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Science News Archive October 2008 - Page 3


Page 3 of 24

A new Eph receptor tyrosine kinase overexpressed in gastric cancer was found

A new Eph receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA4, is overexpressed in gastric cancer and associated with depth of invasion, recurrence, and poor prognosis. The study also found that EphA4 forms a hetero receptor complex with FGFR1, potentiating FGFR-mediated downstream signal transduction.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 29, 2008

Sniffing out a better chemical sensor

Researchers at NIST have developed an electronic nose that can recognize hundreds of chemical compounds with high accuracy and robustness. The device mimics the biological approach used by animals to detect odors, allowing it to generalize knowledge from familiar smells to unknown ones.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Workplace obesity program shows modest effects after just 1 year

A workplace obesity program implemented at 12 Dow Chemical Company sites showed modest improvements in health risks, including weight management and decreased blood pressure, after one year. The study, led by Emory University public health researcher Ron Goetzel, examined the effects of environmental interventions on employee health.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateOct 29, 2008

Predicting boom and bust ecologies

A University of Calgary researcher has uncovered fundamental rules governing population cycles in natural systems, shedding light on the balancing act between stability and dramatic swings. The study reveals how food availability affects juvenile growth in populations, explaining different types of cycles in predator-prey systems.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Media coverage affects how people perceive threat of disease: study

A study from McMaster University found that media coverage greatly influences public perception of infectious diseases, making them appear more threatening. Researchers discovered that diseases receiving frequent press attention, like bird flu, are perceived as more serious than those without similar coverage.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global methane levels on the rise again

After eight years of near-zero growth, global methane concentrations have resumed their increase, potentially offsetting the slowing growth rate of carbon dioxide. Methane is a key greenhouse gas, accounting for nearly 20% of global warming since the industrial revolution.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2008

Scientists find evidence of tsunamis on Indian Ocean shores long before 2004

Researchers have uncovered evidence of at least three previous major tsunamis in the Indian Ocean over the past 2,800 years, with the most recent occurring between 550 and 700 years ago. The findings suggest that a region's tsunami history can serve as a long-term warning system, highlighting the importance of tsunami education.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Grapes may aid a bunch of heart risk factors, animal study finds

A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that grapes can lower blood pressure and signs of heart muscle damage, and improve heart function in lab rats. The effect is thought to be due to the high level of phytochemicals - naturally occurring antioxidants - found in grapes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 29, 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.

Researchers find aggressive phototherapy can improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in some preemies

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that aggressive phototherapy reduced the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants. The treatment, which involves starting phototherapy early and maintaining it until bilirubin levels are low, showed a 14% reduction in impaired outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 29, 2008

Our cheatin' brain: The brain's clever way of showing us the world as a whole

Scientists found that boundary extension, a type of false memory, occurs quickly when visual input is disrupted, suggesting the role of amodal perception and spatial perception in scene perception. The study suggests that errors in boundary judgment may be beneficial for understanding the world as a coherent whole.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2008

Facing fears early may reduce childhood anxiety

Research at Mayo Clinic suggests that teaching children to face their fears can improve functioning and complete exercises exposing them to their fears earlier than recommended treatment manuals. In contrast, focusing solely on managing anxieties yields less improvement.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateOct 29, 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.

Genetic link to gender identity

Researchers discovered a significant genetic link between male to female transsexuals and a longer version of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, which modifies testosterone action. This study provides evidence for a biological basis of how gender identity develops.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2008

Well-known drug (AAT) could overcome obstacles to islet transplantation, BGU professor reports

Researchers have discovered that alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) can eliminate inflammation in diabetic animals after islet transplantation, allowing the transplanted cells to survive and function for over 120 days. This breakthrough could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for type-1 diabetes patients.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2008

Predatory bacterial swarm uses rippling motion to reach prey

Researchers discovered that Myxococcus xanthus uses a rippling motion to hunt other bacteria, with the pattern adapting to prey density. The study found that individual cells line up and move in an alternating pattern, producing high and low cell density waves.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2008

Promoting the healing process after a heart attack

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt aim to improve heart healing after a heart attack by promoting cellular regeneration. Micro-RNAs may hold the key to discovering new inhibitors to regulate protein synthesis and activate stem cells.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateOct 29, 2008

Genetic clock makers at UC San Diego publish their 'timepiece' in Nature

Researchers have developed a synthetic biology advance that creates a stable, fast and programmable genetic clock in E. coli cells. The clock's blink rate changes when temperature, energy source or other environmental conditions change, enabling the detection of environmental information.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 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.

