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Science News for March 25, 2008


Treating SSRI-resistant depression

A new report suggests that switching from a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to a non-SSRI antidepressant may be more effective for treating symptoms of major depressive disorder. However, the effectiveness and tolerability of this approach varied depending on the individual.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2008

Running words together: The science behind cross-linguistic psychology

Studies reveal that word order affects language production, with French speakers using a different syntax than English speakers. Additionally, researchers find commonalities in naming patterns for locomotion across languages, suggesting universal rules and constraints.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 25, 2008

Mythbusted -- people who wear glasses aren't geeks

Myopia research reveals no link between glasses-wearing and introversion, but a small association with Agreeableness; good eye care is key, dispelling preconceived notions about wearing glasses

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 25, 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.

Ant guts could pave the way for better drugs

Scientists have discovered two proteins that guide pathogenic bacteria's outer shell development, paving the way for new antibiotic targets. Researchers aim to create small molecule inhibitors to disable this mechanism, potentially leading to effective treatments against E. coli and salmonella.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2008

NIH awards $6.5 million grant to UT Southwestern to develop new antibiotic

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have been awarded a $6.5 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop a new anti-microbial compound targeting bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. The goal is to combat increasing microbial resistance to antibiotics.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateMar 25, 2008

Carcinogenicity of some aromatic amines, organic dyes and related exposures

The International Agency for Research on Cancer confirms hairdressing and barbering as probably carcinogenic occupations, primarily due to exposure to permanent hair dyes. The use of certain colorants in these products has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer among male hairdressers and barbers.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 25, 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.

Children who bully also have problems with other relationships

A study of 871 students found that those who bullied others had difficulties in friendships and parent-child relationships, often displaying aggressive behavior. Interventions should focus on bullying children's social skills and relationship problems to prevent persistent bullying.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2008

Living fossil still calls Australia home

A new study confirms Djarthia, Australia's earliest known marsupial, is a primitive relative of the Monito del Monte, a South American marsupial also believed to be a living fossil. The findings suggest the Monito del Monte may have returned to Australia from South America before Gondwana broke up.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 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.

Seeing may be believing -- but is it the same as looking?

Researchers found that people's brains interpret visual stimulation based on assumptions about their environment. In a study examining how the brain and eye work together, participants were shown a jumping target that appeared in different locations within concentric circles.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateMar 25, 2008

Are organic crops as productive as conventional?

Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that organic alfalfa and wheat can be as productive as conventional systems. Organic grain crops, such as corn and soybeans, also yielded 90% of their conventional counterparts in terms of dry matter production.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 25, 2008

Discovery about fertilization points way to possible malaria vaccine

Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that the malaria parasite uses a two-step process for reproduction, which could lead to a new type of vaccine. By blocking one protein, they were able to stop the spread of the disease in mice and mosquitoes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 25, 2008

Heart failure treated 'in the brain'

A study by University College London found that beta-blockers slow heart failure progression through direct brain action, challenging existing views on their mechanism. The research suggests targeting the central nervous system may lead to novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCirculation Research·DateMar 25, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uneven use of less-invasive breast cancer staging test reported

The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) increased substantially from 1998 to 2005, but disparities persist in access to the procedure. Non-white women, older women, and those living in poorer areas were less likely to receive SLNB than their counterparts, highlighting uneven access to this less-invasive breast cancer staging test.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 25, 2008

Mounting evidence shows red wine antioxidant kills cancer

Researchers found that resveratrol induces pancreatic cancer cell death by crippling the mitochondria's energy function, leading to apoptosis. The study suggests that moderate red wine consumption may not be contraindicated during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMar 25, 2008

Popular apple variety harbors unusual cell growth

Researchers found clumps of previously-unreported callus hairs growing in mature apples, which may impact commercial growers' storage strategies. The presence of these hairs could reduce the efficiency of gas transport through fruit, leading to internal browning.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPostharvest Biology and Technology·DateMar 25, 2008
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.

