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Science News for November 26, 2008


Source of geysers on Saturn's moon may be underground water

Scientists found that vents on Enceladus channel water vapor from a warm, probably liquid source to the surface at supersonic speeds. This supports a theory that tidal heating causes geysers and provides implications for life in the solar system.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2008

New approaches make retinal detachment highly treatable

Retinal detachment is a condition that affects about 10,000 Americans each year, putting vision loss or blindness at risk. NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell ophthalmologist Dr. Donald J. D'Amico highlights advanced surgical techniques that offer high probabilities of reattachment and visual improvement.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 26, 2008

Misleading media coverage of medicine

A study found that media coverage of clinical trials rarely provides readers with the necessary information to make informed decisions. The researchers compared pharmaceutical and herbal remedy trials and found that stories underreported risk and lacked disclosure of trial funding and scientists' conflicts of interest.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 26, 2008

Researchers identify a potentially universal mechanism of aging

Scientists have discovered that DNA damage can lead to a decrease in gene regulation, contributing to aging. A specific sirtuin protein helps regulate gene expression and maintain DNA repair, but its dysfunction can result in chronic gene activation and aging phenotypes.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 2008
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.

Shrimp trawling may boost mercury in red snapper, study suggests

A new study from Texas Christian and Louisiana State universities finds that shrimp trawling operations in the Gulf of Mexico are linked to higher levels of toxic mercury in juvenile red snappers. The research demonstrates a clear relationship between mercury concentrations and coastal areas where commercial shrimp trawling occurs.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateNov 26, 2008

UNC expands brain imaging study of infants at risk for autism

The Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) is expanding its research on infant brain development and autism symptoms. The study aims to identify changes in brain structure and behavior that may indicate the onset of autistic symptoms, with potential benefits including early screening measures and treatments.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateNov 26, 2008

It takes guts to build bone, Columbia scientists discover

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that gut serotonin plays a crucial role in bone formation, challenging the long-held belief that the skeleton controls bone growth. The study found that inhibiting serotonin release can increase bone mass and potentially treat osteoporosis.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 2008

Molecule shuts down food intake and turns on 'siesta mode'

Researchers discovered a molecule called NAPE that signals the brain when the stomach is full, reducing hunger. In studies with mice and rats, NAPE treatment led to significant weight loss and reduced appetite, suggesting potential for new obesity treatments.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 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.

UCLA researchers create polymer solar cells with higher efficiency levels

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new polymer that significantly improves sunlight absorption and conversion capabilities in solar cells. The silole-containing polymer can also be crystalline, making it suitable for high-efficiency solar cells, with the goal of reaching 10% efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 26, 2008

New papers offer insights into process of malarial drug resistance

Two new papers by University of Notre Dame biologist Michael Ferdig suggest that genomics and bioinformatics may hold the key to combating malaria. The research reveals previously unrecognized transcriptional complexity in Plasmodium falciparum, a key driver of drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 2008

Route to obesity passes through tongue

A Penn State study found that obese rats are less sensitive to sweet tastes and prefer sweeter foods due to a weakened response to weak concentrations, leading to a vicious circle of overeating and sugar cravings. The research suggests that the brain's reward center is affected by the increased consumption of sugary foods.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateNov 26, 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.

Study of oldest turtle fossil

Scientists have found evidence that turtle shells are bony extensions of their backbones and ribs. The oldest known turtle fossil, Odontochelys semitestacea, has a partial shell extending from its backbone and widening of ribs, suggesting it was a water dweller.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2008

Nitric oxide can alter brain function

Research from the University of Leicester reveals that nitric oxide can alter brain function, impacting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The finding suggests a potential new approach for treating these conditions and gaining a deeper understanding of brain function.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNeuron·DateNov 26, 2008

Rong Li Lab offers insight into adaptive ability of cells

Researchers at the Rong Li Lab discovered that yeast cells can adapt to disruptions in cell division machinery by increasing their chromosome number and modifying gene expression patterns. This ability may contribute to cancer cell evasiveness and could be used to predict evolutionary paths and outcomes.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 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.

Molecular partnership controls daily rhythms, body metabolism

A research team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has discovered a key molecular partnership that coordinates body rhythms and metabolism, leading to leaner mice and improved insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that disrupting this partnership could be a valuable new weapon in the fight against obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2008

Eye divergence in children triples risk of mental illness

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that children with misaligned eyes are at a significantly increased risk of developing mental illness by early adulthood. Children with exotropia (eyes that diverge outward) were three times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders than those with normal eye alignment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 26, 2008

Fruit fly discovery generates buzz about brain-damaging disorder in children

Researchers have discovered a possible therapy for mucolipidosis type IV (ML4), a disease causing nerve cell death and progressive motor function loss in children. Introducing normal blood cells into genetically modified fruit flies with ML4 symptoms delayed cell death, suggesting bone marrow transplantation as a treatment option.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 2008

Researchers identify how binge drinking may drive heart disease

A study published in Atherosclerosis reveals that binge drinking causes an irregular pattern of heavy drinking to clog blood vessels, leading to a two-fold increase in fatal heart attack risk. Acetaldehyde levels found in the blood after binge drinking increase monocyte adhesion to blood vessel walls.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateNov 26, 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.

