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Science News for August 6, 2008


HIV expert says 1 step down, 2 more to go in quest to cure AIDS

Robert Siliciano, an HIV expert, says that current antiretroviral drug combinations can suppress the ability of HIV to replicate, with some combos reducing copies to less than one in a billion. However, progress is still needed to identify and eliminate viral reservoirs that persist in the body.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateAug 6, 2008

Drs. Brann and Mahesh co-edit journal issue on estrogen action in the brain

Researchers investigated estrogen's action in the brain, finding that it protects neurons and enables learning and memory throughout life. Estrogen receptors are present in both men and women, and a protein called PELP-1 enables rapid hormone action.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Endocrinology·DateAug 6, 2008

LSUHSC's Lazartigues awarded $1.2 million grant

Dr. Eric Lazartigues' research aims to understand the role of ACE2 in regulating blood pressure and developing new treatments for hypertension. With a $1.2M grant, his work has the potential to improve the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which claim more lives than cancer combined.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateAug 6, 2008
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

When it comes to abstinence teens, adults aren't speaking the same language

A new University of Washington study reveals that abstinence-only programs do not effectively prevent teenage sexual activity because they fail to speak the same language as adolescents. The research found that attitudes and intentions about sex were more powerful than those about abstinence, leading to increased instances of teen sex.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateAug 6, 2008

Stretchable silicon camera next step to artificial retina

Researchers at University of Illinois and Northwestern University develop high-performance hemispherical camera using stretchable optoelectronics. The camera's design is based on the human eye, with a simple lens and hemispherical detector, enabling broader field of view and improved illumination uniformity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2008

Hormone level may reflect mortality risk among dialysis patients

A new study suggests that monitoring fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels can provide crucial information for the treatment of kidney failure patients. Elevated FGF-23 levels have been linked to a significantly increased risk of death among dialysis patients, even when phosphate levels are normal.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 6, 2008

Scientists a step closer to producing fuel from bacteria

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have created a computer model that maps the metabolism of Nostoc bacteria, revealing a previously unknown link between energy production and nitrogen fixation. This breakthrough could lead to improved hydrogen production and further investigation into synthetic biology.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBioinformatics·DateAug 6, 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.

Skipping atomic-scale stones to study some chemistry basics

Researchers at NIST study gas-liquid interactions using powerful lasers, observing the rotational dynamics of a molecule bouncing off a liquid surface. They found molecules tend to tumble forward with a 'top spin' motion.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008

Post-partum suicide attempt risks studied

Researchers found that women with a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse were more likely to attempt suicide postpartum. The study suggests screening for past diagnoses during prenatal care may identify high-risk women.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 6, 2008

Hot peppers really do bring the heat

Capsaicin from hot peppers directly induces thermogenesis by altering muscle protein SERCA, leading to increased heat production. This process could be used to design more potent compounds for treating hypothermia.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 6, 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.

The shape of things to come

Researchers have developed a sensor array that can conform to irregular surfaces, enabling the creation of an eye-shaped camera with improved image quality. The technology has promise for applications such as advanced health monitors and prosthetic devices.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2008

Improved reaction data heat up the biofuels harvest

Researchers at NIST have detailed fundamental processes involved in extracting sugars from biomass, a crucial step in producing ethanol by fermentation. The study provides theoretical limits of reactions and energy needed to break down cellulose and hemicellulose, helping engineers design more efficient process designs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateAug 6, 2008

Caltech neurobiologists discover individuals who 'hear' movement

Researchers identify a type of synesthesia in which individuals hear sounds when they see things move or flash, suggesting an enhanced form of visual processing. The four synesthetes outperformed nonsynesthetes on a test involving rhythmic patterns of flashes and beats.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 6, 2008

Water is 'designer fluid' that helps proteins change shape, scientists say

Researchers used terahertz absorption spectroscopy to study the motion of water molecules during protein folding. Water molecules change to a native-type arrangement much faster than the protein, helping establish its correct configuration. This 'designer fluid' plays a crucial role in life.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 6, 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.

Treatment outcomes highlight dangers of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis

A study of 174 tuberculosis patients found that extensively drug-resistant TB patients were almost eight times as likely to die as those with multi-drug resistant TB. The study emphasizes the critical importance of optimal management of multi-drug resistant cases to prevent progression to XDR-TB and associated poorer outcomes.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 6, 2008

Quantum chaos unveiled?

A University of Utah study demonstrates fundamental new property – chaotic behavior in a quantum system – in frozen xenon nuclei, challenging conventional understanding. The findings provide new insights into the relationship between chaos theory and quantum mechanics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 6, 2008

New JILA technique reveals hidden properties of ultracold atomic gases

Scientists at JILA have developed a powerful new technique to study ultracold atomic gases, revealing previously hidden properties. The technique, using photoemission spectroscopy, simultaneously probes energy and momentum, providing insights into the pairing of atoms.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2008

Study finds connections between genetics, brain activity and preference

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital linked genetics to brain reward circuitry and preference, revealing a connection between gene variants and brain activity. The study used brain imaging, genetics, and experimental psychology techniques to identify a correlation between the CREB1 gene variant and brain structure activity.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2008
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.

