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Science News for August 7, 2008


Midge-hunting scientists tackle spread of devastating bluetongue virus

Researchers at the Institute for Animal Health are developing complex models to understand how bluetongue virus spreads among livestock. By analyzing midge numbers, biting behavior, and weather patterns, they aim to provide farmers with critical information on when to move animals and implement best practices for controlling the spread...

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateAug 7, 2008

Scientists replicate diseases in the lab with new stem cell lines

Researchers have created disease-specific stem cell lines for ten genetic disorders, including muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease. These lines will enable scientists to model human diseases in a laboratory setting, making it possible to study the development of various tissues relevant to these conditions.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008

Multi-tasking molecule holds key to allergic reactions

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered that a protein called IKK2 plays a crucial role in regulating de-granulation, a process involved in allergic reactions. By targeting IKK2, scientists hope to develop acute inhibitors for treating allergies and potentially other diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gender stereotypes contradicted when negotiating

A new study reveals that when people try to make a positive impression, they may behave in ways that contradict gender stereotypes. Men and women in high-status roles acted in ways that contradicted traditional gender norms during negotiation simulations.

SourceWiley·JournalNegotiation and Conflict Management Research·DateAug 7, 2008

No evidence to support 'organic is best'

A new study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found no evidence to support the view that organically grown crops contain more major and trace elements. The study compared retention of minerals and trace elements in animals fed a diet consisting of conventionally grown crops, organic crops, and a combination of...

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateAug 7, 2008

Study helps pinpoint genetic variations in European Americans

A new study has pinpointed genetic variations in European Americans, which may help isolate the genetic basis for disease and population variation. By analyzing DNA data from 1,521 individuals, researchers identified 200 positions within the DNA helix that capture much of the genetic diversity in this complex population.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 7, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New computer simulations show how special the solar system is

The study reveals that the formation of planetary systems was full of violence and drama, but our solar system required conditions to be just right. The researchers ran over 100 simulations, showing that an average planetary system's origin was dramatic, with planets being flung into space or crowded together.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

Likely cause of postpartum blues and depression identified

A recent study suggests that a specific biochemical process in the placenta may contribute to postpartum blues and depression. The researchers propose that an imbalance in serotonin levels, triggered by the withdrawal of interleukin-1 beta after birth, may lead to symptoms of depression.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateAug 7, 2008

Clean 3-way split observed

Researchers at the University of Southern California have observed a clean three-way split in a molecule for the first time. The study uses a sym-triazine molecule and energizes its electrons to create identical and equally energetic parts.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

NYU researchers demonstrate activity of mebendazole in metastatic melanoma

Researchers at NYU Cancer Institute have identified mebendazole as a potential treatment for metastatic melanoma, exploiting its ability to target cancer-causing proteins. By inactivating the protein Bcl-2, mebendazole induces programmed cell death in malignant melanoma cells.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateAug 7, 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.

Medical doctors who do research could be a dying breed

Clinician-scientists in the UK are struggling with a lack of career support, limited research training opportunities, and significant medical school debts. However, new funding and mentorship programs may help alleviate these challenges and preserve this vital profession.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateAug 7, 2008

Structural biology spin-out tackles major diseases

Asterion Ltd.'s patented ProFuse technology enables the creation of longer-acting drugs to tackle major diseases. The company's platform can also be used to develop pairings between therapeutic hormones and protective receptor domains to address conditions like some cancers, anaemia, infertility, and diabetes.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateAug 7, 2008

Arrival method, slow response often delay stroke care

A study found that only 23% of stroke patients arrived at the hospital within two hours of symptom onset, making them suitable for time-dependent therapies like tPA. Patients who arrived by ambulance or received care at Primary Stroke Centers were more likely to receive a timely CT scan.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 7, 2008

NASA grant funds space radiation research

Researchers are investigating SEP transport in 3D heliospheric magnetic fields to understand why some events occur without magnetic connection to the Sun. The goal is to assess cross-field diffusion's role in charged particle transport.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateAug 7, 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.

Daley and colleagues create 20 disease-specific stem cell lines

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed 20 disease-specific stem cell lines for conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Down Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy. These lines were created using the iPS technique and will be made available to researchers worldwide.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008

New survey explores the impact of insulin injections on people with diabetes

A new survey reveals that 33% of individuals with diabetes who take insulin injections experience dread related to them, while 52% do not proactively discuss their concerns with healthcare providers. However, many healthcare professionals are aware of the impact of insulin injections on patients' quality of life and have initiated dial...

SourceInjection Impact Report·DateAug 7, 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.

