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Science News Archive May 2007 - Page 7


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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceArizona State University·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 21, 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.

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.

SourceNational Jewish Health·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateMay 21, 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.

Retinol lotion reduces the fine wrinkles from natural aging of skin

Researchers tested retinol-containing lotions on elderly patients, finding significant reductions in wrinkles, roughness, and overall aging severity. The study also showed increased collagen production, making the skin more resistant to injury and ulcer formation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2007
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.

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceAsthmatx·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 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.

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.

SourceKansas State University·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 21, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 21, 2007

Sling surgery is more effective than Burch for bladder control in women

A study by NIH/NIDDK found that sling surgery was more effective in achieving dryness and quality of life for women with SUI, but had higher side effects. The procedure helped significantly more women achieve stress-specific success compared to the Burch technique.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 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.

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.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateMay 21, 2007

Prehistoric remains reveal a drastic shift in northern fur seal ecology

Researchers reconstructed the species' prehistoric geographical range using techniques from archaeology, biochemistry, and ecology. Prehistoric northern fur seals were year-round residents in California, nursing their young for much longer than modern fur seals.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2007

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.

SourceFlorida State University·DateMay 21, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 20, 2007

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMay 20, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 20, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 20, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2007

'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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 20, 2007

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 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.

Repetitive exposure to an opinion can influence as much as exposure to opinions from several people

A recent study found that hearing the same opinion multiple times from one source can have a significant impact on perception, often leading to a false sense of popularity. Researchers examined how individuals estimate group norms and opinions, shedding light on cognitive processes that influence our decisions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 20, 2007