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Science News for May 6, 2008


Data presented at the APA Annual Meeting

Data presented at the APA Annual Meeting demonstrate iloperidone's efficacy and safety in treating schizophrenia, with low rates of movement disorders and metabolic adverse events. Pharmacogenetic findings suggest potential for individualized treatment based on genetic markers.

SourceCohn & Wolfe·DateMay 6, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sounding out Congo Red

Researchers have developed an approach to degrading Congo Red using ultrasound technology, transforming it into less toxic intermediates. This method combines the power of sonolysis with conventional industrial waste water biodegradation treatment, effectively removing the color and reducing toxicity from dye-contaminated effluent.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Waste Management·DateMay 6, 2008

Why face symmetry is sexy across cultures and species

Research finds symmetry and sexual dimorphism in human faces are related to attractiveness, supporting the idea that they signal genetic quality. The study also reveals similar patterns in non-human primates and different human populations, indicating universal signals of quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Prions show their good side

Normally functioning prions prevent neurons from self-destruction by inducing overactive brain cells that respond longer and more vigorously to stimulation. This hyperactivity eventually leads to neuron death, potentially explaining why misfolded prions cause dementia.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 6, 2008

Berkeley Lab researchers propose a new breed of supercomputers

The researchers propose designing a cost-effective machine for running climate models and improving predictions. They suggest using about 20 million embedded microprocessors, which would deliver results at a lower cost and power consumption than current conventional supercomputers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe International Journal of High Performance Computing Applications·DateMay 6, 2008

OHSU psychiatrist to highlight warning signs for school shootings

Dr. Jerald Block's research on the 1999 Columbine high school shootings suggests that virtual worlds played a significant role in the tragedy, blurring boundaries between reality and fantasy. The presentation will also discuss other school shootings, including Red Lake and Virginia Tech.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMay 6, 2008

Common herbicide disrupts human hormone activity in cell studies

Atrazine, a widely used weedkiller, disrupts hormonal signaling in human cells, increasing the risk of abnormal birth weight and infertility. Exposure to atrazine has also been shown to 'feminize' zebrafish, with female fish outnumbering males at concentrations comparable to those found in agricultural runoff.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 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.

Child abuse may 'mark' genes in the brains of suicide victims

A study by McGill University scientists found that child abuse may cause differences in epigenetic marking on genes in the brains of men who killed themselves. The researchers also discovered that simple maternal behavior during early childhood has a profound effect on genes and behavior, which can be reversed through treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

Priority regions for threatened frog and toad conservation in Latin America

A PLOS study highlights key conservation areas for threatened frogs and toads in Latin America, emphasizing the importance of considering life-history traits. The research reveals that regions with aquatic larval stages are crucial for species like Phyllomedusa ayeaye, while those without tadpoles require targeted conservation efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

National scientific meeting on child mental health at Kentucky

The University of Kentucky Center for the Study of Violence Against Children hosts a national scientific meeting on child mental health, featuring research presentations on violence against children and trauma. The event showcases findings on relational poverty, early experiences, and psychotherapy's effects on adult brains.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Loss and Trauma·DateMay 6, 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.

Life without TORC is 1 big struggle

A team of researchers found that the protein TORC2 is crucial for glucose production and fat storage in Drosophila, a genetic switch that regulates metabolism in both flies and human livers. Without functional TORC, fly lifespan was cut in half and their ability to store energy was impaired.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 6, 2008

Smoke-free laws have no impact on employee turnover

A new study examines the impact of smoke-free laws on restaurant labor markets and finds a decline in turnover rates after implementation. The study supports existing evidence that smoke-free laws are positive for businesses, with no consistent pattern of increase or decrease over time.

SourceBurness·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateMay 6, 2008

Don't ask, don't tell: Financial disclosure lacking in literature on stents

Research at Duke University Medical Center found that most published articles about coronary stents do not disclose authors' financial relationships, which may bias scientific data interpretation. The study highlights the need for transparency and standardized conflict of interest information in medical research.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

Pilot study reinforces use of portable anteroom HEPA filtration

Researchers found that a portable anteroom HEPA filtration unit can effectively remove airborne microorganisms, including M. tuberculosis, from operating rooms. The study suggests that this unit can help prevent secondary transmission of airborne pathogens and improve patient and healthcare personnel safety.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateMay 6, 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.

Arable land can have a negative impact on air quality

Researchers found that arable land and steppe-formation processes can significantly affect global air quality, as evidenced by a dust cloud from southern Ukraine that caused extreme particulate matter concentrations in Central Europe. The study highlights the need for better understanding of dust transport and formation processes, part...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMay 6, 2008

UC Davis stem researchers demonstrate safety of gene therapy using adult stem cells

A new study by UC Davis researchers provides evidence that methods using human bone marrow-derived stem cells to deliver gene therapy do not cause the development of tumors or leukemia. The study tested the safety of gene transfer into bone marrow stem cells in over 600 mice, with none developing leukemia or solid tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMay 6, 2008

Gut hormone makes food look even yummier

A new study found that ghrelin increases the response to food pictures in brain regions involved in reward and motivation, suggesting a link between pleasure signals and metabolic drives. The findings may have implications for treating obesity and could inform policies aimed at reducing fast food consumption.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 2008

Cell's 'power plant' genes raise vision disorder risk

Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that genetic variation in the mitochondrial genome is associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in Caucasians over 50. This discovery may lead to personalized medicine and preventive treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 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.

