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Science News for March 10, 2008


Confronting the challenge of antimicrobial resistance

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance through a multifaceted research approach. The institute is investing over $800 million annually in basic and translational research to understand the causes, consequences, and treatments of antimicrobial dru...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 10, 2008

Advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients with BRCA live longer, may respond better to treatment

Researchers found advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients with non-Ashkenazi Jewish BRCA mutations experience longer progression-free and overall survival rates compared to those without BRCA mutations. Additionally, a majority of women with ovarian cancer are unaware that BRCA testing is available, despite it potentially improving thei...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateMar 10, 2008

New technique puts DNA profiling of E. coli on fast track

Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a new genetic technique that allows for rapid analysis of E. coli bacteria using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This breakthrough enables the identification of specific bacterial groups and their associated toxins, which can help predict disease outbreaks.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists simulate pandemic influenza outbreak in Chicago

Researchers used computer simulation models to examine the impact of various intervention strategies on a pandemic influenza outbreak in a population similar to Chicago. The study found that providing preemptive household antiviral treatments and minimizing contact could play a major role in reducing the spread of illness.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

New UC analysis shows alarming increase in expected growth of China's carbon dioxide emissions

A new analysis by economists at the University of California, Berkeley and UC San Diego shows a significant increase in China's carbon dioxide emissions growth, far surpassing previous estimates. The study predicts an annual growth rate of at least 11 percent for China between 2004 and 2010.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateMar 10, 2008

A common genetic mechanism discovered in nitrogen-fixing plants

A French team found that a common genetic element, SymRK, is essential for nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between plants and bacteria. The study used transgenic plants to demonstrate the crucial role of SymRK in establishing symbiotic relationships.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 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.

Diesel exhaust inhalation stresses your brain

Inhalation of diesel exhaust induces stress response in brain activity, altering information processing. Researchers found that even short exposure can cause changes in brain waves, with effects lasting after subjects leave the room.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateMar 10, 2008

Research shows promise for potential new gene therapy strategy for muscle-wasting diseases

Researchers identified a protein called follistatin that could lead to new clinical treatments for musculoskeletal diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Gene-delivery therapy involving FS treated hind leg muscles of mice, resulting in increased muscle mass and strength, well-tolerated for over two years.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

Poor sleep more dangerous for women

Researchers found that poor sleep is strongly associated with high levels of psychological distress, depression, anger, and hostility in women. Women who reported longer time to fall asleep had higher levels of inflammatory proteins and insulin.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMar 10, 2008
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.

March of Dimes seeks answers to preterm birth

The March of Dimes has awarded $3.5 million to scientists studying the role of genes and heredity in premature births. The organization aims to understand the causes of preterm birth, which affects over half a million babies annually.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateMar 10, 2008

Pandemic flu may be well mitigated until vaccine is available

Researchers modelled pandemic flu to guide national planning, finding that prompt implementation of social-distancing measures combined with antiviral treatment and prophylaxis can reduce influenza cases by 83-94%.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

Potential brain cancer drug for children may damage bones

A novel brain cancer drug showed promising results in mice but caused permanent bone damage in younger animals. The study raises concerns about using similar drugs to treat children's cancers until further understanding of possible risks is gained.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 10, 2008

Real and virtual pendulums swing as 1 in mixed reality state

Researchers at the University of Illinois created a mixed reality state in a physical system by coupling a mechanical pendulum with a virtual one. The resulting state showed correlated motion between the two pendulums, even when their lengths were dissimilar.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 10, 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.

Health problems in Persian Gulf War veterans higher due to chemical exposure

A study by UCSD researchers reveals a link between chemical exposure and chronic, multi-symptom health problems in Persian Gulf War veterans. The study found that symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and memory problems were more prevalent among veterans exposed to certain chemicals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

Make or break time for osteoporosis treatment

A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found that up to 50% of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis stop their treatment within a year due to side effects. The study showed that fractures have significant physical, psychological, and social implications on patients' quality of life.

SourceSpringer·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 10, 2008

University of Pittsburgh researchers crack code of 3-D structure in key metabolic protein

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a membrane-bound enzyme crucial to glycerol metabolism, a vital source of energy. The breakthrough could lead to advances against obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

IT pros with MBAs earn 46 percent more, says Management Insights study

A recent study by Management Insights found that IT professionals with MBAs earn 46% more than those without. In contrast, IT professionals with master's degrees other than an MBA earn 37% less. The study analyzed data on over 50,000 IT professionals in the US and found that firms value IT experience more than non-IT experience.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateMar 10, 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.

Biopsy techniques have made PSA test less predictive

A new study found that improved biopsy techniques have reduced the correlation between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and positive biopsy results in men with a normal digital rectal exam. The study suggests that PSA tests are less useful for prostate cancer screening, highlighting the need for new diagnostic markers.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 10, 2008

Student Pugwash USA launches science policy election guide for young voters

The organization has launched a non-partisan resource to educate young voters on science, technology, and health issues, providing platforms of leading political candidates on these subjects. The guide explores various issues, including peace, energy, and emerging technologies, engaging students through interactive technologies.

