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Science News Archive November 2007


Page 3 of 19

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CT scans to determine heart disease in the emergency room

A study presented at RSNA suggests that CT scans can diagnose heart disease in low-risk patients, reducing hospital stays from 12 hours to just over 9 hours. This could lead to significant cost savings and improved resource utilization in emergency departments.

Radiation exposure of pregnant women more than doubles in 10 years

The study found a 121% increase in imaging exams performed on pregnant women between 1997 and 2006, with the greatest increases seen in CT exams. The researchers estimated that pregnant women are exposed to low but potentially harmful levels of radiation during these exams.

Drinking and smoking don't boost HPV-related cancer risk

New study reveals that alcohol and tobacco use do not increase the risk of head and neck cancers in people infected with HPV16, a common strain of the sexually-transmitted virus. The findings suggest two distinct causes for these major cancers, requiring different prevention and treatment strategies.

Scientists identify gene responsible for statin-induced muscle pain

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified the atrogin-1 gene as a key player in statin-related muscle toxicity. The researchers found that statins activate this gene, leading to muscle damage and atrophy, with potential implications for patients taking these cholesterol-lowering drugs.

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 model predicts breast cancer risk in African-American women

A new risk prediction model for African American women has been developed and tested, providing more accurate estimates of breast cancer risk compared to the widely used Gail model. The model, known as CARE, accurately predicted the number of cancers observed in African American women in most subgroups.

Catalyst-free chemistry makes self-healing materials more practical

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new, catalyst-free approach to create self-healing materials that can repair cracks in composite materials. The new system uses chlorobenzene microcapsules to restore structural integrity, with fracture tests showing a 82% recovery of original fracture toughness.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stem cells train heart following heart attack

Using adult human stem cells, researchers found that the treated hearts contained more blood vessels and exhibited increased DNA repair activity. The study suggests that these stem cells have an instant stimulating effect on surrounding heart tissue following transplantation.

UK Politics and International Studies rated as world class

The UK Politics and International Studies research has been rated as world-leading according to a new report by the ESRC, PSA, and BISA. The discipline excels in areas such as political theory, electoral studies, and European Union studies.

MIT: Stem-cell therapies for brain more complicated than thought

A recent study by MIT scientists suggests that adult stem cells produced in the brain can only make limited connections, making it challenging to use them for replacement therapy. The research calls into question the potential of using adult stem cells to repair damaged brain tissue and replace lost neurons.

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.

Another complication for gastric bypass patients

A study found that approximately 27% of obese gastric bypass patients weighing over 450 pounds were denied standard diagnostic imaging due to weight restrictions. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and compromised patient care.

New automated system IDs victims of mass disasters in minutes

A new automated dental radiograph matching system can reduce the task of forensic experts by up to 95% and produce matches at an average rate of less than four seconds. The system uses Phase-Only Correlation technology to align images and measure their similarity, resulting in a significant reduction in time spent on identification.

Job-related stress: NIST demonstrates fatigue effects in silicon

Researchers at NIST have shown that silicon crystals can develop cracks and breakdown under mechanical stress, contrary to conventional wisdom. The team's findings have significant implications for the design of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices, which are critical components in various industries.

NASA-conceived map of Antarctica lays ground for new discoveries

The newly completed map of Antarctica is a result of NASA's state-of-the-art satellite technologies, offering the most geographically accurate and high-resolution views of the continent. The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica will enable researchers to better plan scientific expeditions and help scientists map various rock formations.

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.

Forensics go high-tech with CT autopsies

Computed tomography (CT) autopsies have been shown to be a sensitive tool for detecting injuries and cause of death in victims of blunt trauma. In a study comparing CT with conventional autopsy, CT accurately identified the cause of death in all 14 blunt trauma cases and five out of six penetrating wounds.

MRSA in the community: A new threat to children's health?

New community-associated MRSA strains have emerged, spreading amongst the public in the USA, and are now a concern for children's health. These strains produce a toxin called PVL, leading to severe infections with high mortality rates if left untreated.

NIST measures performance of auto crash warning systems

Researchers developed an independent measurement system using cameras, microphones, and laser scanners to evaluate the performance of advanced collision warning systems. The NIST technology detected objects within eight-tenths of a meter from up to 60 meters away at speeds of up to 56 mph.

Studies suggest HIV subtype more deadly than others

Two studies led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggest that HIV subtype E is more virulent than other subtypes, leading to significantly shorter survival rates in Thailand. The studies found a median survival time from infection to death of 7.8 years for Thai men, compared to 11 years globally.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Other Highlights in the Nov. 27 JNCI

Male BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to noncarriers. A high carbohydrate diet may also promote prostate tumor growth in mice, while infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with an increased risk of head and neck cancers but does not further increase the risk when...

