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Science News for November 28, 2008


Protection from the own immune system

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital developed a vaccine that prevents multiple sclerosis in mice by suppressing the harmful immune response. The treatment uses autologous immune cells treated with mitomycin and expresses a self-protein from the nervous system, rendering them non-reactive to the disease.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2008

Laparoscopic approach to retrorectal cyst

A laparoscopic approach was used to successfully treat two cases of retrorectal cysts, a rare developmental lesion. The procedure allowed for perfect visualization of deep structures in the presacral space, minimizing surgical trauma.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 28, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AGU journal highlights: Nov. 28, 2008

Research published in AGU journals reveals a significant decrease in Saharan dust due to increased rainfall, boosting ocean heating. The coastal Southern Ocean also acts as a powerful carbon sink, with Antarctic shelf waters showing high biological productivity and extensive winter sea ice cover.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 28, 2008

Selenium may slow march of AIDS

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that increasing selenium levels in human blood cells can reduce the multiplication of the AIDS virus. By targeting a specific protein called Tat, selenium can slow down viral replication, with results showing a 10-fold decrease.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 28, 2008

Radiologist's study supports the use of portable ultrasound in developing countries

A study published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine found that portable ultrasound was clinically beneficial in urban and rural settings in Ghana. The technology offered a range of applications, including musculoskeletal, obstetrical, and abdominal examinations, with 81% of performed ultrasounds being abnormal.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateNov 28, 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.

A 'hole' new way

The Controlled Impact Rescue Tool (CIRT) is a new concrete-busting technology that has shown faster breach times than traditional methods. It can break through thick concrete walls or barriers in about 13 minutes, compared to 29 minutes or more for other rescue tools.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateNov 28, 2008

Fast food a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's

A Swedish study suggests that a fast food diet rich in fat and cholesterol may be a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that mice fed such a diet developed preliminary stages of the disease, which may indicate a contributory role of dietary factors in its development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateNov 28, 2008

Surprise discovery made in cancer research

Researchers found that cancer cells use apoptosis inhibitors to prevent programmed cell death while also controlling cell migration. This discovery challenges current treatment strategies and highlights the need for more targeted approaches.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 28, 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.

Researchers fly a kite for manure recycling

Researchers developed a kite-shaped model to assess the level of risk of water contamination from manure. The model identifies four factors affecting risk: accumulated microbial burden, landscape transfer potential, infrastructure, and social and economic obstacles.

SourceResearch Councils UK·DateNov 28, 2008

Good pre-school and home-learning boosts academic development

A new study by the University of Nottingham found that good pre-schools followed by high-quality primary schools significantly improve children's development. A stimulating home-learning environment at age 3-4 years is also linked to long-term gains in children's development.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateNov 28, 2008

A new light on work-related fatigue

Research found that workers with high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and central obesity had significantly higher self-reported fatigue after work. The study suggests that objective measures such as elevated ALT and increased waist circumference are associated with work-related fatigue in apparently healthy workers.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 28, 2008