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Science News Archive December 2008


Page 1 of 21

A rigorous method for liver biopsy

A new quantitative analysis method uses computerized measurements to evaluate liver biopsy samples, providing accurate assessments of fibrosis and inflammation. The Metriser technology offers a faster and more objective alternative to traditional scoring systems.

A new light on the anti-tumor mechanisms of Scutellaria barbata

Research on Scutellaria barbata extract reveals growth inhibitory effects on human cancers, including lung, breast, and digestive system cancer. The extract induces apoptosis in hepatoma cells through the mitochondrial pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.

New visualization techniques yield star formation insights

Astrophysicists used new computer visualization technology to understand that gravity plays a more significant role than previously thought in deep space's star-forming molecular clouds. The research, led by Alyssa Goodman, reveals hierarchical structure and density variations within these clouds.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Lung cancer cells activate inflammation to induce metastasis

A research team at UC San Diego has identified a protein called versican that enhances metastasis by stimulating inflammatory cells. Versican is found in low amounts in normal lung epithelial cells but is upregulated in aggressive lung tumors, supporting the growth and spread of cancer.

What is the pathogenesis of C. jejuni-related disease?

Research team investigates Campylobacter jejuni pathogenesis, finding two distinct patterns of interaction with epithelial cells. Strains that invade epithelial cells destroy them, while those that don't affect barrier properties or increase mediator production.

Seizing the day

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that occupational stress has no effect on epilepsy attacks, with a large sample size allowing for high predictive power. The research benefits those who have been seizure-free for a long period of time, showing they are likely to stay seizure-free.

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.

Bright lights, not-so-big pupils

A team of Johns Hopkins neuroscientists has discovered a new type of light sensor in the eye that detects light and communicates with the brain. These melanopsin-containing cells are insensitive to light, but their signal is large enough to influence the brain when activated by multiple photons.

The culture of medicine

A new Brandeis University study reports that academic medicine faces a toxic culture leading to faculty burnout and disconnection, affecting patient care and professional relationships. The study identifies serious problems with relational culture, competitive individualism, and deprecation among medical faculty members.

Fewer deaths with preventive antibiotic use

Researchers found that administering antibiotics as a preventive measure to patients in intensive care units increases their chances of survival, with a reduction of 3.5% in ICU deaths. The study involved nearly 6,000 patients and showed that using antibiotics resulted in fewer deaths compared to standard ICU care.

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.

Why prostate cancer patients fail hormone deprivation therapy

Researchers have discovered a key difference in hormone receptors on prostate cancer cells in patients who no longer respond to hormone deprivation therapy. The finding, published in Cancer Research, could lead to new targets for treating prostate cancer and monitoring disease progression.

Hubble telescope to get last tuneup during International Year of Astronomy

The Hubble Space Telescope is set to undergo its fifth and final service mission, which will provide the telescope with a future as bright as its past despite being nearly 18 years into troubled beginnings. The repairs will upgrade instruments, replace gyroscopes and heat shields, and add new capabilities for deeper observations.

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.

Is bismuth a safe medicine for the treatment peptic ulcer disease?

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that bismuth compounds were associated with a low risk of adverse events, with the exception of dark stools, which has little clinical significance. The study suggests that bismuth-containing regimens may be a safe alternative to PPI-based triple therapies for H. pylori eradication.

Soybean database will help breeders engineer better-performing plants

University of Missouri researchers are creating a comprehensive database of soybean proteins and metabolites to study changes under drought and stressed conditions. The database will help breeders engineer better-performing soybean plants using computerized models that predict physiological and biological changes.

Potential therapy for congenital muscular dystrophy

Researchers found that laminin-111 restored regenerative capacity in a mouse model for alpha 7 integrin congenital myopathy. The protein promotes muscle cell health and survival by interacting with the extracellular matrix.

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that irradiation damages fat tissue in mice, reducing its weight and size, and altering its ability to support reconstruction. Additionally, a study on multiple sclerosis found that CXCL1 decreases disease severity by promoting remyelination. A new molecule, FPR-2, has been identified as a potential anti-inflammatory ...

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.

Few DNA repair genes maintain association with cancer in field synopsis

A comprehensive review of 241 gene variants and cancer risk identified only two statistically significant associations, including an XRCC1 allele and ERCC2 allele linked to lung cancer. The findings suggest that genetic risks are typically modest, and large-scale evidence is needed to establish specific associations.

Safe new therapy for genetic heart disease

A new clinical trial suggests that long-term use of candesartan may significantly reduce symptoms of genetic heart disease, including left ventricular hypertrophy. The study found no adverse effects of candesartan use and highlights the need for customized treatment protocols based on individual patient gene mutations.

Study links molecule to muscle maturation, muscle cancer

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that the molecule miR-29 is essential for muscle repair and maturation, but its absence is linked to rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. Raising miR-29 levels in cancer cells slowed tumor growth and induced maturity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Johns Hopkins scientists pull protein's tail to curtail cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered a potential new approach to cancer therapy by manipulating the tail of a tumor suppressor protein. By removing its tail, the protein becomes active and can effectively suppress cancer growth.

