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Science News for November 8, 2007


Micro microwave does pinpoint cooking for miniaturized labs

Researchers at NIST and George Mason University have created a tiny microwave oven that can heat a pinhead-sized drop of liquid with precision. The micro microwave is designed for lab-on-a-chip devices, which perform rapid chemical analyses on tiny samples.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateNov 8, 2007

Ozone intrusions -- humankind's fault?

Ozone intrusions are associated with sudden changes in tropopause altitude, damaging forests and crops. The study uses windprofilers to monitor ozone movements, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the role of human activities in atmospheric pollution.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2007

Could vitamin D, a key milk nutrient, affect how you age?

A recent genetic study found that higher vitamin D levels are linked to improved genetic measures of lifelong aging and chronic stress. Vitamin D may also play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 8, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Paying peanuts for clean water

Researchers have found that peanut husks can extract up to 95% of copper ions from waste water, while pine sawdust achieves only 44% extraction. The process works best at slightly acidic conditions, making it a promising solution for reducing toxic copper levels in natural resources

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateNov 8, 2007

Researchers uncover clues to horse herpes and neurologic disorders

A single amino acid variation in equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) creates a different type of EHV-1 that causes neurological disorders in horses. The researchers found that altering this amino acid reduces virus levels and makes the virus more susceptible to antiviral drugs.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 8, 2007

Cosmic ray mystery solved?

A study by scientists has found that the most energetic particles in the universe – ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays – are correlated with the centers of active galaxies hosting violent black holes. The sources are thought to be within 326 million light years, our local neighborhood in cosmic terms.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2007

The structural basis of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is revealed

A recent study by Dr. Dorit Hanein at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research provides new insights into Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (FHC), a deadly genetic disorder affecting young people and athletes. The research reveals that a specific point mutation in myosin heavy chain causes myocardial disarray, leading to changes i...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 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.

Whitefly secrets to success: how to become one of the world's top invasive species

A Chinese-Australian research team studied the whitefly Bemisia tabaci's invasive behavior, discovering that it breeds more when interacting with native populations and suppresses their reproduction rates. This asymmetrical mating interaction drives the widespread invasion and displacement of native species.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2007

Atrogin breaks down the side effects of statins

Researchers identified atrogin-1 as a key factor in statin-induced muscle damage, which can be prevented by inhibiting its function. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for high cholesterol patients experiencing unwanted side effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2007

UBC researchers discover 'instruction manual' that tells cancers how to hide from immune system

Researchers at UBC discover a process called chromatin remodeling that allows certain cancer cells to hide from the immune system by altering the structure of chromosomes. This 'instruction manual' enables cancer cells to evade detection and grow unchecked, but the discovery may lead to new therapies within five to 10 years.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateNov 8, 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.

Emotional eaters susceptible to weight regain

A new study found that dieters who eat in response to emotions, rather than social situations, tend to lose less weight and experience more weight regain. Emotional eating was associated with lower weight loss and higher likelihood of regaining weight in successful losers.

SourceLifespan·JournalObesity·DateNov 8, 2007

Michigan Tech helps solve mystery of cosmic rays

Scientists from 17 countries identify Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) as the most likely source of the highest-energy cosmic rays using data-gathering equipment designed at Michigan Tech. The findings, reported in Science journal, bring researchers closer to understanding the origin of ultra-high energy particles.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2007

Imaging neural progenitor cells in the living human brain

Scientists have discovered a method to track neural progenitor cells in the adult human brain, opening new avenues for diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. The breakthrough uses magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to detect proteins produced by these cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2007

Study finds strong demand for HIV meds after high-risk sex

A new UCLA study reveals that people seeking antiretroviral medications after high-risk sexual encounters are likely to complete the full treatment regimen. The research also shows a strong demand for publicly available post-exposure prophylaxis among high-risk populations in Los Angeles County.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAIDS Care·DateNov 8, 2007
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A dynamical systems hypothesis of schizophrenia

Researchers developed a top-down analytical approach to understand schizophrenia's symptom inconsistencies, linking them to instability in attractor neural networks. The study suggests that decreased excitatory NMDA-mediated synaptically activated receptor conductances contribute to attention difficulties and reduced emotions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 8, 2007

A genetic identity card for Plasmodium populations to improve control strategies

Researchers have developed a genetic identity card for Plasmodium falciparum populations, revealing high genetic diversity and inbreeding rates. The study's findings can help predict changes in genes involved in drug resistance, enabling targeted therapies to minimize resistance development.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2007

Which is the most talkative gender? It all depends

A meta-analysis of decades of scientific study reveals a small but statistically reliable tendency for men to be more talkative than women overall, especially in conversations with strangers. Women tend to dominate conversations with children and close friends, while using speech to build connections with listeners.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateNov 8, 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.

