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Science News Archive September 2007


Page 1 of 18

Venous origin of the mammalian lymphatic vasculature

The adult mammalian lymphatic vasculature is derived from embryonic lymph sacs and has been shown to originate from venous endothelial cells using genetically modified mice. Understanding this origin is crucial for preventing, diagnosing, and curing lymphatic disorders.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 30, 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.

Ozone shuts down early immune response in lungs and body

Studies in mice reveal that ozone exposure enhances lung injury in response to bacterial toxins and boosts programmed cell death in innate immune system cells. This can lead to an overactive immune response, killing key immune cells and potentially making the lung more vulnerable to subsequent invaders.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateSep 30, 2007

New research suggests hearts are experts at self-preservation

Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a heart protection mechanism in mice that may be exploited to improve treatments for patients with coronary disease. The study found that hearts with coronary disease became more resistant to damage after mock surgery, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateSep 30, 2007

Protestant countries have higher employment rate, study shows

Countries with a majority Protestant population have significantly higher employment rates compared to those dominated by other religions. Female employment rates also exhibit a notable disparity, with Protestant countries boasting approximately an 11 percentage point advantage.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAmerican Journal of Economics and Sociology·DateSep 30, 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.

Surprise in the organic orchard -- a healthier worm in the apple

A new study has discovered that a single gene in the codling moth can make it 100,000 times less susceptible to a granulovirus, used as an environmentally friendly means of biological crop protection. The virus resistance is inherited on the Z chromosome and can spread quickly through populations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2007

Females explain influence of past on future differently than males

Young girls and women are more likely to believe that negative past events predict future events, leading to increased worries, risk perception, and anxiety compared to boys and men. This knowledge develops during the preschool years and is essential for processing past trauma and making decisions.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 28, 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.

Recovery from acid rain 'much slower than expected'

New research from Cardiff University reveals that acid rain recovery is much slower than anticipated, with many UK streams still highly acidified. Biological recovery has been particularly poor, harming fish and other aquatic life.

SourceCardiff University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 28, 2007

Treating obstructive sleep apnea, preventing heart attacks and strokes

Researchers found that treating OSA patients with CPAP significantly decreases atherosclerosis markers in just months. This study links OSA directly to artery hardening, providing new evidence for the causal connection between OSA and cardiovascular events.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 28, 2007

Acute lung injury patients one-third less likely to die in 'closed' model ICUs

Patients with acute lung injury treated at ICUs requiring board-certified critical care physicians have a one-third lower mortality rate compared to those at open ICUs. This study, which analyzed data from nearly 1,100 patients, suggests that intensivist staffing improves patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 28, 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.

'Deviancy training' among friends may lead to more trouble

A University of Oregon study found that close friendships involving deviant topics can predict future problem behavior. The research suggests that peers play a significant role in shaping outcomes, and that bonding over deviant values can exacerbate antisocial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalChild Development·DateSep 28, 2007

New Swedish research hope for millions of sufferers

A new study published in Science journal reveals the genetic makeup and biology of Giardia lamblia, a parasite causing diarrhea that affects millions. The research may lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for giardiasis.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2007

Genomic profiling of lung tumors helps doctors choose most effective treatment

A new study led by Duke University researchers found distinct differences in tumor susceptibility to chemotherapy drugs based on gene expression profiling. This allows clinicians to predict which patients are most likely to respond to standard therapy and offers alternative options for those not responding.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 28, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breaking the barrier toward nanometer X-ray resolution

Brookhaven researchers developed a compound kinoform lens to surpass the critical angle limit, enabling efficient focusing of x-rays down to extremely small spots. This breakthrough advances nanoscience, energy, biology, and materials research with potential applications in alternative-energy technologies and new drug development.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 28, 2007

Can racial health disparities be effectively reduced?

A systematic review of 200+ interventions aims to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and breast cancer. The study identifies promising strategies for promoting equitable health outcomes among communities of color.

SourceSAGE·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateSep 28, 2007

Painful condition affecting kidney failure patients increases risk of death

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found a strong association between exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast agents and the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in kidney failure patients. The study also showed that individuals with NSF had a significantly increased risk of dying within two years.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 28, 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.

'Dead time' limits quantum cryptography speeds

The maximum transmission rate of quantum-encrypted messages is limited by detector dead times, which can compromise security. Researchers aim to reduce these times to increase speeds and enhance wireless cryptography.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateSep 28, 2007

NIST announces 56 new awards for innovative technology research and development

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $138.7 million in funding to 56 innovative technology projects, including medical diagnostic techniques and alternative energy sources. The projects were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed process and represent a total potential investment of up to $342.7 ...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateSep 28, 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.

Mysterious energy burst stuns astronomers

Astronomers have detected a huge burst of radio energy from the distant universe, suggesting a new area of study in astrophysics. The burst was so bright that it saturated equipment and could be equivalent to a large power station running for two billion years.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2007

Meditation therapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients

A study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy significantly improves psychological symptoms and well-being in RA patients, but has no impact on disease activity. After 6 months, the MBSR group achieved a 35% reduction in psychological distress.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateSep 28, 2007

The impact of physical activity on weight-bearing knee joint

Regular physical activity is linked to increased tibial cartilage volume and reduced cartilage defects in healthy adults. Moderate exercise also shows promise in lowering the incidence of bone marrow lesions, a potential indicator of knee OA progression.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateSep 28, 2007

Measurements from the edge: magnetic properties of thin films

Scientists have developed a spectroscopic technique to measure magnetic properties of thin film edges, which become dominant at the nanoscale. The method allows for prediction of behavior in similar structures, impacting nanoscale electronics design.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateSep 28, 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.

