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Science News for January 24, 2008


Chopped up proteins trigger autoimmunity

Exosomes are chopped into pieces that trigger autoimmunity in people with PM/Scl overlap syndrome. Researchers have identified an exosome-associated protein recognized by antibodies, which may be a new marker for diagnosis.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2008

When accounting for the global nitrogen budget, don't forget fish

Commercial fisheries play a crucial role in removing terrestrial nitrogen from coastal waters, but their contribution has decreased significantly over time. As a result, the global nitrogen balance is becoming increasingly skewed, leading to eutrophication and other environmental problems.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 24, 2008

Don't worry, be (moderately) happy, research suggests

A new study challenges the assumption that all measures of well-being go up as happiness increases, finding that moderately happy individuals may outperform those who are extremely happy in some areas of life. Happiness generally correlates with positive measures such as success in money, employment and relationships, but overly high l...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJan 24, 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.

MIT, ABB announce energy research partnership

The MIT Energy Initiative has partnered with ABB to develop green technologies and improve energy efficiency. The five-year, $5-million partnership will support research in areas like nanofluids, power electronics, and intelligent robotics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 24, 2008

Improved diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis thanks to new techniques

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a non-lethal but potentially severe disease that can be prevented with rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment. New techniques, such as the QT-NASBA technique and real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR, have been developed to detect and quantify Leishmania parasites, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2008

JCI table of contents: Jan. 24, 2008

A new study by Naofumi Mukaida and colleagues found that TNF-alpha antagonist reduces inflammation-induced colon cancer in mice, suggesting a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis patients. Additionally, research on mesenchymal stem cells showed that the antitumor drug bortezomib can target these cells and promote bone cell-specif...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 2008

Popular arthritis drug may disrupt heart rhythm, UB research finds

Researchers at University at Buffalo found that Celebrex reduces heart rate and induces arrhythmia by inhibiting potassium channels, which are present in the heart, brain, and other tissues. The study suggests that the drug's mechanism of action may be relevant to its cardiovascular side effects.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 24, 2008

Stowers Proteomics Center devises method for assigning probabilities to human protein interactions

The Stowers Institute's Proteomics Center has developed a novel method for assigning probabilities to human protein interactions, allowing for the creation of more informative protein interaction networks. This approach enables researchers to estimate the preference of two proteins to associate within a defined complex or larger networ...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New insights into vaccination for HIV

Researchers have developed new tools to understand HIV immune evasion. Vaccination timing significantly affects the rate of immune escape in macaques, suggesting ways to improve HIV vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 24, 2008

New MIT tool probes brain circuits

Researchers at MIT created a method called DICE-K, which allows them to see the effect of blocking and unblocking a single neural circuit in living animals. The study suggests that the hippocampal neural pathway plays a crucial role in quickly forming memories.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2008

Elusive pancreatic stem cells found in adult mice

A team of researchers has identified pancreatic stem cells with the capacity to generate new insulin-producing beta cells in adult mice. These findings represent a significant breakthrough in understanding the pancreas's ability to regenerate beta cells, a crucial step towards developing effective treatments for diabetes.

SourceCell Press·DateJan 24, 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.

The pope's mixed record on science

The Pope has expressed support for scientific theories such as evolution and climate change, with the Vatican sponsoring a conference on climate change in 2006. However, he has not altered the church's opposition to using condoms to prevent HIV transmission or supporting abortion rights. In contrast, some progressive Catholics and cler...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 24, 2008

Move over US -- China to be new driver of world's economy and innovation

A new study by Georgia Tech predicts China will soon pass the US in technological standing, driven by its growing emphasis on research and development. China's rapid advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are expected to make it a major player in the global economy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateJan 24, 2008

Camera in a pill offers cheaper, easier window on your insides

Researchers have developed a smaller endoscope that can take high-quality color pictures in confined spaces, potentially saving lives by detecting treatable conditions before they turn into cancer. The device is designed for low-cost screening and doesn't require anesthesia or sedation.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 24, 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.

Team IDs weakness in anthrax bacteria

Researchers have discovered a weakness in the defenses of the anthrax bacterium that could be exploited to produce new antibiotics. Nitric oxide is a critical part of Bacillus anthracis's defense against the immune response, and disrupting this system could make it vulnerable to attack by macrophages.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2008

'Telepathic' genes recognize similarities in each other

Genes have been found to recognize similar patterns of chemical bases without physical contact, shedding light on the process of homologous recombination. This ability could explain how genes group together to perform key processes involved in species evolution.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJan 24, 2008

Fine print: New technique allows fast printing of microscopic electronics

Chemical engineers at Princeton University developed a method for shooting stable jets of electrically charged liquids from a wide nozzle, producing lines just 100 nanometers wide. This technique offers better resolution than ink-jet printing and far more speed and ease than conventional nanotechnology.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 24, 2008

Why the Web tells us what we already know

Researchers found that people tend to focus on information supporting their pre-existing beliefs, even if it's accurate. The study suggests designing search engine interfaces to help users organize information and overcome decision biases.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 24, 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.