'The photon force is with us': Harnessing light to drive nanomachines

Researchers at Yale University have demonstrated a marriage of nanophotonics and nanomechanics, enabling extreme miniaturization of optics and mechanics on silicon chips. The photon force is strong enough to operate nanoscale machinery, paving the way for ultra-high speed and low power telecommunications.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2008

Baffling chronic pain linked to rewiring of brain

Researchers at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine discovered a link between chronic pain and brain rewiring in complex region pain syndrome (CRPS). The study found changes in the brain's white matter, which dispatch messages between neurons, contributing to the condition.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateNov 26, 2008

Study: Childhood constipation just as serious as asthma

A new study reveals childhood constipation can lead to serious health issues, pain, and low self-esteem, with treatment costs equivalent to those of asthma or ADHD. Simple changes in diet and behavior, such as regular bowel movements and high-fiber foods, can help prevent or correct constipation.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 26, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Land iguanas under continuing threat on Galapagos archipelago

New research on Galapagos land iguanas reveals reduced genetic diversity in some populations, putting them at risk from future environmental changes. The study's findings highlight the need for effective management and conservation strategies to ensure the long-term survival of these unique reptiles.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 26, 2008

Chandramouli and co-authors receive IEEE GLOBECOM 2008 Best Paper Award

Professor Chandramouli's paper, titled A game theoretic framework for distributed self-coexistence among IEEE 802.22 networks, is one of 11 papers selected to receive a GLOBECOM '08 Best Paper Award. The award recognizes the author's work on cognitive radio based IEEE 802.22 wireless regional area network (WRAN) that operates in under-...

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateNov 26, 2008

Vitamin K linked to insulin resistance in older men

A three-year study found that vitamin K supplementation improved insulin resistance in elderly men, while worsening it in women and those not given supplements. Vitamin K may help regulate glucose metabolism by storing in fat tissue.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 26, 2008

New research sheds light on fly sleep circuit

Researchers at Brandeis University have discovered a specific set of wake-promoting neurons in fruit flies that are analogous to cells in the human sleep circuit. The study found that these neurons play a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and that targeting them could lead to the development of more effective sleep treatments.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNeuron·DateNov 26, 2008

Study compares strategies for BK virus nephropathy

A study comparing two immunosuppression tapering approaches for kidney transplant recipients with BKVAN found that reducing immunosuppressive therapy can lower the risk of graft loss. Early withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs within one month after diagnosis reduced graft loss by two-thirds.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 26, 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.

Urine protein test detects kidney dysfunction in transplant patients

A noninvasive test analyzing proteins in urine can identify failing transplanted kidneys, allowing for more accurate monitoring and treatment of transplant patients. The study found that the test correctly identified patients with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and chronic antibody-mediated rejection.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 26, 2008

Fate and effects of the drug Tamiflu in the environment

Scientists investigate Tamiflu's environmental fate and its impact on the development of resistant influenza viruses in Japan, a major consumer of the drug. The research aims to understand potential threats to global defenses against future pandemics.

SourceUppsala University·DateNov 26, 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.

Winter brings flu, summer brings bacterial infections

Researchers discovered that serious gram-negative bacterial infections increase by up to 46% in summer compared to winter. The study found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are the most affected bacteria.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 26, 2008

Yale researchers enlist a new recruit in battle of the bulge

Researchers at Yale University have identified a naturally occurring molecule called NAPEs that can help regulate appetite and reduce food intake in rats and mice. The study found that NAPEs injections led to weight loss and reduced activity of hunger neurons in the brain.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 2008

Fear of hypoglycemia a barrier to exercise for type 1 diabetics

A recent study published in Diabetes Care highlights the significant barriers faced by type 1 diabetics when it comes to engaging in physical activity. The researchers found that those with a greater fear of hypoglycemia were also more likely to have poorer diabetes control, emphasizing the need for targeted education and support.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 26, 2008

Arthritis research shows better management more important than new drugs

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that more effective use of existing arthritis treatments is crucial for achieving better patient outcomes. The research, led by Isidoro González-Alvaro, suggests that disease activity and disability have improved independently of new therapies.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 26, 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.