'Bad carbs' not the enemy, University of Virginia professor finds

Professor Glenn Gaesser analyzes peer-reviewed research, debunking the notion that high-carb diets lead to weight gain. He finds that people consuming high-carb diets tend to be slimmer and healthier than those on low-carb diets. Gaesser attributes this to a higher quality of diet, including more fiber-rich foods.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateSep 28, 2007

U of Minnesota study finds that US high school dropout rate higher than thought

A recent US study found that the actual high school dropout rate is significantly higher than previously reported, with approximately one-quarter of students failing to graduate. The discrepancy arises from differing data sources, including the CPS and CCD surveys, which yield conflicting results on dropout rates and completion rates.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEducational Researcher·DateSep 28, 2007

When children are upset, mothers and fathers make a difference

Children benefit when mothers and fathers react differently to their child's negative emotions, with one comforting and problem-solving while the other provides space. This helps gain experience in understanding and controlling emotions, developing complex thinking about emotions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChild Development·DateSep 28, 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.

Aggression in adolescents is influenced by siblings

Researchers found that children with older brothers become more aggressive over time, while those with older sisters who are very aggressive also show increased aggression. The study suggests that both siblings and parents play a role in the development of aggression in adolescents.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 28, 2007

Of mice and men: new male contraceptives successful in rodents and humans

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in developing new male contraceptives, including a hormone-based regimen that worked in 90% of men, a vasectomy alternative with high success rates, and a vitamin A-blocking drug that showed no health effects. These advancements offer hope for men seeking reliable birth control options.

SourceMale Contraception Information Project·DateSep 28, 2007

New discovery may improve treatment of one of the world's leading causes of blindness

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a potential new therapy for uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition causing 5-15% of all cases of total blindness in the US. The treatment uses an aldose reductase inhibitor to reduce inflammation and is currently being tested in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateSep 28, 2007
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Center gets national funding for child trauma research

The University of Kentucky Center for the Study of Violence Against Children has been awarded a four-year, $1.6 million grant to develop and disseminate evidence-based practices for treating traumatic stress in children exposed to violence. The project will establish a clinical training institute and train regional partners to deliver ...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateSep 28, 2007

Cockroaches are morons in the morning, geniuses in the evening

Researchers discovered that cockroaches learn better at night and retain memories for several days, while morning training leads to complete memory loss. This study provides new insights into the interaction between circadian clocks and learning in insects.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2007

R rating might be unlikely to affect teens exposure to smoking in movies

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that 94% of 14-15 year olds watched R-rated movies and 38.5% watched weekly, suggesting the R rating may not prevent teen smoking. The study suggests glamorization of smoking in movies can be a significant risk factor for youth smoking.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateSep 27, 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.

New night vision system reduces car accidents

A new electronic system created by researchers from the University of Granada improves driving ability at night using information extracted from night visors. The system makes intelligent cars more sophisticated by informing drivers about obstacles on the road.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalIEEE Transactions on Image Processing·DateSep 27, 2007

Carbon dioxide did not end the last Ice Age

A new study suggests that deep-sea temperatures warmed about 1,300 years before the tropical surface ocean and well before the rise in atmospheric CO2. The finding indicates that rising greenhouse gas was likely a result of warming and may have accelerated the meltdown, but was not its main cause.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2007

Wasp genetics study suggests altruism evolved from maternal behavior

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered a genetic link between maternal and altruistic behaviors in wasps, finding similarities with honey bee workers. The study suggests that eusociality may have evolved from maternal behavior in paper wasps, challenging Darwinian predictions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 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.

DNA damage response confers a barrier for viral tumorigenesis

Activation of DNA damage response in early stages of Kaposi's sarcoma development functions as an anti-cancer barrier also in virus-induced malignancies. The study found that viral oncogene-induced DNA damage response is activated in Kaposi's sarcoma tumorigenesis, leading to growth arrest or apoptosis.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 27, 2007

The beat goes on with AKAP18

A study published in EMBO reports reveals that AKAP18, a crucial regulator of protein kinase A, may help the heart beat faster in response to adrenaline or noradrenaline. This could lead to improved survival rates for patients with heart failure and heritable heart disease.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateSep 27, 2007

Genes linked to suicidal thinking during antidepressant treatment

Researchers identified two genes linked to suicidal thinking during antidepressant treatment, with certain versions increasing the risk by 2-15 fold. The findings may lead to genetic testing and individualized treatments for depression.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 27, 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.

454 sequencing uncovers significant genetic variation

A new method using 454 sequencing has identified significant human genetic variation, including structural variations that play a crucial role in genetic diversity. The study found over 1000 structural variations in two individuals and suggests that these variations may have notable physical effects on an individual.

SourceNoonan/Russo Communications·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2007

For some diabetics, burden of care rivals complications of disease

A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that many diabetics experience a significant burden from managing their condition, which can be as impactful on quality of life as the disease itself. Patients reported being distressed by end-stage complications and disliked intensive treatments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 27, 2007