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Science News Archive 2008


Page 9 of 240

Stopping ovarian cancer by blocking proteins coded by notorious gene

Researchers at University of California, Berkeley discovered that blocking proteins coded by notorious gene MYC can stop ovarian cancer cell proliferation. By using RNA interference and small interfering RNA to silence L-Myc and N-Myc proteins, the scientists were able to shut down growth in non-amplified MYC tumors.

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.

Researchers map new path to colon cancer therapy

University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a promising new target for colon cancer therapy by mapping the biochemical pathway critical to the spread of tumors. High levels of the enzyme Akt2 are found in association with other cancers, and its inhibition shows promise in stopping colon cancer's spread.

Alcohol and licensing policy could be changing the habits of young drinkers

A new report suggests that current licensing policies are contributing to a surge in 'pre-drinking' among young people. Pre-drinking involves planned heavy drinking before attending social events, often resulting in increased alcohol consumption and negative consequences. The authors propose a comprehensive strategy to reduce pre-drink...

Pain hurts more if the person hurting you means it

A study by Kurt Gray and Daniel Wegner found that participants who believed they were getting an electrical shock from another person on purpose rated the shock as more painful. In contrast, those given shocks unintentionally habituated to the pain over time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blocking proteins coded by notorious cancer-causing gene

Researchers discovered that blocking proteins produced by the MYC oncogene can halt ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Using RNA interference, they silenced c-Myc and L-Myc proteins in lab cultures with amplified MYC, preventing cancer cell growth.

New method of scoring IQ tests benefits children with intellectual disabilities

Researchers have developed a new system of scoring IQ tests for children with fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder causing intellectual disabilities. The new method provides a more accurate assessment of the long-term learning potential of these children, helping parents and physicians diagnose and treat them more effectively.

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 15, 2008

Researchers have identified a new genetic cause of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene has been found to be associated with T-B SCID, where patients lack both T and B cells. Further analysis revealed that the mutant protein retained kinase activity but was...

Awards to be presented at 47th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is presenting numerous awards to recognize excellence in various fields of aerospace science. These awards are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the academic profession, literature, and innovation in propulsion and combustion.

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.

Diet may cut second breast cancers in women without hot flashes

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence in early-stage breast cancer survivors who do not experience hot flashes. This subgroup of patients typically faces higher recurrence rates and lower survival rates compared to those with hot flashes.

Does global warming lead to a change in upper atmospheric transport?

Long-term measurements of atmospheric gases suggest that air masses are moving more slowly than expected, potentially impacting ozone layer recovery. Researchers urge further study to understand the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon and its implications for climate models.

Solar flare surprise

Researchers detected a stream of perfectly intact hydrogen atoms shooting out of an X-class solar flare, surprising scientists. The discovery suggests that all strong flares might emit hydrogen bursts, which could be detected using the NASA's STEREO spacecraft.

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.

Breathing problems during sleep associated with calories burned at rest

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders tend to burn more calories when resting. The research, which assessed 212 adults, showed a significant association between the severity of breathing disorders and increased energy expenditure.

Breast cancer genome shows evolution, instability of cancer

A recent study published in Genome Research has mapped genomic translocations to base pair resolution, revealing a heavily rearranged genetic blueprint in breast cancer cells. The research highlights the importance of DNA repair machinery and identifies potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Single virus used to convert adult cells to embryonic stem cell-like cells

Scientists have developed a new method for converting adult cells into embryonic stem cell-like cells using a single virus, cutting the number of viruses used from four to one. This approach eliminates the risks associated with multiple viruses and could potentially be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.

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.

Slippery slope: 1 tiny truffle can trigger desire for more treats

A new study found that consuming a single chocolate truffle can induce cravings for fatty foods and awaken desires for luxury items. Researchers discovered that people who were allowed to eat the truffle unconsciously activated a goal of indulgence, leading them to desire more treats.

New genetic cause of boy in the bubble syndrome

Researchers at Erasmus Medical Center have identified a new genetic cause of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene is found to be responsible for the disease, leading to impaired T cell and B cell development.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ancient magma 'superpiles' may have shaped the continents

Researchers have discovered two giant plumes of hot rock deep within the earth linked to plate motions that shape the continents. The superplumes, one beneath Hawaii and the other beneath Africa, are surrounded by a wall of plates from Earth's crust that have sunk into the mantle.

Woodruff Foundation pledges $3 million toward MCG dental building

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation has pledged $3 million to support the construction of a new Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry building. The gift will help alleviate the shortage of dentists in Georgia, with the school increasing its class size from 63 to 100 and residency positions from 44 to 72.

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.

Important new insights into the lives of young adult carers

The study shows that many young adults in their 16-24 age group face emotional turmoil while juggling caring responsibilities with education and personal life. Personal experiences highlight the need for support and awareness to enable these young individuals to succeed.

