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Science News for July 7, 2008


Incentives for carbon sequestration may not protect species

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that paying rural landowners in Oregon to protect at-risk animals may not lead to increased carbon sequestration. In fact, conservation efforts may even harm species if they prioritize tree and plant growth over animal protection.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Crawling the Internet to track infectious disease outbreaks

A new system called HealthMap has been developed to gather, organize, and disseminate online intelligence on disease outbreaks. This can facilitate early outbreak detection, increase public awareness of disease outbreaks prior to formal recognition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 7, 2008

Can recycling be used to treat cancer?

Scientists discovered a compound, STF-62247, that induces autophagy in VHL-deficient kidney cancer cells, leading to selective cell death. This finding represents a new direction for targeted therapy against kidney cancer.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 7, 2008

98 percent of elective mastectomy patients would have reconstruction again, says ASPS study

A recent ASPS study found that women who have breast reconstruction after an elective mastectomy are satisfied with their decision and have low complication rates. The study revealed a 98% satisfaction rate among patients who had bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, with 100% willing to undergo the procedure again.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 7, 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.

Protein thought to promote cancer instead functions as a tumor suppressor

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that the protein TCF7L2 actually suppresses the growth of human cancer cells in culture, contrary to its previous role in promoting colorectal cancer. This groundbreaking finding opens new avenues for understanding and treating colorectal cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Review article provides tools for the Rosaceae genomics community

A recent review article provides a detailed overview of the available genomics tools and resources for the Rosaceae scientific community. The article highlights recent developments in Rosaceae genomics, including emerging technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and novel phenotyping platforms.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJul 7, 2008

Fertility treatment in developing countries; a cycle of IVF for less than $200

A new low-cost IVF scheme aims to provide fertility treatment for women in developing countries, tackling high infertility rates and cultural barriers. The program offers affordable IVF for under $200, integrating it into existing healthcare services to address the growing need for fertility treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 7, 2008

European league-tables for antibiotic resistance revealed

The study reveals stark differences in antibiotic resistance between European countries, with major antibiotics being less effective in certain nations. Resistance to oxacillin and cephalosporins is of particular concern, suggesting the presence of MRSA in some countries.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalActa Veterinaria Scandinavica·DateJul 7, 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.

Creating a new approach to archiving human genetic information

A new approach to archiving human genetic information is introduced through Gene Wiki, an online repository of human genes stored within Wikipedia. This community-annotated system allows for a flexible and organic accumulation of science, enabling all readers to edit and add to the gene wiki pages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 7, 2008

Smithsonian coral biodiversity survey of Panama's Pearl Islands

The study revealed 57 coral species, with higher diversity in smaller patchy areas and a focus on protecting larger conservation units. The authors recommend marine reserves to protect high-biodiversity areas, such as the islands of Isla Galera, Isla San Telmo, and Isla Mogo Mogo.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Conservation·DateJul 7, 2008

NOAA report states half of US coral reefs in 'poor' or 'fair' condition

A new NOAA report reveals that nearly half of the US coral reef ecosystems are in poor or fair condition due to human-derived threats such as coastal development and recreational use. Climate-related effects like coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification also pose significant risks to these ecosystems.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateJul 7, 2008

Some antidepressants associated with gastrointestinal bleeding

A study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk, especially when combined with other stomach-harming medications. Acid-suppressing agents may reduce this risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 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.

Combination drug taken early relieves migraine symptoms

A combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium taken within an hour of migraine onset significantly relieved symptoms in patients. The study, published in Neurology, showed that 50% of those who received the drug were pain-free after two hours, compared to 16% of those who took a placebo.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 7, 2008

US firms a role model for fair hiring standards, study says

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign finds that US-based companies tend to follow their home-country hiring standards when doing business abroad, even in countries without anti-discrimination laws. This results in lower rates of gender and age discrimination compared to European and Asian firms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateJul 7, 2008

Political borders, health-care issues complicate pandemic planning

A new report from Purdue University highlights the complexities of pandemic planning, citing issues with staffing, geographic boundaries, and community coordination. The study found that counties with shared borders may experience influxes of non-residents seeking medical care, while others may be isolated due to lack of hospital systems.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateJul 7, 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.

