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Science News for November 30, 2007


Ibuprofen associated with slower lung function decline in children with cystic fibrosis

A new study found that treatment with ibuprofen is associated with a significantly slower rate of decline in lung function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The study showed a 29 percent reduction in loss of lung function compared to those who did not use the anti-inflammatory drug.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007

Between water and rock -- a new science

Scientists are discovering that aquatic nanoparticles influence natural and engineered water chemistry differently than similar materials of a larger size. The review considers nanoparticles formed by natural processes in water and as unintended consequences of human activity, such as mining or water treatment.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateNov 30, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Aging improves parent, child relationships, research shows

Research by Purdue University associate professor Karen Fingerman found that a majority of parents and children reported positive changes in their relationship as parents transitioned to old age. Despite declining health, many parents felt appreciated and nurtured, while children expressed gratitude for increased help from their parents.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateNov 30, 2007

Helium isotopes point to the best sources of geothermal energy

Research by Arizona State University scientists reveals that helium-3/helium-4 ratios can be used to identify areas with high geothermal resource potential. Analyzing samples from over 60 hot springs and shallow wells in the Basin and Range province, they discovered a correlation between helium ratios and deformation rates.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 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.

NASA'S Glast satellite arrives at Naval Research Lab for testing

The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) spacecraft has successfully completed two environmental tests and is now undergoing thermal and vacuum testing at the Naval Research Laboratory. The satellite will study extreme universe phenomena, including black holes and gamma-ray bursts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 30, 2007

Further development of Water Framework Directive necessary

Experts warn that the European Water Framework Directive lacks a comprehensive approach to monitoring and addressing chemical pollution in rivers. The current priority list of substances is deemed inadequate, and researchers advocate for prioritizing effects rather than just chemicals.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateNov 30, 2007

Dark energy -- 10 years on

Three quarters of the universe is dark energy, a mysterious substance that repels gravity. New space missions and improved observation methods will help uncover its secrets.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateNov 30, 2007

World AIDS Day: HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment

Research published in PLoS Medicine highlights the high risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in developing countries. Targeting HIV prevention programs to reach these men is crucial to curb transmission and reduce global burden.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 30, 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.

More on HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment

A recent study reveals that CMV retinitis is causing blindness in young people with HIV in the developing world, often leading to fatal outcomes. Successful management of the disease requires decentralizing diagnostic capacity and making valganciclovir medication affordable.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007

New system for classifying infant lung disease developed

A new system has been developed to classify rare lung diseases in infants, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The system groups various lung diseases into distinct categories, allowing pathologists to diagnose children's lung disease more accurately.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007

String of fullerene pearls

Researchers have produced molecular chimeras by binding fullerene receptors to a fullerene molecule, forming short chains of linked nanopearls. These aggregates exhibit special binding interactions between electrons, making them promising for efficient optoelectronic components.

SourceWiley·DateNov 30, 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.

Using fMRI to study brain development

Researchers at MIT used fMRI to monitor brain development in rats, correcting for changes that occur during early life. The study found a key player in the changing relationship between neural activity and blood response: carbonic anhydrase.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 30, 2007

Levels of prion protein in brain may not be reliable marker for disease

Researchers found that abnormally folded prion protein in brain tissue does not reliably predict disease infectivity; some highly infectious samples had nearly undetectable levels of abnormal PrP. This suggests alternative mechanisms or specific conformation of abnormal PrP may be responsible for prion diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 30, 2007

Purdue researchers obtain a snapshot clarifying how materials enter cells

A Purdue University research team captured an image of the protein gate complex that allows materials to enter cells, providing insights into disease mechanisms. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis by inhibiting or activating this mechanism.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2007

Duke scientists map imprinted genes in human genome

Researchers have discovered 156 new likely imprinted genes in the human genome, including those linked to cancer, diabetes, and autism. The findings offer clues to better disease prevention and management.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 30, 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.

Researchers develop powerful tool to study the genetics of inflammation

Researchers have developed a powerful tool to systematically map out pathways and subpathways contributing to inflammation. This study has led to the creation of customized panels for analyzing genetic variations in inflammation pathways for European and African descent populations.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 30, 2007

Out-of-hours doctors reluctant to do home visits, say patients

Patients report feeling uncertain about out-of-hours primary care services, with concerns over appropriateness and responsiveness. Staffing issues and slow handling times are also cited as key problems, highlighting the need for better patient experience monitoring.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGlobal Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare·DateNov 30, 2007

Mountain summits in the Alps becoming increasingly similar

Researchers from the University of Bayreuth and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that Alpine summit vegetation is becoming increasingly homogenized due to climate change. This has led to an increase in species diversity within individual areas, but a decline in regional biodiversity across ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Vegetation Science·DateNov 30, 2007

Women with AIDS face cervical cancer threat

A study by Dr. Groesbeck Parham found that 90% of HIV-infected women presenting for antiretroviral therapy harbor cervical cell abnormalities, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Access to screening and treatment is crucial to prevent this life-threatening condition in women living with AIDS.

SourceCIDRZ Foundation·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateNov 30, 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.

Alcohol may amplify chronic rejection in lung transplants

A recent study found that chronic alcohol consumption by lung donors promotes scarring and airway injury after transplantation. The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, raises questions about human lung donors with a history of alcohol abuse.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007

Liang receives NIH grant for biofilm research

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing functional polymers modified surfaces that can prevent bacterial adhesion and sensitize formed biofilms for antibiotic treatment. This project aims to combat the fourth leading cause of death in the US, hospital-acquired infections and diseases.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateNov 30, 2007

Nano-sized voltmeter measures electric fields deep within cells

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan has developed a nano-scale voltmeter that can measure electric fields deep within cells. The device, which is 1,000-fold smaller than existing voltmeters, reveals surprisingly high electric field strengths in cytosol, challenging conventional wisdom about cellular processes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 30, 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.

1 in 10 patients comes to harm while in hospital

A retrospective case note review of 1000 patients found that 8.7% experienced at least one adverse event, with many preventable, and led to extended hospital stays or permanent disability

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGlobal Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare·DateNov 30, 2007