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Science News for November 28, 2007


Minimally invasive treatment reduces shoulder pain from tendonitis

A new minimally invasive procedure using ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy significantly reduces pain and restores mobility in patients with calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. The procedure, which takes about an hour to perform, has been shown to provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 28, 2007

Autism focus of prize winning research

Researchers tracked autistic children over three years, revealing no uniform pattern of development. Children showed positive gains in social interactions, forming friendships and reducing unusual behaviors.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 28, 2007

High blood pressure may heighten effects of Alzheimer's disease

A new study found that hypertension significantly reduces cerebral blood flow in adults with Alzheimer's disease, increasing its vulnerability to the effects of the disease. Good vascular health is crucial for brain health, and detecting and treating hypertension can help prevent or slow cognitive decline.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 28, 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.

Columbia researchers: Growth of CT scan use may lead to significant public health problem

The overuse of CT scans in the US may result in a future public health problem, with an estimated 1.5-2% of cancers potentially caused by radiation from CT scans. Columbia researchers suggest reducing CT-related radiation dose, replacing scans with non-radiation options, and decreasing total scans to prevent unnecessary irradiation.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2007

New mammography technology improves cancer detection

A new radiological diagnostic tool called stereo mammography reduces false-positive findings by 49% and missed lesions by 40%. The technology cuts the number of women recalled for additional tests in half, eliminating anxiety for patients and their loved ones.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateNov 28, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The hills and valleys of Earth's largest salt 'flat'

Researchers mapped Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni to a resolution of a few centimeters, uncovering previously hidden features like hills, ridges, and valleys. These topographic features impact satellite-based ranging instruments' accuracy, revealing a correlation between subsurface density variations and surface gravity strength

SourceWiley·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateNov 28, 2007

Genetic and behavioral differences add to prostate cancer disparities

African-American men face an observable disadvantage in prostate cancer survival due to genetic and behavioral differences. Research highlights the impact of cultural beliefs, such as fatalism and religiosity, on cancer detection and control, as well as the link between obesity and advanced-stage prostate cancer diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 28, 2007

Live kidney donors report high satisfaction rates and minimal health problems

A study of over 300 live kidney donors found that they had good kidney function and tended to suffer a lower incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart-related deaths compared to the general population. Donors reported high satisfaction rates and would strongly encourage others to become donors if needed.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalBJU International·DateNov 28, 2007

Student research makes the pages of top scientific journal

A graduate student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has made important findings on deep Earth interactions, suggesting a new mechanism for metal movement between the core and mantle. The research could have broad implications for geology and potentially lead to valuable deposits of gold and platinum.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 28, 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.

Bernstein honored with AACR Prevention Award

Leslie Bernstein, a renowned researcher on hormone effects and physical activity on cancer risk, has been selected for the AACR-Prevent Cancer Foundation Award. Her work has vast implications on quality of life after cancer, challenging previous paradigms on breast cancer risk factors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 28, 2007

Sweet fuel supply

Researchers have developed a glucose-powered fuel cell that uses sunlight to convert glucose into hydrogen, producing several hundred millivolts. This innovative device has the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by utilizing biological resources such as food waste and managed high-energy crops.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateNov 28, 2007

Computer savvy canines

A new study demonstrates that dogs can visually categorize complex color photographs and transfer their knowledge to new situations. The research, published online in Animal Cognition, used a computer-automated touch-screen system to eliminate potential human influence.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateNov 28, 2007

New perspectives on health disparities in breast cancer research

Researchers present findings on how poverty affects cancer prognosis, ethnicity influences medical care, and genetics impact survival rates among different groups of women. A study reveals African-American women face poorer disease-free survival rates due to racial-specific biology, prompting a reevaluation of screening guidelines. Mea...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 28, 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.

National Institutes of Health grant to fund drug abuse research at UH

The University of Houston will receive a five-year, $2.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to fund a multidisciplinary approach to drug abuse research. The grant will focus on the health and social consequences of drug abuse among aging minority populations, with a particular emphasis on Latino injecting heroin users in the H...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 28, 2007

Cold treatment opens doors for citrus exports to Japan

Citrus growers in eastern Australia can now export to Japan with greater market flexibility thanks to the development of cold storage regimes effective against fruit fly. The new method kills Queensland Fruit Fly in citrus stored for 14-16 days at temperatures of 2° or 3°C, reducing damage and improving fruit quality.

SourceNew South Wales Department of Primary Industries·DateNov 28, 2007

Transporters may help delay diabetes-related retinal damage

Two transporters, SMCT1 and SMCT2, can circumvent the blood-retinal barrier to deliver lactate and ketone bodies to a healthy eye, potentially preventing neuronal cell damage. Understanding these transporters' activity may enable early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and natural delivery mechanisms for drugs.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 28, 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.

A molecular map for aging in mice

Researchers created a molecular map of aging in mice by analyzing gene expression changes in 16 different tissues. The study found that different tissues exhibit distinct patterns of aging, suggesting three separate clocks for aging, and that some pathways are shared with human aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 28, 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.