Vaginal/Caesarean combo delivery of twins safe, UT Southwestern-led research finds

A two-year study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining a vaginal delivery with a Caesarean section for the second twin is generally safe. The researchers compared over 1,000 women who underwent this procedure and found that it was associated with a slightly higher risk of infection, but this risk was easily treated.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 29, 2008

Households significantly reduce electricity use when prices rise

A study found that households in California reduced their electricity use by 13% when prices rose, but returned to previous levels once prices fell. Public informational campaigns also played a significant role in conserving energy, with households reducing their use by an additional 7%.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateOct 29, 2008

Human diet gives deadly bacteria a target

A potent bacterial toxin targets human cells expressing Neu5Gc, a sugar incorporated from diet, making humans susceptible to disease. Red meat and dairy products are richest dietary sources of Neu5Gc, increasing the risk of E. coli infection.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Play at your own risk

A new study by Dr. Navah Ratzon found that amateur athletes are at risk of musculoskeletal problems due to the intensity and repetitive movements involved in their sport. To prevent such damage, experts advise incorporating stretching, balancing exercises, and proper rest into daily routines.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalWork·DateOct 29, 2008
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.

If the diabetes has a direct carcinogenetic effect?

A large population-based case-control study found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have a significantly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), independent of cofactors. The study suggests that DM2 may be a concourse rather than merely a consequence of the liver tumor.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 29, 2008

Methane gas levels begin to increase again

A team of MIT researchers has detected a new surge in methane levels, ending a decade-long period of stability. The increase is attributed to an imbalance between emissions and destruction, with the majority of emissions coming from the Northern Hemisphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 29, 2008

Metal hazard from table wines

A meta-analysis found that many wines contain high levels of metal ions, exceeding the safe threshold and posing potential health risks. The study suggests that these metals may contribute to neurological problems, oxidative damage, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateOct 29, 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.

November-December 2008 GSA Bulletin media highlights

Researchers investigated ancient soils in Big Bend National Park, Texas, and found increased chemical weathering during the initial Eocene thermal maximum. The study suggests that increased humidity and CO2 levels led to hydrolysis reactions, potentially serving as a negative feedback to reduce atmospheric CO2.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateOct 29, 2008

MU study identifies patient strategies for managing symptoms of lymphedema

Breast cancer survivors with lymphedema often don't treat their symptoms, with 29-65% of patients taking no action. Patients who do manage their symptoms use a mix of recommended techniques, pharmaceutical treatments, and lay therapies. The study aims to address the gap in treatment and develop effective management techniques.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateOct 29, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Caltech-led researchers find negative cues from appearance alone matter for real elections

A Caltech-led study found that voters' brain responses to politicians' appearances, particularly negative aspects, play a significant role in determining election outcomes. The research suggests that negative evaluations based on appearance may influence which candidate will lose an election, more so than positive evaluations.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 29, 2008

Eating red meat sets up target for disease-causing bacteria

Researchers found that eating red meat absorbs human cells with non-human molecules, making them a target for disease-causing bacteria. The study emphasizes the need to eat well-cooked or pasteurized dairy products to avoid food poisoning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

New drug target in obesity: Fat cells make lots of melanin

Researchers found that fat cells in obese people produce melanin in excess, which could lead to the development of new treatments for obesity-related metabolic problems. The discovery was confirmed using additional laboratory tests and may provide a safer alternative to weight loss treatments.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 29, 2008

Nanoscale dimensioning is fast, cheap with new NIST optical technique

A new NIST technique uses an optical microscope to quickly analyze nanoscale dimensions with high sensitivity. The 'Through-focus Scanning Optical Microscope' (TSOM) method has potential applications in nanomanufacturing, semiconductor process control, and biotechnology.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 29, 2008
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.

Powered by olive stones? Turning waste stones into fuel

Researchers convert olive stones into bioethanol using low-cost, eco-friendly process. Yields of 5.7kg ethanol per 100kg of olive stones reached in study published in Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology·DateOct 29, 2008

New study indicates that exercise prevents fatty liver disease

A new study found that exercise can prevent fatty liver disease, with obese individuals at high risk. The researchers discovered that a sudden transition to a sedentary lifestyle can lead to symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 29, 2008

FSU Historian's Arctic research has him sitting on top of the world

A Florida State University researcher is leading an international team to produce a comprehensive history of the Arctic region from the late 19th century to the present. The team, funded by the European Science Foundation, is conducting a comparative international study of Arctic science and its impact on perceptions of the region.

