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Science News Archive May 2008


Page 11 of 22

Disabling mouse enzyme increases fertility

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that disabling an enzyme that attaches sugars to a hormone increased fertility levels in mice by nearly 50 percent. The altered hormone regulation may be used to enhance human fertility.

Separation from mom, dad linked with learning trouble in kids

A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center warns that temporary separations from one or both parents before kindergarten can predict disadvantages in the classroom. Children who experience separation scored significantly worse on measures of learning and pre-literacy skills, but fared better on expressive language and ...

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.

Calpis' AmealPeptide lowers blood pressure in 2 placebo-controlled trials

The milk-derived dietary supplement AmealPeptide has been shown to significantly reduce daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure by 3.6 mmHg and 24-hr systolic blood pressure by 6.2 mmHg in two placebo-controlled trials, confirming its safety and efficacy for patients with Stage I and Stage II hypertension.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Precision control of movement in robots

Scientists at the University of the Basque Country have developed robots with improved precision control using shape-memory alloys. These materials enable precise positioning, making them suitable for applications such as machine tooling and large-dimension telescopes.

Novel enzyme inhibitor paves way for new cancer drug

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed a novel enzyme inhibitor that effectively blocks a key biochemical pathway in cancer development. By targeting the PI3K enzyme, the agent shows promise in treating melanoma by dampening overactive enzyme activity that leads to uncontrolled tumor growth.

Drug fends off kidney cancer progression

A Phase III clinical trial found that everolimus significantly delays cancer progression in patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The study showed a 26% reduction in disease progression after six months compared to the placebo group.

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.

Scientists identified earthquake faults in Sichuan, China

A team of international scientists mapped and analyzed geologically young faults in Sichuan Province, finding clear evidence of slip during the last few thousands of years. The faults showed rates of slip varying between fractions of mm per year to possibly many mm per year.

Bitter orange SRMs: Tools for product analysis/quality

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for bitter orange, a compound used in herbal weight-loss products. Researchers can use these materials to develop and test analytical methods, as well as ensure the quality of their measurements.

Improved ion mobility is key to new hydrogen storage compound

Researchers at NIST have developed a new class of materials that can store relatively large quantities of hydrogen for later release. The material combines lithium amide with lightweight metal hydrides, resulting in improved hydrogen storage properties.

Researchers expand natural killer cells in cord blood to fight leukemia

Researchers have developed a novel method to expand natural killer cells from umbilical cord blood, effectively killing human leukemia cells in mice. The treatment demonstrates significant cytotoxic activity against both acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

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.

AUA 2008: Carbon-coated nanomagnets as potential hyperthermia agents

Researchers developed nanoparticles consisting of metallic iron with a protective carbon coat that could serve as a safe and effective hyperthermia agent. The carbon coating prevented the iron from rusting, allowing heating at greater temperatures and reducing cytotoxic effects on normal cells.

Can one 'pin down' electrons?

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have made the first measurement of entangled states in nitrogen, resolving a long-standing debate on electron localization. The study uses COLTRIMS technology to probe the pathways of two electrons, demonstrating that electron location can only be determined for the complete system.

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.

IADR and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announce winners

The International Association for Dental Research and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announced the winners of the 2008 IADR/GSK Innovation in Oral Care Awards. Three researchers were recognized for their innovative work on reducing oral biofilm and targeting post-transcriptional signaling for periodontitis.

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.

Immune cells kill foes by disrupting mitochondria 2 ways

A study reveals that immune killer T cells induce cell death by disrupting mitochondria in two distinct ways, targeting enzymes and reactive oxygen production. This understanding provides a new insight into the major T cell defense pathway against viral infections and cancer.

Research puts new wrinkle in study of materials folding under pressure

Scientists at the University of Chicago have explained the physics governing how thin materials transition from wrinkles to folds under compression. The study's findings have implications for the design of foldable electronics and the production of synthetic lung surfactant for therapeutic uses, with potential applications in both fields.

MIT crafts bacteria-resistant films

Researchers at MIT have developed ultrathin films made of polymers that can control bacterial adhesion, offering a potential solution for reducing hospital-acquired infections. The films can be designed to prevent hazardous bacteria accumulation or promote growth of desirable bacteria.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Adding epratuzumab to standard therapy

A study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting found that adding epratuzumab to standard chemotherapy (R-CHOP) resulted in a 95% response rate and 63% disease-free survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The treatment was well-tolerated, but final results will be reported next year.