Schizophrenia linked to dysfunction in molecular brain pathway activated by marijuana

A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that individuals with schizophrenia have lower levels of a key neurotransmitter GABA, which is impaired by the activation of the cannabinoid 1 receptor activated by marijuana. This impairment worsens cognitive symptoms and may lead to new drug targets for improved treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 2008

Overweight, insulin resistant women at greater risk of advanced breast cancer diagnosis, says study

Research conducted by University of Melbourne's Dr Anne Cust and colleagues found that overweight and insulin-resistant women are about 50% more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of breast cancer. The study, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, tracked over 60,000 Swedish women for 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJul 7, 2008

Surprisingly rapid changes in the Earth's core discovered

Recent measurements of the Earth's magnetic field revealed surprisingly fast motions in the fluid at the core, changing over just a few months. This change affects the Planet's magnetic field and is also linked to variations in Length-of-Day.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 7, 2008

Can you hear me now?

Researchers discovered a record number of tyrosine kinase genes in Monosiga brevicollis, a single-celled microbe. The microbe's signaling network is more diverse and elaborate than found in any multicellular organism.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Study: perception of hole size influenced by performance

A study found that golfers who play well perceive the hole as larger than those who don't. The researchers believe this is a cyclical relationship, where better performance leads to seeing the hole as bigger, which in turn improves putting accuracy. The findings suggest that focusing on the hole can help golfers see it more clearly.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJul 7, 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.

A baby's smile is a natural high

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mothers' brains respond uniquely to their own infants' faces, particularly when smiling. This finding could help scientists understand the neural basis of mother-infant attachment and how it sometimes goes wrong.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 7, 2008

'Smart bomb' nanoparticle strategy impacts metastasis

Researchers at UC San Diego develop a nanoscale drug delivery system targeting integrin ανβ3 protein on tumor blood vessels, reducing collateral damage. The approach shows promise in treating metastatic disease with lower chemotherapy doses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 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.

Japanese encephalitis virus causes 'double trouble' to brain

Researchers discover that Japanese encephalitis virus damages the brain in two ways: killing neurons and preventing new cell growth from neural stem/progenitor cells. This leads to devastating effects on mental functions, particularly in children.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateJul 7, 2008

Vaginal microbicides may prevent more infections in men than women

New UCLA study suggests that vaginal microbicides, currently being developed for women, might be more effective in preventing HIV infections in men. The study found that if the efficacy of these microbicides is less than 50% and adherence is less than 60%, they could prevent up to 21% of HIV infections in men.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

K20 Center receives grant to help Oklahoma schools

The University of Oklahoma's K20 Center has received a $2.8 million GEAR UP grant from the US Department of Education to help over 3,500 Oklahoma middle and junior high school students prepare for college. The grant is part of a five-year program aimed at improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged students.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 7, 2008

Lowering blood pressure could reduce dementia in very elderly

Research from the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) found that reducing blood pressure can lead to a significant reduction in dementia risk. The study, which included over 3,300 participants, showed that antihypertensive treatment was associated with a 13% lower incidence of dementia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJul 7, 2008

Innovative program focuses on improved care for children with ADHD

A new training program has been shown to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children. The program, developed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, focused on implementing standardized evidence-based guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 7, 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.

News from Cancer: Risk factors for deadly form of lymphoma

A new study reveals that mantle cell lymphoma incidence is increasing, especially among men and Caucasians, with advanced stages detected in nearly 75% of patients. The research also highlights the need for better understanding of the disease's epidemiology and development of novel treatment agents.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateJul 7, 2008

Disruption of blood sugar levels after heart surgery is common

A study of nearly 9,000 patients found that inadequate blood sugar control increases the risk of death and major complications after heart surgery, affecting both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The research suggests that strict protocols for active blood sugar control are necessary to improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCirculation·DateJul 7, 2008

Whales and dolphins influence new wind turbine design

Scientists have discovered that whale flippers and dolphin tails influence the shape of wind turbine blades, creating a more efficient design. The new design has been shown to reduce drag and increase lift, defying traditional engineering theories.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateJul 7, 2008

Pregnancy alone is not associated with increased risk for mental disorders

A recent study found that pregnant women and those who have recently given birth are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. However, pregnancy alone is not associated with an increased risk of most prevalent mental disorders. Post-partum women may face a higher risk of major depressive disorder.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 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.

