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Science News Archive October 2008


Page 20 of 24

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia

Comprehensive guidelines for dementia management have been developed to support both patients and primary caregivers. The approach emphasizes a team-based care model that prioritizes patient-centered care and evidence-based recommendations.

New study examines effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening tests

A new study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that routine colorectal cancer screenings may not provide significant life expectancy benefits after age 75. The study suggests that individuals who have had adenomas or colorectal cancer should continue surveillance in this age group.

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.

Extinction by asteroid a rarity

Recent research suggests that mass extinctions may be more common than previously thought, with 'sick Earth' extinctions being the norm. The study of five mass extinctions reveals that asteroid impacts are unlikely to have triggered most of them.

Study finds genetic variant plays role in cleft lip

Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with isolated cleft lip, which affects approximately one in five cases. The study found that the variant disrupts proper expression of the IRF6 gene, leading to disruptions in AP2 binding and contributing to the development of cleft lip.

'Color My Pyramid' nutrition education program battles obesity in DC schools

Researchers at George Mason University developed a nutrition education program called Color My Pyramid to teach students about healthy eating and physical activity. The program showed significant improvements in children's eating habits, physical activity levels, blood pressure, weight, and Body Mass Index percentiles.

New test could help catch serious infections in babies

Researchers developed a new diagnostic marker called procalcitonin to identify infants at high risk for serious bacterial infections. The test showed high sensitivity and was able to establish a threshold value to identify low-risk infants.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fuzziness on the road to physics' grand unification theory

Theoretical physicists led by the University of Oregon's Stephen Hsu have found indications that grand unified theories may be merging into a single unified field. However, their research also suggests that this process could be slowed down or blocked by quantum fluctuations in space-time, making it more challenging to detect.

Researchers document world's mammals in crisis

A comprehensive assessment of the world's mammals reveals that 25-36% of species are threatened with extinction, with habitat loss and overexploitation being major drivers. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent further species losses and protect biodiversity.

Post-term pregnancies risk infant's life and health, UCSF studies show

Two new studies by UCSF researchers found that infants born past 40 weeks of gestation are at higher risk for impaired health and death. The studies, which analyzed over 2.5 million births, confirmed the increased risk of cesarean deliveries and poor maternal or child outcomes as early as 40 weeks.

Pneumococcal vaccine associated with 50 percent lower risk of heart attacks

A hospital-based case-control study found that pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a 50% lower risk of heart attacks two years after vaccination. The study suggested that the pneumonia vaccine may protect against heart attacks by preventing pneumonia, which has been linked to triggering heart attacks.

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.

JDRF funded study links 'hygiene hypothesis' to diabetes prevention

A JDRF-funded study suggests that exposure to certain bacteria may provide protection against developing type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that mice exposed to these harmless microbes had a lower risk of autoimmune disorders. The findings lend support to the 'hygiene hypothesis' and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for prevention.

C. difficile infection not always associated with antibiotic use

A significant proportion of people with no recent exposure to antibiotics developed community-acquired C. difficile infection, suggesting other risk factors may be at play. Researchers recommend considering C. difficile testing in community patients with diarrhea without a history of antibiotic use.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Early-stage gene transcription creates access to DNA

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism in gene expression where non-coding RNAs create access to DNA, allowing transcriptional activation proteins to initiate gene expression. This process involves the transient synthesis of non-coding RNAs that unfurl tightly wound DNA, enabling gene expression.

Bipolar disorder in children appears likely to continue into young adulthood

A study of 115 children with bipolar disorder found that nearly half continued to experience manic episodes as adults and showed similar rates of substance use disorders. The findings support the existence of child bipolar disorder and highlight the need for further research on its neurobiology and prevention strategies.

Air pollution may increase risk of appendicitis

Researchers found a novel connection between high levels of air pollution and the risk of appendicitis, with patients approximately 15% more likely to be hospitalized on days of highest ozone concentrations. The effect was strongest during summer months, when people were more outside.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New book rethinks the relationship between sulfur and crops

A new book from the American Society of Agronomy provides detailed information on the importance of sulfur in agriculture. The book examines the central role that sulfur plays as a nutrient affecting crop yield and quality, animal feed value and human diet.

