Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2008 - Page 20


Page 20 of 240

New movement models tested at the Smithsonian in Panama

Researchers develop integrative models for movement of diverse organisms, integrating when, where, how, and why they move. These models accurately predict real events, such as tree seed dispersal by wind under various conditions.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008

Fruit fly research may lead to better understanding of human heart disease

Researchers have identified a connection between fruit fly genetics and human heart disease, revealing that certain genes play a role in both embryonic and adult heart function. The study found TBX20 mutations in humans with structural congenital heart abnormalities and heart muscle dysfunction, suggesting its potential involvement in ...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prostate cancer spurs new nerves

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that prostate cancer promotes the growth of new nerves and axons, a phenomenon associated with more aggressive tumors. This discovery could lead to new targets for treatment, as neurogenesis is present in more aggressive cancers.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 1, 2008

Reforming health care in Chile

The Chilean government aims to correct health care inequalities by reforming the dual system that separates public and private coverage. The analysis highlights challenges in achieving common health goals and improving access for low-income populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 1, 2008

Breast cancer in men: Mammography and sonography findings

A study found that male breast cancer presents as irregular masses with spiculated margins, often accompanied by armpit lymph node involvement. Doctors stress the importance of imaging and early treatment for accurate diagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 1, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2008

Researchers have developed a new approach to modulate gene expression using miRNA natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes, effectively treating cancer in mice. Additionally, the study has provided insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling epithelial fluid and HCO3– secretion, which may help understand cystic fibrosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 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.

Tool helps identify gene function in soybeans

A new genomic tool has been developed to identify gene function in soybeans, a key step towards improving crop performance. By analyzing transposon mutations, researchers can pinpoint specific genes associated with desirable traits such as seed composition and root growth.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPlanta·DateDec 1, 2008

Vitamin D found to fight placental infection

Researchers at UCLA found that vitamin D stimulates cathelicidin production in placental tissues, enhancing antibacterial responses and protecting trophoblast cells from infection. The study suggests that pregnant women supplementing with vitamin D may enhance placental innate immunity.

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateDec 1, 2008

Women with mitral valve prolapse are treated less aggressively than men and may be at high risk

A Mayo Clinic study reveals women with mitral valve prolapse and severe leakage often receive less aggressive treatment than men, with a higher risk of mortality. The underestimation of cardiac enlargement in women may be the primary reason for these disparities, highlighting the need for more precise evaluation and treatment strategies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 1, 2008

IDO2 an active enzyme to target in pancreatic cancer

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University reported that IDO2 enzyme is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, potentially leading to targeted immunotherapy. Genetic analysis revealed that about 75% of patients have an active IDO2 enzyme, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateDec 1, 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.

Claudin 11 stops the leaks in neuronal myelin sheaths

Researchers found that claudin 11 prevents charged ion leakage through myelin layers, increasing resistance and affecting signal conduction. This defect may be linked to cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in neurons with thin myelin sheaths.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 1, 2008

Multidetector CT cystography accurately detects urine leaks after prostatectomy

Multidetector CT cystography successfully detects urinary leaks after prostatectomy with a detection rate of 80.4%, outperforming conventional cystography in accuracy. This non-invasive imaging technique helps clinicians create personalized treatment plans, potentially reducing long-term complications like urinary incontinence.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 1, 2008

Persistent pollutant may promote obesity

Research suggests that tributyltin, a persistent pollutant, affects gene activity and promotes the growth of fat storage cells in animals, potentially contributing to the obesity epidemic. The chemical's impact on retinoid X receptors, which regulate metabolism, is a recent discovery.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 1, 2008

Bariatric surgery may resolve liver disease

A recent study found that bariatric surgery leads to improvement of histopathological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in most patients. The risk of progression of inflammatory changes and fibrosis is minimal, with complete resolution of NAFLD reported in a majority of patients.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 1, 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.

Using challenging concepts to learn promotes understanding of new material

A study by University of California, Santa Barbara psychologists found that starting with difficult problems can improve understanding of new material. Participants who began with harder problems were able to think abstractly and perform well on the task, whereas those who started with easy problems struggled with more complicated issues.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 1, 2008

First trial in patients with a potential treatment of the incurable ALS muscle disease

Researchers at VIB and NeuroNova are conducting the first trial of a potential ALS treatment, which involves administering VEGF protein directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. This innovative approach has shown promising results in animal models, with treated rats manifesting the disease later and living longer than untreated animals.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateDec 1, 2008

New treatment eliminates heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis

A new ultrasound-guided technique combined with steroid injection has been shown to be 95% effective in relieving plantar fasciitis symptoms within three weeks. This treatment is a viable option for patients who have tried conservative treatments and are experiencing persistent pain.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 1, 2008
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.