China's policies treasure both environment and people

Two large environmental programs in China have shown success in balancing human needs with environmental conservation, converting cropland to forests and reducing soil erosion. The programs offer alternative livelihoods for farmers and promote global carbon sequestration, but face challenges that require local involvement and funding.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Process used by microges to make greenhouse gases uncovered

Scientists discover enzyme crucial for methanogenesis, a process releasing methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The findings could improve industrial processes and provide insights into natural biology's impact on climate change.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Guidelines for care of elderly patients ignored

Research published in BMC Health Services Research found that only a small minority of eligible elderly patients receive recommended treatments for obstructive respiratory diseases. The study revealed significant disparities in care, including low rates of bronchodilator inhaler use and lung function exams.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateJul 7, 2008

Early-life nutrition may be associated with adult intellectual functioning

Research suggests that improved early-life nutrition is associated with better cognitive function in adulthood, regardless of years attended school. Participants exposed to nutritional supplements between birth and age 24 months scored higher on reading comprehension and cognitive tests.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 7, 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.

Child care factors associated with weight gain in infancy

Infants cared for by others, especially those in full-time child care, tend to have unfavorable feeding practices and weigh more. Early introduction of solid foods is a risk factor for weight gain in these infants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 7, 2008

Pregnancy associated with increased risk of heart attack

A recent study found that pregnancy increases a woman's risk of heart attack 3-4 fold. The study provides key recommendations for diagnosing and managing this condition in pregnant women, considering both maternal and fetal health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 7, 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.

Relationship violence appears common among college students

A survey of 910 college students found that almost half had experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence in a relationship. Emotional abuse was the most common type of violence, and researchers emphasize the importance of early educational efforts on healthy relationships to prevent poor outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 7, 2008

New insight to demineralization

Scientists at Virginia Tech have found a novel mechanism for demineralization of noncrystalline silicas, which can dissolve up to 100 times faster than expected. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of biomedical implants and synthetic materials with bone-like properties.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Researchers reveal types of genes necessary for brain development

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brandeis University used a full-genome RNAi screen to identify genes essential for brain development in neurons. The study revealed unexpected roles for genes involved in signaling, protein trafficking, and cytoskeletal proteins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 7, 2008

St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the loss of NEU1 triggers a catastrophic fall in biochemical dominos leading to disrupted hematopoietic stem cell formation and enlarged spleens. The study sheds new light on the cause of sialidosis and its link to bone marrow transplantation failure.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 7, 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.

Note to pediatricians: Taper meds in kids with stable asthma

A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that 40% of pediatricians wouldn't reduce medication doses even if a child is well-controlled. The researchers suggest that pediatricians might benefit from a step-by-step tool to apply treatment guidelines and use different disease dimensions in their practice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 7, 2008

From the mountains to the coast

The Alfred Wegener Institute has inherited the World Radiation Monitoring Center, providing climate research with accurate meteorological data. The archive contains baseline energy conversion of solar radiation and thermal radiation data from around the world.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJul 7, 2008

Newborn vitamin A reduces infant mortality

A study published in Pediatrics found that a single dose of vitamin A given to newborns shortly after birth can reduce their risk of death by 15%. This low-cost intervention has the potential to save millions of lives, particularly in developing countries where childhood mortality is highest.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 7, 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.

HIV treatment in Africa as successful as in Europe, if started in time

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a public-health approach to HIV treatment in South Africa is equally effective as an individualized approach used in Switzerland. Treatment initiated early greatly reduces HIV levels and viral rebound, but higher mortality rates were observed in South Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 7, 2008

Lay your eggs here

Researchers found that female mosquitoes are attracted to water containers with specific fatty acids and methyl esters from bacteria, which stimulate them to lay eggs. The study aims to use this knowledge to devise lures and traps to control yellow fever mosquito populations, preventing global diseases like dengue fever.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Reading for pleasure is crucial, say leading authors at UKLA

Two leading authors stress the importance of teaching children to enjoy reading, rather than just reading, to improve literacy. They also highlight the role of teachers and parents in nurturing young readers and provide practical guidance on how to promote reading for pleasure.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·DateJul 7, 2008

Stanford researchers find molecule that kills kidney cancer cells

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecule that selectively kills kidney cancer cells without harming healthy ones. This breakthrough finding could lead to the development of a life-saving treatment that preserves patients' kidneys.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 7, 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.