AGU journal highlights -- August 6, 2008

Researchers study drought patterns in northwestern Africa, finding a recent drought is consistent with climate model projections. Hail precipitation in China decreases by nearly half since the 1980s, likely due to rising freezing levels. New data reveals variable wind speeds on Venus, including strong vertical shear at low latitudes.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 6, 2008

Jeers of peers may affect adolescent adjustment

Research suggests that obese adolescents who experience peer victimization are more likely to struggle with depression and negative feelings about their physical appearance. Non-obese adolescents who face peer victimization also report decreased self-esteem and increased negative body image over time.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2008

Medicinal marijuana effective for neuropathic pain in HIV

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conducted a double-blind clinical trial to assess the impact of smoked medical cannabis on neuropathic pain in HIV patients. The study showed that reported pain relief was greater with cannabis than with a placebo.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 6, 2008

Students with food allergies often not prepared

Despite having food allergies, many college students are not taking necessary precautions, such as carrying emergency medication and having a plan in place. Researchers found that only 50% of students with food allergies always avoid their allergenic foods, and 43% do not have an EpiPen on hand.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 6, 2008

Researchers report periodontal disease independently predicts new onset diabetes

A Columbia University study found that periodontal disease can be an independent predictor of incident Type 2 diabetes. Over a 20-year follow-up, individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to those without periodontal disease.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 6, 2008
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Aphids are sentinels of climate change

Researchers found aphids are appearing significantly earlier in the year and in higher numbers due to mild winters. This leads to more aphids flying in spring and early summer when crops are vulnerable.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateAug 6, 2008

Yale researchers uncover West Nile's targets

A team of Yale researchers has identified 305 individual proteins that can alter viral infection, including those involved in West Nile and Dengue fever. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for a variety of viral infections.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2008

Jupiter and Saturn full of liquid metal helium

Researchers at UC Berkeley and University College London discovered that metallic helium is produced under extreme conditions found at the centers of Jupiter and Saturn, mixing with metal hydrogen to form a liquid metal alloy. This finding challenges previous theories about the energy source powering these planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008

Researchers unveil vital key to cancer

Scientists have uncovered the 3D structure of Mps1, a protein that regulates chromosome number during cell division and prevents cancer. The discovery will help design safer and more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 6, 2008

Black girls who abuse alcohol less likely to use condoms

A study by Emory University researchers found that black girls who abused alcohol had low condom usage rates, even after participating in HIV interventions. The study suggests that addressing alcohol use is crucial to developing effective HIV interventions for this demographic.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New technology could lead to camera based on human eye

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new camera technology that uses a curved surface to capture images, similar to the human eye. The technology, which has been published in Nature, has shown promising results in producing clearer and more detailed images than traditional cameras.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2008

The Schiavo case

A study analyzing media coverage of the Schiavo case found that most articles contained medical inaccuracies and false hopes about her recovery. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurate information in end-of-life decision-making, which was challenged by relatives and public opinion during this high-profile controversy.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 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.

GIANT-Coli: A novel method to quicken discovery of gene function

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a novel method called GIANT-Coli to study genetic interactions in E. coli, allowing rapid and large-scale studies of the bacterium's genes. This method has great potential to quicken the discovery of new gene functions, with potential applications in medicine.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 6, 2008

Floss your teeth -- on the double!

A twin study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that flossing can decrease gum disease-causing bacteria. Regular flossing can help reduce the amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth, contributing to healthy teeth and gums.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateAug 6, 2008

Gender and culturally tailored interventions help curb STDs in black girls

Researchers found that girls who participated in the HORIZONS intervention were less likely to contract a STD and more likely to consistently use condoms during sex. The study suggests that gender-tailored and culturally-congruent interventions can reduce bacterial STD infections and enhance HIV-preventive behaviors.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008

New step forward in search for solution to infection puzzle

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria bind to human proteins fibronectin, shedding light on serious heart infections. The study could lead to the development of new treatments for rare but life-threatening conditions like infective endocarditis.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008

I can, automatically, become just like you

Researchers found that excluding participants from a game led to automatic mimicry of another person's behaviors, influencing feelings of belonging. This phenomenon suggests that nonconscious mimicry is an automatic response to social exclusion, with implications for human behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 6, 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.

Gastrointestinal bleeding after stroke may increase risk of death

A study found that people with gastrointestinal bleeding after a stroke are more likely to die or become severely disabled than those without GI bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with a higher risk of mortality and severe dependency, even after adjusting for other factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 2008

How chemo kills tumors: research to reduce side effects

University of Manchester researchers have taken a systematic approach to studying anti-mitotic drugs, revealing a profound variation in cell behavior among different tumors. The study aims to improve the effectiveness of these drugs while reducing side effects such as nerve damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 6, 2008
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.

Recipe for cell reprogramming adds protein

Researchers discover a drug-like molecule called Wnt that can substitute for the cancer-causing gene c-Myc to create embryonic-like stem cells. This breakthrough aims to develop safe and efficient methods for treating diseases such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes using induced pluripotent stem cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 6, 2008

Scripps research team unravels new cellular repair mechanism

The Scripps Research Institute team has identified a protein called Nrm1 that plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle. When DNA replication stalls, Nrm1's repression of certain genes is blocked, allowing those genes to be expressed again, which enables the production of proteins needed to correct the problem.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008