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.

Free drug samples carry risks for children

A study by Lifespan and Hasbro Children's Hospital found that nearly one in 10 American children received free drug samples in 2004. The top four most frequently distributed medications have significant new safety concerns, including schedule II controlled substances that carry high potential for abuse.

Pediatric study finds alternatives for radiation of low-grade brain tumors

Researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that chemotherapy alone can be effective in treating pediatric patients with unresectable or progressive low-grade glioma, reducing the need for cranial radiation. Patients treated with thioguanine, procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine (TPCV) regimen show...

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.

U of T researchers reveal Epstein-Barr virus protein contributes to cancer

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that the EBNA1 protein of Epstein-Barr virus disrupts structures in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, interfering with cellular processes that prevent cancer development. The study provides a novel mechanism by which viral proteins contribute to carcinogenesis.

School vending machines dole out excess calories, fat

Recent figures from the HEALTHY Study found that standard school vending machine offerings contain high-calorie beverages and snacks, contributing to excess calorie intake among students. The study aims to limit snack calories to 200 and eliminate unhealthy options from vending machines.

Occasional memory loss tied to lower brain volume

A study of 500 people aged 50-85 found a link between occasional memory lapses and smaller hippocampus volumes. Researchers discovered that these subjective memory complaints were associated with reduced brain volumes, potentially indicating early signs of cognitive decline.

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.

Most Alaskan glaciers retreating, thinning and stagnating

Most Alaskan glaciers are retreating and thinning, especially at lower elevations, while some are advancing, according to a comprehensive USGS study. The report uses satellite images and aerial photographs to document glacier behavior and distribution.

Oral vitamin D may help prevent some skin infections

A study found that oral vitamin D supplements increased cathelicidin production in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema. This increase helped to correct a defect in the immune system and reduce the risk of skin infections.

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.

Microwave ovens need added safety controls

A study published in Pediatrics found that microwave ovens pose a significant risk of scald injuries to young children due to their ability to open the oven. The researchers recommend locking mechanisms and increased warning campaigns to reduce accidental injuries.

Research shows Brazilian acai berry antioxidants absorbed by human body

A study led by Texas AgriLife Research scientists has shown that the Brazilian acai berry's antioxidants are absorbed by the human body when consumed as juice or pulp. The finding is significant as it provides evidence for the berry's purported health benefits, which have been heavily marketed in the US.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Mayo Clinic study tackles labeling errors

A Mayo Clinic study implemented a radio-frequency identification system to track biopsy specimens and automate identification. The initiative resulted in a significant reduction of specimen-labeling errors, from 765 in 2007 to 47 in 2008. The new labeling system improved safety and quality efforts in specimen management.

Neurotransmitter defect may trigger autoimmune disease

A new study may have uncovered the cause of Devic's disease by identifying glutamate as a key player in the progression of the disease. The researchers found that an autoantibody called NMO-IgG triggers a toxic build-up of glutamate, leading to damage to nerve cells and their insulating myelin coats.

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.

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.

Using a fan during sleep associated with lower risk of SIDS

A study found that using a fan during sleep significantly lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), particularly in rooms with inadequate ventilation. The use of fans was associated with a 72% decrease in SIDS risk, especially in infants who slept on their sides or shared beds.

Field Museum provides gold standard for mammal survey

A comprehensive assessment of the world's 5,487 wild mammal species reveals that one in four is threatened with extinction. The study, led by the IUCN, utilizes the Field Museum's extensive collection to track population trends and habitat destruction.

Disinfectants can make bacteria resistant to treatment

Research found that low levels of disinfectants can make Staphylococcus aureus remove toxic chemicals from the cell more efficiently, potentially making it resistant to antibiotics. This increase in efflux pumps may lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria, threatening patients with infections.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.