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Science News for January 10, 2008


Xie Lab characterizes niche control of stem cell function

The Xie Lab found that Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells can out-compete normal stem cells for a position in the niche by invading neighboring cells and increasing cellular response to E-cadherin. This mechanism ensures only undifferentiated stem cells remain in the niche.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 10, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Extreme obesity affects chances of kidney transplantation

A study by Dr. Dorry L. Segev and colleagues found that severe obesity is associated with a lower chance of receiving a kidney transplant, even after adjusting for medical factors. Obese patients tend to wait longer and are more likely to be bypassed when a kidney becomes available.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 10, 2008

UBC astronomer produces first detailed map of dark matter in a supercluster

For the first time, astronomers have directly visualized the distribution of dark matter in a supercluster, allowing for the detection of irregular clumps and detailed shapes. This breakthrough study, led by UBC researcher Catherine Heymans, uses NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to map the Abell 901/902 supercluster.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 10, 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.

Autism risk higher in people with gene variant

Researchers found a link between a specific gene variant and autism, particularly when inherited from mothers. The study suggests that the CNTNAP2 gene may play a role in brain cell development and differentiation.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 10, 2008

The violent lives of galaxies: Caught in the cosmic matter web

Galaxies in crowded environments, like superclusters, experience violent lives due to high-speed collisions and stripping away of gas. The Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys mapped dark matter scaffolding, revealing dense clumps that match the location of old galaxies.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 10, 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.

Researchers challenge previous findings regarding widely used asthma treatment

A new study has found that widely used asthma medication long-acting beta-agonists may not be associated with adverse events based on a patient's genotype. The study analyzed data from two clinical trials and found no differences in asthma symptoms or control between patients with different beta-2 adrenergic receptor genotypes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2008

UT Southwestern scientist honored among best in Texas research

Dr. Beth Levine, a renowned specialist in autophagy, received the award for medicine for her groundbreaking work that has propelled forward medical research on cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and infectious diseases. Her investigations have identified key genes involved in autophagy, contributing to various diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateJan 10, 2008

Supernova remnants dance in the LMC

Two distinct gas and dust clouds formed by different types of supernova explosions are detected in DEM L316 nebula, with one shell containing more iron suggesting a Type Ia supernova. The two shells appear to be aligned by chance in the sky due to their vastly different ages.

SourceGemini Observatory·DateJan 10, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Protein in human hair shows promise for regenerating nerves

A protein found in human hair, keratin, has been shown to speed up nerve regeneration and improve nerve function in animal studies. The study used keratin-filled gels to repair nerve gaps and showed promising results compared to current treatment options.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 10, 2008

Common molecule notifies immune system of prostate cancer

Immune cells can detect prostate cancer using a specific receptor on T cells, which recognizes the cancerous tumor. The molecular signpost is histone H4, a protein found in all cells but displayed only on the surface of tumor cells.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2008

A new way to boost red blood cell numbers

Researchers discovered that Gas6 protein increases cell signaling in response to Epo treatment, enhancing its therapeutic potential for treating anemia. The study also found that mice deficient in Gas6 have decreased sensitivity to Epo and reduced ability to recover from anemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 10, 2008

Scientists map out potential for restoring California fisher populations

Researchers have identified potential habitats in the central and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains for reintroducing California fishers, a rare and elusive carnivore. The study suggests caution in implementing reintroduction efforts due to limited connectivity and distance from existing populations.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 10, 2008

For nutrition info, moms like the Web best

A new study found that low-income mothers prefer receiving nutrition information on the web rather than through a video game or printed pamphlet. The study suggests that websites are a smart strategy for certain groups, particularly in increasing nutrition literacy.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJan 10, 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.

Physicists uncover new solution for cosmic collisions

Theoretical physicists use mathematical modeling to describe interstellar shock waves, which could provide insights into the formation of stars, planets, and life. The study's findings have implications for NASA's upcoming missions and may shed light on the solar system's history and chemical origins.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 10, 2008

Older Arctic sea ice replaced by young, thin ice, says CU-Boulder study

A new study indicates older Arctic sea ice is being replaced by younger, thinner ice, making the region more susceptible to rapid melt. The researchers used satellite data to reconstruct past Arctic sea ice conditions and found that 58% of remaining perennial ice is thin and only 2-3 years old.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 10, 2008

Chandra data reveal rapidly whirling black holes

A new study using Chandra X-ray Observatory results provides evidence that many supermassive black holes are spinning extremely rapidly. The research suggests that these fast-spinning black holes can drive powerful jets, pumping energy into their environment and affecting galaxy growth.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 10, 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.

Researchers shed light on genetic factors behind UK's biggest killer

Researchers have identified a new chromosomal region strongly associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for coronary heart disease, which claims over 250,000 lives annually in the UK.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 10, 2008

Fighting pollution the poplar way: Trees to clean up Indiana site

Researchers are using transgenic poplars to remove pollutants from a contaminated site in north-central Indiana. The trees have been shown to absorb and break down contaminants such as trichloroethylene, making them a promising solution for phytoremediation.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 10 2008

Researchers found that Gas6 protein increases cell signaling in response to Epo treatment and treats both chronic and acute anemia in mice. Additionally, mice deficient in Gas6 have decreased sensitivity to Epo and reduced ability to recover from anemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 10, 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.