Use it or lose it

Research by The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that maintaining physical activity in middle age leads to better basic physical abilities as we age. Physical activity is associated with fewer than 13% of people developing physical disability. Weight is not a deciding factor in this benefit.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 28, 2007

ONR presents Bowen Award for composite materials test method

Engineers Dr. Colin P. Ratcliffe and Dr. Roger M. Crane developed SIDER, a nondestructive testing method for detecting flaws in composite materials. The method involves tapping the material with a specialized 'hammer' and recording data from mechanical vibrations.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 28, 2007

Limited biofuel feedstock supply?

Researchers report that sustainable biomass production may be hindered by soil organic matter needs, suggesting a need for alternative crops and improved agricultural practices. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors beyond just soil erosion when evaluating feedstock supply.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 28, 2007

Testing times: Detecting HIV in resource-limited settings

A Harvard Medical School and PIH study found that integrating HIV testing into primary medical care reduced diagnosis delays. In a single clinic, 85% of patients diagnosed on first visit, and median delay was just 62 days.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAIDS Research and Therapy·DateNov 28, 2007
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Organic 'building blocks' discovered in Titan's atmosphere

Researchers found heavy negative ions in Titan's upper atmosphere, which may form complex molecules essential for life. The discovery poses questions about atmospheric chemistry and aerosol formation, suggesting that these ions form in the upper atmosphere before reaching the surface.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 28, 2007

Eltrombopag studied in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

A Phase 2 study found that eltrombopag elevated platelet counts to a safe level in over 75% of chronic ITP patients within two weeks, reducing bleeding symptoms. The therapy also showed similar incidence and severity of adverse effects compared to the placebo group.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2007

Group selection, a theory whose time has come ... again

David Sloan Wilson and Edward O. Wilson propose a new consensus and theoretical foundation for sociobiology, affirming Darwin's original conjecture that natural selection is a multilevel process. They show that adaptations can evolve at all levels of the biological hierarchy, from genes to ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateNov 28, 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.

'Stereo' mammography takes breast imaging to a new dimension

Stereo mammography has been shown to reduce false positives by 49% compared to standard digital mammography, potentially cutting the number of women recalled for additional tests. The technology produces three-dimensional views of breast tissue, allowing radiologists to better interpret images and detect cancer earlier.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 28, 2007

Drug boosts platelets in hepatitis C patients

Researchers found that eltrombopag boosted platelet counts in a majority of patients with low platelet counts and cirrhosis due to HCV infection, allowing most to continue or start conventional antiviral treatment. The study's results are an important development for people infected with the hepatitis C virus worldwide.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2007

Drug monitoring reduces seizures in pregnant women with epilepsy

Research shows that therapeutic drug monitoring of lamotrigine during pregnancy significantly reduces seizure activity and improves fetal health. The study found that adjusting dosages based on blood levels can prevent increased seizure frequency and ultimately improve the health of both mother and baby.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 28, 2007

UNH scientists report first findings on key astrophysics problem

Researchers found energetic electrons most abundantly at sites of compressed density within magnetic islands, contradicting previous theories. This discovery provides an important step towards solving the mystery of electron acceleration during magnetic reconnection.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 28, 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.

Monitoring of a common epilepsy drug during pregnancy reduces seizure risk

Research at Emory University found that therapeutic drug monitoring for lamotrigine during pregnancy reduces increased seizure activity and improves health outcomes. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit for pregnant women with epilepsy, allowing for targeted dosage adjustments to minimize risk.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeurology·DateNov 28, 2007

Natural ingredient preserves meat quality in pre-cooked supermarket offerings

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that grape-seed extract is a viable natural alternative to synthetic ingredients for preserving meat quality in pre-cooked meals. The extract's phenolic compounds have been shown to be effective antioxidants in slowing the oxidation of fats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateNov 28, 2007

Foot-and-mouth disease could cost Kansas nearly a billion dollars

A K-State study predicts devastating economic impacts if foot-and-mouth disease were to occur in Kansas, with estimated losses of $36 million, $199 million, and $945 million for the state. The study analyzed three scenarios and found that larger outbreaks would result in longer durations and greater economic ruin.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Applied Economics·DateNov 28, 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.

Blue dye could hold the key to super processing power

Scientists have developed a method to control the magnetic properties of a commonly used blue dye, Metal Phthalocyanine, which could significantly improve information processing. The technique uses magnetism to regulate interactions between molecules, offering potential benefits for spintronics and quantum computing.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 28, 2007

Study of malaria parasites reveals new parasitic states

Scientists discovered three biological classes of malaria parasites with distinct metabolic states, including one linked to patient symptoms. The findings suggest a possible correlation between parasite behavior and disease severity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateNov 28, 2007

Jefferson scientists see breast cancer gene activity from outside the body

Scientists at Jefferson Medical College have used PET imaging to observe hyperactive breast cancer genes in laboratory animals, marking a breakthrough in detecting and classifying cancer. This technology may help physicians identify breast tumors as early as possible and determine the appropriate treatment.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateNov 28, 2007