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Science News for November 12, 2007


Study says nitrite/nitrate-rich foods may help in heart attack survival

A preclinical study found that mice fed extra nitrite and nitrate had 48% less cell death in the heart following a heart attack. Nitrite/nitrate-rich diets may improve outcome following a heart attack by forming nitric oxide gas, which reopens closed or clogged arteries.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Cost of AIDS drugs in Brazil, and more

A study found that Brazil's strategy of negotiating AIDS drug prices with multinational companies and producing generic drugs locally saved the country approximately $1 billion between 2001 and 2005. However, recent years have seen a significant rise in total AIDS drug costs, driven by increasing treatment numbers and longer life expec...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 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.

Caregivers benefit from cancer support programs, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that targeted interventions for caregivers can significantly improve their physical and emotional quality of life. The FOCUS Program, a family-based intervention, provided benefits for spouses of prostate cancer patients, including reduced uncertainty and imp...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateNov 12, 2007

Synthetic compound promotes death of lung-cancer cells, tumors

Researchers develop synthetic compound that promotes death of lung-cancer cells and tumors by mimicking natural 'death-promoting' protein Smac. The compound was effective against nearly one-quarter of lung-cancer cell lines tested, with some breast cancer and melanoma cells also showing sensitivity.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 12, 2007

New genetic lineage of Ebola virus discovered in great apes

Scientists have identified a new genetic lineage of the Ebola virus in great apes, which contradicts previous assumptions about its evolutionary development. This discovery suggests that wild strains of Ebolavirus can exchange genetic material through recombination processes.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Connection between startled response and schizophrenia

Researchers identified a genetic link between schizophrenia and a faulty brain mechanism, affecting startle response. Mice with increased fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) showed impaired prepulse inhibition, similar to human schizophrenia patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2007

Proteins pack tighter in crowded native state

A new study from Rice University and the University of Houston found that proteins pack more tightly in their natural environment, with increased structural content and stability. The research suggests that protein structure is affected by crowding, even when proteins are in their folded state.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Brain matures a few years late in ADHD, but follows normal pattern

Youth with ADHD exhibit delayed brain maturation in frontal cortex areas, which can affect higher-order executive control functions. However, the delay is most pronounced in regions at the front of the brain's outer mantle, supporting ability to control thinking, attention, and planning.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

That friendly car is smiling at me: When products are perceived as people

Researchers found that consumers are more likely to anthropomorphize products with features associated with human traits, such as loyalty or helpfulness. This study's findings suggest that marketers' efforts to create personable brands may shift the evaluation process from product to human characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007

Health professionals responding to ethnic diversity

A study of British doctors and health professionals found they struggle with language barriers, cultural understanding, and uncertainty about how to care for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and inertia in practice, contributing to inequalities in care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 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.

Human ancestors: more gatherers than hunters?

A recent study of chimpanzees in western Tanzania suggests that early humans may have dug potato-like foods with tools, challenging the long-held assumption that meat was more important for brain evolution. The research found that chimps only dig for roots during the rainy season, when other food sources are abundant.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Burn injuries take devastating toll on nation's children

A new national study finds that burn-related injuries among children and adolescents in the US may be a more significant public health concern than previously estimated. The study found that young children are most at risk of burns, with those under 2 years old accounting for half of all pediatric burn hospitalizations.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation·DateNov 12, 2007
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.

Social change relies more on the easily influenced than the highly influential

A new study finds that large cascades of influence are driven by a critical mass of easily influenced individuals, rather than highly influential ones. The researchers created an influence network with opinion flows in many directions at once and introduced various factors to evaluate their effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007

UTSA new center for manufacturing awarded $500,000

The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Engineering has been awarded a grant to build and support new research laboratories in manufacturing engineering. The center aims to attract federal funding and assist local communities in building up their manufacturing businesses.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateNov 12, 2007

Pursuing parenthood: Discourses of persistence

A new study investigates how culturally engrained systems of ideas influence persistent goal striving for parenthood. The researchers identify three major discourses: scientific rationalism, self-management, and fatalism, which shape people's appraisals of means, planning, and persistence in achieving parenthood. These discourses help ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Higher risk of death for babies born just a few weeks early, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics reveals that babies born just a few weeks premature are at increased risk of death during their first week of life. The study found that late preterm infants face a six-fold higher mortality rate compared to full-term infants.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 2007

Smart dust, gassy antennas, and warp speed calculations

Miniature smart dust probes are being developed to collect data on fluid systems. Researchers have also created stealthy gas-filled antennas that can be reconfigured for improved signal reception, while a new analysis improves calculations for high-energy physics experiments by factors of a million

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 12, 2007

New study looks at long-term drug costs for treating AIDS in Brazil

Researchers analyzed long-term cost trends of HAART drugs in Brazil, finding that while costs increased due to rising treatment needs, the country saved $1 billion through price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. The study highlights the need for increased resources to achieve universal access to AIDS treatment.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 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.

