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Science News for December 10, 2008


One in three UK adults will be obese by 2012

According to the study, one in three UK adults (32.1% of men, 33.1% of women) will be obese by 2012, with a significant increase in obesity prevalence among low-income groups. The findings also highlight the economic burden of obesity, with an estimated £7.4 billion annual cost to the English economy.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateDec 10, 2008
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.

Chemist tames longstanding electron computation problem

A chemist at the University of Chicago has developed a new method to predict many-electron chemistry using only two electrons, allowing for faster and more accurate chemical reaction predictions. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in fields such as atmospheric ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction, and drug design.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 10, 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.

Oregon theory may help design tomorrow's sustainable polymer

Researchers have developed a new theory that explains the behavior of molecules in plastics, leading to more precise and cost-effective production of specialty plastics. This breakthrough could have applications in fields like engineering, nanotechnology, renewable energy, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateDec 10, 2008

Prevalence of disordered eating behaviors in diabetics probed

Researchers investigate relationship between diabetes treatment and disordered eating behaviors in children with diabetes. They hope to find a different treatment approach that helps patients gain control over their eating behaviors and treatment without adopting maladaptive weight management strategies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateDec 10, 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.

2 common diabetes drugs double the risk of fractures in women

A meta-analysis found that rosiglitazone and pioglitazone increase the risk of fractures in women, particularly those taking these medications for extended periods. The study involved 13,715 diabetes patients and estimated that high-risk women on thiazolidinediones face a one-in-21 chance of fracture per year.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 10, 2008

Decreased levels of binding gene affect memory and behavior

Decreasing FKBP12 gene activity in mice disrupted neuron-to-neuron communication, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and repetitive behaviors. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateDec 10, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Experiences of rape unique to Rwandan women survivors of genocide

A new study explores the lived experience of Rwandan women who were raped during the 1994 genocide, highlighting themes unique to these survivors. The research reveals a loss of dignity, identity, and hope for the future, as well as social isolation and stigma surrounding rape and its aftermath.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateDec 10, 2008

A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs

Researchers developed a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects than aspirin, targeting the later stage of arachidonic acid biosynthesis. These dual mPGES-1/5-LO-Inhibitors effectively target both prostaglandins and leukotrienes, promising more effective results for inflammatory reactions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 10, 2008

High phosphorus linked to coronary calcification in chronic kidney disease

A study published in JASN found that even mild increases in serum phosphorus levels are associated with cardiovascular events in people with moderate chronic kidney disease. Vascular calcification, detected by CT scans, was more common in patients with higher phosphorus levels, increasing the risk of coronary artery calcification.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 10, 2008

Cellular 'brakes' may slow memory process in aging brains

Scientists analyze brain structure and find PHLPP enzyme silences vital cell-survival protein, leaving vulnerable cells susceptible to damage. The discovery could lead to solutions for age-related memory loss and provide insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateDec 10, 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.

Hubble finds carbon dioxide on an extrasolar planet

Astronomers have discovered carbon dioxide on a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting another star, HD 189733b. The detection is significant as it could be a sign of biological activity, and further studies will focus on characterizing the planet's atmosphere to determine its habitability.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 10, 2008

Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease linked

Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease share common genetic mechanisms, including autoimmunity-related tissue damage and intolerance to dietary antigens, the study found. Researchers identified seven chromosome regions shared between the two diseases, suggesting a potential link in environmental triggers as well.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 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.

Popular class of diabetes drugs doubles risk of fractures in women

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that long-term use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) doubles the risk of fractures in women with type 2 diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from 10 previously completed trials, showed a consistent decline in bone mineral density in women exposed to TZD therapy.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 10, 2008

Light shines for potential early cancer diagnosis technique

A Northwestern University team developed partial-wave spectroscopy (PWS) to detect subtle abnormal changes in human colon cancer cells. The technique can identify cell nanoarchitecture and detect changes before conventional microscopy can.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 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.

Surge in older cancer survivors expected as baby boomers age

A growing number of older adults are expected to be diagnosed with and live longer with cancer due to the aging baby boomer population. Critical issues include prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care for older adults with cancer.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCancer·DateDec 10, 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.

Credit crunch hits cash-strapped homeowners

A preliminary study by Durham University found that struggling households in the UK have borrowed against their homes to meet basic needs like raising children. On average, these households borrowed an additional £5000 to £7500 in a given year.

SourceDurham University·DateDec 10, 2008

Diabetes drug shows potential for treating one cause of chronic kidney disease

A phase I clinical trial found rosiglitazone to be safe and well-tolerated in patients with FSGS, suggesting its potential as a treatment option. The study showed that serum albumin and kidney filtration rates affected the drug's activity, warranting further investigation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 10, 2008

Sugar can be addictive, Princeton scientist says

A Princeton University scientist has demonstrated that sugar can be an addictive substance, with lab animals showing signs of craving and relapse. The study suggests that bingeing on sugar can lead to long-lasting effects in the brain and increased motivation for other substances of abuse.

