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Science News for January 8, 2008


BERT tells ERNI it's time to grow a brain

Researchers found that BERT and ERNI proteins interact to temporarily stop neural cell development, giving other cells a head-start in forming organs and skin. This discovery advances knowledge of stem cell behavior, with potential implications for medical research.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 8, 2008

New research confirms connection between job loss and poor health

Research confirms connection between job loss and poor health, with those who lose jobs for health reasons experiencing more severe depression and detrimental health outcomes. Reemployment is crucial in improving health outcomes, especially for those who remain unemployed.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJan 8, 2008

Research sheds light on the mechanics of gene transcription

Researchers at Cornell University found that enzyme RNA polymerase II assembles at the site of an activated gene, regardless of its position. This challenges the traditional view of 'transcription factories' and provides new insights into the gene transcription mechanism.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 8, 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 statistical technique shows more informative picture of survival

Researchers have developed a new method for presenting clinical trial survival data that includes all participants, overcoming the limitations of traditional Kaplan-Meier plots. This new approach provides a more accurate representation of treatment effects, enabling physicians and patients to better understand clinical trial results.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 8, 2008

Trying to stay on a strict diet? Focus on the details

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania finds that focusing on specific details can enhance enjoyment and reduce satiation, particularly in cognitive and sensory experiences. By subcategorizing or recognizing distinct aspects of an activity, individuals can maintain interest and pleasure over time.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 8, 2008

Marketing the South: Commercial mythmaking and reshaping of popular memories

A study by Craig Thompson and Kelly Tian investigates the interrelationships between commercial mythmaking and the reshaping of popular memories in the South. The researchers focus on two prominent New South mythmakers who seek to ideologically reconstruct the historical legacy of antebellum, confederate, and segregationist South. They...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 8, 2008

Higher Medicare spending yields mixed bag for patients

A new study finds that patients in high-spending areas do not necessarily have better health outcomes than those in low-spending areas. However, the authors also reveal that increased spending can be beneficial in certain cases, such as when chemotherapy is provided to patients with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 8, 2008

NIAID experts see dengue as potential threat to US public health

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is becoming increasingly prevalent along the U.S.-Mexico border and in Puerto Rico. The NIAID experts warn that widespread dengue cases in the continental US are a real possibility due to the lack of effective treatments or vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJan 8, 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.

Device prevents potential errors in children's medications

A device designed to eliminate mixing errors in children's medications was tested at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and found to be 100% accurate. The technology uses enhanced photoemission spectroscopy to verify the formulations of intravenous drugs, reducing potential medication errors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·DateJan 8, 2008

NASA announces details of Hubble servicing mission

The Hubble servicing mission, scheduled for August 2008, aims to equip the telescope with new instruments, including the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and Wide Field Camera 3. These upgrades will enhance Hubble's capabilities to explore the universe, studying dark matter, dark energy, and planetary atmospheres.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 8, 2008

Other highlights in the Jan. 8 JNCI

Researchers found patients taking statins had a lower incidence of cancer compared to non-statin users. Additionally, a new receptor may be targeted for colon cancer treatment, while a mouse model of rare kidney disorder shows promise for studying cancer development.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 8, 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.

Children's Hospital neurosurgeon receives grant

Dr. Ian F. Pollack, a neurosurgeon at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, has received a $150,000 grant from the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation to study a category of brain tumors not well understood in children. His research aims to identify molecular features that will enable doctors to tailor specific treatments for patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·DateJan 8, 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.

EPA grant to UC engineering makes for a better environment

A University of Cincinnati researcher, Dionysios Dionysiou, received a $698,689 EPA grant to investigate processes used to purify drinking water and remove cyanobacterial toxins. The research aims to develop cost-efficient technologies to treat water contaminated by such toxins.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 8, 2008

Scientists unravel the molecular basis of monarch butterfly migration

Researchers have discovered a novel circadian clock mechanism in monarch butterflies, involving two distinct cryptochrome proteins. This mechanism is similar to that found in mammals and plays a critical role in navigation during migration.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJan 8, 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.

Newer meningitis vaccine appears safe and effective for infants

A new meningitis vaccine has been shown to be well-tolerated and immunogenic in infants, providing protection against four strains of the disease. The vaccine, MenACWY, uses a natural mutant of the diphtheria toxin and has been found to induce protective antibody levels in over 90% of infants who received it.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 8, 2008

Multiple skin cancer risk behaviors are common among US adults

A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center reveals that most American adults engage in multiple behaviors increasing their exposure to UV rays, including infrequent sun protection and indoor tanning. The study found that younger adults, men, Caucasians, smokers, and those with fair skin are more likely to engage in these high-risk behaviors.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 8, 2008

Staying active and drinking moderately is the key to a long life

Research found that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol and are physically active have a lower risk of death from heart disease than those who don’t drink or exercise. Moderate drinkers and regular exercisers had significantly lower risks compared to non-drinkers and inactive individuals.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 8, 2008

Eating out can have both positive and negative impact on obesity

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that eating out can have both positive and negative impacts on obesity. Higher total restaurant density is significantly associated with lower weight status, while a higher fast-food density is associated with higher weight status.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 8, 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.

