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Science News for November 4, 2007


Epilepsy genes may cancel each other

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that inheriting two genetic mutations for epilepsy can actually reduce seizure frequency and severity. This discovery could lead to new gene-directed therapies for treating epilepsy.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 4, 2007

New York cardiologist receives national Research Achievement Award

Edmund H. Sonnenblick, a renowned NY cardiologist, received the national Research Achievement Award posthumously from the American Heart Association. His groundbreaking work helped redefine the human heart as a self-renewing organ, significantly advancing understanding of cardiac muscle structure and function.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 4, 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.

Aging heart changes shape, shrinks and loses pumping function too

Researchers found that each year as people age, the time it takes for their heart muscles to squeeze and relax grows longer. The actual amount of blood pumped out by the heart fell by 8 milliliters per year. This decline occurred despite an increase in another standard measure of heart function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateNov 4, 2007

WFU researchers discover new hemoglobin function

A team of researchers from Wake Forest University has discovered a previously undetected chemical process within the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin that converts nitrite salt to the vasodilator nitric oxide. This reaction mechanism could have far-reaching implications for treating cardiovascular diseases.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 4, 2007

Older adults not more distractible, research shows

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that older adults' ability to engage multisensory attention remains intact with age. Despite previous research suggesting otherwise, the study showed that older adults can speed up and slow down their brain's processing of relevant information, similar to younger adults.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 4, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

RACE: a statewide model of better, faster heart attack care

A North Carolina team of doctors and nurses has created a model to provide faster treatment for heart attack patients. The RACE project uses caregivers from 65 hospitals and emergency medical teams throughout the state to diagnose and treat heart attacks more quickly, with median times improving by 22%.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateNov 4, 2007

Antioxidants could provide all-purpose radiation protection

Researchers found that inositol and IP6 protected human skin cells from UVB radiation damage and increased the potency of radiation therapy against cancer cells. The antioxidants may also offer protection against accidents or incidents involving nuclear material, such as dirty bombs.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 4, 2007

Study shows energy drink 'cocktails' lead to increased injury risk

A study found that college students who consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks are twice as likely to be hurt, require medical attention, or ride with an intoxicated driver compared to those who don't. The researchers also discovered that these students are more likely to take advantage of others sexually.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 4, 2007

Atlanta physician recognized for 4 decades of mentoring

Darwin Labarthe, a renowned epidemiologist and educator, has been recognized by the American Heart Association for 40 years of mentoring young physicians and research fellows. He directed the training of over 885 participants during the annual seminar's 33-year existence.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 4, 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.

Statewide program helps improve quality of care for heart attack

A statewide program in North Carolina significantly improved the rate of coronary reperfusion for heart attack patients, reducing median door-in to door-out times by up to 49 minutes. While clinical outcomes remained unchanged, the study demonstrates that coordination of care can improve quality of care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 4, 2007

Study identifies novel gene alterations in lung cancer

A comprehensive analysis of the genomic changes underlying lung cancer has uncovered a critical gene alteration not previously linked to any form of cancer. The study revealed over 50 genomic regions frequently gained or lost in lung adenocarcinoma, with one region pinpointing an important gene that controls lung cell growth.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2007

Rare cancer-causing syndrome found, for the first time, in Singapore

A rare hereditary disorder, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, has been identified in an Asian female with early onset breast cancer. Genetic testing may help diagnose LFS in young women with a family history of the condition, which increases the risk of developing multiple primary tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 4, 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.

Manchester researchers identify gene behind rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a genetic variant on chromosome 6 associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery may influence the behavior of a nearby gene, tumour necrosis factor associated protein (TNFAIP3), which is involved in inflammatory processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 4, 2007

Smaller heart pump bridges time to transplant for more women

A small, implantable device supporting the heart works equally well for men and women, benefiting twice as many women awaiting transplants. The device helps patients with severe congestive heart failure, enabling them to leave hospitals and return to active life.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 4, 2007

Tumor genome analysis unveils new insights into lung cancer

The study provides a comprehensive view of the altered genetic background of lung adenocarcinoma, revealing new insights into its biology. The identification of the NKX2-1 gene highlights the importance of understanding the molecular properties of tumors to develop effective cancer diagnosis and therapy strategies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2007

Harvard researcher wins prize for identifying destructive heart changes

Marc Alan Pfeffer identified destructive structural changes in the diseased heart and led clinical trials showing ACE inhibitors can slow or reverse these changes. His work expanded knowledge of hypertension and heart attacks' impact on cardiac muscle tissue, paving the way for effective treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 4, 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.

Genome study charts genetic landscape of lung cancer

A comprehensive genome analysis of lung cancer cells has identified more than 50 frequent genetic changes, with less than half involving known cancer genes. The study also uncovered a critical gene alteration not previously linked to any form of cancer, shedding light on the disease's biological basis.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2007

Chicago scientist honored for trials documenting CVD burden

Dr. Paul K. Whelton has been awarded the American Heart Association's Population Research Prize for his pioneering work in documenting the burden of cardiovascular diseases. His research has provided vital data on hypertension and its impact on populations worldwide.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 4, 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.

Asymptomatic peripheral artery disease prevalence is rising

Researchers found that PAD prevalence increased from 3.7% to 4.6% among asymptomatic adults aged 40-70 between 1999-2004. The study suggests a link between rising obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking rates, emphasizing the importance of screening for PAD in asymptomatic patients.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 4, 2007