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Science News for May 22, 2007


News from American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting

A new study presented at the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting found that ramelteon did not impair middle-of-the-night balance, mobility, or memory performance in older adults with insomnia. The study also demonstrated that patients treated with zolpidem had impaired performances on these measures.

SourceKetchum UK·DateMay 22, 2007

DNA clues to inform conservation in Africa

A study by Cardiff University found that DNA similarity between African bushbuck populations can reveal similarities and differences in ecoregions. The research identifies 28 key regions for the species, providing a framework for pan-African conservation efforts.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 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.

More pounds equals worse asthma?

A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that obese adults are more likely to experience persistent or severe asthma compared to their thinner counterparts. The study analyzed data from 3,059 adults with asthma and found a significant association between obesity and increased risk of asthma severity.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2007

A close-up on pancreatic disease: How do we improve the odds?

Recent research evaluates the progress made to date in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer, highlighting promising new applications of technology that will improve survival rates. The studies also identify key predictors of malignancy, including age, gender, symptoms, and radiographic features.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 22, 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.

Immune antibodies penetrate neurons to clear Alzheimer's-linked amyloid

A study by Weill Cornell Medical College researchers found that immune antibodies penetrate neurons and reduce levels of Alzheimer's-linked amyloid peptides, offering new hope for immunotherapy against the disease. The discovery could also advance treatment for other immune diseases.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 22, 2007

Sleep apnea increases risk of diabetes and hypertension in pregnant women

A recent study has linked sleep apnea to a higher incidence of gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. The researchers analyzed data from over 4 million deliveries and found that women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop these conditions, particularly when their weight was taken into account.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2007

For sleep-deprived memory loss, look to the visual system

Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals can only process a small number of objects at a time, leading to memory decline. The brain's visual areas are also impaired, making it difficult to focus attention.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Texas A&M researchers attempt deepest effort recovery in gulf

A team of Texas A&M researchers is recovering artifacts from a 200-year-old shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico, making it the deepest such recovery effort ever attempted. The vessel's identity and origin remain a mystery, but analysis suggests it was likely from the late 1700s or early 1800s.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateMay 22, 2007
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms

Studies suggest that phosphodiesterase inhibitors, commonly used for erectile dysfunction, can also alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Researchers found improved scores on the International Index of Erectile Function and International Prostate Symptom Score, indicating potential benefit...

SourceAmerican Urological Association·DateMay 22, 2007

Cassini 'CAT scan' maps particle clumps in Saturn's rings

The Cassini spacecraft has mapped the structure of Saturn's rings, revealing densely packed particle clumps that are constantly forming and colliding. The findings suggest the mass of the rings may be twice or more previous estimates, with implications for understanding the origin and age of Saturn's ring system.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalIcarus·DateMay 22, 2007

UVa researcher studying disease that cripples newborns

Dr. Mani Mahadevan's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DM1, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and disability. His team has developed a mouse model to study toxic RNA production, which may lead to a viable treatment for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 22, 2007

System to pinpoint airline passengers who contaminate cabins

A team of Purdue researchers has created a system that can pinpoint passengers who contaminate airline cabins with hazardous materials or pathogens. The technique, called "inverse simulation," analyzes airflow patterns and uses data from sensors to track the source of contaminants.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 22, 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.

Gamma-ray bursts active longer than thought

Astronomers using NASA's Swift satellite have discovered that energetic flares seen after gamma-ray bursts are a continuation of the burst itself. GRBs release enormous energy in seconds, and long-duration bursts come from massive star collapse, forming black holes or neutron stars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 22, 2007

Salt increases ulcer-bug virulence

High-salt diets may increase the risk of severe gastric disease by inducing gene activity in H. pylori, making it more virulent. The study found that bacterial cells exposed to high salt concentrations exhibited morphological changes and increased transcription of virulence genes.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2007

Scientific breakthrough for naprapathy

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows naprapathy to be more effective in reducing back and neck pain, with 57% of patients reporting significant improvement after 12 weeks. The therapy combines manual manipulation and muscle treatments, offering a potential alternative to conventional medical advice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalClinical Journal of Pain·DateMay 22, 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.

Study focuses on only carnivore with 'fingerprints'

Researchers used fingerprints to count fisher populations, identifying individual animals and tracking their numbers in the wild. This method is simpler and less expensive than DNA fingerprinting, offering a promising tool for conservation.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 22, 2007

A close-up on pancreatic disease: How do we improve the odds?

A recent study evaluated the incidence of malignancy in small pancreatic tumors and identified predictors such as age, gender, symptoms, and radiographic features. The findings suggest that very small tumors with no other symptoms or radiographic indicators have a low risk of malignancy.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 22, 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.