JCI online early table of contents: May 15, 2008

Researchers suggest a novel approach to reducing VEGF-induced vision loss by targeting Src kinases, offering a potential alternative to painful eye injections. Leaky Ca2+ release channels in the brain and heart may also contribute to seizures and irregular heartbeats in individuals with certain inherited disorders.

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.

Chemotherapy might help cancer vaccines work

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that chemotherapy can boost the immune system's response to cancer vaccines, potentially improving their effectiveness. In a phase I study, patients who received multiple doses of chemotherapy along with a vaccine showed enhanced immune responses.

Reducing intake of dietary fat prevents prostate cancer in mice

Researchers found a 27% reduced incidence of prostate cancer in mice on a low-fat diet compared to those on a Western-style diet. The study suggests that lowering dietary fat intake may slow the growth of precancerous cells and prevent prostate cancer development.

Pioneering landscape-scale research releases first findings

A team of 23 scientists examined the effects of controlled burns and forest thinning on western Ponderosa pine ecosystems. They found that tree growth increased after thinning, but with a single canopy layer, while controlled burns had little impact on large trees but harmed smaller ones.

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.

Adding up business and energy

Researchers apply Six Sigma methodology to improve energy efficiency at a thermal power plant, detecting faults in steam and water analysis systems and implementing cost-saving measures. The study finds significant energy savings of over three-quarters of a million dollars annually.

Obese population uses 18 percent more food energy than normal population

An obese population requires 18% more food energy to maintain daily living activities compared to a normal population, resulting in increased global food demand. Promoting walking and cycling through transport policies can reduce obesity and decrease food prices by reducing transportation fuel consumption.

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.

MIT solves gravity-defying bird beak mystery

Shorebirds like phalaropes exploit contact angle hysteresis and capillary ratchets to propel food into their mouths, overcoming gravity. The efficiency of this process depends on beak shape and wettability, making it vulnerable to oil spills.

Small primate ancestors had a leg up

Researchers found that smaller primates have an evolutionary edge due to their ability to climb with minimal energy expenditure. This discovery challenges the longstanding assumption that climbing is energetically expensive for all primates.

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.

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.

AUA 2008: Uric acid stones may indicate arteriosclerotic diseases

Research suggests patients with metabolic syndrome disorders may be more likely to develop uric-acid stones. The study also found that patients presenting with uric acid stones could benefit from additional health screenings to identify related arteriosclerotic diseases.

HIV infection stems from few viruses

A new study reveals that among billions of HIV variants, only a few lead to sexual transmission. The researchers used genetic analysis and mathematical modeling to identify precisely those viruses responsible for HIV transmission.

Pre-K students benefit when teachers are supportive

A new study by the Society for Research in Child Development found that high-quality emotional and instructional interactions with teachers are key to children's development in pre-K. The research suggests that supportive teacher-child relationships can improve academic, language, and social skills in young children.

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.

Green tea compounds beat OSA-related brain deficits

Researchers found that green tea polyphenols administered through drinking water improved spatial learning and memory in rats with intermittent hypoxia, mimicking OSA. This suggests that GTPs may represent a potential interventional strategy for patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

ACP, ACP Foundation Diabetes Initiative plans for 2 more years

The Diabetes Initiative aims to improve diabetes care by increasing the membership of the Diabetes Advisory Board and creating a Web-based version of the Closing the Gap model. The initiative has already shown statistically significant improvements in clinical measures, such as shorter patient office visits and increased annual testing.

An ancient protein balances gene activity and silences foreign DNA in bacteria

A new study reveals that the ancient protein Rho serves a regulatory function in E. coli, maintaining boundaries between genes and silencing toxic foreign DNA acquired through gene swapping. This finding provides insights into bacterial genome organization and suggests potential applications in antibiotic development.

Obesity and unhealthy lifestyles linked to more complex urinary problems

A population-based study of over 5,000 men and women found that obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are associated with a larger number of urinary problems. Women who have had hysterectomies and men who have undergone prostate or bladder surgery also face an elevated risk. The study highlights the importance of considering social economic...

LIDAR imaging detector could build 'super road maps' of planets and moons

Researchers at RIT's RIDL create a new type of LIDAR detector that can build high-resolution topography and atmospheric property measurements. The device will extend NASA science capabilities for planetary applications, enabling robots and astronauts to navigate and explore celestial bodies with greater accuracy.

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.