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Science News Archive November 2008


Page 9 of 20

Psychological interventions associated with breast cancer survival

A randomized clinical trial found that breast cancer patients who participate in psychological intervention sessions experience reduced stress, improved mood, and altered health behaviors. This led to a significant decrease in cancer recurrence and death from breast cancer, as well as overall mortality.

Water vapor confirmed as major player in climate change

Researchers used NASA satellite data to estimate the heat-trapping effect of water vapor, validating its critical component role in climate change. The study found that increasing water vapor leads to a spiraling cycle of warming and increased absorption, amplifying the warming effect of other greenhouse gases.

Gaps in adhesion

Scientists have reproduced the protein responsible for mussel adhesion in a synthetic material, showing that adhesion is independent of link number. The findings could lead to manufacturing polymers with binding sites for different materials.

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.

New guidelines for managing kidney disease

The Canadian Society of Nephrology has released new guidelines to slow progression, prevent complications, and reduce mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. The guidelines encourage shared care among general practitioners and specialists.

Does growth hormone drug slow Alzheimer's disease?

A new study published in Neurology found that a growth hormone drug, MK-677, did not slow the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in humans. The study involved 416 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and showed no significant impact on disease progression despite increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1.

2 cancer drugs prevent, reverse type 1 diabetes, UCSF study shows

Researchers found that cancer drugs imatinib and sunitinib can put type 1 diabetes into remission in 80% of test mice. The benefits of the drugs' rapid action are attributed to their ability to block platelet-derived growth factor receptor, a tyrosine kinase not known to be implicated in diabetes.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Gut check reveals vast multicultural community of bugs in bowels

A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found at least 5,600 separate species or strains of bacteria in the human colon, surpassing previous estimates. The research uses pyrosequencing technology to assess bacterial ecosystems and reveals the critical functions performed by intestinal microbes.

'Orphan' genes play an important role in evolution

A team of scientists discovered that novel genes are responsible for morphological differences between two closely related species of freshwater polyps called Hydra. The study found that a secreted protein encoded by one such gene controls the pattern in which the tentacles develop, leading to species-specific traits.

Predicting the future for patients with severe traumatic brain injury

A multidisciplinary team from McGill University Health Centre developed effective predictive tools to assess patient progress after severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that cognitive and emotional faculties did not develop to the same extent as physical function, leading to persistent deficits.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sleep helps people learn complicated tasks

Researchers found that a night's sleep restored abilities lost after 12 hours of training, and protected memory against loss over the next day. Sleep consolidation may help in learning language processes and eye-hand skills.

New molecular insight into vertebrate brain development

Researchers discovered that the Hippo signaling pathway regulates vertebrate neural development by controlling cell growth and differentiation. The study identified a new transcription factor protein, TEA domain (TEAD), as the cognate partner of YAP in the nucleus.

Oak Ridge supercomputer is the world's fastest for science

Jaguar, the Oak Ridge supercomputer, has a peak performance of 1.64 petaflops, enabling researchers to solve complex problems faster and explore dynamic systems. The system has already run scientific applications in days, sustaining petaflops performance on multiple applications.

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.

Simple new method detects contaminants in life-saving drug

University of Michigan researchers have developed a simple method for detecting contaminants in heparin, a blood-thinning drug used to prevent and treat blood clots. The new method uses potentiometric polyanion sensors to distinguish pure heparin from tainted heparin containing oversulfated chondroitin sulfate.

How is our left brain is different from our right?

Researchers found asymmetrical synaptic structure and molecule composition between left and right hippocampus synapses. This discovery sheds light on the distinct neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory processes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

No honeymoon replays: People don't want to taint special memories

A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals tend to protect their memories of special experiences from being repeated. Participants preferred to acquire souvenirs that would help them remember meaningful experiences rather than mundane ones, even if they were more memorable.

How often will you use that treadmill?

A University of Chicago Press Journals study finds that unrealistic optimism in exercising leads to overestimation, costly treadmill purchases, and a more decisive personality. Researchers suggest instructing consumers to be less idealistic may improve realistic estimates.

'Let the sunshine in' to protect your heart this winter

A new review article in Circulation highlights the link between vitamin D deficiency and heart disease, with rates of severe disease or death potentially 30-50% higher among sun-deprived individuals. Treatment options such as vitamin D supplements may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

MIT: A quicker, easier way to make coal cleaner

Researchers at MIT suggest that capturing a fraction of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning plants could be a near-term solution to reduce emissions and generate much-needed electricity. This approach, known as 'partial capture,' could allow the US to meet its climate goals while also demonstrating carbon capture technology.

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.

Why only some former smokers develop lung cancer

Researchers studied DNA methylation in former smokers and found differences between those with lung cancer and disease-free individuals. Altered methylation levels may explain why some former smokers develop lung cancer despite quitting smoking.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Biomedical engineers' detective work reveals antibiotic mechanism

Researchers reveal a surprising mechanism of action for certain antibiotics, finding that they trigger the production of hydroxyl radicals, contributing to bacterial cell death. The study identifies potential new targets for antibiotic development and could help rejuvenate older antibiotics.

