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Science News for October 8, 2007


Researchers help develop pest-resistant eggplant for South Asia

A genetically engineered eggplant has been developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a highly destructive pest causing up to 40% of crop losses in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The Bt eggplant is expected to reduce insecticide use by 30% while doubling yield, benefiting farmers and consumers in South Asia.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 8, 2007

Animal study identifies potential treatment for Huntington's disease

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a compound, C2-8, that may delay the loss of motor control and reduce neurological damage in a mouse model of Huntington's Disease. The study found that C2-8 slows the progress of HD and shows promise as a potential treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

Patients with pneumonia who received pneumococcal vaccine have lower rate of death, ICU admission

A study found that patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia who received the pneumococcal vaccine had a significantly lower risk of death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission compared to those who were not vaccinated. The vaccine was shown to reduce ICU admissions by less than 1%, resulting in potential cost savings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 8, 2007
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

'Healthy' restaurants help make us fat, says a new Cornell study

A recent Cornell University study suggests that eating at healthy restaurants like Subway can lead to consuming more calories than similar meals from fast-food chains like McDonald's. Consumers tend to overestimate the calorie counts of healthier options and order more side dishes, resulting in a higher overall caloric intake.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 8, 2007

Drug cocktail stops brain damage caused by HIV

A combination of antiretroviral drugs called HAART halted neurodegenerative process caused by HIV, with normal biomarker levels found in nearly half of patients after three months. The study also found significant correlations between high protein levels and dementia in AIDS patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 8, 2007

Complete Internet census taken -- perhaps the first since 1982

Researchers at USC Information Sciences Institute completed a comprehensive census of the Internet, sending over 3 billion pings to every assigned address. The resulting atlas shows the Internet's structure and dynamics, providing insights into its growth, security, and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 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.

Hip size of mothers linked to breast cancer in daughters

A recent study published by Oregon Health & Science University discovered a strong correlation between the size and shape of a woman's hips and her daughter's risk of breast cancer. Women with wider, rounder hips were found to be more than three times as likely to have daughters with breast cancer.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateOct 8, 2007

NIH grant supports UCSF research exploring early HIV infection

The NIH grant will support innovative research into HIV transmission and early infection, with a focus on understanding the interactions between HIV and the immune systems of newly infected patients. The study aims to provide new clues for developing a vaccine and improving therapeutic outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateOct 8, 2007

Study shows impact of protests on stock prices

A new study by Sarah Soule and Brayden King found that protests related to labor or consumer issues provoke a more negative reaction from investors. Protests with greater levels of media coverage also have a stronger impact on stock prices, even if the actual size of the protest is small.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateOct 8, 2007

How do cannabinoids make us feel that way?

Researchers discovered specific neuronal subpopulations mediate distinct effects of THC, leading to potential therapeutic use for neuronal disorders. The study provides rationale for developing drugs that selectively activate CB1 in specific neuronal subpopulations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 8, 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.

Limiting refined carbohydrates may stall AMD progression

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that limiting refined carbohydrates can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Participants who consumed more refined carbohydrates were 17% more likely to develop blinding AMD than those who consumed less.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 8, 2007

For honey bee queens, multiple mating makes a difference

Research finds that honey bee queens who mate with multiple drones are more attractive to worker bees, leading to longer reigns. Pheromone composition changes after mating, with more multiply inseminated queens exhibiting stronger retinue response.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2007

Study to consider social risk in guiding prevention of heart disease

Researchers aim to modify traditional risk tools to include socioeconomic factors and calculate the impact on prediction. The study, which will use a database of over 30,000 adult patient cases, hopes to identify those with lower economic positions who may be more appropriately treated using an updated risk model.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateOct 8, 2007

CU researchers shed light on light-emitting nanodevice

A Cornell team unraveled the fundamental physics of ruthenium tris-bipyridine, a molecular semiconductor with potential for flexible light-emitting devices. The discovery reveals that an electric field is concentrated at interfaces, not in bulk materials.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 8, 2007

Friends help friends avoid drug use

A USC study found that social network-tailored prevention curricula can significantly reduce substance use among teenagers, with a 15% decrease in high-risk teens. The program's success depends on how peer influence is channeled, with positive influences boosting participation and negative influences hindering it.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAddiction·DateOct 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.