An 'attractive' man-machine interface

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have created a new technology that uses magnetic fields to control cellular signaling, mimicking the binding of drugs or hormones. This innovation has the potential to lead to finely-tuned but noninvasive treatments for various diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 8, 2008

Carrot cake study on sugar in type 2 diabetes

A new study found that overweight type 2 diabetes patients who consumed moderate amounts of sugar from carrot cake experienced no adverse changes in blood glucose levels. The study, conducted over 24 days, showed improved insulin sensitivity and balanced energy intake.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science and Nutrition·DateJan 8, 2008

Oatmeal's health claims strongly reaffirmed, science shows

Recent studies confirm oatmeal's ability to lower total cholesterol levels and reduce LDL 'bad' cholesterol without adverse effects. Whole-grain oats are also linked to improved blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and weight management outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateJan 8, 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.

US ranks last among other industrialized nations on preventable deaths

The US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries on preventable deaths, with a 4% decline compared to an average of 16% for other nations. If the US had performed as well as top performers France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 8, 2008

Americans pay the most for prescription drugs and still don't take them

A new study from the University of Michigan found that while US residents have the highest out-of-pocket drug costs, they are less likely to take their medications compared to patients in other countries. High costs are only a partial reason for non-adherence, with policy factors also playing a role.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 8, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Federal spending bills contain 2,526 R&D earmarks, AAAS analysis finds

The AAAS analysis reveals that Congress inserted nearly $4.5 billion in federal research and development earmarks in spending bills for fiscal year 2008. The earmarks totaled 2,526 projects, with $939 million allocated to non-defense projects and $3.5 billion to Defense Department projects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateJan 8, 2008

Smithsonian researcher probes Hope Diamond's fiery red glow

A recent study by Smithsonian researchers reveals that natural blue diamonds exhibit phosphorescence with components of both blue and red light. The study's findings provide a unique 'fingerprint' for individual blue diamonds, enabling scientists to identify them.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalGeology·DateJan 8, 2008

Freeze-dried tendon implants prove effective in early studies

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a new graft technique using freeze-dried tendon grafts loaded with gene therapy, showing significantly fewer adhesions than traditional autografts. The study demonstrates promising results in restoring range of motion and accelerating healing after hard-to-treat i...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 8, 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.

Study proves the co-pay connection in chronic disease

A new study found that reducing drug co-pays for employees with chronic illnesses increased the use of preventive medicines, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The study involved over 35,000 employees and showed significant increases in use of important medications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 8, 2008

Protein power: Researchers trigger insulin production in diabetic mice

University of Florida researchers have successfully triggered insulin production in diabetic mice by injecting them with the naturally occurring protein Pdx1. The study found that daily injections of Pdx1 normalized blood glucose levels within two weeks, promoting regeneration of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 8, 2008

When shorter waits increase stress

Research finds that longer waits can facilitate coping with negative events, reducing overall stress levels. Consumers prefer extra waiting time to mentally prepare and cope with the impending event.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 8, 2008
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New insight into factors that drive muscle-building stem cells

Researchers discovered that a transient and local rise in interleukin-6 (IL-6) is essential for the growth of muscle fibers. This finding could lead to new treatments for reversing or improving muscle loss in diseases such as cancer and AIDS, as well as normal aging.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 8, 2008

Hope Diamond's phosphorescence key to fingerprinting

A team of researchers from Penn State, Naval Research Laboratory, and Smithsonian Institution used spectroscopic analysis to determine that all blue diamonds have a red phosphorescent component. This unique property allows for the identification of individual blue diamonds, distinguishing them from synthetic or altered stones.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeology·DateJan 8, 2008

Docetaxel given after doxorubicin reduces recurrence

A randomized clinical trial found that adding docetaxel to anthracycline-based chemotherapy improved disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. The study showed a 4% increase in five-year disease-free survival rates, with patients receiving sequential docetaxel after doxorubicin having the best outcomes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 8, 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.

Stimulating the appetite can lead to unrelated impulse purchases

Researchers discovered that appetitive stimuli can induce a shared state in consumers, leading them to choose smaller, sooner options in unrelated domains. In experiments, women were more likely to splurge on clothing after smelling chocolate chip cookies, and made unplanned purchases when exposed to the scent of a cookie-scented candle.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 8, 2008

Rural patients less likely to receive organ transplants

A study published in JAMA found that rural patients are less likely to be wait-listed for heart, liver, and kidney transplants, with disparities of up to 15% in transplantation rates. The researchers suggest that differences in disease burden or access to specialty care services may contribute to these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 8, 2008

New treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered new treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia, targeting the dopamine D2 receptor and novel neurotransmitters like N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and serotonin. These approaches aim to complement existing treatments and offer new hope for patients with schizophrenia.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2008

A healthy smile may promote a healthy heart

A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help lower this risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Periodontology.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateJan 8, 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.

First rigorous analysis defines impact of Medicare Part D

The study found that Medicare Part D led to a 13.1 percent decrease in out-of-pocket expenses for patients and a 5.9 percent increase in prescription use. Researchers compared data from over 117,000 patients who were eligible for Part D with comparable patients who were not.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 8, 2008

True story? Men prefer 'chick flicks' when they are explicitly fictionalized

New research in Journal of Consumer Research reveals a significant difference between how men and women view stories about protagonists who overcome challenges. Men enjoyed stories more when they were specifically told that they are fictionalized, allowing them to relax emotion norms and become more involved in the story.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 8, 2008