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Science News Archive May 2007


Page 7 of 20

How does day length affect aggression in mice? It's in the genes

A new study at Ohio State University found that estrogens increase aggression in mice during short days and decrease it during long days. The researchers identified the mechanisms underlying this interaction, revealing a genomic pathway for estrogen's effects in long-day mice and a different cellular mechanism for short-day mice.

A drink a day may delay dementia

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that consuming up to one drink a day can slow the development of dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The participants, aged 65-84, who consumed wine had an 85% slower rate of progression compared to those who never drank.

Anti-inflammatory drugs interact with HRT, and more

Researchers found that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may counteract the heart-protective effect of hormone replacement therapy in women. Current use of hormone replacement therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack than non-use, but NSAID use negated this benefit.

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.

Geographer designs computer model to predict crowd behavior

A researcher at Arizona State University has created a 3D computational model to simulate crowd behavior in urban settings. The model takes into account individual characteristics and environmental factors, allowing city planners and public safety officials to explore 'what-if' scenarios and test hypotheses.

Some vitamin supplements don't protect against lung cancer

A large observational study found that taking vitamin supplements does not decrease the risk of lung cancer. The study involved 77,738 men and women aged 50-76 and found no statistically significant relationships between supplements and lung cancer.

Inverse woodpile structure has extremely large photonic band gap

The new material has one of the widest photonic band gaps reported, enabling control over light flow in applications like low-threshold lasers and solar cells. The structure's unique fabrication technique allows for complex designs that could also be used as microelectromechanical systems or biological devices.

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.

Decoding gene expression in cancer tumors using noninvasive imaging

A research team led by UC San Diego radiologist Michael Kuo has developed tools that can translate CT images of cancer tumors into molecular details, revealing a strong connection between imaging features and genetic activity patterns. The study found consistent associations between 75% of genes in liver tumors and imaging traits.

Research highlights from Thoracic Society Conference

National Jewish researchers present groundbreaking findings on asthma perception, air pollution effects, obesity resistance to medication, and salmeterol risk. They also discover household bleach can neutralize allergens, improving patient responses.

A mighty number falls

An international team of mathematicians has factored a 307-digit number, shattering the previous record. The achievement was made possible by advances in distributed computing and refined algorithms.

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.

Gel derived from a patient's own blood may help promote wound healing

A preliminary study suggests that autologous platelet gel can enhance wound closure in acute full-thickness dermal wounds, with statistically increased closure rates compared to controls. The gel is rich in platelets important for blood clotting and appears to promote healing by increasing new tissue appearance.

Scavenger cells may have role blocking obesity, Stanford study shows

A Stanford study found that macrophages, known as troublemakers in obesity, can also play a beneficial role in metabolism. The researchers identified a molecular switch that can shift the cells into the more desirable mode, which could help block insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Alarming acceleration in CO2 emissions worldwide

The study found that CO2 emissions increased at a rate three times faster than in the 1990s, primarily driven by growing energy intensity and population. This trend is concerning, as it suggests a reversal of long-term progress towards greater energy efficiency and reduced carbon intensities.

Researchers investigate impact of lifestyle on GI health

A study published at Digestive Disease Week found that a lifelong vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, consuming a fatty soup as an appetizer before dinner may lead to reduced food intake in both lean and obese individuals.

Asthmatx completes enrollment in pivotal study of bronchial thermoplasty

The company has completed enrollment in its pivotal FDA-approved IDE study, the Asthma Intervention Research 2 (AIR2) Trial, which aims to establish the safety and efficacy of the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System. The trial has nearly 300 patients enrolled at over 30 medical centers worldwide.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Italian doctors get their information on medicines from drug company sales reps

In Italy, general practitioners receive frequent visits from drug sales reps, who provide information that doctors often consider reliable. A national continuing medical education program aims to disseminate independent, unbiased evidence through Clinical Evidence, a compendium of the best available research on treating common conditions.

K-State biologist hopes mosquito can break viral chain

A researcher at Kansas State University has created a special habitat for the yellow fever mosquito in an effort to understand how viruses disrupt programmed cell death. The goal is to determine if mosquitoes can be made immune to viruses, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases like dengue fever and Alzheimer's.

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.

Chronic gum disease linked to risk of tongue cancer

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered a significant association between chronic gum disease and the risk of tongue cancer. The study found that every millimeter of alveolar bone loss increases the risk five-fold, with no effect from other conditions.