SourcePrinceton University·DateDec 10, 2008

'Fly guy' makes memory breakthrough

A Canadian scientist has made a significant breakthrough in treating intellectual disabilities by manipulating the genes of fruit flies. The research found that disrupting a specific gene called FMR1 leads to long-term memory loss, and that a class of drugs can help restore memories.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 10, 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.

Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls

A Canada-US study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that insufficient vitamin D can cause higher body mass and shorter stature in girls during puberty. The researchers discovered a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased abdominal fat, but no link to bone strength.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 10, 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.

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer does not appear to increase cardiac deaths

A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that hormone therapy for prostate cancer does not appear to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. However, other adverse effects such as diabetes and heart disease still exist, necessitating careful treatment strategies.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 10, 2008

Death rates in hospital highest for infants, and children without insurance

A nationwide study found that most child deaths occur while in the hospital, with newborns being the most vulnerable group. Children without insurance had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those with insurance, with mortality rates ranging from 0.33% for children with private insurance to 0.58% for uninsured children.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateDec 10, 2008

Transplanted fat cells restore function after spinal cord injury

Researchers have successfully transplanted de-differentiated fat (DFAT) cells into animal models, promoting functional recovery and motor function after spinal cord injury. The study suggests that DFAT cells could be a source for cell replacement therapy to treat central nervous system disorders.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 10, 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.

Snowy owl -- a marine species?

Researchers have found that snowy owls spend most of winter on Arctic sea ice, where they may prey on seabirds and face potential climate change implications. The birds' long-distance migrations, tracked by satellite technology, suggest they are vulnerable to climate change.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateDec 10, 2008

Irritable bowel syndrome can have genetic causes

A study published in Human Molecular Genetics found an association between a functional variant of the serotonin receptor-type 3E gene and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. This correlation could lead to the development of specific medications for certain genetic mutations in patients.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateDec 10, 2008
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.

Studies on imaging and tracking transplanted cells

Researchers successfully monitored transplanted stem cells using bioluminescent imaging and iron oxide, enabling non-invasive tracking. Three different labeling methods were evaluated for their reliability in detecting transplanted mensenchymal stem cells, with DAPI labeling showing promising results.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 10, 2008

Climate change effects on imperiled Sierra frog examined

A 10-year study found that climate change limits the amphibian's breeding habitat in high-elevation lakes, leading to population decline. The Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frog relies on two to four years of permanent water for development, making repeated tadpole mortality from lake drying a critical threat.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateDec 10, 2008

Drug-resistant tuberculosis rife in China

Levels of drug-resistant TB in China are nearly twice the global average, with 10% resistant to first-line drugs. The prevalence varied greatly between provinces, with an average weighted mean of 9.3% among all cases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateDec 10, 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.

Scans show immune cells intercepting parasites

Researchers identified a key role for dendritic cells in responding to Leishmania parasites, which cause illness in developing nations and have been detected in US soldiers. The study provides insights into the early stages of the immune response and has implications for vaccine development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 10, 2008

Work/life balance blurred for some employees

Employees with high levels of job autonomy are more likely to blur the lines between work and family life, according to new research. The study found that having greater control over schedules is associated with more frequent work-family role blurring, particularly among men.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Problems·DateDec 10, 2008
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Novel technique for fluorescence tomography of tumors in living animals

Researchers developed a novel technique called Early Photon Tomography (EPT) to image lung tumors in living mice. EPT combines early arriving photons with tomographic principles, resulting in sharper and more accurate images compared to conventional methods.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2008

Government survey shows 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children use complementary and alternative medicine

A recent government survey reveals that 38 percent of U.S. adults and 12 percent of children use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for various health issues. CAM therapies commonly used by adults include herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic, and acupuncture, while children often rely on nonvitamin, nonmineral product...

SourceNIH/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health·DateDec 10, 2008

Hot drinks help fight cold and flu

New research by Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre found that hot fruit cordial provides immediate relief from cold symptoms. The study of 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms showed a 'hot' version of the drink to be effective in reducing symptoms such as runny nose and cough.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Rhinology·DateDec 10, 2008

If MRI shows signs of MS, will the disease develop?

A new study found that a third of people with brain abnormalities similar to MS developed the disease within five years. Researchers monitored participants to determine whether they developed symptoms, and 30% had developed MS by average age 5.4 years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 10, 2008

Our DNA may set AIDS time bomb ticking

A study of 1833 HIV patients found that specific mitochondrial DNA genotypes accelerate AIDS development, while others delay it. This suggests that genetic tests could provide accurate prognoses and guide early treatment initiation.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 10, 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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Oral cancer patients could be diagnosed earlier

The majority of oral cancers are found late, causing high mortality rates, but early diagnosis improves survivability to 95% and reduces morbidity. Prosthodontists must change their practice paradigm by performing regular oral cancer screening examinations on all patients.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Prosthodontics·DateDec 10, 2008