Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 15, 2007


Young's experiment in a hydrogen molecule

Researchers reproduced Thomas Young's experiment in a hydrogen molecule using electrons and X-rays, revealing wave-like behavior that suggests a quantum nature. The findings provide insight into the transition between classical and quantum physics, with potential implications for quantum cryptography and computation.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2007

Brain compensatory mechanisms enhance the recovery from spinal cord injury

Researchers found that brain compensatory mechanisms actively contribute to recovery from spinal cord injury, enhancing function in bilateral primary motor cortex regions. This study reinforces current understanding of neurorehabilitation and may lead to new rehabilitation strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2007

New south Florida nursery to focus on staghorn corals

A new underwater nursery in Biscayne National Park is dedicated to the propagation of staghorn corals. The nursery aims to develop effective fragmentation and propagation methodologies to help recover the species from decline due to climate change, coral diseases, and hurricanes.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateNov 15, 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.

Earlier bites by uninfected mosquitoes boost West Nile deaths in lab mice

A recent study published by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that bites from uninfected mosquitoes can make West Nile virus worse in lab mice. The research showed a significant increase in mortality rates when mice were exposed to multiple mosquito feedings before being infected with West Nile virus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 15, 2007

A new window on the universe

A team of UWM researchers is analyzing data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, searching for signs of Einstein's predicted gravitational waves. The team is using advanced computational power to sort through massive amounts of data generated by LIGO facilities.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateNov 15, 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.

CT colonography detects wide-range of extracolonic abnormalities in elderly patients

A recent study found that CT colonography is effective in detecting new and significant abnormalities outside the colon, including cirrhosis and tumors, in elderly patients. The study also showed that a high percentage of patients had at least one malignancy, with extracolonic malignancies being more common than previously thought.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 15, 2007

Study links asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder

A study of 3,065 male twin pairs found that those suffering from PTSD symptoms were 2.3 times more likely to have asthma compared to those with fewer symptoms. The association between asthma and PTSD was not primarily explained by genetic factors.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 2007

Virus used to create experimental HIV vaccines directly impairs the immune response

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered that an HIV vaccine construct incorporating the adeno-associated virus (AAV) directly impairs the immune response to the HIV virus. The study's findings suggest that AAV vaccines against HIV may cause more harm than good, and their use in humans should be reconsidered.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

CD200 stifles anti-tumor immunity

High levels of CD200 expression in melanomas represses activation of antitumor T cell immune responses by dendritic cells. Targeting the interaction between CD200 and its receptor may provide a new treatment approach for metastatic melanoma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

'Speed of thought' guides brain's memory consolidation

Researchers found that brain's memory consolidation process occurs at a rate of six or seven times faster than real-time experiences. This 'thought speed' allows the brain to replay memories in 8-10 minutes instead of an hour, revealing the biological trick behind this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 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.

Study shows Google favored over other search engines by webmasters

A study of over 7,500 websites found that webmasters intentionally favor Google over other search engines in robots.txt files, resulting in a strong correlation between the favored robots and market share. This bias may disadvantage consumers who prefer other search engines, as Google can index some information not available to them.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 15, 2007

Living arrangements, health and well-being: A European perspective

A new European study reveals that older people living alone are more likely to experience depression, loneliness, and lower life satisfaction compared to those living with a spouse or others. However, the findings suggest that women in Nordic countries tend to be happier when living alone.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 15, 2007

Dinosaur from Sahara ate like a 'mesozoic cow'

Nigersaurus taqueti is a 110-million-year-old plant-eating dinosaur with a unique skull structure, featuring hundreds of needle-shaped teeth and a broad, straight-edged muzzle. Its distinctive anatomy allowed it to efficiently crop plants near the ground, making it an unusual example among sauropods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 15, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AUA and EAU release new guidelines on ureteral stone management

The AUA and EAU have released new guidelines for managing ureteral calculi, recommending updated treatment options such as ureteroscopy (URS) for all locations and sizes of stones. The guidelines also identify areas for future research to improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Urological Association·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 15, 2007

Cystic fibrosis foundation lays out new treatment guidelines

The American Thoracic Society has released new clinical standards for treating cystic fibrosis, focusing on aerosolized antibiotics and DNase for patients with moderate to severe lung disease. The guidelines aim to improve lung function, reduce exacerbations, and increase life expectancy.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 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.

November issue of Reproductive Health Matters focuses on maternal mortality

The November issue of Reproductive Health Matters reports a decline in global maternal mortality rates, with significant reductions in North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. However, sub-Saharan Africa's maternal death rate has increased despite declining access to quality healthcare.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive Health Matters·DateNov 15, 2007

Family conditions may affect when girls experience puberty

New research suggests that greater maternal and paternal support, as well as lower marital conflict and depression, can lead to later onset of puberty in girls. The study found that children from supportive families experienced the first hormonal changes of puberty later than those from less supportive families.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2007

JCI table of contents: Nov. 15, 2007

Researchers identified a mechanism that represses dendritic cell function in melanoma, which could be targeted for treatment. A new approach to treating myotonia in individuals with DM1 was also discovered using morpholino antisense oligonucleotide.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

Granger wins Schmidt-Nielsen Mentor/Scientist Award

Granger received the award for his research on preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related disease affecting nearly 5-7 percent of U.S. pregnancies. He has also improved graduate education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateNov 15, 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.

