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Science News for July 1, 2008


Gender differences and heart disease

Researchers found that women derive less benefit from high-blood-pressure-lowering drugs than men for reducing left-ventricular hypertrophy, a marker for future heart disease. This may explain why women are at greater risk for heart disease later in life despite similar blood pressure reduction.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateJul 1, 2008

Do the hyper-coordinate planar transition metal atoms exist?

Researchers have discovered wheel-shaped structures with octa- and enneacoordinate planar cobalt, iron and nickel centered in perfect octagonal and enneagonal boron rings. The stability of these structures is attributed to the contribution from two kinds of orbitals, resulting in aromaticity with six delocalized p electrons.

SourceScience China Press·DateJul 1, 2008

Plants in the fourth dimension

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism in plants that regulates circadian rhythms, which are integral to responses to light, temperature, and other environmental cues. The PRR gene family plays a crucial role in these mechanisms, with its members transcribed and translated at different times of day.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJul 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.

Following traumatic brain injury, balanced nutrition saves lives

A study published in Journal of Neurosurgery found that early nutritional supplementation can improve survival rates for traumatic brain injury patients, with a four-fold increase in chances of survival. The researchers recommend a minimum of 25kcal/kg daily intake to achieve optimal healing.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJul 1, 2008

Bringing stability to the protein defective in phenylketonuria

Researchers identified four small molecules that stabilize both normal and mutated PAH proteins, increasing their activity and amount in human cells. These findings suggest chaperones might provide a new approach to treating individuals with phenylketonuria.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2008

Patriotic new lilacs introduced

The American Society for Horticultural Science has released three new lilac cultivars with names 'Betsy Ross', 'Old Glory' and 'Declaration', paying tribute to US history. These new varieties boast unique traits such as abundant fragrant flowers, disease-tolerant foliage and a showy, fragrant floral display.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 1, 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.

New paper offers insights into 'blinking' phenomena

A team of researchers led by University of Notre Dame physicist Bolizsár Jankó presents an overview of research into quantum jumps and fluorescence intermittency. The phenomenon, known as 'blinking,' reveals unexpected deviations from Bohr's predictions in various systems.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 1, 2008

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation awards $950,000 in seed grants

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded $950,000 in seed grants to 19 researchers, including Matthew Goldberg and Sandra M. Lynch, to explore new treatments for Parkinson's disease. The funding will support the development of animal models and antibody-based therapies.

SourceParkinson's Disease Foundation·DateJul 1, 2008

Predicting TB outbreaks based on the first 2 cases

Researchers found that if the first two TB patients are diagnosed within three months of each other, especially in urban areas with sub-Saharan African origin, there's a 56% chance of an outbreak. This information can help focus public health resources more efficiently.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 1, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: July 1, 2008

Researchers have discovered two drugs that can improve memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting calpains. Additionally, they found stabilizing molecules for the faulty PAH protein in phenylketonuria (PKU), and identified a genetic marker for predicting prostate cancer spreading.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 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.

Raising a child with arthritis

The new book provides facts about various types of JA and information on new treatments such as biologic drugs. It also offers practical advice on managing daily activities without pain and navigating the education system.

SourceArthritis Foundation·DateJul 1, 2008

Sleep problems associated with menopause vary among ethnic groups

Difficulty sleeping and waking up early are more common in certain ethnic groups during menopause. The study found that Caucasian women were more likely to experience difficulty staying asleep, while Hispanic women were less likely to wake up frequently at night.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 1, 2008

Personal information in E-mail marketing can backfire, study indicates

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that personalized e-mails can have an unintended boomerang effect on businesses, making customers feel threatened or over-pitched. The study suggests that firms should use personalization to convey value rather than just trying to 'wow' prospective buyers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMarketing Letters·DateJul 1, 2008

Does this make me look fat?

A new study found that teenage girls' peer groups significantly influence their weight control behaviors. Girls who identified with non-conformist peers were more concerned about their weight and appearance, while those who skipped school and got into trouble believed their peers valued thinness and dieting.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateJul 1, 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.

Small protein may have big role in making more bone and less fat

Researchers have identified a short-acting protein GILZ that may disrupt the fat production pathway, leading to increased bone formation and decreased fat accumulation. Dr. Xingming Shi believes sustained GILZ action could be used to develop targeted therapies for osteoporosis and obesity.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cellular Biochemistry·DateJul 1, 2008

Crossed (evolutionary) signals?

Researchers have discovered that choanoflagellates, single-celled organisms, possess similar levels of proteins used for cell communication in more complex organisms like humans. This finding confirms their role as an evolutionary link between single-celled and multi-cellular organisms.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 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.

