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Science News for September 1, 2008


TGen and Washington University researchers discover new approach to treating endometrial cancer

Researchers at TGen and Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new approach to treating endometrial cancer using a commercially available inhibitor drug. The study found that the drug can stop tumor growth and kill cancer cells, even in cases where the tumors contain a commonly occurring mutant gene.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 1, 2008

Thawing permafrost likely to boost global warming

The thawing of permafrost is expected to release a significant amount of carbon dioxide, potentially doubling current atmospheric levels. This could lead to a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions and further accelerate global warming.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 1, 2008

BioScience tip sheet, September 2008

The September 2008 issue of BioScience features research on the molecular biology toolbox, permafrost carbon vulnerability to climate change, urbanization impacts on aquatic ecosystems, warfare ecology, sociality in bats, lab-computation collaboration, deforestation and vectorborne disease, and more.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 1, 2008
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.

The first autism disease genes

Research has identified several genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including neuroligins and SHANK3. These genetic findings provide new understanding of the underlying causes of ASD, which affect approximately 60 in 10,000 children worldwide.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 1, 2008

Noninvasive test accurately identifies advanced liver disease without biopsy

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that transient elastography, a non-invasive technique, can accurately diagnose late-stage liver disease. The study showed high correlation between LSM and pericellular fibrosis, allowing for better prediction of cirrhosis

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 1, 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.

New diagnostic tools and biomarkers

The Bach study reveals MR-proANP is equally useful as BNP and NT-proBNP for diagnosing acute congestive heart failure. Adding PCT marker supports differential diagnosis of pneumonia vs. heart failure in patients with shortness of breath.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2008

Percutaneous mitral valve repair

Two percutaneous approaches show promise: edge-to-edge technique reduces regurgitation in 80-90% of cases, while mitral annuloplasty achieves similar results in 90% of patients. However, further trials are needed to assess efficacy and safety compared to surgical repair

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2008

Impact of school-based programs

School-based programs have been shown to be effective in reducing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity through interventions such as physical activity education and nutritional education. The URMEL-ICE program demonstrates a significant reduction in body fat mass among children after one year of participation.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 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.

Experts to share how research is tackling cancer

Researchers at the University of California and the University of Newcastle are sharing their work on telomerase, a protein that allows cancer cells to grow. The lecture aims to improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer through early detection and prevention.

SourceResearch Australia·DateSep 1, 2008

Higher anaphylaxis rates after HPV vaccination: CMAJ study

A CMAJ study found significantly higher rates of anaphylaxis in young women after HPV vaccination, with a rate of 2.6 per 100,000 doses administered. However, the overall rates were low and no serious lasting effects were observed.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 1, 2008

Depression common among Rwandan youth who head households

A study in Rwanda found that nearly half of orphaned youth aged 12-24 who head households meet criteria for depression. The combined effects of the genocide and HIV epidemic have left many orphans vulnerable to poverty, social marginalization, and poor health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateSep 1, 2008

Global warming greatest in past decade

Researchers confirm that surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere were warmer over the last 10 years than any time during the last 1300 years. The study uses a variety of proxy data, including tree rings, marine and lake sediment cores, ice cores, and coral cores, to derive a long-term temperature record.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2008

Scientists find second site for prostate cancer gene

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have found a second independent site within the HNF1B gene that may contribute to the risk of developing prostate cancer. The new discovery strengthens the link between genetic variants and prostate cancer risk, improving the ability to predict prostate cancer risk.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 1, 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.

Anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory drugs: Are they safe?

The FDA has mandated boxed warnings for COX-2 selective inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs due to their cardiovascular risks. Novel anti-VEGF therapies, such as ranibizumab and bevacizumab, may also pose cardiovascular safety concerns despite proven benefits in treating wet AMD

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2008

Graphene pioneers follow in Nobel footsteps

Prof Andre Geim and Dr Kostya Novoselov, who discovered graphene in 2004, have won the prestigious Europhysics Prize. Their work reveals graphene's remarkable electronic properties, with applications such as transistors and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateSep 1, 2008

BUSM researchers observes asymptomatic carotid plaque healing mechanisms

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have observed a non-invasive MR imaging healing mechanism for asymptomatic carotid plaque rupture. The study, published in Circulation, shows that not all plaque ruptures are symptomatic and highlights the importance of monitoring vulnerable plaques.

