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Science News for January 9, 2008


Molecules can block breast cancer's ability to spread

A study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center identifies a group of microRNA molecules that control genes causing breast cancer metastasis. The loss of these microRNAs allows cancer cells to migrate and grow more rapidly, leading to increased risk of lung and bone metastasis.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2008

New treatment boosts bone healing and regrowth

Researchers found that a drug originally used to treat iron poisoning triggered the growth of new blood vessels, leading to significant increases in bone density and regeneration. The treatment has broad implications for improving treatment of bone fractures and musculoskeletal disorders.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2008

Huntington's disease problem start early

A recent study published in Neuron found that the damaged protein involved in Huntington's disease causes problems at the synapse early in its development, rather than after it is cut and imported into the nucleus. This discovery may lead to new targets for potential drug therapies targeting genes involved in synaptic transmission.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJan 9, 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.

Solar cells can take the heat

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses a binary ionic liquid electrolyte, achieving a record 7.6% light-conversion efficiency and stability in warm climates. The solvent-free design also enables the construction of flexible and lightweight devices.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateJan 9, 2008

Hypnosis study reveals brain's 'amnesia centers'

Researchers discovered distinctive activity differences in specific brain areas of hypnosis-susceptible individuals, which showed suppressed or increased activity during memory suppression and recall. The study suggests that hypnosis may model forms of amnesia by affecting an early executive decision on retrieval.

SourceCell Press·DateJan 9, 2008

Evolution of the sexes: What a fungus can tell us

A team from Duke University Medical Center isolated sex-determining genes from an ancient fungus, Phycomyces blakesleeanus, which contains insights into the evolution of human sexual differentiation. The findings suggest that HMG-domain proteins may have marked the beginning of sex determination in both fungi and humans.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2008

Proton-powered pooping

Scientists discovered that bare subatomic protons can act like neurotransmitters, making gut muscles contract in round worms. The researchers identified genes and proteins involved in the process and found proton pumps and receptors in human intestinal cells and brains.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCell·DateJan 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.

Department of Energy putting power in the hands of consumers through technology

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's GridWise Demonstration Project found that advanced technologies enable consumers to actively participate in improving grid efficiency and reliability. Homeowners who participated saved approximately 10 percent on their electricity bills by adjusting their energy use based on price signals.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 9, 2008

Rough times: NIST's new approach to surface profiling

Researchers at NIST have developed a novel technique for measuring surface roughness, which could lead to more accurate models of deformation and lower tooling costs. The new method uses data from a scanning laser confocal microscope and challenges the traditional linear relationship between surface roughness and material deformation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMaterials Science and Technology·DateJan 9, 2008

How less can be more when treating some kidney cancers

A new Mayo Clinic study found that removing the entire kidney from younger patients with small kidney tumors may lead to decreased overall survival. In contrast, partial nephrectomy resulted in a 10-year overall survival rate of 93%. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering long-term health consequences for patients...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 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.

Vast cloud of antimatter traced to binary stars

A giant cloud of antimatter surrounding the galactic center has been traced back to binary star systems containing black holes or neutron stars. The cloud's imbalance matches the distribution of these binaries, suggesting they are churning out most of the antimatter.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2008

Overweight people may not know when they've had enough

A brain-imaging study found that overweight people's brains respond differently to feelings of fullness, with reduced activation in areas signaling satiety. Treatments targeting these circuits may help control chronic overeating, according to the authors.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNeuroImage·DateJan 9, 2008

Ames Laboratory beefing up magnets for electric-drive cars

Researchers have designed a high-performance permanent magnet alloy that operates with good magnetic strength at 200 degrees Celsius. The new alloy, which replaces pure neodymium with a mixed rare earth, has a lower temperature coefficient, making it suitable for electric drive motors in the automotive industry.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateJan 9, 2008

Earth's moving crust may occasionally stop

Geophysicists Paul Silver and Mark Behn propose a new theoretical model that plate tectonic motions have stopped in Earth's geologic history, suggesting an intermittent process. This finding could impact our understanding of earthquakes, volcanism, and the formation of continents.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateJan 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.

