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Science News Archive 2008


Page 191 of 240

Other highlights in the March 25 JNCI

A study examined 75 group-randomized oncology trials and found a substantial number of problems with the trials. Many relied on analyses that ignored group randomization altogether, raising concerns about type I errors. In contrast, HPV-based screening was found to be more accurate in detecting cervical precancerous lesions than cytology.

Spit tests may soon replace many blood tests

Researchers have catalogued the complete salivary proteome, a set of proteins in human ductal saliva, which tracks closely with that of blood. This breakthrough promises less invasive and costly disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

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.

Living upside-down shapes spiders for energy saving

A team of Spanish and Croatian researchers discovered that upside-down living spiders have evolved disproportionately longer legs to move efficiently between plants. This allows them to bridge gaps quickly while minimizing energy expenditure.

Study examines association between type of genetic characteristics and cancer

Researchers investigated germline homozygosity in patients with solid tumors, finding high frequencies of this characteristic associated with increased cancer risk. The study suggests that germline homozygosity at specific loci may contribute to cancer predisposition and could be considered in future cancer risk assessments.

Isotope analysis reveals foraging area dichotomy for Atlantic leatherback turtles

Research suggests that Atlantic leatherback turtles have two separate foraging areas, one in the high latitudes of the North Atlantic and another in low latitudes off the African and Iberian coasts. This dichotomy has significant implications for the species' survival, as damage to either habitat could have dramatic repercussions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fruit fly phlebotomy holds neuroscience promise

Researchers developed a technique to extract small amounts of hemolymph from fruit flies, which could expedite understanding of neural physiology and disease mechanisms. The new method is more efficient and precise than traditional methods, allowing for individual organism analysis.

A link between antidepressants and type 2 diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice found that people with depression taking antidepressants have a 30% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk was highest for those using two types of therapies simultaneously, such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Partners can help or hinder attempts at changing diet

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that significant others generally play a positive and supportive role in diet changes, with some facilitating the change through their own dietary habits or providing motivation. However, these positive roles varied widely in terms of impact on changers' experie...

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

The beetle's genome sequenced for the first time

The genome of Tribolium castaneum, a major agricultural pest, has been fully sequenced. This achievement will enable the development of new methods to protect food plants against beetles. The sequencing also provides valuable insights into the biology of other beetle species.

Hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer recurrence

A new study has found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women who have survived breast cancer. The HABITS trial, which followed over 200 breast cancer survivors for four years, found that HRT significantly increased the risk of disease recurrence.

Giant ocean eddy shadows Sydney

A new 300km diameter giant ocean eddy has emerged off the NSW coast, with scientists tracing its birth to last August. The cold water at the new eddy's centre has welled up about 500m from the ocean depths, providing valuable insights into ocean forecasting systems.

Youth's social problems contribute to anxiety and depression

New research suggests that social problems are more likely to contribute to anxiety and depression than the reverse. Children with internalizing problems (anxiety, depressed mood) were more likely to have symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood, while socially competent youth maintained their relationships.

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.

Sewer-gas-induced suspended animation is rapid and reversible

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that low doses of hydrogen sulfide can safely depress metabolism and cardiovascular function in mice, producing a suspended-animation-like state. The effects are reversible and do not depend on reduced body temperature.

Artificial photosynthesis moves a step closer

Researchers at Jülich and Emory University have synthesized a stable inorganic metal oxide cluster that enables the fast and effective oxidation of water to oxygen. This breakthrough could contribute to solving energy and climate problems by producing hydrogen from renewable sources using artificial photosynthesis.

Epilepsy marked by neural 'hub' network

A study from UC Irvine suggests that epilepsy is associated with an abundance of neuron 'hubs' in the brain, which can lead to seizures. These hub networks promote the onset of seizure activity by amplifying brain signals.

Satellites help map soil carbon flux

Scientists integrated remote sensing products with soil science data to quantify soil carbon changes over large regions. The study results in a spatially-explicit carbon accounting framework that can predict future land use and inform enhanced land management data sets.

MRI findings help forecast prostate cancer prognosis

A new study published in Radiology found that MRI detection of extracapsular extension is an important factor in determining outcome for men scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. Patients with substantial extracapsular spread are more likely to experience recurrence and spread of their cancers.

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.

Scientists launch human oral microbiome database

The Human Oral Microbiome Database provides detailed information on the 600 most common mouth bacteria, their role in oral health and general well-being. The database links genetic data to scientific literature and allows for analysis of microbe genomes.

Bilateral agreement to commercialize cargo screening technology

The joint venture aims to develop a new scanner incorporating CSIRO's neutron technology and Nuctech's x-ray systems to detect a wide range of threat items in air freight containers. The scanning technology is designed to be non-intrusive, taking less than one minute to scan an air freight container.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Biosensing nanodevice to revolutionize health screenings

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a biosensing nanodevice that can detect diseases at the single molecule level. The device uses a biological engine to emit a signal when it detects a target DNA, resulting in high sensitivity and portability.

