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Science News for November 7, 2008


Even plants benefit from outsourcing

Using genetically diverse seed sources can improve revegetation outcomes for native flora, as local seed may be inbred and lead to poor results. The review recommends focusing on capturing high-quality seed to ensure restored populations have ample genetic diversity.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 7, 2008

Ecologists use oceanographic data to predict future climate change

A team of researchers used oceanographic data to predict the potential consequences of climate change on a global scale. They found that if current trends continue, altered ocean circulation could lead to dramatic implications for the world's climate and biosphere.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEcology·DateNov 7, 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.

Overnight hemodialysis dramatically improves survival

A study led by Ercan Ok found that overnight hemodialysis reduced mortality rates by 78% and improved blood pressure control, appetite, weight gain, and cognitive functioning among patients. The results suggest longer dialysis regimens as a promising alternative to addressing high risk of death among dialysis patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 7, 2008

Paleontologists doubt 'dinosaur dance floor'

A team of paleontologists from the University of Utah and independent scientists have found no evidence of dinosaur tracks at the 'dinosaur dance floor' site in northern Arizona. Instead, they suggest the features may be unusual potholes eroded in the sandstone.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPalaios·DateNov 7, 2008

Bullies may enjoy seeing others in pain

Research using brain scans at the University of Chicago found that aggressive youth activated neural circuits underpinning pain processing when watching pain inflicted on others. The study suggests some aggressive youths' natural empathetic impulse may be disrupted, increasing aggression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalBiological Psychology·DateNov 7, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fertility experts present the latest research at reproductive medicine meeting

Researchers have successfully treated HIV-seropositive women with assisted reproduction, achieving pregnancies and stable infant outcomes. Additionally, studies found that SC Ovidrel can be reliably used for egg-cell donation and pregnancy is possible in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy, despite reduced fertility.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·DateNov 7, 2008

Maternal and fetal outcomes in kidney donors are similar to non-donors

A study of 2025 women who donated kidneys found that female kidney donors do not face increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth or gestational diabetes. While post-donation pregnancies had higher rates of certain health conditions, these were comparable to those in the general population.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 7, 2008

Forgotten, but not gone: Leprosy still present in the US

Despite its biblical origins, leprosy remains a significant public health concern in the US, with approximately 150 cases diagnosed annually. Early treatment with medicine is crucial for full recovery, but misdiagnosis and lack of awareness among physicians lead to delayed treatment and debilitating damage.

SourceAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateNov 7, 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.

Cost of treating colorectal cancer can vary by thousands per patient

A recent study found that the cost of treating colorectal cancer can range from tens of thousands of dollars, with newer therapies often costing significantly more than older agents. This variation in costs raises questions about access to care and the value of these treatments for patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateNov 7, 2008

ACC/AHA guidelines break new ground in adult congenital heart disease

The guidelines provide clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment information for a range of congenital heart defects. They also highlight key issues to look for during follow-up and make recommendations on genetic testing, pregnancy, contraception, and physical activity.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 7, 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.

UO to head expansion of special education technical assistance center

The University of Oregon's College of Education is expanding its special education technical assistance center to help schools foster positive behavior. The $8 million, five-year program aims to implement school-wide positive behavior support in over 15,000 schools and demonstrate its link to improved academic outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateNov 7, 2008

Computer model can predict human behavior and learning

A computer model called Diag was developed to predict human behavior and learning in a circuit troubleshooting task. The model learned at the same rate as participants, replicating their strategy and solving problems accurately.

SourcePenn State·JournalCognitive Science·DateNov 7, 2008

Revised theory suggests carbon dioxide levels already in danger zone

A revised theory suggests that carbon dioxide levels have already entered a danger zone, necessitating a reduction below current levels of 385 parts per million (ppm). The study concludes that coal is the largest source of atmospheric CO2 and that phasing out its use could lead to a significant decline in CO2 emissions.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Open Atmospheric Science Journal·DateNov 7, 2008

Could vitamin D save us from radiation?

Research suggests that vitamin D, specifically its active form calcitriol, could offer protection against radiation-induced damages by regulating cell cycle and proliferation. This could be a potential safe agent for protecting people before or after low-level nuclear incidents.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Low Radiation·DateNov 7, 2008

Children's Hospital study demonstrates how bone marrow transplant can cure sickle cell disease

A new study published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation demonstrates that a reduced-intensity conditioning bone marrow transplant can eliminate symptoms of sickle cell disease in six out of seven patients. This approach eliminates life-threatening side effects associated with traditional bone marrow transplants.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateNov 7, 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.

New equation provides more accurate estimates of kidney function

A newly developed equation estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) more accurately than the widely used Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation, especially at higher GFR levels. The CKD-EPI equation was validated using data from over 8,000 patients and shows lower bias compared to the MDRD equation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 7, 2008

Study assesses potential health complications for obese kidney donors

A study of over 5,300 live kidney donors found that obesity was common among donors, particularly those from African- and Hispanic-American backgrounds. Obese donors were more likely to develop hypertension prior to and after donation, but did not experience worse kidney function compared to non-obese donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 7, 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.

Interaction between gene variants may alter brain function in schizophrenia

A collaborative study reveals how interactions between common gene variants affect brain function in schizophrenia patients, particularly in working memory. The findings suggest that combining these genetic variations may lead to reduced cortical activity, making them potential new targets for treatments.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2008

'Superbugs' on the rise in Canadian hospitals, new Queen's study shows

A new national survey by Queen's University shows that despite increased investment in infection control since the SARS crisis, the number of resistant bacterial infections has multiplied. The study highlights a need for continued investment in infection control resources and programs to combat the growing threat of superbugs.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 7, 2008