Scientists self-censor in response to political controversy

A survey of researchers found that many engaged in self-censorship after public debate about NIH grant funding, removing politically sensitive language and stopping certain topics. The study also showed that some researchers strengthened their commitment to complete their research despite controversy.

Breaking BubR1 mimics genetic shuffle seen in cancer cells

A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers reveals that BubR1 protein plays a crucial role in chromosome distribution during mitosis. Mutating this protein may cause genetic shuffling similar to that seen in cancer cells, making it a potential target for cancer treatment enhancement.

Study helps identify beachgoers at increased risk of skin cancer

A study found that beachgoers who intended to tan and used the least amount of sunscreen were at higher risk of skin cancer. The researchers identified three groups with distinct characteristics and sun protection behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce UV radiation exposure.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers find link between nicotine addiction and autism

Scientists have identified a relationship between two proteins in the brain linked to both nicotine addiction and autism. The discovery suggests that existing drugs used to curb nicotine addiction might serve as a basis for potential therapies to alleviate autism symptoms.

Genetic risk factors may tailor prostate cancer screening approaches

African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk due to genetic factors. Genetic markers associated with increased risk have been found to be more prevalent in these populations, suggesting they may be used for personalized screening recommendations.

Non-white med students reject therapies associated with their culture

A study found that non-white medical students are less likely to adopt complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, while white students view these therapies more positively. The survey of medical students measured attitudes towards CAM during four years of medical training.

'Enlightened' atoms stage nano-riot againsts uniformity

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that certain atoms can move apart and rejoin together under specific conditions, creating a phenomenon known as a 'nano-riot'. This behavior can be controlled using laser light, enabling the creation of tiny computer components with reduced heat emissions.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Pain and itch responses regulated separately

Scientists have determined that pain and itch are regulated by different molecular mechanisms. Researchers at WashU Medicine separated itch and pain sensations in mice, a finding that could have important implications for treating both pain and chronic itching. GRPR gene plays key role in transmitting itching sensations.

Physical activity after bariatric surgery improves weight loss, quality of life

A new study by researchers from The Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine suggests that increased physical activity after bariatric surgery can lead to better postoperative outcomes, including greater weight loss and improved health-related quality of life. More than two-thirds of participants who became acti...

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.

Drug therapy for premature infants destroys brain cells in mice

New research reveals that commonly used drugs to treat chronic lung damage in premature infants can cause brain cell damage, potentially leading to cognitive and motor-control issues. Synthetic glucocorticoids like dexamethasone and betamethasone were found to be toxic to neural progenitor cells in mice.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new ACP clinical practice guideline states that second-generation antidepressants are equally effective in treating depression but have different adverse effects. The guideline recommends assessing patient status and modifying treatment if necessary, to maximize therapeutic response while minimizing side effects.

Behavior/lifestyle factors influence cancer risk among the elderly

Researchers found associations between lifestyle, behavioral, and demographic variables on cancer risk among the elderly, including moderate physical activities decreasing cancer risk. Tobacco consumption was also linked to lung cancer, while comorbidities increased breast and prostate cancer risk.

Genes associated with fat metabolism could increase kidney cancer risk

Research identified three genes linked to fat processing that could raise kidney cancer risk, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research. Variants of nitric oxide synthase 2A and prostaglandin-endoperoxide 2 were found to increase risk, while apolipoprotein E1 was associated with reduced risk.

Canada's supervised injection site is cost-effective

A cost-effectiveness analysis of Insite, Canada's supervised safe injection site, concludes that it saves $14 million over 10 years while preventing 920 life-years lost to HIV and Hepatitis C. The study suggests that Insite is almost certainly cost-saving to Canadian society.

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.

Study helps clarify role of vitamin D in cancer therapy

Research reveals vitamin D's role in regulating colon cancer cell behavior by modulating gene expression and cytoskeleton structure. The study highlights a previously unknown pathway governing vitamin D's diverse effects on cancer cells.

New study bolsters beliefs about DNA repair

Researchers found that HP1 proteins help cells fix damaged DNA by latching onto methylated histones. The study used mouse models to show that one missing version of the protein leads to genomic instability and brain defects.

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.

Forests may play overlooked role in regulating climate

Scientists at the University of New Hampshire have discovered a link between forest foliage nitrogen levels and canopy albedo, which could influence climate change predictions. The study suggests that trees with high foliar nitrogen have a two-fold effect on climate by absorbing more CO2 and reflecting more solar radiation.

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.

Indigo ointment may help treat patients with psoriasis

A randomized trial found that indigo naturalis ointment significantly improved scaling, erythema, and induration in patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis. After 12 weeks, the treated plaques showed an 81% improvement compared to a 26% improvement for non-medicated ointment-treated lesions.

Football helmet shields can protect against a kick in the face

Researchers at Ohio State University found that popular football helmet faceshields can withstand high-velocity impacts equivalent to a kick in the face. The shields maintained structural integrity and optical quality, providing protection without disrupting players' vision.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.