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Science News for May 22, 2008


Scorched Earth millenium map shows 'fire scars'

A global map shows 'fire scars' on Earth's surface every year since the turn of the Millennium, revealing annual burns of 3.5-4.5 million km2 of vegetation. The data is vital for scientists monitoring global warming and managing forests.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 22, 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.

Special diabetes care package for UK Asian population delivers some benefits

A special diabetes care package for UK residents of south Asian ethnic origin has delivered some benefits, including reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, improving glycaemic control remains a major challenge, and further measures are needed to address health inequalities in this population.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2008

More patients with drug-coated cardiac stents survive, avoid costly follow-up procedures

New research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals drug-eluting stents outperform bare metal stents in reducing mortality and need for future cardiac procedures. The study found that patients with drug-coated stents saved an average of $1,350 worth of follow-up care during the year.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 22, 2008

JDRF announces 2008 Spring Research Review Award

This year’s JDRF award recipients are Dr. Michael Brownlee for his work on the biochemical basis of diabetic complications, Dr. Maike Sander for her understanding of insulin-producing cells, and Dr. Michael German for his research on pancreatic beta cell structure and development.

SourceJDRF·DateMay 22, 2008

Scientists reveal the lifestyle evolution of wild marine bacteria

A new method by MIT researchers distinguishes between large groups of microbes based on their ecological niches. By analyzing genetic data and habitat preferences, scientists can now classify microbes with greater accuracy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2008

Reducing blockage fails to improve access to the bloodstream for kidney dialysis

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that reducing early blockages in bloodsstream access does not increase the likelihood that the access will function adequately for long-term treatments. Fistulas are the preferred type of access since they clot less often, experience fewer infections, and are less costly.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateMay 22, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Study finds unique HIV vaccine formula elicits strong immune responses

A unique HIV vaccine formulation has been shown to induce strong and balanced immune responses in healthy human volunteers. The combination approach used in the study achieved high titer antibodies that recognized a diverse group of HIV envelope proteins, providing promising results for future efforts to optimize HIV vaccine formulations.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 22, 2008

Stabilizing cancer-fighting p53 can also shield a metastasis-promoter

Research by University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center scientists shows stabilizing p53 can protect mutated versions that promote cancer cell spread. The p53 gene's normal role is to halt defective cell division and force self-destruction.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 22, 2008

Real-time observation of the DNA-repair mechanism

Delft University of Technology researchers have observed the spontaneous repair of DNA damage in real time, revealing a key mechanism for repairing breaks. This insight is crucial as errors in this process can lead to cancerous cell development.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 22, 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.

Anti-HIV drugs reduce the cause of some forms of vision loss

Researchers found that HIV protease inhibitors can decrease photoreceptor apoptosis in mouse models of retinal detachment. The study suggests that these drugs may prevent vision loss after retinal detachment by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2008

Study finds it pays to be heart smart if considering hormone therapy

A research study has found that a simple blood test can indicate whether post-menopausal hormone therapies increase the risk of a heart attack. Women with favorable cholesterol levels were not at increased risk of developing heart problems while taking hormones, whereas those with unfavorable cholesterol levels were at higher risk.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateMay 22, 2008

Oregano oil works as well as synthetic insecticides to tackle common beetle pest

A recent study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals that oregano oil is as effective as synthetic insecticides in controlling Rhizoppertha dominica beetle infestations. The natural compound works by inhibiting egg laying and larval development, posing no environmental harm.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMay 22, 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.

The global challenge of diabetes

The current figure of 246 million adults worldwide with diabetes is expected to expand rapidly, with 50% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The Lancet Editorial emphasizes that much of the morbidity and mortality can be prevented through targeted prevention strategies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2008

Taking care of business shouldn't be just for men

Research finds that gender stereotypes can limit both men and women's intentions to become entrepreneurs. However, when entrepreneurship is presented as a gender-neutral career option, both men and women report similar intentions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMay 22, 2008

JCI table of contents: May 22, 2008

Researchers discovered that HIV protease inhibitors can prevent photoreceptor apoptosis in mouse models of retinal detachment, reducing the cause of vision loss. CD133 expression was found not to be restricted to stem cells, and both CD133+ and CD133– metastatic colon cancer cells can initiate tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2008

Experimental agent blocks prostate cancer in animal study

An experimental drug, OSU-HDAC42, has blocked prostate cancer progression in mice with an aggressive form of the disease. The agent reactivates genes that normally protect against cancer, shifting tumor progression to a more benign direction.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 22, 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.