Not all fat created equal

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that subcutaneous fat, typically found in the hips and thighs, can lower insulin levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. This discovery offers a new avenue for finding substances produced by subcutaneous fat that may improve glucose metabolism.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 2008
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.

Blocked brain enzyme decreases appetite and promotes weight loss

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that blocking the CaMKK2 brain enzyme decreases appetite and promotes weight loss in mice. The study also showed that this enzyme is required for appetite control and protects against obesity-related health issues.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 2008

Lab in a drop

Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip PCR test that combines sample preparation with PCR on a single chip, reducing analysis time from hours to minutes.

SourceWiley·DateMay 6, 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.

New cell-based sensors sniff out danger like bloodhounds

The University of Maryland researchers have developed tiny sensors that use living olfactory cells on microchips to detect explosive materials, biological pathogens, and other substances. These cell-based sensors show promise in improving detection speed and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateMay 6, 2008

Finding the real potential of no-till farming for sequestering carbon

A recent study found that no-till farming can increase soil organic carbon concentrations in the upper layers of some soils. However, the total soil organic carbon pool to a depth of 60 cm is often similar or even lower than plow tillage systems. The study highlights the importance of analyzing the entire soil profile for accurate conc...

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 6, 2008

Estimated 750,000 problem gamblers among America's youth

A recent study reveals that approximately 2.1% of US youth aged 14-21 exhibit problem gambling behaviors, projecting to around 750,000 young problem gamblers nationwide. The study also found significant correlations between increased gambling involvement and transitioning into adulthood.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateMay 6, 2008

New discovery on role of vital protein that fights meningitis

Researchers have discovered that Properdin, a protein linked to defence against meningitis, plays a more vital role than previously understood in the body's immune defence system. The study also found that Properdin can aggravate organ damage in certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 6, 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.

UC San Diego researchers target tumors with tiny 'nanoworms'

Scientists create microscopic vehicles that can navigate the bloodstream, targeting tumors with high precision. The nanoworms, coated with a tumor-specific molecule, remain in circulation for hours, offering potential for more effective delivery of toxic anti-cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 6, 2008

Expert predicts 'Monsoon Britain'

Climate change is predicted to increase flooding in the UK, with periods of high rainfall and river flow patterns lasting several decades. The current perception of flood risk has been lower than in previous centuries, making it difficult to prepare for the increased frequency and intensity of floods.

SourceDurham University·JournalGeography Journal·DateMay 6, 2008

Researchers find way to make tumor cells easier to destroy

Tumor cells can be made more sensitive to hyperthermia-enhanced radiation therapy by inhibiting telomerase, a protective enzyme. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that moderately increasing heat activates telomerase in tumor cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 6, 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.

Steroids provide no survival benefit for children with bacterial meningitis

A large multicenter study found that corticosteroids do not reduce mortality or hospital stays in children with bacterial meningitis. The study analyzed medical records of 2,780 children and showed no significant difference in outcomes between those who received and did not receive corticosteroids.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA·DateMay 6, 2008

Seed dispersal in mauritius -- dead as a dodo?

A recent study in PLOS ONE investigates the loss of seed dispersal interactions on Mauritius and its impact on regeneration. The Janzen-Connell model suggests that seeds need to be dispersed away from adult trees, but many fleshy-fruited plant species lack crucial seed dispersal interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Is bipolar disorder overdiagnosed?

A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers found that bipolar disorder is being overdiagnosed, with 43.4% of patients not receiving a valid diagnosis. This can lead to unnecessary medication side effects, highlighting the need for standardized diagnostic methods.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateMay 6, 2008

Killer competition: Neurons duke it out for survival

In a developing nervous system, peripheral nerve cells compete for NGF availability, with stronger connections surviving while weaker ones die. Target tissues release NGF protein, which changes from a growth cue to a survival factor, ultimately determining cell fate.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2008

First steps toward autonomous robot surgeries

Researchers at Duke University have made significant advancements in autonomous robot surgeries, demonstrating the feasibility of robots performing complex procedures under real-time 3-D ultrasound guidance. The technology has the potential to improve patient safety by reducing radiation exposure and enhancing surgeon precision.

SourceDuke University·DateMay 6, 2008

Hunger hormone: Makes food more attractive

A new study reveals that ghrelin hormone enhances the brain's response to food-related cues, making food more attractive. The hormone targets regions involved in reward and motivation, similar to those affected by drug addiction.

SourceMontreal Neurological Institute and Hospital·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 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.

Fat transplantation can have metabolic benefits

Researchers found that transplanted subcutaneous fat into mice visceral cavity showed improved blood sugar and insulin levels, while visceral fat had detrimental effects. The findings suggest fat cells in different depots have intrinsically different properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 2008

Telemedicine could eradicate many expensive ED visits

A community-wide study found that nearly 28% of pediatric emergency department visits could have been replaced with telemedicine, freeing up resources and reducing costs. Telemedicine also offers personalized care and cost savings for insurers, who may realize $14 per child per year in savings.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMay 6, 2008