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Science News Archive March 2008 - Page 2


Page 2 of 19

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

Vaccine for Ebola virus

Researchers have successfully tested Ebola vaccines in primates, triggering a cell-mediated response and producing effective protection. The candidates are now set to be tested on humans for the first time, offering hope for controlling outbreaks and protecting healthcare workers.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2008

Major international collaboration offers new clues to genetics of type 2 diabetes

A collaborative effort by over 90 researchers from 40 centres analysed genetic data from 70,000 people to identify differences in the genetic code that make some individuals more susceptible to type 2 diabetes. The study found six new genes contributing to the risk, bringing the total to sixteen, and provides valuable insights into the...

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 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.

Team explains 'the wallpaper problem'

A team of researchers from MIT and CNRS studied the phenomenon of triangular tears in adhesives like tape and plastic sheets. They found that these tears arise from interactions between three properties: elasticity, adhesive energy, and fracture energy. The study has potential industrial applications in microtechnologies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 30, 2008

Green tea helps beat superbugs

Egyptian scientists have discovered that green tea boosts the effectiveness of antibiotics against superbugs by up to 99.99%, increasing the killing power of chloramphenicol and making 20% of drug-resistant bacteria susceptible to cephalosporin antibiotics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2008

Major collaboration uncovers surprising new genetic clues to diabetes

A team of researchers has discovered six new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, bringing the total number of genetic risk factors to 16. The study used combined genetic data from over 70,000 people and provides new clues to the processes that go wrong when diabetes develops.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 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.

Potential association of type 2 diabetes genes with prostate cancer

Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified six new genes that play a role in type 2 diabetes, including one also linked to prostate cancer. The study provides insights into the mechanisms controlling glucose levels in the blood, offering potential new methods for preventing or treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 2008

3-D imaging -- first insights into magnetic fields

Scientists at HMI and University of Applied Sciences in Berlin have successfully visualized three-dimensional images of magnetic fields inside solid, non-transparent materials. By detecting changes in neutron spin rotation, the researchers can reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the magnetic field distribution within the sample.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 30, 2008

MRSA in hospital intensive care -- what's growing where?

A standard sampling regime is being developed to identify superbug genes in intensive care unit environments. The technique uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to characterise micro-organism genes and spot antibiotic resistance, allowing for the detection of MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 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.

Neurons hard wired to tell left from right

Researchers have identified neurons that form different spiral-shaped axons on the left and right sides of the brain, suggesting a possible explanation for brain asymmetry. The findings provide new insights into how the brain processes information and could lead to a better understanding of cognitive performance and social behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNeural Development·DateMar 30, 2008

Communicating your way to a healthy heart

A recent study from Temple University's School of Medicine found that regular communication with doctors can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. By using an internet-based health reporting system and regular clinic visits, participants were able to improve their blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and cardiovascular...

SourceTemple University·DateMar 30, 2008

Most people believe smallpox not an extinct disease

A recent poll in Edinburgh revealed that 87% of respondents were unaware of smallpox's extinction, a disease that killed 300-500 million victims in the 20th century. However, many people showed knowledge of microbes' role in medicine, volcanoes, and other areas.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 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.

New York-Presbyterian/Columbia physician-scientists present at ACC's 57th Annual Scientific Session

Researchers from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center presented findings on the effectiveness of drug-eluting stents in preventing restenosis. The studies also explored the safety and efficacy of bivalirudin for patients undergoing primary angioplasty, particularly those with diabetes and advanced age.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·DateMar 29, 2008

Are teenage brains really different?

The adolescent brain experiences increased connectivity and integrative processing, with gray matter peaking in childhood and declining thereafter. These changes enable increased executive functioning, novelty seeking, and risk-taking behaviors during adolescence.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 28, 2008

Uncovering the mechanisms of lightning varieties

A team of researchers has developed a unified theory of lightning discharges, explaining how different types of lightning form. The study reveals that blue jets and bolts from the blue are triggered by specific charge imbalances in clouds, with the height of the cloud influencing their formation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

Mysterious fevers of unknown origin: Could surgery be a cure?

