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Science News Archive August 2008


Page 6 of 17

JCI table of contents: Aug. 21, 2008

Simultaneous inhibition of two signaling pathways, mTOR and MAPK, resulted in enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. This combination therapy may improve the treatment of human cancers, particularly for patients with advanced, hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Carnegie Mellon's Greg Ganger receives Innovation Research Award

Greg Ganger, a Carnegie Mellon professor, will collaborate with HP Labs on a research initiative focused on data storage infrastructure issues. The award includes on-campus support for one graduate student researcher and aims to strengthen the collaboration between HP's scalable storage researchers and Carnegie Mellon's Parallel Data Lab.

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.

Obesity in elderly a ticking time bomb for health services

Research found obesity in older people increases mobility problems and everyday task difficulties, but doesn't significantly impact mortality rates. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to advise older adults on weight management and encourage physical activity to reduce disability burden.

A new biopesticide for the organic food boom

A new biopesticide has been developed for use on organic crops, offering a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. The product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment, and will be available this October for conventional growers.

'Can you see me now?' Sign language over cell phones comes to United States

A team of US engineers has successfully developed software that enables deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) over mobile phones. The breakthrough allows for real-time video communication, making it a significant improvement over text messaging, which can convey emotion but is slower.

Department of Defense awards $35M to support local brain injury research

A consortium of researchers is undertaking a five-year initiative to improve diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). The Department of Defense has awarded $35 million to support the project, which aims to develop innovative methods for diagnosing and treating MTBI. The research will focus on basic and clinical st...

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.

Genetics reveals big fish that almost got away

Researchers found two distinct species of grouper in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, despite their identical physical appearance. The study reveals that the Pacific grouper is a separate species from the Atlantic goliath grouper.

Cancer therapy: A role for MAPK inhibitors combined with mTORC1 inhibitors

Research led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identifies a previously unrecognized problem faced by mTORC1 inhibitors: activating the MAPK pathway, which encourages cancer cell survival. Scientists found that combining mTORC1 and MAPK inhibitors may offer a new treatment option for cancer patients.

Coatings to help medical implants connect with neurons

Ohio State University researchers have developed coatings that encourage neurons in the body to grow and connect with electrodes, boosting implant effectiveness. The coatings, which release neurotrophins over time, show promise for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration.

Relearning process not always a 'free lunch'

A study by Sheffield University and the University of St. Andrews found that relearning can trigger forgotten information when forgetting is induced by directional decay in synaptic connectivity. This suggests that evolution may have selected physiological mechanisms involving forgetting using a form of synaptic drift.

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.

Exploding chromosomes fuel research about evolution of genetic storage

Dinoflagellates have evolved a unique way to pack their genetic material into compact chromosomes without using histones. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of chromosomes and whether dinoflagellates once had histones but lost them. The study provides new insights into the biochemical basis of chromosome formation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Creating unconventional metals

Researchers at University College London have combined silicon, iron, and manganese to create a new material with unique properties. The discovery demonstrates a simple recipe for reaching this 'quantum halfway house' and suggests new mechanisms for controlling electrical currents and magnetism in semiconductor devices.

'Dream team' to tackle profound questions in computer science

Researchers at Princeton University will study 'intractability' with a $10 million NSF grant, aiming to understand the limits of computer power. The center will address problems in cryptography and quantum computing, potentially leading to breakthroughs in computer security.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Duke chemists synthesize promising anti-cancer product

Researchers at Duke University have synthesized largazole, a marine algae extract with potential as an anti-cancer agent. The team's efficient synthetic route enables the production of gram-sized quantities, paving the way for further study and potential treatment of various cancers.

Polymer electric storage, flexible and adaptable

Researchers developed ferroelectric polymer-based capacitors that deliver power more rapidly and are much lighter than conventional batteries. By tuning the dielectric property and energy density, they created materials with high performance and flexibility.

That tastes -- sweet? Sour? No, it's definitely calcium!

Researchers have identified two receptors on the tongue that detect the taste of calcium, which is crucial for building strong bones. This discovery could lead to the development of foods and drinks that are more palatable and easier to consume.

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.

China sees spike in rabies cases

A new study published in BMC Infectious Diseases reveals a significant increase in human rabies cases in China since the new millennium. The researchers found that the number of cases jumped dramatically from 159 to 3,279 between 1990 and 2006, with most patients contracting the disease after being bitten by dogs.

New insights into the regulation of PTEN tumor suppression function

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that PTEN tumor suppression is maintained through a nuclear localization pathway. The study found that the loss of PML and HAUSP can force PTEN out of the nucleus, preventing its ability to act as a tumor suppressor.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Synthetic moleculues could add spice to fight against cancer

A new study suggests that processing red tomatoes with heat and fat can increase the absorption of lycopene, a naturally occurring pigment linked to cancer prevention. The researchers found that the bent molecular form of lycopene is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream than its linear form.

September 2008 Biology of Reproduction highlights

Researchers used proteomics to compare the nuclear proteome of immature and mature gonadotrophic cells, revealing novel proteins that regulate gonadotropin gene transcription and RNA splicing. Urban air pollution was found to affect placental development, leading to reduced fetal growth and pregnancy complications.