The genetic basis of inbreeding avoidance in house mice

A new study reveals that wild house mice rely on specialized protein signals in their urine to recognize and avoid close relatives. The researchers found that these proteins serve as a genetic barcode, allowing animals to identify and reject potential mates based on their unique scent profiles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2007

International team compares 12 fruit fly genomes

Researchers compared 12 closely related fruit fly species to better understand genetic adaptation, immune systems and gene regulation. The study, led by Cornell University, found evidence of evolutionary pressures on genes and regulatory elements that control diseases, development and behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

Mysterious cosmic rays linked to galactic powerhouses

Researchers have found a significant correlation between high-energy cosmic rays and the cores of nearby galaxies, which emit prodigious quantities of energy. The Auger collaboration has traced the source of these cosmic rays to Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), likely powered by supermassive black holes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2007

Researchers identify molecules with interesting anti-clotting properties

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have discovered a new mechanism to inhibit key enzymes involved in clotting disorders. The newly designed molecules, known as sulfated DHPs, show promise in preventing thrombin and factor Xa's critical action.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 8, 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.

A molecular switch is linked to a common breast cancer

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) may account for 50% of breast cancers in developing countries and 30% among socially disadvantaged women. A new study identifies a molecular switch essential for LABC development, which could be targeted for new therapies.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 8, 2007

Yellowstone rising

Scientists at the University of Utah report that Yellowstone's caldera floor has risen by almost 3 inches per year for three years, with a total uplift of 7 inches during the past 30 months. This rate is more than three times faster than previous observations and may be due to an injection of a Los Angeles-sized blob of molten rock.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2007

Adult brain cells are movers and shakers

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals a subset of adult brain cells that can exhibit dynamic behavior, including elongation and morphing, unlike traditional adult axons. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding neural recovery following stroke or other brain trauma.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateNov 8, 2007

The world's smallest double slit experiment

Researchers performed the world's smallest double slit experiment using a hydrogen molecule, demonstrating classical behavior at the quantum level. The results show that quantum particles start behaving in a classical way on a scale as small as a single hydrogen molecule.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2007

Researchers' discovery may lead to hypertension treatment

Researchers at Cornell University have identified a hormone in human urine that can safely reduce sodium levels and treat hypertension. The discovery was made possible by a new technique developed by Frank Schroeder, which allows for the analysis of complex mixtures of small molecules.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 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.

JCI table of contents: Nov. 8, 2007

Research reveals that statins cause skeletal muscle damage through the activity of the gene atrogin-1. Inhibiting this gene's function could help protect against the side effect. Separate studies also link low levels of protein SHGB to metabolic syndrome and show how excess sugar contributes to its development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2007
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.

Measurements link magma melting rate to tectonic plate subduction rate

Geologists at the University of Illinois report a direct relationship between magma production and tectonic plate convergence rates in a Caribbean submarine volcano. Analyzing rock samples from Kick'em Jenny, they found a higher protactinium-to-uranium ratio indicative of slower melting rates due to slow subduction rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeology·DateNov 8, 2007

New insight into the link between genetics and obesity

Researchers have discovered that the FTO gene influences weight gain by modifying DNA, suggesting a role in controlling hunger and satiety. The study found that the FTO variant is common and associated with increased risk of obesity and diabetes, paving the way for potential therapeutic manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateNov 8, 2007

Sex, sugar and metabolic disease

A study reveals that excess sugar consumption decreases SHGB production in the liver, a protein regulating sex steroid entry into tissues. This reduction is associated with increased fat palmitate levels and inhibited by inhibiting palmitate generation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2007

Smile, protons, you're on camera

A team of scientists, led by Marek Pfutzner, has successfully peered closely at the radioactive decay of a rare iron isotope, shedding light on an exotic form of radioactivity. The technique used a novel combination of advanced physics equipment and digital camera technology to capture ghostly images of trajectories of emitted protons.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2007
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers discover natural herbicide released by grass

Cornell researchers identified a natural amino acid called meta-tyrosine in fescue lawn grass that inhibits weed growth and suppresses plant development. The discovery may lead to the development of new varieties of fescue grasses with improved weed-suppressing properties.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2007

Transient increase in cervical cancer risk in oral contraceptive users

Current oral contraceptive users have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, but this risk returns to normal after 10 years of not using the contraceptives. The study also found that women who test positive for high-risk human papillomavirus are more likely to develop in-situ or invasive cervical cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2007

New HIV vaccine target could solve mutation problem

Researchers have identified a potential new way of fighting against HIV infection by targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERV). A vaccine containing HERV antigens could stimulate T-cells that target cells expressing HERV, potentially protecting people from becoming infected or limiting damage caused by HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 8, 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.

What do teens remember on Remembrance Day?

A study involving grade 12 students found that most teens associate Remembrance Day with World War I and II, but don't consider its relevance to contemporary events. However, the majority believe the day plays a significant role in shaping national identity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateNov 8, 2007

A new mathematical formula for cancer progression

Researchers at Harvard and Johns Hopkins Universities developed a new paradigm in calculating tumor development, finding that it's driven by mutations in hundreds of genes. The study suggests that individual tumors can be driven by up to 20 mutated genes, leading to better understanding and potential new treatments for cancer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 8, 2007

Multifaceted approach helps mothers with postnatal depression in low-income settings

Researchers found that a multifaceted approach including psychoeducational groups and treatment adherence support led to significant clinical improvements in low-income mothers with postnatal depression. The study suggests that this intervention could be effectively implemented in developing countries, reducing the adverse effects of p...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2007

Mitochondria send death signal to cardiac cells, study shows

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that the mitochondria send a death signal to cardiac cells when blood flow is restored, leading to cell damage and weakening heart function. The study identifies a specific enzyme, mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase, as a potential therapeutic target to stop this process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateNov 8, 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.