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Science News for December 9, 2008


Promising new drug blocks mutation in bone marrow cancers

Researchers have discovered an experimental drug that successfully blocks an enzyme causing certain bone marrow cancers. The oral drug, CYT387, was tested in mice and human cells, blocking the growth of myeloproliferative disorders and normalizing blood counts.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

U of I study: Fructose metabolism more complicated than was thought

A new study by the University of Illinois found that fructose metabolism is more complex than previously thought, inducing a broader range of genes in the liver. This can lead to increased glycogen and triglycerides in the liver, as well as insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·DateDec 9, 2008

Statin warning for pregnant women

New research from the University of Manchester has shown that even water-soluble statins can affect placental development, leading to worse pregnancy outcomes. Current guidelines recommend avoiding statins during pregnancy due to their potential risks, and this study supports these recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateDec 9, 2008

New polymer coatings prevent corrosion, even when scratched

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed self-healing coatings that can automatically repair themselves and prevent corrosion. The coatings use a dual capsule system to deliver a catalyst and healing agent, which react to fix damaged areas within minutes or hours.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 2008

New therapy prevents dangerous side effect for lymphoma patients

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new three-drug combination therapy that spares patients from prolonged myelosuppression, a potentially lethal side effect of traditional treatments. The treatment achieved a remission rate of 96% in patients with indolent B cell lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 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.

Asthma: Commonly used medication shows no clear benefits in children

A new study concludes that long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) offer no additional benefit to conventional preventative medications in children. LABAs, such as salmeterol and formoterol, can improve lung function but do not reduce asthma symptoms or hospital admissions.

SourceWiley·JournalEvidence-Based Child Health A Cochrane Review Journal·DateDec 9, 2008

Developing countries lack means to acquire more efficient technologies

A new study by NCAR and University of Colorado warns that developing countries will struggle to afford and implement efficient technologies, exacerbating global warming. The research suggests that even advanced nations are worsening the outlook for global warming due to increasing emissions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalClimate Research·DateDec 9, 2008

Boy-girl bullying in middle grades more common than previously thought

Research by Philip Rodkin reveals that unpopular boys are more likely to bully popular girls, challenging the classic 'whipping boy' syndrome. The study found that both bullies and victims are highly disliked by their peers, highlighting the need for educators to take reports of harassment from popular girls seriously.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateDec 9, 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.

Hadim awarded grant from the Electric Power Research Institute

Professor Hamid Hadim has received a grant to develop an introductory level training course on pressurized water reactor nuclear power plants. The course will provide EPRI staff with better understanding of fundamental principles and design methodologies, enabling more valuable research and development.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateDec 9, 2008

SMU chemist wins NSF early career award

SMU chemist Brent Sumerlin has received a $475,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award for two related nanotechnology research projects. His work focuses on developing novel materials with composite properties, including automatic insulin release technology for diabetics and self-repairing coatings for airplane wings.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateDec 9, 2008
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Siblings of mentally disabled face own lifelong challenges, according to researchers

Researchers found that siblings with mental illnesses are 63% more likely to experience depressive episodes, while those with low IQs are 18% more likely to live near their sibling but have lower emotional attachment. Environmental and social factors also play a role in poor mental health among these siblings.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateDec 9, 2008

New classification of spinal deformity defines range of normalcy

A new spinal deformity classification system has been developed to define the range of normalcy for spine alignment. The system, published in Neurosurgery, uses a systematic approach to define neutral upright spinal alignment across different age groups.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNeurosurgery·DateDec 9, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Thinking like a president: How power affects complex decision making

A recent study found that powerful individuals make better decisions when they engage in unconscious thinking, similar to the way most people process information. The research suggests that having power changes how people think and approach complex decision-making.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 9, 2008

Researchers focus on building telescope at South Pole

The University of Delaware is part of an international team building the IceCube neutrino telescope, which will study high-energy cosmic events. The $150 million project will detect neutrinos passing through the Antarctic ice, opening new insights into astrophysics.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateDec 9, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The clear future of electronics

Researchers have developed a transparent resistive random access memory (TRRAM) chip, enabling see-through electronic systems. The technology may drive new directions in electronics, allowing for more compact devices and cheaper manufacturing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 9, 2008

Princeton-led team finds secret ingredient for the health of tropical rainforests

A team of Princeton researchers found that molybdenum is crucial for controlling the biological conversion of nitrogen in tropical rainforests, supporting plant growth. The discovery has implications for global climate change policy, as it may limit the amount of carbon dioxide that tropical rainforests can absorb.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 9, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When 2 + 2 = major anxiety: Math performance in stressful situations

Research by University of Chicago psychologist Sian L. Beilock reveals that math anxiety can be debilitating due to the consumption of working memory resources by worries and stereotypes. Individuals with higher working memory capacity are more prone to 'choke under pressure' when stressed.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 9, 2008

Penn research probes genetic underpinnings of nicotine addiction

Smokers carrying a specific gene variant are more susceptible to concentration problems and cognitive deficits during abstinence, increasing the risk of relapse. The study paves the way for novel medications to treat nicotine addiction.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2008

When it's more than the 'terrible twos'

Researchers estimate RASD affects 25-30% of children with an autistic disorder. Children with RASD typically develop normally until 18-24 months, then regress and lose previously acquired skills. Identifying early signs is crucial to address potential neurological development issues.