Brain surgery is getting easier on patients

Dr. Edward Duckworth is using less-invasive techniques to remove tumors, repair life-threatening aneurysms, and reduce seizures in epilepsy patients. The procedure involves reaching the brain through smaller openings, resulting in decreased pain and shorter hospital stays.

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.

New research suggests diabetes transmitted from parents to children

A new study found that exposing fetal mice to high saturated fats can cause them and their offspring to develop type 2 diabetes. This unusual form of inheritance, known as metabolic programming, has implications for human health, particularly for children born to malnourished mothers.

Joslin study identifies protein that produces 'good' fat

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a protein called BMP-7 that induces the formation and function of brown fat cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for obesity and its associated diseases.

New test to diagnose osteoarthritis early

A new medical imaging technology could provide a long-awaited test for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, allowing doctors to prevent or reduce permanent damage. The method uses modified MRI to determine the concentration of glycosaminoglycan, a biomarker for OA and cartilage disorders.

New 'nano-positioners' may have atomic-scale precision

Researchers at Purdue University developed a new monolithic comb drive device that can precisely move or sense movement at an atomic scale. The device has twice the dexterity of similar devices and could improve probe-based sensors for detecting viruses and biological molecules.

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.

A better way to make hydrogen from biofuels

Researchers at Ohio State University have created a catalyst that converts ethanol into hydrogen with a 90% yield, using inexpensive ingredients. The new catalyst is less expensive than others being developed worldwide, making it more practical for widespread use in hydrogen-powered cars.

Addiction treatment proves successful in animal weight loss study

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that vigabatrin induced satiety in obese animals, leading to significant weight loss and reduced food consumption. The study suggests that vigabatrin could potentially treat severe obesity, including binge eating patterns similar to those seen in cocaine dependency.

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.

Oetzi the Iceman dressed like a herdsman

A new study analyzing Oetzi's hair samples reveals his clothes were made from sheep and cattle fur, supporting the idea that he was a herdsman. The technique used could be faster and more reliable for checking animal hair products and aiding manufacturers in adhering to EU laws.

Severe, acute maternal stress linked to the development of schizophrenia

A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that pregnant women experiencing severe stress during the second month of pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop schizophrenia. Women born in Jerusalem during the Arab-Israeli war had a higher risk of schizophrenia, particularly females.

Study suggests sports stadiums serve alcohol to minors and intoxicated fans

Researchers found that sales rates to pseudo-underage buyers were 18% and to pseudo-intoxicated buyers were 74%. The study suggests sports stadiums serve alcohol to minors and intoxicated fans, highlighting the need for responsible service and law enforcement monitoring. Sales were more likely in stadium stands than concession booths.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Biochemists manipulate fruit flavor enzymes

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have successfully manipulated flavor enzymes in plants, opening up possibilities for fine-tuning fruit flavors. The breakthrough could also lead to novel pest control methods using green leaf volatiles and jasmonates.

Researchers discover how rheumatoid arthritis causes bone loss

Researchers have identified Smurf1 as a signaling partner that damages bone in rheumatoid arthritis, guiding the development of new drugs to reverse bone loss. The study also suggests potential applications against osteoporosis by targeting Smurf1 with specific drugs.

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.

Dartmouth workshop sets research agenda for environmental mercury

A group of experts has developed a roadmap for improving our understanding of how mercury moves through the marine ecosystem and into the fish we eat. The report prioritizes integrated monitoring across habitats, considering links between marine sources, biotransfer processes, and bioaccumulation mechanisms.

Numerical simulations of nutrient transport changes in Honghu Lake Basin

Numerical simulations of nutrient transport changes in Honghu Lake Basin revealed that human activities increased rapidly and became a dominant factor in changes of the nutrient transportation. The study found variations in nutrient production and concentration, with increasing rates of eutrophication over time.

Fast quantum computer building block created

Scientists at University of Michigan and U.S. Naval Research Laboratory demonstrate a solid-state qubit that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, enabling faster quantum computing and improved computer security. The breakthrough enables the creation of a code that would be impossible to crack with conventional computers.

Codeine not safe for all breastfeeding moms and their babies

Research suggests that codeine may be unsuitable for all breastfed infants due to rapid metabolism into morphine, which can cause central nervous system depression. Fortunately, removal of exposure leads to dramatic improvement and no long-term adverse effects.

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.

Biologists find diatom to reduce red tide's toxicity

Scientists have discovered a diatom that can reduce the toxicity of red tide algae to both animals and other algae, potentially mitigating economic damage to the seafood and tourism industries. The research suggests that the diatom may degrade or neutralize the toxins produced by the red tide, offering new hope for reducing its impact.

Guideline: Surgery may be considered for extreme face pain

A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology recommends surgery as a treatment option for people with extreme face pain due to trigeminal neuralgia. The guideline suggests that patients who don't respond well to drugs should consider surgical interventions to target the root of the trigeminal nerve.

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.

Cervical cancer prevention should focus on vaccinating adolescent girls

The study suggests that universal vaccine coverage in young adolescent girls, initial catch-up efforts for women under 21, and revised screening policies can significantly reduce cervical cancer rates. Vaccination is predicted to be economically attractive if achieved in 12-year-old girls with long-lasting protection.