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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 76


Page 76 of 240

Sowing a future for peas

Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to analyze pea plant leaves under drought stress, revealing key metabolites that increase in response. The findings could lead to the development of pea varieties more resistant to water scarcity, affecting global food production.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalMetabolomics·DateSep 16, 2008

Inflammatory response to infection and injury may worsen dementia

Research funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that inflammation in the brain resulting from infection or injury may accelerate the progress of dementia. Systemic inflammation can cause changes in memory and learning, leading to accelerated progression of dementia.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 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.

Blood pressure drug combination reduces heart attack deaths

Researchers found that combining a thiazide diuretic with a potassium-sparing drug reduced both sudden cardiac death and total coronary mortality in elderly patients with hypertension. The study's findings challenge the current U.S. hypertension treatment guidelines, which recommend using a thiazide diuretic alone as initial therapy.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Hypertension·DateSep 16, 2008

Viral 'magic bullet' targets cancer cells with help of new compound

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a way to make cancer vulnerable to viruses using a new compound called histone deacetylase inhibitors. This approach has the potential to overcome resistance and increase the effectiveness of viral 'magic bullets' in targeting cancer cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2008

Johns Hopkins researchers suppress 'hunger hormone'

Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully suppressed levels of the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin in pigs using a minimally invasive procedure. The method, called GACE, produces an effect similar to bariatric surgery by lowering appetite and promoting significant weight loss.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateSep 16, 2008

Exposure to family violence especially harmful to previously abused children

A new study found that children who witness family violence have more symptoms of depression and anxiety, while those subjected to harsh physical discipline are more aggressive. Researchers call for targeted interventions to address the ongoing emotional and behavioral problems in these vulnerable youth.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 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.

Burnham researcher awarded $8 million grant

Stuart A. Lipton will lead a center studying potential environmental causes of Parkinson's disease, examining chemical reactions that alter protein function and screening compounds to prevent disease progression. The center represents a collaborative effort between scientists at Burnham and other institutions.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateSep 16, 2008

Children who are concerned about parents arguing are prone to school problems

A new study found that children concerned about their parents' arguing are more likely to have psychological problems in school due to difficulty paying attention. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester and others, suggests that addressing attention difficulties may promote children's mental health.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 16, 2008

Coating improves electrical stimulation therapy used for Parkinson's, depression, chronic pain

A new coating made from carbon nanotubes improves the signals received and transmitted by electrodes, potentially advancing electrical nerve stimulation therapy. The coating bolsters both stimulation and receptive capabilities, showing promise in treating diseases such as epilepsy, depression, and chronic leg and back pain.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 16, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Expert urges FDA to take action to reduce BPA exposure

Research from the University of Missouri has shown a significant relationship between BPA exposure and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver enzyme abnormalities. The FDA is urged to take action to reduce human and environmental exposures to BPA due to its adverse health effects.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2008

Joining forces against cancer

Multidisciplinary approaches combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery have shown promise in treating various cancers, including lung and head and neck cancers. The addition of targeted therapies like pazopanib and cetuximab has demonstrated significant activity in reducing tumor size and improving patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 16, 2008

Vanderbilt researchers seek to make standardized tests accessible

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a decision-making instrument called the Test Accessibility and Modification Inventory (TAMI) to address the issue of accessibility for students with special needs. The tool helps test developers apply principles of universal design to create more inclusive assessments.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateSep 16, 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.

Cutting calories could limit muscle wasting in later years

A study published in PLoS One found that a restricted-calorie diet can reduce iron accumulation in muscle cell mitochondria, which can contribute to muscle loss in aging adults. The research suggests that reducing caloric intake early on may help limit muscle wasting in later years.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2008

From Xbox to T-cells: Michigan Tech researchers borrow video game technology to model human biology

A team of Michigan Tech researchers is harnessing video game technology to model complex biological systems, such as the human immune response to tuberculosis. Using GPUs, they have created a powerful new tool for medical research, allowing for faster and more efficient simulations of diseases like sepsis.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering·DateSep 16, 2008

NC State engineers discover nanoparticles can break on through

Researchers at NC State University have discovered a technique to bring nanoparticles to the surface of thin polymer films using heat, allowing for controllable surface patterns. This breakthrough could lead to tiny reusable bar codes and small fluorescent features that turn off with increasing heat or chemical presence.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 16, 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.

Improving our ability to peek inside molecules

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new technique that enables creating detailed high-resolution images of cellular molecules. The method uses high-energy X-ray beams and complex algorithms to overcome current technology limitations.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2008

NIEHS invests $21.25 million to find environmental causes of Parkinson's disease

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is awarding three new grants to investigate the role of environmental factors in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The research will focus on identifying mechanisms that link pesticide exposure, mitochondrial damage, and altered dopamine storage to the dev...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateSep 16, 2008

New drug substantially extends survival in pancreatic cancer

A new chemotherapy drug combination has shown excellent results in a phase II trial, extending median survival time in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer by up to 6.4 months compared to standard therapy. The treatment, EndoTAG-1, destroys new blood vessels around tumors, improving patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 16, 2008

Migraine linked to blood clots in veins

A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with migraines are more likely to develop venous thrombosis or blood clots in their veins. The research, which involved 574 participants in Italy, revealed a significant association between migraine and increased risk of blood clots.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 15, 2008
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

An 'HIV-test' equivalent for the early detection of lung cancer

A new blood test uses immune system signals to detect early signs of lung cancer, signaling the disease before symptoms appear. The test has a sensitivity rate of 51% and specificity rate of 18%, indicating its potential for improving early detection of lung cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 15, 2008
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.

