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Science News Archive February 2008 - Page 19


Page 19 of 19

Irregular exercise pattern may add pounds

A study by Paul Williams found that quitting exercise can lead to significant weight gain, especially at lower intensity levels. Resuming exercise after an hiatus is often not enough to reverse the weight gain, highlighting the importance of consistent and year-round physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateFeb 1, 2008

Prostate cancer: Watchful wait or vaccinate?

Researchers have developed a successful test vaccine that prevents the development of prostate cancer in 90% of young mice. The vaccine targets prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), which is over-expressed in early-stage prostate cancers, and has been shown to mount an immune response against the protein.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 1, 2008

Rounding up gases, nano-style

Researchers have created a novel process for catching gas from the environment and holding it indefinitely in molecular-sized containers, promising improvements to greenhouse gas management and fuel cell development. The 'molecular nanovalves' system is highly controllable and recyclable, allowing for safe and efficient storage of gases.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Iowa State chemists track how drug changes, blocks flu virus

Researchers found that the M2 protein's motion and structure change when treated with amantadine, blocking the flu virus from infecting healthy cells. The study provides insight into developing alternative antiviral drugs for resistant flu strains.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2008

Simons Foundation grant boosts brain tumor research

The Simons Foundation's $10 million grant will support preclinical studies of new therapies for gliomas, a type of brain cancer. The goal is to develop treatments that target cancer cells and abnormal signaling pathways while sparing nearby sensitive tissues.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·DateFeb 1, 2008

Swarm approach to photography

Researchers developed a new approach to image enhancement using PSO algorithm, which intelligently boosts contrast and detail in an image. The method outperforms existing approaches in terms of computational time and objective evaluation, making it suitable for various applications such as CCTV images and lower quality camera photos.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovative Computing and Applications·DateFeb 1, 2008

Taking more than 1 anti-inflammatory drug may lead to complications

A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that taking two NSAIDs was associated with lower scores on a health-related quality of life assessment. Dual use was also linked to worse physical functioning and symptoms, highlighting the need for better pain management and patient communication.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 1, 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.

Poxvirus potency uncovered in new atomic map

Scientists at UAB and Saint Louis University use X-ray crystallography to understand poxvirus infectious potency and how one protein evades the immune system, paving the way for new drug discoveries to combat inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2008

Ecological genetics of freshwater bacteria surveyed

Novel molecular techniques have shed light on the nature of freshwater environments as a bacterial habitat. Researchers can now analyze specific functional capabilities of bacteria, such as their ability to metabolize particular molecules, and understand how microbial populations shift in response to environmental change.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 1, 2008

Scientists discover new species of giant elephant-shrew

The newly discovered grey-faced sengi (Rhynchocyon udzungwensis) is a large, rare species found only in two high-altitude forest blocks in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains. Its unique features include a distinctive grey face and jet-black lower rump, highlighting the region's exceptional biodiversity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Why serotonin can cause depression and anxiety

A study published in PLoS Computational Biology suggests that serotonin may contribute to depression and anxiety by disrupting reflexive avoidance behaviors. When serotonin levels drop, individuals lose their instinctual ability to avoid aversive events, leading to increased exploration of potentially harmful states.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 1, 2008

T cell immunity enhanced by timing of interleukin-7 therapy

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that administering interleukin-7 during a specific stage of infection can increase the number of killer cells capable of destroying virus-infected cells, enhancing immune memory. This discovery may lead to improved vaccine efficacy against HIV and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2008

Brain region that can be stimulated to reduce the cognitive deficits of sleep deprivation identified

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a brain region that can be stimulated to reduce cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation. The study used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to improve working memory performance in young adults after extended sleep deprivation.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateFeb 1, 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.

Structure of important neurotransmitter regulator determined

Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of human kynurenine aminotransferase II, an enzyme regulating glutamate activity. The discovery provides insight into biochemical regulation and may lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 1, 2008

Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Researchers have discovered a crucial role for heparan sulfate in regulating embryonic stem cell potency, while also uncovering the mechanism behind SARS lung damage. The structures of key enzymes involved in these processes are now understood, opening up new avenues for treatment and drug development.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 1, 2008