Common aquatic animals show extreme resistance to radiation

Researchers at Harvard University discovered that bdelloid rotifers are extremely resistant to ionizing radiation, surviving doses much higher than other animal species can tolerate. The findings could lead to new research into the role of free radicals in inflammation, cancer, and aging.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2008

Mother-child attachment, children's temperament play a role in terrible 2 conflicts

A study published in Child Development found that mother-child attachment security is linked to conflict resolution, while children's temperament affects the frequency and quality of conflict. Researchers observed 60 mothers and their 2-year-olds in lab visits and home visits, analyzing conflict patterns and outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2008

Other highlights in the March 25 JNCI

A study examined 75 group-randomized oncology trials and found a substantial number of problems with the trials. Many relied on analyses that ignored group randomization altogether, raising concerns about type I errors. In contrast, HPV-based screening was found to be more accurate in detecting cervical precancerous lesions than cytology.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 25, 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.

Spit tests may soon replace many blood tests

Researchers have catalogued the complete salivary proteome, a set of proteins in human ductal saliva, which tracks closely with that of blood. This breakthrough promises less invasive and costly disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 25, 2008

Multi-institutional study identifies new form of inherited risk of cancer

Researchers found higher levels of autozygosity among colorectal cancer patients, particularly those of Jewish heritage, which may lead to novel cancer-causing genes. The study suggests a new type of genetic signpost that clinicians can follow for a range of cancers in various population groups.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 25, 2008

Living upside-down shapes spiders for energy saving

A team of Spanish and Croatian researchers discovered that upside-down living spiders have evolved disproportionately longer legs to move efficiently between plants. This allows them to bridge gaps quickly while minimizing energy expenditure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 2008

Study examines association between type of genetic characteristics and cancer

Researchers investigated germline homozygosity in patients with solid tumors, finding high frequencies of this characteristic associated with increased cancer risk. The study suggests that germline homozygosity at specific loci may contribute to cancer predisposition and could be considered in future cancer risk assessments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 25, 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.

Fruit fly phlebotomy holds neuroscience promise

Researchers developed a technique to extract small amounts of hemolymph from fruit flies, which could expedite understanding of neural physiology and disease mechanisms. The new method is more efficient and precise than traditional methods, allowing for individual organism analysis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 25, 2008

A link between antidepressants and type 2 diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice found that people with depression taking antidepressants have a 30% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk was highest for those using two types of therapies simultaneously, such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateMar 25, 2008

Partners can help or hinder attempts at changing diet

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that significant others generally play a positive and supportive role in diet changes, with some facilitating the change through their own dietary habits or providing motivation. However, these positive roles varied widely in terms of impact on changers' experie...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 25, 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.

The beetle's genome sequenced for the first time

The genome of Tribolium castaneum, a major agricultural pest, has been fully sequenced. This achievement will enable the development of new methods to protect food plants against beetles. The sequencing also provides valuable insights into the biology of other beetle species.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2008

Hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer recurrence

A new study has found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women who have survived breast cancer. The HABITS trial, which followed over 200 breast cancer survivors for four years, found that HRT significantly increased the risk of disease recurrence.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 25, 2008

Giant ocean eddy shadows Sydney

A new 300km diameter giant ocean eddy has emerged off the NSW coast, with scientists tracing its birth to last August. The cold water at the new eddy's centre has welled up about 500m from the ocean depths, providing valuable insights into ocean forecasting systems.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 25, 2008

Youth's social problems contribute to anxiety and depression

New research suggests that social problems are more likely to contribute to anxiety and depression than the reverse. Children with internalizing problems (anxiety, depressed mood) were more likely to have symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood, while socially competent youth maintained their relationships.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2008

Sewer-gas-induced suspended animation is rapid and reversible

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that low doses of hydrogen sulfide can safely depress metabolism and cardiovascular function in mice, producing a suspended-animation-like state. The effects are reversible and do not depend on reduced body temperature.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 25, 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.

