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Science News Archive March 2008


Page 1 of 19

Brain lesions more common than previously thought

Researchers found a three-to-four-fold higher overall prevalence of cerebral microbleeds compared to other studies. The presence of cerebral microbleeds is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular problems and may reflect underlying cerebrovascular pathology.

Warming world holds new threats for Aussie wildlife

A new study by CSIRO scientists warns that climate change will force environmental scientists to rethink their approach to conservation. Temperatures over Australia are projected to rise by about 1 ºC by 2030, and 1.8 ºC by 2070, relative to 1990 levels.

Belimed Inc. and 3M Sterilization assurance to collaborate on education

The collaboration aims to promote best practices in sterilization monitoring and provide objective educational resources to customers. Belimed will offer access to 3M's Attest Sterile U Network educational resources, while both companies advance higher standards of practice in sterile processing areas.

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.

Study questions 'cost of complexity' in evolution

A new study by Yale and Washington University researchers challenges the idea that complex traits have a 'cost of complexity,' suggesting that many mutations only affect a small number of traits. The team identified genomic regions affecting skeleton characteristics, revealing a well-coordinated process in tuning up complex traits.

Matrix registry probes adherence to clopidogrel at 1 year

A large community-based registry of patients treated with drug-eluting stents found that nearly a third of patients stopped taking clopidogrel by one year, but many returned to the medication. Patients who discontinued clopidogrel had a higher risk of death compared to those who continued taking the medication.

Drug-coated balloon overcomes in-stent restenosis

A drug-coated balloon coated with paclitaxel has shown to be more effective than a traditional drug-eluting stent in reducing renarrowing of the coronary arteries after six months. The study found lower rates of major cardiac events at one year, making it a promising alternative for treating in-stent restenosis.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Harvard researchers publish MRI images of genes in action in the living brain

Researchers at Harvard have developed gene probe eye drops that enable non-invasive monitoring of brain activity in living organisms. The technology uses MRI to detect tissue repair and has potential applications in treating neurological diseases, diagnosing conditions, and delivering therapeutic agents to the brain.

Study finds support for PCI in unprotected left main disease

A new study found no significant difference in mortality rates between patients treated with stenting and bypass surgery for unprotected left main coronary artery disease. However, patients treated with stents were more likely to need repeat procedures to keep the artery open.

For the paper trail of life on Mars or other planets, find cellulose

A team of scientists discovered cellulose microfibers in ancient salt deposits, estimated to be 253 million years old. This finding suggests that cellulose may have played a role in the development of life on Earth and could potentially serve as a 'paper trail' for searching for life on other planets.

Are women voters more likely to vote for female candidates?

Research found no significant gender gap supporting female candidates, with voters' decisions influenced by the candidate's policies and information rather than their gender. The study suggests women are more likely to support female candidates but evaluated similarly to male candidates based on personal and political considerations.

How HIV hides itself

Researchers have discovered how HIV evades the immune system by altering a key defence mechanism. The Nef protein interferes with the recognition of infected cells, making it difficult for the body to target and eliminate the virus.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Community-acquired MRSA spreads

MRSA cases have increased 10 times in Denmark over the last decade, with community-acquired strains spreading through family and social networks, says Professor Robert Skov. The Danish health system has introduced guidelines to prevent MRSA transmission, but the rising epidemic remains a concern for public health.

Good sexual intercourse lasts minutes, not hours, therapists say

A survey of 50 sex therapists found that satisfactory sexual intercourse typically lasts between 3-7 minutes for men and 7-13 minutes for women. The study aims to dispel unrealistic expectations about the length of sexual activity, promoting counseling over medication for addressing existing sexual problems.

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.

Mental disorders and exposure to war in Lebanon

A nationwide study of 3,000 Lebanese adults found that one in four had a lifetime mental health disorder, with major depression being the most common. Exposure to war-related events significantly increased the risk of developing an anxiety or mood disorder.

UCLA researchers design nanomachine that kills cancer cells

Researchers have created a novel nanomachine, called nanoimpeller, that can capture and store anticancer drugs inside tiny pores and release them into cancer cells in response to light. The device has strong implications for cancer treatment and may open a new avenue for drug delivery under external control.

Tai Chi exercises improve type 2 diabetes control

Regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise improves T cell helper function in patients with type 2 diabetes by increasing T-bet transcription factor and IL-12 production, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect. The study also found improved glycemic control, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immune response.

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.

MicroRNAs, EMT and cancer progression

Researchers found that microRNA miR-200 is a consistent marker of cancer cells expressing E-cadherin but lacking Vimentin. Altering miR-200 levels induced changes consistent with either inducing EMT or the reverse process.

New research provides insight into menopause

Menopause is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that helps minimize reproductive competition between females in the same family unit. The researchers propose that older women should cease breeding when younger women start to breed, explaining the observed timing of reproductive cessation in humans.

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.

Lingering bacteria don't indicate chronic Lyme disease

Researchers found that antibiotic treatment doesn't eradicate all Lyme disease-causing bacteria, which may contribute to lingering symptoms. The discovery sets the stage for controlled laboratory research investigating potential therapies for persistent Lyme disease infections.

Exploding star in NGC 2397

A team of astronomers from Queen's University Belfast have discovered the nature of five supernova precursor stars using Hubble images. The study reveals that stars with masses as low as seven times the mass of the Sun can explode as supernovae, challenging current understanding of massive star collapse.

Are blood thinners post-op killers?