New report on telehealth says market is expected to grow over next few years

The home telehealth and remote patient monitoring market is projected to grow at a rate of 70% over the next three to five years, driven by increasing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services. The combined average annual revenue growth of consumer companies in this market is even more explosive, reaching up to 193.5%.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateMay 22, 2008

No link between antidepressants and birth defects

Researchers found that antidepressant use during the first trimester of pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of birth malformations. The study used data from the Quebec Pregnancy Registry and analyzed records of 2,329 new mothers diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 22, 2008

Study identifies food-related clock in the brain

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a 'food-related clock' that can supersede the body's primary biological rhythms, enabling better coping with changes in time zones and nighttime schedules. By adjusting eating schedules, humans may be able to adapt more quickly to new time zones.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2008

Foot-dragging Mars rover finds Yellowstone-like hot spring deposits

The Mars rover Spirit has discovered Yellowstone-like hot spring deposits on Mars, suggesting a habitable environment where liquid water and energy were present. The silica deposits, formed by volcanic steam or hot water, may contain preserved traces of ancient Martian life.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 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.

At the synapse: Gene may shed light on neurological disorders

Researchers identified a gene that controls the proper development of synapses in fruit flies, which may help explain how they go wrong in humans. The findings suggest that a protein complex helps regulate synaptic growth by decommissioning receptors that respond to pro-growth signals.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNeuron·DateMay 22, 2008

Pacific coast turning more acidic

Researchers have discovered high levels of acidified ocean water off the West Coast of North America, with corrosive levels detected within 20 miles of the shoreline. The acidic water is likely 50 years old and may increase in future due to rising atmospheric CO2 levels.

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 22, 2008

2 Rutgers College of Nursing Ph.D. students to receive FNSNA Fellowships

Two Rutgers College of Nursing doctoral students, Donna Ho-Shing and Stephanie Turrise, have been awarded FNSNA Fellowships to support their tuition and academic expenses during their online PhD program. The fellowship aims to address the nurse faculty shortage by preparing registered nurses for a career as nurse educators.

SourceRutgers University·DateMay 22, 2008

Surge in insulin-dependent diabetes among Finnish children

Type 1 diabetes incidence among Finnish children more than doubled from 1980-2005, with a significant increase in obesity and early weight gain implicated as risk factors. The predicted cumulative number of new cases between 2006-2020 is around 10800, highlighting the need for urgent action to address environmental triggers.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 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.

Oocyte-specific gene mutations cause premature ovarian failure

Researchers identified gene mutations in FIGLA as a cause of premature ovarian failure, which can lead to infertility and other health issues. The study found three types of mutations in the gene, highlighting its importance in ovary function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 22, 2008

Metagenomics of skin reveals insights into the human microbiome

Researchers found a common core skin microbiome in healthy individuals, dominated by Proteobacteria species. The study establishes the basis for determining a core microbiome, which may hold the key to novel treatments for skin conditions like acne and atopic dermatitis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 22, 2008

New statistical method reveals surprises about our ancestry

A new statistical approach has been developed to study genetic variation, allowing for a finer detail of human migration history. The technique analyzes shared parts of chromosomes across the entire human genome, identifying smaller genetic contributions and surprising findings such as Mongolian ancestry in Native American Pima people.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 22, 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.

OHSU discovery may lead to early cancer detection

Researchers at OHSU have developed new antibodies that can recognize pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal cancers. These antibodies show promise in early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the US.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMay 22, 2008

U of T research supports Ontario ban on cigarette displays

Research shows tobacco promotions were extensive in Ontario stores, with chain convenience stores having large displays and signs advertising tobacco. The study found that tobacco promotions were higher among stores close to schools and in low-income neighbourhoods.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateMay 22, 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.

Phoenix mission to Mars will search for climate clues

The Phoenix Mars Mission will investigate the Martian environment, searching for signs of climate cycles and microbial life. The spacecraft will collect soil and ice samples and analyze them to understand the Red Planet's history.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMay 22, 2008

Early intensive insulin therapy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients improves glucose control

A randomized controlled trial found that early intensive insulin therapy improved blood glucose control and β-cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The treatment, which included continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple daily insulin injections, resulted in higher remission rates and prolonged glyc...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2008