrates and enhance the performance of conventional silicon-based chip technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 25, 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.

Crestor effective at halting early atherosclerosis

The study found that Crestor arrested the progression of thickened carotid arteries in participants with moderately elevated cholesterol levels. The therapy also lowered low-density lipoprotein and increased high-density lipoprotein, as well as reduced triglycerides.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA·DateMar 25, 2007

When it comes to risk, not all nanomaterials are created equal

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that carbon nanotubes inhibited growth in mammalian cells but sustained bacterial growth, highlighting the need for further research on nanotechnology's environmental impacts. The studies suggest different nanomaterials have varying effects on human health and the environment.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateMar 25, 2007

Studies put proven medications to new uses

Studies found that ramipril and rosiglitazone slow atherosclerosis progression, while rosuvastatin treatment reduces arterial plaque buildup in low-risk individuals. Additionally, high-dose atorvastatin improves outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Organic is healthier: Kiwis prove that green is good

A comprehensive study by University of California, Davis researchers found organically grown kiwifruit contain more health-promoting factors than conventionally grown counterparts. This increases antioxidant activity and vitamin C levels, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 25, 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.

Ladybugs may be cute, but watch out when they get near wine

Researchers at Iowa State University identified four chemicals in ladybugs that cause a foul smell, which can lead to 'ladybug taint' in wine. These compounds, including a new one not previously reported in ladybugs, are potent odor-producing molecules also found in other animals and plants.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 2007

First human trial tests stem-cell-based treatment for heart attacks

A Phase 1 trial of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown significant improvements in heart function and reduced side effects in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The study, led by Joshua Hare, M.D., found that MSC-treated patients had lower rates of cardiac arrhythmias and improved heart, lung, and global function.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2007

Mobile phones can soon survive being dropped

Researchers have discovered a new type of plastic that can conduct electricity as well as current semiconductors, enabling mobile phones and other devices to withstand accidental drops. This material has the potential to revolutionize consumer electronics, making products cheaper and more durable.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 25, 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.

'Juiced-up' battery fueled by sugar could power small portable electronics

Researchers have developed a fuel cell battery that runs on virtually any sugar source, offering a potential replacement for lithium ion batteries in portable electronics. The biodegradable battery has the longest-lasting and most powerful sugar-based design to date, with promising results from testing with various sugar sources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 2007

Too much of a good thing? Excess nutrients or water limit biodiversity

A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that excess nutrients and water can reduce species diversity in ecosystems, allowing a few species to dominate. The findings support the idea that plant diversity is directly related to limiting factors such as soil moisture and nutrient availability.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2007

Marbles tower shows conflict between oil and water

Researchers Twan Gielen designed a simulation programme to study the interactions between oil and water in a controlled environment. The model shows how capillary pressure affects oil and water movement, providing insights into contaminated groundwater behaviour.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 25, 2007

First texts philosopher John Locke now available digitally

The Digital Locke Project has made John Locke's first texts available online, with a digital critical edition and search functionality. The project aims to produce a definitive text of Locke's work, building on previously rediscovered manuscripts.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 25, 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.

UBC researchers find new superbug weapon for near-empty antibiotics arsenal

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a peptide that can fight infection by boosting the body's own immunity, reducing bacteria counts and mortality in animal models. The innate defense regulator peptide (IDR-1) may be useful as a supplement to antibiotics in combating common hospital infections.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 25, 2007

Molecular tools make the cut

Scientists have developed a pair of molecular-scale scissors that can be manipulated by light, allowing for precise control over proteins and biological molecules. The technology has the potential to revolutionize gene manipulation and drug delivery, with practical applications still several years away.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 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.

New study shows benefits of quitting smoking

A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that quitting smoking can reduce lung cancer risk by up to 70%. The research highlights the importance of effective tobacco control policies and notes that women smokers face a significantly higher risk compared to men.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 25, 2007

Reminding doctors which antibiotics to prescribe cuts C. difficile infection rates

A study found that using narrow-spectrum antibiotics and providing feedback to doctors led to a significant drop in prescriptions of broad-spectrum agents and a fall in CDI rates. The research suggests that this approach could be successfully replicated in other hospitals to reverse the rapid increase in CDI.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateMar 25, 2007

New devices offer patients safer, more effective therapies

Researchers present new catheter-based approaches to repairing the mitral valve and treating coronary plaque, showing improved safety and feasibility. The MONARC system and sideKick stenting system demonstrate significant benefits in patients with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation and bifurcation lesions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 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.

Noninvasive cardiac T-Wave test

A new noninvasive test may identify patients with stage II and III nonischemic cardiomyopathy who are likely to benefit from an ICD. The test, called abnormal T-Wave Alternans (TWA), shows that patients with a normal test have a very good prognosis and are unlikely to benefit from the device.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2007

Brain fends off distractions

Research by Dutch social-psychologist Harm Veling demonstrates that our brains selectively remember useful information while suppressing distracting influences. However, this process requires mental energy and breaks down when individuals are fatigued.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 25, 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.

DNA layer reduces risk of reserve parts being rejected

Dutch researchers have developed a DNA layer that improves attachment, recovery, and immune response to body implants. The coating, patented by Jeroen van den Beucken, approximates the body's natural material, reducing inflammation and immune responses.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 25, 2007

Multiple malaria infection inhibits spread of parasite

Dutch researcher Mike van der Kolk discovered that people who are frequently infected with malaria parasites can develop immunity against the gametocyte, inhibiting the spread of the parasite. This natural immunity prevents the parasite from reproducing in mosquitoes, ultimately stopping its transmission.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateMar 25, 2007

Heart failure medication provides some symptom relief

A study found that tolvaptan improves symptoms such as congestion and breathing difficulty, but has no effect on long-term mortality or re-hospitalization rates. The medication also showed promise in reducing fluid accumulation and improving sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 25, 2007

iPods help docs improve stethoscope skills

A study at Temple University found that listening repeatedly to heart sounds on an iPod improved the stethoscope skills of general internists, increasing correct identification rates to 80%. This technique relies on intensive repetition and is essential for recognizing abnormal heart sounds and identifying dangerous conditions.

SourceTemple University·DateMar 25, 2007
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.