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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 196


Page 196 of 240

New insight into the genetics of brain tumor formation

Researchers identify KIFBbeta as a potential new neuronal tumor suppressor gene that mediates apoptosis in neural crest-derived tumors. The study suggests that KIFBbeta provides a protective effect against the development of these tumors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 17, 2008
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.

Researchers develop method to rapidly ID optimal drug cocktails

A new feedback control scheme can search for the most effective drug combinations to treat various conditions, including cancers and infections. The discovery holds promise for facilitating new clinical drug-cocktail trials and optimizing combination therapies while reducing side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2008

Testicular cancer gauge often not used

Researchers found that only about 45% of cases used tumor markers AFP and HCG, with all three markers measured in just 16% of the time. This suggests low usage rates despite the importance of tumor markers in showing patient response to treatment and disease recurrence.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMar 17, 2008

Body mass index higher among bariatric surgery patients with 2 genetic variations

A study of 707 morbidly obese adult patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery found that those with two genetic obesity variations had significantly higher BMIs. The presence of these genetic variants may overcome the effects of bariatric surgery, highlighting their potential as susceptibility genes for postoperative weight gain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateMar 17, 2008

Asia's odd-ball antelope faces migration crisis

A recent study found a narrow corridor of habitat in Mongolia threatened by herders and increased traffic, posing a migration bottleneck for the endangered saiga antelope. The species, known for its distinctive nose, has seen its numbers plummet by 95% due to poaching and competition with livestock.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalThe Open Conservation Biology Journal·DateMar 17, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Loss of egg yolk genes in mammals and the origin of lactation and placentation

Researchers found that milk-protein genes arose in the mammalian common ancestor and preceded the loss of egg protein genes. This transition allowed mammals to feed their young via the placenta and with milk, abandoning eggs as a source of nutrition. The study provides insights into the origins of lactation and placentation in mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 2008

Work with power grids leads to cell biology discovery

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a counterintuitive approach to gene therapy that targets the removal of genes to restore cellular function. This method has implications for medical research and optimizing metabolic processes used in biofuel production.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMar 17, 2008

Blood disease protects against malaria in an unexpected way

A new study reveals that children with a mild form of alpha thalassemia have more red blood cells, which provides an advantage against life-threatening malarial anemia. This adaptation allows them to tolerate massive blood cell loss during severe malaria attacks.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 17, 2008

Genetic counselors turn to unconventional counseling to meet demand for genetic testing

Researchers are exploring non-conventional counseling methods, such as telephone counseling, to broaden accessibility for genetic testing. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telephone genetic counseling versus traditional in-person counseling among women at high risk of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling·DateMar 17, 2008
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.

An anti-inflammatory response to the vegan diet

A study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that a gluten-free vegan diet can lower cholesterol and oxidized LDL levels, while raising natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This may help protect against heart attacks and stroke.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 17, 2008

Fungi can tell us about the origin of sex chromosomes

A new study reveals similarities between DNA that determine mating types in fungi and those that determine sex in plants and animals. This makes fungi an interesting model organism for studying the evolutionary development of sex chromosomes.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 17, 2008

Botox for newborns

Botox has been found effective in reducing hypersalivation in newborns with CHARGE Syndrome, preventing tracheotomies. The treatment involves injecting a minute dose of Botox into the salivary glands to block nerve activity and reduce saliva production.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMar 17, 2008

Scientists shine new light on inflammatory diseases

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery discovered a new mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The study reveals that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activates macrophages to produce interferon-beta, leading to sustained expression of genes encoding inflammatory molecules.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 16, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UT-ORNL and UCSD researchers find promise in HIV 'switch'

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the lengths of genetic pulses in HIV, favoring latency over replication. This finding offers promise for developing new treatments, as the 'switch' is a key factor in determining whether the virus becomes active.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 16, 2008

Scientists identify new leads for treating parasitic worm disease

Researchers have identified chemical compounds, oxadiazoles, that inhibit a crucial enzyme vital to the survival of Schistosoma parasites causing schistosomiasis. The compounds showed promise in killing the parasite in all stages and were active against major species.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 16, 2008
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.

Researchers discover second depth-perception method in brain

Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a second depth-perception method in the brain, combining visual cues with motion and perspective to create a representation of three-dimensional space. This new mechanism may help restore binocular vision in children with misaligned eyes and improve virtual reality experiences.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2008

People with Job's syndrome lack specific immune cells

Job's syndrome sufferers lack Th17 cells, a type of infection-fighting white blood cell, leading to recurrent and severe infections. The study reveals the importance of Th17 cells in protecting against Staphylococcus bacteria and certain fungal infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2008

UCR-led research team uses tiny wasp to wipe out major agricultural pest in Tahiti

A research team led by Mark Hoddle has successfully used biological control to eradicate the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a major agricultural pest, from Tahiti and neighboring islands. The team introduced a microscopic parasitic wasp that attacks the insect's eggs, reducing its population to less than 5% of its original density.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiological Invasions·DateMar 14, 2008
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.

Story ideas from the Journal of Lipid Research

Researchers found that bile acid derivatives can activate the vitamin D receptor without causing calcium buildup, suggesting a new therapeutic direction. Additionally, overexpressing lipoprotein lipase in mice improved their tolerance to cold temperatures by increasing muscular thermogenesis.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMar 14, 2008

Gene variant increases breast cancer risk

A study found two gene variants in the AKAP protein family to be linked to an elevated breast cancer risk, particularly in women from breast cancer families. These variants, located on the AKAP9 gene, were found to increase the risk by 17% and 27% respectively.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2008

Genes that protect against atherosclerosis identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a network of genes that lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques. The findings suggest that targeting these genes could be an effective way to combat atherosclerosis, the main cause of myocardial infarction and stroke.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 14, 2008

Mathematicians find new solutions to an ancient puzzle

Researchers Daniel J. Madden and Lee W. Jacobi have found an infinite number of solutions to Euler's Equation of degree four, a centuries-old mathematical puzzle. They used elliptic curves to generate new solutions, which are more efficient than previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Mathematical Monthly·DateMar 14, 2008

Breast cancer more aggressive among obese women

Women with breast cancer who are obese experience more aggressive disease, including higher rates of inflammatory breast cancer and increased risk of recurrence. Obesity can lead to weight gain during treatment, further increasing the risk of recurrence.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 14, 2008
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.

