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Science News for July 25, 2008


Second Life a first for UH department of health and human performance

The UH department of health and human performance is leveraging Second Life to enhance student learning, with grants supporting research on virtual environments and instructional technology. Faculty members aim to create immersive learning experiences, promote healthy habits, and facilitate international collaborations.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 25, 2008

Colonial heritage metaphors used in US military conflicts

The US military employs 'Indian Country' metaphors to describe hostile territories in war zones, drawing on a presumed collective memory of past battles. This metaphor reframes Native American histories and struggles in light of contemporary terrorism.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Anthropologist·DateJul 25, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plasma DNA level is a reliable marker of recurrent esophageal cancer, study finds

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that elevated plasma DNA levels are a reliable marker of recurrent esophageal cancer. Plasma DNA levels rose before clinical evidence of recurrence in most patients, indicating its potential as a biomarker for disease monitoring.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 25, 2008

Anti-HIV therapy boosts life expectancy more than 13 years

Researchers found that combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) increased life expectancy for HIV patients by more than 13 years. The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from 43,355 HIV-positive participants and found a nearly 40% drop in AIDS deaths.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 25, 2008

ASGE issues guidelines on the role of endoscopy in the bariatric surgery patient

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines on the role of endoscopy in bariatric surgery patients. The guidelines emphasize the importance of preoperative endoscopy to detect lesions that may affect surgery and postoperative symptoms or conditions, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 25, 2008

'Green' potato health risk can be eliminated by cutting away affected area

Potatoes with 'green' patches contain a toxic substance called Glycoalkaloids (GA), posing health risks. Cutting away the affected area can eliminate most of the toxin, reducing public health risks. Effective pre-harvest and post-harvest practices, such as proper soil coverage and harvesting timing, can also control GA levels in potatoes.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 25, 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.

Wealth does not dictate concern for the environment

A new study reveals that citizens of poorer nations are equally concerned about environmental quality as their counterparts in rich nations. This challenges the long-held assumption that poverty-stricken countries prioritize basic needs over environmental protection.

SourceWiley·JournalSociological Quarterly·DateJul 25, 2008

Naumann, Rosenberg win Best Paper Award at ECOOP conference

Professors David Naumann and Stan Rosenberg from Stevens Institute of Technology introduced a new programming logic to leverage existing software tools and scale up large software systems in languages like Java and C#. Their work was funded by the National Science Foundation.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJul 25, 2008

Princeton scientists spy an electron dance

Researchers from Princeton University have discovered that electrons in bismuth display a highly unusual pattern of behavior under a powerful magnetic field at ultra-low temperatures. This phenomenon, known as a collective state, is a manifestation of quantum mechanics and could lead to new paradigms in computing and electronics.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 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.

Women's access to credit affects efficiency in rural households

A new study reveals that women's lack of access to credit leads to reduced economic output in rural households, with an average loss of 11% efficiency. The research highlights the need for policies addressing women's capital constraints to promote economic growth and efficient resource allocation.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJul 25, 2008

Mustard -- hot stuff for natural pest control

Researchers are using biofumigation with mustard and other Brassica species to manage soil-borne pests and weeds. This technique can provide economic and social benefits by reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and promoting environmental health.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJul 25, 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.

Heart researchers receive grant to study asthma

A team of University of Iowa investigators are applying findings from heart research to the study of asthma, focusing on an enzyme known to play a role in heart failure. They aim to learn more about airway smooth muscle cells and their response to the enzyme CaM kinase II.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateJul 25, 2008

Researchers disprove long-standing belief about HIV treatment

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have disproven the long-held belief that hepatitis C virus slows immune system recovery after HIV treatment. The study found no difference in CD4 cell restoration between co-infected and mono-infected patients, suggesting other factors are at play.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateJul 25, 2008