A study of 27 children with periodic fever, aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAFA) found that tonsillectomy was nearly always effective in resolving symptoms. Despite no clear explanation for why the surgery works, doctors are optimistic about its potential to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMar 28, 2008

How dangerous is boxing for the brain?

A study of 42 amateur boxers found microhemorrhages in three cases, a potential precursor to Parkinson's disease and dementia. However, the differences were not statistically significant, leaving conclusive statements unclear. Further research on professional boxers is planned to assess intensive exposure to blows.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateMar 28, 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.

Study finds improvement in the care of children with cancer at the end of life

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that expanded palliative care services improve communication between families and caregivers, symptom management, and quality of life for children dying from cancer. The study also revealed a shift in where children are dying, with more dying at home or in hospice care.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 28, 2008

LDL particle measurement by NMR recognized by ADA, ACC

A consensus statement by ADA and ACC recognizes NMR measurement of LDL particle number as a more accurate assessment of cardiometabolic risk. This method appears to be more closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk than traditional LDL and non-HDL cholesterol measures.

SourceDorland Global Public Relations·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 28, 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.

Firing photons makes advance in space communication

Researchers have successfully fired photons back and forth between a space satellite and a ground-based station, demonstrating the possibility of a secure quantum communication channel. The achievement marks an important step towards global communication via satellites using quantum mechanics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 28, 2008

Potential new target for multiple sclerosis therapy

Researchers identify collagenase-2 as a key player in multiple sclerosis development, providing a potential new therapeutic target. The enzyme's role in degrading tissue and allowing unwanted cells to invade the brain may be effectively blocked by pharmaceutical intervention.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 28, 2008

Stem cells from hair follicles may help 'grow' new blood vessels

Researchers have discovered that stem cells isolated from hair follicles can differentiate into smooth muscle cells that grow new vasculature, making them ideal for engineering cardiovascular tissue regeneration. This breakthrough may lead to the development of new treatments for vascular grafts and cardiac tissue regeneration.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateMar 28, 2008

Preschool kids do better when they talk to themselves, research shows

Research by George Mason University's Adam Winsler found that talking to themselves boosts preschool kids' performance on motor tasks. The study also showed that children with behavioral problems benefit from private speech, which can help them develop better communication skills.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMar 28, 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.

Getting warmer -- Leeds research brings terahertz closer to everyday use

Researchers at the University of Leeds have increased the operating temperature of a terahertz quantum cascade laser by nearly ten degrees, bringing handheld devices a step closer to reality. This breakthrough could unlock opportunities in fields like industrial process monitoring, atmospheric science, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 28, 2008

CSHL scientists identify a mechanism that helps fruit flies lock-in memories

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that protein Pum helps build memories by selectively altering individual synapses in fruit flies. The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, used computational analysis to predict the interactions of Pum with other genes and confirmed its role in memory formation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 28, 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.

Early living together, marriage and parenting benefits some young adults

A Penn State study found that early living together, marriage, and parenting can have positive benefits for some young adults, particularly those from low-income families. The researchers compared depressive symptoms between those who made an early family transition and those who did not, and found few differences between the two groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 28, 2008

Family study bolsters link between pesticides and Parkinson's

A family-based study found a significant association between pesticide use, particularly herbicides and insecticides, and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research team recruited 319 patients and over 200 relatives to analyze the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neurology·DateMar 27, 2008

Keeping sanitation in the international spotlight

A global sanitation fund has been launched, with 32 African countries pledging to spend at least 0.5% of their GDP on sanitation and hygiene. Improved water and sanitation have a tremendous positive impact on health, but sanitation has languished at the bottom of the international agenda for far too long.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 27, 2008

Are you what you eat? New study of body weight change says maybe not

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that identical twins with the same lifestyle can have different body weights due to infinite number of possible body weight solutions. This challenges traditional understanding of body weight change, suggesting it may be influenced by multiple factors beyond diet and exercise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 27, 2008