Listen-up ladies: Don't postpone knee-replacement surgery

Research at the University of Delaware found women with osteoarthritis in their knees have significantly reduced mobility and function compared to men. Women may need to become more educated about knee-replacement surgery risks and benefits to preserve their mobility and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 9, 2008

Siberian jays can communicate about behavior of birds of prey

Researchers discovered that Siberian jays use distinct alarm calls to warn other group members of hawk behavior, including hunting mode, searching for prey, or attacking. This advanced communication system enhances their chances of survival by triggering specific fleeing behaviors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 9, 2008

Divorce may widen distance between teens, fathers

A recent study found that divorce widens the distance between teenagers and their fathers, who often struggle to maintain close relationships despite increased involvement. The research suggests that fathers' involvement with children has increased, but mothers still do most of the childcare, creating pressure on fathers to invest more...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJan 9, 2008

60 percent of psychotherapy clients felt therapy didn't end on time

A recent study found that 60% of psychotherapy clients felt their therapy either lasted too long or ended too soon. Clients who experienced a positive termination were more satisfied and reported feeling an expression of independence, reflection of positive therapeutic gains, and a sense of positive gains.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2008
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Life savers in the gut

Researchers from EMBL discovered that proteins regulating iron metabolism play a vital role in ensuring nutrient and water absorption in the intestine. The study found that mice lacking these proteins suffer from weight loss, dehydration, and impaired nutrient absorption.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 9, 2008

Novel chromosome abnormality appears to increase risk of autism

A study has identified a chromosomal abnormality on chromosome 16 that appears to increase the risk of autism by 100-fold. The deletion or duplication of this segment was found in 5% of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, but not in unaffected parents.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 9, 2008

Scientists find cultural differences among chimpanzee colonies

Chimpanzees have been found to build 'cultures' through social learning, with different colonies adopting unique methods for food preparation and grooming. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that culturally-learned behaviors are unique to humans.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2008

Small RNAs can prevent spread of breast cancer

Researchers identified three microRNA molecules that suppress the spread of breast cancer. Restoring these molecules reduces the ability of cancer cells to proliferate and migrate. The study adds to the growing list of cellular targets for drugs designed to prevent breast cancer metastasis.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 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.

'Invisibility cloaks' could break sound barriers

Researchers at Duke University have successfully created a three-dimensional sound cloak in theory, allowing sound waves to travel around it undistorted. This breakthrough could lead to improved acoustics in concert halls and hidden submarines from sonar detection.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 9, 2008

Uses of medications in psychoanalysis

The use of medications in psychoanalysis is a topic of debate among professionals, with some advocating for cautious approach while others see its potential benefits. The American Psychoanalytic Association hosts a panel discussion to explore the uses of medications in analysis.

SourceAmerican Psychoanalytic Association·DateJan 9, 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.

Galaxy may hold hundreds of rogue black holes

Astronomers predict hundreds of rogue black holes, each several thousand solar masses, could be roaming the Milky Way. The discovery challenges current understanding of black hole formation and detection.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJan 9, 2008

Silver-rich lumps

A research team led by Dieter Fenske has synthesized four large and silver-rich clusters, providing insights into the properties of nanoscale semiconductor materials. The clusters, composed of hundreds of atoms, have been characterized using X-ray crystallographic studies and mass spectrometry.

SourceWiley·DateJan 9, 2008

New X-ray source in nearby galaxy spawns mystery

Astronomers have discovered a rare type of star system containing a black hole that suddenly began glowing brightly with X-rays. The system, dubbed CXOU J132518.2-430304, is thought to be a binary star system where one star collapsed to form a black hole.

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 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.

Why it pays to be choosy

A study published in Nature found that when individuals are choosy about their partners, cooperativeness increases and becomes more stable. This is because individuals with low cooperativeness are penalized by being left by their current partner for a more cooperative one.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2008

Digital Library for Geosciences moves to NCAR

The Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) has relocated to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), providing continued access to its vast collection of digital learning resources. The move aims to preserve open access to the collection and support NCAR's educational mission.

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

Down to earth remedies for chimps

A study suggests that geophagy, or deliberate soil ingestion, may enhance the pharmacological properties of plants eaten by chimpanzees. The research found that mixing soil with plant parts increased their anti-malarial activity. Geophagy has been observed in other animals and has implications for conservation and human health.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJan 9, 2008

Astronomers find record-old cosmic explosion

Astronomers have detected a mysterious type of cosmic explosion, known as a short gamma-ray burst (GRB), 7.4 billion years ago, more than halfway back to the Big Bang. This discovery dramatically moves back the time at which we know short GRBs were exploding.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJan 9, 2008
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Methadone even at therapeutic levels can kill

Researchers found that 77% of methadone users with low levels had no significant cardiac abnormalities, while 60% of non-methadone users had identifiable evidence of cardiac disease. The study suggests a link between methadone and sudden cardiac death, potentially necessitating additional safeguards before therapy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateJan 9, 2008