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Science News for December 30, 2008


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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateDec 30, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 30, 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.

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 ...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 30, 2008

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 30, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 30, 2008

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.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 30, 2008

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2008

Vitamins C and E and beta carotene again fail to reduce cancer risk in randomized controlled trial

A randomized controlled trial found that women taking vitamin C, E, or beta carotene had a similar risk of cancer as those not taking the supplements. Antioxidant supplements were previously thought to lower cancer risk due to high fruit and vegetable intake, but this study contradicts those findings.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 30, 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.

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.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 30, 2008

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateDec 30, 2008

Nuanced case for outsourcing by automakers, according to new Management Insights

A new INFORMS study suggests automakers must balance short-term price savings with long-term product life cycle implications when considering outsourcing production. The study finds that in-house development allows for higher performance improvement over the entire product life cycle.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 30, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAnesthesiology·DateDec 30, 2008

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 30, 2008

Education practices influence women engineer shortage, MU study finds

A University of Missouri study found that strong self-efficacy can help women succeed in engineering, but feeling included is a significant barrier. The research suggests changes to education practices can improve the pipeline for women engineers.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Engineering Education·DateDec 30, 2008

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 30, 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.