Smoking has no effect on progression of multiple sclerosis

A recent study published in Neurology has dispelled a common myth about smoking and multiple sclerosis (MS). Contrary to previous reports, the research reveals that cigarette smoking has no effect on the progression of MS, contradicting earlier studies suggesting a link between the two.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 8, 2007

Body-mind meditation boosts performance, reduces stress

A study in China found that body-mind meditation improved attention and reduced stress in college students. The integrative body-mind training (IBMT) approach showed greater benefits than relaxation training in reducing cortisol release, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

Study links chemical to inhibited milk synthesis, secretion in humans

Researchers identified serotonin as the chemical responsible for inhibiting milk production and secretion in human mammary glands. The finding could aid development of therapeutics to increase milk production, aiding efforts to alleviate milk shortages worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Perindopril for improving physical function in elderly people

A 20-week randomized trial found that perindopril improved exercise capacity and maintained health-related quality of life in elderly participants. The degree of improvement was equivalent to that reported after 6 months of exercise training.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 8, 2007

Banked blood loses ability to deliver oxygen to tissues

Millions of patients receive transfusions with impaired blood, which can lead to heart attacks and death. Researchers found that adding nitric oxide back to stored blood restores its ability to deliver oxygen.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

Taming tiny, unruly waves for nano optics

Georgia Tech researchers develop method to predict evanescent wave behavior in nanoscale radiation heat transfer, enabling design of new nanodevices and technologies. The discovery opens path for various applications, including solar thermal energy technologies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 8, 2007

Plant viruses from past provide ecological clues

Historical viral RNA sequences found in native and invasive grasses provide insights into the complex picture of species interactions and implications for modern agriculture. The study suggests that ancient viruses may have contributed to the takeover of California's native grasslands by invasive annual plants.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateOct 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.

'Green' leather is in this season

Researchers have modified the tanning process to make it more environmentally friendly, reducing chemical usage by 82% and energy consumption by nearly 40%. The new method does not compromise on leather quality, making it a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateOct 8, 2007

CSHL researchers discover three new genes that cause lung cancer

Researchers at CSHL have identified three genes causing 20% of lung cancers that interact to reactivate fetal gene expression patterns leading to tumor growth. Reversing these genes may lead to new treatment options for patients.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

A lifestyle intervention for preventing cardiovascular disease

A standardized intervention incorporating risk assessment and telephone counselling improved cardiovascular risk factors among those at risk for coronary disease, but not among those with established coronary disease. The study found a positive impact on reducing cardiovascular risk factors in high-risk individuals.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 8, 2007

Which came first, the chicken genome or the egg genome?

Researchers identify ancestral origin of long DNA duplications in human genome, shedding light on evolution of disease-causing genetic mutations. The study reveals elevated rates of duplication activity at different times and highlights a small subset of core duplicons responsible for recent genetic innovations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 8, 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.

Folic acid lowers blood arsenic levels, according to Mailman School of Public Health study

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels by up to 14 percent. Folate deficiency is common in Bangladesh, where the study was conducted, and supplementation enhanced detoxification of arsenic.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 8, 2007

Nationwide independent Taser study results suggest devices are safe

A nationwide independent Taser study found that the devices cause a low occurrence of serious injuries, with 99.7% of subjects experiencing mild injuries or none at all. The study, funded by the National Institute of Justice, included six law enforcement agencies and reviewed nearly 1,000 cases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 8, 2007

Diet with a little meat uses less land than many vegetarian diets

A low-fat vegetarian diet is efficient in terms of land use, but adding some dairy products and limited meat may increase efficiency. The study found that a high-fat diet with a lot of meat requires more land (2.11 acres) than some higher fat vegetarian diets.