SourceTemple University·JournalNeuropsychology Review·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

Launch of the Lancet report on right to health

The Lancet report identifies key right-to-health features and indicators, highlighting gaps in data and progress towards universal access to healthcare. The study emphasizes the importance of non-discrimination, mental health allocation, and health information availability.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 9, 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.

Leeds research points to new therapy for hepatitis C treatment

Researchers at University of Leeds have identified a promising new target for hepatitis C treatment: the p7 protein. The study found that genetic variations among HCV strains affect sensitivity to certain drugs, highlighting the need for tailored combination treatments.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalHepatology·DateDec 9, 2008

Conscious vs. unconscious thought in making complicated decisions

Researchers found that unconscious thought was not always effective in making the best choices. Instead, thinking about a decision at one's own pace and focusing on the problem led to larger payoffs. The study suggests that relying on self-paced conscious thought can be a more reliable approach for complex decisions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 9, 2008

UNH researchers track lobster migrations to improve population estimates

Researchers are fitting lobsters with transmitters to track their migrations year-round, providing more accurate information about juvenile lobster sources and interactions between populations. The study aims to improve management of the economically valuable fishery, allowing lobsters to remain a staple in New England cuisine.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateDec 9, 2008

Flora not flourishing in world's hotspots

Researchers at the University of Calgary found that tropical regions have higher risks of plant extinction than previously thought. The study analyzed worldwide databases and discovered that factors like latitude are more important in determining the number of threatened species than human activities.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 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.

Pine bark reduces inflammatory marker CRP in osteoarthritis

A recent study published in Redox Report reveals that Pycnogenol significantly lowers plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in osteoarthritis patients. This finding suggests that Pycnogenol's anti-inflammatory potency may be potent enough to arrest the spread of inflammation from osteoarthritic joints to the whole organism.

SourceMWW Group·JournalRedox Report·DateDec 9, 2008

Study reveals effects of unconscious exposure to advertisements

A recent study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute suggests that non-conscious exposure to advertisements can increase consumer preference for promoted products. The research, led by cognitive scientist Mark Changizi, reveals how advertising tactics like apparel branding and product placement in movies and TV shows tap into our brain's...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPerception·DateDec 9, 2008

People in the US and the UK show strong similarities in their attitudes toward nanotechnologies

A new US-UK study reveals that people in both countries hold positive views of nanotechnologies, with a focus on energy applications. The research found that participants were more optimistic about the future contribution of new technologies to society and exhibited a high degree of comfort with energy applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 9, 2008

Researchers report on convergence of technology

Scientists present reports on novel technologies to restore memory circuits, alter drug effects, deliver targeted therapies and improve brain imaging. The advancements aim to pinpoint seizure causes and deliver precise treatments, promising a new era in epilepsy care.

SourceAmerican Epilepsy Society·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

Surface-level ozone pollution set to reduce tree growth 10 percent by 2100

A meta-analysis of decades-long experimental evidence reveals that modern day concentrations of ground level ozone pollution are decreasing tree growth in northern and temperate mid-latitudes. The study predicts a 17% reduction in tree growth by the end of the century if current fossil fuel dependence continues.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 9, 2008

Application quantifies carbon sequestration of urban trees

The Tree Carbon Calculator provides quantifiable incentives for tree planting and stewardship projects. It calculates the dry weight of biomass that would be obtained if a tree were removed, offering a valuable resource for urban forestry efforts.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateDec 9, 2008

Genetic markers identified for alcohol response in UCSF Gallo study

Researchers at UCSF Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center have identified a DNA sequence variation on chromosome 15 associated with the level of response to alcohol. This finding could signal the genetic factors that affect alcohol abuse, and may help develop targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 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.

Honey adds health benefits, is natural preservative and sweetener in salad dressings

A University of Illinois study found that honey, rich in antioxidants, protects the quality of salad dressings for up to nine months while naturally sweetening them. The study substituted honey for chemical additives and high-fructose corn syrup, resulting in a healthier alternative.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2008

Also in the Dec. 9 JNCI

Researchers found that among women under 40, black women have a higher breast cancer incidence rate than white women. However, this trend reverses among women over 40, with white women having a higher incidence rate. The study confirms the age-related crossover effect in breast cancer incidence rates between black and white ethnic groups.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 9, 2008

SAGE to publish International Journal of Toxicology

The American College of Toxicology partnered with SAGE to publish the International Journal of Toxicology, a peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal covering current research in toxicology. The journal will increase visibility globally and provide access to full-text articles through SAGE Journals Online.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Toxicology·DateDec 9, 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.

Financial incentives appear effective for short-term weight loss

Researchers found that economic incentives, such as lottery-based groups and deposit contracts, were highly effective in inducing initial weight loss. The study's results showed a significant difference in weight loss between the incentive groups and the control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 2008

Nonhormonal treatment regimens improve survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer

A meta-analysis of 128 clinical trials has found that nonhormonal treatment regimens, including anthracycline-based regimens and taxanes, have improved overall survival in women with advanced breast cancer. The use of these regimens led to a significant relative risk reduction in overall mortality.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 9, 2008