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Science News for August 1, 2008


Innovative diabetes program in Bloomington-Normal, Ill., a success

The Diabetes Checks & Balances program has shown positive outcomes in its first year, with 29% of participants receiving all four tests, including HbA1c and eye exams. This increase is nearly twice as high as in 2006, suggesting improved diabetes management among local residents.

SourceBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois·DateAug 1, 2008

Penn researchers find a new role for a 'Foxy Old Gene'

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that FOXA2 regulates genes involved in maintaining proper bile levels. The study suggests that increasing FOXA2 expression may be a novel therapeutic goal for treating diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary atresia.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 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.

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

Researchers have discovered a mechanism to overcome the resistance of human glioblastoma multiforme cells to growth factor inhibitors by blocking inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. Combining drugs targeting IAPs with RTK inhibitors showed enhanced efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth. Additionally, targeting liver CB1 receptors may provid...

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

Survival of the fittest: even cancer cells follow the laws of evolution

Researchers found that each type of cancer has distinct gene mutations that provide a 'selective advantage', driving tumor formation through evolution. This discovery improves our understanding of how evolution shapes life and lays the groundwork for new cancer treatments.

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

Strategies to control TB outdated, inadequate

Current TB treatment regimens are insufficient in countries with high MDR-TB prevalence, leading to significantly higher failure and relapse rates. Studies reveal that for every 1% increase in MDR-TB, there's a corresponding 0.3% rise in new case treatment failure and a 1.1% increase in retreatment failure rate.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 1, 2008

Immune system protein accurate predictor of survival in pediatric septic shock

Researchers discovered an immune system protein called interleukin-8 (IL-8) as a powerful predictor of survival in children with septic shock. Measuring IL-8 levels can predict with 95% accuracy which children can survive through conventional antibiotics and therapies for at least 28 days following admission.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 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.

Superfluid-superconductor relationship is detailed

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have detailed the interaction between a superfluid and a superconductor, which could change our understanding of neutron stars' motion. The research reveals exotic behavior at the boundary between type I and type II superconductors, with unexpected effects on magnetic fields.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 1, 2008

Chronic exposure to estrogen impairs some cognitive functions

Researchers at University of Illinois found that chronic exposure to estradiol decreases working memory and response inhibition in rats. This impairment is linked to altered brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region crucial for planning and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 1, 2008

Highlights from the August 2008 issue of Ophthalmology

A new study published in Ophthalmology reveals that Asian men are at a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) due to smoking. In contrast, high levels of outdoor activity in childhood may prevent or control myopia in children, according to researchers. These findings suggest that environmental factors play a s...

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateAug 1, 2008

Disparities in prostate cancer treatment suggest ways to improve care

A new study reveals significant variations in prostate cancer care quality by region, hospital type, and race, suggesting areas for improvement to enhance patient outcomes. Compliance rates with standardized measures vary greatly among healthcare facilities, highlighting the need for standardization.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 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.

Immunotherapy in high-risk pediatric sarcomas shows promising response

Researchers found that standard flu vaccine boosted immune function in patients with recurrent or metastatic Ewing's sarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, leading to higher five-year overall survival rates. The study suggests immunotherapy could be beneficial for high-risk pediatric sarcomas.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 1, 2008

2 years old -- a childhood obesity tipping point?

A new study suggests that childhood obesity begins as early as age two, with over half of children reaching the overweight category by this age. Researchers found that obese children started gaining weight in infancy at a rapid rate, highlighting the need for early interventions to prevent future obesity.

SourceChildren's Hospital of The King's Daughters·DateAug 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.

Highlights from the August 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study of 490 black men found they ate an average of three servings of fruits and vegetables daily, despite the recommended nine servings per day. The researchers also identified barriers to food safety practices in restaurant employees, including inadequate training and resources.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 1, 2008

Combating secondary infections in clinics

A new antimicrobial surface coating, developed by a team of scientists, has shown promising results in reducing implant-related infections. The hybrid molecule combines two natural products with different modes of action, effectively hindering bacterial growth and attachment.

