Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 27, 2008


Gay men's risky sexual behavior linked to feeling undesirable

A study by University of Toronto sociologist Adam Isaiah Green found that gay men deemed less desirable are more likely to engage in risky behavior and experience psychological problems. The research highlights the negative consequences of being marginalized due to low levels of 'erotic capital',

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 27, 2008

Are chemokine and cytokine effective markers of chronic pancreatitis?

Researchers found serum TGF-beta1 and s-fractalkine levels significantly increased in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared to controls. Measurement of these markers may help diagnose early-stage CP and evaluate the severity status of the disease.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 27, 2008

Master gene plays key role in blood sugar levels

A new study reveals that the master gene SRC-2 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Mice lacking SRC-2 develop severe hypoglycemia and die within two days without food. The findings have significant implications for treating genetic diseases like Von Gierke's disease and adult-onset diabetes.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CSHL scientists discover a new way in which epigenetic information is inherited

A team of CSHL scientists has discovered that maternal small RNAs called piRNAs pass on the trait of fertility from mother to offspring in fruit flies by silencing DNA sequences that induce sterility. This new mechanism of inheritance effectively doubles the number of mechanisms by which epigenetic information is known to be inherited.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2008

Speed matters for ice-shelf breaking

Scientists have derived a simple law to predict where icebergs will calve off from parent ice sheets. The rate of spreading, width, and thickness of the ice shelf are key factors in this process, accounting for most observed variability.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2008

Fast molecular rearrangements hold key to plastic's toughness

Fast molecular rearrangements in plastics allow them to absorb energy and change shape without breaking, enabling properties like plastic flow. This quality enables plastics to bend rather than break under stress, as observed in bulletproof glass that flows around bullets.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 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.

UBC researcher reveals humpback whales' dining habits -- and costs

Humpback whales use a high-speed diving technique called lunge-feeding to catch prey, but this method comes with significant energy costs. The study found that lunge-feeding requires more energy and time than other behaviors, such as singing.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 27, 2008

Experimental TB drug explodes bacteria from the inside out

An experimental TB drug called PA-824 has been found to work by producing nitric oxide gas, which kills the bacteria. The discovery could lead to the development of new drugs against other disease-causing bacteria, as humans lack the bacterial enzyme needed for the drug's effect.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2008

The symptoms of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

A rare case of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with multiple lymphomatous polyposis is reported, highlighting the importance of endoscopic evaluation to differentiate neoplastic intestinal lesions from infectious enterocolitis. The patient presented with fever, watery diarrhea, and colonic involvement without leukemic change or v...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 27, 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.

What is the etiology of cardiac syndrome X?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that almost 30% of patients with CSX no longer exhibited typical chest pain after gastroenterological workup. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors significantly improved symptoms, suggesting a strong link between acid-related disorders and CSX.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 27, 2008

A carbon-neutral way to power your home

Researchers at Newcastle University create a super-efficient system that burns vegetable oil to produce electricity, heating, and cooling. The innovative design optimizes energy recovery, storage, and distribution for a carbon-neutral home power solution.

SourceNewcastle University·DateNov 27, 2008
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.

A novel target for therapeutics against Staph infection

Researchers have uncovered how a bacterial pathogen interacts with blood coagulation protein fibrinogen to cause MRSA infections. They found that agents could be designed to inhibit the ClfA–Fg interaction without interfering with platelet activation, offering new avenues for anti-staphococcal treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 27, 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.

Using invisibility to increase visibility

Researchers have created a material that can reflect light from all angles, overcoming optical singularities. This breakthrough could lead to the development of perfect cat's eyes and invisibility devices. The discovery is based on transformation optics and has potential applications in wireless technology and radar.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 27, 2008

St. Jude identifies genomic causes of a certain type of leukemia relapse

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified distinctive genetic changes in cancer cells of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that cause relapse. The study found that the majority of ALL relapse cases arise from a cell already present at diagnosis, providing a potential target for treatments.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2008

FibroScan vs. liver biopsy in patients with chronic C hepatitis

A study compared FibroScan with liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, finding non-invasive methods effective for fibrosis assessment. Transient elastography outperformed traditional biopsy in differentiating significant from absent or mild fibrosis, offering an alternative to invasive procedures.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 27, 2008

Keeping chromosomes from cuddling up

Scientists have discovered condensin II, a protein that separates chromosomes by twisting them into supercoils, enabling proper chromosome alignment and gene expression. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of genetic disorders like Down syndrome and improved DNA sequencing analysis.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 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.

The Bamako call to action: Research for health

The Bamako call to action emphasizes the importance of knowledge translation, regional alliances, and robust regulatory frameworks in strengthening health systems. Countries committed to allocating at least 2% of national health budgets to research and funding funders to invest at least 5% of health sector aid to research.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 27, 2008