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Science News for November 14, 2007


Schizophrenics more likely to suffer from ruptured appendix

A study published in BMC Public Health found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to develop a ruptured appendix, with a 46.7% rate compared to 25.1% of the general population. The research highlights disparities in healthcare provision for mental illness and physical disease.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 14, 2007

Local bars, not liquor stores, associated with heavy drinking

A new study finds that adults-only bars and nightclubs are associated with high rates of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption. The research suggests that regulating these establishments may be more effective than limiting total alcohol licenses.

SourceBurness·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateNov 14, 2007

'Fingerprints' help find genes involved in differentiation

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine created a database of molecular profiles for blood cells, identifying unique 'lineage fingerprints' that mark different cell types. They found two genes that, when overexpressed, drove the differentiation of specific blood cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 14, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers push transmission rate of copper cables

Researchers at Penn State successfully transmitted data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second over 100 meters using Category-7 copper cables. This breakthrough offers a less expensive and easier-to-build solution for high-speed data transfer, paving the way for future advancements in chip circuitry.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 14, 2007

Scientists zero in on the cellular machinery that enables neurons to fire

Researchers discover paddle, a modular unit in ion channels, enabling nerve cells to fire. The findings hold promise for developing new therapeutic drugs targeting ion channel function., Ion channel proteins control electrical activity in nerve cells, and the study's results may lead to new approaches for treating neurological disorder...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2007

Brain implant turn thoughts to words

Neuroscientists are developing software that may turn thoughts into speech for patients like Eric Ramsey, who was left 'locked-in' after a car accident. By analyzing signals from his brain activity, the team has identified distinct patterns associated with vowel sounds, allowing them to correctly identify around 80% of the time.

SourceNew Scientist·DateNov 14, 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.

University of Toronto finds humans and chimps differ at level of gene splicing

A recent study from the University of Toronto found significant differences in how genetic material is spliced to create proteins in humans and chimpanzees. The researchers discovered that six to eight per cent of alternative splicing events showed differences, which are associated with various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 2007

Forteo's bone-building power shown in arthritis patients

A new study found that Forteo significantly increased bone density measurements, particularly in the lumbar spine and hip, compared to Fosamax. The findings suggest Forteo may be a valuable treatment option for secondary osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid use.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2007

Nicotine addiction slashed in test of new cigarette smoking strategy

Scientists report a breakthrough strategy to reduce smokers' nicotine dependence while allowing them to continue smoking. By gradually decreasing nicotine content in cigarettes, most smokers cut their daily cigarette consumption by 40% and experienced comparable reductions in nicotine intake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateNov 14, 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.

What's in a name? Initials linked to success, study shows

A study found that liking one's own name can sabotage success for people whose initials match negative performance labels. Researchers analyzed Major League Baseball players' performance and found batters with names starting with 'K' struck out more often. Similarly, in academia, students with initials 'C' or 'D' earned lower GPAs.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 14, 2007

Effects of social isolation traced to brain hormone

Altered levels of an enzyme controlling brain hormone production linked to social isolation-induced anxiety and aggression in mice. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the psychological effects of social isolation, which could lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2007

Predicting the future in ovarian cancer

Researchers identified kisspeptin and GPR54 as independent prognostic biomarkers specific for ovarian clear cell carcinoma. These molecular markers are associated with a favourable prognosis and could potentially be used to monitor disease activity or as therapeutic agents in women with this subtype of ovarian cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 14, 2007

CGD ranks CO2 emissions from power plants worldwide

The CARMA database provides detailed information on power plant emissions, ranking companies by their carbon footprint. The US is the largest emitter, with Southern Co. leading the way, and Australians are among the highest per capita emitters.

SourceCenter for Global Development·DateNov 14, 2007

Left brain helps hear through the noise

Researchers used neuroimaging to study how the brain processes sounds in noisy environments, finding that the left hemisphere plays a key role. The study revealed that the brain's left hemisphere is responsible for distinguishing between signals and noise, enabling us to focus on specific sounds amidst competing noises.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateNov 14, 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.

Histochemistry is the golden standard in the diagnosis of carcinosarcomas

A rare stomach cancer case report highlights histochemistry's diagnostic value for carcinosarcomas. The study finds epithelial components expressing cytokeratin 18, EMA, and CEA positivity, while mesenchymal components show vimentin staining without muscular or neural differentiation.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 14, 2007

Fire, ice, and invasion

Researchers in paleoecology study fossilized remains and soil cores to reconstruct past ecosystems. The Amazon's pre-Columbian history reveals both human impact and resilience, while Arctic lake sediments indicate recent climate change.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 14, 2007

Menstruation proves more than a curse

Researchers discovered a novel type of stem cell in menstrual blood that can rapidly replicate and develop into various cell types, including heart, liver, and lung cells. This breakthrough could lead to innovative treatments for damaged tissues and diseases such as diabetes and liver failure.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateNov 14, 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.

