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Science News for September 7, 2007


Tulane University to receive $14M for international HIV/AIDS program

Tulane University will receive $14 million to train public health workers and establish monitoring systems in Ethiopia, while also supporting programs in Haiti, Brazil, South Africa, and other high-risk countries. The grant aims to rebuild infrastructure and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in these countries.

SourceTulane University·DateSep 7, 2007

Socioeconomic position associated with effectiveness of HIV drugs

A Harvard study found that socioeconomic status influences antiretroviral treatment effectiveness, even among those adhering to treatment schedules. Lower education levels were associated with faster regimen failure, while higher adherence self-efficacy reduced this risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Research·DateSep 7, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Low vitamin D during pregnancy linked to pre-eclampsia

A study from the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences found that maternal vitamin D deficiency early in pregnancy is associated with a five-fold increased risk of preeclampsia. Low vitamin D levels also affect newborns, increasing their risk of mortality.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 7, 2007

Reception year teachers most important for primary education

A good reception year teacher makes a significant difference in primary school education, with cumulative effects throughout the years. The study found that early years education is critical for children's later cognitive development, and focusing on these years can yield long-term gains.

SourceDurham University·DateSep 7, 2007

MIT works toward safer gene therapy

Gene therapy holds great promise but faces safety concerns due to virus-based delivery methods. MIT researchers have created biodegradable polymers that can deliver genes safely and effectively, showing promise for ovarian cancer treatment and other applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 7, 2007

Nuclear medicine approach can be first choice for excluding pulmonary embolism in young women

A ventilation/perfusion lung scan (V/Q scan) is a reliable alternative to CT angiograms in diagnosing pulmonary embolisms, especially in young women. The study found that V/Q scans can exclude pulmonary embolism with low probability clinical assessment, reducing radiation exposure and breast cancer risk.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 7, 2007

Prions and retroviruses -- an unholy alliance?

Researchers found that prion infection influences the expression of endogenous retroviruses in mouse cells, with some sequences increasing and others decreasing. The effects could be suppressed by an anti-prion drug, suggesting a possible link between prions and retrovirus production.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateSep 7, 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.

'Rain Man' mice provide model for autism

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center created a mouse model of autism, exhibiting poor social skills but enhanced mental abilities, akin to Rain Man's character traits. The study reveals an imbalance in inhibitory brain action and suggests focusing on this aspect for treatment.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2007

MU researchers to collaborate on $20 million project

A national team of scientists is investigating fertility preservation for women with cancer through the $20 million program. MU researcher John Critser will receive funding to study cryopreservation methods of human eggs, aiming to improve efficiency and challenges in the process.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateSep 7, 2007

Color contrast is 'seen' by the brain early doors

A new study confirms that colour contrast is first detected by the primary visual cortex at the back of the brain. The brain processes colour contrast earlier than previously thought, making it a significant contribution to understanding how the brain functions.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 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.

Acid rain has a disproportionate impact on coastal waters

Sulfur and nitrogen emissions from power plants and agricultural activities significantly impact coastal ocean chemistry, reducing its ability to store carbon and harming marine life. The study found that these emissions can alter water chemistry by 10-50% more than acidification caused by carbon dioxide.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2007

Normal role for schizophrenia risk gene identified

A new study by Hopkins researchers reveals that the DISC1 protein plays a critical role in guiding newly made nerve cells into the brain's neural network, allowing them to integrate seamlessly. Abnormalities in this process may contribute to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 7, 2007
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Frequent alcohol consumption increases cancer risk in older women

Postmenopausal women consuming two or more alcoholic beverages daily may double their risk of endometrial cancer, according to a USC study. The study found that lean women are more sensitive to alcohol's effects on hormone levels, increasing their cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 7, 2007

Gastroenterology sets standards for CT colonography

The American Gastroenterological Association has established minimum standards for gastroenterologist performance of CT colonography, requiring at least 75 endoscopically confirmed cases to be interpreted. The guidelines emphasize the importance of training and quality control to ensure accurate screening for colorectal cancer.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 7, 2007

Future career path of gifted youth can be predicted by age 13

A new study from Vanderbilt University predicts the future career path of gifted youth can be identified by their performance on the SAT at age 13. The study found significant differences in creative and career paths among individuals with different ability patterns on the math and verbal portions of the test.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 7, 2007