New technique produces genetically identical stem cells

Researchers at Whitehead Institute develop a technique to produce genetically identical induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells, offering new efficiencies in embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough allows for the creation of large numbers of IPS cells without genetic variation.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 1, 2008

Penguins setting off sirens over health of world's oceans

Penguin populations are declining rapidly due to climate change, oil pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservation biologist Dee Boersma calls for regular monitoring of penguin colonies to understand the impact of environmental changes on the world's oceans.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBioScience·DateJul 1, 2008

Highlights from the July 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study by researchers at the University of Rhode Island suggests that eating slowly can lead to significant decreases in food consumption, even if the meal duration is longer. Additionally, a study from Oklahoma State University found that parents' feeding practices can predict their overall parenting style.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 1, 2008

Monitoring of biological markers of passive smoking key to establishing level of cancer risk

Research suggests that passive smoking poses a significant risk to lung cancer development, with sidestream smoke potentially more carcinogenic than mainstream smoke. The study proposes using DNA-lesion footprinting and mutagenicity analysis to identify unique biological markers for assessing lung cancer risk in relation to SHS exposure.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 1, 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.

Pesticides persist in ground water

USGS scientists investigated pesticide occurrence in ground water at four US sites. Herbicides triazines and chloroacetanilides were most frequently detected, with degradation products often exceeding parent compounds. Redox conditions, residence times, oxygen levels, and nitrogen gas influenced pesticide concentrations.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 1, 2008

Violence declines with medication use in some with schizophrenia

A new study by Duke University researchers found that antipsychotic medications can reduce community violence in schizophrenia patients, but only among those with psychotic symptoms. Childhood conduct problems, substance abuse, and poverty remain significant predictors of violent behavior.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 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.

Stanford researchers find way to predict IVF success

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a method to predict IVF success with 70 percent accuracy. The new method uses four critical factors, including total number of embryos, eight-cell embryo percentage, and follicle-stimulating hormone level, to determine a woman's chance of becoming pregnant.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008

Penn animal study identifies new DNA weapon against avian flu

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a potential new way to vaccinate against avian flu by using synthetic DNA vaccines that induce broad immune responses against pandemic flu. This approach could allow for quick mobilization during an epidemic and has implications for non-avian types of flu.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008

Mobile users make same mistakes as disabled PC users

Researchers at the University of Manchester found that able-bodied mobile users replicate errors made by physically impaired desktop computer users, such as pressing wrong keys and clicking incorrectly. The study suggests that software solutions developed for disabled users can be applied to reduce errors on mobile devices.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 1, 2008

Shrinking carbon footprints

A study found that households implementing environmentally sustainable behavior reported a reduction of approximately two tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions per year. Key factors influencing adoption included financial cost, lack of time and knowledge, and lifestyle factors such as household size and vehicle ownership.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateJul 1, 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.

Designer diet for prostate cancer

A study published in PLOS ONE found that eating broccoli rich in glucosinolates can help men stay healthy and reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. The research, led by Professor Richard Mithen, showed that relatively low amounts of cruciferous vegetables can have large effects on gene expression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008

Archaeologists find silos and administration center from early Egyptian city

The discovery at Tell Edfu sheds light on the emergence of urban life in ancient Egypt, revealing a prosperous urban center with grain silos that functioned as banks and food sources. The site provides new information about the development of cities in Egypt, challenging traditional views that focused on monumental architecture.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJul 1, 2008

Where is your soil water? Crop yield has the answer

A study investigates the potential of a Simple Inverse Yield Model (SIYM) for estimating plant-available water capacity in fields. The results show that measured plant-available water capacity correlates with corn yield better in dry years, but SIYM estimates are weaker in claypan soils.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 1, 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.

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.

Attitudes toward consumption and conservation of tigers in China

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that a significant proportion of Chinese consumers admit to purchasing tiger products, despite widespread support for the country's ban on selling these products. The researchers also discovered that 71% of respondents preferred products made from wild tigers over those from farmed tigers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008

Human influences challenge penguin populations

Penguin populations are declining globally due to human influences such as climate change, commercial fishing, and oil spills. The threats to these species are likely to intensify in the coming years, highlighting the need for coordinated conservation efforts.

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

Pediatric researchers find possible 'master switch' gene in juvenile arthritis

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discovered a genetic variant linked to all types of childhood arthritis, which may be a key factor in the development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The study suggests that targeting this gene could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 1, 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.

UC research shows employer-based weight loss programs are helpful

A new review from the University of Cincinnati found that workplace-based weight loss programs are moderately effective at promoting weight loss among participating employees. The studies showed that face-to-face contact and high-intensity interventions were more effective than low-intensity programs in achieving significant weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJul 1, 2008

New discovery a step towards better diabetes treatment

Researchers at Uppsala University develop new image analysis methods to study the release of insulin and cAMP in beta cells. The findings show that ATP causes an increase in cAMP concentration, which varies rhythmically and coincides with variations in calcium signals, resulting in pulsatile insulin secretion.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 1, 2008

Spanish engineers design a new model of slope marine dock

A new design for slope marine docks aims to minimize damage from strong waves, enabling them to withstand increased swells without breaking. This innovative solution, developed by Spanish engineers, has the potential to significantly reduce costs associated with construction, maintenance, and upkeep of maritime structures.

