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Science News Archive December 2008


Page 20 of 21

New movement models tested at the Smithsonian in Panama

Researchers develop integrative models for movement of diverse organisms, integrating when, where, how, and why they move. These models accurately predict real events, such as tree seed dispersal by wind under various conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fruit fly research may lead to better understanding of human heart disease

Researchers have identified a connection between fruit fly genetics and human heart disease, revealing that certain genes play a role in both embryonic and adult heart function. The study found TBX20 mutations in humans with structural congenital heart abnormalities and heart muscle dysfunction, suggesting its potential involvement in ...

Prostate cancer spurs new nerves

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that prostate cancer promotes the growth of new nerves and axons, a phenomenon associated with more aggressive tumors. This discovery could lead to new targets for treatment, as neurogenesis is present in more aggressive cancers.

Reforming health care in Chile

The Chilean government aims to correct health care inequalities by reforming the dual system that separates public and private coverage. The analysis highlights challenges in achieving common health goals and improving access for low-income populations.

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.

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2008

Researchers have developed a new approach to modulate gene expression using miRNA natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes, effectively treating cancer in mice. Additionally, the study has provided insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling epithelial fluid and HCO3– secretion, which may help understand cystic fibrosis.

Tool helps identify gene function in soybeans

A new genomic tool has been developed to identify gene function in soybeans, a key step towards improving crop performance. By analyzing transposon mutations, researchers can pinpoint specific genes associated with desirable traits such as seed composition and root growth.

Vitamin D found to fight placental infection

Researchers at UCLA found that vitamin D stimulates cathelicidin production in placental tissues, enhancing antibacterial responses and protecting trophoblast cells from infection. The study suggests that pregnant women supplementing with vitamin D may enhance placental innate immunity.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

IDO2 an active enzyme to target in pancreatic cancer

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University reported that IDO2 enzyme is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, potentially leading to targeted immunotherapy. Genetic analysis revealed that about 75% of patients have an active IDO2 enzyme, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.

Claudin 11 stops the leaks in neuronal myelin sheaths

Researchers found that claudin 11 prevents charged ion leakage through myelin layers, increasing resistance and affecting signal conduction. This defect may be linked to cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in neurons with thin myelin sheaths.

Multidetector CT cystography accurately detects urine leaks after prostatectomy

Multidetector CT cystography successfully detects urinary leaks after prostatectomy with a detection rate of 80.4%, outperforming conventional cystography in accuracy. This non-invasive imaging technique helps clinicians create personalized treatment plans, potentially reducing long-term complications like urinary incontinence.

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.

Persistent pollutant may promote obesity

Research suggests that tributyltin, a persistent pollutant, affects gene activity and promotes the growth of fat storage cells in animals, potentially contributing to the obesity epidemic. The chemical's impact on retinoid X receptors, which regulate metabolism, is a recent discovery.

Bariatric surgery may resolve liver disease

A recent study found that bariatric surgery leads to improvement of histopathological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in most patients. The risk of progression of inflammatory changes and fibrosis is minimal, with complete resolution of NAFLD reported in a majority of patients.

Using challenging concepts to learn promotes understanding of new material

A study by University of California, Santa Barbara psychologists found that starting with difficult problems can improve understanding of new material. Participants who began with harder problems were able to think abstractly and perform well on the task, whereas those who started with easy problems struggled with more complicated issues.

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.

New treatment eliminates heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis

A new ultrasound-guided technique combined with steroid injection has been shown to be 95% effective in relieving plantar fasciitis symptoms within three weeks. This treatment is a viable option for patients who have tried conservative treatments and are experiencing persistent pain.

Natural Capital Project to develop conservation software

The Natural Capital Project has received a $1.97 million grant to develop Marine InVEST, a software program for evaluating the economic benefits of temperate marine ecosystems. The tool will help policymakers balance competing interests and make informed decisions about ocean management.

Stanford blood scanner detects even faint indicators of cancer

A team of Stanford researchers has created a prototype blood scanner that can detect cancer biomarkers in the bloodstream at an early stage of the disease. The system uses magnetic nanotechnology to spot cancer proteins, which is tens to hundreds of times more sensitive than existing commercial devices. This technology holds promise fo...

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.

Childhood social program leads to better-functioning young adults

A 15-year follow-up of a childhood social development intervention found improved mental health, sexual health, and educational and economic achievement among participants. The Seattle Social Development Project showed positive effects on behavior management, refusal, social skills training, and academic development in elementary schoo...

Brain's magnetic fields reveal language delays in autism

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to detect brain magnetic fields in children with autism, finding a delay of up to 50 milliseconds in processing sound. This abnormality may lead to impaired language and communication skills.

Eating eggs when pregnant affects breast cancer in offspring

Researchers at Boston University have found that consuming choline from eggs during pregnancy may affect breast cancer outcomes for a mother's offspring. The study suggests that genetic changes caused by prenatal choline exposure can impact tumor growth rates and survival rates.

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.

Harnessing miRNA natural gene repressors for anticancer therapy

Scientists have developed a new approach to harness the power of microRNAs (miRNAs) as natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes. By engineering mouse bone marrow cells to express genes only when miR-181a is downregulated, they were able to create immune cells that could target and destroy cancer cells.

