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Science News for November 26, 2007


New teaching tool is making a difference

A new program called COGENT, developed at the University of Alberta, has been shown to improve reading and other cognitive skills in grade three students. In a one-year study, 73% of participants made significant gains in reading ability.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Learning Disabilities·DateNov 26, 2007

Study suggests link between obesity, poor bone health

A University of Georgia study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that obesity may be bad for bone health in young women. The research used advanced three-dimensional bone scans on 115 women aged 18-19 and found that obese participants had weaker bones by 8-9% compared to those with normal body fat.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 26, 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.

Secondhand smoke damages lungs, MRIs show

Researchers have identified lung injury in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging. The study found structural changes in the lungs similar to those found in smokers, suggesting early signs of emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateNov 26, 2007

Is your heart aging faster than you are?

A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Environmental exodus

A study by Rafael Reuveny examines the impact of climate change on population migration and conflict. He advocates for a five-step approach to minimize climate change-induced migration and violent conflict in receiving areas.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateNov 26, 2007

Do middle-school students understand how well they actually learn?

Researchers at Kent State University investigate middle-school students' ability to judge their own learning, finding that overconfidence is a major issue. To address this, the team develops a 'study buddy' tool that combines accurate monitoring with effective schedules of learning.

SourceKent State University·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateNov 26, 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.

Penn State gets Critical Zone Observatory

The Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory will investigate how soils form from bedrock, affecting water movement and groundwater flow. Researchers will conduct field experiments and implement high-performance computers to predict weathering rates and model the impact of forest regolith on local water resources.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 26, 2007

Drugs may not delay onset of dementia; and more

Researchers examined the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The study found no significant reduction in the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, suggesting that these drugs may not be beneficial for patients with MCI.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Pol3 mutation disrupts organ growth

A mutation in RNA polymerase III enzyme disrupts organ growth in zebrafish, with specific tissues like the intestine being severely affected. The study provides hope for a therapeutic application against cancer by targeting the enzyme's role in protein production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 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 endemic cholera can be controlled with oral vaccines

Researchers suggest that internationally licensed, killed whole-cell cholera vaccines may be highly effective in controlling endemic cholera when given via mass immunization. Vaccinating just 30% of the population every two years could achieve a 76% overall reduction rate.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Omega-3 fatty acids protect against Parkinson's, study says

Researchers at Université Laval discovered that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids protects the brain against Parkinson's disease. The study found that mice fed an omega-3 rich diet were immune to the toxic compound MPTP, which causes damage to dopamine-producing neurons.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 26, 2007

Researchers outline structure of largest nonvirus particle ever crystallized

A team of researchers at UCLA has modeled the structure of the largest cellular particle ever crystallized, proposing ways to engineer vaults for targeted drug delivery. The proposed atomic structure consists of a barrel-shaped shell with 96 identical protein chains, offering a human-friendly nanocontainer for therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 2007

Gene study supports single main migration across Bering Strait

A comprehensive genetic analysis suggests that the ancestors of Native Americans originated from a single source in east Asia, with a unique genetic variant widespread across both continents. The study's findings support the land bridge theory and hint at evidence for coastal migration to South America.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 26, 2007

CT angiography highly accurate, multicenter trials show

Multicenter trials show CT angiography highly accurate in detecting coronary artery disease with sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 90%. The noninvasive exam was equal in accuracy to invasive angiography in identifying patients to be referred for angioplasty or bypass surgery.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 26, 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.

Injury report shows all-terrain vehicles not child's play

A study of 500 consecutive children admitted to Arkansas Children's Hospital following ATV accidents found a high incidence of head, spinal, lung, and extremity injuries. Many victims suffered permanent disabilities or fatalities, highlighting the risks associated with ATV use in children.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 26, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Design of patient tracking tools may have unintended consequences

A recent study found that electronic patient tracking systems can affect how healthcare providers communicate information and track activities, leading to inefficiencies and workarounds. The manual whiteboard-based system allowed for flexibility in tracking patients, but the computerized system lacked this flexibility, requiring provid...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateNov 26, 2007

University of Toronto scientists map entire yeast genome

Researchers have created a three-dimensional map of the yeast genome, enabling them to locate nucleosomes and predict their behavior. This breakthrough could lead to early detection of diseases like cancer by identifying genes that are actively being converted into proteins.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 26, 2007
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.

Penn research shows transcranial magnetic stimulation effective in treating major depression

A study by Penn researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with major depression who have tried other options without success. The non-invasive technique has minimal side effects and can be administered via the scalp, avoiding bodily side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 26, 2007

NSF grant funds research on risky decision-making in pre-teens

Researchers at the University of Iowa are studying risky decision-making among pre-teens, focusing on factors that contribute to risk-taking behaviors such as smoking and drinking. The three-year study aims to identify profiles of at-risk children and track how their decision-making deficits affect everyday choices.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateNov 26, 2007

UF botanists: Flowering plants evolved very quickly into 5 groups

Researchers from UF and UT Austin analyzed DNA sequences to build a family tree for plants, revealing the five major lineages of flowering plants that exist today. The diversification is believed to have been sparked by various factors, including climate change and the emergence of new traits.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 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.