Church effort sharply increases first-time African-American blood donors

A church-based initiative in St. Louis increased first-time African-American blood donations by 60%, with nearly 700 participants donating blood over three years. The Sickle Cell Sabbath Program educated predominantly African-American churches about sickle cell disease and its benefits, leading to more donors.

Diet may cut risk of breast cancer recurrence in women without hot flashes

A secondary analysis of a large clinical trial found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence by approximately 31 percent in women without hot flashes. Women with estrogen receptor-positive cancers often receive hormone therapy to combat circulating estrogen levels.

New gene variants present opportunities in nutrigenomics

A new study uncovers 11 gene variants associated with three blood lipids measured to determine cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers believe that these variants could lead to precise dietary recommendations for individuals at risk, such as carriers of certain gene variants who may benefit from low-cholesterol or Mediterranean diets.

State bicycle survey reveals danger concerns, cycling perceptions

A survey by the University of Texas at Austin found that bicyclists in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio are more concerned with vehicle crashes than others. The study also revealed that 70% of respondents consider biking to be very or somewhat dangerous due to traffic accidents, while only 21% fear crime-related incidents.

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.

Drug tests will prevent repeat of Northwick Park trial

Scientists have developed new pre-clinical tests that successfully reproduced the devastating reaction suffered by six volunteers in the 2006 Northwick Park trial. The new tests use a mixed human cell culture and drying the drug onto a plastic surface, providing a more reliable indicator of how the drug will react in humans.

Nature, nanotechnology fuse in electric yarn that detects blood

Engineers at the University of Michigan have developed a carbon nanotube-coated smart yarn that can detect blood and monitor health. The yarn, made from a combination of natural cotton and nanotechnology, is flexible and durable, making it suitable for wearable applications.

Multiple axons and actions with PSD-95

Researchers found PSD-95 stimulates the growth of large dendritic spines that are connected to multiple axons. Reducing PSD-95 levels impairs synapse development.

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.

Breathing cycles in Earth's upper atmosphere tied to solar wind disturbances

A University of Colorado at Boulder study reveals that periodic 'breathing' of the Earth's upper atmosphere is triggered by cyclic solar wind disturbances, which can alter satellite drag and cause communication disruptions. The findings should improve models for tracking satellites and predicting electronic communication issues.

Tracking the molecular pathway to mixed-lineage leukemia

Researchers discovered the MLL-AF4 protein binds to over 169 genes in cancer cells, hijacking blood stem cell machinery and causing cancerous cell division. This understanding may lead to new drug targets for treating mixed-lineage leukemia.

Culture: The new insanity defense?

A professor of political science argues for a national policy on culture in the legal system. She proposes three conditions to reduce false claims of cultural defense, including membership in the ethnic group, tradition adherence, and influence on actions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Go for the gold (or silver): Status tiers promote loyalty

Researchers found that adding a subordinate elite tier to a top-tier program enhances perceptions of status, while diluting the perception of status occurs when too many elites are added. The study shows that customers value exclusive programs even if they don't qualify for the highest tiers.

Just look: When it comes to art, viewing may be as satisfying as buying

A new study by Yu Chen found that buying and viewing art share similar benefits, including the desire for aesthetics, sociality, and novelty. Collectors and visitors to galleries share common values but differ in their motivations, with collectors seeking a long-term intimate relationship with artworks.

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.

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.

I'm a believer: Some product claims work better than others

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research identifies four product claim structures that can be more effective in different situations. Consumers employ different logical strategies to counteract pitches, with alternative causes and disabling conditions affecting believability.

FHL1 helps build muscle mass

Research suggests FHL1 enhances transcription factor NFATc1 activity to promote muscle hypertrophy. Overexpressing FHL1 in mice and myoblasts resulted in increased strength and endurance.

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.

People with blindness from cataract are poorer than those with normal sight

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine has found that individuals with visual impairment caused by cataracts are disproportionately represented among the poor. The research analyzed data from Kenya, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to determine the relationship between poverty and blindness, revealing a significant association.

New technique allows simultaneous tracking of gene expression and movement

A new technique allows for the simultaneous tracking of gene expression and movement in Drosophila flies, enabling researchers to study correlations between behavior, gene expression, and aging. The method uses green fluorescent protein (GFP) and specially modified video cameras to track movement and quantify GFP expression in real-time.

Proactive care saves lives of seniors, study finds

A three-year study involving over 3,400 chronically ill seniors found that deaths among patients in a proactive care management program were significantly lower than those in the control group. Hospitalizations were also slightly lower for patients in the intervention group, with a notable benefit for those with diabetes.

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.

Higher levels of obesity-related hormone found in patients with psoriasis

Researchers discovered a significant association between psoriasis and high levels of leptin, an obesity-related hormone that contributes to metabolic abnormalities. The study also found that body weight loss can decrease leptin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.