Marijuana withdrawal as bad as withdrawal from cigarettes

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that marijuana withdrawal is similar to tobacco withdrawal, with common symptoms like irritability and trouble sleeping. The research suggests that clinicians treating marijuana addiction should consider these effects in their practice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJan 24, 2008

Stardust comet dust resembles asteroid materials

New research reveals that comet Wild 2's sample is missing ingredients expected in cometary IDPs and resembles chondritic meteorites from the asteroid belt. The high-speed capture of Stardust particles may have altered the material.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2008

Unexpected protein interaction suggests new ALS drug target

Researchers have discovered a new ALS drug target by identifying an unexpected protein-protein interaction between SOD1 and Rac1. This interaction, which is impaired in familial ALS, leads to excessive ROS production and oxidative stress, contributing to the disease's progression.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 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.

Discovery of new cause of mental retardation simplifies search for treatments

Researchers have identified a new cause of mental retardation, finding that duplication of two proteins (HSD17B10 and HUWE1) leads to overproduction, offering promising possibilities for treatments. The discovery simplifies the search for remedies by targeting protein production rather than repairing or replacing defective proteins.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 24, 2008

New technique safely combines programming languages

Researchers have developed a new method to combine programming languages safely, eliminating injection attacks and providing absolute security. This breakthrough can be applied to various environments without additional effort from programmers.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2008

Adult stem cell application effective in treatment of peripheric vascular disease

Researchers have found that adult multipotent stem cells (MAPCs) are more effective than mononucleate cells in treating peripheral vascular disease, improving blood vessel regeneration and muscle function. The study used mouse models and human cells, with identical results, suggesting a potential new treatment option.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 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.

Building stronger bones, 1 stem cell at a time

Researchers discovered that the antitumor drug bortezomib can specifically target mesenchymal stem cells, leading to enhanced bone regeneration in mice. Bortezomib treatment increased bone formation in normal mice and recovered bone loss in mice with induced osteoporosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 2008

MIT: Computer vision may not be as good as thought

Researchers find current computer vision tests misleading due to design flaws that enable computers to succeed where humans would fail. The team argues for revamping standards and images to better understand the difficulty of object recognition.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 24, 2008

Biologists use computers to study bacterial cell division

Researchers created a mathematical model of bacterial cell division in Caulobacter crescentus, confirming existing hypotheses and identifying gaps in understanding. The model demonstrates the role of computation in biology and provides a framework for testing predictions and simulating mutant bacteria.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 24, 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.

Evolutionary 'battle scars' identify enhanced anti-viral activity

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that rapid evolution of protein ZAP is associated with increased antiviral activity in humans. The longer human ZAP protein isoform has higher antiviral activity against various viruses, including alphaviruses and filoviruses.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 24, 2008

Unanimous union: The mind and body together lean toward 'truthiness'

Researchers Rick Dale and Michael Spivey discovered a cognitive bias where people tend to favor true statements, even in the face of ambiguity. Arm movement data showed participants' bodies moved more towards 'no' responses, indicating a general bias toward assuming statements are true.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 24, 2008

Separate signals through optical fibers for ultrafast home network

Researchers separate TV, phone and internet signals using a technique called MGDM, which transmits each signal through a separate group of light rays. This technology has the potential to increase fibre network capacity and transmit information without disruption.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 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.

The mystery of Jupiter's jets uncovered

Research into giant perturbations on Jupiter reveals that jet streams go deep into the planet's atmosphere, with storms forming among deepest clouds. The team used a combination of telescopes to observe the phenomenon, finding surprising similarities with previous cases.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2008

Springer launches Springer Protocols

Springer Protocols is a laboratory tool that delivers protocols across 15 subject collections, covering various areas of life sciences. The platform contains over 2,000 protocols, with 1,000 being updated annually, providing researchers with easy access to experiment designs, equipment, statistical methods, and troubleshooting standards.

SourceSpringer·DateJan 24, 2008

Earth's getting 'soft' in the middle

Scientists find unusual electronic characteristics in lower mantle material, leading to slower sound wave propagation. This discovery challenges traditional techniques for understanding the region and may require re-evaluation of seismic data.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2008

New method for solving differential equations

Researchers have developed a new approach to solve systems of ordinary differential equations by separating time steps for slowly and rapidly varying components. This method leverages multirate techniques to improve computational efficiency.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 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.

Deficient regulators in the immune system responsible for type 1 diabetes

A recent study suggests that impaired CD4+Treg cells may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes. Dr. Ciriaco Piccirillo's research indicates that these cells' regulatory function is compromised in patients with type 1 diabetes, allowing misprogrammed T lymphocytes to attack insulin-producing cells.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 24, 2008

New approach to detect autism earlier

A new review integrates psychological and biological theories of autism, which may help medical professionals detect conditions such as Asperger's Disorder at an earlier stage. This approach could lead to better explanations for parents worried about their child's behaviour and potentially improve remediation.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 2008

Evolutionary battle scars' identify enhanced antiviral activity

Researchers found that a protein produced by an immunity gene called ZAP has increased antiviral activity in humans, linked to evolutionary changes. The study suggests that studying evolutionary biology and virology can accelerate the discovery of viral-defense mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 24, 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.

Deafness and seizures result when mysterious protein deleted in mice

Researchers found that mice genetically engineered to lack a particular protein have profound deafness and seizures, suggesting a pathway for exploring the hereditary causes of deafness and epilepsy in humans. The study also provides new insight into the role of glutamate, a chemical messenger involved in virtually every brain function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateJan 24, 2008

Materials expert denounces Norwegian ban on dental amalgam

Dental amalgam's use is being restricted due to mercury concerns, but scientific evidence suggests a link between the two is unclear. The move may remove a viable treatment option for dentists and patients worldwide.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJan 24, 2008