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Science News for December 29, 2008


Cystic fibrosis patients' self-assessment of health can predict prognosis

Adult cystic fibrosis patients can accurately predict their mortality based on their own reported quality of life. Patient-reported pain was found to be a critical factor in determining survival rates, highlighting the importance of using patient-reported measures in clinical trials.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCirculation·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateDec 29, 2008

Facial expressions of emotion are innate, not learned, says new study

A new study by San Francisco State University Psychology Professor David Matsumoto found that facial expressions of emotion are innate and not learned. The research shows that sighted and blind individuals use the same facial expressions in response to emotional stimuli.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 29, 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.

Fungal pill could provide asthma relief for 150,000 UK sufferers

Researchers discovered that pills used to treat fungal infections improve symptoms of asthma in those with an allergic reaction to fungi. Nearly 60% of patients taking the drug showed significant improvement.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 29, 2008

Vidalia onions: Alternative to hand-transplanting proven effective

A study by American Society for Horticultural Science evaluated direct-seeding short-day onions in southeastern Georgia. Direct seeding was found to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional hand-transplanting methods, which rely on a migrant labor force.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 29, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 29, 2008

University of Maryland researchers identify common gene variant linked to high blood pressure

A study by University of Maryland researchers has identified a common gene variant associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. The STK39 gene produces a protein that helps regulate salt processing in the kidneys, which plays a key role in determining blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 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.

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 29, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateDec 29, 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.

Viruses, start your engines!

A recent study found a nanoscale motor in the T4 virus, which drives DNA packaging into its capsid. This discovery could inspire engineers designing sophisticated nanomachines and may also help pharmaceutical companies develop methods to sabotage virus machinery.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalCell·DateDec 29, 2008

Matrix fragments trigger fatal excitement

A study by Chen et al. reveals that chopped-up ECM triggers excitotoxicity through the kainate receptor's KA1 subunit, leading to brain damage. Drugs blocking KA1 might provide an alternative way to save brain cells after stroke or head trauma without causing cognitive impairment.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 29, 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.

How to enhance nonthermal effects of ultrasound

Researchers used PHIFU with short duty cycle and high intensity combined with ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) to damage rabbit liver VX2 tumour by non-thermal effect. The study found that PHIFU combination with UCA can enhance non-thermal effects of ultrasound, promoting tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateDec 29, 2008

New study examines effects of Graniteville, S.C., chlorine gas disaster

A new study examines the aftereffects of a chlorine gas disaster in South Carolina, providing insight into how to prepare emergency response systems for accidental or terrorist releases. The study found that many hospitalized patients showed evidence of severe lung damage, but most recovered quickly and were discharged within a week.

SourceRobert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 29, 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.

Third-hand smoke: Another reason to quit smoking

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that adults who recognize the dangers of third-hand smoke are more likely to ban smoking in their homes. The study also showed that increasing awareness of how third-hand smoke harms children's health can encourage home smoking bans.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 29, 2008

Family rejection of LGB children linked to poor health in early childhood

Research establishes a clear link between family rejection of LGB adolescents and negative health outcomes in early adulthood. Higher rates of family rejection during adolescence were significantly associated with poorer health outcomes for LGB young adults, including depression, suicidal attempts, and HIV risk behaviors.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 29, 2008

Minimizing obesity's impact on ovarian cancer survival

Researchers found that obese and non-obese patients have the same overall survival rate for ovarian cancer if their chemotherapy doses are tailored to their individual body weight. The study, published in Gynecologic Oncology, challenges earlier research suggesting obesity reduces ovarian cancer survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateDec 29, 2008

Scientists isolate genes that made 1918 flu lethal

Researchers have identified three genes from the 1918 flu virus that enabled it to replicate in lung tissue, a key factor in its lethality. The discovery could help identify potential virulence factors in new pandemic strains and inform the development of new antiviral drugs.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 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.

Chemist receives NIH funding to unravel tricks of neuronal wiring

Dr. Joshua Maurer's research aims to unravel the tricks of neuronal wiring using zebrafish. He seeks to replicate brain-like interactions on a glass surface, allowing real-time observation of neuron growth and guidance. This knowledge could lead to better nerve repair strategies in humans.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateDec 29, 2008

Hebrew University scientists succeed through stem cell therapy in reversing brain birth defects

Researchers at Hebrew University have made significant breakthroughs in reversing brain birth defects in animal models by using stem cells to replace defective brain cells. In their study, Prof. Joseph Yanai and his team demonstrated that stem cells can induce the host brain to produce large numbers of stem cells, repairing damage and ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 29, 2008

Study investigates the cost effectiveness of spinal surgery

A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center suggests that decompressive surgery without fusion for spinal stenosis offers good value and that fusion surgery for spondylolithesis offers less value. The study analyzed over 3,900 patients and found that laminectomy costs $77,000 per QALY gained, while spinal fusion surgery co...

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 29, 2008
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.

A new screening test for chronic abdominal pain

A new screening test using barium meal follow through with pneumocolon has been proposed for chronic abdominal pain of luminal origin. The test can detect both small and large bowel lesions, reducing the need for separate colonoscopy procedures.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateDec 29, 2008

What are protective effects of anti-ricin A-chain aptamer?

Researchers discovered that an RNA aptamer specific to ricin's catalytic chain can protect cells from ricin-induced damage. The aptamer, called 31RA, inhibits the toxin's enzymatic activity and neutralizes its translation-inhibiting effects.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateDec 29, 2008