A new review of 28,000 patients undergoing joint replacement surgery found that potent anticoagulants may actually lead to more deaths. The authors argue that these drugs have significant side effects and do not prevent pulmonary embolism effectively.

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.

Chloroform provides clue to 150 year old medical puzzle

Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind chloroform's action as a general anaesthetic, revealing its potential to design new anesthetics with reduced harm. Chloroform inhibits TRPC5 calcium ion channels, a key player in pain transmission and brain function.

Angina drug potentially useful against heart rhythm disorders

Researchers found that ranolazine shortens the QT interval by about 5 percent and improves myocardial relaxation in patients with LQT3 mutation, providing a potential treatment for two conditions. The drug also showed benefits in improving left ventricular relaxation and increasing mitral E-wave velocity.

Researchers identify a gene responsible for cases of Lou Gehrig's disease

A team of Canadian and French researchers has identified the TDP-43 gene as a significant cause of ALS (sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a neuromuscular disorder affecting motor neurons. The study, published in Nature Genetics, found that up to five percent of ALS patients have genetic mutations in this gene.

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.

Childhood leukemia survivors struggle with long-term comorbidities

Long-term childhood cancer survivors, especially those treated with radiation therapy, experience excess health problems and poor socioeconomic outcomes. The study found that survivors are more likely to have chronic medical conditions, mental health issues, and functional impairment compared to their siblings.

Engineers make first 'active matrix' display using nanowires

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a proof-of-concept active-matrix display using transparent transistors and circuits. The display utilizes organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDS) with nanowires, which rival the brightness of conventional pixels in flat-panel television sets.

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.

Running out of treatments: The problem superbugs resistant to everything

Scientists warn of an impending crisis due to superbugs like Acinetobacter that have become resistant to all available antibiotics, including those thought safe. The bacteria cause severe infections, pneumonia, skin, and wound infections, and even meningitis, leading to significant patient mortality.

Fire without smoke

Researchers have modeled flameless combustion in a gas turbine engine, finding reduced NOx emissions with almost uniform heat release. This process could lead to more efficient power generation and lower polluting emissions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

USC project aims to ease and speed access to biomed data

The USC project, led by Gully A.P.C. Burns, aims to develop software for laboratory use, creating a small-scale knowledge base for storing scientific articles locally. The project seeks to alleviate information overload and enable researchers to quickly find and retrieve data.

UC San Diego researchers eliminate drug discovery bottleneck

Researchers at UC San Diego have created a method to determine the structure of nonribosomal peptides in just one day, compared to six months or a year previously. This breakthrough may aid in the development of new drugs inspired by natural compounds with antibiotic and antiviral properties.

Boosting self-esteem can backfire in decision-making

A new study from Northwestern University finds that positive feedback can actually escalate perceived threats to the ego and increase the need to prove a questionable decision was right. Research participants who received praise for skills unrelated to the decision were less likely to recommit to it.

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.

Climate changing gas from some surprising microbial liaisons

Scientists have discovered that microbes produce dimethyl sulphide (DMS) gas at a rate of over 200 million tonnes per year in the world's seas. This climate-changing gas has multiple effects, including triggering cloud formation and attracting birds to food sources.

Registry unveils 'real-world' data on novel excel stent

The study found that the Excel stent is associated with a low incidence of cardiovascular complications, and six months of dual-antiplatelet therapy appears to be feasible and safe. The results showed an overall rate of major cardiovascular complications of 2.77%, including cardiac death, heart attack, and repeat coronary procedure.

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.

Physical activity delays onset of Huntington's in mouse model

Research published in BMC Neuroscience found that physical activity from juvenile age delays the onset of specific motor deficits in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. The study suggests that benefits stem from stimulation of neuronal receptors and other molecules that prolong normal function and delay motor deficits.

No benefit found from continuing neuroleptic drugs in Alzheimer's patients

A randomized trial published in PLoS Medicine found no differences in cognitive decline between patients who continued and those who discontinued neuroleptic drugs. The study also found that patients with severe neuropsychiatric problems may have benefited from continued therapy, but this effect was not statistically significant.

2 new star systems are first of their kind ever found

Researchers found two star systems with yellow supergiant eclipsing binary characteristics, which may be the progenitors of rare supernovae. The discovery was made using the Large Binocular Telescope and suggests that these systems could explain the unusual nature of certain supernovae.

2-drug blood pressure therapy lowers cardiovascular risk

A new study shows that a combination of two drugs can lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk by 20%, outperforming an ACE-diuretic combination. The therapy has the potential to improve control rates to over 80% and alter current guidelines for treating high blood pressure.

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.

Survival of the fattest: TB accumulates fat to survive -- and spread

Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered that TB bacteria accumulate body fat to aid survival during transmission, increasing resistance to anti-TB drugs. This finding challenges established views on bacterial transmission and offers new insights into developing targeted treatments.

Spirit II explores long-term performance of XIENCE V stent

The XIENCE V everolimus-eluting stent demonstrated better clinical outcomes compared to the Taxus paclitaxel-eluting stent at two years, with a 40% lower overall MACE rate. The study found significant reductions in repeat procedures and heart attacks, but no difference in blood clotting rates.

'Alien'-type viruses to treat MRSA

Researchers develop materials impregnated with bacteria-killing viruses to prevent MRSA infection spread in hospitals. The technique allows the viruses to stay active for over 3 weeks, killing bacteria on surfaces and in wounds.

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.