Lack of vitamin D could spell heart trouble

A growing body of evidence links low vitamin D levels to common CVD risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Researchers recommend screening and treating vitamin D deficiency in patients with risk factors for heart disease or diabetes.

Caltech scientists show function of helical band in heart

Researchers at Caltech have created images of the heart's muscular layer showing a connection between muscle configuration and contraction. The findings provide evidence that the helical shape is crucial to the heart's effective beating, settling a 50-year debate.

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.

Study on wildlife corridors shows how they work over time

Researchers at Washington University found that corridors improve species diversity in fragmented landscapes, with birds and wind-dispersed plants responding positively to connectivity. Surprisingly, unassisted plant species also benefited from corridor presence, suggesting possible assistance from mammals.

MRI shows new types of injuries in young gymnasts

A recent study using MRI scans has identified new types of injuries in young gymnasts, including necrosis of the bones in their knuckles. The research suggests that these injuries may develop into early osteoarthritis if left untreated, highlighting the need for changes in practice routines to reduce joint stress.

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.

Easing the stress of trauma

A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that an injection of cortisol shortly after a traumatic event may prevent the onset of PTSD. Cortisol levels are believed to be linked to the individual's ability to forget memories of the traumatic event.

University awarded £2.75 million for clinical trials research

The University of Liverpool will establish a national 'hub' for clinical trial methodologies, providing expertise in areas such as drug safety and cancer research. The hub aims to improve patient care by increasing the validity and relevance of evidence on healthcare decisions.

Can you hear me now? How the inner ear's sensors are made

A UCLA study shows that microscopic crystals in the inner ear form sound and gravity sensors through cilia movement. The research provides new clues for treating vertigo and hearing disorders related to cilia function, offering a potential gene target for therapy.

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.

Reprogrammable cell type depends on a single gene to keep its identity

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that a specific differentiated cell type requires constant expression of the Prox1 gene to maintain its identity. In its absence, lymphatic endothelial cells reprogram into blood endothelial cells, gaining new characteristics.

The freedom of power

New research reveals that power protects people from influence, enabling them to generate creative ideas and express their underlying attitudes. High-power individuals are more likely to resist conformity pressure and counter opposing views, suggesting that power can be a catalyst for change rather than corruption.

Test-tube babies profitable business for the state

A Swedish study suggests that test-tube babies can be a profitable investment for states due to increased population and tax revenue. In the long term, the state benefits from subsidizing IVF treatment for involuntarily childless couples, which could potentially help boost population growth.

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.

RSC and ChemSpider develop InChI Resolver

The RSC/ChemSpider InChI Resolver will enable scientists to share and search compound data using the InChI standard, promoting standardization in chemistry. The service will also provide tools for creating standard InChI data and depositing it for future use.

New medication brings hope of jet lag cure

Researchers at Monash University found a new drug, tasimelteon, that can effectively shift melatonin levels to alleviate jet lag and sleep disorders. The drug has the potential to improve sleep quality for patients with transient insomnia caused by time zone changes.

Ice beetles impacted by climate change

Entomologist Dave Kavanaugh finds that climate change has altered the habitats of his beloved beetle species, forcing them to seek new rocky patches above tree-line. He documented 85 North American Nebria beetles, many of which were previously unknown or absent due to habitat shifts.

December Geosphere media highlights

The Geosphere journal features two studies: one on climate change in the southwestern US from 17-6 million years ago, and another on the evolution of the South Balkan extensional system. The climate study used sedimentation and erosion history to interpret changes in ocean circulation and North American monsoon activity.

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.

Foretelling a major meltdown

A rare mineral called nahcolite has been found to form only under high atmospheric CO2 levels, suggesting a possible benchmark for future climate change. The discovery is rooted in the Eocene Epoch, when CO2 levels were three times higher than current levels, and may signal an impending 'hothouse' climate by the end of the century.

Stroke supplement -- best practices and new recommendations to improve care

The Canadian Medical Association Journal has released a comprehensive stroke supplement featuring 27 best practice recommendations, including four new topics such as emergency medical services care of stroke patients before hospital arrival. The supplement is part of the Canadian Stroke Strategy and aims to improve stroke care in Canada.

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.

Self-powered devices possible, says Texas A&M researcher

A Texas A&M researcher has discovered a way to harness energy from sound waves using piezoelectric materials, which could enable the development of self-powered cell phones and other devices. The discovery is significant because it shows that energy can be converted at a 100% increase when materials are manufactured at a very small size.

ACP recommends routine HIV screening for all patients

The American College of Physicians recommends that physicians adopt a routine screening policy for HIV, encouraging patients to get tested regardless of risk factors. Timely identification of undiagnosed cases can help prevent HIV transmission.

No ESKAPE! New drugs against MRSA, other superbugs still lacking

The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that new drugs are desperately needed to treat six drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and gram-negative pathogens. The society outlines steps to tackle the shortage and urges cooperation among industry, academia, and government.

Epilepsy drug may increase risk of autism in children

A new study published in Neurology suggests that women who take valproate during pregnancy may significantly increase their child's risk of developing autism. The research found that children exposed to valproate were seven times more likely to develop autism than those not exposed.

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.