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Science News for September 16, 2008


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prostate cancer genes behave like those in embryo

Researchers found that genetic programs forming the prostate in embryos are similar to those driving tumor growth in prostate cancers. They identified genes involved in cell survival, growth, and movement that are activated in both normal development and aggressive prostate cancers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOncogene·DateSep 16, 2008

Pazopanib shrinks lung cancers before surgery

In a phase II trial, pazopanib was found to shrink lung cancer tumors in 30 out of 35 patients by up to 85%. The results suggest that pazopanib is highly active in early stage operable lung cancer. Further development of this drug in lung cancer is underway.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 16, 2008
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.

Scientists working to protect NI from Bird Flu

Researchers in FLUTEST project provide improved bird flu diagnosis and early warning systems, while AFRISK project aims to detect and prevent African Swine Fever imports into EU member states. Global warming may be increasing disease spread in Europe.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateSep 16, 2008

Child witnesses -- how to improve their performance

A study at the University of Leicester investigated methods for improving child and young adult witnesses' evidence, focusing on face recognition. Young adults were found to recognize faces from different ethnicities equally well but struggled to reject unfamiliar faces.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateSep 16, 2008
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Steroids not as effective in obese asthma patients

Researchers at National Jewish Health found that glucocorticoids are 40% less effective in overweight and obese asthma patients than in those of normal weight. The study suggests a potential mechanism involved in the resistance, which could lead to therapeutic targets for future medications.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 16, 2008

Simulations help explain fast water transport in nanotubes

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered the physical mechanism behind rapid water transport in carbon nanotubes. By orienting water molecules, the researchers found that a coupling between rotational and translational motions occurs, resulting in a helical motion through the nanotube.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 16, 2008

AGU Journal Highlights -- Sept. 16, 2008

Researchers found that excessive groundwater withdrawal in Iran has led to significant land subsidence, causing destruction of aquifers. The study also suggests that future climate change will exacerbate this issue, highlighting the need for effective water resource management.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 16, 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.

Move over mean girls -- boys can be socially aggressive, too

A new analysis of almost 150 studies found that both boys and girls engage in social aggression, including gossiping, spreading rumors, and excluding others. This challenges the popular notion that girls are more likely to be indirectly aggressive than boys.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 16, 2008

Immediate action needed to prevent 'industrial manslaughter,' says expert

Dr. Jeanne Stellman urges government policy change to control carcinogenic chemicals in the workplace, citing years of wasted time examining the problem while few have championed efforts to regulate PCBs. Many hazardous chemicals remain unmonitored and unregulated, posing a significant threat to public health.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·DateSep 16, 2008

£17.4m for new health research center

A new five-year research centre will be established in the East Midlands, focusing on improving patient care through innovative healthcare approaches. The Collaborative Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) will prioritize patients' needs and translate research findings into practical service improvements.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateSep 16, 2008

Carrots and sticks to promote a healthy lifestyle?

A survey of 515 patients found they were split almost 50/50 on the effectiveness of 'pay for performance for patients' schemes. Smokers and obese individuals thought paying for lifestyle changes was a good idea, citing lower healthcare costs and increased motivation.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 16, 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.

New results help predict treatment response in colorectal cancer

Genetic testing identifies patients with advanced colorectal cancer who are likely to survive longer on cetuximab, a new standard of care for targeted therapies. Tumor cell analysis also reveals high levels of circulating cells before treatment as an indicator of disease aggressiveness.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 16, 2008

Pores open the door to death

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology found that tiny pores on the cell surface allow granzymes to enter cells, providing a new target for therapeutic methods. The discovery could lead to improved treatments for chronic virus infections and cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

SAGE-Hindawi launch Journal of Dental Biomechanics

The Journal of Dental Biomechanics will cover tissue and material biomechanics, with a focus on hard and soft tissue analysis. The journal aims to provide a platform for researchers to share vital research and developments in dental biomechanics.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalJournal of Dental Biomechanics·DateSep 16, 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.

Sowing a future for peas

Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to analyze pea plant leaves under drought stress, revealing key metabolites that increase in response. The findings could lead to the development of pea varieties more resistant to water scarcity, affecting global food production.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalMetabolomics·DateSep 16, 2008

Inflammatory response to infection and injury may worsen dementia

Research funded by the Wellcome Trust suggests that inflammation in the brain resulting from infection or injury may accelerate the progress of dementia. Systemic inflammation can cause changes in memory and learning, leading to accelerated progression of dementia.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 2008

Blood pressure drug combination reduces heart attack deaths

Researchers found that combining a thiazide diuretic with a potassium-sparing drug reduced both sudden cardiac death and total coronary mortality in elderly patients with hypertension. The study's findings challenge the current U.S. hypertension treatment guidelines, which recommend using a thiazide diuretic alone as initial therapy.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Hypertension·DateSep 16, 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.

Viral 'magic bullet' targets cancer cells with help of new compound

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a way to make cancer vulnerable to viruses using a new compound called histone deacetylase inhibitors. This approach has the potential to overcome resistance and increase the effectiveness of viral 'magic bullets' in targeting cancer cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2008

Johns Hopkins researchers suppress 'hunger hormone'

Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully suppressed levels of the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin in pigs using a minimally invasive procedure. The method, called GACE, produces an effect similar to bariatric surgery by lowering appetite and promoting significant weight loss.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateSep 16, 2008

Exposure to family violence especially harmful to previously abused children

A new study found that children who witness family violence have more symptoms of depression and anxiety, while those subjected to harsh physical discipline are more aggressive. Researchers call for targeted interventions to address the ongoing emotional and behavioral problems in these vulnerable youth.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 16, 2008

Burnham researcher awarded $8 million grant

Stuart A. Lipton will lead a center studying potential environmental causes of Parkinson's disease, examining chemical reactions that alter protein function and screening compounds to prevent disease progression. The center represents a collaborative effort between scientists at Burnham and other institutions.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateSep 16, 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.

Children who are concerned about parents arguing are prone to school problems

A new study found that children concerned about their parents' arguing are more likely to have psychological problems in school due to difficulty paying attention. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester and others, suggests that addressing attention difficulties may promote children's mental health.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 16, 2008

Coating improves electrical stimulation therapy used for Parkinson's, depression, chronic pain

A new coating made from carbon nanotubes improves the signals received and transmitted by electrodes, potentially advancing electrical nerve stimulation therapy. The coating bolsters both stimulation and receptive capabilities, showing promise in treating diseases such as epilepsy, depression, and chronic leg and back pain.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 16, 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.

Expert urges FDA to take action to reduce BPA exposure

Research from the University of Missouri has shown a significant relationship between BPA exposure and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver enzyme abnormalities. The FDA is urged to take action to reduce human and environmental exposures to BPA due to its adverse health effects.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2008

Joining forces against cancer

Multidisciplinary approaches combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery have shown promise in treating various cancers, including lung and head and neck cancers. The addition of targeted therapies like pazopanib and cetuximab has demonstrated significant activity in reducing tumor size and improving patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 16, 2008

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.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateSep 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2008

From Xbox to T-cells: Michigan Tech researchers borrow video game technology to model human biology

A team of Michigan Tech researchers is harnessing video game technology to model complex biological systems, such as the human immune response to tuberculosis. Using GPUs, they have created a powerful new tool for medical research, allowing for faster and more efficient simulations of diseases like sepsis.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering·DateSep 16, 2008

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 16, 2008
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.

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2008

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...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateSep 16, 2008

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.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 16, 2008