SourceFlorida State University·DateOct 29, 2008

A card-swipe for medical tests

Researchers have developed a prototype card-swipe device that can test for dozens of diseases simultaneously, detecting as few as 800 microscopic particles. The device uses giant magnetoresistance technology, similar to hard drive reads, and could lead to fast and affordable diagnosis in medical settings.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 29, 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.

African-American Canadians who receive kidney transplants fare better than those in US

A study found that African-Americans in Canada have better health outcomes after receiving a kidney transplant compared to their US counterparts. Despite lower access to transplants, African-American Canadians experienced similar kidney survival rates and longer overall survival rates than Caucasians.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 29, 2008

Stress affects older adults more than young adults

A new study examines how stress affects decision-making in older and younger adults, revealing that stressed older adults alter their behavior more significantly. The researchers found that stressed older adults were not only more cautious but also jerkier drivers, braking almost three times as much as their calmer peers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 28, 2008

CHEST 2008: Featured abstracts

Researchers found that in-home photography can identify asthma triggers, while omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity. Seasonal asthma patterns show a peak in the fall, and in-hospital statin use is associated with lower mortality rates in patients with severe sepsis.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 28, 2008
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.

New sleep medicine research presented at CHEST 2008

Researchers found that difficulty falling asleep was associated with a lower risk of hypertension in men who were not African-American. Omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity, while sedative-hypnotic medication could improve CPAP compliance. BMI may predict sleep apnea diagnosis in children.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 28, 2008

CHEST 2008: New research in pediatric chest medicine

Asthma health-care utilization peaks in the fall, with emergency department visits increasing by 2.4 to 5.6 times higher than in summer. Swimming is found to be an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for children with asthma, improving pulmonary function and severity of symptoms. Virgin coconut oil may also aid in treating pediatri...

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 28, 2008

Silicon optical fiber made practical

Researchers at Clemson University have successfully created a practical silicon optical fiber using standard mass-production methods. The development of this new fiber is expected to increase efficiency and decrease power consumption in computers and other systems that integrate photonic and electronic devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 28, 2008

New pulmonary hypertension research presented at CHEST 2008

New research shows tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug, effectively treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by improving six of eight short form-36 domains and reducing pulmonary artery pressures. The study also reveals PAH diagnosis has increased by 10 months and affects women more in middle age.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 28, 2008

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may also lower PSA, but whether they cut cancer risk is still not known

Popular cholesterol-busting drugs statins appear to lower men's PSA values along with their cholesterol levels. However, it remains unclear whether statins prevent prostate cancer growth or just mask it. The study found that PSA levels declined by an average of about four percent after starting statins.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 28, 2008
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.

Methylmercury warning

Recent studies suggest that methylmercury can cause irreversible brain damage in unborn children at previously considered safe levels of exposure. Methylmercury toxicity is well-known, but its effects on the developing nervous system have been underestimated.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Health·DateOct 28, 2008

A need for improved efficiency in nanomanufacturing

Researchers highlight the need for improved efficiency in nanomanufacturing to reduce energy use, emissions, and solid waste. Studies show that nanoscale production can have greater environmental burdens than conventional manufacturing methods.

SourceWoodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateOct 28, 2008

Green neighborhoods may reduce childhood obesity

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that children living in inner city neighborhoods with higher green space experienced lower weight gains compared to those in areas with less greenery. The researchers followed over 3800 children and found no correlation between physical activity levels and BMI changes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 28, 2008

New critical care research presented at CHEST 2008

Researchers found that in-hospital statin use is associated with lower mortality in patients with severe sepsis. Additionally, repeated CPR in hospitalized patients has a high mortality rate, while remote teleintensivist care improves ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality rates. Furthermore, female hospital staff members have d...

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 28, 2008
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.

Brain's 'hate circuit' identified

Researchers at UCL found a 'hate circuit' in the brain that is distinct from those related to love, fear, and aggression. The study reveals that the 'hate circuit' involves structures in the cortex and sub-cortex that are also activated by romantic love, but with a different pattern of activity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 28, 2008

Gene against bacterial attack unravelled

Researchers have discovered a gene-protein combination that renders the lethal bacterium B. pseudomallei harmless, allowing for potential vaccine development. The Toll2 receptor is found to be effective in fending off the bacteria, contrary to previous assumptions about its limited importance.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 28, 2008

Eastman Dental Center awarded $1.6 million to find ways to prevent cavities

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Eastman Dental Center's Hyun Koo $1.6 million to continue his work on preventing dental caries by disrupting bacterial biofilm formation. Koo's team has discovered compounds in cranberry and red wine grapes that may reduce the ability of bacteria to form plaque and cause cavities.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateOct 28, 2008