PET imaging may improve lung cancer diagnosis

A systematic review of recent studies suggests PET imaging can accurately diagnose and stage lung cancer, even in early stages. The imaging modality is found to be more accurate than CT imaging for treatment decisions in non–small-cell lung cancer patients.

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.

Blood-vessel blocker aids cancer-killing virus

Researchers found that blocking blood vessel growth with an antiangiogenic agent can reduce inflammation and improve antitumor efficacy of oncolytic virus therapy. This approach may increase survival rates for patients with aggressive brain tumors.

MSU food safety experts say Chinese imports need to improve

A team of MSU researchers found inconsistencies in China's certification and traceability systems, which can affect the quality and safety of imported goods. The experts recommend increased government oversight, training for producers and distributors, and improving labelling practices to ensure compliance with international standards

Online library gives readers access to 1.5 million books

The Million Book Project has completed the digitization of over 1.5 million books, ranging from Mark Twain to Confucius, and made them available through a single web portal. The collection includes rare and orphan books in multiple languages, with the goal of making all published works accessible worldwide.

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.

Effects of progesterone on Alzheimer's disease

A recent study has found that progesterone has limited benefits for mice with Alzheimer's symptoms, but inhibits some of estrogen's beneficial effects when taken together. The study suggests that the constant daily dosage of progesterone may be antagonizing its potential benefits.

Cancer-resistant mouse discovered

A team of researchers has discovered a tumor-suppressor gene called Par-4 that kills cancer cells but not normal cells. The mice born with this gene live longer and have no toxic side effects, making it a potentially therapeutic application for treating cancer without harming patients.

Where does stored nuclear waste go?

Scientists investigate Hanford's vadose zone to understand contaminant migration and develop remediation solutions. They find complex pathways for nuclear waste travel, affecting composition and speed, impacting the environment and people downstream.

Violent TV, games pack a powerful public health threat

A University of Michigan study reveals that watching violent TV and playing video games significantly increases the risk of aggressive behavior in both children and adults. The research, conducted over half a century, highlights the detrimental effect of media violence on public health.

Biodiesel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The CSIRO report found that biodiesel produced from used cooking oil can reduce emissions by up to 87%, while palm oil sourced from pre-1990 plantations can achieve an 80% emission reduction. This could lead to improved air quality and reduced health risks.

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.

'High Q' NIST nanowires may be practical oscillators

NIST nanowires have high Q factors, indicating stable vibrations, making them suitable as oscillators in nano-electromechanical systems. The wires' flat surfaces and material properties reduce noise and increase heat capacity.

Dementia screening in primary care: Is it time?

Primary care physicians should prioritize identifying dementia red flags over routine screenings for individuals without symptoms, according to a commentary published in JAMA. Dementia red flags include medication issues, multiple hospitalizations, and agitation, which can help identify high-risk patients who require diagnostic testing.

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.

Hospital superbugs now in nursing homes and the community

Scientists found that 61% of hospital samples tested positive for ESBL-producing bacteria, which can break down common antibiotics. The spread of these strains has significant economic and health consequences, including longer treatment times and increased costs.

Tobacco marketers targeting teens near schools

A Canadian study reveals tobacco marketers are targeting teens near high schools by marketing in retail shops, often located near schools with high smoking prevalence. The study found that these stores offered lower prices, more promotions, and fewer health warnings, creating an environment that promotes student smoking.

How to get a man to enjoy a chick flick

A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that men are more likely to enjoy melodramatic films if they know it's fictional. High-empathy individuals tend to dislike fact-based stories, while those with low empathy can appreciate fiction.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Generating hydrogen from biodiesel waste

A new method to convert low-value glycerol from biodiesel production into a hydrogen-rich gas offers a promising solution for the transportation sector. The process, developed by Dr. Valerie Dupont and her team at the University of Leeds, produces a high-value product in demand for fertilisers, food production, and chemical plants.

Treating your periodontal pockets may benefit your pocket book

A recent study found that patients with severe periodontal disease incur higher overall health care expenses compared to those with no periodontal disease. Treating periodontal diseases early on using simple non-surgical techniques can help restore a healthy mouth and potentially lower total health care costs.

New challenges for diagnosis of bacterial STIs

Cases of lymphogranuloma venereum have surged in the UK, primarily affecting men who have sex with men, with many also infected with HIV. Experts are urging caution on new diagnostic tests that require careful validation before widespread use.

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.

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.

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.