SourceBoston University·JournalCirculation·DateSep 1, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Robotic navigation systems in electrophysiology

Robotic navigation systems, such as Sensei and Niobe, enhance catheter-based procedures by minimizing fluoroscopy times and radiation exposure. These systems have shown promising results in isolating pulmonary vein antra and ablation of atrial arrhythmias.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2008

Survey: 'Tanorexia' common among university students

A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found 27% of college students exhibit symptoms of tanning dependence, similar to substance addictions. Thinness and cigarette smoking are linked to higher rates of tanning dependence, suggesting potential avenues for prevention.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateSep 1, 2008
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.

Risks and benefits of antipsychotics in children and adolescents

Antipsychotics have shown efficacy in treating psychotic disorders and other conditions in children and adolescents, but concerns about metabolic side effects and long-term safety remain. Studies have found increased risk of weight gain, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycaemia with certain antipsychotics.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 1, 2008

PET scans help identify mechanism underlying seasonal mood changes

Researchers found that serotonin transporter binding potential values were higher in fall and winter, suggesting a link between lower serotonin levels and seasonal mood changes. The study suggests that variations in brain serotonin levels may explain why people feel happier on sunny days and more sluggish during the dark winter season.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2008

Transapical aortic valve implantation

The transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) technique offers a direct and antegrade approach to the aortic valve, minimizing manipulation in the aortic arch and reducing stroke risk. This method is performed as an off-pump procedure, utilizing high-quality imaging and fluoroscopic visualization.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2008
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.

Intima media thickness of the carotid artery

The carotid artery's intima-media thickness (IMT) is a valuable research tool that can predict cardiovascular events. Measuring IMT using non-invasive ultrasound allows for monitoring over time and assessing the impact of risk factor interventions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2008

Embargoed clinical news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Recent trials show intermittent HIV treatment increases risk of infections and death. A large-scale survey links 'burnout' to suicidal thoughts in med students, but finds it reversible. Whistleblower-initiated legal action against Medicare fraud has increased significantly since the 1990s.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 1, 2008

Playing, and even watching, sports improves brain function

Research at the University of Chicago shows that playing sports or watching them improves language skills for discussing their sport. The brain's motor areas are activated when listening to conversations about a sport, even if there's no intention to act.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2008
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.

Family therapy helps relieve depression symptoms in bipolar teens

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that family-focused therapy, combined with medication, significantly reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents with bipolar disorder. The treatment was shown to lead to faster recovery from depressive episodes and improved quality of life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 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.

Issues on cholesterol: Diet, statins and genetics

Research highlights the importance of diet, statins, and genetic factors in cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that low HDL-C levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of CAD, and genetic mutations can affect HDL-C production.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 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.

How often do hip and knee replacements need revision?

A comprehensive study of hip and knee replacement surgeries in England found that one in seventy-five patients require revision after three years. The research suggests that different patterns may emerge over a longer follow-up period, emphasizing the need for further research to evaluate surgical procedures and types of implants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 1, 2008

World Cancer Declaration sets ambitious targets for 2020

The World Cancer Declaration aims to tackle the growing cancer crisis in developing countries with 11 cancer-busting targets for 2020. The plan focuses on significant drops in tobacco consumption, obesity and alcohol intake, as well as universal vaccination programs and proper pain medication.

SourceInternational Union Against Cancer·DateSep 1, 2008

Wolves would rather eat salmon

New research reveals that wolves prioritize seafood, specifically salmon, over deer when available. The study shows that wolves reduce deer hunting activity and focus on fishing during autumn when salmon is abundant.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateSep 1, 2008

Children of older fathers more likely to have bipolar disorder

A recent study found that children born to older fathers are at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. The study, which analyzed data from over 13,000 patients with bipolar disorder, suggests that advancing paternal age may be associated with an increased risk of complex neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2008

Value of direct-to-consumer drug advertising oversold, study finds

A Harvard Medical School study found that direct-to-consumer advertising has a modest effect on prescription rates for some drugs, but none at all for others. The researchers compared sales of three specific drugs in English-speaking Canada and Quebec, where residents were less exposed to ads, and found no significant difference in pre...

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateSep 1, 2008
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Bowling alone because the team got downsized

A new study by UCLA sociologists found that even a single job displacement has a lasting impact on workers' inclination to volunteer and participate in various social and community groups. Workers who experienced involuntary displacement were 35% less likely to be involved in their communities than those who never experienced a job loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSocial Forces·DateSep 1, 2008