New data on melanoma treatment

A genetic variant in the cyclin D1 gene is associated with a higher risk of developing melanoma. Individuals carrying two copies of the variant are 80% more likely to develop the disease. Extended and escalated dose chemotherapy shows no survival benefit in advanced melanoma cases.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 15, 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.

Cold and lonely: Does social exclusion literally feel cold?

Researchers Chen-Bo Zhong and Geoffrey Leonardelli found that socially excluded individuals experience a physical feeling of coldness, which is linked to their preference for warm food and drinks. This study suggests that warm chicken soup may be a literal coping mechanism for social isolation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 15, 2008

Embryonic stem cells might help reduce transplantation rejection

Researchers found that immune-defense cells influenced by embryonic stem cell-derived cells can prevent transplant rejection in mice. The study's results suggest a potential method for reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs in human organ and bone marrow transplants.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 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.

Help for shopaholics: New test determines who's at risk for compulsive buying

A new scale identifies consumers with a strong urge to buy, regular spending habits, and difficulty resisting impulse purchases. The study found approximately 8.9% of the population are compulsive shoppers, linked to materialism, reduced self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 15, 2008

Genetic profile reveals susceptibility to cleft palate

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine have identified a series of genetic mutations associated with significant risk for cleft palate and other dental abnormalities. The study, published in Genetics in Medicine, analyzed DNA sequences from over 500 individuals and found more than a dozen gene mutations...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 15, 2008

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Sept. 16, 2008, issue

The American College of Physicians released a new clinical practice guideline recommending drug treatment for men and women with osteoporosis or low bone density. In addition, massage therapy may have an immediate positive effect on pain and mood for advanced cancer patients, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 15, 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.

Cyanobacterium sequenced features rare linear chromosome

Researchers sequenced the genome of Cyanobacterium ATCC 51142, revealing a rare linear chromosome containing genes for pyruvate metabolism. The discovery provides a framework for understanding this organism's ability to produce lactate and other compounds.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2008

Common bronchodilator linked to increased deaths

A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that ipratropium increases the risk of heart attack or arrhythmia by 34% compared to albuterol or no treatment. The study suggests that the medication may have a systemic cardiovascular effect, increasing mortality risk in COPD patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 15, 2008

$10M clinical trial tests new treatment for blood clots in the leg

A new $10 million clinical trial is testing a treatment that can chew up deep vein thrombosis (DVT) clots and administer clot-busting drugs, with the goal of preventing long-term complications like post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The trial aims to provide a safer, quicker and more effective approach to treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateSep 15, 2008

MRI reveals inner ear anomalies in children with hearing loss

Using MRI, researchers identified soft tissue defects contributing to hearing loss in children, affecting thousands of kids per year. The study found abnormalities in the cochlea and auditory nerve in 40% of ears with sensorineural hearing loss.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 15, 2008
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.

The language of luxury: Advertisers' language choices evoke different reactions

A new study reveals that multinational companies should advertise luxury goods in English, while necessities may be more effective in local languages. Multinational corporations marketing to bilingual populations must pay attention to language choices, as perceptions of ads change significantly with different languages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 15, 2008

Impulsive eater? Remembering failures may help curb eating

A new study suggests that remembering past instances of resisting temptation can help impulsive eaters make healthier choices. By reflecting on their previous successes and failures, individuals with self-control difficulties can improve their ability to resist fatty or tempting foods.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 15, 2008
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.

Biologists identify genes controlling rhythmic plant growth

Researchers identified genes controlling rhythmic plant growth, enabling bursts of growth at night and increasing competitiveness in shaded environments. These findings could lead to designing crops that grow faster and produce more food than current varieties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 15, 2008

Sun-damaged skin does not improve with estrogen treatments

Research from Michigan Medicine found that estrogen treatments stimulate collagen production in non-sun damaged skin, but have no effect on sun-damaged skin. The study suggests it's difficult to repair photoaged skin due to altered skin response to topical estrogen treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateSep 15, 2008

Study reveals how viruses collectively decide the fate of a bacterial cell

Researchers found that multiple viral genomes can increase overall viral gene expression, leading to a nonlinear effect on gene networks controlling cell fate. This can result in the host cell entering a latent state rather than immediately being killed by the virus.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 15, 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.

Seize the day! New research helps tightwads 'live a little'

A new study reveals that hyperopic consumers are not necessarily self-controlled, and instead focus on the future at the expense of present-day experiences. Researchers found that high-hyperopia individuals perceive more products as luxuries, but are less likely to see luxury goods as long-term investments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 15, 2008

Consumers think differently about close and distant purchases

A study found that consumers evaluate purchases differently depending on the proximity of time and people involved. When making near-term or personal purchases, convenience and low-level construal are key considerations, whereas future or distant purchases rely on higher-level attributes like attractiveness.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 15, 2008

Herpes drug inhibits HIV in patients infected with both viruses

Researchers have discovered that the antiviral drug acyclovir can suppress HIV in patients infected with both herpes and HIV. Acyclovir works by targeting the unique enzyme present in herpes virus HHV-6, converting it into a compound capable of attacking HIV directly.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 15, 2008