Artificial photosynthesis moves a step closer

Researchers at Jülich and Emory University have synthesized a stable inorganic metal oxide cluster that enables the fast and effective oxidation of water to oxygen. This breakthrough could contribute to solving energy and climate problems by producing hydrogen from renewable sources using artificial photosynthesis.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2008

Epilepsy marked by neural 'hub' network

A study from UC Irvine suggests that epilepsy is associated with an abundance of neuron 'hubs' in the brain, which can lead to seizures. These hub networks promote the onset of seizure activity by amplifying brain signals.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2008

Satellites help map soil carbon flux

Scientists integrated remote sensing products with soil science data to quantify soil carbon changes over large regions. The study results in a spatially-explicit carbon accounting framework that can predict future land use and inform enhanced land management data sets.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 25, 2008

MRI findings help forecast prostate cancer prognosis

A new study published in Radiology found that MRI detection of extracapsular extension is an important factor in determining outcome for men scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. Patients with substantial extracapsular spread are more likely to experience recurrence and spread of their cancers.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 25, 2008
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.

Antisocial conduct and decision making about aggressive behavior influence each other in teens

A new study challenges the idea that antisocial behavior is relatively unchangeable during the teenage years. The study found that decision making and behavior among adolescents are related across time, with efforts to help being more effective if they address how adolescents make decisions about acting aggressively.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2008

Scientists launch human oral microbiome database

The Human Oral Microbiome Database provides detailed information on the 600 most common mouth bacteria, their role in oral health and general well-being. The database links genetic data to scientific literature and allows for analysis of microbe genomes.

SourceForsyth Institute·DateMar 25, 2008

Bilateral agreement to commercialize cargo screening technology

The joint venture aims to develop a new scanner incorporating CSIRO's neutron technology and Nuctech's x-ray systems to detect a wide range of threat items in air freight containers. The scanning technology is designed to be non-intrusive, taking less than one minute to scan an air freight container.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 25, 2008

Bear spray a viable alternative to guns for deterring bears, BYU study shows

A new study by Brigham Young University shows that bear spray is an effective deterrent against bears, with a success rate of 92% in halting aggressive behavior. The study also found that running away from bears can actually attract them, and users should take precautions when using the product.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 25, 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.

Biosensing nanodevice to revolutionize health screenings

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a biosensing nanodevice that can detect diseases at the single molecule level. The device uses a biological engine to emit a signal when it detects a target DNA, resulting in high sensitivity and portability.

SourceArizona State University·DateMar 25, 2008

Defining gene's role may lead to prevention of dangerous corn toxin

Researchers found that disabling the ZFR1 gene reduces toxin production by 82% in Fusarium verticillioides on corn kernels. The study identified a specific sugar transporter, FST1, necessary for FB1 production, which acts as a molecular sensor for toxin creation.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular Plant Pathology·DateMar 25, 2008

The conflict of reward in depression

A new study using fMRI found that people with depression show increased activation in the anterior cingulate region when anticipating reward, indicating a conflict between processing rewards and punishments. This finding suggests that depression may not be solely the absence of pleasure, but rather an experience of emotional pain or fr...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 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.

Radiologists use special MRI to identify brain cancer early

Researchers used perfusion MRI to track changes in blood volume in patients with low-grade gliomas, finding that increased rCBV is an indicator of future malignant transformation. The study suggests that significant changes in rCBV represent an early warning sign of impending malignant transformation.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 25, 2008

New approach to measuring carbon in forests

Researchers are developing a new method for measuring forest carbon stores on a large scale using the ECHIDNA instrument. The technique combines ground-based LiDAR data with airborne and spaceborne sensors to provide accurate estimates of forest biomass.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 25, 2008

Preterm birth linked to lifelong health issues

A long-term study of over 1 million men and women found that preterm birth contributes to lower educational achievement and higher rates of infertility. The study also found a link between preterm birth and an increased risk of complications in future offspring, with the earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMar 25, 2008

Boeing's Phantom Works arrives in Australia

CSIRO welcomes Boeing's establishment of Phantom Works, a branch of its advanced research organization, to foster innovation and growth. The partnership aims to develop breakthrough technologies in aerospace solutions, including lightweight composite materials and intelligent vehicle health monitoring.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 25, 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.