Errors involving medications common in outpatient cancer treatment

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that medication errors involving chemotherapy are common in outpatient cancer treatment settings. The study revealed that adults and children alike were at risk of receiving incorrect doses or experiencing other medication-related mistakes.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Experts uncover weakness in Internet security

Researchers discovered a weakness in the MD5 algorithm that allows for the creation of rogue certification authorities, which can be trusted by all major web browsers. This opens the door for virtually undetectable phishing attacks, compromising user passwords and private data.

Young blood fights cancer

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that transfusions of 'young' blood –– blood stored for less than 9 days –– increased the odds of survival in animals with leukemia and breast cancer. Fresh blood may be a game-changer in cancer treatment, potentially improving survival rates.

Also in the Dec. 30 JNCI

Research suggests cisplatin ototoxicity is due to higher platinum concentration in inner ear, while high insulin levels are an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Studies found significant correlations between fasting insulin and increased breast cancer risk.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gold nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery

Researchers at MIT have designed gold nanoparticles that can deliver multiple cancer drugs in a controlled fashion using infrared light. The system allows for precise timing of release, enabling treatment of diseases commonly treated with multiple drugs.

Gene therapy reversed heart damage in heart failure

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University's Center for Translational Medicine successfully reversed heart damage in rats with heart failure using gene therapy. The treatment, which involves administering a peptide called βARKct, inhibited the activation of a kinase that contributes to heart failure deterioration.

Grazing animals help spread plant disease

Researchers found that grazing animals like deer and rabbits increase the prevalence of a viral plant disease by promoting the growth of aphid-preferred annual grasses. This study challenges previous theories suggesting that herbivores help contain or reduce disease, highlighting the complexity of natural ecosystems.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Can't chalk it up to 'baby fat'

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that only 10% of overweight children receive a proper diagnosis, while 76% of severely obese children and 54% of obese children are accurately identified. The study emphasizes the need for early intervention and innovative solutions to improve pediatric weight detection.

Acute gastric injury due to high-dose analgesics?

A recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the gastrointestinal side effects of high-dose acetaminophen and NSAIDs. The research found that gastric lesions were similar between groups, indicating that acetaminophen is not entirely free of gastrointestinal side effects at high doses.

Study examines impact of managed care on stroke prevention surgery

A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that managed-care plans did not improve the quality or outcome of care for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The study examined data from over 11,400 cases and found no difference in rates of inappropriate surgery between managed-care and fee-for-service plans.

Global structures of the DE3 tide

Researchers found that the DE3 tide can propagate above 100km and exhibits a 2-year cycle oscillation. The tidal signal was analyzed using TIMED mission data, revealing two dominant Hough modes with annual unimodal distribution.

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.

Flowering plants speed post-surgery recovery

A study by Seong-Hyun Park and Richard H. Mattson found that hospital patients with plants in their rooms had fewer intakes of pain medication and more positive physiological responses. Patients interacted with the plants, such as watering and pruning, indicating a therapeutic benefit.

Anti-fungal drug offers great benefits to some with severe asthma

A study by The University of Manchester found that patients with severe asthma and allergic sensitivity to certain fungi experience significant improvements in quality of life and lung function after taking an antifungal drug. However, symptoms often return after treatment is stopped.

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.

Web-based case studies help students develop career skills

A survey of employers highlights the importance of technical knowledge, practical application, and problem-solving skills for landscaping and horticulture students. Web-based case studies utilizing technology provide students with practical experience in solving complex scenarios.

A win-win: U-pick pumpkin farms recycle urban leaves

Researchers found that applying municipal leaves to soil surface increased clean pumpkin fruit percentage by up to 25% compared to bare soil. This study provides a win-win solution for farmers and taxpayers, reducing leaf disposal costs while improving soil health.

Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in Korean population

Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as GERD, uninvestigated dyspepsia, and IBS are common in the Korean population. These conditions significantly impair quality of life, particularly in females, the elderly, and those with lower economic classes.

New use for human hair

A recent study found that adding human hair waste cubes to commercial growth medium can increase plant yields relative to untreated controls. However, results showed lower yields compared to inorganic fertilizers, suggesting hair waste should not be used as a single source for fast-growing crops like lettuce.

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.

Another reason to get your hands dirty

A recent study by Kansas State University researchers found that gardening provides moderate-intensity physical activity, influencing whole-body bone mineral density and improving mental health. Gardening tasks change throughout the season, making it a great way for older adults to meet recommended physical activity levels.

UC Davis researchers find molecule that targets brain tumors

Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center have discovered a molecule called LXY1 that targets glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. The molecule binds to alpha-3 integrin on cancer cells, allowing for direct delivery of treatments and sparing normal tissues.