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Science News for April 29, 2008


Women's biological clock revealed: Hormone may predict age at menopause

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict a woman's reproductive age and onset of menopause. AMH levels reflect the number of small follicles present in a woman's ovaries, enabling monthly ovulations.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 29, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Restaurant inspections -- public perceptions vs. reality

A study found that consumers have misconceptions about restaurant inspection frequency and scores. While most respondents believed restaurants were inspected regularly, many overestimated the frequency and importance of inspections. The industry must work with public health departments to improve understanding of inspection scores and ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 29, 2008

Getting to the roots of breast cancer

A study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that conventional chemotherapy often fails to eliminate breast cancer stem cells, leading to potential relapse. Treatment with lapatinib and other drugs appears to kill both tumor cells and stem cells, reducing the risk of recurrence in patients with HER2-positive tumors.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 29, 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.

Roaring bats

Researchers found that bats emit exceptionally loud sounds of up to 140 dB SPL to detect small insects in air using echolocation. The study's results showed that the high frequencies emitted by the bats serve as a countermeasure to attenuation, allowing them to effectively hunt despite the limitations of ultrasonic frequencies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2008

Scientists head to warming Alaska on ice core expedition

Scientists from the University of New Hampshire and University of Maine are heading to Denali National Park on an ice core expedition to gather climate records from glaciers in the Alaska wilderness. The mission aims to provide a comprehensive picture of regional climate variability in the Arctic, spanning 2,000 years.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateApr 29, 2008

New species discovered in Brazil

Researchers from Conservation International discovered 14 new species in the Cerrado, a biodiversity hotspot threatened by deforestation and urbanization. The finds include a legless lizard and a tiny woodpecker, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in this region.

SourceConservation International·DateApr 29, 2008

'Rotten eggs' in the blood

Researchers have identified a role for hydrogen sulphide in regulating blood pressure, which works by relaxing vascular tissue and improving blood flow. A slow-releasing H2S donor molecule has been synthesised to study the effects of naturally produced H2S in the body.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalCirculation·DateApr 29, 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.

Other highlights in the April 29 JNCI

A mathematical model suggests that women with wild-type CYP2D6 genotype may derive as much benefit from tamoxifen as from aromatase inhibitors, potentially leading to personalized therapy approaches. Additionally, a study finds that cancer stem cells resistant to standard chemotherapy are responsive to targeted therapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 29, 2008

New 3-D test method for biomaterials 'flat out' faster

Researchers developed a novel 3-D screening method for analyzing cell-material interactions, cutting initial search times in half. The technique enables rapid assessment of biomaterials' biocompatibility and properties, with applications in tissue and organ repair.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 29, 2008

New research shows consistency in synaesthetic experiences

Researchers found that synesthetes share specific grapheme-color combinations and that these pairings are influenced by language use. The study also discovered a relationship between color saturation and linguistic frequency.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 29, 2008

You just move like a mouse, or do so abnormally like a mutant mouse

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that mice and humans exhibit similar behavioral patterns, with no differences in statistics between resting periods and activity durations. This discovery has implications for the development of new treatments for depression and challenges current models of human-specific disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 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.

You are what you eat? Maybe not for ancient man

Researchers found that Paranthropus boisei's teeth showed little pitting indicative of eating hard foods, suggesting a more general diet than previously thought. This challenges the idea that their anatomy was specialized for a specific diet.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2008

Making a good impression: Nanoimprint lithography tests at NIST

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated that nanoimprint lithography can accurately stamp delicate insulating structures on advanced microchips without damaging them. The process also increases the population of small pores, improving performance and reducing the risk of short circuits.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 29, 2008

Atomic force microscopy reveals liquids adjust viscosity when confined, shaken

New research using atomic force microscopy reveals that liquids can respond to environmental changes by adjusting their viscosity. When confined to a nanometer-sized space and shaken, these liquids exhibit structural and mechanical properties similar to those in thicker layers.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 29, 2008

Cancer survivors who practice healthy habits have higher quality of life

Cancer survivors who practice healthy habits such as avoiding tobacco, eating more fruits and vegetables, and getting adequate exercise tend to have higher health-related quality of life scores. However, many survivors are not meeting physical activity recommendations or the '5-A-Day' fruit and vegetable consumption recommendation.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 29, 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.

Shrinkage and aging are Europe-wide challenges

Scientists investigate impacts of demographic change on European cities, finding parallels between Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany. Empty properties are often the result of redevelopment needs rather than oversupply, while urban planning adaptations are crucial for elderly populations.

