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Science News for April 25, 2008


USDLA honors WebCampus for excellence in distance learning

The United States Distance Learning Association honored WebCampus with the prestigious award for its exceptional online distance learning practices. With over 14,000 students from 44 states and 42 countries, WebCampus has established itself as a leader in the industry.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateApr 25, 2008

Northern lights glimmer with unexpected trait

Scientists have detected polarized glow in Northern Lights, revealing clues to the composition of Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic field configuration. The phenomenon also offers a way to determine magnetic field configurations on other planets.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 25, 2008

Mapping the genetic locus for triglycerides

Scientists have identified a region on human chromosome 1 that contributes to elevated blood triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Three genes, angiopoietin-like 3, leptin receptor, and sterol carrier protein 2, are promising candidates for further study.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateApr 25, 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.

Study links low-frequency hearing to shape of the cochlea

A study at Vanderbilt University establishes a direct link between cochlea curvature and low-frequency hearing limit, providing new insights into the evolution of hearing. The research found that spiral-shaped cochleae are exclusive to mammals and have a significant effect on hearing ranges.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2008

Autistic mannerisms reduced by sensory treatment

A study from Temple University found that sensory integration therapy significantly reduced autistic mannerisms in children, leading to improved behavior and learning outcomes. The treatment enabled children to better regulate their responses to sensations and situations, making self-care and classroom activities more manageable.

SourceTemple University·DateApr 25, 2008

Study shows false memories complicate end-of-life treatment decisions

A study by UC Irvine researchers found that a majority of participants did not realize their treatment preferences had changed over time, leading to false memories. The study highlights the need for ongoing dialogue among individuals, families, and physicians about end-of-life treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 25, 2008

A step forward in virology

Researchers at ETH Zurich identify a unique invasion strategy used by the vaccinia virus, exploiting cellular waste disposal mechanisms and evading immune response. The discovery sheds light on a new mechanism of action for this virus, which could inform the development of new antiviral agents.

SourceETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 25, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Workplace flexibility associated with reduced absences and improved job commitment

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that workers with increased work flexibility reported fewer sickness absences and improved job commitment. This suggests that implementing flexible work arrangements can contribute to better health outcomes and productivity for employees.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Psychologist-Manager Journal·DateApr 25, 2008

Bypassing the insulin highway

Researchers found a connection between an immune protein and glucose levels, offering a new avenue for treating diabetics who don't respond to traditional insulin-based treatments. The protein, defensin HNP-1, inhibits glucose-producing genes and reduces blood sugar levels in both normal mice and diabetic rats.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 25, 2008

Users of Yahoo Answers seek advice, opinion, expertise

Research found that users on Yahoo Answers use the platform to exchange advice and opinions, as well as technical expertise. The study analyzed one month of activity on the site, finding that questions seeking factual answers received fewer replies, while those requesting common-sense advice and opinion garnered longer answer threads.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 25, 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.

Deadly dose: Rensselaer heparin expert helps uncover source of lethal contamination

A team of researchers led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Robert J. Linhardt uncovered the source of deadly heparin contamination, a complex carbohydrate named oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. They are now developing stronger monitoring systems and exploring synthetic alternatives to ensure patient safety.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 25, 2008

Opening a channel for salt retention

Researchers have identified a small molecule that can reversibly activate the human epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), leading to increased sodium flow and improved salt balance. This breakthrough opens avenues for developing drugs to treat conditions like hypertension, neonatal pulmonary edema, and renal salt wasting disorders.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 25, 2008

Biomonitoring

Biomonitoring utilizes bioindicators to detect pollutant accumulation and provides real-time trend monitoring. This approach is particularly suitable for environments where technological monitoring is impossible or too costly.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateApr 25, 2008

Viruses may play a role in lung cancer development

Research suggests common viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and measles virus, may play a role in lung cancer development, particularly in smokers. Studies have found that five out of 22 non-small-cell lung cancer samples were positive for HPV.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 25, 2008

Surprising language abilities in children with autism

Researchers discovered that many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) possess rich pragmatic abilities, particularly in literal talk, challenging the notion of their limited communication skills.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalMidwest Studies in Philosophy·DateApr 25, 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.

Carnegie Mellon researchers urge development of low carbon electricity

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions if powered by low-carbon electricity. According to Carnegie Mellon researchers, life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from plug-in hybrids are about one-third less than traditional gasoline-powered cars.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 25, 2008

New genetic techniques to combat lung cancer

Researchers have developed a test to accurately distinguish between squamous and non-squamous forms of non-small-cell lung cancer based on microRNA levels. This method can improve diagnosis and treatment guide for patients with the disease.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 25, 2008

Mutation database helps personalized treatment of lung cancer

A new online database provides a comprehensive list of somatic EGFR mutations, allowing clinicians to make more robust decisions about treatment options for non-small-cell lung cancer patients. The database includes data from thousands of patients and offers improved treatment outcomes for those receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 25, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers at UCLA engineering discover theoretical model to predict jamming

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a theoretical model that can accurately predict the behavior of dense granular flows, similar to molecules in jammed materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields such as materials innovation, medicine, and geology, offering new avenues for understanding complex phenomena.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 25, 2008

Cancer immunotherapy shows long-term promise in lung cancer

A new clinical trial found that MAGE-A3 ASCI reduces the risk of lung cancer relapse after surgery, similar to chemotherapy but with fewer side effects. The treatment, which boosts the immune system, showed minimal reactions at injection sites and was suitable for long-term maintenance treatment.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 25, 2008

Yeast gives rise to new concept: cell fuel is 'brains' behind division

A new study reveals that yeast mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating cell division, with implications for treating human diseases. The research found that mitochondria can act as the 'command center' directing cell division, and that understanding this process could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 25, 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.

Anesthesia and Alzheimer's

Researchers investigated the potential link between anesthetics and Alzheimer's disease. While desflurane alone did not increase amyloid-beta protein production, it stimulated cellular changes associated with Alzheimer's when combined with low oxygen levels.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 25, 2008

Researchers important markers of high risk of type 2 diabetes

Researchers found high levels of E-selectin, white blood cells, and low serum albumin levels are clear predictors of high risk for type 2 diabetes. The study used data from the Western New York Health Study and found that combining these markers increased identification of high-risk patients by 8%.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalObesity·DateApr 25, 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.