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Science News for June 17, 2008


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is it time to revisit the current protein recommendations?

The summit concludes that eating a higher protein diet within the recommended range can have health benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. High-quality protein sources like dairy products are particularly beneficial.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 17, 2008

Lung cancer can be treated with radiofrequency ablation (Rapture study)

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for small lung tumors, with a confirmed complete response rate of 88% and overall survival rates ranging from 48-75%. The procedure was also shown to have a low risk of complications, including pneumothorax and pleural effusion.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 17, 2008

Tracking prions

A team of researchers found that infectious prions have highly flexible loops, absent in non-infectious forms, which differ significantly in their molecular structure. The study suggests that the molecular structure is a key factor in determining a protein's infectiousness.

SourceWiley·DateJun 17, 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.

CU-Boulder returns $3M to NASA in satellite design, operation cost savings

The University of Colorado at Boulder returned nearly $3 million in cost savings to NASA for the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) satellite mission. The SORCE mission, launched in 2003, was controlled from CU-Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics and provided critical measurements of solar variation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJun 17, 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.

Obese women in Canada are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer

A University of Alberta study found that obese Canadian women are 30-40% less likely to receive recommended cervical cancer screening, with fear of pain or embarrassment cited as a reason for non-screening. In contrast, breast and colon cancer screening rates remained unchanged.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 17, 2008

Exercise reduces hunger in lean women but not obese women

A recent study published by the Endocrine Society found that exercise does not suppress appetite in obese women, unlike lean women. Obese women showed no significant reduction in leptin levels during intense exercise, which is essential for appetite suppression and weight loss.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 17, 2008

Scientists find potential protein biomarkers for growth hormone

Researchers have pinpointed four proteins - apoA1, transthyretin, clusterin and albumin - that react strongly to bovine growth hormone, potentially serving as biomarkers for growth hormone activity in humans. The discovery could offer a wider testing window for detecting recombinant human growth hormone misuse.

SourceOhio University·DateJun 17, 2008

'Women in Science' fellowship to fund postdoc's study of deep-sea methane

L'Oreal USA Fellowship recipient Laura Lapham is studying geochemical research in the Gulf of Mexico on gas hydrates and their potential impact on climate change. She aims to collect samples using a manned submersible vehicle, which could provide insights into large amounts of methane loss from ocean sediments.

SourceFlorida State University·DateJun 17, 2008

New study raises concerns about proposed mitigation strategy for marine bycatch

A new analysis suggests that compensatory mitigation of fisheries bycatch could do more harm than good, and is unlikely to succeed in reducing impacts on threatened species. The researchers found that bycatch affects a wide range of nontarget species, making it difficult to implement effective mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 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.

Infant play drives chimpanzee respiratory disease cycles

A new study on chimpanzees reveals that infant mortality rates cycle in phase with social play amongst infants, driven by the ontogeny of playfulness. This three-year cycle is self-organized and emerges naturally from the demography, developmental ontogeny, and social behavior of chimpanzees.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2008

UNH researchers test sediment-scrubbing technology in NH river

Researchers from UNH's Contaminated Sediments Center are testing black geotextile mats designed to cap and stabilize pollution in place. The mats consist of reactive materials that bind and stabilize different pollutants, offering an alternative approach to remediating contaminated sediment.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateJun 17, 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.

Researchers urge focus on distributors, not users, of growth hormone

The illegal distribution of growth hormone (hGH) by distributors has grown worse despite overwhelming evidence of its risks and dangers. Researchers call for measures to address the issue, including accurate public information and revocation of organizations promoting hGH use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2008

Low testosterone appears to increase long-term risk of death

A new study from Germany suggests that men with low testosterone levels are at a higher risk of dying from all causes over time. The study found that men with low testosterone had more than 2.5 times greater risk of dying in the next 10 years compared to those with normal testosterone levels, regardless of age or lifestyle factors.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 2008

New weight loss diet recommends high-carb and protein big breakfast

A new study suggests that a diet with a big breakfast of carbs and protein can lead to more successful weight loss, as seen in the 8-month study where participants lost an average of 16.5 pounds. The high-carb and protein intake controlled appetite and cravings for sweets and starches.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 17, 2008

Invest in a future without dementia

The Australian Dementia Research report recommends increasing funding for dementia research three-fold to $36 million to keep pace with rising treatment and care costs. By 2030, dementia's projected healthcare cost is expected to reach $8.2 billion, with the number of people with dementia set to double to over 460,000.

SourceResearch Australia·DateJun 17, 2008

Latrines trounce toilets

A study by Michigan Technological University researchers found that installing proper latrines can significantly improve sanitation conditions in Africa. The findings also highlight the importance of handwashing habits in preventing diseases such as dysentery.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 17, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Falls, depression and antidepressants in later life

A study found that depression and antidepressants significantly increase the risk of falls among older people. SSRIs were associated with a 66% higher risk of falls. Effective prevention programs include home assessments and modifications to reduce hazards. Family members must be involved in fall prevention strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2008

Depression and diabetes: fellow travelers, researchers say

A new study published in JAMA found that patients with depression are more likely to develop type-2 diabetes, and those with type-2 diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing depression. The study used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) to investigate this connection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2008

MIT researchers see alternative to common colorectal cancer drug

Researchers at MIT discovered a new compound, cDPCP, that targets colorectal cells more effectively than oxaliplatin, potentially sparing other body tissues from damage. The study found that cDPCP requires the assistance of organic cation transporters to enter cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.