NASA scientists predict black hole light echo show

Researchers found that rapidly spinning black holes produce light echoes, where X-ray photons travel different paths around the black hole, causing a constant delay independent of source position. This effect would allow astronomers to measure black hole masses with high accuracy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2008

High blood pressure in older adults traced to gene's effects in blood vessels

Researchers at Ohio State University identified a genetic link between the profilin 1 gene and increased risk of high blood pressure in older adults. The gene affects vascular remodeling, which can lead to structural and functional changes in blood vessels, ultimately causing hypertension.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 10, 2008

Hubble finds double Einstein ring

The Hubble Space Telescope has discovered a double Einstein ring, caused by the bending of light from two distant galaxies behind a massive foreground galaxy. The discovery offers insights into dark matter and the nature of distant galaxies.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·DateJan 10, 2008

UCLA scientists identify new genetic link to autism

Researchers at UCLA discovered a strong association between the contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene and autism, particularly in boys. The study found that CNTNAP2 is most active in brain regions involved with language and thought, suggesting a link to speech delay and other symptoms of autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 10, 2008
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.

Africa's biggest mammals key to ant-plant teamwork

A study reveals that elephants, giraffes, and other large plant-eaters spur Acacia trees to hire ants as bodyguards, but without them, the trees suffer. The research highlights how people's impacts on ecosystems can cascade down unexpected paths.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2008

New research demonstrates potential diagnosis, treatment benefits

Researchers have made significant advances in treating and diagnosing LAM through the use of sirolimus and serum VEGF-D test, showing improved lung function and reduced tumor growth. These studies provide hope for patients suffering from this deadly disease, paving the way for targeted therapies.

SourceThe LAM Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 10, 2008

Genetic breakthrough offers promise in tackling kidney tumors

Researchers at Cardiff University have made promising progress in treating tuberous sclerosis, an inherited disease that causes tumours to grow in organs. After a year of Sirolimus treatment, kidney tumour diameters shrunk by 26% on average.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 10, 2008

Lasting impression: Does the face of a CEO determine a successful company?

A recent study found that college students could accurately distinguish between successful and unsuccessful CEOs based on their facial features, which were rated for competence, dominance, likeability, maturity, and trustworthiness. The study suggests that first impressions can be a reliable indicator of leadership abilities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 10, 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.

Story ideas from the Journal of Lipid Research

Blocking the enzyme SCD1 reduces fat accumulation, improves insulin sensitivity and weight loss in FH-mice affected by metabolic syndrome. This finding highlights SCD1 as a potential drug target for individuals with familial hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJan 10, 2008

Feeling the heat

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method to synthesize silicon nanowires with exceptionally rough surfaces, which exhibit high thermoelectric efficiency. This breakthrough technology could enable the widespread adoption of thermoelectric materials in various applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2008

Supercomputer could throw light on 'mysterious' dark energy

Researchers used supercomputing power to simulate the early Universe and identify potential methods for measuring dark energy. The study's findings will help design a proposed satellite mission called SPACE, which aims to unveil the nature of dark energy and its role in the Universe's accelerating expansion.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 10, 2008

Eat less or exercise more? Either way leads to more youthful hearts

A yearlong study showed that overweight individuals who lose a moderate amount of weight experience improved heart health, regardless of whether it's achieved through calorie restriction or exercise. The researchers found that participants' hearts regained some of the elasticity characteristic of younger heart tissue, allowing them to ...

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

Carbon offset warning from international team of scientists

A leading international team of marine scientists has warned that it is too early to sell carbon offsets from ocean iron fertilization. The researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale experiments to assess the efficiency and potential side effects of this method, which could have unintended ecological impacts.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2008

A paired sedation and ventilator weaning protocol ...

A new protocol combining daily spontaneous awakening trials with spontaneous breathing trials results in better outcomes for mechanically ventilated patients, including shorter ventilation periods and earlier discharge. The study found that this approach improved clinical outcomes without increasing adverse events.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2008

Stanford researchers publish review of US medical device regulation

Researchers at Stanford University have released a comprehensive review of US medical device regulation, highlighting the differences between regulations guiding medical devices versus pharmaceuticals. The report emphasizes the complexity of the approval process and post-market surveillance administered by the FDA.

SourceInHealth: The Institute for Health Technology Studies·JournalJournal of Medical Devices·DateJan 10, 2008

Most people with diabetes should be considered for statin therapy

A meta-analysis of 18,686 individuals with diabetes and 71,370 without diabetes found a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and major vascular events with statin therapy. The study suggests that most people with diabetes should now be considered for statin therapy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 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.

Happy 60th, NHS ... possibly

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is turning 60, but its future is uncertain due to a lack of scientific focus on health-system reform. The Editorial calls for a radical change in the NHS's training system and culture to address its fundamental problems.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2008

Overactive nerves in head and neck may account for 'ringing in the ears'

Research by Michigan Medicine suggests that overactive nerves in the head and neck may contribute to tinnitus. Acupuncture and trigger point therapy may be effective treatments for people with 'ringing in the ears'. The study found hyperactivity of touch-sensing neurons in animals, which could lead to new insights into the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJan 10, 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.

Pediatricians call for a cohesive definition of metabolic syndrome in children

Researchers from the Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome Working Group explore the potential for a unified definition of metabolic syndrome in children, highlighting the need for clear identification of risk factors. They find that waist circumference and weight-to-height ratios may be more accurate than body mass index alone in determining m...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 10, 2008

Evidence of glaciation in 'super greenhouse' world

Researchers found evidence of 200,000 year period of widespread glaciation in the 'super greenhouse' climate. Ice sheets were approximately 60% the size of modern Antarctic ice cap and existed when alligators lived in the Arctic.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2008

Simple test accurately predicts risk of serious jaundice in newborns

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a simple test to accurately predict risk of serious jaundice in newborns, combining bilirubin levels and gestational age. The study found that about 70% of babies were low-risk, while 13% were high-risk and 17% were in the middle category.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 10, 2008