Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2008


Page 22 of 24

Link between nationality and cervical cancer

A new study by Karolinska Institutet found that immigrant women from different countries have varying risks of developing cervical cancer. Women from east Africa had a significantly lower risk, while those from Norway and Denmark had a higher risk.

Scientists uncover Ebola cell-invasion strategy

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a key biochemical link in the process by which Ebola Zaire virus infects cells. By activating the PI3 kinase pathway, Ebola tricks the cell into drawing it into an endosome, where it can reproduce itself.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New nano device detects immune system cell signaling

Scientists have detected previously unnoticed chemical signals that individual cells in the immune system use to communicate with each other over short distances. The new technology, called a multi-trap nanophysiometer, has enabled the accidental discovery of paracrine signaling.

Oxidative stress: Mechanism of cell death clarified

Scientists discover that glutathione peroxidase 4 senses and translates oxidative stress into a distinct signaling pathway leading to cell death, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for mitigating degenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and its role in cellular damage.

Closest look ever at the edge of a black hole

Researchers used VLBI technique to combine signals from multiple telescopes and detected structure 30 million miles away from the galactic center. The observations provide unprecedented view of the region near the black hole event horizon.

Montel Williams MS Foundation announces recipients of 2008 research grants

The Montel Williams MS Foundation has awarded $325,000 in research grants to seven institutions studying new treatments for multiple sclerosis, including methods for early detection and restoring depleted myelin. The foundation aims to advance knowledge that will lead to more effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

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.

Stem cell transplantation benefits mice with childhood motor neuron disease

Researchers have successfully used stem cell transplantation to improve the symptoms of a mouse model with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and degeneration. The treatment increased the survival and function of motor neurons, leading to improved muscular function and lifespan in treated mice.

Results of the APPRAISE-I dose guiding trial

The APPRAISE-I trial found a non-statistically significant trend that patients taking apixaban with aspirin or clopidogrel had lower incidence of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, compared to those taking a placebo. However, bleeding complications were a concern, especially at higher doses.

Exercise may help improve memory problems

A home-based physical activity program improved cognitive function in adults with memory problems, compared to those who did not participate. The study found that exercise delayed recall and reduced Clinical Dementia Rating scores in participants.

Networks for life

The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of networks in STEMI treatment, facilitating pre-hospital diagnosis, triage, and treatment with efficient transportation to appropriate hospitals. Clear protocols and cooperation among centers reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.

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.

Energy-saving bacteria resist antibiotics

Bacteria use multifunctional enzymes to save energy and produce cell wall components, making them resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. This 'moonlighting' activity protects the enzyme DNA gyrase from attack by antibiotics.

How media covered Katrina aftermath affects response by blacks and whites

A recent study found that white Americans' attitudes towards blacks were affected when exposed to video presentations blaming the government's response on racism or incompetence. Whites displayed strong positive attitudes towards themselves rather than negative ones towards blacks, according to the research.

Study: Teen suicide spike was no fluke

After a decade-long decline, US youth suicide rates surged by 18% in 2003-2004, with the trend persisting into 2005. Researchers suspect prescription antidepressant medication may be a contributing factor, as concerns over side effects led to a 20% drop in prescriptions.

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.

How to spot a heart attack soon after it occurs

Researchers developed a new method for early detection of heart attacks using metabolite profiling, detecting changes in blood samples 10 minutes after the event. The approach has potential to improve early treatment and survival rates.

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 2, 2008

Researchers have found that farnesylated progerin, not just its non-farnesylated form, can cause symptoms of disease in individuals with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Meanwhile, a new study suggests that neural stem cell transplantation may offer hope for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by improving the survival a...

VCU Massey Cancer Center spearheads novel clinical study for lymphoma patients

The VCU Massey Cancer Center is spearheading a phase II clinical study for certain sub-types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, combining the novel drugs bortezomib and vorinostat. The study aims to assess the effectiveness and side effects of this drug regimen in patients whose disease has progressed following treatment with other regimens.

Heart failure implementation

The 2008 ESC guidelines cover acute and chronic heart failure, prioritizing treatment implementation and palliative care. The document identifies gaps in evidence and aims to focus future clinical research on important issues.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New stem cell tools to aid drug development

Researchers at Durham University have developed two synthetic molecules that can direct stem cells to 'differentiate' into specific tissue types, improving the reliability of experiments and potentially reducing animal use. The new molecules, EC23 and EC19, are more stable than natural compounds currently used in laboratory research.

Gene is likely cause of stroke-inducing vascular malformations

A gene controlling blood vessel differentiation during embryonic development has been linked to a brain disorder that causes stroke. The study found that the gene, Notch, can induce and reverse the disease's progression in mice, offering new insights into its molecular mechanisms.

