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Science News for October 16, 2007


Contrast agent trials in swine

Researchers developed a new near-infrared contrast agent that selectively marks hydroxyapatite crystals, allowing for the detection of malignant tissue. The swine trials demonstrated the effectiveness of real-time NIR fluorescence images in image-guided surgery.

SourceWiley·DateOct 16, 2007

A new baseline of invasive plants in Isabela

A new baseline of invasive plants has been established in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos, with 261 introduced species recorded, 39 growing wild. The study highlights the impact of invasive plants on native flora and fauna, with five species identified as potentially serious weeds that should be eradicated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2007

Patients may have sweet and effective way to prepare for upper GI endoscopy: an anesthetic lollipop

A study found that administering a lidocaine lollipop reduced the need for sedation in the majority of patients undergoing upper endoscopy, improving patient comfort and reducing potential side effects. The lollipop proved safe and well-tolerated, making it a promising alternative to conventional lidocaine sprays.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateOct 16, 2007

Obesity genetics

Researchers found two genetic SNPs influencing metabolic efficiency in Pima individuals, which helped them survive the Sonora desert's harsh environment. These findings suggest that similar SNPs may contribute to obesity globally.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications·DateOct 16, 2007

Small-scale fishing in Mexico rivals industrial fisheries in accidental turtle deaths

A small-scale Mexican fishery has been found to kill as many critically endangered loggerhead sea turtles as all of the industrial fishing fleets in the North Pacific Ocean. The research led by University of California, Santa Cruz Ph.D. candidate Hoyt Peckham resulted in a voluntary turnaround in the fleet's fishing practices and the d...

Bouncing bucky balls

Researchers have found that C60 molecules exhibit a wide range of molecular motions on surfaces, including spinning and bouncing. The motion is influenced by temperature and intercage rattling, which governs the friction-related properties of the bucky balls.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateOct 16, 2007

Study shows reducing class size may be more cost-effective than most medical interventions

A study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that reducing class sizes from 22-25 students to 13-17 students in kindergarten through grade 3 nationwide generates more quality-adjusted life-year gains per dollar invested than most medical interventions. This results in significant lifetime revenue ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 16, 2007

Getting light to bend backwards

Researchers have created a layered material that causes light to refract in the opposite direction, enabling flat lenses and potentially capturing images of DNA molecules. This technology, developed at NSF-funded research centers, holds promise for various applications such as chemical threat sensors and medical diagnostics.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 16, 2007