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Science News for November 9, 2007


Researchers successfully simulate photosynthesis and design a better leaf

University of Illinois researchers successfully simulated every step of the photosynthetic process using a computer model that mimics evolution. The new findings suggest that by rearranging the investment of nitrogen, they can almost double efficiency in plants. This could lead to increased crop yields and improved plant productivity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateNov 9, 2007

How global is the Global Biodiversity Information Facility?

A study found large gaps in GBIF's biodiversity data, with over 70% of Legume species lacking formal records or poor-quality location information. The research highlights the need for governments to invest in digitizing and publishing more biodiversity data from museums.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2007

Tailored for optical applications

Researchers at Simon Fraser University created a material with extremely high birefringence, surpassing that of calcite. This achievement is made possible by the design flexibility of coordination polymers, which can be tailored to exhibit specific optical properties.

SourceWiley·DateNov 9, 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.

High-energy particles from violent black holes travel to Earth

A team of scientists has identified astrophysical objects with charged particles reaching Earth at high energies. The Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina recorded the particles, which carry as much energy as a bullet or a tennis ball off Roger Federer's racket.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2007
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.

MIT's 'electronic nose' could detect hazards

Researchers at MIT have developed an electronic nose that can detect hazardous gases like carbon monoxide and explosives using a novel inkjet printing method. The sensor, which consists of thin layers of hollow spheres made of barium carbonate, has the potential to be mass-produced for widespread use.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 9, 2007

New technology illuminates protein interactions in living cells

A new technology developed at Yale allows researchers to detect and identify protein interactions within living cells without disrupting them. The method uses small molecule probes that bind to specific amino acid tags, enabling the visualization of protein conformations at high resolution.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 9, 2007

Distant black holes may be source of high-energy cosmic rays

Scientists have established a correlation between high-energy cosmic rays and distant active galactic nuclei (AGNs), suggesting massive black holes in the center of galaxies as a possible source. The Pierre Auger Observatory detected 28 cosmic rays with energies greater than 60 EeV, most of which originated from locations near known AGNs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Survey shows gender differences are factor when surgeons in training choose a subspecialty

A survey of surgeons in training found that women are more influenced by lifestyle considerations when choosing a subspecialty career. The study suggests that general surgery residency programs should address the perception of the lifestyle associated with subspecialty surgical careers to recruit more women.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 9, 2007

UK government has reneged on pledge for flexible working in NHS

The UK government has failed to deliver on its promise of more flexible working in the NHS, according to a recent article. The Medical Women's Federation argues that this lack of flexibility has led to increased stress and burnout among medical staff, particularly women who make up nearly 70% of medical students.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalPostgraduate Medical Journal·DateNov 9, 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.

New study questions disparities in vascular surgery among Hispanics

Hispanic patients receive fewer vascular surgeries than the general population and have worse outcomes, with higher rates of amputation and death following procedures. Socioeconomic factors, genetic variations, and delayed treatment may contribute to these disparities.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·DateNov 9, 2007

1 in 5 young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad

Research published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that nearly one in five young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad, often choosing partners from the UK or Europe to reduce HIV transmission risk. This behavior is associated with risky sexual practices and highlights a gap in healthcare messaging for travelers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateNov 9, 2007

Are there rearrangement hot spots in the human genome?

Researchers at University of California San Diego propose alternative fragile breakage model to explain genomic rearrangements. The study reveals the existence of rearrangement hotspots in mammalian genomes, supporting a major advance in the debate over this topic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 9, 2007

Existing drugs show promise for treating end-stage renal disease in lupus

Researchers found that valproic acid reduces B cell activity by targeting histone deacetylases, preventing skin and kidney disease in mice with lupus. Mithramycin also shows promise by targeting Sp1, a transcription factor controlling genes involved in kidney disease, resulting in decreased kidney inflammation and protein levels.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 9, 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.

HGS announces positive Phase 2 LymphoStat-B at ACR meeting

LymphoStat-B achieved a sustained improvement in disease activity across multiple clinical measures and decreased the frequency of disease flares over time. The study also showed that LymphoStat-B was well-tolerated through 2.5 years on treatment, with comparable incidence rates of adverse events to placebo.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateNov 9, 2007

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in women may save lives

A new study found that women over 65 with a history of smoking or heart disease are at high risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm, supporting the need for ultrasound screening. The study challenged current guidelines recommending AAA screenings only in men, citing a lack of evidence on cost-effectiveness.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·DateNov 9, 2007

Abnormal immune cells may cause unprovoked anaphylaxis

Researchers found mast cells with mutated cell surface receptor in patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis, suggesting a genetic trigger. The mutation may predispose people to idiopathic anaphylaxis and respond to inhibitors targeting the mutated cell surface receptor.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalBlood·DateNov 9, 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.

Physics provides new insights on cataract formation

A Swiss research team used soft condensed matter physics techniques to demonstrate the importance of a finely tuned balance between attractions and repulsions in maintaining lens transparency. The study found that even small changes in this balance can lead to protein aggregation, resulting in cataract formation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2007

AUA releases new guidelines on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

The American Urological Association has released new guidelines on managing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, focusing on treatment outcomes and complications. The guidelines highlight the importance of accurate clinical staging and the need for further research to improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Urological Association·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 9, 2007