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Science News for March 31, 2008


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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAstrobiology·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 31, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stanford researchers develop tool that 'sees' internal body details 1,000 times smaller

A team of Stanford University School of Medicine researchers has developed a new type of imaging system using Raman spectroscopy to illuminate tumors in living subjects. The technique allows for the detection of multiple molecular targets simultaneously, enabling finer biochemical details and more precise imaging.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSmall·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMar 31, 2008

Scientists: New technique identifies molecular 'biomarkers' for disease

University of Florida chemists develop a new tool to identify biomarkers for serious diseases, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved treatment. The technique uses aptamers to recognize cancer cells and could have applications in disease detection, imaging, and therapy.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 31, 2008

Indiana University study finds majority of US physicians favor national health insurance

A majority of US physicians now support national health insurance, with significant increases in support across medical specialties. The survey found that nearly every specialty showed an increase in levels of support for national health insurance, with some specialties like psychiatry and emergency medicine seeing major increases.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 31, 2008
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 31, 2008

Turn that frown upside down -- healthy gums are something to smile about

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that periodontal disease can impact how people smile and display positive emotions. Researchers found correlations between gum disease and reduced smiling width, more mouth covering, and lower perceived quality of life.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 31, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 31, 2008

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.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateMar 31, 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.

'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.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 31, 2008

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for April 1, 2008, issue

Research highlights the risks of cervical cancer in women with abnormal HPV test results, regardless of Pap test status. Additionally, a study finds that smoking is an addiction that should be treated like chronic diseases and that health insurance should reimburse for long-term nicotine replacement therapy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 31, 2008

Are you my mother? Transference more pronounced when we are tired

Research suggests that transference is more pronounced when an individual's energy resources are low, rather than abundant. Studies have shown that people tend to rely on automatic associations and fail to notice differences when they are tired or at a circadian mismatch.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 31, 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.

Fat kids need less intensive exercise for effective weight loss

A recent study found that obese adolescents burn fat at lower intensities than their lean counterparts during exercise. The researchers identified the optimal intensity levels required to maximize fat oxidation in both groups, with the lean boys reaching a higher VO2 peak and burning more fat at higher intensities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 31, 2008

Feathered friends favor fruity flavonoids

Birds select fruit with high antioxidant concentrations, boosting their immune systems. Researchers found that blackcaps preferred foods containing flavonoids, even when they appeared darker.

SourceWiley·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMar 31, 2008

Think green, UO's Hutchison says, to reduce nanotech hazards

Jim Hutchison, a chemist and materials scientist at UO, emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary teams to address nanomaterial safety concerns. He advocates for green chemistry approaches to reduce byproducts and simplify purification, accelerating data collection on material hazards.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 31, 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.

New blood pressure medication has fewer side effects: global study

A global study found that telmisartan is as effective as ramipril in reducing cardiovascular death, with fewer side effects such as coughing and swelling. The medication offers clinicians and patients a better alternative for managing high blood pressure.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 31, 2008

A new way to fight cancer: the silver shield

Researchers at USC have found that fasting for two days protects healthy cells from chemotherapy, while leaving cancer cells vulnerable. This discovery holds promise for developing more selective and less toxic chemotherapy treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2008

Fewer babies born after Caesarean delivery

Researchers found that women with Caesarean deliveries for their first child have lower fertility rates in subsequent pregnancies compared to those giving birth vaginally. The study of nearly 600,000 births shows a 12% reduction in the number of children born after a first C-section.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 31, 2008