UTSA Minority Basic Research Support Rise program awarded $519,000

The University of Texas at San Antonio's MBRS/RISE program will provide funding and professional development opportunities to up to 55 undergraduate and doctoral students from underrepresented minority groups. The program aims to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers through hands-on research experience and training.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateAug 7, 2008

Trigger for brain plasticity identified

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have identified the Otx2 protein as a key factor in triggering brain plasticity, allowing the brain to rewire and adapt. This discovery has implications for understanding developmental disorders like autism and potential treatments for improving learning and cognitive function.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008

Climate change: When it rains it (really) pours

A new study confirms a link between warmer climates and more powerful rainstorms, increasing the risk of flooding and societal impacts. Researchers found that tropical rainfall extremes increase during warm periods, with heavy downpours boosted by atmospheric moisture.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

Fingerprints provide clues to more than just identity

A new technology developed at Purdue University detects trace amounts of explosives, drugs, or other materials left behind in fingerprints. It can also distinguish between overlapping fingerprints, a difficult task for current optical forensic methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 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.

'Edible optics' could make food safer

Scientists at Tufts University have demonstrated a new class of sensors combining nanoscale optics with biological readout functions, enabling biocompatible and biodegradable sensing technology. The developed silk-based optical elements can be used to detect harmful levels of bacteria in food and monitor glucose in the blood.

SourceTufts University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateAug 7, 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.

TORC at UH turns to virtual world of Second Life for new study

The University of Houston's Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) is recruiting 500 participants for a study promoting healthy dietary habits and physical activity in the virtual world of Second Life. Participants will earn rewards and compete to win the International Health Challenge.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 7, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: August 7, 2008

Researchers explore new treatments for psoriasis, revealing a potential therapeutic option in AEB071, while cautioning further clinical trials are needed. Additionally, studies uncover the reasons behind gene therapy complications in SCID patients, shedding light on insertional oncogenesis and acquired somatic mutations.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 7, 2008

Pre-cancerous condition linked to chronic acid reflux faces several hurdles

Researchers discuss the difficulties in diagnosing and treating Barrett's oesophagus, a pre-cancerous condition often associated with chronic acid reflux. The authors suggest improving detection and treatment by developing standardized indicators, less costly screening methods, and laboratory animal models.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateAug 7, 2008

Robotics research: Enhancing the lives of people with disabilities

The project utilizes physiological information to develop more sophisticated assistive aids for individuals with neuromuscular diseases and musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers aim to create robotic orthoses that can aid patients with muscular dystrophy regain significant use of their limbs.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateAug 7, 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.

Veterinarians adapt human tests for monkeys

Researchers have adapted a human test to screen for elevated iron levels in marmosets and tamarins, enabling early identification and treatment of hemosiderosis. This diagnostic tool also helps veterinarians provide tailored care to individual animals.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateAug 7, 2008
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.

Researchers halt spread of HIV with RNAi

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully used RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent the spread of HIV in mice. The study found that knocking down three specific genes in T cells protected them from the virus, preventing it from jumping between cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008

Researchers find cancer-inhibiting compound under the sea

University of Florida researchers have discovered a marine compound called largazole that inhibits cancer cell growth in laboratory tests. The compound is derived from cyanobacteria and targets histone deacetylase enzymes, which are associated with several cancers.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 7, 2008

Attention grabbers snatch lion's share of visual memory

Researchers have shown that our visual working memory can be shared out across the whole image, with more memory allocated for objects of interest and less for background detail. This means that we don't just remember every detail, but focus on the broad gist and specific details.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

Compressor-free refrigerator may loom in the future

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new way to cool using ferroelectric polymers that exhibit temperature changes under an electrical field. The technology could lead to the development of flat panel refrigerators without coils or compressors, providing a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 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.

Pacific shellfish ready to invade Atlantic

Climate models predict a nearly ice-free Arctic Ocean by 2050, which will restore conditions that allowed Pacific shellfish to invade the Atlantic three million years ago. Several north Pacific species have relatives in the North Atlantic and are expected to resume their invasion when cold conditions return.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

Forward step in forecasting global warming

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a breakthrough in understanding the effect of brown carbon on climate change by developing a novel technique to measure its optical properties. This discovery could lead to more accurate forecasting of global warming activity, as current models often overlook this key component.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

Putting microRNAs on the stem cell map

Researchers discovered how microRNAs fit into the map of embryonic stem cell circuitry, providing clues for targeting specific microRNAs to direct an embryonic stem cell into another type of cell. The study also provides a better platform for analyzing microRNA gene expression in cancer and other diseases.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008

Computer scientist aims for a better-networked military

Patrick Crowley, a computer architect, is designing a new network for the US Department of Defense to facilitate real-time information sharing. The goal is to enable commanders to understand the location and status of all platforms, equipment, and personnel in real-time.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 7, 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.

Individual personal ties strengthen teams' overall creativity

A new study explores how imagination, insight, and creative ideas develop and spread within teams. Team creative cognition refers to a shared repertoire of cognitive processes among team members that enables the team's ability to approach problems creatively.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·DateAug 7, 2008