High blood pressure: Only 1 number matters for patients over 50

Experts propose measuring only systolic blood pressure in patients aged 50+, as it's a better predictor of risk and simplifies communication with patients. This shift could lead to improved treatment outcomes, reduced disease rates, and increased focus on systolic hypertension.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 17, 2008

US could face shortage of 44,000 primary care physicians by 2025

A new study predicts a shortage of primary care physicians in the US, with an expected increase of 29% in doctor visits and less than 5% in supply by 2025. The researchers call for incentives to increase numbers of primary care practitioners and development of new models of primary care.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 17, 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.

Scientists discover DNA knot keeps viral genes tightly corked inside shell

Researchers at UC San Diego used electron microscopy and computer reconstruction to visualize the protein envelope of an asymmetrical virus and its packed DNA. The study reveals a 'toroid' shape in the neck of the virus, where the DNA twists tightly into a coil that keeps it securely inside.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalStructure·DateJun 17, 2008

Socio-demographic factors influence costs of back pain

The study found that patients aged 50 had the highest costs, while those claiming benefits also experienced increased costs due to unemployment, low education, and living alone. Effective prevention programs can lower expenses in both private and public sectors.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·DateJun 17, 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.

Hypertension treatment effective in reversing vascular damage

A new study found that olmesartan medoxomil effectively reverses the narrowing of arteries in patients with high blood pressure. The one-year study showed significant improvements in vascular function and structure compared to a beta-blocker, providing hope for treating this common condition.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of the American Society of Hypertension·DateJun 17, 2008

People with lower incomes, lower education levels have higher death rates

Research by Mayo Clinic found that people with lower incomes and education levels are more likely to die after a heart attack. The study analyzed data from 705 patients treated for heart attack between 2002 and 2006, showing survival rates were lowest for those with the lowest income and education.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJun 17, 2008

Effective treatment for sickle cell underused by doctors

A literature review by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hydroxyurea significantly reduces the frequency of intense sickle cell crises and hospital admissions by 68-84% and 18-32%, respectively. However, potential risks include impaired sperm development and unclear effects on leukemia risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 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.

Taking your prescribed meds is still the best path to recovery

A study examining two medications and two behavioral treatments found that medication adherence is still essential for success in treating alcohol dependence. High medication adherents fared better than low adherents across all treatment combinations.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 17, 2008

Identifying Canadian freshwater fish through DNA barcodes

Researchers used DNA barcoding to identify 190 species of Canadian freshwater fish, representing a significant advance for conservation practices. The approach was successful in 93% of cases, offering promise for species-level identification and management.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2008

Did the gene for ADHD help our nomadic ancestors?

A study by researchers from UWM found that a specific version of the DRD4 gene appears to have different effects depending on one's environment. In nomadic Ariaal men with the 7R allele variant, this gene is linked to better health and nourishment.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJun 17, 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.

Gene mutation improves leukemia drug's effect

Researchers at Ohio State University found that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with mutations in the RAS gene are more likely to be cured when treated with high doses of cytarabine. Testing for RAS mutations may help doctors identify which AML patients should receive this therapy.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 17, 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.

How female chimps call off the competition

Chimpanzee females employ copulation calls strategically to minimize social competition, particularly with other females. This behavioral adaptation allows them to secure the protective support of high-ranking males, thereby reducing risks associated with female-female competition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 2008

Radiation therapy prolongs life in men with recurrent prostate cancer

A study of 635 men found that radiation therapy significantly prolongs survival in those with recurrent prostate cancer, particularly those with rapidly growing tumors. This breakthrough suggests that radiation can be a life-extending treatment option for these patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJun 17, 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.

Treated diabetes associated with increased risk for depression

A study published in JAMA found that treated type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of developing depression, while untreated diabetes has no significant link. The study suggests that psychological stress from managing diabetes may contribute to elevated depressive symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2008

Study shows 'being fat in today's world' invites social discrimination

A new study from Australia found that obese individuals feel a culture of blame and are often disrespected by medical practitioners. The study suggests that health care providers should do a more thorough assessment of the needs of individual obese patients, addressing social and psychological issues.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 17, 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.

Stowers Institute's Shilatifard Lab identifies new role for factor critical to transcription

The Shilatifard Lab discovered that ELL plays a critical role in regulating gene expression by causing temporary interruptions of Pol II transcription in fruit flies. This finding has implications for understanding the pathogenesis of childhood leukemia and developing targeted therapeutics.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2008

Hebrew University research on octopuses sheds light on memory

Octopus brains utilize activity-dependent long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) to store and recall memories, with findings suggesting a segregation of short and long-term memory systems. This process is comparable to that discovered in vertebrate brains, yet operates differently due to the octopus's unique brain anatomy.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 17, 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.