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Science News for May 15, 2007


Heavy multivitamin use may be linked to advanced prostate cancer

A study found no association between regular multivitamin use and localized prostate cancer, but an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer among men who took high doses or had a family history. Men taking selenium, beta-carotene, or zinc supplements were also at higher risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 15, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smokeless cannabis delivery device efficient and less toxic

A smokeless cannabis-vaporizing device delivers the same level of active therapeutic chemical and produces the same biological effect as smoking cannabis, but without the harmful toxins. The study found that vaporization produced comparable levels of THC with minimal exposure to combustion-generated toxins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMay 15, 2007

Chemical maps hint at drug's effects on schizophrenia

Researchers used metabolomics to analyze blood chemicals in patients with schizophrenia before and after treatment, revealing distinct chemical signatures that differ according to the medication used. The findings may lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment planning, and a deeper understanding of the disease's causes and effects.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 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.

Peanut allergies overstated, study finds

A recent study by researchers at the University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospital found that a third of children with a predicted peanut allergy were not allergic when challenged with peanuts. This suggests that diagnostic tests for peanut allergy may have poor sensitivity and specificity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMay 15, 2007

Thymus transplants gives hope to babies with fatal immune disease

Recent study results show 75% of babies receiving thymus transplants survive after one year. The procedure has led to survival for most infants who would otherwise die from DiGeorge anomaly. Thymus transplantation is a treatment option that offers new hope to families affected by this rare condition.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBlood·DateMay 15, 2007

Johns Hopkins team finds ring of dark matter

A team of astronomers has discovered a unique structure of dark matter in the galaxy cluster Cl 0024+17, with a ring shape unlike that of galaxies and hot gas. The discovery is among the strongest evidence for dark matter's existence, supporting theoretical models of its behavior under gravity.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMay 15, 2007
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

'Nondanger' signal lowers immune reactions

Researchers have identified a well-known cell receptor that sends a 'nondanger' signal to dampen the immune system. This discovery raises the possibility of targeting this receptor to prevent overzealous immune responses in transplant patients and alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 15, 2007

Exercise may lead to improvement in patients with Parkinson's

A new study from USC researchers found that treadmill exercise can improve balance and stability in patients with Parkinson's Disease. The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggests that exercise may help the brain work more efficiently by allowing remaining dopamine-producing neurons to function harder.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMay 15, 2007

JDRF announces 2007 Scholar Award recipients

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced the 2007 Scholar Award recipients, providing $250,000 annually for up to five years to support groundbreaking research. The selected researchers aim to accelerate type 1 diabetes research and find a cure for this devastating disease.

SourceJDRF·DateMay 15, 2007

NMR advance relies on microscopic detector

A new highly sensitive NMR technique using a microscopic detector decreases protein sample size by several orders of magnitude, making it possible to diagnose diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's at an early stage. The technology could lead to the development of tabletop NMR devices in every research laboratory and medical office.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 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.

Atypical pathogen treatment vital in hospitalized CAP patients

Hospitalized patients treated with antimicrobials against atypical pathogens experienced reduced time to clinical stability, decreased hospital stays, and lower mortality rates. The study found that atypical treatment significantly improved patient outcomes in regions globally.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 15, 2007

Saliva clue to chronic bullying

Researchers found that chronically bullied kids have lower cortisol levels, linked to anxiety and stress. The study suggests a biological marker for early recognition and intervention of long-term psychological effects on youth.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 15, 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.

Getting to the core of an emergent public health threat

Scientists investigate key clues behind coronavirus illness, including its ability to evade the immune system. They aim to design better vaccines and treatments for diseases like pandemic flu. By understanding virus-host interactions, researchers hope to refine their approach to combating emerging public health threats.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 15, 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.

Do fruit flies have free will?

A team of researchers analyzed fruit fly behavior and found it to be non-randomly generated by the brain, suggesting a mechanism for free will in animals. This discovery could lead to the development of robots with spontaneous behavior and help combat human disorders related to compromised spontaneity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 15, 2007

Other highlights in the May 16 JNCI

Alcohol drinking has been associated with a reduced risk of renal cell cancer. Childhood leukemia and lymphoma survivors face an elevated risk of secondary cancers, while treatment with clodronate did not improve survival for men with localized prostate cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 15, 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.

Spud origin controversy solved

Scientists have long debated the birthplace of the European potato. New genetic information reveals that remnants of early potatoes are of Andean and Chilean origin, with possible hybrids. This finding challenges previous assumptions and has implications for breeding programs.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateMay 15, 2007

Obesity increases risk of injury on the job

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that workers with a high body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk of workplace injury. The research suggests that obesity prevention policies and programs in the workplace can also lead to improved injury rates and reduced lost work time.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 15, 2007

San Francisco VA researcher receives top Veterans Affairs award

Michael Weiner, a pioneering brain imaging researcher at San Francisco VA Medical Center, has received the 2006 William S. Middleton Award for his outstanding achievements in biomedical research. The award recognizes his contributions to clinical magnetic resonance imaging and his leadership in nationwide clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMay 15, 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.

Youth justice -- Stereotype or evidence based?

A new study by Dr. Jo Phoenix reveals that magistrates often disregard Youth Offending Teams' advice and rely on stereotypes when making judgments, placing the responsibility of lawbreaking firmly with young people or their families. The research highlights material and social difficulties experienced by young offenders, but these narr...

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 15, 2007

Researchers develop way to calculate speed of bacterial sex

Scientists created a mathematical model of bacterial gene transfer rates, taking into account natural subsurface environments. The new model suggests that bacterial transport and colonization are crucial factors in controlling gene spread, potentially impacting bioremediation and antibiotic resistance.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateMay 15, 2007

Tobacco and alcohol use independently increase risk of head and neck cancer

A study found that cigarette smoking is responsible for a quarter of head and neck cancers among individuals who do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol was also linked to an increased risk of head and neck cancers, particularly among never-smokers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 15, 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.

Simple equations track Listeria trails

Biologists used simple equations to describe the motion of Listeria monocytogenes, reproducing all observed shapes with just two variables. The equations can help identify bacterial mutants and rule out mechanisms driving the motion.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2007

Study finds women less likely than men to have their cholesterol controlled

A study by the American Heart Association found that women are less likely than men to have their LDL cholesterol controlled, with a notable 10% gender gap. The study analyzed data from commercial and Medicare managed care plans and showed equal or better outcomes for women in most dimensions of care, except for cholesterol control.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 15, 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.

Gene thought to assist chemo may help cancer thrive

A recent study has found that the gene p53, which is thought to assist chemotherapy in killing cancer cells, may actually help them thrive. In contrast, patients with normal p53 had only a 30% survival rate after five years. The research suggests that inhibiting p53 in tumors during chemotherapy could improve patients' long-term survival.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 15, 2007