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Science News for September 21, 2008


Climate change, human activity and wildfires

A new study by the University of Oregon suggests that climate change has been the main driver of global biomass burning for the past two millennia. Human activities such as land clearance and fire suppression during the industrial era also contributed to a significant decline in wildfires worldwide between 1870 and 1970.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 21, 2008

Surgery may help, but not cure, obese children with sleep disorders

New research suggests that surgical interventions for obese children with obstructive sleep apnea may alleviate symptoms but not eliminate the condition. The study found that removing tonsils and adenoids can reduce sleep apnea, but persistent cases require careful evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008

New options when an old enemy returns

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that CyberKnife radiosurgery is a safe treatment option for recurrent pancreatic cancer, allowing patients to resume systemic chemotherapy quickly. The study demonstrated acceptable safety and efficacy in delivering treatment within a week's time.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateSep 21, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quality assurance programs improve clinical trials

A quality assurance program improves the standard of care in cancer patients by ensuring valid and statistically significant data, enabling better treatment protocols. This program strengthens clinical trials conducted by cooperative groups and supported by the National Cancer Institute.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 21, 2008

Breast MRI scan could determine need for radiation therapy

A new study suggests that breast MRI scans can help determine if women scheduled to undergo surgery will later need radiation therapy. The research found that tumors' physiological information shown on MRI scans correlated with surgically based findings of cancer having spread to lymph nodes.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateSep 21, 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.

Olfactory stimuli may influence dreams

Researchers found that subjects under simulated pleasant smells had mostly positive-colored dreams, while those under unpleasant smells had predominantly negative dream colors. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of olfactory function on dreams and may open up new therapeutic possibilities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008

Children with hay fever more likely to experience headaches, facial pain

Researchers found that children with allergic rhinitis are more likely to experience headaches, facial pain, and ear aches. The study suggests that these symptoms may be under-appreciated sources of discomfort for many children, leading to reduced diagnoses and effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008

New HPV-DNA test for cervical precancerous disease has 90 percent success rate

A new rapid screening test for HPV has shown a 90% success rate in detecting precancerous cells in women in Shanxi province, eastern China. The careHPV test is designed to be simple, affordable and easy to use, making it an effective primary screening method for cervical-cancer prevention in rural and low-resource settings.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 21, 2008

ENT/sleep apnea patients experience higher levels of depression

A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 30% of ENT patients suffer from a depressive illness and take antidepressants. Sleep apnea patients exhibit the highest levels of depression, with 21% diagnosed and 46% taking medication.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 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.

Primordial fish had rudimentary fingers

Researchers at Uppsala University used medical x-rays to find rudimentary fingers in the fins of Panderichthys, a transitional animal between fish and tetrapods. This discovery indicates that fingers evolved earlier than previously thought, contradicting the long-held theory that they emerged in tetrapods.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2008

Cancer-causing gut bacteria exposed

A team of scientists has discovered that a molecule produced by a common gut bacterium activates signaling pathways associated with cancer cells. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, sheds light on the way gut bacteria can cause colon cancer.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateSep 21, 2008

Reflux a possible factor in recurrent pediatric croup

A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 33% of children with recurrent croup had narrowing in their upper airways, which could indicate laryngopharyngeal reflux. Researchers believe that treating reflux may help prevent future episodes of croup.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 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.