Caspase-14 protects our skin against UVB and dehydration

Researchers discovered that caspase-14 plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's balance of moisture and protecting against UVB radiation. The protein helps to regulate the processing of a key protein involved in skin structure, which can explain dehydration.

Mice, men make livers differently

Researchers found that transcription factors bind to different sites in human and mouse liver cells, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms. This discovery could help identify patterns in gene expression and provide guidance for researchers using mice to understand human biology.

K-State attosecond research could aid Homeland Security

Researchers at Kansas State University are developing a new laser-like X-ray source that can capture fast motion in the atomic world. The technology could be used to quickly determine if a suspicious package contains dangerous chemicals.

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.

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.

Cure for hepatitis C announced by VCU researcher

Researchers at VCU Medical Center report nearly all patients with hepatitis C treated successfully have no detectable virus after seven years. The study validates the use of 'cure' to describe successful treatment, offering hope for those affected by the disease.

FSU engineering professor growing bone in a lab

A FSU engineering professor is developing technologies to generate bone cells in a lab that can be transplanted into human patients. The goal is to replace lost bone mass due to osteoporosis and treat traumatic injuries. Research has shown promising results, but significant hurdles remain before the technology is ready for medical use.

New techniques redefine assessment of liver disease

Researchers introduce novel methods for evaluating patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including a blood test to determine caspase three-generated cytokeratin 18 fragment levels. These tests may help differentiate NASH from simple steatosis and predict treatment outcomes, potentially improving patient care.

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.

Genetic marker linked to aggressive prostate cancer

A recent study has discovered a strong hereditary component to aggressive prostate cancer, with patients carrying the 8q24 genetic marker having a higher risk of developing the disease. The marker is twice as common in African-American men, who also experience the disease at a younger age and have a higher incidence rate.

Could statins be a new option for hepatitis C patients?

Researchers found that statin therapy improved ALT values in chronic hepatitis C patients with abnormal liver enzymes. The study also showed a higher sustained viral response rate when adding statins to standard peginterferon and ribavirin treatment, suggesting a possible new treatment option.

Green tea may protect the bladder from becoming inflamed

A study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that green tea's catechins protected normal and cancerous bladder cells from inflammation. The findings suggest herbal supplements from green tea could be a treatment option for various bladder conditions.

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.

The hepatitis C link: Diagnose, treat, transplant

Researchers have made significant advancements in diagnosing and treating chronic hepatitis C, with potential new markers for detecting liver cancer. Studies have also explored the role of autotaxin in linking hepatitis C to hepatocellular carcinoma.

House dust may protect against allergic disease early in life

A new study found that lower levels of endotoxin in young children's homes are associated with a higher risk of developing wheezing or eczema by age 3. Certain environmental factors such as older home conditions and carpeting increase endotoxin levels, while genetic predisposition may also play a role.

New research supports early testing for prostate cancer

Researchers found a strong correlation between initial PSA levels and future diagnosis of advanced disease. Men with high PSA levels had a higher risk of developing advanced disease, emphasizing the importance of early testing.

Start school later in the morning, say sleepy teens

A survey of high school students found that most struggle with early morning start times, leading to decreased alertness and poor academic performance. The teens recommended starting school at a later time, allowing for more sleep and improved focus.

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.

Sleep apnea increases risk of heart attack or death by 30 percent

A new study has found that sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of heart attack or death over a period of four to five years. Researchers followed 1,123 patients with sleep apnea for five years and found that those with more severe symptoms were at higher risk of developing heart disease.

'Healthy' children with smoking parents aren't really so healthy

A study found that children of smokers have impaired lung function, regardless of whether they exhibit respiratory symptoms, and that smoking after birth may be more harmful than during pregnancy. Researchers speculate that growing smoking bans could lead to increased home smoke exposure and further lung damage.

Sleep apnea patients have greatly increased risk of severe car crashes

A recent study has found that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to be involved in a car crash and three to five times more likely to have a serious crash involving personal injury. The study, which analyzed data from 800 patients with sleep apnea and 800 without the condition, highlights the severity of the risk.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Spotlight on liver disease: Improving today's treatments

New research explores liver biomarkers, disease complications, and novel treatments to improve outcomes in patients with liver disease. A study found that an elevated ALT/AST ratio can predict coronary atherosclerosis in women, independent of metabolic syndrome.

Approved medical resident hours still resulting in sleepy doctors

A new study found that medical residents who worked within the mandated 80-hour per week limit still experienced severe sleepiness, affecting their judgment and concentration. The researchers assessed objective and subjective sleepiness using multiple tests and found significant abnormalities on post-call days.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.