Lessons from Turkey's bird flu outbreak

A recent study on Turkey's 2006 bird flu outbreak emphasizes the need for well-coordinated emergency response plans and clear responsibilities among healthcare workers. The research found that poor access to healthcare and poverty contributed significantly to the spread of the virus.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 14, 2007

A dose of God may help medicine

A new study by Brandeis University researchers finds that many pediatric oncologists lack the necessary training to build bridges with families of critically ill children through religion and spirituality. The study suggests that providing this type of training could improve patient outcomes.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology·DateNov 14, 2007

Simple reason helps males evolve more quickly

Researchers found that males' simpler genetic architecture enables them to evolve faster and more efficiently in response to sexual selection. This is because males have only one X chromosome, making their inheritance pathway less complicated compared to females, who have two X chromosomes with interacting genes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2007

Dartmouth researchers show effects of low dose arsenic on development

A team of Dartmouth Medical School researchers found that low doses of arsenic disrupt the activity of hormone receptors critical in development, highlighting the potential harm of arsenic at levels found in U.S. drinking water. The study's findings provide evidence for mitigating arsenic's impact on human health.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 14, 2007

MIT lecture search engine aids students

The system uses speech recognition and language processing technology to create transcripts of MIT lectures, allowing users to search for specific topics. The prototype web site has drawn increased traffic, primarily from international students accessing MIT's OpenCourseWare initiative.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 14, 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.

Latinos and African-Americans live longer with Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Neurology found that Latinos and African Americans with Alzheimer's disease lived significantly longer than white individuals. The study involved nearly 31,000 participants and adjusted for various factors, including education level and age when symptoms began.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 14, 2007

Dramatic hike forecast for ADHD drugs spend

A new study predicts a 10-fold increase in ADHD prescription costs for the NHS, rising from £7m to £49-101m by 2012. The research modelled various scenarios and considered factors such as drug availability, diagnosis rates, and treatment levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateNov 14, 2007

Yale discovery suggests protein may play a role in severe asthma

A study by Yale researchers suggests that YKL-40 may play a role in severe asthma, with elevated levels correlating to increased inflammation and lung function. The discovery brings hope for developing a blood test to identify patients with severe asthma, which affects 2.5 million Americans.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 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.

Gene in male fish lures females into sex

A gene in male cichlid fish produces yellow pigment cells on oval spots, attracting female fish. The fish engage in an exotic oral mating behavior, where males deposit sperm in the females' mouths after she picks up eggs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateNov 14, 2007

Viral infection affects important cells' stress response

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that viral infections like poliovirus target a protein called G3BP, which helps cells respond to stress. This disruption prevents the virus from being translated into proteins and killing the cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 14, 2007

Identification of a novel class of (not-so) small RNAs

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new class of long short interfering RNAs (lsiRNAs) in Arabidopsis that are induced by bacterial infection or specific growth conditions. These lsiRNAs have unique biogenesis and target degradation pathways, suggesting they may play important roles in host immunity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 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.

Single-largest biodiversity survey says primary rainforest is irreplaceable

A new biodiversity survey reveals that primary rainforests are home to over half of all terrestrial species, with many species found nowhere else. The study emphasizes the need for conservation and sustainable land-use practices, highlighting the importance of protecting large areas of intact forest habitat.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2007

Scientific evidence of the significant anti-cancer effect of milk thistle

Researchers found that silibinin reduces cancer cell proliferation and enhances programmed death of cancer cells, making it a potential treatment option. The study also suggests that other herbal supplements may have similar anti-tumor effects, warranting further investigation.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 14, 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.

Hormone links sleep, hunger and metabolism, researchers find

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that the hormone orexin activates HIF-1, which increases energy production in cells. This activation is linked to the body's response to low blood sugar and hunger, suggesting a new mechanism for metabolic regulation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 2007

New anemia measure predicts risk of death in dialysis patients

Researchers developed a new indicator, Hb-Var, measuring hemoglobin level stability in dialysis patients, finding it strongly predicts mortality risk. Higher Hb-Var scores associated with increased death rates, even after adjusting for absolute hemoglobin levels and trends.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2007

Grape powder blocks genes linked to colon cancer

A study by University of California, Irvine researchers found that low doses of freeze-dried grape powder inhibit genes linked to sporadic colorectal cancer. The study suggests a diet rich in grapes may help prevent colon cancer, which kills over half a million people worldwide each year.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNutrition and Cancer·DateNov 14, 2007