High levels of prenatal smoking exposure affect sleep patterns in preterm neonates

A study found that high levels of prenatal smoking exposure strongly modify sleep patterns in preterm neonates, with disrupted sleep structure and fragmentation observed. This may have serious consequences for the development of the infant's brain and increase the risk of developmental difficulties throughout childhood.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 1, 2008

Natural Capital Project to develop conservation software

The Natural Capital Project has received a $1.97 million grant to develop Marine InVEST, a software program for evaluating the economic benefits of temperate marine ecosystems. The tool will help policymakers balance competing interests and make informed decisions about ocean management.

SourceStanford University·DateDec 1, 2008

Stanford blood scanner detects even faint indicators of cancer

A team of Stanford researchers has created a prototype blood scanner that can detect cancer biomarkers in the bloodstream at an early stage of the disease. The system uses magnetic nanotechnology to spot cancer proteins, which is tens to hundreds of times more sensitive than existing commercial devices. This technology holds promise fo...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008

Childhood social program leads to better-functioning young adults

A 15-year follow-up of a childhood social development intervention found improved mental health, sexual health, and educational and economic achievement among participants. The Seattle Social Development Project showed positive effects on behavior management, refusal, social skills training, and academic development in elementary schoo...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 1, 2008

New study on NYU primary care residency program indicates low burnout rates and career satisfaction

A new study on NYU's primary care residency program reveals remarkably low burnout rates and high career satisfaction among its graduates. The study, published in Academic Medicine, found that 87% of graduates practice as primary care physicians, with many also teaching, researching, and advocating for health issues.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateDec 1, 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.

Brain's magnetic fields reveal language delays in autism

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to detect brain magnetic fields in children with autism, finding a delay of up to 50 milliseconds in processing sound. This abnormality may lead to impaired language and communication skills.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateDec 1, 2008

Eating eggs when pregnant affects breast cancer in offspring

Researchers at Boston University have found that consuming choline from eggs during pregnancy may affect breast cancer outcomes for a mother's offspring. The study suggests that genetic changes caused by prenatal choline exposure can impact tumor growth rates and survival rates.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 1, 2008

Harnessing miRNA natural gene repressors for anticancer therapy

Scientists have developed a new approach to harness the power of microRNAs (miRNAs) as natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes. By engineering mouse bone marrow cells to express genes only when miR-181a is downregulated, they were able to create immune cells that could target and destroy cancer cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2008

Lack of vitamin D could spell heart trouble

A growing body of evidence links low vitamin D levels to common CVD risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Researchers recommend screening and treating vitamin D deficiency in patients with risk factors for heart disease or diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 1, 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.

Caltech scientists show function of helical band in heart

Researchers at Caltech have created images of the heart's muscular layer showing a connection between muscle configuration and contraction. The findings provide evidence that the helical shape is crucial to the heart's effective beating, settling a 50-year debate.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalAJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology·DateDec 1, 2008

Statins, indication creep and risks for children and youth

Lack of data on statin safety and efficacy in children and youth raises concerns about potential risks. Experts recommend caution and alternative management tools, citing the need for further research.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 1, 2008

Study on wildlife corridors shows how they work over time

Researchers at Washington University found that corridors improve species diversity in fragmented landscapes, with birds and wind-dispersed plants responding positively to connectivity. Surprisingly, unassisted plant species also benefited from corridor presence, suggesting possible assistance from mammals.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008
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.

MRI shows new types of injuries in young gymnasts

A recent study using MRI scans has identified new types of injuries in young gymnasts, including necrosis of the bones in their knuckles. The research suggests that these injuries may develop into early osteoarthritis if left untreated, highlighting the need for changes in practice routines to reduce joint stress.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 1, 2008

Easing the stress of trauma

A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that an injection of cortisol shortly after a traumatic event may prevent the onset of PTSD. Cortisol levels are believed to be linked to the individual's ability to forget memories of the traumatic event.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 1, 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.