SourceUniversity of Granada·DateJul 1, 2008

15 human genomes each week

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute has sequenced 300 human genomes in six months, producing over 1 trillion letters of genetic code. This data will revolutionize human medical genetics and allow researchers to answer questions previously unthinkable.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateJul 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.

Weekends slow weight loss, researchers find

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that study subjects on strict diet and exercise programs tend to lose weight more slowly than expected because they eat more on weekends than during the week. The investigators report their findings in the advance online publication of the journal Obesity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalObesity·DateJul 1, 2008

NASA Goddard has more than a dozen exciting missions in next year

Goddard is launching multiple space missions in the upcoming year, focusing on upgrading the famous Hubble Space Telescope and studying powerful gamma-rays. The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) will also make global observations of the region beyond the termination shock, exploring the galactic frontier.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 1, 2008

Flaws in the barcoded technology used to reduce medication administration errors identified

Researchers found that barcoded technology is not fool-proof and nurses develop workarounds to compensate for its limitations. The study highlights 31 causes of problems with barcode systems, including unreadable medication-barcodes, malfunctioning scanners, and non-barcoded-medications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJul 1, 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.

Minimum drinking age of 21 saves lives

A comprehensive study found that laws limiting underage drinking to 21 have led to an eleven percent drop in alcohol-related traffic fatalities among youth. Tougher sanctions on fake IDs also resulted in a seven percent decrease in fatalities among young drivers.

SourceBurness·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateJul 1, 2008

Sunburn alert: UVB does more damage to DNA than UVA

A new research study published in the FASEB Journal reveals that UVB light is more likely to cause DNA damage and lead to skin cancer than UVA light. This finding has significant implications for public health officials and government regulatory agencies, who can now use this information to develop more effective sunscreen products.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 1, 2008

BioScience tip sheet July/August 2008

This July/August issue of BioScience features articles on avian genomics, penguin populations, and the impact of human activities on wildlife. The journal also explores the role of biofuels in energy policy and genetic literacy among nonscience majors.

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

Don't count on long-term success in climate policy, warns paper in Decision Analysis

A study published in Decision Analysis warns that long-term climate change policy is likely to change slowly, requiring stronger short-term goals. The researcher argues that considering path dependence in decision-making justifies greater near-term emissions reductions as a hedging strategy.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalDecision Analysis·DateJul 1, 2008
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Taking action against hospital acquired infection

Researchers at Indiana University are leading a national effort to prevent hospital-acquired infections through data collection and implementation of effective strategies. The team will evaluate approaches from five collaborative groups and identify best practices for hospitals nationwide.

SourceIndiana University·DateJul 1, 2008

Political participation is partially rooted in genetic inheritance

Research by James H. Fowler and colleagues shows that genes influence voter turnout and a range of political activities, with identical twins exhibiting significantly more similar voting behavior than fraternal twins. The findings also suggest that family upbringing has little effect on children's future participatory behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateJul 1, 2008

Resuscitation technique after brain injury may do more harm than good

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that giving infants and children 100% oxygen after a brain injury can cause more harm than good. The study suggests that brief exposure to 100% oxygen during resuscitation worsens white-matter injuries, leading to increased brain-cell death and coordination problems.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJul 1, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Best treatment for MS may depend on disease subtype

A University of Michigan study found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have different forms of the disease that require different kinds of treatment. The research suggests targeting specific inflammatory processes in the body could lead to more effective treatments for MS patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 1, 2008

Asthma risk increases in children treated for HIV

A federally funded consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine found that children treated for HIV are at higher risk of developing asthma. CD4 cells increase in these children, leading to inflammation in lung tissue and worsening asthma symptoms.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 1, 2008

Post-exercise caffeine helps muscles refuel

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that athletes who ingested caffeine with carbohydrate after exhaustive exercise had 66% more glycogen in their muscles four hours later. This suggests that post-exercise caffeine consumption can aid in muscle refueling and potentially enhance athletic performance.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 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.

Once a shy monkey, always a shy monkey?

A new study by the HealthEmotions Research Institute found that anxious brains consistently respond more strongly to stress and show signs of anxiety even in safe situations. Anxious monkeys showed higher brain activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that regulates emotion, which corresponded to higher levels of stress hormones.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008

Relaxation response can influence expression of stress-related genes

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that the relaxation response influences stress-related genes, affecting inflammation, programmed cell death, and free radical handling. Long-term practitioners of relaxation response techniques showed pronounced changes in gene activation patterns compared to non-practitioners.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008