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Science News Archive September 2008


Page 13 of 24

Vanderbilt researchers seek to make standardized tests accessible

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a decision-making instrument called the Test Accessibility and Modification Inventory (TAMI) to address the issue of accessibility for students with special needs. The tool helps test developers apply principles of universal design to create more inclusive assessments.

Baby eyes are taking in the world, applying self-experience to other people

New research by psychologists at the University of Washington indicates that 12- and 18-month-old babies are using their self-experience to judge what other people can see. This 'self-experience model' allows them to attribute internal thoughts and feelings to others, demonstrating an early form of role-taking.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cutting calories could limit muscle wasting in later years

A study published in PLoS One found that a restricted-calorie diet can reduce iron accumulation in muscle cell mitochondria, which can contribute to muscle loss in aging adults. The research suggests that reducing caloric intake early on may help limit muscle wasting in later years.

NC State engineers discover nanoparticles can break on through

Researchers at NC State University have discovered a technique to bring nanoparticles to the surface of thin polymer films using heat, allowing for controllable surface patterns. This breakthrough could lead to tiny reusable bar codes and small fluorescent features that turn off with increasing heat or chemical presence.

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.

Improving our ability to peek inside molecules

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new technique that enables creating detailed high-resolution images of cellular molecules. The method uses high-energy X-ray beams and complex algorithms to overcome current technology limitations.

NIEHS invests $21.25 million to find environmental causes of Parkinson's disease

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is awarding three new grants to investigate the role of environmental factors in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The research will focus on identifying mechanisms that link pesticide exposure, mitochondrial damage, and altered dopamine storage to the dev...

New drug substantially extends survival in pancreatic cancer

A new chemotherapy drug combination has shown excellent results in a phase II trial, extending median survival time in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer by up to 6.4 months compared to standard therapy. The treatment, EndoTAG-1, destroys new blood vessels around tumors, improving patient outcomes.

Migraine linked to blood clots in veins

A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with migraines are more likely to develop venous thrombosis or blood clots in their veins. The research, which involved 574 participants in Italy, revealed a significant association between migraine and increased risk of blood clots.

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.

An 'HIV-test' equivalent for the early detection of lung cancer

A new blood test uses immune system signals to detect early signs of lung cancer, signaling the disease before symptoms appear. The test has a sensitivity rate of 51% and specificity rate of 18%, indicating its potential for improving early detection of lung cancer.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New data on melanoma treatment

A genetic variant in the cyclin D1 gene is associated with a higher risk of developing melanoma. Individuals carrying two copies of the variant are 80% more likely to develop the disease. Extended and escalated dose chemotherapy shows no survival benefit in advanced melanoma cases.

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.

Cold and lonely: Does social exclusion literally feel cold?

Researchers Chen-Bo Zhong and Geoffrey Leonardelli found that socially excluded individuals experience a physical feeling of coldness, which is linked to their preference for warm food and drinks. This study suggests that warm chicken soup may be a literal coping mechanism for social isolation.

Embryonic stem cells might help reduce transplantation rejection

Researchers found that immune-defense cells influenced by embryonic stem cell-derived cells can prevent transplant rejection in mice. The study's results suggest a potential method for reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs in human organ and bone marrow transplants.

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.

Genetic profile reveals susceptibility to cleft palate

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine have identified a series of genetic mutations associated with significant risk for cleft palate and other dental abnormalities. The study, published in Genetics in Medicine, analyzed DNA sequences from over 500 individuals and found more than a dozen gene mutations...

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Sept. 16, 2008, issue

The American College of Physicians released a new clinical practice guideline recommending drug treatment for men and women with osteoporosis or low bone density. In addition, massage therapy may have an immediate positive effect on pain and mood for advanced cancer patients, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health.

Cyanobacterium sequenced features rare linear chromosome

Researchers sequenced the genome of Cyanobacterium ATCC 51142, revealing a rare linear chromosome containing genes for pyruvate metabolism. The discovery provides a framework for understanding this organism's ability to produce lactate and other compounds.

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.

Common bronchodilator linked to increased deaths

A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that ipratropium increases the risk of heart attack or arrhythmia by 34% compared to albuterol or no treatment. The study suggests that the medication may have a systemic cardiovascular effect, increasing mortality risk in COPD patients.

$10M clinical trial tests new treatment for blood clots in the leg

A new $10 million clinical trial is testing a treatment that can chew up deep vein thrombosis (DVT) clots and administer clot-busting drugs, with the goal of preventing long-term complications like post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The trial aims to provide a safer, quicker and more effective approach to treatment.

Impulsive eater? Remembering failures may help curb eating

A new study suggests that remembering past instances of resisting temptation can help impulsive eaters make healthier choices. By reflecting on their previous successes and failures, individuals with self-control difficulties can improve their ability to resist fatty or tempting foods.

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.

Biologists identify genes controlling rhythmic plant growth

Researchers identified genes controlling rhythmic plant growth, enabling bursts of growth at night and increasing competitiveness in shaded environments. These findings could lead to designing crops that grow faster and produce more food than current varieties.

Sun-damaged skin does not improve with estrogen treatments

Research from Michigan Medicine found that estrogen treatments stimulate collagen production in non-sun damaged skin, but have no effect on sun-damaged skin. The study suggests it's difficult to repair photoaged skin due to altered skin response to topical estrogen treatment.

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.

Seize the day! New research helps tightwads 'live a little'

A new study reveals that hyperopic consumers are not necessarily self-controlled, and instead focus on the future at the expense of present-day experiences. Researchers found that high-hyperopia individuals perceive more products as luxuries, but are less likely to see luxury goods as long-term investments.

Harvard University recipient of Global Health Nutrition grant

Harvard Initiative for Global Health will develop a curriculum in nutrition and global health, addressing infectious disease, perinatal/child health, and chronic diseases. The grant also supports partnerships with Indian and Brazilian research institutions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Consumers think differently about close and distant purchases

A study found that consumers evaluate purchases differently depending on the proximity of time and people involved. When making near-term or personal purchases, convenience and low-level construal are key considerations, whereas future or distant purchases rely on higher-level attributes like attractiveness.

Herpes drug inhibits HIV in patients infected with both viruses

Researchers have discovered that the antiviral drug acyclovir can suppress HIV in patients infected with both herpes and HIV. Acyclovir works by targeting the unique enzyme present in herpes virus HHV-6, converting it into a compound capable of attacking HIV directly.

'Biological clock' genes control plant growth

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the biological clock genes responsible for plant growth spurts, which occur at night. The study uses DNA microarrays and bioinformatics to analyze thousands of genes in a short period, revealing that most plant genes are expressed only at a particular time of day.

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.

Key protein molecule linked to diverse human chronic inflammatory diseases

Research reveals a common connection between cellular innate immunity and human chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, Type 2 Diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. A critical signaling network involving IRAK-1 has been identified as a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Old and new therapies combine to tackle atherosclerosis

Researchers have developed a dual treatment combining nanoparticles with a statin to stop the growth of blood vessels feeding arterial plaques. The treatment reduces plaque activity and prolongs stability in high-risk patients, offering hope for human clinical trials.

Wistar researchers invigorate 'exhausted' immune cells

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have found a way to restore vigor to exhausted killer T cells by blocking the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor. This breakthrough may lead to new therapies for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and cancer.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

LSUHSC awarded grant to address nursing shortage

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation granted LSUHSC's CARE Program $100,000 to support ten scholarships. The program aims to address the nursing shortage by enabling hundreds of students to launch their nursing careers through accelerated education. 81 students are presently enrolled in the program.