Study finds B-vitamin deficiency may cause vascular cognitive impairment

A new study published in PNAS found that a B-vitamin deficiency can cause vascular cognitive impairment in mice. The research, conducted by researchers at Tufts University, used an experimental model to examine the effects of dietary B-vitamin deficiency on metabolic, cognitive, and microvascular changes.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Scientists grow 'nanonets' able to snare added energy transfer

Researchers have grown nanonets, a flexible webbing of nano-scale wires, using titanium disilicide to improve material performance. The nanonets multiply surface area, enhancing the material's ability to conduct electricity and potentially leading to breakthroughs in electronics and energy-harvesting applications.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Chandelier cells unveil human cognition

Researchers discover complex events initiated by individual spikes in the human cerebral cortex, triggered by specific chandelier cells. The study suggests that humans possess different types of cells contributing to higher cognition.

Antihypertensive treatment on cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease

Research highlights the potential benefits of antihypertensive treatment on cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that treating high blood pressure may reduce the incidence of dementia and slow cognitive decline in older adults. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Scientists develop new method to investigate origin of life

Researchers at Penn State have developed a computational method to trace evolutionary histories of proteins back to cells or viruses, aiming to settle the debate on which came first. The new approach uses phylogenetic profiles and tree-like diagrams to provide clearer insights into retroelement evolution.

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.

PET scans lead to treatment changes in majority of colorectal cancer patients

A recent study found that positron emission tomography (PET) scans led to changes in treatment plans for more than half of patients with suspected recurrent colorectal cancer. The study, conducted at four sites in Australia, involved 191 patients and showed that PET scans identified additional disease sites in 48% of patients, allowing...

Early onset gene for inflammatory bowel diseases identified

A study has identified a new gene that may play a key role in the development of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease. The gene, TNFRSF6B, is involved in regulating inflammation and its activity has been linked to the severity of the disease.

Directing a driver's gaze results in smoother steering

A new study published in the Journal of Vision found that fixing a driver's gaze on specific targets along a curve results in smoother and more stable steering. Researchers believe this technique could inform the development of next-generation in-car driving assistance systems.

Safety of antithrombotic treatment in acute coronary syndromes

The use of anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and thrombolytics in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) increases the risk of bleeding, which has emerged as a major contributor to poor outcomes. Careful selection of drugs and measures to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding can help mitigate this risk.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Complex ocean behavior studied with 'artificial upwelling'

Researchers use wave energy to pump cold, nutrient-rich water from deep ocean to surface waters near Hawaii, aiming to control plankton growth. They believe this can help mitigate global greenhouse buildup by understanding large-scale interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.

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.

September Ophthalmology research highlights

A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 12% of ophthalmologists use electronic health records, with positive outcomes including increased productivity and cost savings. Researchers also identified factors predicting risk of progression from early to advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Overcoming poor response to standard oral antiplatelet agents

Patients with suboptimal response to aspirin and/or clopidogrel showed a significant reduction in myocardial damage during percutaneous coronary intervention when treated with tailored infusion of tirofiban. This treatment strategy aims to modulate intensity of treatment based on individual platelet reactivity.

Innate immune system targets asthma-linked fungus for destruction

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute discover that eosinophils exert a strong immune response against the environmental fungus Alternaria alternata. The innate immune system of humans is capable of killing the fungus, which is linked to airway inflammation, chronic rhinosinusitis, and bronchial asthma.

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.

Surgical technique halts cell loss, Parkinson's researchers find

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found that deep brain stimulation can halt the progression of dopamine-cell loss in animal models. The study suggests that stimulating neurons with electrodes boosts the amount of BDNF, a protein that promotes neuronal growth.

Alcoholism-associated molecular adaptations

Research reveals that chronic alcohol consumption alters neural systems in the brain, leading to cognitive deficits and disorders of memory and learning. Dynorphins, a key player in this process, are found to be upregulated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impairing learning and memory.

UGA leads effort to swat down major vegetable disease

A $1.75 million grant will help experts develop ways to stop the damage caused by thrips-vectored viruses, a major enemy of tomato and pepper farmers in the Southeast US. Researchers aim to reduce the risk and damage of the tomato spotted wilt virus through a coordinated effort among universities.

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.

Mom's mood, baby's sleep: what's the connection?

Research from University of Michigan sleep experts reveals that babies born to moms with depression are more prone to having chaotic sleep patterns in the first half-year of life. The study found that infants born to depressed mothers nap more during the day, take longer to settle down at night, and wake up more often during the night.

Dr. Yong Shi awarded NSF grant

Dr. Yong Shi of Stevens Institute of Technology has been awarded a $300,000 NSF grant to design and test an umbrella-shaped micro-actuator for thrombus retrieval in stroke therapy. The actuator uses novel piezoelectric nanofibers to provide dynamic shear force on blood clots.

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.

Fibrin-derived peptide FX06 reduces cardiac reperfusion injury

The Phase II clinical trial of FX06 showed a statistically significant reduction in myocardial necrosis following intravenous application concurrent with reperfusion. The peptide preserves blood vessel function by binding to VE-cadherin, leading to reduced inflammation and infarct sizes.

A virtuous cycle: Safety in numbers for riders

Research reveals that as cycling participation increases, so do safety levels for both cyclists and motorists. Studies show a one-third drop in crash frequency with increasing cyclist numbers. Experts attribute this effect to changed driver behavior, not improved infrastructure or laws.