Ozone can affect heavier people more

A new study reveals that individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) experience greater drops in lung function after acute ozone exposure. The research found that underweight individuals have lower ozone-related drops in lung function, while overweight and obese individuals exhibit the greatest declines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalInhalation Toxicology·DateNov 26, 2007

Undocumented Latinos visit physicians less often than US-born counterparts

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that undocumented Latinos are less likely to use healthcare services, experience poorer care outcomes, and face significant barriers to accessing care compared to US-born individuals. The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address healthcare disparities among ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Tree of life for flowering plants reveals relationships among major groups

A new study reveals the evolutionary Tree of Life for flowering plants, with monocots and eudicots found to be more closely related than to other major lineages. The analysis of genomic data suggests a unique species called Amborella represents the earliest diverging lineage of flowering plants.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2007

Environmental researchers propose radical 'human-centric' map of the world

Researchers propose an entirely new model of human-centered biomes, acknowledging that humans have a significant impact on the global environment. The current system of classifying ecosystems may be misleading, and it's time to study ecosystem functioning in backyards and urban areas.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 26, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Red blood cell transfusions under scrutiny

A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that red blood cell transfusions may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in cardiac surgery patients, regardless of haemoglobin levels or age. The research suggests a three-fold increase in complications arising from lack of oxygen to key organs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCirculation·DateNov 26, 2007

Smoking and depression often co-occur in new mothers

A study by Temple University researcher Dr. Robert Whitaker found that smoking and depression often co-occur in new mothers, affecting the health of their children. The combination may lead to sudden infant death, asthma, ear infections, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, language delay, and childhood depression.

SourceTemple University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

For treating malaria, less drugs may be best drugs

Using fewer drugs in treating malaria could help slow the spread of drug resistance, making patients just as healthy. Longer treatment periods increase resistant parasite numbers, which can lead to shorter lifespan of antimalarial drugs.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 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.

Brilliant perspectives

PETRA III will be one of the world's leading sources for short-wavelength X-rays, enabling innovative research in medicine, materials science, and molecular biology. The new facility will feature 14 experimental stations and a unique combination of light sources, attracting scientists from Germany and abroad.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateNov 26, 2007

AMPATH: Restoring lives not just immune systems

The AMPATH program, a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS care, has made an ongoing difference in large numbers of individuals and communities. By addressing medical care, nutritional sufficiency, and economic security, AMPATH has improved the lives of over 52,000 HIV-positive people in western Kenya.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The good and bad of medical research

The Lancet's Editor Dr. Richard Horton emphasizes the significance of non-experimental research in medicine, citing examples of reliable causal inferences and notable errors. He stresses the need for rigorous scientific practice, communication, and replication to ensure credibility and inform policymaking.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 26, 2007

City-dwelling women at greater risk for breast cancer

A study by Nicholas M. Perry found that urban women have denser breasts and are nearly four times more likely to develop breast cancer than rural women. Regular breast screening with digital mammography is advised for all women, especially those with dense breast tissue.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 26, 2007

Depression linked to bone-thinning in premenopausal women

A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that premenopausal women with mild depression have lower bone mass than their nondepressed peers. Bone thinning was especially prevalent in hip bones, increasing the risk of fractures and other costly injuries as they age.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Accuracy of past hurricane counts good

A statistical model based on climate factors indicates that the estimated undercount of historic tropical storms in the Atlantic is only slightly below actual numbers. The researchers found that the average undercount bias from 1870 to 1944 was approximately one tropical storm per year.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 26, 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.

Scientists adopt fresh approach in quest for new therapies

The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) brings together researchers in human biology to develop non-toxic cancer treatments that could prevent tumours from spreading. The institute aims to learn lessons from each condition to inform others and develop personalized medical treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateNov 26, 2007

The proof is in the tree bark

A study by Indiana University researchers found Dechlorane Plus, a chlorinated flame retardant, in tree bark across the northeastern US, with highest concentrations near the Niagara Falls factory. Tree bark can serve as a natural passive sampling device to detect airborne chemicals.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 26, 2007

Planting carbon deep in the earth -- rather than the greenhouse

A recent study by the University of Leeds reveals that porous sandstone can react quickly with injected fluids, making it a potential safe reservoir for carbon dioxide. This reaction is essential if the captured CO2 is not to leak back to the surface, and could provide a long-term solution for tackling climate change.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeology·DateNov 26, 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.

Not enough 'good' cholesterol makes it harder to recover from stroke

A study found that individuals with low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and high homocysteine levels, as well as diabetes, are more likely to experience memory problems and greater disability after a stroke. These factors can also slow down stroke recovery, particularly in those over 57 years old.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 26, 2007

Facial expressions have greater impact on kids with bipolar disorder

Researchers found increased brain activity in children with bipolar disorder when encoding happy faces and irritability when angry faces, suggesting a neural basis for mania. The study also revealed reduced memory for emotional faces in children with bipolar disorder compared to typically developing peers.

SourceLifespan·JournalBipolar Disorders·DateNov 26, 2007

New T-ray source could improve airport security, cancer detection

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created a compact device that can generate terahertz radiation, a non-ionizing form of electromagnetic radiation. This technology has the potential to enhance airport security by detecting hazardous substances and identify certain types of cancers through imaging capabilities.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 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.