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Science News for September 18, 2007


Mayo Clinic study indicates medication for ADHD may help student outcomes

A Mayo Clinic study of nearly 5,000 children with ADHD found that treatment with prescription stimulants was associated with improved long-term academic success. The study also showed that girls with untreated ADHD were equally vulnerable to poor school outcomes as boys and may be at risk for being undertreated.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateSep 18, 2007

PrEP strategy could dramatically slow the spread of HIV

A mathematical model predicts that daily PrEP pills could prevent 3.2 million new HIV infections in southern sub-Saharan Africa in 10 years. The strategy is most effective when targeted towards high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 2007

Researchers discover gene mutation thought to control energy levels

Researchers discovered a gene mutation that doubles AMPK activity in muscle during rest, leading to increased glycogen storage and decreased fat stores. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and provides valuable information for pharmaceutical research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 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.

Nutrition model stresses positive experience of eating

A new eating model, ecSatter, suggests that managing weight and staying healthy requires a positive experience of eating. The model, developed by Ellyn Satter and Barbara Lohse, emphasizes permission and discipline to cultivate effective eating attitudes and behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 18, 2007

NIH awards nearly $23M to University of Chicago for translational research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded the University of Chicago Medical Center nearly $23 million to conduct translational research. This project aims to develop personalized therapies and improve access to medical care for the diverse population of the South Side of Chicago, where health disparities are prevalent.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateSep 18, 2007

Severe heart attack damage limited by hydrogen sulfide

Researchers found that administering hydrogen sulfide directly into the heart during a simulated heart attack significantly reduces tissue and cell damage. The study showed a 72% reduction in severe heart-tissue death after restoring normal oxygen and blood flow.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 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.

Bats add their voice to the FOXP2 story

A new study has found that bats exhibit unparalleled genetic variation in the FOXP2 gene, which is linked to their unique ability of echolocation. This discovery adds weight to the theory that FOXP2 plays a crucial role in the sensory-motor coordination of vocalizations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 2007

Launch of second European Cancer Research Funding survey

The second European survey on cancer research funding shows that Europe contributes significantly to global efforts, with a total spend of €3.2 billion in 2004. The report highlights the need for less bureaucracy and over-management to further world-class cancer research in Europe.

SourceEuropean Cancer Research Managers Forum·DateSep 18, 2007

New antibiotic drug combo to speed up treatment of tuberculosis

A new antibiotic combination could dramatically shorten TB treatment time from six months to four months, with a cure rate increasing by 17 percent after two months of therapy. Researchers say the shorter treatment period may also reduce transmission and improve drug compliance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateSep 18, 2007

Research explains link between cholesterol and heart disease

Researchers found that cholesterol limits the activity of a key protective protein called transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), allowing atherosclerosis to develop. Statins, which lower cholesterol levels, enhance TGF-beta's protective qualities.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateSep 18, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Muscle patterns in women may be linked to at risk positioning for ACL tears

A new study suggests that training programs promoting balanced activity of the inner and outer thigh muscles may help protect the ACL from injury. The research found that women tend to activate their outer thigh muscles more than their inner thigh muscles when preparing to land from a jump, leading to a larger valgus knee angle.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateSep 18, 2007

Why conservation efforts often fail

Elinor Ostrom proposes a flexible framework for resource management, considering factors such as governance systems, resource users, and innate productivity. The framework aims to improve conservation strategies by working with local people and adapting to unpredictable human behavior.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2007

Toward a faster prenatal test for Down syndrome

Scientists have developed a rapid prenatal test for Down syndrome that produces accurate results within two hours. The new method uses digital polymerase chain reaction and is potentially cheaper and simpler than existing tests, reducing the workload of lab personnel.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 18, 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.

UT Southwestern earns $34M NIH grant to foster patient-oriented research

The UT Southwestern-based collaboration aims to speed the transfer of laboratory discoveries to new therapies that improve human health. The initiative will carry out several key functions, including improved design of clinical research studies and expanding outreach efforts to medically underserved communities.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateSep 18, 2007

Chronic stress can steal years from caregivers' lifetimes

Researchers found that chronic caregivers develop genetic and molecular changes that effectively age their bodies by four to eight years, resulting in a shortened lifespan. Caregivers also exhibit severe depression symptoms and weakened immune systems, contributing to the negative effects of chronic stress.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateSep 18, 2007

A study proposes a new universal rule to explain the equilibrium of plant populations

A new study proposes a universal rule to explain the equilibrium of plant populations, identifying phytoplankton as the shortest-lived species and trees that can live for centuries. The research suggests that plant mortality is highly temperature-sensitive, with potential increases of 40% in land temperatures above 4ºC.

SourceFundación BBVA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2007

Anthony S. Fauci awarded Lasker Award for Public Service

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci has been recognized for his role in developing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Project Bioshield, two major U.S. public health programs. He has made significant contributions to understanding AIDS pathogenesis and has advised several administrations on global HIV/AIDS issues.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 18, 2007

Unanticipated consequences of health-care information technology

Researchers developed a framework to address health-care information technology's unintended consequences, which can reduce medication errors but also produce unforeseen issues. They emphasize the need for real-time evaluations to identify and remedy these problems before they cause lasting harm.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateSep 18, 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.