The conflict of reward in depression

A new study using fMRI found that people with depression show increased activation in the anterior cingulate region when anticipating reward, indicating a conflict between processing rewards and punishments. This finding suggests that depression may not be solely the absence of pleasure, but rather an experience of emotional pain or fr...

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.

Radiologists use special MRI to identify brain cancer early

Researchers used perfusion MRI to track changes in blood volume in patients with low-grade gliomas, finding that increased rCBV is an indicator of future malignant transformation. The study suggests that significant changes in rCBV represent an early warning sign of impending malignant transformation.

New approach to measuring carbon in forests

Researchers are developing a new method for measuring forest carbon stores on a large scale using the ECHIDNA instrument. The technique combines ground-based LiDAR data with airborne and spaceborne sensors to provide accurate estimates of forest biomass.

Preterm birth linked to lifelong health issues

A long-term study of over 1 million men and women found that preterm birth contributes to lower educational achievement and higher rates of infertility. The study also found a link between preterm birth and an increased risk of complications in future offspring, with the earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk.

Boeing's Phantom Works arrives in Australia

CSIRO welcomes Boeing's establishment of Phantom Works, a branch of its advanced research organization, to foster innovation and growth. The partnership aims to develop breakthrough technologies in aerospace solutions, including lightweight composite materials and intelligent vehicle health monitoring.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Corn's roots dig deeper into South America

Researchers have discovered evidence of maize consumption in tropical Ecuador dating back over 5,000 years. The findings suggest that corn was a vital food crop for villages in the region, contradicting previous theories that it was only used for ritual purposes.

When should children infected with HIV start medication

The article discusses the controversy surrounding when to initiate antiretroviral treatment in children with HIV. Dr. Steven Welch argues for deferred treatment to avoid poor adherence habits and drug resistance, while Professor Di Gibb advocates for early initiation to prevent disease progression and promote healthy growth.

Toward the ethical treatment of whole genome research participants

A consensus statement provides guidance for whole-genome research participants regarding informed consent, withdrawal, results return, and data public release. The authors emphasize the need for robust governance and oversight mechanisms to protect participants' privacy and autonomy.

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.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New SAI grant aims to shorten testing time of photovoltaic modules

PTL will test concentrator PV systems and work with manufacturers to certify products, develop warranty information, and measure up against industry standards. The goal is to fill a need for reliability tests, subjecting modules to extreme conditions to simulate operational lifetimes.

UH report shows college students making the grade online, in class

A University of Houston report found that students in a 'hybrid class' incorporating instructional technology scored higher on average, with minimal interaction between instructor and professor. Students preferred the self-paced nature of the hybrid class, which also reduced space management issues for large campuses.

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.

'Superdense' coding gets denser

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully transmitted two bits of information using a single photon, overcoming a fundamental limit in classical coding. The breakthrough uses hyper-entangled photons to encode and decode messages, paving the way for more efficient quantum communication.

Too much information? Study shows how ignorance can be influential

Researchers Isabelle Brocas and Juan D. Carrillo present a situation where one party controls public opinion despite having access to the same information as others. This phenomenon, known as 'influence through ignorance,' occurs when power comes from controlling the flow of public information rather than possessing private information.

Social contacts and mixing patterns

A study of 7,290 participants in eight European countries identified patterns of person-to-person contact relevant to controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Statins impair antitumor effects of rituximab and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against B cell lymphoma cells.

MRI: A window to genetic properties of brain tumors

Researchers have shown that MRI can non-invasively characterize brain tumors and determine which are responsive to specific treatments based on their molecular properties. The study identified five distinct MRI features linked with particular gene expression patterns, including those associated with tumor proliferation and growth.

Baby boys are more likely to die than baby girls

A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania reveals that male infants in developed nations are more likely to die than female infants. The disparity has narrowed in recent decades due to medical advancements such as C-sections and intensive care units.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A fly's tiny brain may hold huge human benefits

A University of Missouri researcher found a way to isolate and test genes related to memory by manipulating compounds associated with the fly brain. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease and depression.

Free drug samples may burden patients' pockets

A recent study published in Medical Care found that patients who receive free drug samples have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs than those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 5,700 patients and found that patients receiving samples spent an estimated $244 for a six-month period.

JAMA editor-in-chief comments on Pfizer lawsuit

A recent court ruling supported JAMA and Archives of Internal Medicine in their opposition to Pfizer's subpoena for confidential information regarding COX-2 inhibitors. The subpoenas sought documents related to the decision-making process, but the court ruled that this information was irrelevant to the pending claims.

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.