Genome comparison of 12 fruit fly species

Researchers have completed the genomes of ten new fruit fly species, providing a comprehensive understanding of their evolution over 60 million years. The study also identified 1193 new genes and 414 corrected previously catalogued genes across the twelve closely related species.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2007

UW launches cutting-edge DNA 'fin-printing' project for salmon

The University of Washington's new DNA fin-printing project aims to create open-access databases for Pacific salmon populations, helping managers and scientists understand their ocean migration. By employing genetic markers, researchers can distinguish between individual fish and track population movements, informing conservation effor...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 15, 2007

Researchers reverse key symptom of muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a synthetic RNA-based molecule that eliminates myotonia, a symptom of muscular dystrophy, in mice. The study restored normal muscle function by re-establishing a critical cellular mechanism that controls electrical activity in muscles.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 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.

Environment plays key role in children's readiness for school

A new study found that environmental factors, such as family resources and parent-child interactions, have a significant impact on children's school readiness. Genetic factors also play a role, but the environment is the most important factor overall.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2007

Optic flow: A step in the right direction

Brown University researchers found that subjects who had access to optic flow adapted faster and made it to virtual targets more easily than those without. The study suggests that optic flow plays a crucial role in navigating through environments.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 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.

Understanding the placenta likely key to preventing stillbirth

Researchers argue that improved understanding of placental function and dysfunction can lead to novel screening tests. These tests could identify high-risk pregnancies and prevent devastating events like stillbirth. Despite the prevalence of stillbirths, research in this area is underfunded.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 15, 2007

People can put a price tag on economic justice, economists say

A mathematical model measures the value people place on distributive justice, revealing a willingness to sacrifice 20% of disposable income. The study also found that education and race significantly impact the value placed on equity, with educated whites placing the highest value.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateNov 15, 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.

Living arrangements of low-income children may not play a key role in their well-being

A new study published in Child Development found that the living arrangements of low-income children do not significantly predict their well-being. The research suggests that policies and programs targeting changes to family structure may not be effective in improving the lives of these children. Instead, income support and other forms...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2007

Purdue research finds similarities in dog, human breast cancer pre-malignant lesions

A study published in the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention found that pre-malignant mammary lesions in dogs and humans display similar characteristics. The research, conducted by Purdue University scientists, could lead to better understanding of breast cancer progression and prevention for both people and pets.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Cancer Epidemiology·DateNov 15, 2007

Study shows suppressing herpes virus may reduce infectiousness of HIV

Researchers found that suppressing herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) significantly reduces levels of HIV in the blood and rectal secretions, making patients less likely to transmit the virus. This reduction in HIV levels could have a significant impact on transmission of HIV.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 15, 2007

Brown to create most comprehensive long-term care database

The Brown University team will collect data on nursing homes across the US to analyze state policies and their impact on long-term care. The goal is to develop sound state policies based on real data to ensure elderly Americans receive high-quality, cost-effective care.

SourceBrown University·DateNov 15, 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.

New European loess map

The new European loess map provides a comprehensive overview of fertile soils in Europe, covering around one-fifth of the continent. The map, created using modern digital information systems, links coordinates and factual information, offering valuable insights for agriculture, soil erosion, and climate history.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateNov 15, 2007

WHO'S Web-based public hearings: hijacked by pharmaceutical industry?

The pharmaceutical industry has hijacked WHO's web-based public hearings to promote its own interests in research and development for neglected diseases and access to medicines. Patient advocacy groups have been found to receive funding from pharmaceutical companies, compromising their credibility.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 15, 2007

ClC-1 helps mice get a move on

Researchers developed a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide to correct the abnormal inclusion of exon 7a in ClC-1 mRNA, restoring chloride channel function and eliminating myotonia in mice with DM1. This approach may potentially treat myotonia in individuals with DM1.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

How 'IAP antagonist' chemicals kill tumors

New compounds that target Inhibitor-of-Apoptosis (IAP) proteins have been shown to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The IAP antagonists block the anti-death proteins and engage other players that lead to cell death, with little effect on healthy cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 15, 2007

Girls will be girls longer when home life is stable

Researchers found that girls living in families with supportive parents and lower levels of stress are more likely to delay their onset of puberty. These findings support a life history model that suggests children's early experiences affect how they mature, including when they reach puberty.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2007
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Pilot program helps boost seniors' activity levels, quality of life

Researchers tested a pilot program to change older adults' beliefs about aging, resulting in increased physical activity and improved mental health-related quality of life. The program, which combined attribution retraining with weekly exercise classes, showed significant increases in walking levels and age-expectation survey scores.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 15, 2007

Fetal heart rate yields clues to children's later development

A new study found that fetal heart rate patterns before birth can predict children's mental, motor, and language abilities through toddler years. Greater variation in fetal heart rate was associated with better performance on standardized developmental exams and more proficient language skills.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2007

Forests damaged by Hurricane Katrina become major carbon source

A NASA study found that Hurricane Katrina killed or severely damaged 320 million trees in Gulf Coast forests, weakening their ability to store carbon from the atmosphere. This has led to these forests releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially amplifying climate warming.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2007

Two-faced miniatures

Researchers at MIT develop a new method to produce tiny particles with defined size and shape featuring regular patterns in two or three dimensions. The team creates Janus particles, microparticles with two chemically different hemispheres, using stop-flow interference lithography.

SourceWiley·DateNov 15, 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.

Forests damaged by Katrina may contribute to global warming

Hurricane Katrina's impact on Gulf Coast forests can cancel out a year's worth of new tree growth in other parts of the country. The study found that 320 million trees were killed or severely damaged, releasing significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.

SourceTulane University·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2007

AAAS announces winners of 2007 AAAS Science Journalism Awards

The AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognize outstanding work in science reporting, including a series on ocean disturbances and stories on mysterious elk deaths. Winners include Jennifer Frazer and Kenneth Weiss for their coverage of these topics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 15, 2007