Landfill mining reduces environmental impact of growing waste

Researchers in India suggest that landfill mining can recover recyclable materials, reduce landfill space, and produce compost. The study found that up to half of material dumped at open stabilized dumpsites could be recovered and reused as compost or daily cover material for landfills.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateSep 18, 2007

Metagenomics of the deep Mediterranean

A recent study using metagenomics reveals a surprising high number of quorum sensing genes in the deep Mediterranean, indicating microbes associate with detritus particles. These bacteria have been found to be luminescent, possibly to attract prey in the food-scarce environment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 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.

Hazards of using crib bumper pads outweigh their benefits

A new study found that infant crib bumper pads can cause suffocation, strangulation, and wedging, posing a risk of accidental death or injury to babies. The researchers recommend eliminating the use of bumper pads in cribs and bassinets due to their potential hazards.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateSep 18, 2007

St. Jude psychologist says most children with cancer are well-adjusted

A study by Sean Phipps found that children with cancer are emotionally well-adjusted and have lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to their healthy peers. They tend to have a repressive adaptive style, which helps them cope with stress and emotions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateSep 18, 2007

NIH grants $8 million to 4 University of Chicago scientists

Four young University of Chicago scientists, Margaret Gardel and Rustem Ismagilov, will receive $2.5 million each for biological research over five years. Additionally, Kristen Jacobson and Dorothy Sipkins will receive $1.5 million each for psychiatric and medical research, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateSep 18, 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.

Sexual function affected by stem cell transplant according to long-term study

A long-term study found that stem cell transplant patients experience decreased sexual function and activity, particularly in females. While males recover partially over time, females remain compromised. The study suggests systemic therapies and chronic graft-versus-host disease contribute to sexual dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateSep 18, 2007

Smoking can harm the long-term effects of some oral surgery procedures

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that smokers experience greater residual gum recession after periodontal plastic surgery. The two-year study showed smokers had less desirable long-term outcomes compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking before oral surgery can improve treatment success, according to experts.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateSep 18, 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.

Blood protein detects lung cancer, even at earliest stage

A new blood test has been developed to detect lung cancer in its earliest stage, promising improved diagnosis and treatment options. The test targets the Human Aspartyl (Asparaginyl) ß-Hydroxylase protein, which is abnormally expressed on the surface of cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 18, 2007

Major grant advances UW's clinical and translational research enterprise

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) has received a $41 million NIH grant to build a network of partners across campus and around the state. This initiative aims to accelerate biomedical discoveries into practical healthcare applications, with a focus on community-based research...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 18, 2007

Misconceptions about Alzheimer's varies among races, survey suggests

A national survey found racial differences in knowledge and beliefs about Alzheimer's disease, with blacks and Hispanics more hopeful about research advances and reporting lifestyle changes to reduce risk. Despite increased knowledge over the past two decades, misconceptions remain among large segments of the population.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAlzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders·DateSep 18, 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.

Liver cancer marker could yield blood test for early detection

Researchers have developed a new blood screening technique that can detect early-stage liver cancer and predict treatment outcomes. They detected an altered version of RASSF1A, a tumor-suppressing gene, in the blood of HCC patients and HBV-infected test subjects, with promising results.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 18, 2007

Story tips for journalists

The RT3 accelerometer measures walking intensity, providing an accurate alternative to traditional questionnaires. Researchers found that only 15% of Americans meet the recommended physical activity level, with people with disabilities getting even less.

SourceJournal of Rehabilitation Research·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateSep 18, 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.

Researchers genetically engineer micro-organisms into tiny factories

University at Buffalo researchers have made significant breakthroughs in genetic engineering of micro-organisms into cellular factories, enabling the production of high-value chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds. The team has successfully produced flavonoids with yields far above previous microbial synthesis efforts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 18, 2007

Georgia Tech/Emory Center to study origin of life

Researchers at The Origins Project aim to understand which molecules and chemical reactions led to the emergence of life on Earth. They will investigate the formation of lifelike polymers and their evolution into life as we know it.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateSep 18, 2007

Species still have more viable offspring if they can choose their best mate

A new study by the University of Georgia shows that when animals cannot choose their preferred mate, females and males find ways to compensate, increasing the chances of their offspring's survival. This supports the Compensation Hypothesis, which suggests individuals can pass on genes even under less-than-ideal circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 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.

Chronic infection persists by targeting stromal cell network in lymphoid organs

A recent study found that chronic viral infections can persist by targeting fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) in lymphoid organs, disrupting the function of these cells. The researchers discovered a potential link between this mechanism and the PD-1 pathway, which may inhibit immune responses to chronic infections.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2007

Eating competence may lower risk of heart disease

A study by Penn State found that individuals with higher eating competence have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that training people in becoming eating competent may be an effective way to encourage healthy eating behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 18, 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.

Weekly dose of osteoporosis drug prevents bone loss after breast cancer treatment

A two-year study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that women who took a weekly dose of risedronate lost significantly less bone than those who did not take the drug. Risedronate improved bone density and prevented excess bone loss in breast cancer survivors, even among those on aromatase inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateSep 18, 2007