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Science News Archive June 2008


Page 3 of 21

Pregnancy may help protect against bladder cancer

Researchers found that female mice who became pregnant had significantly fewer bladder cancers than their counterparts, with an average tumor volume about 15 times greater in non-pregnant females. The study suggests a possible role for hormones in bladder cancer protection.

$1.8M awarded for metastatic colon cancer research

The American Association for Cancer Research has awarded $1.8 million to three researchers to study genetic signatures, epigenetic staging, and individualized therapy for metastatic colon cancer. The grants aim to accelerate the discovery of new treatments and improve patient outcomes.

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.

Ovarian cancer's specific scent detected by dogs

Researchers found that ovarian cancer has a distinct scent different from other cancers, which can be detected by trained dogs. Early-stage and low-grade ovarian cancers emit the same scent as advanced tumors.

Hard work while fatigued affects blood pressure

Research found that exhausted individuals experience larger blood pressure increases when attempting tasks, even if they perceive success as achievable. Chronic fatigue can amplify effort and lead to elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease.

New study examines the validity of epo testing

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology examines the validity of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) testing. The research found that the detection power of the test is poor, with high rates of false negative results. This has significant implications for anti-doping efforts and fair competition.

New process creates 3-D nanostructures with magnetic materials

Researchers at NIST created a method to build complex 3D nanoscale structures of magnetic materials like nickel using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques. The technique enables the creation of sensors and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) with magnetic alloys.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Portable device effective in zapping away migraine pain

A portable transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) device has been found to be safe and effective in eliminating headaches during the onset of migraines. The device's pulses interrupt the electrical storms in the brain that lead to throbbing head pain, offering a promising new treatment option for those suffering from chronic migraines.

Understanding the desire for 'freshness' -- a first step towards saving water

The new strategy focuses on reducing per capita consumption from 150 litres to 130 litres per day, emphasizing the need for a sociological perspective to understand water usage habits. The report explores the role of metering and price signals in encouraging water efficiency, as well as the development of rising block tariffs.

Chronic kidney disease -- unnoticed, common, increasing and deadly

A cohort of half a million patients in Taiwan found that chronic kidney disease has a high prevalence and associated all-cause mortality, especially in low socioeconomic status groups. CKD is treatable and preventable at earlier stages, but awareness and treatment are often lacking globally.

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.

Elevated biomarkers predict risk for prostate cancer recurrence

A panel of seven biomarkers can predict prostate cancer risk with high accuracy, offering a major step forward in patient care. Elevated levels of these biomarkers were associated with increased risk of relapse, and the combination of all seven variables accurately predicted risk 86.6 percent of the time.

Oxygen ions for fuel cells get loose at low(er) temperatures

Researchers discovered a novel structure that enables oxygen ions to move through fuel cells at lower temperatures than previously thought possible. This breakthrough may lead to reduced operating costs and improved efficiency in stationary fuel cells.

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.

Study suggests a little milk could go a long way for your heart

Researchers found that adults who consumed at least one serving of lowfat milk or milk products daily had 37% lower odds of poor kidney function linked to heart disease. A diet rich in lowfat milk and whole grains, fruits, and vegetables was also associated with a reduced risk.

'Electron trapping' may impact future microelectronics measurements

Researchers at NIST have uncovered an unusual phenomenon that may impact how manufacturers estimate the lifetime of future nanoscale electronics. The 'electron trapping' effect causes a temporary negative charge and heightened conductivity during recovery from stress, complicating threshold voltage shift measurements.

SEX4, starch and phosphorylation

Researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism of starch breakdown in plants, involving the action of enzymes that place and remove phosphate groups on starch molecules. This process is finely tuned to diurnal changes in photosynthesis and circadian rhythms.

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.

Ronin an alternate control for embryonic stem cells

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a novel cellular regulator called Ronin, which maintains embryonic stem cells in their undifferentiated state. This finding suggests an alternative control mechanism to the previously identified proteins Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog.

Researchers identify promising cancer drug target in prostate tumors

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that blocking p110beta molecule inhibits prostate tumor growth, suggesting it as a potential target for novel cancer therapies. The study, published in Nature, reveals p110beta's role in driving runaway cell growth when PTEN function is impaired.

On the boil: New nano technique significantly boosts boiling efficiency

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new nano technique that significantly enhances boiling efficiency by up to 30 times. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize cooling methods for computer chips, improve heat transfer systems, and reduce energy costs in industrial applications.

Starvation hormone makes for small mice, study finds

A new study finds that high levels of FGF21 hormone cause mice to become resistant to growth hormone, stunting their growth. This discovery provides insights into the physiological role of FGF21 in energy conservation during food deprivation.

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.

Standards set for energy-conserving LED lighting

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed the first two standards for solid-state lighting in the US, detailing color specifications and test methods for LED lamps and light fixtures. These standards aim to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve color rendering.

Algae from the ocean a sustainable energy source of the future

Researchers at Kansas State University are exploring the potential of ocean-grown algae as a sustainable energy source. The project aims to identify suitable materials and attributes that enable algae growth on solid carriers, with the goal of developing a cost-effective process for biofuel manufacturing.

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.

Nanotubes could help study retrovirus transmission between human cells

Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring nanotubes can form tunnels to protect retroviruses and bacteria from diseased to healthy cells. The nanotubes, which are recognized as tiny but important bodily channels, also aid in transporting bacteria to their doom and facilitating information exchange between cells.