Swiss Systems Biology Initiative announces Flagship Projects

The Swiss Systems Biology Initiative has announced eight Flagship Projects involving 79 research groups from 11 universities and institutions. The projects focus on basic biological questions, including lipid roles in cells and decision-making mechanisms in the brain. Funding for these initiatives will be at least CHF90 million.

SourceSystemsX.ch·DateMar 14, 2008

Role for microRNAs in limb regeneration

Research reveals that microRNA depletion is necessary for tissue regeneration and that manipulating certain microRNA levels can enhance regenerative success in zebrafish. By tweaking the FGF signaling pathway, scientists were able to increase or decrease specific microRNA levels, resulting in improved or inhibited fin regeneration.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 14, 2008

Mayo researchers say ECG standards should be revised for elderly

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology found that established ECG norms for older adults may need to be revised. The research team analyzed over 700 patient readings and discovered that average cutoffs for measuring ECG intervals were greater than current norms, particularly in men.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology·DateMar 14, 2008
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.

Minority, low-income diabetics least likely to monitor their blood glucose

A study by the American Heart Association found that minority and financially vulnerable adults with insulin-treated diabetes are less likely to monitor their blood glucose levels. The disparities were greatest for low-income Hispanics, with significantly lower rates of daily self-monitoring compared to whites.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 14, 2008

MicroRNAs help zebrafish regenerate fins

Biologists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered microRNAs that control the regeneration of zebrafish fins. The study found that reducing levels of one microRNA, miR-133, speeds up fin regrowth, while increasing it slows it down. This discovery could lead to new ways to stimulate human tissue regeneration.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 14, 2008

The business of natural selection

Researchers develop algorithm to analyze financial data and predict company failure, outperforming single-approach methods. The hybrid approach uses genetic-based weighting to identify fittest variables, allowing for accurate predictions of financial future.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Finance·DateMar 14, 2008
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Researchers study new drug and indications for heated chemotherapy treatment

Researchers found that surgery combined with heated Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (IPHC) improves survival rates for patients with peritoneal carcinoma originating from colorectal or appendix cancer. The study also showed that IPHC may have some benefit in select patients with peritoneal carcinoma and hepatic metastases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMar 14, 2008

Meditation impacts blood pressure, study shows

A meta-analysis conducted at the University of Kentucky found Transcendental Meditation to be an effective treatment for controlling high blood pressure, with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateMar 14, 2008
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.

Potential Alzheimer's disease drug target identified by UC San Diego researcher

A UC San Diego researcher has identified a new enzyme target that can reduce the production of beta-amyloid peptides, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this enzyme, the researchers observed improved memory and reduced levels of beta-amyloid protein in mice bred to exhibit Alzheimer's disease symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 14, 2008

The ABCs of childhood z's: Snoring may be chronic despite surgery

Children who gain weight rapidly after tonsil surgery may experience relapse or worsening of snoring, according to new research. African-American children are more likely to relapse, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up and monitoring of BMI gain.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 14, 2008
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Research illuminates link between Alzheimer's and stroke

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a process in the brain that may link Alzheimer's disease to stroke. A peptide called p25 is believed to cause an increase in amyloid beta production, which is linked to Alzheimer's.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 14, 2008

Researchers use light to detect Alzheimer's

Researchers have developed a method using near-infrared light to identify microscopic changes in brain tissue associated with Alzheimer's disease. This technique can potentially detect the disease earlier than current methods, which rely on clinical symptoms or imaging tests.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 14, 2008

Scripps research team wins $4M grant to study effects of chronic marijuana use

The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a $4M grant to study the effects of chronic marijuana use on cognitive function, withdrawal symptoms, and stress systems. The research center aims to develop effective treatments for marijuana addiction by pooling expertise in tissue analysis, imaging, animal models, and human clinical tr...

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateMar 14, 2008

MGH initiates phase I diabetes trial

Scientists at MGH are exploring a potential cure for type 1 diabetes through a Phase I clinical trial. The trial uses the BCG vaccine, which has shown promising results in mouse models of autoimmune diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateMar 13, 2008
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.

Pain-free childbirth? Get real!

A review of published literature on women's expectations and experience of pain and pain relief in labour reveals a gap between expectations and reality. Most women underestimate the intensity of pain they will experience and may not be prepared for the possibility that they might need pain relief.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 13, 2008

Crop scientists discover gene that controls fruit shape

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a key gene, SUN, controlling the elongated shape of tomatoes. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of fruit shape variation in various crops, including peppers and cucumbers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2008

Pain receptor in brain may be linked to learning and memory

A study by Brown University scientists has found that activation of the pain receptor TRPV1 can trigger long-term depression, creating lasting changes in neural connections. This process is believed to be the cellular basis for memory making, with implications for drug development and potentially treating neural disorders.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 13, 2008
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.

News from the March 2008 American Physical Society Meeting

Researchers developed a DNA-guided method for controlling nanoparticle assembly, enabling precise manipulation of materials. Scientists also made progress in understanding the 'pseudogap' phenomenon in high-temperature superconductors, which could lead to improved superconductor design.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMar 13, 2008