SourceWiley·DateAug 1, 2008

Ties to war-dead are a predictor of likely presidential disapproval

A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that individuals with personal connections to victims of the Iraq War or 9/11 terrorist attacks are less likely to approve of President Bush's performance, affecting both Republicans and Democrats. The pattern holds true across all demographics.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateAug 1, 2008

A mechanism for the development of obesity-associated conditions

A new study found that targeting liver CB1 receptor may treat obesity-related conditions without brain-side effects, reversing severe insulin resistance and fatty liver in mice fed high-fat diets. The research indicates liver-specific CB1 is necessary for high-fat diet-induced fatty liver and related hormonal changes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 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.

Tracking down abrupt climate changes

Researchers discovered an extreme cooling event 12,700 years ago in Western Europe, with sediments revealing a short-term shift in atmospheric circulation. The findings suggest the climate system is not fully understood, with many puzzles remaining to be solved.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 1, 2008

Overcoming inhibitors of cell death improves cancer therapy efficacy

Researchers found that RTK inhibitors can be less effective in treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) due to cell death inhibition. Combining RTK and IAP inhibitors showed promise in inducing apoptosis in GBM cells, with enhanced efficacy in orthotopic mouse models.

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

No substitute for hard work: Creatine supplementation does not improve exercise outcomes in COPD

A randomized, placebo-controlled study found that creatine supplementation had negligible effects on exercise function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite increased muscle creatine levels, the study's results suggest that physical training alone remains essential for improving outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 1, 2008

The emerging scientific discipline of aeroecology

Aeroecology is an emerging field exploring how airborne organisms depend on the lower atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface. This research has significant implications for understanding behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary responses of organisms in complex meteorological conditions.

SourceBoston University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateAug 1, 2008

Nano sculptures in gold

Researchers have discovered unique structures of uncharged gold nano particles, which could lead to breakthroughs in catalysts for chemical reactions. The structures, formed by arranging seven gold atoms in a triangle with an additional vertex, were revealed through innovative combination of infrared spectrometry and mass spectrometry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 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.

Turned-off cannabinoid receptor turns on colorectal tumor growth

A study published in Cancer Research found that the CB1 receptor plays a tumor-suppressing role in human colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered that CB1 expression is lost in most colorectal cancers, leading to increased tumor growth. Restoring CB1 expression with an existing drug showed promise in reducing tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 1, 2008

Cutting the brakes on the immune system

A newly discovered gene variant in TNFAIP3 may cause the immune system to continue attacking healthy tissues and organs, leading to damage. This discovery adds to a growing list of genes associated with lupus and holds promise for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 1, 2008

Sleep apnea linked to increased risk of death

A new study found that sleep-disordered breathing is associated with a two- to three-fold increase in the risk of death among adults aged 30 to 60. The severity of breathing issues was linked to an increased risk, with severe cases doubling mortality risk.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 1, 2008

Long work hours widen the gender gap

Research finds women whose husbands work long hours are more likely to quit their jobs, exacerbating gender inequality. Professional women with children are disproportionately affected, highlighting a potential return to the 'separate spheres' arrangement.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 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.

When our protective armor shows weakness

A genetic mutation in the filaggrin gene increases the risk of developing atopic dermatitis by threefold, while also predisposing individuals to hay fever and asthma. The study found that nearly 8% of German school children carry this genetic variation.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPharmacogenetics and Genomics·DateAug 1, 2008

Size-specific cracking shakes

Scientists have found that certain nanostructures are more susceptible to failure by fracture at specific sizes. This is due to phonon confinement, which affects thermal transport and electronic processes. The study provides valuable information for designing stable nanostructures with reduced fracture energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 1, 2008

JDRF announces 2008 Scholar Award recipients

The JDRF Scholar Award is granted to individual scientists who exhibit a unique creative vision and approach to research. Dr. Jeffrey Bluestone and Dr. Mark Cooper are the recipients of this prestigious award, which provides them with $250,000 annually for up to five years to conduct specialized research.

SourceJDRF·DateAug 1, 2008

The brightest, sharpest, fastest X-ray holograms yet

An international team produced two of the brightest, sharpest x-ray holograms of microscopic objects ever made, with resolutions of up to 50 nanometers. The technique used is called massively parallel x-ray Fourier-transform holography with 'coded apertures', inspired by the pinhole camera.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 1, 2008
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.