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Science News for May 2, 2008


Study shows gene variations may predict risk of breast cancer in women

A recent study led by Northwestern Memorial physician Virginia Kaklamani suggests that variations of the adiponectin gene may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. This discovery could lead to the development of a genetic testing model to predict breast cancer risk more accurately.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 2, 2008

NASA calls on APL to send a probe to the sun

The Solar Probe mission will study the streams of charged particles emitted by the sun, exploring the processes that heat its corona and produce solar wind. The spacecraft will zip past the sun at speeds up to 125 miles per second, gathering data on magnetic fields, energy flow, and energetic particle formation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMay 2, 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.

Heart failure patients may suffer similarly to advanced cancer patients

Researchers found that heart failure patients with poor health status have higher symptom burden, depression, and lower spiritual well-being than cancer patients. Palliative care is underused in heart failure patients, but identifying those who may benefit from it, such as those with low health status scores, can improve quality of life.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 2, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Some women more likely to miss or ignore heart attack warning signs

Researchers found that young women with heart attacks often misattributed their symptoms to fatigue or other conditions, failing to connect them with a heart condition. The study suggests that there are large gaps in understanding the symptoms and reasons for delaying prompt care among this age group.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 2, 2008

Analysis of alcoholics' brains suggests treatment target

Researchers found higher levels of beta-catenin, a protein involved in cell signaling and development, in the brains of chronic alcoholics. The protein may play a role in the reward circuitry, suggesting a potential treatment target for alcohol dependence.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMay 2, 2008

Education, simple measures keys to improving vets' hypertension care

A study at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke found that focused measures improved high blood pressure control among veterans. The proportion of patients reaching their blood pressure goal increased from 61.8% to 64.3%, with an estimated 1,349 ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 2, 2008

UT researchers find link between advertising and increased tobacco use among India's youth

A study by UT researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between exposure to tobacco advertising and promotions and tobacco use among Indian youth. The study revealed that 37% of youth had seen tobacco advertising in more than four places, with those exposed being more likely to have ever used or be currently using tobacco.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateMay 2, 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.

Blood pressure killing the world's workers while banks and drug firms stand idle

International health experts call for urgent action from international development banks and pharmaceutical companies to address blood pressure-related diseases affecting developing countries. The authors argue that deaths from heart disease and stroke are largely avoidable but lack of effort has resulted in over 50 million deaths, wit...

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 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.

Did the solar system 'bounce' finish the dinosaurs?

A Cardiff University study suggests that the sun's movement through the Milky Way causes comets to collide with Earth every 35-40 million years, coinciding with mass extinctions like the dinosaurs' extinction. This cosmic 'bounce' effect may also have helped life spread by dispersing micro-organisms into space.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 2, 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.

Children affected by parents' behavior following trauma

A study suggests that effective parenting practices following trauma can mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and child adjustment. Positive parenting behaviors such as skill encouragement, monitoring, and interpersonal problem-solving can support healthy child development and promote resilience after trauma.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateMay 2, 2008

Bees disease -- 1 step closer to finding a cure

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of infection for American Foulbrood, the deadliest bee disease, allowing for potential prevention and control measures to be developed. The study provides a better understanding of pathogen-host interactions, crucial for combating infectious diseases in honeybees.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 2, 2008

Secondhand smoke exposure can cause cell damage in 30 minutes

A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause blood vessel injury in young and healthy nonsmokers. The study also showed that smoke exposure impairs the body's natural repair mechanisms, leading to persistent effects on vascular health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMay 2, 2008

Evidence that stun guns may stimulate the heart

Experimental studies on pigs found that stun gun discharges can stimulate the heart, particularly when barbs are located across the heart. This contradicts theoretical studies suggesting that cardiac stimulation does not occur with stun gun discharges.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 2, 2008

Apples, apple juice shown to prevent early atherosclerosis

A new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that apples and apple juice have similar cardiovascular protective properties to grapes. The researchers observed that processing the fruit into juice increases the bioavailability of antioxidants and phenolic compounds, which can help prevent early atherosclerosis.

SourceU.S. Apple Association·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateMay 2, 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.