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Science News Archive November 2007 - Page 12


Page 12 of 19

Eating your greens could prove life-saving if a heart attack strikes

Researchers found that consuming vegetables rich in nitrite can reduce heart-muscle damage by 48% and provide protection from heart-attacks. Boosting nitrite levels in the diet could help prevent lasting heart damage or death, particularly for those at increased risk.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Zinc transporters regulate pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that ZIP4, a zinc transporter, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissue and promotes tumor growth. The study provides a potential diagnostic marker and candidate for cancer vaccine development.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Early academic skills, not behavior, best predict school success

A groundbreaking study finds that children's early math and reading skills are the strongest predictors of later academic success, regardless of social or emotional behaviors. The research analyzed data from six longitudinal studies and found no association between behavior and achievement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 12, 2007

Antivirals reduce deaths from flu in hospitalized patients

A study found that antiviral medications significantly reduced the risk of death from flu in hospitalized adults, even when given up to four days after symptom onset. The research supports the use of antivirals for treating hospitalized patients with influenza.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 12, 2007

A new view on sensing, movement, and behavioral control in animals

Scientists have quantified and compared the 3D volumes for sensation and movement in electric fish, finding a restricted sensory space due to energetic constraints. This overlap between sensory and movement volumes can provide insight into optimal control strategies for guiding behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 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.

Yellowstone viruses 'jump' between hot pools

Researchers found that Yellowstone viruses migrate from pool to pool through droplets of steam, thriving in acidic environments even when hosts are rare. This discovery sheds light on how these viruses survive and interact with microbes in hostile surroundings.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Genetic technology reveals how poisonous mushrooms cook up toxins

Researchers at Michigan State University used genetic technology to discover a unique pathway in death cap mushrooms that produces the deadly toxin alpha-amanitin. The discovery sheds light on the underlying biochemical machinery and may lead to the development of novel chemicals with therapeutic potential.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Emergency response

A new analysis highlights the need for federal and state support to enable local governments to work effectively with communities to prepare for and respond to all disasters. Local organizations often lack resources and training, making it essential for local government officials to take a proactive role in disaster preparedness.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateNov 12, 2007

Chimps dig up clues to human past?

A team of scientists reports that chimpanzees in Tanzania are using digging tools to gather underground foods, suggesting that this ability may have been present in early human ancestors. The study provides insights into the role of dietary shifts in hominid evolution and challenges current hypotheses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early teen sex may not be a path to delinquency, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that teens who have sex at an early age are less likely to exhibit delinquent behavior in early adulthood. The researchers analyzed data from 534 same-sex twin pairs and discovered a link between early sex and better relationships later on.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 12, 2007

Surgical errors rare but serious in ophthalmic procedures

A study found that surgical confusions in eye surgery are rare but can be serious, with the majority of cases involving incorrect lens implants. The Universal Protocol can prevent most confusions, suggesting a rate of 69 errors per 1 million eye operations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateNov 12, 2007

Clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert cellulose and other biodegradable organic materials into hydrogen using microbial fuel cells. This process produces 288% more energy in hydrogen than the electrical energy added to it, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Researchers identify how to switch off cancer cell genes

A new study led by USC researchers identifies distinct changes in DNA structures that silence cancer cell genes. The findings enable the exploration of new therapies to switch genes back on, potentially leading to novel treatments for human cancers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 12, 2007

Smac-ing lung cancer to death

Researchers developed a small molecule that turns the survival signal for cancer cells into a death signal, inducing apoptosis. The treatment may be less toxic to healthy cells than current cancer chemotherapy methods.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 12, 2007

An Alzheimer's vaccine?

A new research study from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation demonstrates that immunization could blunt or prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting the build-up of protein plaques. The vaccinated mice showed a significant reduction in plaque accumulation and improved cognitive performance compared to control mice.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 11, 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.

Factor key to severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant staph infections identified

Scientists at NIAID identified a key factor contributing to the severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant staph infections. Novel proteins in drug-resistant strains of S. aureus attract and destroy protective white blood cells, ensuring the bacterium survives and causes severe disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 11, 2007

The risk of major stroke within a week of a minor stoke is substantial

A systematic review found that the risk of major stroke within a week after a minor stroke is substantial at 5.2%. Studies with emergency treatment in specialist stroke units showed the lowest risks, while population-based studies without urgent treatment had the highest risks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateNov 11, 2007

Thinking makes it so: Science extends reach of prosthetic arms

Researchers have developed a new neural-machine interface that enables prosthetic arms to respond directly to the brain's signals, allowing for greater control and movement. This technology has the potential to provide an even greater number of arm and hand movements beyond the four already achieved.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateNov 11, 2007

Life-threatening gene defect located by UT-Houston researchers

UT-Houston researchers have identified a defective gene mutation in smooth muscle alpha-actin (ACTA2) that affects vascular smooth-muscle cells, leading to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. The study suggests that contraction of the smooth muscle cells in the aorta is crucial in maintaining its health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 11, 2007

Research suggests targeted treatment strategies for lupus

Researchers have identified histone deacetylase HDAC9 as a potential target for treating premature atherosclerosis in lupus patients. They also found that elevated microRNA-16 levels contribute to abnormal cell death in lupus patients, and reducing these levels may lead to targeted treatments.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 11, 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.

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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

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
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.

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
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.

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
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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