University awarded £2.75 million for clinical trials research

The University of Liverpool will establish a national 'hub' for clinical trial methodologies, providing expertise in areas such as drug safety and cancer research. The hub aims to improve patient care by increasing the validity and relevance of evidence on healthcare decisions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateDec 1, 2008

Can you hear me now? How the inner ear's sensors are made

A UCLA study shows that microscopic crystals in the inner ear form sound and gravity sensors through cilia movement. The research provides new clues for treating vertigo and hearing disorders related to cilia function, offering a potential gene target for therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2008

Reprogrammable cell type depends on a single gene to keep its identity

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that a specific differentiated cell type requires constant expression of the Prox1 gene to maintain its identity. In its absence, lymphatic endothelial cells reprogram into blood endothelial cells, gaining new characteristics.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 1, 2008

The freedom of power

New research reveals that power protects people from influence, enabling them to generate creative ideas and express their underlying attitudes. High-power individuals are more likely to resist conformity pressure and counter opposing views, suggesting that power can be a catalyst for change rather than corruption.

SourceManning Selvage & Lee·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 1, 2008

Antibiotics: Single largest class of drugs causing liver injury

A new study published in Gastroenterology finds that antibiotics are the single largest class of drugs causing liver injury, affecting 73% of cases. Central nervous system agents were also found to be commonly associated with drug-induced liver injury.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateDec 1, 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.

Test-tube babies profitable business for the state

A Swedish study suggests that test-tube babies can be a profitable investment for states due to increased population and tax revenue. In the long term, the state benefits from subsidizing IVF treatment for involuntarily childless couples, which could potentially help boost population growth.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateDec 1, 2008

RSC and ChemSpider develop InChI Resolver

The RSC/ChemSpider InChI Resolver will enable scientists to share and search compound data using the InChI standard, promoting standardization in chemistry. The service will also provide tools for creating standard InChI data and depositing it for future use.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·DateDec 1, 2008

New medication brings hope of jet lag cure

Researchers at Monash University found a new drug, tasimelteon, that can effectively shift melatonin levels to alleviate jet lag and sleep disorders. The drug has the potential to improve sleep quality for patients with transient insomnia caused by time zone changes.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 1, 2008

Ice beetles impacted by climate change

Entomologist Dave Kavanaugh finds that climate change has altered the habitats of his beloved beetle species, forcing them to seek new rocky patches above tree-line. He documented 85 North American Nebria beetles, many of which were previously unknown or absent due to habitat shifts.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 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.

December Geosphere media highlights

The Geosphere journal features two studies: one on climate change in the southwestern US from 17-6 million years ago, and another on the evolution of the South Balkan extensional system. The climate study used sedimentation and erosion history to interpret changes in ocean circulation and North American monsoon activity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 1, 2008

Foretelling a major meltdown

A rare mineral called nahcolite has been found to form only under high atmospheric CO2 levels, suggesting a possible benchmark for future climate change. The discovery is rooted in the Eocene Epoch, when CO2 levels were three times higher than current levels, and may signal an impending 'hothouse' climate by the end of the century.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2008

Stroke supplement -- best practices and new recommendations to improve care

The Canadian Medical Association Journal has released a comprehensive stroke supplement featuring 27 best practice recommendations, including four new topics such as emergency medical services care of stroke patients before hospital arrival. The supplement is part of the Canadian Stroke Strategy and aims to improve stroke care in Canada.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 1, 2008
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.

Self-powered devices possible, says Texas A&M researcher

A Texas A&M researcher has discovered a way to harness energy from sound waves using piezoelectric materials, which could enable the development of self-powered cell phones and other devices. The discovery is significant because it shows that energy can be converted at a 100% increase when materials are manufactured at a very small size.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 1, 2008

ACP recommends routine HIV screening for all patients

The American College of Physicians recommends that physicians adopt a routine screening policy for HIV, encouraging patients to get tested regardless of risk factors. Timely identification of undiagnosed cases can help prevent HIV transmission.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 1, 2008

No ESKAPE! New drugs against MRSA, other superbugs still lacking

The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that new drugs are desperately needed to treat six drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and gram-negative pathogens. The society outlines steps to tackle the shortage and urges cooperation among industry, academia, and government.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 1, 2008