SourceHelmholtz Association·Journalosteuropa·DateApr 29, 2008

Ancient sunflower fuels debate about agriculture in the Americas

Researchers confirm ancient sunflower domestication in Mexico dating back 4,000 years, contrary to previously believed eastern North American origin. This discovery highlights the importance of sunflower as a major oil seed crop and its potential for modern crop-breeding purposes.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2008

Bison can thrive again, study says

A recent assessment by the Wildlife Conservation Society and other groups suggests that bison can thrive again in large areas from Alaska to Mexico within the next 100 years. The study identified prime locations across Canada and the US, as well as parts of Mexico, where ecological restoration could take place.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 29, 2008

High-flying electrons may provide new test of quantum theory

Researchers at NIST and Max Planck Institute plan to measure the Rydberg constant with unprecedented accuracy by boosting an electron to a high-flying orbit. This could reveal anomalies in quantum electrodynamics and improve element identification in stars, environmental pollutants, and more.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 29, 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.

A life 'lens' ordinary

Research from Cardiff University finds that a third of Down's syndrome children who wear bifocals can switch to ordinary glasses within two years. The study, led by Dr Maggie Woodhouse, reveals that bifocals may be 'teaching' children with the condition to use their own focusing ability.

SourceCardiff University·DateApr 29, 2008

Micro-origami: USC folds up micrometer-scale 'voxels' for drug delivery

Researchers at USC Information Sciences Institute have developed a method to manufacture miniscule closed containers for precise drug delivery. The new technique uses micro-origami to fold up small shapes, which can be used to create 'voxels' - tiny volume-enclosing structures.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateApr 29, 2008

Moral philosopher questions memory manipulation

A moral philosopher is investigating the ethics of medicated memory manipulation, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The use of beta-blockers to dampen emotional responses to traumatic events may undermine an individual's understanding of their moral responsibility.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateApr 29, 2008

Stem cells at root of antlers' branching

Researchers have found evidence of mesenchymal stem cells in the periosteum of deer pedicles, which are responsible for antler regeneration. The study suggests that understanding this unique process could have significant implications for regenerative medicine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 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.

How to stop regaining weight? That's the real question

Researchers from University of Copenhagen conducted a study to identify the most effective diet to help adults stop regaining weight. After a successful initial weight loss, participants followed different diets, including high or low protein and glycemic index foods, for six months, with some receiving additional support.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateApr 29, 2008

Sunflower debate ends in Mexico, researchers say

Researchers confirm that farmers domesticated sunflowers in Mexico by 2600 B.C., contradicting the theory that they were introduced from eastern North America. The study's findings are based on physical evidence of early domesticated remains and linguistic traditions.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2008

Ultra-dense galaxies found in early universe

Astronomers find nine young, compact galaxies with masses of 200 billion times the Sun's, each only 5,000 light-years across. These ultra-dense galaxies formed 11 billion years ago and are thought to be building blocks for today's largest galaxies.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 29, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Engineers harness cell phone technology for use in medical imaging

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a system that uses cell phones for medical imaging, reducing costs and increasing accessibility. The system consists of a data acquisition device connected to a central server where the image is processed, making it possible to view images on a cell phone screen.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2008

'Emotional inflation' leads to stock market meltdown

A recent study from University College London suggests that investors' emotional states play a significant role in the stock market's behavior. The researchers argue that 'emotional inflation' - the unchecked enthusiasm and wishful thinking that can lead to excessive risk-taking - is a major contributor to market crashes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe International Journal of Psychoanalysis·DateApr 29, 2008

Body image program reduces onset of obesity and eating disorders

A body image program called the Body Project has been shown to reduce the risk of onset of eating disorders by 61% and obesity by 55% in young women. The program, which consists of four one-hour weekly sessions, helps participants challenge negative body ideals and adopt healthier attitudes towards food and exercise.

SourceOregon Research Institute·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 29, 2008

Hyperviscous fluids: Better treatment for severe blood loss

Researchers at UC San Diego report improved resuscitation with a radically different approach combining hypertonic saline with viscosity enhancers that thicken blood. Dramatic increases in healthy blood flow through tissues and organs were observed in hamsters with severe blood loss.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalResuscitation·DateApr 29, 2008

Too much technology may be killing beneficial bacteria

Researchers have found that silver nanoparticles destroy benign bacteria used to remove ammonia from wastewater treatment systems. The presence of these particles can hinder the reproduction activity of good bacteria, potentially harming soil and food crops.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 29, 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.

Scientists at Yale provide explanation for how cancer spreads

Scientists at Yale University propose a new explanation for cancer metastasis, suggesting that the fusion of a cancer cell with a white blood cell is the key to its spread. This theory has been validated in mouse studies and could lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateApr 29, 2008

Factors affecting survival, disability of extremely premature infants identified

Researchers identified four additional factors, including birth weight, gender, and antenatal steroid use, that can predict the outcome for extremely low-birth-weight infants. The study found that older gestational age, female sex, singleton births, and higher birth weight enhanced survival chances without disability.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.