SourceStudent Pugwash USA·DateMar 10, 2008

Evolved resistance to deadly toxic newts

A new study reveals that some snakes have evolved super-resistance to the toxic newt's poison, rendering it ineffective. This rare exception highlights a previously unknown aspect of co-evolutionary arms races and challenges our understanding of species interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 10, 2008

Lung damage in babies with congenital heart disease under study

Researchers are investigating how biomechanical forces affect blood vessel growth in the lungs of babies with congenital heart disease. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and potentially develop improved treatments for affected children.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMar 10, 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.

Handheld DNA detector

A portable DNA sequencer could aid environmental scientists, clinicians, and medical researchers in detecting genetic disorders. A new type of electronic device, the ion-selective field-effect transistor (ISFET), is being integrated into a DNA biosensor to measure changes in conductivity.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanotechnology·DateMar 10, 2008

Key found to breakthrough drug for clot victims

Researchers at OHSU and Washington University have identified the mechanism of a bioengineered enzyme that functions efficiently as a potent clot busting agent, retaining minimal power to cause clot building. The breakthrough could lead to a safe alternative for treating heart attacks and strokes with a $20 billion market potential.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMar 10, 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.

Media highlights for February in Biophysical Journal

Researchers made a significant breakthrough in understanding the physics of translocation, showing that memory effects in polymeric molecules dominate their behavior. This discovery has major implications for drug delivery and gene therapy, as well as single-molecule characterization techniques.

SourceBiophysical Society·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 10, 2008

Alarming growth in expected CO2 emissions in China, finds UC analysis

A new analysis by UC economists reveals China's CO2 emissions growth rate is 11% annually, surpassing previous estimates. The study predicts a significant increase in carbon emissions, overshadowing pledged reductions by developed countries.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateMar 10, 2008

The hand can't be fooled, study shows

A study published in Psychological Science found that our grasp reflects the real size of objects, not their apparent size, even when they appear distorted through optical illusions. This supports the two visual systems hypothesis, which suggests that our brain has two separate systems for processing images and controlling actions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 10, 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.

Amphibians respond behaviorally to impact of clear cutting

A MU study found that salamanders and frogs evacuated clearcut areas more often than entered, suggesting a behavioral response to habitat changes. This response could improve the chances of amphibian survival in forestry practices.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 10, 2008

Pain in fibromyalgia is linked to changes in brain molecule

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia decreased when glutamate levels went down. This suggests that glutamate may play a role in the disease and could be used as a biomarker of disease severity, leading to potential new treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 10, 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.

Microscopic 'astronauts' to go back in orbit

Researchers will study how germs change when exposed to space, potentially leading to new strategies for prevention and treatment of diseases. The experiment aims to confirm earlier results on Salmonella's increased virulence in space.

SourceArizona State University·DateMar 10, 2008

Cardiac effects associated with breast cancer treatment appear lower with dose-dense chemotherapy

A new study has demonstrated a lower risk of cardiac toxicity with dose-dense chemotherapy in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer patients. The regimen, which administers standard doses of chemotherapy agents more frequently, pairs safely with trastuzumab and resulted in only 1.4% cardiac events after 28 months of follow-up.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 10, 2008

March/April 2008 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Patients prioritize thorough examination ($40.87), followed by seeing a physician who knows them well, over other aspects of patient-centered care. Research suggests that local communities can develop tailored strategies to retain patients by improving services and customer service.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 10, 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.

Domestication of the donkey

Researchers found evidence of donkey domestication around 5,000 years ago in Egypt, with skeletal remains showing joint wear and signs of load carrying. The study suggests that the process of domestication may be slower and more complicated than previously thought.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

Workman Lab characterizes novel regulator of chromosome function

The Stowers Institute's Workman Lab has characterized a novel histone acetyltransferase protein complex called ATAC, which plays a crucial role in regulating chromosome functions. The study provides insight into the ATAC complex's functions and its potential link to human diseases such as developmental defects and cancers.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 10, 2008

How do infections and toxins launch a cell's self-destruct and alarm system?

A study by the University of Washington researchers found that infections and toxins can activate caspase-1, an enzyme involved in both beneficial apoptosis and harmful pyroptosis. This activation leads to inflammation and can be detrimental to vital tissues, but also plays a role in resistance to infection.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

Researchers confirm discovery of Earth's inner, innermost core

Researchers have created a three-dimensional model describing the seismic anisotropy and iron crystal texture within Earth's innermost core. The study revealed an inner inner core with a diameter of approximately 1,180 kilometers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMar 10, 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.