Exercise reverses aging in human skeletal muscle

A recent study showed that exercise, specifically resistance training, can reverse the genetic fingerprint of aging in healthy senior citizens. After six months of twice-weekly resistance training, older adults' mitochondrial function and muscle strength improved significantly, with some even surpassing those of younger adults.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2007

A new wrinkle in evolution -- man-made proteins

Researchers at Arizona State University have evolved new proteins in a fraction of the time it took nature, providing new lessons on how to optimize proteins. The team used 'synthetic evolution' to improve protein stability and binding efficiency, discovering that subtle amino acid changes can significantly enhance function.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2007

Endoscopic procedures advance physician knowledge and patient care

Researchers evaluated a new flexible endoscopic suturing method for gastrointestinal perforations and used wireless capsule endoscopy to detect small intestine pathology in young children. The studies found the suturing method to be easy to employ and successful in closing perforations without laparoscopic or open surgery.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 22, 2007
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Tropical birds have slow pace of life compared to northern species, study finds

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that tropical birds expend less energy at rest compared to northern bird species. The researchers measured basal metabolic rate (BMR) and peak metabolic rate (PMR) in 69 species of tropical birds, finding they used about 18% less energy than temperate birds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2007

Data showed improved quality of life and patient satisfaction with SYMBICORT

Two studies demonstrated SYMBICORT's effectiveness in improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) and patient-reported satisfaction with asthma treatment. The combination therapy showed significant improvements in HRQL scores compared to monocomponents or placebo, while also demonstrating better patient-reported global assessments.

SourceAstraZeneca·DateMay 22, 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.

Does the Internet promote or prevent 'Islamophobia'?

The journal Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life discusses the impact of the internet on Islamophobia, including the spread of anti-Islamic opinions and the use of new technologies to combat it. The first issue explores topics such as re-imagining Islam through recent global events and personal autonomy of women in Morocco.

SourceSpringer·JournalContemporary Islam·DateMay 22, 2007

Study identifying alteration in gene associated with uterine cancer

A subset of endometrial cancers has been found to have previously unrecognized alterations in the FGFR2 gene, resulting in uncontrolled cell division. This discovery could accelerate the development of new treatments for endometrial cancer by targeting drugs already in clinical trials.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalOncogene·DateMay 22, 2007

GI screening: Racing time or wasting time?

Researchers found that pre-operative CT scans in patients experiencing acute appendicitis symptoms may delay surgery, increasing the risk of appendix rupture. Colonoscopies are recommended over flexible sigmoidoscopy for detecting advanced neoplastic lesions, with notable racial disparities observed.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 22, 2007
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Passengers, not just mobile phones, contribute to road accidents

A new study by Research Australia found that carrying passengers increases the likelihood of a crash by 60% compared to using a mobile phone while driving. The risk is lower than mobile phone use but higher due to the prevalence of passenger transport.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMay 22, 2007

Finger length helps predict elementary exam results, study shows

A new study found that a child's finger length can predict their performance in numeracy and literacy tests. The researchers discovered that a higher digit ratio, indicating greater prenatal testosterone exposure, is associated with stronger numeracy skills. In contrast, a lower digit ratio is linked to higher literacy scores for girls.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateMay 22, 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.

Inhaled steroids may not be enough for some children with asthma

A new study of 914 children with mild to moderate asthma found that consistent inhaled steroid use was associated with a 20% lower likelihood of well-controlled asthma. The study suggests genetic factors may play a role in non-response to steroids, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2007

New approach to treating precancerous esophagus condition

A new procedure using concentrated radio waves has been found to be safe and effective in treating abnormal cell growth in the esophagus, a precursor to cancer. The treatment, called radiofrequency ablation, destroys abnormal cells with fewer side effects than current methods.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMay 22, 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.

Stem cells provide clues to cancer spread

Researchers used embryonic stem cells to investigate how some tumours migrate to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult. They found that a crucial change in cell behavior, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, allows cancer cells to move and spread.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateMay 22, 2007

Diagnostic tests for malaria underused in Zambia

A study found that diagnostic tests for malaria are often underused in Zambia, resulting in patients being prescribed antimalarial medications despite negative test results. The use of rapid antigen-detection diagnostic tests (RDTs) is proposed as a cost-effective approach to reduce overtreatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 22, 2007

Antifolate therapies found effective against certain type of malaria

Researchers found antifolate therapies, including sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and chlorproguanil-dapsone, effective in clearing P vivax parasites by day 14. The treatments were well-tolerated and may be used as an alternative to chloroquine in cases where species-specific diagnosis is unavailable.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 22, 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.

Einstein researchers' discover 'radiation-eating' fungi

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found fungi can harness ionizing radiation to produce food and spur growth, recalculating Earth's energy balance. This discovery could provide a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions or planetary colonization.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2007