NCI grant launches clinical trials for colon cancer screening

A Northwestern University biomedical engineer has developed optical technology that can detect colon cancer early and is now being tested in large-scale clinical trials. The tests aim to predict the presence of colon cancer with adequate sensitivity, potentially leading to a routine screening test.

Preshaw receives Young Investigator Award

Dr. Philip Preshaw is being recognized for his groundbreaking research on the effects of quitting smoking on periodontal treatment outcomes. He has co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and holds multiple prestigious awards, including the UK National Clinician Scientist award.

Childers receives research in Oral Biology Award

Dr. Childers' research on mucosal immune responses and dental caries vaccine development has contributed to a better understanding of oral health. He currently supervises projects funded by NIDCR, investigating host/parasite relationships in dental caries high-caries-risk populations.

Oral Medicine & Pathology Research Award presented to Speight

The International Association for Dental Research presents the 2008 Oral Medicine & Pathology Research Award to Dr. Paul Speight for his contributions to understanding oral cancer, screening, and early detection of lymphoma in Sjögren's syndrome patients. His research focuses on photodynamic therapy and has been widely published.

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.

Neuroscientists discover a sense of adventure

Researchers identified a brain region associated with novel experiences, which may drive humans to take risks for rewards. This discovery could have implications for understanding addiction and decision-making.

Wilmer Souder Award presented to Marek

The International Association for Dental Research presents Dr. Miroslav Marek with the Wilmer Souder Award for his exceptional contributions to corrosion science and standardization, particularly in restoratives, implants, and dental amalgam. He is being recognized for his influential work on mercury release from dental amalgam.

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.

Mars air once had moisture, new soil analysis says

A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that Mars had liquid water in its atmosphere during the Hesperian epoch, contrary to the dominant view. The analysis of Martian soil data reveals chemical signs of water moving downward through the dirt, indicating a climate with enough moisture for dew or rain.

New and improved? Novelty drives choice behavior

Researchers found that humans prefer novel stimuli over familiar ones and associate novelty with activation of the ventral striatum, a region linked to reward anticipation. This suggests humans use novelty as a substitute for true choice uncertainty.

IADR Research in Dental Caries Award presented to Lussi

Dr. Adrian Lussi is recognized as a pioneer in dental erosion and caries research, with over 160 publications and executive positions. He received the Research in Dental Caries Award for innovative achievements in caries diagnosis.

Salutary pizza spice

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that oregano's active ingredient beta-caryophyllin inhibits inflammation and may help treat osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and chronic disorders like Crohn's disease. The substance targets cannabinoid-CB2 receptors, providing a non-intoxicating alternative to existing treatments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Disclosure of organ transplant risks: A question of when, not if

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine team proposes a new policy requiring transplant programs to disclose all foreseeable risks of the surgery to potential recipients at the waiting list. This change aims to promote greater equity in organ allocation and restrict 'cherry-picking' of organs from suitable but suboptimal donors.

Killer whales, blind bats, discriminating dolphins, mating birds

Researchers discuss how noise affects marine mammals, including beaked whales and killer whales, as well as the impact of urbanization on bird communication. The study highlights various mechanisms animals use to compensate for elevated noise and explores the effects of sonar and other human sounds on marine and land animals.

NIAID creates HIV vaccine discovery branch

The NIAID Vaccine Discovery Branch aims to remove fundamental obstacles to achieving a safe and effective HIV vaccine by focusing on the development and sharing of new knowledge. The branch will monitor scientific developments, identify gaps in knowledge, and promote research collaborations.

Implicit political attitudes can predict future voting behavior

A new study in Political Psychology reveals that people's future voting decisions are influenced by their unconscious automatic mental associations. Researchers found a clear relation between implicit attitudes and subsequent voting behavior, with undecided voters' automatic preferences predicting their vote four weeks later.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Fire under the ice

An international team of researchers has discovered extensive layers of volcanic ash on the seafloor of the Gakkel Ridge in the Arctic Ocean, indicating a gigantic volcanic eruption. The find challenges previous assumptions that explosive volcanism cannot occur at great water depths.

Report -- adapting farming to climate change

The CSIRO report highlights the importance of building adaptive capacity among farm managers and agri-businesses. It suggests that incremental changes may be sufficient for some regions, while others will need more transformative adaptations.

Nakayama to receive Basic Research in Periodontal Disease Award

Dr. Koji Nakayama is recognized for his groundbreaking research on Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key player in periodontal disease and potential systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease. He has published over 75 papers on this topic and received the 2000 Rokuzo Kobayashi Memorial Award.

Morbid thoughts whet the appetite

Research found that thinking about one's own death can trigger overeating, especially among individuals with low self-esteem. The study used mortality salience to explain the effect of death-related thoughts on consumption behavior.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Was it good for you too?

A new study by Professor Anne Campbell found that women are more likely to experience regret and decreased satisfaction after a one-night stand compared to men. Despite taking part in casual sex, women do not view it as a precursor to long-term relationships.

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.

Looming tropical disaster needs urgent action

Researchers warn of a 'biodiversity tragedy in progress' due to tropical habitat loss, with up to 15 million hectares lost annually. The review calls for an immediate, multi-pronged approach to conserve ecosystems and mitigate human impacts.

1 step closer to green chemistry and improved pharmaceuticals

A team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen has developed a new mathematical model to describe the three-dimensional shape of proteins. This breakthrough tool will aid in the development of more efficient pharmaceuticals for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and AIDS by enhancing understanding of protein structures.