SourceCornell University·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateOct 8, 2007

Gene may hold key to future cancer hope

Scientists have identified a key gene called Bub 1 that plays a critical role in normal cell division, and deactivating it has been shown to prevent cells from dividing successfully. The team hopes that targeting this gene may selectively kill cancer cells and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 8, 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.

Computing change: Researcher traces history of the personal computer

Thomas Haigh, a historian of computer technology, is tracing the history of personal computers and their impact on society. He found that despite the initial hype around computers in the 1950s, businesses and employees continued to face similar challenges, such as figuring out how to use new gadgets and processes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalEnterprise & Society·DateOct 8, 2007

KGI professor contributes new insights on 'jumping genes'

A KGI professor's research reveals a mechanism for the self-repair of DNA at jumping gene locations, challenging instability theories. The study provides insights into the evolution of moveable genetic elements and their implications for plant genetics and molecular evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2007

Researchers find evidence of warming climate in Ohio

Researchers at Ohio State University found that summer nighttime low temperatures in Ohio have risen by about 1.7 degrees Celsius (about 3 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 1960s, mainly due to increased humidity and cloud cover. This warming trend is expected to affect the state's climate, with a typical summer night being 20 degrees Fahr...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateOct 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.

Predictors of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing among primary care physicians

A retrospective cohort study found that international medical graduates, physicians with high practice volumes, and those who were in practice longer were more likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately. This inappropriate prescribing is associated with increased risk of antibiotic resistance, adverse events, and healthcare costs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 8, 2007

Whites take supplemental breast cancer therapy more often than blacks

A new study found that white women are almost five times more likely to take tamoxifen and three times more likely to have adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. Women with government health insurance were less likely to receive combination breast conserving surgery and radiation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateOct 8, 2007

Researchers create system to build transplant tissue

Cornell engineers develop gel scaffold that can nourish growing tissues, supplying oxygen and nutrients. The system mimics a vascular system at the cellular scale, allowing for fine-tuning of biochemical environments and desired tissue outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 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.

An AIDS-related virus reveals more ways to cause cancer, Penn researchers find

Penn researchers have found a new way Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) causes cancer by interfering with the degradation of a crucial signaling molecule called Notch. This finding sheds light on how KSHV subverts normal cell growth, potentially leading to new treatments for viral-associated cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

One shot of gene therapy spreads through brain in animal study

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully delivered beneficial gene to entire mouse brain with one injection, correcting diseased areas. The technique has potential for treating rare genetic neurological disorders like Tay-Sachs disease and Sly syndrome.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateOct 8, 2007

Appendix isn't useless at all: It's a safe house for bacteria

Research suggests the appendix serves as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria, protecting them from harm and allowing them to repopulate the gut after diarrhea. This discovery challenges the long-held view of the appendix's uselessness.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateOct 8, 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.

Study shows genetically engineered corn could affect aquatic ecosystems

A recent study suggests genetically engineered corn could have unintended consequences on aquatic ecosystems. Researchers found toxins from Bt corn were washing into streams near cornfields, causing increased mortality and reduced growth in caddisflies.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

FUSE reaches the end; astronomers say farewell

After eight years of operations, NASA's FUSE space telescope will be shut down on October 18, leaving behind a legacy of over 1,200 published papers and groundbreaking science discoveries, including insights into molecular hydrogen in Mars' atmosphere and a first-ever observation of molecular nitrogen outside our solar system.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateOct 8, 2007

Depression can foreshadow intellectual decline in older people

Researchers found that depression in older people increases the risk of subsequent mental impairment and can act as a predictor of future intellectual decline. The study, which analyzed over 700 patients, showed that depression raises the risk of executive function loss, a key indicator of cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 8, 2007
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Medicare modernization act did not change chemotherapy as feared

A new study found that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy did not notice restrictions in their treatment access following the enactment of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act. Despite significant reductions in government reimbursement to oncologists, patients perceived no barriers to their care.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCancer·DateOct 8, 2007