Physicists and engineers search for new dimension

The Virginia Tech group is exploring the possibility of an extra dimension, curled up like the universe at the Big Bang. They plan to detect small primordial black holes that produce radio pulses using a new Transient Array radio telescope.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 10, 2008

Injection of human umbilical cord blood helps the aging brain

Injecting human umbilical cord blood cells (UCBC) into aged laboratory animals rejuvenates the hippocampus region of their brains by reducing inflammation and increasing neurogenesis. This study presents a potential cell therapy approach to improve brain function in aging individuals.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2008

Snakes vault past toxic newts in evolutionary arms race

Researchers found that snakes in some areas have developed extreme resistance to tetrodotoxin, a toxin produced by poisonous newts. This means that the newts' toxicity levels are no longer effective against these snakes, allowing them to thrive and even dominate the populations.

SourceStanford University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 10, 2008

Mouse model for mesothelioma reproduces human disease

Scientists have established a mouse model for human malignant mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer originating from the mesothelial lining of the pleural cavity. The model closely resembles human MM, allowing researchers to study disease onset, progression, and test new therapeutic strategies.

SourceCell Press·DateMar 10, 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.

Finally, the 'planet' in planetary nebulae?

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that planets or low-mass stars orbiting dying stars create breathtaking objects in the sky. The study explores how these companions shape planetary nebulae through spiral waves and magnetic fields, producing striking shapes like the Dumbbell Nebula.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2008

Measurement technique probes surface structure of gold nanocrystals

A new technique, nano-area coherent electron diffraction, has been developed to study the atomic structure of gold and other nanocrystalline materials. The technique reveals striking differences in surface atoms' arrangement compared to bulk crystalline surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 10, 2008

New NIST detector can 'see' single neutrons over broad range

Researchers developed a new optical method to detect individual neutrons with improved efficiency, promising better measurements and new physics tests. The Lyman alpha neutron detector (LAND) has the potential to detect both single and large numbers of neutrons.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMar 10, 2008

Micronesian Islands colonized by small-bodied humans

Fossilized remains of small-bodied humans found in Palau, Micronesia, share characteristics with Homo sapiens and H. floresiensis, but not all features match. The discovery provides insight into the process of island dwarfism in human populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2008
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.

Long-term muscle improvements shown in gene therapy study in mice

Researchers have successfully treated mice with a gene responsible for making follistatin, a protein that inhibits myostatin, leading to long-term improvements in muscle mass and strength. The therapy has potential for older patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who often lose treatment options once muscles degenerate.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

INL-led team achieves nuclear fuel performance milestone

A team of researchers from INL and partner institutions has successfully improved coated-particle nuclear fuel performance by reaching a burnup of 9% without any fuel failure. The breakthrough increases the efficiency of the reactor system, reducing fuel requirements and waste generation.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateMar 10, 2008

Malignant tumor or benign cyst?

Researchers have developed a new test combining biomarkers HE4 and CA 125 to assess ovarian cancer risk. The test shows high sensitivity and specificity in predicting epithelial cancer, accurately stratifying patients as high or low risk.

SourceFujirebio Diagnostics·DateMar 10, 2008
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Disease leads to vision loss more often in blacks

A study published in Neurology found that black patients are 3.5 times more likely to experience severe vision loss and nearly five times more likely to become legally blind compared to non-black patients. This increased risk may be attributed to other factors such as higher body mass index, low blood iron, and higher brain pressures.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 10, 2008

Late treatment with letrozole can reduce breast cancer recurrence risk

Treatment with letrozole initiated one to seven years after stopping tamoxifen therapy cuts the risk of breast cancer recurrence in half and metastasis by 60%. The chance that a new tumor develops in the unaffected breast is also significantly reduced. These findings suggest aromatase inhibition can still offer preventive benefits.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 10, 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.

Marine bacteria's mealtime dash is a swimming success

Researchers at MIT demonstrated that marine bacteria, specifically P. haloplanktis, use their rapid swimming abilities to locate and exploit tiny nutrient patches in the ocean. This behavior has global implications for the oceans' health during climate change and could impact the carbon cycle.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2008

Outlook improves for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma over past decade

The study analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program and found that non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients showed significant improvements in five- and 10-year survival rates, with increases ranging from 26.8 to 27.1 percentage points across all age groups and tumor subtypes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 10, 2008

New purdue facility aims to improve NASA moon rocket engine

Purdue researchers use a new hydrogen facility to study fundamental processes in hydrogen-oxygen engines, improving cooling efficiency and reducing costly overhauls. Accurate heat flux measurements enable more precise computational models, leading to better design performance and cost savings.

SourcePurdue University·DateMar 10, 2008

Are existing large-scale simulations of water dynamics wrong?

Researchers found that smaller spatial resolutions are necessary for accurate modeling of soil water dynamics, especially at large scales. The critical limit for grid resolution can be estimated using soil water retention characteristics, and is typically on the order of decimeters or millimeters.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateMar 10, 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.

HPV vaccine reduces abnormal pap test results

The HPV vaccine GARDASIL has been shown to reduce abnormal Pap test results by 43% in women, preventing the development of cell changes that lead to cervical disease. This reduction also translates to fewer invasive procedures like cervical biopsies, with a 42% decrease observed in GARDASIL recipients.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateMar 10, 2008