Using neural signals to predict sensory decisions

A study using high-speed videography and neural recordings reveals that cortical neurons' firing patterns can predict the texture identification decisions of rats. The findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying tactile sensory discrimination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2007

Tool-wielding chimps provide a glimpse of early human behavior

Researchers have discovered that chimpanzees in a savanna environment use bark and stick tools to exploit underground food resources, challenging the notion that this behavior is uniquely human. This finding supports the idea that chimpanzees can serve as models for understanding early human behaviors and adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Eating your greens could prove life-saving if a heart attack strikes

Researchers found that consuming vegetables rich in nitrite can reduce heart-muscle damage by 48% and provide protection from heart-attacks. Boosting nitrite levels in the diet could help prevent lasting heart damage or death, particularly for those at increased risk.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Zinc transporters regulate pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that ZIP4, a zinc transporter, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissue and promotes tumor growth. The study provides a potential diagnostic marker and candidate for cancer vaccine development.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Early academic skills, not behavior, best predict school success

A groundbreaking study finds that children's early math and reading skills are the strongest predictors of later academic success, regardless of social or emotional behaviors. The research analyzed data from six longitudinal studies and found no association between behavior and achievement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 12, 2007

Antivirals reduce deaths from flu in hospitalized patients

A study found that antiviral medications significantly reduced the risk of death from flu in hospitalized adults, even when given up to four days after symptom onset. The research supports the use of antivirals for treating hospitalized patients with influenza.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 12, 2007

A new view on sensing, movement, and behavioral control in animals

Scientists have quantified and compared the 3D volumes for sensation and movement in electric fish, finding a restricted sensory space due to energetic constraints. This overlap between sensory and movement volumes can provide insight into optimal control strategies for guiding behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 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.

Yellowstone viruses 'jump' between hot pools

Researchers found that Yellowstone viruses migrate from pool to pool through droplets of steam, thriving in acidic environments even when hosts are rare. This discovery sheds light on how these viruses survive and interact with microbes in hostile surroundings.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Genetic technology reveals how poisonous mushrooms cook up toxins

Researchers at Michigan State University used genetic technology to discover a unique pathway in death cap mushrooms that produces the deadly toxin alpha-amanitin. The discovery sheds light on the underlying biochemical machinery and may lead to the development of novel chemicals with therapeutic potential.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Emergency response

A new analysis highlights the need for federal and state support to enable local governments to work effectively with communities to prepare for and respond to all disasters. Local organizations often lack resources and training, making it essential for local government officials to take a proactive role in disaster preparedness.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateNov 12, 2007

Chimps dig up clues to human past?

A team of scientists reports that chimpanzees in Tanzania are using digging tools to gather underground foods, suggesting that this ability may have been present in early human ancestors. The study provides insights into the role of dietary shifts in hominid evolution and challenges current hypotheses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Early teen sex may not be a path to delinquency, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that teens who have sex at an early age are less likely to exhibit delinquent behavior in early adulthood. The researchers analyzed data from 534 same-sex twin pairs and discovered a link between early sex and better relationships later on.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 12, 2007

Surgical errors rare but serious in ophthalmic procedures

A study found that surgical confusions in eye surgery are rare but can be serious, with the majority of cases involving incorrect lens implants. The Universal Protocol can prevent most confusions, suggesting a rate of 69 errors per 1 million eye operations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateNov 12, 2007

Clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert cellulose and other biodegradable organic materials into hydrogen using microbial fuel cells. This process produces 288% more energy in hydrogen than the electrical energy added to it, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Researchers identify how to switch off cancer cell genes

A new study led by USC researchers identifies distinct changes in DNA structures that silence cancer cell genes. The findings enable the exploration of new therapies to switch genes back on, potentially leading to novel treatments for human cancers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 12, 2007

Smac-ing lung cancer to death

Researchers developed a small molecule that turns the survival signal for cancer cells into a death signal, inducing apoptosis. The treatment may be less toxic to healthy cells than current cancer chemotherapy methods.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 12, 2007